UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
CURRENT REPORT
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INTRODUCTORY NOTE
Unless the context otherwise requires, “we,” “us,” “our,” “Kodiak” and the “Company” refer to Kodiak AI, Inc., a Delaware corporation (f/k/a Ares Acquisition Corporation II, a Cayman Islands exempted company), and its consolidated subsidiaries following the Closing (as defined below)). Unless the context otherwise requires, references to “AACT” refer to Ares Acquisition Corporation II, a Cayman Islands exempted company, prior to the Closing. All references herein to the “Board” refer to the board of directors of the Company.
Terms used in this Current Report on Form 8-K (this “Report”) but not defined herein, or for which definitions are not otherwise incorporated by reference herein, shall have the meaning given to such terms in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus (as defined below) in the section titled “Frequently Used Terms” beginning on page iii thereof, and such definitions are incorporated herein by reference.
On September 24, 2025 (the “Closing Date”), we consummated the previously announced business combination pursuant to that certain Business Combination Agreement, dated April 14, 2025 (the “Business Combination Agreement”), by and among AACT, AAC II Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of AACT (“Merger Sub”), and Kodiak Robotics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Legacy Kodiak”). The Business Combination Agreement and related transactions were approved at an extraordinary general meeting of AACT’s shareholders held on September 23, 2025 (the “Extraordinary General Meeting”).
Pursuant to the terms of the Business Combination Agreement and as described in the section titled “Domestication Proposal” beginning on page 166 of the final prospectus and definitive proxy statement, dated August 29, 2025 (as supplemented by that certain Proxy Statement/Prospectus Supplement No. 1, dated September 15, 2025 (“Supplement No. 1”), and that certain Proxy Statement/Prospectus Supplement No. 2, dated September 23, 2025, the “Proxy Statement/Prospectus”) and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), on September 23, 2025, AACT changed its jurisdiction of incorporation by deregistering as an exempted company registered under the laws of the Cayman Islands and registering AACT by way of continuation and domestication as a corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware in accordance with the Plan of Domestication included as Annex B of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus (the “Domestication”). Upon effectiveness of the Domestication, AACT changed its name to “Kodiak AI, Inc.,” and on September 24, 2025, a business combination between AACT and Legacy Kodiak was effected through the merger of Merger Sub with and into Legacy Kodiak, with Legacy Kodiak surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of Kodiak (the “Merger” and, together with the Domestication and the other transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement, the “Business Combination”).
In connection with the Domestication, (i) each Class A ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share, of AACT (the “Class A Ordinary Shares”) issued and outstanding at the time of the Domestication converted, on a one-for-one basis, into one share of common stock of the Company, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”), (ii) each redeemable warrant to purchase Class A Ordinary Shares, exercisable to purchase one Class A Ordinary Share at an exercise price of $11.50 (each, an “AACT Public Warrant”), and each non-redeemable warrant to purchase Class A Ordinary Shares owned by Ares Acquisition Holdings II LP, a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership (the “SPAC Sponsor”), each exercisable to purchase one Class A Ordinary Share at an exercise price of $11.50 (each, an “AACT Private Placement Warrant” and, together with the AACT Public Warrants, the “AACT Warrants”), issued and outstanding at the time of the Domestication, converted on a one-for-one basis into a warrant exercisable to acquire one share of Common Stock on the same terms as the AACT Warrants (each, a “Public Warrant” and “Private Placement Warrant”, respectively, and together, the “Existing Warrants”) pursuant to the Warrant Agreement, dated as of April 20, 2023, by and between AACT and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as warrant agent (the “Warrant Agreement”), and (iii) each unit sold at AACT’s initial public offering pursuant to the registration statement on Form S-1 (the “IPO” and each such unit, an “AACT Unit”), each consisting of one Class A Ordinary Share and one-half of one AACT Public Warrant, issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Domestication was cancelled and each holder of AACT Units became entitled to one share of Common Stock and one-half of one Public Warrant. No fractional Public Warrants were issued upon such cancellation.
The Class A Ordinary Shares, AACT Public Warrants and AACT Units were listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the symbols “AACT,” “AACT WS” and “AACT.U,” respectively and were voluntarily delisted from the NYSE on September 24, 2025, in connection with the closing of the Business Combination (the “Closing”).
Following the consummation of the Domestication and in connection with the Closing, at the effective time of the Merger (the “Effective Time”), (i) each share of common stock, par value $0.000001 per share, of Legacy Kodiak (“Legacy Kodiak Common Stock”) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, including all shares of Legacy Kodiak Common Stock issued in respect of the Simple Agreements for Future Equity outstanding with Legacy Kodiak (each, a “SAFE” and such shares the “SAFE Shares”) that converted to Legacy Kodiak Common Stock prior to the Effective Time and the Second Lien Conversion Shares (as defined below) was converted into the right to receive a number of shares of Common Stock pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement (the “Per Share Merger Consideration”), (ii) each unexercised warrant to purchase shares of Legacy Kodiak Common Stock (each, a “Legacy Kodiak Warrant”) issued and outstanding prior to the Effective Time were either (1) vested and net exercised in exchange for shares of Legacy Kodiak Common Stock in accordance with its terms and cancelled or (2) assumed and became a comparable warrant to purchase shares of Common Stock (each, an “Assumed Kodiak Warrant”) pursuant to the terms of such warrant; and (iii) each unexercised option to purchase shares of Legacy Kodiak Common Stock (each, a “Legacy Kodiak Option”) whether vested or unvested, issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective time was converted into a comparable option to purchase a number of shares of Common Stock (each, an “Option”) equal to the product of (1) the number of shares of Legacy Kodiak Common Stock subject to such Legacy Kodiak Option immediately prior to the Closing multiplied by (2) the Per Share Merger Consideration (rounded down to the nearest whole share, with no cash being payable for any fractional share eliminated by such rounding), at an exercise price per share (rounded up to the nearest whole cent) equal to (x) the per share exercise price of the corresponding Legacy Kodiak Option immediately prior to the Closing divided by (y) the Per Share Merger Consideration (rounded up to the nearest whole cent). At the Closing, Kodiak issued an aggregate of 161,754,941 shares of Common Stock to the securityholders of Legacy Kodiak (the “Legacy Kodiak Securityholders”), 558,559 Legacy Kodiak Warrants were assumed by Kodiak and became Assumed Kodiak Warrants and the Legacy Kodiak Options were exchanged for comparable options to purchase shares of Common Stock (“Exchanged Kodiak Options”) that were exercisable into an aggregate of 55,989,713 shares of Common Stock at a weighted average exercise price of $1.88 per share. No fractional shares of Common Stock were issued upon the exchange of Legacy Kodiak Common Stock.
Under the Business Combination Agreement, Legacy Kodiak Securityholders will be entitled to receive or are eligible to receive, on a pro rata basis, up to an aggregate of 75,000,000 shares of Common Stock (the “Earn Out Shares”) and restricted stock units (the “Earn Out RSUs” and, together with the Earn Out Shares, the “Earn Out Securities”) that will be issued or vest, respectively, upon achievement of certain milestones during the Earn Out Period (as defined below) and, in the case of the Earn Out RSUs, satisfaction of certain service-based vesting requirements. The Earn Out Shares will be issued upon achievement of the applicable milestones. The Earn Out RSUs were issued shortly following Closing. An initial 25,000,000 Earn Out Securities will vest or be issued to Legacy Kodiak Securityholders, if, within the Earn Out Period, the volume weighted average closing sale price of Common Stock equals or exceeds $18.00 per share, subject to adjustments as set out in the Business Combination Agreement (the “Triggering Event I Threshold”), for a period of at least 20 out of 30 consecutive trading days (“Triggering Event I”). An additional 25,000,000 Earn Out Securities will vest or be issued to Legacy Kodiak Securityholders, if, within the Earn Out Period, the volume weighted average closing sale price of Common Stock equals or exceeds $23.00 per share, subject to adjustments as set out in the Business Combination Agreement (the “Triggering Event II Threshold”), for a period of at least 20 out of 30 consecutive trading days (“Triggering Event II”). The remaining 25,000,000 Earn Out Securities will vest or be issued to Legacy Kodiak Securityholders, if, within the Earn Out Period, the volume weighted average closing sale price of Common Stock equals or exceeds $28.00 per share, subject to adjustments as set out in the Business Combination Agreement (the “Triggering Event III Threshold”), for a period of at least 20 out of 30 consecutive trading days (“Triggering Event III”). The “Earn Out Period” means the time period beginning on the Closing Date and ending on the earlier of the date that is the four-year anniversary of the Closing Date (inclusive of the first and last day of such period) and the consummation of a Change of Control (as defined in the Business Combination Agreement).
If during the Earn Out Period there is a Change of Control that will result in: (i) holders of Common Stock receiving a per share price equal to or in excess of the Triggering Event I Threshold, then Triggering Event I shall be deemed to occur and the relevant Earn Out Securities shall be issued or vest immediately prior to the consummation of the Change of Control; (ii) holders of Common Stock receiving a per share price equal to or in excess of the
Triggering Event II Threshold, then Triggering Event II shall be deemed to occur and the relevant Earn Out Securities shall be issued or vest immediately prior to the consummation of the Change of Control; and (iii) holders of Common Stock receiving a per share price equal to or in excess of the Triggering Event III Threshold, then Triggering Event III shall be deemed to occur and the relevant Earn Out Securities shall be issued or vest immediately prior to the consummation of the Change of Control.
In addition, pursuant to the Sponsor Support Agreement with AACT and Legacy Kodiak, dated as of April 14, 2025, 50% of the shares of Common Stock held by the SPAC Sponsor following the Domestication (the “Sponsor Earn Out Securities”) are subject to vesting and will vest upon the occurrence of Triggering Event I during the Earn Out Period. If, during the Earn Out Period, there is a Change of Control that will result in holders of Common Stock receiving a per share price equal to or in excess of the Triggering Event I Threshold, then the Sponsor Earn Out Securities shall vest as of immediately prior to the consummation of the Change of Control.
Concurrently with the execution of the Business Combination Agreement, in connection with a financing effort related to the Business Combination, AACT entered into subscription agreements with certain institutional and accredited investors (the “PIPE Investors” and the subscription agreements, the “Subscription Agreements”), pursuant to which the PIPE Investors agreed to purchase shares of Common Stock at a price per share equal to the Redemption Price (the “PIPE Shares”) for an aggregate commitment amount of $60.0 million (the “PIPE Investment”). In addition, on September 15, 2025, in connection with a financing effort related to the Business Combination, AACT entered into subscription agreements with certain institutional and accredited investors (each, a “Preferred Investor” and each subscription agreement a “Preferred Subscription Agreement”) for an aggregate purchase price of $145.0 million. Pursuant to the Preferred Subscription Agreements, the Preferred Investors agreed, among other things, to purchase, at the Closing, shares of the Company’s 9.99% Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Preferred Stock”), having the rights, preferences and privileges set forth in the Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and Limitations of 9.99% Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (“Certificate of Designation”) and warrants to purchase a number of shares of Common Stock, equal to 125% of the number of shares into which such shares of Common Stock underlying the Preferred Stock were convertible on the Closing Date, each initially exercisable at a price of $12.00 per share (a “PIPE Warrant”). Such transactions under the Preferred Subscription Agreements are referred to as the “Series A Preferred Investment.” One of the Preferred Investors is also a PIPE Investor who previously entered into a Subscription Agreement for an aggregate purchase price of $50.0 million in connection with a commitment to purchase PIPE Shares, which Subscription Agreement was amended and restated in the form of a Preferred Subscription Agreement in connection with such Preferred Investor’s Series A Preferred Investment. As a result of such amendment and restatement, the obligation of such Preferred Investor to purchase the $50.0 million of PIPE Shares was replaced with the obligation to purchase the Preferred Stock and PIPE Warrants. In connection with the Closing, certain PIPE Investors’ $10.0 million aggregate subscription amount was deemed satisfied and offset by their holdings of Class A Ordinary Shares that were not redeemed from AACT’s trust account. At the Closing, the Company issued an aggregate of 142,155 shares of Preferred Stock and PIPE Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 17,769,375 shares of Common Stock to the Preferred Investors, in exchange for $145.0 million in gross proceeds.
Concurrently with the execution of the Business Combination Agreement, certain institutional and accredited investors entered into a second lien loan and security agreement (as amended, the “Second Lien Loan and Security Agreement”) with Legacy Kodiak to provide financing of $28.3 million in the form of convertible loans (the “Second Lien Loans” and each a “Second Lien Loan”), including $20.0 million from an affiliate of the SPAC Sponsor (the “SPAC Sponsor Affiliate Investor”). In connection with entering the Second Lien Loan and Security Agreement, and immediately prior to the execution and delivery of the Business Combination Agreement, the SPAC Sponsor Affiliate Investor exchanged its $10.0 million SAFE for a $10.0 million Second Lien Loan (such borrowings, together with any accrued and unpaid interest thereon, the “Exchanged SAFE Loan”). Immediately prior to the Closing, an aggregate amount of $43.9 million in Second Lien Loans had been funded, a portion of which was funded by AAC II Co-Invest LP, a vehicle owned by certain Ares employees in which a former officer and former director of AACT is invested (the “Co-Invest Entity”) and by a former officer of AACT and current director of the Company. Further, on August 25, 2025, Legacy Kodiak entered into a Second Amendment to the Second Lien Loan and Security Agreement pursuant to which the SPAC Sponsor Affiliate Investor agreed to invest an aggregate of up to $20.0 million in delayed draw Second Lien Loans (“SPAC Sponsor Affiliate Delayed Draw Loans”), which Legacy Kodiak could draw in four $5.0 million increments prior to Closing. No amounts were drawn under the SPAC Sponsor Affiliate Delayed Draw Loans. In connection with the Series A Preferred
Investment, Legacy Kodiak and AACT entered into a certain acknowledgement and agreement dated September 15, 2025 (the “Acknowledgement”) pursuant to which Legacy Kodiak and AACT determined that for purposes of the Second Lien Loan and Security Agreement, as of September 15, 2025, the conversion price of the Second Lien Loan for purposes of its conversion to shares of Common Stock in connection with the closing of the Business Combination shall be equal to $6.00. In connection with the Closing and prior to the Effective Time, all Second Lien Loans other than the Exchanged SAFE Loan converted into shares of Legacy Kodiak Common Stock (the “Second Lien Conversion Shares”), and such shares were subsequently converted into shares of Common Stock, as described above. At the SPAC Sponsor Affiliate Investor’s option and in accordance with the terms of the Second Lien Loan and Security Agreement, the Exchanged SAFE Loan was not converted into Common Stock, and such $10.0 million of borrowings remains outstanding. In addition, the Company issued 1,091,519 shares of Common Stock (the “Legacy Kodiak Advisor Shares”) at Closing to an advisor of Legacy Kodiak in a private placement in satisfaction of $12.5 million of fees payable to such advisor in respect of services provided in connection with the Business Combination.
On September 22, 2025, AACT entered into non-redemption agreements (the “Non-Redemption Agreements”) with certain unaffiliated third-party holders of Class A Ordinary Shares, (such third-party holders, the “Non-Redemption Investors”) in exchange for such Non-Redemption Investors’ agreement to not redeem (or to rescind their redemption request of) an aggregate of 3,319,712 Class A Ordinary Shares in connection with the Extraordinary General Meeting. Pursuant to the Non-Redemption Agreements, the Company issued to each Non-Redemption Investor, as applicable, for no additional consideration, either (i) warrants to purchase shares of Common Stock, each initially exercisable at $12.00 per share (the “Non-Redemption Warrants” and each applicable Non-Redemption Agreement, a “Warrant Non-Redemption Agreement”), immediately following the consummation of the Business Combination or (ii) shares of Common Stock (the “Non-Redemption Shares” and each applicable Non-Redemption Agreement, a “Common Stock Non-Redemption Agreement”), immediately prior to the consummation of the Business Combination. At the Closing, pursuant to the Warrant Non-Redemption Agreements and Common Stock Non-Redemption Agreements, the Company issued Non-Redemption Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 7,606,666 shares of Common Stock and an aggregate of 368,028 Non-Redemption Shares to the Non-Redemption Investors.
Prior to the Closing, AACT provided written notice to NYSE of its intention to voluntarily withdraw the listing of its Class A Ordinary Shares, the AACT Public Warrants and AACT Units from NYSE and list the Common Stock and Public Warrants on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) following, and subject to, the completion of the Business Combination. Upon the Domestication, all of the outstanding AACT Units listed on NYSE under the symbol “AACT.U” separated into their component securities and, as a result, no longer trade as an independent security. The Common Stock and Public Warrants began trading on Nasdaq under the symbols “KDK” and “KDKRW,” respectively, on September 25, 2025.
A description of the Business Combination and the terms of the Business Combination Agreement are included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section entitled “The Business Combination Proposal” beginning on page 112.
The foregoing description of the Business Combination, the Earn Out Securities, the PIPE Investment, the Series A Preferred Investment and the Second Lien Loan and Security Agreement, including the First Amendment, dated as of July 18, 2025 (the “First Amendment to 2L Agreement”), and Second Amendment, dated as of August 25, 2025 (the “Second Amendment to 2L Agreement”), thereto, the Acknowledgement and the Non-Redemption Agreements does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the Business Combination Agreement, the Sponsor Support Agreement, the form of Subscription Agreement, the Certificate of Designation, the form of Preferred Subscription Agreement, the form of PIPE Warrant, the Second Lien Loan and Security Agreement, the First Amendment to 2L Agreement, Second Amendment to 2L Agreement, the Acknowledgment, the form of Non-Redemption Warrant, the form of Warrant Non-Redemption Agreement and the form of Common Stock Non-Redemption Agreement, copies of which are filed hereto as Exhibits 2.1, 10.1, 10.2, 3.1, 10.3, 4.1, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 4.2, 99.2 and 99.3, respectively, and are incorporated herein by reference.
| Item 1.01 | Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement. |
Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement
In connection with the Business Combination, on the Closing Date, Kodiak, the SPAC Sponsor and certain Legacy Kodiak Securityholders entered into that certain Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement (the “A&R Registration Rights Agreement”), which superseded and replaced that certain registration and shareholder rights agreement signed in connection with the consummation of the IPO by AACT and the SPAC Sponsor. Pursuant to the terms of the A&R Registration Rights Agreement, Kodiak is be obligated to, among other things, file a registration statement to register the resale of certain securities of Kodiak held by the SPAC Sponsor and certain other securityholders (the “Holders”). In addition, pursuant to the terms of the A&R Registration Rights Agreement and subject to certain requirements and customary conditions, including with regard to the number of demand rights that may be exercised, the Holders may demand at any time or from time to time, that Kodiak file a registration statement on Form S-3 (or on Form S-1 if Form S-3 is not available) to register the securities of Kodiak held by the Holders. The A&R Registration Rights Agreement also provides the Holders with “piggy-back” registration rights, subject to certain requirements and customary conditions.
The foregoing description of the A&R Registration Rights Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the A&R Registration Rights Agreement, a copy of which is filed hereto as Exhibit 10.8 and incorporated herein by reference.
Observer Agreement
In connection with the Business Combination, on the Closing Date, Kodiak and the SPAC Sponsor entered into that certain Observer Agreement (the “Observer Agreement”). Pursuant to the Observer Agreement, the SPAC Sponsor is entitled to appoint one non-voting observer representative (such person, the “Board Observer”) to attend certain meetings of the Board and committees of the Board until the commencement of the third annual meeting of stockholders of Kodiak following the Closing, subject to certain exceptions.
The foregoing description of the Observer Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the Observer Agreement, a copy of which is filed hereto as Exhibit 10.9 and incorporated herein by reference.
Indemnification Agreements
In connection with the consummation of the Business Combination, Kodiak entered into indemnification agreements with each of its directors, and executive officers. Following appointment, Kodiak will enter into an indemnification agreement with the Board Observer. These indemnification agreements require Kodiak, among other things, to indemnify each such person against liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service to the fullest extent permitted by law. These indemnification agreements also require Kodiak to advance all expenses incurred by such person in investigating or defending any such action, suit, or proceeding to the fullest extent permitted by law.
The foregoing description of the indemnification agreements does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the form of indemnification agreement, a copy of which is filed hereto as Exhibit 10.10 and incorporated herein by reference.
| Item 2.01 | Completion of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets. |
The disclosure set forth in the “Introductory Note” above is incorporated by reference into this Item 2.01.
As previously reported, at the Extraordinary General Meeting, AACT’s shareholders approved the Business Combination. On September 24, 2025, the parties to the Business Combination Agreement completed the Business Combination.
Holders of 43,866,808 Class A Ordinary Shares exercised their right to redeem such shares for cash at a price of approximately $11.45 per share for aggregate payments of approximately $502.4 million, resulting in $62.9 million from AACT’s trust account being available to the Company following the Closing, before expenses.
Immediately after giving effect to the completion of the Business Combination, there were outstanding:
| • | 181,207,392 shares of Common Stock, including 30,061,262 SAFE Shares, 7,700,557 Second Lien Conversion Shares, 6,250,000 Sponsor Earn Out Securities, 368,028 Non-Redemption Shares and 1,091,519 Legacy Kodiak Advisor Shares; |
| • | 142,155 shares of Preferred Stock; |
| • | 55,989,713 Exchanged Kodiak Options; |
| • | PIPE Warrants relating to 17,769,375 shares of Common Stock; |
| • | Non-Redemption Warrants relating to 7,606,666 shares of Common Stock; |
| • | Assumed Kodiak Warrants relating to 558,559 shares of Common Stock; |
| • | 24,999,990 Public Warrants; |
| • | 14,300,000 Private Placement Warrants; and |
| • | 19,234,803 Earnout RSUs. |
The material terms and conditions of the Business Combination Agreement are described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section entitled “The Business Combination Proposal” beginning on page 112, which is incorporated herein by reference.
FORM 10 INFORMATION
Item 2.01(f) of Form 8-K states that if the predecessor registrant was a shell company, as AACT was immediately before the consummation of the Business Combination, then the registrant must disclose the information that would be required if the registrant were filing a general form for registration of securities on Form 10. Accordingly, the Company is providing below the information that would be included in the Form 10 if it were to file a Form 10. Please note that the information provided below relates to the Company following the consummation of the Business Combination, unless otherwise specifically indicated or the context otherwise requires.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this Report and in the documents incorporated herein by reference may constitute “forward-looking statements” for purposes of the federal securities laws. Such forward-looking statements may include our or our management teams’ expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements in or incorporated by reference into this Report may include, for example, statements about:
| • | the expected benefits of the Business Combination; |
| • | our estimated total addressable markets for its commercial trucking and public sector applications; |
| • | our operational and product roadmap, and our ability to produce and deploy the Kodiak Driver at scale; |
| • | the regulatory landscape for the Kodiak Driver and complexities with compliance related to such landscape, including with respect to recent changes in tariffs and trade policy; |
| • | developments relating to our competitors and industry; |
| • | our ability to successfully collaborate with business partners and customers; |
| • | our expectations regarding its ability to obtain, maintain, protect and enforce its intellectual property rights; |
| • | our future capital requirements and sources and uses of cash; |
| • | our success in retaining or recruiting, or changes required in, its officers, key employees or directors; |
| • | our expectations regarding expansion plans and opportunities, including into international markets; |
| • | the potential liquidity and trading of our public securities; |
| • | any changes in our strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects and plans; and |
| • | expectations regarding our status as an emerging growth company under the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act. |
These forward-looking statements are based on information available as of the date of this Report and current expectations, forecasts and assumptions and involve a number of judgments, risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any subsequent date. Except as required under applicable securities laws, neither we nor our affiliates have any obligation and specifically disclaim any such obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as and must not be relied on by investors as a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. We caution you that the foregoing list does not contain all of the forward-looking statements made in this Report.
We operate in a competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time and it is not possible for us to predict all risks and uncertainties that could have an impact on the forward-looking statements contained in this Report. We cannot assure you that the results, events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or occur, and actual results, events or circumstances could differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Some factors that could cause actual results to differ include:
| • | significant risks and uncertainties associated with rapidly evolving autonomous vehicle (“AV”) technology; |
| • | our limited operating history, including its net losses and undemonstrated ability to achieve profitability; |
| • | our ability to execute our Driver-as-a-Service (“DaaS”) business model, including maintaining, retaining and expanding customer relationships and scaling production and commercial deliveries on expected timelines; |
| • | any flaws or errors in our solutions or flaws in or misuse of AV technology in general; |
| • | the risk of significant injury, including fatalities, presented by AV technology; |
| • | the effects of competition on our business; |
| • | risks related to working with third-party suppliers, original equipment manufacturers, upfitters, service providers and partners for key components of the Kodiak Driver, including supply shortages; |
| • | our dependence on a limited number of customers, including Atlas and customers in the public sector, for a significant portion of its revenue; |
| • | our reliance on the experience and expertise of its management team, engineers and other key employees; |
| • | our ability to establish, maintain, protect or enforce its technology and intellectual property rights and defend intellectual property infringement claims from others; |
| • | changes in the regulatory environment, including changes to tariff and trade policies; |
| • | risks related to general business and economic conditions, including those related to the trucking, industrial, oil and gas and public sector ecosystems; |
| • | real or perceived inaccuracies in our assumptions and estimates to calculate certain metrics; |
| • | our ability to raise capital in the future and its ability to manage its growth, cash and expenses; |
| • | our ability to maintain the listing of our securities on Nasdaq; |
| • | any legal proceedings instituted against us; and |
| • | other risks and uncertainties described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, including those under the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 39, which is incorporated herein by reference. |
If any of the risks or uncertainties described in this Report or incorporated by reference herein materialize or the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results and plans could differ materially from the results implied by any forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that we presently do not know or that we currently believe are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements.
Business and Properties
The business and properties of the Company prior to the Business Combination is described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section entitled “Information About AACT” beginning on page 251, and the business of Legacy Kodiak prior to, and of the Company subsequent to, the Business Combination is described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section entitled “Information About Legacy Kodiak” beginning on page 307, which are incorporated herein by reference.
Following the Closing, the Company’s principal executive office is located at 1049 Terra Bella Avenue, Mountain View, California, 94043.
Our investor relations website is located at https://investors.kodiak.ai. We use our investor relations website to post important information for investors, including news releases, analyst presentations, and supplemental financial information, and as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Accordingly, investors should monitor our investor relations website, in addition to following press releases, SEC filings and public conference calls and webcasts. We also make available, free of charge, on our investor relations website under “SEC Filings,” our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, Proxy Statements and amendments to these reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after electronically filing or furnishing those reports to the SEC. We also make available through our website other reports filed with or furnished to the SEC under the Exchanged Act, including reports filed by our officers and directors under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act. The SEC maintains a website (https://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. We have included web addresses of the Company and the SEC as inactive textual references only. Except as specifically incorporated by reference into this Report, information on such websites is not part of this Report.
Risk Factors
A summary of the risks associated with the Company’s business are described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the sections entitled “Summary Risk Factors” and “Risk Factors” beginning on page 36 and page 39, respectively, which are incorporated herein by reference.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations of Legacy Kodiak prior to the consummation of the Business Combination is described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of Legacy Kodiak” beginning on page 331, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
The following table sets forth information known to the Company regarding the beneficial ownership of each class of the Company’s equity securities immediately after giving effect to the consummation of the Business Combination, by:
| • | each person or “group,” as such term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), known by the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than five percent (5%) of each class of the Company’s equity securities; |
| • | each named executive officer and director of the Company; and |
| • | all executive officers and directors of the Company, as a group. |
Beneficial ownership is determined according to the rules of the SEC, which generally provide that a person has beneficial ownership of a security if they possess sole or shared voting or investment power over that security, including options and warrants that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days. Securities issuable upon exercise of options and warrants currently exercisable within 60 days are deemed outstanding solely for purposes of calculating the percentage of total voting power of the beneficial owner thereof.
The beneficial ownership percentages set forth in the table below are based on 181,207,392 shares of Common Stock and 142,155 shares of Preferred Stock issued and outstanding as of the Closing Date immediately following the consummation of the Business Combination, after giving effect to the issuance of Common Stock and Preferred Stock, the consummation of the PIPE Investment and Series A Preferred Investment, the issuance of the Non-Redemption Shares and the redemption of the Class A Ordinary Shares.
Unless otherwise indicated, the Company believes that each beneficial owner named in the table below has the sole voting and investment power with respect to all Common Stock and Preferred Stock beneficially owned by such beneficial owners and the business address of each of the following entities or individuals is 1049 Terra Bella Avenue, Mountain View, California 94043. The information provided in the table is based on our records and information provided to us, except where otherwise noted.
Name of Beneficial Owner |
Shares of Common Stock |
% | Shares of Preferred Stock |
% | ||||||||||||
Five Percent Holders |
|
|||||||||||||||
Ares Acquisition Holdings II LP (the SPAC Sponsor) and SPAC Sponsor Affiliate Investor(1) |
30,391,627 | 15.5 | % | — | — | |||||||||||
Alyeska Master Fund, L.P.(2) |
19,910,690 | 9.9 | % | 122,549 | 86.2 | % | ||||||||||
Paz Eshel Living Trust Dated August 25, 2025(3) |
17,075,095 | 9.4 | % | — | — | |||||||||||
Entities affiliated with SIP(4) |
12,543,199 | 6.9 | % | — | — | |||||||||||
Entities affiliated with Battery(5) |
11,356,669 | 6.3 | % | — | — | |||||||||||
Entities affiliated with Soros(6) |
10,647,037 | 5.9 | % | — | — | |||||||||||
Entities affiliated with Aliya(7) |
9,517,611 | 5.3 | % | — | — | |||||||||||
Entities affiliated with LMR(8)(9) |
5,168,867 | 2.8 | % | 19,606 | 13.8 | % | ||||||||||
Directors and Named Executive Officers |
|
|||||||||||||||
Don Burnette(10) |
27,300,969 | 15.1 | % | — | — | |||||||||||
Andreas Wendel(11) |
8,966,748 | 4.8 | % | — | — | |||||||||||
Michael Wiesinger(12) |
1,435,665 | * | — | — | ||||||||||||
Mohamed Elshenawy |
— | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
Kenneth Goldman |
— | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
James Reed(13) |
1,004,877 | * | — | — | ||||||||||||
Allyson Satin(14) |
59,242 | * | — | — | ||||||||||||
Kristin Sverchek |
— | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
Scott Tobin(5) |
11,356,669 | 6.3 | % | — | — | |||||||||||
All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (12 Individuals)(15) |
54,418,393 | 28.3 | % | — | — | |||||||||||
| * | Represents beneficial ownership of less than 1%. |
| (1) | Consists of (i) 12,500,000 shares of Common Stock held by the SPAC Sponsor, of which 6,250,000 of the shares held by the SPAC Sponsor are Sponsor Earn Out Shares that are subject to vesting and vest upon the occurrence of Triggering Event I during the Earn Out Period as described above, (ii) 3,591,627 shares of Common Stock held by the SPAC Sponsor Affiliate Investor and (iii) 14,300,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of 14,300,000 Private Placement Warrants purchased by the SPAC Sponsor in connection with AACT’s initial public offering held by the SPAC Sponsor. The SPAC Sponsor is a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership managed by affiliates of Ares. Ares Acquisition Holdings II is the general partner of the SPAC Sponsor. The SPAC Sponsor Affiliate Investor, AAC II Holdings II LP, is a Delaware limited partnership managed by affiliates of Ares. Ares Holdings L.P. is the sole shareholder of Ares Acquisition Holdings II and the general partner of the SPAC Sponsor Affiliate Investor. Ares Holdings L.P. is an indirect subsidiary of Ares. Ares Management GP LLC (“Ares Management GP”) is the sole holder of the Class B common stock, $0.01 par value per share, of Ares (the “Ares Class B Common Stock”) and Ares Voting LLC (“Ares Voting”) is the sole holder of the Class C common stock, $0.01 par value per share, of Ares (the “Ares Class C Common Stock”). Pursuant to Ares’ Certificate of Incorporation, the holders of the Ares Class B Common Stock and the Ares Class C Common Stock, collectively, will generally have the majority of the votes on any matter submitted to the stockholders of Ares if certain conditions are met. The sole member of both Ares Management GP and Ares Voting is Ares Partners Holdco LLC (“Ares Partners”). Ares Partners is managed by a board of managers, which is composed of Michael J Arougheti, R. Kipp deVeer, David B. Kaplan, Antony P. Ressler and Bennett Rosenthal. Mr. Ressler generally has veto authority over board decisions. The principal business address of the SPAC Sponsor is c/o Ares Management LLC, 245 Park Avenue, 44th Floor, New York, NY 10167. |
| (2) | Consists of (i) 15,318,625 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of 15,318,625 PIPE Warrants held by Alyeska Master Fund, L.P. (“Alyeska”), (ii) 5,155,518 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of 5,155,518 Public Warrants held by Alyeska and (iii) 122,549 shares of Preferred Stock held by Alyeska, convertible into 12,254,900 shares of Common Stock, subject to a 9.9% beneficial ownership limitation. Alyeska Investment Group, L.P., the investment manager of Alyeska, has voting and investment control of the shares held by Alyeska. Anand Parekh is the Chief Executive Officer of Alyeska Investment Group, L.P. and may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of such shares. Mr. Parekh, however, disclaims any beneficial ownership of the shares held by Alyeska. The registered address of Alyeska is at c/o Maples Corporate Services Limited, P.O. Box 309, Ugland House, South Church Street George Town, Grand Cayman, KY1-1104, Cayman Islands. Alyeska Investment Group, L.P. is located at 77 W. Wacker, Suite 700, Chicago, IL 60601 |
| (3) | Mr. Paz Eshel is the sole trustee of the Paz Eshel Living Trust Dated August 25, 2025 and has dispositive power over the shares of Common Stock held thereby. The business address is 2261 Market Street, Suite 85377, San Francisco, CA 94114. |
| (4) | Consists of (i) 2,990,929 shares of Common Stock held of record by SIP Global Tech Fund I, L.P., (ii) 1,454,910 shares of Common Stock held of record by SIP Global Tech Opportunity LLC, (iii) 1,117,486 shares of Common Stock held of record by SIP Global Tech Opportunity 3 LLC and (iv) 6,979,874 shares of Common Stock held of record by SIP Global Tech Opportunity 4 LLC (collectively referred to as “SIP”). The sole general partner of SIP Global Tech Fund I, L.P. is SIP Global Tech Fund I, Inc. The managing members of SIP Global Tech Fund I, Inc. who may be deemed to share voting and dispositive power with respect to the shares held by SIP Global Tech Fund I, L.P. are Jeffrey Smith, Justin Turkat, and Shigeki Saitoh. The manager of the rest of the SIP entities is SIP Global Opportunity Manager LLC. The managing members who may be deemed to share voting and dispositive power with respect to the shares held by SIP Global Tech Opportunity LLC, SIP Global Tech Opportunity 3 LLC and SIP Global Tech Opportunity 4 LLC are Matthew Salloway, Justin Turkat and Shigeki Saitoh. Each of the foregoing persons disclaims beneficial ownership of these shares except to the extent of his/her pecuniary interest therein. The address of SIP Global Tech Fund I, Inc. is C/O Conyers Trust Company (Cayman) Limited, Cricket Square, Hutchins Dr., P.O. Box 2681, George Town, Grand Cayman KY1-1111 Cayman Islands. The address of SIP Global Opportunity Manager LLC is 16192 Coastal Hwy, Lewes, DE 19958. |
| (5) | Consists of (i) 215,770 shares of Common Stock held of record by Battery Investment Partners XII, LLC (“BIP XII”), and (ii) 11,140,899 shares of Common Stock held of record by Battery Ventures XII, L.P. (“BV XII” and together with BIP XII, “Battery”). The sole general partner of BV XII is Battery Partners XII, LLC (“BP XII”) and the sole managing member of BIP XII is BP XII. The managing members of BP XII who may be deemed to share voting and dispositive power with respect to the shares held by BV XII and BIP XII are Neeraj Agrawal, Michael Brown, Morad Elhafed, Jesse Feldman, Russell Fleischer, Roger Lee, Chelsea Stoner, Dharmesh Thakker, and Scott Tobin. The address of each of these entities is One Marina Park Drive, Suite 1100, Boston, MA 02210. |
| (6) | Consists of (i) 9,512,069 shares of Common Stock held by Quantum Partners LP (“Quantum Partners”), and (ii) 1,134,968 shares of Common Stock held by Palindrome Master Fund LP (“Palindrome” and, together with Quantum Partners, “Soros”). Soros Fund Management LLC (“SFM LLC”) serves as principal investment manager to each of Quantum Partners and Palindrome. As such, SFM LLC has been granted investment discretion over portfolio investments including securities held for the account of Quantum Partners and Palindrome, respectively. George Soros serves as Chairman of SFM LLC and has sole discretion to replace FPR Manager LLC, the manager of SFM LLC. The address for SFM LLC is 250 West 55th Street, New York, NY 10019. |
| (7) | Consists of (i) 847,758 shares of Common Stock held by Aliya Growth Fund Investment X LLC, (ii) 865,485 shares of Common Stock held of record by Aliya Growth Fund LLC - Series AG, (iii) 170,276 shares of Common Stock held of record by Aliya Growth Fund LLC - Series CC, (iv) 3,268,010 shares of Common Stock held of record by Aliya Growth Fund LLC - Series RR and (v) 4,366,082 shares of Common Stock held of record by FP Direct Investment LVI LLC (collectively referred to as “Aliya”). Aliya Capital Partners LLC serves as Manager of Aliya and Investment Manager of Aliya Growth Fund LLC. The managing members of Aliya Capital Partners, LLC are Ross Kestin and Emmanuel Hermann. The address for Aliya is 1450 Brickell Ave Suite 2600, Miami, FL 33131. |
| (8) | Consists of (i) 1,225,375 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of 1,225,375 PIPE Warrants held by LMR Multi-Strategy Master Fund Limited (“LMR Multi-Strategy”), (ii) 1,359,058 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of 1,359,058 Public Warrants held by LMR Multi-Strategy and (iii) 9,803 shares of Preferred Stock held by LMR Multi-Strategy, convertible into up to 980,300 shares of Common Stock, subject to a 9.9% beneficial ownership limitation. Investment discretion of LMR Multi-Strategy, including but not limited to the voting and dispositive power of the shares, has been delegated to LMR Partners AG (“LMR”) and certain of its affiliates. LMR and its affiliates disclaim beneficial ownership of the securities. The address for LMR is Ground Floor, Glärnischstrasse 8, 8002 Zürich, Switzerland. |
| (9) | Consists of (i) 1,225,375 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of 1,225,375 PIPE Warrants held by LMR CCSA Master Fund Limited (“LMR CCSA”), (ii) 1,359,059 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of 1,359,059 Public Warrants held by LMR CCSA and (iii) 9,803 shares of Preferred Stock held by LMR CCSA, convertible into up to 980,300 shares of Common Stock, each such conversion subject to a 9.9% beneficial ownership limitation. Investment discretion of LMR CCSA, including but not limited to the voting and dispositive power of the shares, has been delegated to LMR and certain of its affiliates. LMR and its affiliates disclaim beneficial ownership of the securities. The address for LMR is Ground Floor, Glärnischstrasse 8, 8002 Zürich, Switzerland. |
| (10) | Consists of (i) 25,915,204 shares of Common Stock held by Donald Burnette and (ii) 1,385,765 shares of Common Stock held by Citizens Trust Company of Delaware, Trustee of the Burnette Family Irrevocable Trust dated August 11, 2025 (the “Family Trust”). Mr. Burnette and Mr. Burnette’s spouse have shared voting and dispositive power with respect to the shares held by the Family Trust. |
| (11) | Consists of (i) 4,304,573 shares of Common Stock and (ii) 4,661,175 shares of Common Stock subject to stock options exercisable within 60 days of the Closing Date. |
| (12) | Consists of (i) 178,740 shares of Common Stock and (ii) 1,256,925 shares of Common Stock subject to stock options exercisable within 60 days of the Closing Date. |
| (13) | Consists of 1,004,877 subject to stock options exercisable within 60 days of the Closing Date. |
| (14) | Consists of 59,242 shares of Common Stock held by the Satin Family Revocable Trust. Ms. Allyson Satin is a trustee of the Satin Family Revocable Trust and has shared dispositive power of the shares of the Common Stock held thereby. The business address of the trust is c/o Ares Management LLC, 1800 Ave of the Stars Ste 1400, Los Angeles, CA 90067. |
| (15) | Consists of (i) 43,205,664 shares of Common Stock and (ii) 11,212,729 shares of Common Stock subject to stock options exercisable within 60 days of the Closing Date. |
Directors and Executive Officers
On September 24, 2025, Don Burnette, Mohamed Elshenawy, Kenneth Goldman, James Reed, Allyson Satin, Kristin Sverchek and Scott Tobin were elected to serve as initial directors of the Company, and divided into three (3) classes of Directors, with each class serving for staggered three (3) year terms. The Class I Directors are Don Burnette and Kristin Sverchek. The Class II Directors are Mohamed Elshenawy, James Reed and Scott Tobin. The Class III Directors are Kenneth Goldman, and Allyson Satin. Mr. Reed was elected to serve as Chairperson of the Board.
Effective as of the Effective Time, the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”) appointed Don Burnette as President and Chief Executive Officer, Surajit Datta as Chief Financial Officer, Jordan Coleman as Chief Legal and Policy Officer, Zsuzsanna Major as Chief People Officer, Andreas Wendel as Chief Technology Officer and Michael Wiesinger as Chief Operating Officer.
Additional information with respect to the Company’s directors and executive officers following the Closing of the Business Combination is set forth in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section entitled “Board of Directors and Management After the Business Combination” beginning on page 359, and that information is incorporated herein by reference.
The information set forth under Item 5.02 of this Report is incorporated herein by reference.
Independence of Directors
The Board undertook a review of the independence of each director and considered whether each director of the Company has a material relationship with the Company that could compromise his or her ability to exercise independent judgment in carrying out his or her responsibilities. As a result of this review, the Board determined that each of Mohamed Elshenawy, Kenneth Goldman, Allyson Satin, Kristin Sverchek and Scott Tobin was considered an “independent director” as defined under the Nasdaq listing requirements and rules and the applicable rules of the Exchange Act.
Additional information with respect to the independence of the directors of the Company following the Closing of the Business Combination is set forth in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section entitled “Board of Directors and Management After the Business Combination—Director Independence” beginning on page 362, and that information is incorporated herein by reference.
Committees of the Board of Directors
The standing committees of the Board consist of an audit committee (the “Audit Committee”), a compensation committee (the “Compensation Committee”) and a nominating and corporate governance committee (the “Nominating Committee”). Each of the committees reports to the Board.
Effective as of the Effective Time, the Board appointed Kenneth Goldman, Kristin Sverchek and Scott Tobin to serve on the Audit Committee, with Mr. Goldman serving as chair of the Audit Committee. The Board appointed Mohamed Elshenawy, Allyson Satin and Scott Tobin to serve on the Compensation Committee, with Mr. Tobin serving as chair of the Compensation Committee. The Board appointed Mohamed Elshenawy, Kenneth Goldman and Kristin Sverchek to serve on the Nominating Committee, with Ms. Sverchek serving as chair of the Nominating Committee.
Additional information with respect to the composition of the committees of the Board immediately after the Closing of the Business Combination is set forth in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section entitled “Board of Directors and Management After the Business Combination—Board Committees” beginning on page 363, and that information is incorporated herein by reference.
Executive Compensation
Information with respect to the compensation of the named executive officers of the Company is set forth in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section entitled “Executive and Director Compensation of Kodiak” beginning on page 348 and in Item 5.02 of this Report, and that information is incorporated herein by reference.
Director Compensation
A description of the compensation of the board of directors of Legacy Kodiak before the consummation of the Business Combination is set forth in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus section entitled “Executive and Director Compensation of Kodiak—Director Compensation” beginning on page 354, and that information is incorporated herein by reference.
A description of the compensation of the Board after the consummation of the Business Combination is set forth under Item 5.02 of this Report and is incorporated herein by reference.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
Concurrently with the execution of the Business Combination Agreement, in connection with the PIPE Investment, AACT entered into Subscription Agreements with the PIPE Investors, including Quantum Partners and Palindrome, which are entities affiliated with Soros and collectively hold more than 5% of our Common Stock, and Alyeska and LMR, who each hold more than 5% of our Preferred Stock. Pursuant to the Subscription Agreements, the entities affiliated with Soros agreed to purchase shares of Common Stock at a price per share equal to the Redemption Price for an aggregate commitment amount of $10.0 million and Alyeska agreed to purchase shares of Common Stock at a price per share equal to 90% of the Redemption Price for an aggregate commitment amount of $50.0 million. In addition, on September 15, 2025, in connection with the Series A Preferred Investment, AACT entered into a Preferred Subscription Agreements with Alyeska, amending and restating its Subscription Agreement, pursuant to which Alyeska agreed, among other things, to purchase, in lieu of its initial $50 million commitment in the PIPE Investment, $125 million worth of shares of Preferred Stock and PIPE Warrants. AACT also entered into a Preferred Subscription Agreement with LMR, pursuant to which each of LMR Multi-Strategy and LMR CCSA, which are entities affiliated with LMR, agreed, among other things, to purchase $20 million worth of shares of Preferred Stock and PIPE Warrants. In connection with the Closing, the $10.0 million aggregate subscription amount of the entities affiliated with Soros was deemed satisfied and offset by their holdings of Class A Ordinary Shares that were not redeemed from AACT’s trust account. At the Closing, we issued an aggregate of 122,549 shares of Preferred Stock and PIPE Warrants to purchase an aggregate of up to 24,509,800 shares of Common Stock to Alyeska and an aggregate of 19,606 shares of Preferred Stock and PIPE Warrants to purchase an aggregate of up to 3,921,200 shares of Common Stock to LMR.
At various times since January 1, 2022, Legacy Kodiak entered into SAFE Transactions (as defined in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus). Quantum Partners and Palindrome invested in SAFE Transactions on September 24, 2024 for investment amounts of $11,155,625 and $1,344,375, respectively. The SAFE Transactions were settled in Kodiak Common Stock in connection with the Closing.
Certain relationships and related party transactions of the Company and Legacy Kodiak are described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section entitled “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions” beginning on page 297, which is incorporated herein by reference.
The information with respect to the PIPE Investment, Series A Preferred Investment, SAFEs and Second Lien Loan and Security Agreement are set forth in the “Introductory Note” above and the information set forth in the section entitled “Indemnification Agreements” in Item 1.01 of this Report are incorporated herein by reference.
Legal Proceedings
Information about legal proceedings is set forth in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the sections entitled “Information About AACT—Legal Proceedings” on page 264 and “Information About Legacy Kodiak—Legal Proceedings” on page 330, which are incorporated herein by reference.
Market Price of and Dividends on the Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
The information set forth in the section of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus entitled “Description of Kodiak’s Securities” beginning on page 282, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of Legacy Kodiak—Contractual Obligations and Other Commitments—Stock-Based Compensation” beginning on page 346 and “Risk Factors—We do not intend to pay dividends for the foreseeable future” beginning on page 74 are incorporated herein by reference.
The Class A Ordinary Shares, AACT Public Warrants and AACT Units were listed on the NYSE under the symbols “AACT,” “AACT WS” and “AACT.U,” respectively and were voluntarily delisted on September 24, 2025 in connection with the Closing. In connection with the Domestication, each then issued AACT Unit was automatically cancelled and each holder of AACT Units became entitled to one share of Common Stock and one-half of one Public Warrant. On September 25, 2025, the Common Stock and the Public Warrants began trading on Nasdaq under the new trading symbols “KDK” and “KDKRW,” respectively.
As of the Closing Date, there were issued and outstanding 181,207,392 shares of Common Stock, 142,155 shares of Preferred Stock, PIPE Warrants exercisable for an aggregate of 17,769,375 shares of Common Stock at an initial price of $12.00 per share, Non-Redemption Warrants exercisable for an aggregate of 7,606,666 shares of Common Stock at an initial prices of $12.00 per share, Assumed Kodiak Warrants exercisable for an aggregate of 558,559 shares of Common Stock at a price of $2.24 per share, 24,999,990 Public Warrants and 14,300,000 Private Placement Warrants, each exercisable for one share of Common Stock, at a price of $11.50 per share.
Dividends
The payment of future dividends on the shares of Common Stock will depend on the financial condition of the Company after the completion of the Business Combination, and subject to the discretion of the Board and to preferences that may apply to any shares of preferred stock outstanding at the time. There can be no guarantee that cash dividends will be declared. The ability of Kodiak to declare dividends may be limited by the terms and conditions of other financing and other agreements entered into by Kodiak or any of its subsidiaries from time to time. The Board is not currently contemplating and does not intend to pay any cash dividends on Common Stock in the foreseeable future.
The Preferred Stock will accrue dividends daily at the rate of 9.99% per annum of the Accrued Value (as defined in the Certificate of Designation) (if paid in kind), plus the amount of previously accrued dividends paid in kind, or 7.99% per annum of the Accrued Value (if paid in cash), plus the amount of previously accrued dividends paid in kind. Such dividends will compound semi-annually. The Company may not purchase or redeem or pay any cash dividend on any capital stock ranking junior to the Preferred Stock prior to payment of such cash dividend on the Preferred Stock or purchase or redeem any capital stock ranking junior to the Preferred Stock, other than stock
repurchased at cost from former employees and consultants in connection with the cessation of their service without the affirmative vote or action by written consent of holders of more than 50% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Preferred Stock.
The foregoing description of the Preferred Stock does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Certificate of Designation, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 3.1 hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
The information set forth in Item 3.02 of this Report is incorporated herein by reference.
Description of Registrant’s Securities to be Registered
The description of the Company’s securities is set forth in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section entitled “Description of Kodiak’s Securities” beginning on page 282 as modified and supplemented by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 15, 2025, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Indemnification of Directors and Officers
The disclosure set forth in Item 1.01 of this Report under the section entitled “Indemnification Agreements” is incorporated herein by reference.
Further information about the indemnification of the Company’s directors and officers is set forth in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section titled “Board of Directors and Management After the Business Combination—Limitation on Liability and Indemnification of Directors and Officers” beginning on page 366, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Financial Information
Historical Audited Financial Statements
The historical audited financial statements of Legacy Kodiak as of and for the years ended December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 and the related notes are included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus beginning on page F-47 and are incorporated herein by reference.
Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements
The unaudited consolidated financial statements of Legacy Kodiak as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024 have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and pursuant to the regulations of the SEC and are included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus beginning on page F-80, which are incorporated herein by reference.
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information of the Company as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and the year ended December 31, 2024 is set forth in Exhibit 99.1 hereto and is incorporated herein by reference.
The information set forth under Item 9.01 of this Report under the section entitled “Financial Statements and Exhibits” is incorporated herein by reference.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
The information set forth in Item 4.01 of this Report is incorporated herein by reference.
| Item 3.01 | Notice of Delisting or Failure to Satisfy a Continued Listing Rule or Standard; Transfer of Listing. |
On September 12, 2025, AACT provided written notice to the NYSE of its intention to voluntarily withdraw the listing of its Class A Ordinary Shares, the AACT Public Warrants and AACT Units from NYSE and
list the Common Stock and Public Warrants on Nasdaq following, and subject to, the completion of the Business Combination. Upon the Domestication, all of the outstanding AACT Units listed on NYSE under the symbol “AACT.U” separated into their component securities and, as a result, no longer trade as an independent security. The Common Stock and Public Warrants began trading on Nasdaq under the symbols “KDK” and “KDKRW,” respectively, on September 25, 2025.
| Item 3.02 | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities. |
The description of the Company’s securities is contained in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the sections titled “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” beginning on page 297 and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of Legacy Kodiak” beginning on page 331 and the information with respect to the Assumed Kodiak Warrants, PIPE Warrants, the Preferred Stock, the PIPE Shares, the Legacy Kodiak Advisor Shares, the Non-Redemption Shares and Non-Redemption Warrants set forth in the “Introductory Note” above are incorporated by reference into this Item 3.02. The Assumed Kodiak Warrants, PIPE Warrants, the Preferred Stock, the PIPE Shares, the Legacy Kodiak Advisor Shares, the Non-Redemption Shares and Non-Redemption Warrants have not been registered under the Securities Act, in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and/or Regulation D promulgated thereunder.
| Item 3.03 | Material Modification to Rights of Security Holders. |
In connection with and prior to the consummation of the Business Combination, the Company changed its jurisdiction of incorporation by deregistering as a Cayman Islands exempted company and continuing and domesticating as a corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware, upon which AACT changed its name to “Kodiak AI, Inc.” and the Company adopted a certificate of incorporation and bylaws (the “Certificate of Incorporation” and the “Bylaws,” respectively). The material terms of the Certificate of Incorporation and the Bylaws are set forth in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the sections entitled “The Domestication Proposal—Comparison of Shareholder Rights under Applicable Corporate Law Before and After Domestication,” “The Organizational Documents Proposal,” “The Advisory Organizational Documents Proposals,” and “Description of Kodiak’s Securities” beginning on pages 168, 177, 180 and 282, respectively, which are incorporated herein by reference. The Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws contain material modifications, among others, to the Company’s authorized capital stock, exclusive forum, shareholder voting rights, removal of directors, voting requirements to amend the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws. The Bylaws also contain lock-up provisions, as described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section entitled “Securities Act Restrictions on Resale of Kodiak’s Securities” beginning on page 368, which is incorporated herein by reference.
In connection with the consummation of the Business Combination, AACT and Legacy Kodiak waived the restrictions set forth in Section 6.8 of the Bylaws, in respect of: (i) 226 shares of Common Stock, for each Legacy Kodiak Securityholder that is not an affiliate of Legacy Kodiak and; (ii) pursuant to a letter agreement, dated August 16, 2025, by and among Legacy Kodiak, AACT, the SPAC Sponsor and AAC II Co-Invest LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the “Letter Agreement”), the Second Lien Conversion Shares other than the Second Lien Conversion Shares issued to the SPAC Sponsor Affiliate Investor with respect to the initial Second Lien Loans provided by the SPAC Sponsor Affiliate Investor or to any Company director.
In connection with the consummation of the Business Combination, on September 24, 2025, the Company filed the Certificate of Designation with the Secretary of State of Delaware, establishing the designations, preferences, limitations and rights of the Preferred Stock. The information with respect to the Certificate of Designation set forth in the section entitled “Introductory Note” of this Report and “Series A Preferred Investment” of Supplement No. 1 are incorporated by reference into this Item 3.03.
The foregoing description of the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws, the Letter Agreement and the Certificate of Designation does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws, the Letter Agreement and the Certificate of Designation, copies of which are filed as Exhibits 3.2, 3.3, 10.11 and 3.1, respectively, and are incorporated herein by reference.
| Item 4.01 | Changes in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant. |
For accounting purposes, the Business Combination is treated as a reverse acquisition and, as such, the historical financial statements of the accounting acquirer, Legacy Kodiak, will become the historical financial statements of the Company. Ernst & Young LLP (“EY”) audited the historical financial statements of Kodiak Robotics, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2023 and subsequently resigned. The historical financial statements of Kodiak Robotics, Inc. have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP (“Deloitte”) for the year ended December 31, 2024. In a reverse acquisition, a change of accountants is presumed to have occurred unless the same accountant audited the pre-transaction financial statements of both the legal acquirer and the accounting acquirer, and such change is generally presumed to occur on the date the reverse acquisition is completed.
There were no “disagreements” (as such term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions) with EY on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedures, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of EY, would have caused EY to make reference thereto in its report on Legacy Kodiak’s pre-merger financial statements for such periods. There have been no “reportable events” (as such term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K).s
The Company provided EY with a copy of the foregoing disclosures and has requested that EY furnish the Company with a letter addressed to the SEC stating whether it agrees with the statements made by the Company set forth above. A copy of EY’s letter, dated September 30, 2025, is filed as Exhibit 16.1 to this Report.
Dismissal of independent registered public accounting firm
On September 24, 2025, the Audit Committee dismissed WithumSmith+Brown, PC (“Withum”), the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm prior to the Business Combination and notified Withum that it will not be engaged to audit the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2025.
The Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on AACT’s financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 and for the years then ended, did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, and was not qualified or modified as to audit scope or accounting principles, except that such report on the Company’s financial statements contained an explanatory paragraph regarding substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
During the period from March 15, 2021 (AACT’s inception) to December 31, 2024 and the subsequent interim period through September 24, 2025, there were no “disagreements” (as such term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions) with Withum on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedures, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Withum, would have caused Withum to make reference thereto in its report on AACT’s pre-merger financial statements for such periods. During the period from March 15, 2021 to December 31, 2024 and the subsequent interim period through September 24, 2025, there have been no “reportable events” (as such term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K).
The Company provided Withum a copy of the foregoing disclosures and has requested that Withum furnish the Company with a letter addressed to the SEC stating whether it agrees with the statements made by the Company set forth above. A copy of Withum’s letter, dated September 30, 2025, is filed as Exhibit 16.2 to this Report.
Disclosures regarding the new independent auditor
On September 24, 2025, the Audit Committee recommended and the Board approved the engagement of Deloitte as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm to audit the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2025. Deloitte served as independent registered public accounting firm of Legacy Kodiak prior to the Business Combination. During the period from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2024 and subsequent interim period through September 24, 2025, neither the Company nor anyone on the Company’s behalf consulted with Deloitte with respect to (i) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on our financial statements, and neither a written report nor oral advice was provided to us that Deloitte concluded was an important factor considered by us in reaching a decision as to any accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue, or (ii) any other matter that was the subject of a disagreement or a reportable event (each as defined above).
| Item 5.01 | Changes in Control of the Registrant. |
The information set forth in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section entitled “The Business Combination Proposal” beginning on page 112 and the “Introductory Note” and Item 2.01 of this Report are incorporated herein by reference.
| Item 5.02 | Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers. |
The information set forth in the sections entitled “Directors and Executive Officers” and “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” in Item 2.01 of this Report is incorporated herein by reference.
Confirmatory Employment Letters
We have entered into confirmatory employment letters with our named executive officers to confirm the terms and conditions of their employment. For descriptions of the employment letters with the named executive officers, reference is made to the disclosure set forth in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the sections entitled “Executive and Director Compensation of Kodiak—Employment Arrangements with Named Executive Officers” beginning on page 352 and “Executive and Director Compensation of Kodiak—Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” beginning on page 354, which are incorporated herein by reference. Those descriptions do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of such confirmatory employment letters, copies of which are filed as Exhibits 10.12, 10.13 and 10.14 hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
2025 Equity Incentive Plan
As previously disclosed in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, the Kodiak AI, Inc. 2025 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2025 Plan”) was approved by the Board. The Company’s shareholders considered and approved the 2025 Plan at the Extraordinary General Meeting and the 2025 Plan became effective immediately upon the Closing.
A description of the 2025 Plan is included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section entitled “The Incentive Plan Proposal” beginning on page 188, which is incorporated herein by reference. The foregoing description of the 2025 Plan is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the 2025 Plan and the form of agreements thereunder, copies of which are filed as Exhibit 10.15 and incorporated herein by reference.
2025 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
As previously disclosed in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, the Kodiak AI, Inc. 2025 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”) was approved by the Board. The Company’s shareholders considered and approved the ESPP at the Extraordinary General Meeting and the ESPP became effective immediately upon the Closing.
A description of the ESPP is included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section entitled “The Employee Stock Purchase Plan Proposal” beginning on page 198, which is incorporated herein by reference. The foregoing description of the ESPP is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the ESPP, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.16 and incorporated herein by reference.
Severance Policy
On September 24, 2025, the Board considered and approved the Change in Control and Severance Policy (the “Severance Policy”), which had been previously approved by the board of directors of Legacy Kodiak effective as of immediately prior to the Closing. The Severance Policy provides that if the Company terminates an executive officer’s employment other than for “cause,” death or “disability” or such executive officer resigns for “good
reason” during the period from the period beginning three months prior to a “change in control” (as such terms are defined in the Severance Policy) and ending twelve months following a change in control (the “change in control period”) the executive officer will receive the following severance benefits (less applicable tax withholding): (i) accelerated vesting of the then-outstanding and unvested equity awards and target achievement of applicable performance goals, (ii) a cash payment equal to 100% of the executive officer’s base salary (or, for Mr. Burnette, equal to 150% of his base salary) as in effect immediately prior to the termination (or if the termination is due to a resignation for good reason based on a material reduction in base salary, then the executive officer’s annual base salary in effect immediately prior to such reduction) or the change in control, whichever is greater, (iii) cash payment equal to the executive officer’s target bonus for the yar of such termination of employment based on actual achievement and pro-rated based on the portion of such year that the executive officer was employed by Kodiak; and (iv) payment or reimbursement of continued health coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”) for a period of up to 12 months (or, for Mr. Burnette, 18 months) or a taxable lump sum payment in lieu of payment or reimbursement, as applicable. If we terminate an executive officer’s employment other than for cause, death, or disability, or the executive officer resigns for good reason, in any case, outside of the change in control period, such executive officer will be eligible to receive the following severance benefits: (i) a cash payment equal to 50% of the executive officer’s base salary (or, for Mr. Burnette, equal to 100% of his base salary) in effect immediately prior to the termination (or if the termination is due to resignation for good reason based on a material reduction in base salary, then the annual base salary in effect immediately prior to such reduction); and (ii) payment or reimbursement of continued health coverage for the executive officer and the executive officer’s eligible dependents under COBRA for a period of up to 6 months (or, for Mr. Burnette, 12 months) or a taxable lump sum payment in lieu of payment or reimbursement, as applicable. Severance payments are conditioned on the executive officer signing and not revoking the Company’s standard separation agreement and release of claims within the timeframe set forth in the Severance Policy. A description of the Severance Policy is included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section entitled “Executive and Director Compensation of Kodiak—Post-Business Combination Executive Compensation—Severance Policy” beginning on page 355, which is incorporated herein by reference.
The foregoing description of the Severance Policy is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the Severance Policy, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.17 and incorporated herein by reference.
Executive Incentive Compensation Plan
On September 24, 2025, the Board considered and approved the Executive Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Incentive Compensation Plan”), which had been previously approved by the board of directors of Legacy Kodiak prior to the Closing. The Incentive Compensation Plan will allow the Company to grant incentive awards, generally payable in cash, to employees selected by the administrator of the Incentive Compensation Plan upon the achievement of specified goals and/or objectives. A description of the Incentive Compensation Plan is included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section entitled “Executive and Director Compensation of Kodiak—Post-Business Combination Executive Compensation—Executive Incentive Compensation Plan” beginning on page 356, which is incorporated herein by reference.
The foregoing description of the Incentive Compensation Plan is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the Incentive Compensation Plan, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.18 and incorporated herein by reference.
Compensation Recovery Policy
On September 24, 2025, the Board considered and approved an executive compensation recovery plan (the “Clawback Policy”), which had been previously approved by the board of directors of Legacy Kodiak prior to the Closing, as applicable to our current and future former executive officers in compliance with the requirements under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act as implemented by SEC rules and regulations and applicable listing standards. The Clawback Policy provides for the non-discretionary recovery of excess incentive-based compensation from current and former executive officers in the event of an accounting restatement, whether or not the executive officer was at fault for the restatement. A description of the Clawback Policy is included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section entitled “Executive and Director Compensation of Kodiak—Post-Business Combination Executive Compensation—Compensation Recover Policy” beginning on page 357, which is incorporated herein by reference.
The foregoing description of the Clawback Policy is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the Clawback Policy, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.19 and incorporated herein by reference.
Outside Director Compensation Policy
On September 24, 2025, the Board considered and approved the Outside Director Compensation Policy for non-employee directors (the “Outside Director Compensation Policy”), which had been previously approved by the board of directors of Legacy Kodiak effective as of immediately prior to the Closing. The Outside Director Compensation Policy provides for an annual cash retainer of $60,000 for each non-employee director, and additional cash retainer amounts for a non-employee director’s service as a non-employee chair of the Board, or as a chairperson or member of any committees of the Board. The Outside Director Compensation Policy also provides for the following non-discretionary equity compensation: (i) each person who becomes a non-employee director following the Closing Date will receive an initial award of restricted stock units having a grant date fair value equal to $390,000, which will vest in equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the date that the person first becomes a non-employee director, and (ii) on the date of each annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders, each non-employee director will receive an annual award of restricted stock units having a grant date fair value of $195,000, which will vest on the earlier of (a) the first anniversary of the date the annual award is granted, or (b) the day prior to the date of the annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders next following the date the annual award is granted. The vesting of each initial award and annual award is subject to the recipient’s continued service through the applicable vesting date. A description of the Outside Director Compensation Policy is included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section entitled “Executive and Director Compensation of Kodiak—Post-Business Combination Director Compensation” beginning on page 357, which is incorporated herein by reference.
The foregoing description of the Outside Director Compensation Policy is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the Outside Director Compensation Policy, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.20 and incorporated herein by reference.
| Item 5.03 | Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change in Fiscal Year. |
The disclosure set forth in Item 2.01 and Item 3.03 of this Report is incorporated herein by reference.
| Item 5.05 | Amendments to the Registrant’s Code of Ethics, or Waiver of a Provision of the Code of Ethics. |
In connection with the Closing, on September 24, 2025, the Board considered and adopted a new Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code of Ethics”). The Code of Ethics applies to all of the Company’s directors, officers and employees, as well as the Company’s contractors, consultants and agents. The foregoing description of the Code of Ethics is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the Code of Ethics, which is available on our investor relations website under “Documents & Charters.”
| Item 5.06 | Change in Shell Company Status. |
As a result of the consummation of the Business Combination, which fulfilled the definition of a “Business Combination” as required by the Company’s amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, as in effect immediately prior to the Domestication, the Company ceased to be a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act) as of the Closing. A description of the Business Combination and the terms of the Business Combination Agreement are included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the sections entitled “The Business Combination Proposal” beginning on page 112 and in the information set forth under “Introductory Note” and under Item 2.01 in this Report, which are incorporated herein by reference.
| Item 7.01 | Regulation FD Disclosure. |
On September 30, 2025, the Company participated in the Evercore ISI Autonomous, ADAS, AI Forum in New York. Additional information regarding such investor conference and how investors can view the Company’s presentation from such conference is available on the Company’s investor relations website at https://investors.kodiak.ai.
The Company uses its investor relations website to post important information for investors, including news releases, expected conference participations, investor presentations, and supplemental financial information, and as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with the Company’s disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. The Company uses its investor relations website as well as social media to communicate with the public about the Company. It is possible that the information the Company posts on social media could be deemed to be material information. Accordingly, investors should monitor the Company’s investor relations website as well as its social media channels listed on the Company’s investor relations website. The information on the Company’s website or any other website is not incorporated by reference into this Report.
The information provided in this Item 7.01 shall not be deemed to be filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise be subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed to be incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.
| Item 8.01 | Other Events. |
In September 2022, Legacy Kodiak entered into a venture loan and security agreement (as amended, the “2022 Credit Facility”) with an affiliate of Horizon Technology Finance Corporation to borrow secured term loans of up to an aggregate principal amount of $30.0 million. The 2022 Credit Facility was amended in June 2024 to revise the repayment schedule and include Legacy Kodiak’s intellectual property as part of the collateral securing the 2022 Credit Facility and was further amended in February 2025 to permit the Business Combination and related transactions. On September 24, 2025, the 2022 Credit Facility was further amended to (i) make certain conforming changes to account for the closing of the Business Combination and (ii) provide for a post-closing period for the joinder of the Company as a co-borrower under the 2022 Credit Facility.
The foregoing description of the 2022 Credit Facility is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the venture loan and security agreement and the amendments thereto, copies of which are filed as Exhibits 10.22, 10.23, 10.24 and 10.25 and incorporated herein by reference.
| Item 9.01 | Financial Statements and Exhibits. |
| (a) | Financial Statements of Business Acquired. |
The historical audited financial statements of Legacy Kodiak as of and for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 and the related notes are included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus beginning on page F-47 and are incorporated herein by reference.
The unaudited condensed financial statements of Legacy Kodiak as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024 and the related notes are included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus beginning on page F-80 and are incorporated herein by reference.
| (b) | Pro Forma Financial Information. |
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information of the Company as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and for the year ended December 31, 2024 is set forth in Exhibit 99.1 hereto and is incorporated herein by reference.
| (d) | Exhibits. |
| * | Certain schedules and similar attachments to this Exhibit have been omitted in accordance with Item 601(a)(5) or (b)(2), as applicable of Regulation S-K. The registrants agree to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted exhibit or schedule to the SEC upon its request. |
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, hereunto duly authorized.
Dated: September 30, 2025
| KODIAK AI, INC. | ||
| By: | /s/ Don Burnette | |
| Name: Don Burnette | ||
| Title: Chief Executive Officer | ||
Exhibit 3.1
KODIAK AI, INC.
CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION OF PREFERENCES,
RIGHTS AND LIMITATIONS
OF
9.99% SERIES A CUMULATIVE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
PURSUANT TO SECTION 151(g) OF THE
DELAWARE GENERAL CORPORATION LAW
The undersigned, Don Burnette, does hereby certify that:
1. He is the Chief Executive Officer of Kodiak AI, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation”).
2. The Corporation is authorized to issue 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, none of which have been issued.
3. The following resolutions were duly adopted by the board of directors of the Corporation (the “Board of Directors”):
WHEREAS, the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation provides for a class of its authorized stock known as preferred stock, consisting of 20,000,000 shares, $0.0001 par value per share, issuable from time to time in one or more series;
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors is authorized to fix the dividend rights, dividend rate, voting rights, conversion rights, rights and terms of redemption and liquidation preferences of any wholly unissued series of preferred stock and the number of shares constituting any series and the designation thereof, of any of them; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Board of Directors, pursuant to its authority as aforesaid, to fix the rights, preferences, restrictions and other matters relating to a series of the preferred stock, which shall consist of up to 142,155 shares of the preferred stock which the Corporation has the authority to issue, as follows:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors does hereby provide for the issuance of a series of preferred stock for cash or exchange of other securities, rights or property and does hereby fix and determine the rights, preferences, restrictions and other matters relating to such series of preferred stock as follows:
TERMS OF 9.99% SERIES A CUMULATIVE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
Section 1. Definitions. For the purposes hereof, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
“Accrued but Unpaid Dividends” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5(b)(i).
“Accrued Dividend” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3(a).
“Accrued Value”, as of any date, with respect to each share of Preferred Stock as of the determination date, means the sum, subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of any stock dividend, stock split, combination or other similar recapitalization with respect to the Preferred Stock, of: (i) the Stated Value per share of Preferred Stock; plus (ii) all PIK Dividends paid on such share of Preferred Stock pursuant to Section 3(b).
“Affiliate” means any Person that, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by or is under common control with a Person, as such terms are used in and construed under Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
“Alternate Consideration” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7(f).
“Annual Rate” with respect to a PIK Dividend, means 9.99% of the Accrued Value and with respect to a Cash Dividend, means 7.99% of the Accrued Value.
“Attribution Parties” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6(d).
“Available Proceeds” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5(c)(i).
“Beneficial Ownership Limitation” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6(d).
“Business Combination Agreement” means that certain Business Combination Agreement, dated as of April 14, 2025, by and among the Corporation (or its predecessor), AAC II Merger Sub, Inc. and Kodiak Robotics, Inc.
“Business Day” means any day other than Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in The City of New York are authorized or required by law to remain closed; provided, however, for clarification, commercial banks shall not be deemed to be authorized or required by law to remain closed due to “stay at home”, “shelter-in-place”, “non-essential employee” or any other similar orders or restrictions or the closure of any physical branch locations at the direction of any governmental authority so long as the electronic funds transfer systems (including for wire transfers) of commercial banks in The City of New York generally are open for use by customers on such day.
“Buy-In” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6(c)(iv).
“Cash Dividend” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3(a).
“Closing Date” means the Trading Day on which the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination are consummated.
“Commission” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Common Stock” means the common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Corporation and stock of any other class of securities into which such securities may hereafter be reclassified or changed.
2
“Common Stock Equivalents” means any securities of the Corporation that would entitle the holder thereof to acquire at any time Common Stock, including, without limitation, any debt, preferred stock, right, option, warrant or other instrument that is at any time convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for, or otherwise entitles the holder thereof to receive, Common Stock.
“Conversion Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6(a).
“Conversion Price” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6(b).
“Conversion Shares” means, collectively, the shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the shares of Preferred Stock in accordance with the terms hereof.
“Convertible Securities” means any stock or securities (other than Options) directly or indirectly convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for, or which otherwise entitles the holder thereof to acquire, any shares of Common Stock.
“Corporation Notice” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8(a).
“Deemed Liquidation Event” means: (i) a merger or consolidation in which (a) the Corporation is a constituent party or (b) a subsidiary of the Corporation is a constituent party and the Corporation issues shares of its capital stock pursuant to such merger or consolidation; provided, that, a Deemed Liquidation Event shall not include any such merger or consolidation involving the Corporation or a subsidiary in which the shares of capital stock of the Corporation outstanding immediately prior to such merger or consolidation continue to represent, or are converted into or exchanged for shares of capital stock that represent, immediately following such merger or consolidation, at least a majority, by voting power, of the capital stock of (1) the surviving or resulting corporation; or (2) if the surviving or resulting corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of another corporation immediately following such merger or consolidation, the parent corporation of such surviving or resulting corporation; or (ii) (a) the sale, in a single transaction or series of related transactions, by the Corporation or any subsidiary of the Corporation of all or substantially all the assets of the Corporation and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, or (b) the sale or disposition (whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise, and whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions) of one (1) or more subsidiaries of the Corporation if substantially all of the assets of the Corporation and its subsidiaries taken as a whole are held by such subsidiary or subsidiaries, except where such sale is to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Corporation.
“Delaware Courts” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9(d).
“Dilutive Issuance” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7(c).
“Distribution” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7(e).
“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
3
“Exempt Issuance” means the issuance of (a) any securities of the Corporation to employees, officers or directors, consultants, contractors, vendors or other agents of the Corporation pursuant to any stock or option plan duly adopted for such purpose, by a majority of the non-employee members of the Board of Directors or a majority of the members of a committee of non-employee directors established for such purpose for services rendered to the Corporation, (b) securities upon the exercise or exchange of or conversion of any securities issued pursuant to the Purchase Agreements or the Business Combination Agreement and/or other securities exercisable or exchangeable for or convertible into shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding on the Closing Date, provided that such securities have not been amended since the Closing Date to increase the number of such securities or to decrease the exercise price, exchange price or conversion price of such securities (other than in connection with stock splits or combinations and automatic adjustments to such terms pursuant to anti-dilution or similar provisions of such securities which are not more favorable to the holder thereof than the anti-dilution and similar provisions set forth herein) or to extend the term of such securities, (c) the Conversion Shares, (d) securities issued pursuant to any merger, acquisition or strategic transaction or partnership approved by a majority of the directors of the Corporation, provided that (i) such securities are issued as “restricted securities” (as defined in Rule 144) or are issued pursuant to an effective registration statement pursuant to the Securities Act and (ii) any such issuance shall only be to a Person (or to the equityholders of a Person) which is, itself or through its subsidiaries, an operating company or an owner of an asset in a business synergistic with the business of the Corporation and shall provide to the Corporation additional benefits in addition to the investment of funds, (e) any Earnout RSU or Earnout Stock (each as defined in the Business Combination Agreement) and (f) any securities issued by the corporation pursuant to any legal settlement or similar arrangement agreed or entered into by the Corporation, provided that, in the aggregate, not more than 87,321 shares of Common Stock are issued or deemed issued or issuable upon conversion, settlement, exercise or exchange of any such securities that are Options or Convertible Securities, but any such Exempt Issuance shall not include a transaction in which the Corporation is issuing securities (i) primarily for the purpose of raising capital, including an at-the-market offering, or (ii) to an entity whose primary business is investing in securities.
“Floor Price” means the lesser of (i) $6.00 and (ii) the Conversion Price then in effect.
“Fundamental Transaction” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7(f).
“Holder” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(a).
“Junior Securities” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5(a).
“New Issuance Price” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7(c).
“Notice of Conversion” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6(a).
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“Options” means any rights, warrants or options to subscribe for or purchase shares of Common Stock or Convertible Securities.
“Option Value” means the value of an Option based on the Black-Scholes Option Pricing model obtained from the “OV” function on Bloomberg determined as of (A) the Trading Day prior to the public announcement of the issuance of the applicable Option, if the issuance of such Option is publicly announced or (B) the Trading Day immediately following the issuance of the applicable Option if the issuance of such Option is not publicly announced, for pricing purposes and reflecting (i) a risk-free interest rate corresponding to the U.S. Treasury rate for a period equal to the remaining term of the applicable Option as of the applicable date of determination, (ii) an expected volatility equal to the greater of 100% and the 100 day volatility obtained from the HVT function on Bloomberg as of (A) the Trading Day immediately following the public announcement of the applicable Option if the issuance of such Option is publicly announced or (B) the Trading Day immediately following the issuance of the applicable Option if the issuance of such Option is not publicly announced, (iii) the underlying price per share used in such calculation shall be the highest weighted average price of the Common Stock during the period beginning on the Trading Day prior to the execution of definitive documentation relating to the issuance of the applicable Option and ending on (A) the Trading Day immediately following the public announcement of such issuance, if the issuance of such Option is publicly announced or (B) the Trading Day immediately following the issuance of the applicable Option if the issuance of such Option is not publicly announced, (iv) a zero cost of borrow and (v) a 360 day annualization factor, provided, however, in case any Option is issued in connection with the issue or sale of other securities of the Corporation, together comprising one integrated transaction, in no event shall the Option Value exceed a fraction of the aggregate consideration received (excluding the minimum aggregate amount of additional consideration (as set forth in the instruments relating thereto, without regard to any provision contained therein for a subsequent adjustment of such consideration) payable to the Corporation upon the exercise of such Options, or in the case of Options for Convertible Securities, the exercise of such Options for Convertible Securities and the conversion or exchange of such Convertible Securities) equal to (1) the number of shares of common stock underlying such Option divided by (2) the total number of shares of Common Stock issued or issuable in the integrated transaction (including the number of shares underlying such Option).
“Original Issue Date” means the date of the first issuance of any shares of the Preferred Stock regardless of the number of transfers of any particular shares of Preferred Stock and regardless of the number of certificates which may be issued to evidence such Preferred Stock.
“Person” means an individual or corporation, partnership, trust, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint venture, limited liability company, joint stock company, government (or an agency or subdivision thereof) or other entity of any kind.
“PIK Dividend” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3(a).
“Preferred Stock” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(a).
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“Preferred Stock Liquidation Amount” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5(b)(ii).
“Preferred Stock Register” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(b).
“Purchase Agreements” means the several Securities Purchase Agreements, between the Corporation and certain original Holders.
“Purchase Rights” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7(d).
“Redemption Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8(b)(i).
“Redemption Notice” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8(b)(ii).
“Redemption Price” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8(b)(i).
“Redemption Request” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8(b)(i).
“Required Holders” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(c).
“Rule 144” means Rule 144 promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act, as such Rule may be amended from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the Commission having substantially the same effect as such Rule.
“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Semi-Annual Dividend Date” shall mean June 1 and December 1 of each year.
“Share Delivery Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6(c)(i).
“Standard Settlement Period” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6(c)(i).
“Stated Value” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(a).
“Successor Entity” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7(f).
“Trading Day” means a day on which the principal Trading Market is open for business.
“Trading Market” means any of the following markets or exchanges on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted for trading on the date in question: the NYSE American, the Nasdaq Capital Market, the Nasdaq Global Market, the Nasdaq Global Select Market, the New York Stock Exchange (or any successors to any of the foregoing).
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“Transfer Agent” means Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, the current transfer agent of the Corporation, and any successor transfer agent of the Corporation.
“VWAP” means, for any date, the price determined by the first of the following clauses that applies: (a) if the Common Stock is then listed or quoted on a Trading Market, the daily volume weighted average price of the Common Stock for the 45 Trading Days preceding such date (or the nearest preceding date) on the Trading Market on which the Common Stock is then listed or quoted as reported by Bloomberg L.P. (based on a Trading Day from 9:30 a.m. (New York City time) to 4:02 p.m. (New York City time)), (b) if the Common Stock is not then listed or quoted on a Trading Market but is listed or quoted on OTCQB or OTCQX, the volume weighted average price of the Common Stock for the 45 Trading Days preceding such date (or the nearest preceding date) on OTCQB or OTCQX as applicable, (c) if the Common Stock is not then listed or quoted for trading on a Trading Market, OTCQB or OTCQX and if prices for the Common Stock are then reported in The Pink Open Market (or a similar organization or agency succeeding to its functions of reporting prices), the average of the highest closing bid price and the lowest closing ask price of the Common Stock for the 45 Trading Days preceding such date, or (d) in all other cases, the fair market value of a share of Common Stock as determined by an independent appraiser selected in good faith by the Holders of a majority in interest of the Preferred Stock then outstanding and reasonably acceptable to the Corporation, the fees and expenses of which shall be paid by the Corporation.
Section 2. Designation, Amount and Par Value.
(a) The series of preferred stock shall be designated as its “9.99% Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock” (the “Preferred Stock”) and the number of shares so designated shall be up to 142,155 (which shall not be subject to increase without the written consent of the holders of 50% of the then outstanding Preferred Stock (each, a “Holder” and collectively, the “Holders”)). Each share of Preferred Stock shall have a par value of $0.0001 per share and a stated value equal to $1,200.00 (the “Stated Value”).
(b) The Corporation shall register, or cause its Transfer Agent to register, shares of the Preferred Stock upon records to be maintained by the Corporation or its Transfer Agent for that purpose (the “Preferred Stock Register”), in the name of the Holders thereof from time to time. The Corporation may deem and treat the registered Holder of shares of Preferred Stock as the absolute owner thereof for the purpose of any conversion thereof and for all other purposes. The Corporation shall register, or cause its Transfer Agent to register, the transfer of any shares of Preferred Stock in the Preferred Stock Register, upon surrender of any certificates evidencing such shares to be transferred, duly endorsed by the Holder thereof, to the Corporation at its address specified in the Corporation’s most recently filed Current Report on Form 8-K and after such Holder shall have provided to the Corporation such documentation and legal opinions, if any, as may be reasonably requested by the Corporation (including any documentation required by the Transfer Agent with respect to such transfer). Upon the registration of such transfer, a new certificate (to the extent such shares are certificated) evidencing the shares of Preferred Stock so transferred shall be issued to the transferee and a new certificate evidencing the
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remaining portion of the shares not so transferred, if any, shall be issued to the transferring Holder, in each case, within three Business Days. The Board of Directors may provide by resolution or resolutions that some or all of the Preferred Stock shall be uncertificated shares. The Corporation shall not be required to register, or cause its Transfer Agent to register, or record any transfer of any shares of the Preferred Stock that would violate, conflict with, or fail to be in compliance with federal or state securities laws.
Section 3. Dividends.
(a) Subject to the terms of this Section 3, cumulative dividends shall accrue on the Accrued Value of each share of Preferred Stock at the Annual Rate. Dividends on each share of Preferred Stock shall be cumulative and shall accrue daily, but shall be paid in cash or in kind, at the election of the Corporation, on a semi-annual basis on each Semi-Annual Dividend Date (the accrued but unpaid or uncompounded dividend owing on each Semi-Annual Dividend Date, the “Accrued Dividend”) whether or not earned or declared, and whether or not there are earnings or profits, surplus, or other funds or assets of the Corporation legally available for the payment of dividends. At the election of the Corporation, on each Semi Annual Dividend Date, the Accrued Dividend shall be paid (i) in cash (a “Cash Dividend”), or (ii) in kind by increasing the Accrued Value of such share (a “PIK Dividend”).
(b) The Corporation shall not declare, pay or set aside any dividends on shares of any other class or series of capital stock of the Corporation ranking junior to the Preferred Stock (other than dividends on Junior Securities payable in Junior Securities) unless (in addition to the obtaining of any consents required in this Certificate of Designation or the Corporation’s certificate of incorporation) the Holders of the Preferred Stock then outstanding shall first receive, or simultaneously receive, a dividend on each outstanding share of Preferred Stock in an amount at least equal to the sum of (i) the amount of the aggregate Accrued Dividends then accrued on such share of Preferred Stock and not previously paid and (ii) (A) in the case of a dividend on Common Stock or any class or series that is convertible into Common Stock, that dividend per share of Preferred Stock as would equal the product of (1) the dividend payable on each share of such class or series determined, if applicable, as if all shares of such class or series had been converted into Common Stock and (2) the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of a share of Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, in each case calculated on the record date for determination of holders entitled to receive such dividend or (B) in the case of a dividend on any class or series of capital stock of the Corporation ranking junior to the Preferred Stock that is not convertible into Common Stock, at a rate per share of Preferred Stock determined by (1) dividing the amount of the dividend payable on each share of such class or series of capital stock by the original issuance price of such class or series of capital stock (subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of any stock dividend, stock split, combination or other similar recapitalization with respect to such class or series) and (2) multiplying such fraction by an amount equal to the Accrued Value; provided that if the Corporation declares, pays or sets aside, on the same date, a dividend on shares of more than one class or series of capital stock of the Corporation that is junior to the Preferred Stock, the dividend payable to the Holders of Preferred Stock pursuant to this Section 3 shall be calculated based upon the dividend on the class or series of capital stock that would result in the highest Preferred Stock dividend.
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(c) Subject to Section 5 and Section 7, the Holders shall be entitled to receive, and the Corporation shall pay, dividends on shares of Preferred Stock (other than Accrued Dividends), on an as-converted basis, equal to cash dividends actually paid on shares of the Common Stock when, as and if such dividends are paid on shares of the Common Stock.
(d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, to the extent that the Holder’s right to participate in any dividend would result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation, then the Holder shall not be entitled to participate in such dividend to such extent (or in the beneficial ownership of any shares of Common Stock as a result of such Distribution to such extent) and the portion of such dividend shall be held in abeyance for the benefit of the Holder until such time, if ever, such grant, issuance or sale, as its right thereto would not result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation.
Section 4. Voting Rights.
(a) The Holders shall be entitled to notice of any meeting of stockholders of the Corporation and, except as otherwise required by law or as may be provided herein, shall vote together with the holders of Common Stock as a single class upon any matter submitted to the stockholders for a vote.
(b) On any matter presented to the stockholders of the Corporation for their action or consideration at any meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation (or by written consent in lieu of a meeting), a Holder, together with its Attribution Parties, shall be entitled to the number of votes equal to the number of whole shares of Common Stock into which the shares of Preferred Stock held by such Holder, together with its Attribution Parties, as are convertible on the record date for determining stockholders entitled to vote on such matter (as adjusted from time to time pursuant to Section 7 hereof and subject to the Beneficial Ownership Limitation), but without regard as to whether sufficient shares of Common Stock are available out of the Corporation’s authorized by unissued stock, for the purpose of effecting the conversion of the Preferred Stock.
(c) The Corporation shall not, without the affirmative vote or action by written consent of the Holders of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of the Preferred Stock (the “Required Holders”):
(i) liquidate, dissolve or wind-up the affairs of the Corporation;
(ii) amend, alter or repeal the Corporation’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws, or this Certificate of Designation in a manner that materially and adversely affects the powers, preferences or rights given to the Preferred Stock;
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(iii) create any equity security, authorize the creation of any equity security, classify any equity security, reclassify any equity security, or issue any other security convertible into or exercisable for any equity security, unless such security ranks junior to the Preferred Stock with respect to its rights, preferences and privileges or increase the number of authorized shares of Preferred Stock; or
(iv) except as set forth in Section 3, purchase or redeem or pay any cash dividend on any capital stock of the Corporation ranking junior to the Preferred Stock prior to payment of such cash dividend on the Preferred Stock or purchase or redeem any capital stock of the Corporation ranking junior to the Preferred Stock, other than capital stock repurchased at cost from former employees and consultants in connection with the cessation of their service or pursuant to the terms of any equity incentive plan of the Corporation;
Section 5. Ranking; Liquidation.
(a) The Preferred Stock shall rank senior to all of the Common Stock and any other class or series of capital stock of the Corporation currently existing or hereafter authorized, classified or reclassified by the Corporation (collectively, “Junior Securities”), in each case, as to rights to receive dividends or to participate in distributions of assets or payments upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, whether voluntarily or involuntarily.
(b) Preferential Payments to Holders of Preferred Stock; Distribution of Remaining Assets.
(i) In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, the Holders of shares of Preferred Stock then outstanding shall be entitled to be paid out of the assets of the Corporation available for distribution to its stockholders, and in the event of a Deemed Liquidation Event, the Holders of shares of Preferred Stock then outstanding shall be entitled to be paid out of the consideration payable to stockholders in such Deemed Liquidation Event or out of the Available Proceeds (as defined below), as applicable, before any payment shall be made to the holders of Common Stock or other Junior Securities by reason of their ownership thereof, an amount per share equal to the greater of: (i) (x) 100% of the Accrued Value; plus (y) the accrued but unpaid or uncompounded portion of the Accrued Dividend since the most recent Semi-Annual Dividend Date (determined on the basis of the Annual Rate for Cash Dividends since the most recent Semi-Annual Dividend Date) (such accrued but unpaid dividend, the “Accrued but Unpaid Dividend”) on each share of Preferred Stock or (ii) such amount per share as would have been payable had all shares of Preferred Stock been converted into Common Stock pursuant to Section 6 immediately prior to such liquidation, dissolution, winding up or Deemed Liquidation Event based on the then effective rate of conversion and without giving effect to the Beneficial Ownership Limitation or any other limitations on conversion set forth herein. If upon any such liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation or Deemed Liquidation Event, the assets of the Corporation available for distribution to its stockholders shall be insufficient to pay the Holders of shares of Preferred Stock the full amount to which they shall be entitled under
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this Section 5(b), the Holders of shares of Preferred Stock shall share ratably in any distribution of the assets available for distribution in proportion to the respective amounts that would otherwise be payable in respect of the shares held by them upon such distribution if all amounts payable on or with respect to such shares were paid in full.
(ii) In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, after the payment in full of all amounts required to be paid to the holders of shares of Preferred Stock pursuant to Section 5(b)(i), the remaining assets of the Corporation available for distribution to its stockholders or, in the case of a Deemed Liquidation Event, the consideration not payable to the holders of shares of Preferred Stock pursuant to Section 5(b)(i) or the remaining Available Proceeds, as the case may be, shall be distributed among the holders of the shares of Common Stock, pro rata based on the number of shares held by each such holder. The aggregate amount which a holder of a share of Preferred Stock is entitled to receive under Sections 5(b)(i) and 5(b)(ii) is hereinafter referred to as the “Preferred Stock Liquidation Amount.”
(c) Deemed Liquidation Events.
(i) In the event of a Deemed Liquidation Event, if the Corporation does not effect a dissolution of the Corporation under the Delaware General Corporation Law within 90 days after such Deemed Liquidation Event, then (i) the Corporation shall send a written notice to each Holder of Preferred Stock no later than the 90th day after the Deemed Liquidation Event advising such Holders of their right (and the requirements to be met to secure such right) pursuant to the terms of the following clause to require the redemption of such shares of Preferred Stock, and (ii) if the Required Holders so request in a written instrument delivered to the Corporation not later than 120 days after such Deemed Liquidation Event, the Corporation shall use the consideration received by the Corporation for such Deemed Liquidation Event (net of any retained liabilities associated with the assets sold or technology licensed, or any other expenses associated with the Deemed Liquidation Event or the dissolution of the Corporation, in each case as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Corporation), together with any other assets of the Corporation available for distribution to its stockholders, all to the extent permitted by Delaware law governing distributions to stockholders (the “Available Proceeds”), on the 150th day after such Deemed Liquidation Event, to redeem all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock at a price per share equal to the Preferred Stock Liquidation Amount. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of a redemption pursuant to the preceding sentence, if the Available Proceeds are not sufficient to redeem all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock, the Corporation shall redeem a pro rata portion of each Holder’s shares of Preferred Stock to the fullest extent of such Available Proceeds, based on the respective amounts that would otherwise be payable in respect of the shares to be redeemed if the Available Proceeds were sufficient to redeem all such shares, and shall redeem the remaining shares as soon as it may lawfully do so under Delaware law governing distributions to stockholders. The provisions of (i) shall apply, with such necessary changes in
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the details thereof as are necessitated by the context, to the redemption of the Preferred Stock pursuant to this Section 5(c)(i). Prior to the distribution or redemption provided for in this Section 5(c)(i), the Corporation shall not expend or dissipate the consideration received for such Deemed Liquidation Event, except to discharge expenses incurred in connection with such Deemed Liquidation Event.
(ii) In any Deemed Liquidation Event, if Available Proceeds are in a form of property other than in cash, the value of such distribution shall be deemed to be the fair market value of such property. The determination of fair market value of such property shall be made in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Corporation, provided that to the extent such property consists of securities, the fair market value of such securities shall be determined as follows:
For securities not subject to investment letters or other similar restrictions on free marketability covered by Section 5(c)(iii) below, the value shall be the VWAP of such securities.
(iii) The method of valuation of securities subject to investment letters or other similar restrictions on free marketability (other than restrictions arising solely by virtue of a stockholder’s status as an affiliate or former affiliate) shall take into account an appropriate discount (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Corporation) from the market value as determined pursuant to Section 5(c)(ii) above so as to reflect the approximate fair market value thereof.
(iv) In the event of a Deemed Liquidation Event, if any portion of the consideration payable to the stockholders of the Corporation is payable only upon satisfaction of contingencies (the “Additional Consideration”), (a) the portion of such consideration that is not Additional Consideration (such portion, the “Initial Consideration”) shall be allocated in accordance with the foregoing Section 5(b) and this Section 5(c) as if the Initial Consideration were the only consideration payable in connection with such Deemed Liquidation Event; and (b) any Additional Consideration which becomes payable to the stockholders of the Corporation upon satisfaction of such contingencies shall be allocated among the holders of capital stock of the Corporation in accordance with Section 5(b) after taking into account the previous payment of the Initial Consideration as part of the same transaction. For the purposes of this Section 5(c)(iv), consideration placed into escrow or retained as a holdback to be available for satisfaction of indemnification or similar obligations in connection with such Deemed Liquidation Event shall be deemed to be Additional Consideration.
Section 6. Conversion.
(a) Conversions at Option of Holder. Each share of Preferred Stock shall be convertible, at any time and from time to time from and after the Original Issue Date at the option of the Holder thereof, into that number of whole shares of Common Stock (subject to the limitations set forth in Section 6(d)) determined by dividing the Accrued Value of such share of Preferred Stock, plus any Accrued but Unpaid Dividends on such share of
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Preferred Stock, by the Conversion Price. Holders shall effect conversions by providing the Corporation with the form of conversion notice attached hereto as Annex A (a “Notice of Conversion”), unless the Corporation directs Holders that the Notice of Conversion shall be delivered to the Corporation’s transfer agent. Each Notice of Conversion shall specify the number of shares of Preferred Stock to be converted, the number of shares of Preferred Stock owned prior to the conversion at issue, the number of shares of Preferred Stock owned subsequent to the conversion at issue and the date on which such conversion is to be effected, which date may not be prior to the date the applicable Holder delivers by e-mail attachment or by a nationally recognized overnight courier service such Notice of Conversion to the Corporation (such date, the “Conversion Date”). If no Conversion Date is specified in a Notice of Conversion, the Conversion Date shall be the date that such Notice of Conversion to the Corporation is deemed delivered hereunder. No ink-original Notice of Conversion shall be required, nor shall any medallion guarantee (or other type of guarantee or notarization) of any Notice of Conversion form be required. The calculations and entries set forth in the Notice of Conversion shall control in the absence of manifest or mathematical error. To effect conversions of shares of Preferred Stock, a Holder shall not be required to surrender the certificate(s) representing the shares of Preferred Stock to the Corporation unless all of the shares of Preferred Stock represented thereby are so converted, in which case such Holder shall deliver the certificate representing such shares of Preferred Stock promptly following the Conversion Date at issue. Shares of Preferred Stock converted into Common Stock or redeemed in accordance with the terms hereof shall be canceled and shall not be reissued, and all rights (other than the right to receive the Conversion Shares) with respect to such shares will terminate. The Corporation’s stock ledger and transfer book shall serve as the exclusive record of outstanding shares of Preferred Stock.
(b) Conversion Price. The initial conversion price is $12.00, subject to adjustment herein (the “Conversion Price”).
(c) Mechanics of Conversion
(i) Delivery of Conversion Shares Upon Conversion. Not later than the number of Trading Days comprising the Standard Settlement Period (as defined below) after each Conversion Date (the “Share Delivery Date”), the Corporation shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the converting Holder the number of Conversion Shares being acquired upon the conversion of the Preferred Stock, which, on or after the one year anniversary of the Original Issue Date, will be free of restrictive legends and trading restrictions, provided the converting Holder delivers to the Corporation and its counsel all requested customary documentation and certifications. To the extent the Conversion Shares are issued free of restrictive legends and trading restrictions, the Corporation shall deliver the Conversion Shares required to be delivered by the Corporation under this Section 6 electronically through the Depository Trust Company if the Corporation is then a participant or another established clearing corporation performing similar functions. As used herein, “Standard Settlement Period” means the standard settlement period, expressed in a number of Trading Days, on the Corporation’s primary Trading Market with respect to the Common Stock as in effect on the date of delivery of the Notice of Conversion.
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(ii) Failure to Deliver Conversion Shares. If, in the case of any Notice of Conversion, such Conversion Shares are not delivered to or as reasonably directed by the applicable Holder by the Share Delivery Date, the Holder shall be entitled to elect by written notice to the Corporation at any time on or before its receipt of such Conversion Shares, to rescind such conversion, in which event the Corporation shall promptly return to the Holder any original Preferred Stock certificate delivered to the Corporation and the Holder shall promptly return to the Corporation the Conversion Shares issued to such Holder pursuant to the rescinded Notice of Conversion.
(iii) Obligation Absolute; Partial Liquidated Damages. The Corporation’s obligation to issue and deliver the Conversion Shares upon conversion of Preferred Stock in accordance with the terms hereof are absolute and unconditional, irrespective of any action or inaction by a Holder to enforce the same, any waiver or consent with respect to any provision hereof, the recovery of any judgment against any Person or any action to enforce the same, or any setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, limitation or termination, or any breach or alleged breach by such Holder or any other Person of any obligation to the Corporation or any violation or alleged violation of law by such Holder or any other person, and irrespective of any other circumstance which might otherwise limit such obligation of the Corporation to such Holder in connection with the issuance of such Conversion Shares; provided, however, that such delivery shall not operate as a waiver by the Corporation of any such action that the Corporation may have against such Holder. In the event a Holder shall elect to convert any or all of its Preferred Stock, the Corporation may not refuse conversion based on any claim that such Holder or anyone associated or affiliated with such Holder has been engaged in any violation of law, agreement or for any other reason, unless an injunction from a court, on notice to Holder, restraining and/or enjoining conversion of all or part of the Preferred Stock of such Holder shall have been sought and obtained, and the Corporation posts a surety bond for the benefit of such Holder in the amount of 150% of the Accrued Value of Preferred Stock which is subject to the injunction, which bond shall remain in effect until the completion of arbitration/litigation of the underlying dispute and the proceeds of which shall be payable to such Holder to the extent it obtains judgment. In the absence of such injunction, the Corporation shall issue Conversion Shares and, if applicable, cash, upon a properly noticed conversion. If the Corporation fails to deliver to a Holder, for any reason unrelated to the actions of the Holder or its Affiliates, such Conversion Shares pursuant to Section 6(c)(i) by the 10th Trading Day after the Share Delivery Date applicable to such conversion, the Corporation shall pay to such Holder, in cash, as liquidated damages and not as a penalty, for each $5,000 of Accrued Value of Preferred Stock being converted, $25 per Trading Day (increasing to $50 per Trading Day on the third Trading Day and increasing to $100 per Trading Day on the sixth Trading Day after such damages begin to accrue) for each Trading Day after the 10th Trading Day after the Share Delivery Date until such Conversion Shares are delivered or
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Holder rescinds such conversion. Nothing herein shall limit a Holder’s right to pursue actual damages for the Corporation’s failure to deliver Conversion Shares within the period specified herein and such Holder shall have the right to pursue all remedies available to it hereunder, at law or in equity, including, without limitation, a decree of specific performance and/or injunctive relief. The exercise of any such rights shall not prohibit a Holder from seeking to enforce damages pursuant to any other Section hereof or under applicable law.
(iv) Compensation for Buy-In on Failure to Timely Deliver Conversion Shares Upon Conversion. In addition to any other rights available to the Holder, if the Corporation fails for any reason unrelated to the actions of the Holder or its Affiliates to deliver to a Holder the applicable Conversion Shares by the Share Delivery Date pursuant to Section 6(c)(i), and if after such Share Delivery Date such Holder is required by its brokerage firm to purchase (in an open market transaction or otherwise), or the Holder’s brokerage firm otherwise purchases, shares of Common Stock to deliver in satisfaction of a sale by such Holder of the Conversion Shares which such Holder was entitled to receive upon the conversion relating to such Share Delivery Date (a “Buy-In”), then the Corporation shall (A) pay in cash to such Holder (in addition to any other remedies available to or elected by such Holder) the amount, if any, by which (x) such Holder’s total purchase price (including any brokerage commissions) for the Common Stock so purchased exceeds (y) the product of (1) the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that such Holder was entitled to receive from the conversion at issue multiplied by (2) the actual sale price at which the sell order giving rise to such purchase obligation was executed (excluding any brokerage commissions) and (B) at the option of such Holder, either reissue (if surrendered) the shares of Preferred Stock equal to the number of shares of Preferred Stock submitted for conversion for which the conversion was not honored (in which case, such conversion shall be deemed rescinded) or deliver to such Holder the number of shares of Common Stock that would have been issued if the Corporation had timely complied with its delivery requirements under Section 6(c)(i). For example, if a Holder purchases shares of Common Stock having a total purchase price of $11,000 to cover a Buy-In with respect to an attempted conversion of shares of Preferred Stock with respect to which the actual sale price of the Conversion Shares (including any applicable brokerage commissions) giving rise to such purchase obligation was a total of $10,000, under clause (A) of the immediately preceding sentence, the Corporation shall be required to pay such Holder $1,000. The Holder shall provide the Corporation written notice indicating the amounts payable to such Holder in respect of the Buy-In and evidence of the amount of such loss. If a Holder purchases shares of Common Stock having a total purchase price of $9,000 to cover a Buy-In with respect to an attempted conversion of shares of Preferred Stock with respect to which the actual sale price of the Conversion Shares (including any applicable brokerage commissions) giving rise to such purchase obligation was a total of $10,000, under clause (A) of the preceding sentence, the Corporation shall not be required to pay Holder any amount. For the avoidance of doubt, in the event of a Buy-In, the Holder shall use commercially reasonable efforts to purchase shares at the lowest available price, paying the lowest reasonably available brokerage
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commission. The Holder shall provide the Corporation written notice indicating the amounts payable to such Holder in respect of the Buy-In and evidence of the amount of such loss. Nothing herein shall limit a Holder’s right to pursue any other remedies available to it hereunder, at law or in equity including, without limitation, a decree of specific performance and/or injunctive relief with respect to the Corporation’s failure to timely deliver Conversion Shares upon conversion of the shares of Preferred Stock as required pursuant to the terms hereof.
(v) Reservation of Shares Issuable Upon Conversion. The Corporation covenants that it will at all times reserve and keep available out of its authorized and unissued shares of Common Stock for the sole purpose of issuance upon conversion of the Preferred Stock as herein provided, free from preemptive rights or any other actual contingent purchase rights of Persons other than the Holder (and the other Holders of the Preferred Stock), not less than such aggregate number of shares of the Common Stock as shall be issuable (taking into account the adjustments and restrictions of Section 7) upon the conversion of the then outstanding shares of Preferred Stock (assuming for such purpose a Conversion Price equal to the Floor Price and any such conversions are made without regard to any limitations on conversion set forth herein). The Corporation covenants that all shares of Common Stock that shall be so issuable shall, upon issue, in accordance with this Certificate of Designation, be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
(vi) Fractional Shares. No fractional shares or scrip representing fractional shares shall be issued upon the conversion of the Preferred Stock. As to any fraction of a share which the Holder would otherwise be entitled to purchase upon such conversion, the Corporation shall at its election, either pay a cash adjustment in respect of such final fraction in an amount equal to such fraction multiplied by the Conversion Price or round up to the next whole share. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, but consistent with the provisions of this subsection with respect to fractional Conversion Shares, nothing shall prevent any Holder from converting fractional shares of Preferred Stock.
(vii) Transfer Taxes and Expenses. The issuance of Conversion Shares on conversion of this Preferred Stock shall be made without charge to any Holder for any documentary stamp or similar taxes that may be payable in respect of the issue or delivery of such Conversion Shares, provided that the Corporation shall not be required to pay any tax that may be payable in respect of any transfer involved in the issuance and delivery of any such Conversion Shares upon conversion in a name other than that of the Holders of such shares of Preferred Stock and the Corporation shall not be required to issue or deliver such Conversion Shares unless or until the Person or Persons requesting the issuance thereof shall have paid to the Corporation the amount of such tax or shall have established to the satisfaction of the Corporation that such tax has been paid.
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(d) Beneficial Ownership Limitation. A Holder may notify the Corporation in writing in the event it elects to be subject to the provisions contained in this Section 6(d); however, no Holder shall be subject to this Section 6(d) unless he, she or it makes such election. If the election is made, (i) the Corporation shall not effect any conversion of the Preferred Stock, and such Holder shall not have the right to convert all or any portion of the Preferred Stock, to the extent that, after giving effect to the conversion set forth on the applicable Notice of Conversion, such Holder (together with such Holder’s Affiliates, and any Persons acting as a group together with such Holder or any of such Holder’s Affiliates (such Persons, “Attribution Parties”)) would beneficially own in excess of 4.9%, 9.9%, or 19.9% of the Corporation’s Common Stock (or such other amount as a Holder may specify) (the “Beneficial Ownership Limitation”) and (ii) the Corporation shall not permit the Holder to vote, and such Holder shall not have the right vote pursuant to Section 4(b) of this Certificate of Designation, all or any portion of the Preferred Stock that such Holder is not permitted to convert pursuant to the preceding clause (i) (provided, however, that such Holder shall retain the right to vote pursuant to Section 4(c) of this Certificate of Designation to the extent that retaining such right does not cause such Holder to be deemed to beneficially own Conversion Shares within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act). For purposes of the foregoing sentence, the number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by such Holder and its Affiliates and Attribution Parties shall include the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Preferred Stock with respect to which such determination is being made, but shall exclude the number of shares of Common Stock which are issuable upon (i) conversion of the remaining, unconverted Preferred Stock beneficially owned by such Holder or any of its Affiliates or Attribution Parties and (ii) exercise or conversion of the unexercised or unconverted portion of any other securities of the Corporation subject to a limitation on conversion or exercise analogous to the limitation contained herein beneficially owned by such Holder or any of its Affiliates or Attribution Parties. Except as set forth in the preceding sentence, for purposes of this Section 6(d), beneficial ownership shall be calculated in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. To the extent that the limitation contained in this Section 6(d) applies, the determination of whether the Preferred Stock is convertible (in relation to other securities owned by such Holder together with any Affiliates and Attribution Parties) and of how many shares of Preferred Stock are convertible shall be in the sole discretion of such Holder, and the submission of a Notice of Conversion shall be deemed to be such Holder’s determination of whether the shares of Preferred Stock may be converted (in relation to other securities owned by such Holder together with any Affiliates and Attribution Parties) and how many shares of the Preferred Stock are convertible, in each case subject to the Beneficial Ownership Limitation. To ensure compliance with this restriction, each Holder will be deemed to represent to the Corporation each time it delivers a Notice of Conversion that such Notice of Conversion has not violated the restrictions set forth in this paragraph and the Corporation shall have no obligation to verify or confirm the accuracy of such determination. In addition, a determination as to any group status as contemplated above shall be determined in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. The Holder shall provide the Corporation with any information reasonably requested by the Corporation in connection with this Beneficial Ownership Limitation and the provisions related thereto, in each case with respect to the Corporation’s reporting obligations pursuant to the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, or other federal or
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state securities regulations. For purposes of this Section 6(d), in determining the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock, a Holder may rely on the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock as stated in the most recent of the following: (i) the Corporation’s most recent periodic or annual report filed with the Commission, as the case may be, (ii) a more recent public announcement by the Corporation or (iii) a more recent written notice by the Corporation or the Transfer Agent setting forth the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding. Upon the written or oral request (which may be via email) of a Holder, the Corporation shall within two Trading Days confirm in writing to such Holder the number of shares of Common Stock then outstanding. In any case, the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock shall be determined after giving effect to the conversion or exercise of securities of the Corporation, including the Preferred Stock, by such Holder or its Affiliates or Attribution Parties since the date as of which such number of outstanding shares of Common Stock was reported. By written notice to the Corporation, a Holder may from time to time increase or decrease the Beneficial Ownership Limitation applicable to such Holder, provided, however, that any such increase in the Beneficial Ownership Limitation will not be effective until the sixty-first (61st) day after such notice is delivered to the Corporation. The provisions of this paragraph shall be construed and implemented in a manner otherwise than in strict conformity with the terms of this Section 6(d) to correct this paragraph (or any portion hereof) which may be defective or inconsistent with the intended Beneficial Ownership Limitation contained herein or to make changes or supplements necessary or desirable to properly give effect to such limitation. The limitations contained in this paragraph shall apply to a successor Holder of Preferred Stock.
Section 7. Certain Adjustments.
(a) Stock Dividends and Stock Splits. If the Corporation, at any time while this Preferred Stock is outstanding: (i) pays a stock dividend or otherwise makes a distribution or distributions payable in shares of Common Stock on shares of Common Stock or any other Common Stock Equivalents (which, for avoidance of doubt, shall not include any shares of Common Stock issued by the Corporation upon conversion of, or payment of a dividend on, this Preferred Stock or any cash distributions), (ii) subdivides outstanding shares of Common Stock into a larger number of shares, (iii) combines (including by way of a reverse stock split) outstanding shares of Common Stock into a smaller number of shares, or (iv) issues, in the event of a reclassification of shares of the Common Stock, any shares of capital stock of the Corporation, then each of the Conversion Price and the Floor Price shall be multiplied by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock (excluding any treasury shares of the Corporation) outstanding immediately before such event, and of which the denominator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after such event. Any adjustment made pursuant to this Section 7(a) shall become effective immediately after the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such dividend or distribution and shall become effective immediately after the effective date in the case of a subdivision, combination or re-classification.
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(b) VWAP Reset. If on the 46th trading day following the date that is six months after the Closing Date, the VWAP (the “Measurement Price”) is less than the Conversion Price then in effect, then the Conversion Price then in effect shall be reduced to an amount equal to the greater of (i) the Measurement Price and (ii) $8.00. In addition, if on the 46th trading day following the date that is nine months after the Closing Date, the VWAP (the “Second Measurement Price”) is less than the Conversion Price then in effect, then the Conversion Price then in effect shall be reduced to an amount equal to the greater of (i) the Second Measurement Price and (ii) $6.00.
(c) Adjustment of Conversion Price upon Issuance of Common Stock. If and whenever on or after the Closing Date until the first date on which no shares of Preferred Stock are outstanding the Corporation issues or sells, or in accordance with this Section 7(c) is deemed to have issued or sold, any shares of Common Stock (including the issuance or sale of shares of Common Stock owned or held by or for the account of the Corporation, but excluding shares of Common Stock issued or sold, or deemed to have been issued or sold, by the Corporation in connection with any Exempt Issuance) for a consideration per share (the “New Issuance Price”) less than the Conversion Price then in effect (each such issue, sale or deemed issuance or sale, a “Dilutive Issuance”), where the aggregate amount of consideration received by the Corporation, together with all prior issuances and sales conducted for the purpose of raising capital by the Corporation on or after the Closing Date that were excluded from this Section 7(c) by this clause, exceeds $500,000, then, immediately after such Dilutive Issuance, the Conversion Price then in effect shall be reduced to an amount equal to the New Issuance Price. For all purposes of the foregoing (including, without limitation, determining the adjusted Conversion Price and the New Issuance Price under this Section 7(c)), the following shall be applicable:
(i) Options and Convertible Securities. The consideration per share received by the Corporation for Common Stock issued or deemed to have been issued pursuant to Section 7(c)(ii), relating to Options and Convertible Securities, shall be determined by dividing:
| a. | the total amount, if any, received or receivable by the Corporation as consideration for the issue of such Options or Convertible Securities, plus the minimum aggregate amount of additional consideration (as set forth in the instruments relating thereto, without regard to any provision contained therein for a subsequent adjustment of such consideration) payable to the Corporation upon the exercise of such Options or the conversion or exchange of such Convertible Securities, or in the case of Options for Convertible Securities, the exercise of such Options for Convertible Securities and the conversion or exchange of such Convertible Securities, by |
| b. | the maximum number of shares of Common Stock (as set forth in the instruments relating thereto, without regard to any provision contained therein for a subsequent adjustment of such number) deemed to be issued pursuant to Section 7(c)(ii) upon the issuance of such Options or Convertible Securities. |
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(ii) Deemed Issuance of Options and Convertible Securities.
| a. | If the Corporation at any time or from time to time shall issue any Options or Convertible Securities or shall fix a record date for the determination of holders of any class of securities entitled to receive any such Options or Convertible Securities, then the maximum number of shares of Common Stock (as set forth in the instrument relating thereto, assuming the satisfaction of any conditions to exercisability, convertibility or exchangeability but without regard to any provision contained therein for a subsequent adjustment of such number) issuable upon the exercise of such Options or, in the case of Convertible Securities and Options therefor, the conversion or exchange of such Convertible Securities, shall be deemed to be outstanding and to have been issued as of the time of such issue or, in case such a record date shall have been fixed, as of the close of business on such record date. |
| b. | If the purchase or exercise price provided for in any Options, the additional consideration, if any, payable upon the issue, conversion, exercise or exchange of any Convertible Securities, or the rate at which any Convertible Securities are convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock increases or decreases at any time (other than (i) proportional changes in conversion or exercise prices, as applicable, in connection with an event referred to in Section 7(a) above and (ii) automatic adjustments to such terms pursuant to anti-dilution or similar provisions of such Option or Convertible Security which are not more favorable to the holder thereof than the anti-dilution and similar provisions set forth herein), the Conversion Price in effect at the time of such increase or decrease shall be adjusted to the Conversion Price which would have been in effect at such time had such Options or Convertible Securities provided for such increased or decreased purchase price, additional consideration or increased or decreased conversion rate (as the case may be) at the time initially granted, issued or sold. For purposes of this Section 7(c), if the terms of any Option or Convertible Security that was outstanding as of the date of first issuance of a share of Preferred Stock are increased or decreased in the manner described in the immediately preceding sentence, then such Option or Convertible Security and the shares of Common Stock deemed issuable upon exercise, conversion or exchange thereof shall be deemed to have been issued as of the date of such increase or decrease. No adjustment pursuant to this Section 7(c)(ii) shall be made if such adjustment would result in an increase of the Conversion Price then in effect. |
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(iii) Calculation of Consideration Received.
| a. | In case one or more Option is issued in connection with the issue or sale of other securities of the Corporation, together comprising one integrated transaction, (x) each such Option will be deemed to have been issued for the Option Value of such Option and (y) the other securities issued or sold in such integrated transaction shall be deemed to have been issued or sold for the difference of (I) the aggregate consideration received by the Corporation less any consideration paid or payable by the Corporation pursuant to the terms of such other securities of the Corporation, less (II) the Option Value of each such Option. |
| b. | If any shares of Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities are issued or sold or deemed to have been issued or sold for cash, the consideration other than cash received therefor will be deemed to be the net amount received by the Corporation therefor. If any shares of Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities are issued or sold for a consideration other than cash, the amount of such consideration received by the Corporation will be the fair value of such consideration, except where such consideration consists of publicly traded securities, in which case the amount of consideration received by the Corporation will be the VWAP of such publicly traded securities on the date of receipt. If any shares of Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities are issued to the owners of the non-surviving entity in connection with any merger in which the Corporation is the surviving entity, the amount of consideration therefor will be deemed to be the fair value of such portion of the net assets and business of the non-surviving entity as is attributable to such shares of Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities, as the case may be. The fair value of any consideration other than cash or publicly traded securities will be determined jointly by the Corporation and the Required Holders. If such parties are unable to reach agreement within ten (10) days after the occurrence of an event requiring valuation (the “Valuation Event”), the fair value of such consideration will be determined within five (5) Business Days after the tenth (10th) day following the Valuation Event by an independent, reputable appraiser jointly selected by the Corporation and the Required Holders. The determination of such appraiser shall be final and binding upon all parties absent manifest error and the fees and expenses of such appraiser shall be borne by the Corporation. |
(iv) Record Date. If the Corporation takes a record of the holders of shares of Common Stock for the purpose of entitling them (A) to receive a dividend or other distribution payable in shares of Common Stock, Options or in Convertible Securities or (B) to subscribe for or purchase shares of Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities, then such record date will be deemed to be the date of the issuance or sale of the shares of Common Stock deemed to have been issued or sold upon the declaration of such dividend or the making of such other distribution or the date of the granting of such right of subscription or purchase (as the case may be).
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(v) Expiration or Termination of Options or Convertible Securities. Upon the expiration or termination of any unexercised Option or unconverted or unexchanged Convertible Securities (or portion thereof) which resulted (either upon its original issuance or upon a revision of its terms) in an adjustment to the Conversion Price pursuant to the terms of Section 7(c), the Conversion Price shall be readjusted to such Conversion Price as would have obtained had such Option or Convertible Securities (or portion thereof) never been issued.
(d) Subsequent Rights Offerings. In addition to any adjustments pursuant to Section 7(a) and Section 7(c) above, if at any time the Corporation grants, issues or sells any Common Stock Equivalents or rights to purchase stock, warrants, securities or other property pro rata to the record holders of any class of shares of Common Stock (the “Purchase Rights”), then the Holders will be entitled to acquire, upon the terms applicable to such Purchase Rights, the aggregate Purchase Rights which the Holder could have acquired if the Holder had held the number of shares of Common Stock acquirable upon complete conversion of such Holder’s Preferred Stock (without regard to any limitations on conversion hereof, including without limitation, the Beneficial Ownership Limitation) immediately before the date on which a record is taken for the grant, issuance or sale of such Purchase Rights, or, if no such record is taken, the date as of which the record holders of shares of Common Stock are to be determined for the grant, issue or sale of such Purchase Rights (provided, however, that, to the extent that the Holder’s right to participate in any such Purchase Right would result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation, then the Holder shall not be entitled to participate in such Purchase Right to such extent (or beneficial ownership of such shares of Common Stock as a result of such Purchase Right to such extent) and such Purchase Right to such extent shall be held in abeyance for the Holder until such time, if ever, as its right thereto would not result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation). To the extent that the issue price of such Purchase Rights would result in an adjustment of the Conversion Price pursuant to Section 7(c), such adjustment shall not occur to the extent the Holders were granted the right to acquire such Purchase Rights on the applicable terms.
(e) Pro Rata Distributions. In addition to the requirements of Section 3, during such time as this Preferred Stock is outstanding, if the Corporation declares or makes any dividend or other distribution of its assets (or rights to acquire its assets) to holders of shares of Common Stock, by way of return of capital or otherwise (including, without limitation, any distribution of cash, stock or other securities, property or options by way of a dividend, spin off, reclassification, corporate rearrangement, scheme of arrangement or other similar transaction, but excluding in any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation or Deemed Liquidation Event) (a “Distribution”), in each such case, the Holders shall be entitled to participate in such Distribution to the same extent that the Holders would have participated therein if the Holder had held the number of shares of Common Stock acquirable upon complete conversion of this Preferred Stock (without regard to any limitations on conversion hereof, including without limitation, the Beneficial Ownership Limitation) immediately before the date of which a record is taken for such
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Distribution, or, if no such record is taken, the date as of which the record holders of shares of Common Stock are to be determined for the participation in such Distribution (provided, however, to the extent that the Holder’s right to participate in any such Distribution would result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation, then the Holder shall not be entitled to participate in such Distribution to such extent (or in the beneficial ownership of any shares of Common Stock as a result of such Distribution to such extent) and the portion of such Distribution shall be held in abeyance for the benefit of the Holder until such time, if ever such grant, issuance or sale, as its right thereto would not result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation).
(f) Fundamental Transaction.
(i) If, at any time while this Preferred Stock is outstanding, (i) the Corporation, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions effects any merger or consolidation of the Corporation with or into another Person, (ii) the Corporation (and all of its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole), directly or indirectly, effects any sale, lease, license, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of its assets in one or a series of related transactions, (iii) any, direct or indirect, purchase offer, tender offer or exchange offer (whether by the Corporation or another Person) is completed pursuant to which holders of Common Stock are permitted to sell, tender or exchange their shares for other securities, cash or property and has been accepted by the holders of 50% or more of the outstanding Common Stock or 50% or more of the voting power of the common equity of the Corporation, (iv) the Corporation, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions effects any reclassification, reorganization or recapitalization of the Common Stock or any compulsory share exchange pursuant to which the Common Stock is effectively converted into or exchanged for other securities, cash or property (other than as a result of a stock split, combination or reclassification of shares of Common Stock covered by Section 7(a)), or (v) the Corporation, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions consummates a stock or share purchase agreement or other business combination (including, without limitation, a reorganization, recapitalization, spin-off or scheme of arrangement) with another Person whereby such other Person acquires 50% or more of the outstanding shares of Common Stock or 50% or more of the voting power of the common equity of the Corporation, and such event(s) do not constitute a Deemed Liquidation Event (each a “Fundamental Transaction”), then, upon any subsequent conversion of this Preferred Stock, the Holder shall have the right to receive, for each Conversion Share that would have been issuable upon such conversion immediately prior to the occurrence of such Fundamental Transaction (without regard to any limitation in Section 6(d) on the conversion of this Preferred Stock), the number of shares of capital stock of the successor or acquiring corporation or of the Corporation, if it is the surviving corporation, and any additional consideration (the “Alternate Consideration”) receivable as a result of such Fundamental Transaction by a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock for which this Preferred Stock is convertible immediately prior to such Fundamental Transaction (without regard to any limitation in Section 6(d) on the conversion of this Preferred Stock).
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(ii) For purposes of any such conversion, the determination of the Conversion Price shall be appropriately adjusted to apply to such Alternate Consideration based on the amount of Alternate Consideration issuable in respect of one share of Common Stock in such Fundamental Transaction, and the Corporation shall apportion the Conversion Price among the Alternate Consideration in a reasonable manner reflecting the relative value of any different components of the Alternate Consideration. If holders of Common Stock are given any choice as to the securities, cash or property to be received in a Fundamental Transaction, then the Holder shall be given the same choice as to the Alternate Consideration it receives upon any conversion of this Preferred Stock following such Fundamental Transaction. To the extent necessary to effectuate the foregoing provisions, any successor to the Corporation or surviving entity in such Fundamental Transaction shall file a new Certificate of Designation with the same terms and conditions and issue to the Holders new preferred stock consistent with the foregoing provisions and evidencing the Holders’ right to convert such preferred stock into Alternate Consideration.
(iii) The Corporation shall cause any successor entity in a Fundamental Transaction in which the Corporation is not the survivor (the “Successor Entity”) to assume in writing all of the obligations of the Corporation under this Certificate of Designation in accordance with the provisions of this Section 7(f) pursuant to written agreements in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Required Holders and approved by the Required Holders (without unreasonable delay) prior to such Fundamental Transaction and shall, at the option of the Holder of this Preferred Stock, deliver to the Holder in exchange for this Preferred Stock a security of the Successor Entity evidenced by a written instrument substantially similar in form and substance to this Preferred Stock which is convertible for a corresponding number of shares of capital stock of such Successor Entity (or its parent entity) equivalent to the shares of Common Stock acquirable and receivable upon conversion of this Preferred Stock (without regard to any limitations on the conversion of this Preferred Stock) prior to such Fundamental Transaction, and with a conversion price which applies the Conversion Price hereunder to such shares of capital stock (but taking into account the relative value of the shares of Common Stock pursuant to such Fundamental Transaction and the value of such shares of capital stock, such number of shares of capital stock and such conversion price being for the purpose of protecting the economic value of this Preferred Stock immediately prior to the consummation of such Fundamental Transaction), and which is reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Required Holders.
(g) Calculations. All calculations under this Section 7 shall be made to the nearest cent or the nearest 1/100th of a share, as the case may be. For purposes of this Section 7, the number of shares of Common Stock deemed to be issued and outstanding as of a given date shall be the sum of the number of shares of Common Stock (excluding any treasury shares of the Corporation) issued and outstanding.
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(h) Notice to the Holders.
(i) Adjustment to Conversion Price. Whenever the Conversion Price is adjusted pursuant to any provision of this Section 7, the Corporation shall promptly deliver to each Holder by email a notice setting forth the Conversion Price after such adjustment and setting forth a brief statement of the facts requiring such adjustment.
(ii) Notice to Allow Conversion by Holder. If (A) the Corporation shall declare a dividend (or any other distribution in whatever form) on the Common Stock, (B) the Corporation shall declare a redemption of the Common Stock, (C) the Corporation shall authorize the granting to all holders of the Common Stock of rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase any shares of capital stock of any class or of any rights, (D) the approval of any stockholders of the Corporation shall be required in connection with any reclassification of the Common Stock, any consolidation or merger to which the Corporation is a party, any sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation (and all of its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole), or any compulsory share exchange whereby the Common Stock is converted into other securities, cash or property or (E) the Corporation shall authorize the voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, then, in each case, the Corporation shall cause to be filed at each office or agency maintained for the purpose of conversion of this Preferred Stock, and shall cause to be delivered by email to each Holder at its email address as it shall appear upon the stock books of the Corporation, at least 20 calendar days prior to the applicable record or effective date hereinafter specified, a notice stating (x) the date on which a record is to be taken for the purpose of such dividend, distribution, redemption, rights or warrants, or if a record is not to be taken, the date as of which the holders of the Common Stock of record to be entitled to such dividend, distributions, redemption, rights or warrants are to be determined or (y) the date on which such reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or share exchange is expected to become effective or close, and the date as of which it is expected that holders of the Common Stock of record shall be entitled to exchange their shares of the Common Stock for securities, cash or other property deliverable upon such reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or share exchange, provided that the failure to deliver such notice or any defect therein or in the delivery thereof shall not affect the validity of the corporate action required to be specified in such notice. To the extent that any notice provided hereunder constitutes, or contains, material, non-public information regarding the Corporation or any of the Subsidiaries, the Corporation shall simultaneously file such notice with the Commission pursuant to a Current Report on Form 8-K, unless determined by the Corporation that such filing would be harmful to the Corporation at such time, in which case the Corporation shall file such 8-K as soon as is reasonably practicable in its discretion. For the avoidance of doubt, and without limiting the conversion rights of any Holder, each Holder shall remain entitled to convert its Preferred Stock (in whole or in part) during the twenty (20)-day period commencing on the date of such notice through the effective date of the event triggering such notice except as may otherwise be expressly set forth herein.
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Section 8. Redemption.
(a) Redemption by the Corporation. Subject to the provisions of this Section 8 and unless prohibited by applicable law governing distributions to stockholders, the Corporation may, in its sole discretion, redeem all or a portion of the outstanding shares of Preferred Stock:
(i) prior to the first anniversary of the Closing Date, at a redemption price per share equal to 150% of the Accrued Value plus Accrued but Unpaid Dividends on such share;
(ii) on or after the first anniversary of the Closing Date but prior to the second anniversary of the Closing Date, at a redemption price per share equal to 140% of the Accrued Value plus Accrued but Unpaid Dividends on such share;
(iii) on or after the second anniversary of the Closing Date but prior to the third anniversary of the Closing Date, at a redemption price per share equal to 130% of the Accrued Value plus Accrued but Unpaid Dividends on such share;
(iv) on or after the third anniversary of the Closing Date but prior to the fourth anniversary of the Closing Date, at a redemption price per share equal to 120% of the Accrued Value plus Accrued but Unpaid Dividends on such share;
(v) on or after the fourth anniversary of the Closing Date but prior to the fifth anniversary of the Closing Date, at a redemption price per share equal to 110% of the Accrued Value plus Accrued but Unpaid Dividends on such share; and
(vi) on or after the fifth anniversary of the Closing Date, at a redemption price per share equal to 100% of the Accrued Value plus Accrued but Unpaid Dividends on such share.
If, on the date of such redemption, applicable law governing distributions to stockholders prevents the Corporation from redeeming all shares of Preferred Stock scheduled to be redeemed, the Corporation shall be entitled to ratably redeem the maximum number of shares that it may redeem consistent with such law and any Preferred Stock not so redeemed shall remain outstanding. The Corporation shall provide written notice (the “Corporation Notice”) by e-mail and first class mail postage prepaid, to each Holder of record (determined at the close of business on the Business Day next preceding the day on which the Corporation Notice is given) of the Preferred Stock to be redeemed, at the address last shown on the records of the Corporation for such Holder, notifying such Holder of the redemption to be effected, specifying the number of shares to be redeemed from such Holder, specifying the date of such redemption, the redemption price, the place at which payment may be obtained and calling upon such Holder to surrender to the Corporation, in the manner and at the place designated, his, her or its certificate or certificates representing the shares to be redeemed; provided that the date of redemption shall be not less than 15 days from the date of the Corporation Notice. Except as otherwise provided herein, on or after the applicable date of redemption, each Holder to be redeemed shall surrender to the Corporation the certificate or certificates representing such shares, in the manner and at the
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place designated in the Corporation Notice, and thereupon the price of redemption of such shares shall be payable to the order of the person whose name appears on such certificate or certificates as the owner thereof and each surrendered certificate shall be cancelled. In the event less than all the shares represented by any such certificate are redeemed, a new certificate shall be issued representing the unredeemed shares. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, each Holder shall remain entitled to convert all or a portion of its Preferred Stock at any time and from time to time during the 15-day period commencing on the date of the Corporation Notice through the applicable date of redemption.
(b) Redemption by the Holders.
(i) Unless prohibited by applicable law governing distribution to stockholders, shares of Preferred Stock owned by a requesting Holder shall be redeemed by the Corporation at a purchase price equal to the Accrued Value plus Accrued but Unpaid Dividends on such shares (the “Redemption Price”), if at any time and from time to time after the fifth anniversary of the Closing Date, a Holder delivers to the Corporation a written notice demanding redemption of all of such Holder’s shares of Preferred Stock (the “Redemption Request”). The 180th day after the date of such notice shall be referred to as the “Redemption Date.” Upon receipt of a Redemption Request, the Corporation shall apply all of its assets to any such redemption, and to no other corporate purpose, until the Redemption Price has been paid in full, except to the extent prohibited by Delaware law governing distributions to stockholders.
(ii) Following receipt of a Redemption Request, the Corporation shall send written notice of the mandatory redemption (the “Redemption Notice”) to the redeeming Holder of record of Preferred Stock not less than 15 days prior to the Redemption Date. The Redemption Notice shall state:
| a. | the number of shares of Preferred Stock held by the Holder that the Corporation shall redeem on the Redemption Date; |
| b. | the Redemption Date and the Redemption Price; |
| c. | the date upon which the Holder’s right to convert such shares terminates; and |
| d. | for Holders of shares in certificated form, that the Holder is to surrender to the Corporation, in the manner and at the place designated, his, her or its certificate or certificates representing the shares of Preferred Stock to be redeemed. |
(iii) On the Redemption Date, the Corporation shall redeem the Preferred Stock owned by such Holder. If on the Redemption Date Delaware law governing distributions to stockholders prevents the Corporation from redeeming all shares of Preferred Stock to be redeemed, the Corporation shall ratably redeem the maximum number of shares that it may redeem consistent with such law, and shall redeem the remaining shares as soon as it may lawfully do so under such law. In the event that
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any portion of the Redemption Price has not been paid within five Business Days following the Redemption Date, interest on such unpaid portion of the Redemption Price shall accrue thereon until such amount is paid in full at a rate equal to the lesser of (i) 24.0% per annum and (ii) the maximum rate permitted under applicable law.
(c) Rights Subsequent to Redemption. Upon the redemption of shares of Preferred Stock pursuant to Section 8(a) or Section 8(b), all rights with respect to such shares of Preferred Stock shall immediately terminate, except with respect to the right of the Holders to receive the applicable redemption price with respect to such shares of Preferred Stock in accordance with Section 8(a) or Section 8(b), as applicable.
Section 9. Miscellaneous.
(a) Notices. Any and all notices or other communications or deliveries to be provided by the Holders hereunder including, without limitation, any Notice of Conversion, shall be in writing and delivered personally, by e-mail, or sent by nationally recognized overnight courier service, addressed to the Corporation, at the address set forth in the Corporation’s most recently filed Current Report on Form 8-K or email address most recently provided to Holders by the Corporation for purposes of notice hereunder Attention: Kodiak Legal, e-mail address legal@kodiak.ai, or such other e-mail address or address as the Corporation may specify for such purposes by notice to the Holders delivered in accordance with this Section 9. Any and all notices or other communications or deliveries to be provided by the Corporation hereunder shall be in writing and delivered personally, by e-mail, or sent by a nationally recognized overnight courier service addressed to each Holder at the e-mail address or address of such Holder appearing on the books of the Corporation, or if no such facsimile number, e-mail address or address appears on the books of the Corporation, at the principal place of business of such Holder, as set forth in the applicable Purchase Agreement. Any notice or other communication or deliveries hereunder shall be deemed given and effective on the earliest of (i) the time of transmission, if such notice or communication is delivered via facsimile at the facsimile number or e-mail at the e-mail address set forth in this Section prior to 5:30 p.m. (New York City time) on any date, (ii) the next Trading Day after the time of transmission, if such notice or communication is delivered via e-mail at the e-mail address set forth in this Section on a day that is not a Trading Day or later than 5:30 p.m. (New York City time) on any Trading Day, (iii) the second Trading Day following the date of mailing, if sent by U.S. nationally recognized overnight courier service, or (iv) upon actual receipt by the party to whom such notice is required to be given.
(b) Absolute Obligation. Except as expressly provided herein, no provision of this Certificate of Designation shall alter or impair the obligation of the Corporation, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay liquidated damages and accrued dividends, as applicable, on the shares of Preferred Stock at the time, place, and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed.
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(c) Lost or Mutilated Preferred Stock Certificate. If a Holder’s Preferred Stock certificate shall be mutilated, lost, stolen or destroyed, the Corporation shall issue or cause to be issued, in exchange and substitution for and upon cancellation of a mutilated certificate, or in lieu of or in substitution for a lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, a new certificate for the shares of Preferred Stock so mutilated, lost, stolen or destroyed, but only upon receipt of evidence of such loss, theft or destruction of such certificate, and of the ownership hereof reasonably satisfactory to the Corporation (which shall not include the posting of any bond). The applicant for a new certificate under such circumstances shall also pay any reasonable third-party costs (including customary indemnity) associated with the issuance of such replacement certificate.
(d) Governing Law. All questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of this Certificate of Designation shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to the principles of conflict of laws thereof. All legal proceedings concerning the interpretation, enforcement and defense of the transactions contemplated by this Certificate of Designation (whether brought against a party hereto or its respective Affiliates, directors, officers, shareholders, employees or agents) shall be commenced in the state and federal courts sitting in Delaware (the “Delaware Courts”). The Corporation and each Holder hereby irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Courts for the adjudication of any dispute hereunder or in connection herewith or with any transaction contemplated hereby or discussed herein, and hereby irrevocably waives, and agrees not to assert in any suit, action or proceeding, any claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of such Delaware Courts, or such Delaware Courts are improper or inconvenient venue for such proceeding. The Corporation and each Holder hereby irrevocably waives personal service of process and consents to process being served in any such suit, action or proceeding by mailing a copy thereof via registered or certified mail or overnight delivery (with evidence of delivery) to such party at the address in effect for notices to it under this Certificate of Designation and agrees that such service shall constitute good and sufficient service of process and notice thereof. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to limit in any way any right to serve process in any other manner permitted by applicable law. The Corporation and each Holder hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any and all right to trial by jury in any legal proceeding arising out of or relating to this Certificate of Designation or the transactions contemplated hereby.
(e) Amendment. Subject to Section 4(c), this Certificate of Designation (or any provision hereof) may be amended by obtaining the affirmative vote at a meeting duly called for such purpose, or written consent without a meeting in accordance with the Delaware General Corporation Law, of the Required Holders, voting separately as a single class, and with such other stockholder approval, if any, as may then be required pursuant to the DGCL and the Corporation’s certificate of incorporation; provided, however, and notwithstanding anything in this Certificate of Designation to the contrary, no provision of this Certificate of Designation shall be amended to the extent any such amendment would (i) disproportionately, materially and adversely modify any rights of any Holder (as compared to the rights of the other Holders) (ii) impose any additional financial obligations or liabilities on a Holder or (iii) amend the provisions of Section 3, Section 6, Section 7, Section 8(b) or this Section 9(e), unless such amendment applies to all Holders in the same fashion, and, in each case, unless any such Holder shall have previously consented in
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writing to such amendment or voted to approve such amendment at a meeting. No consideration shall be offered or paid to any Holder to amend or consent to a waiver or modification of any provision of this Certificate of Designation unless the same consideration is also offered to all of the Holders. For clarification purposes, this provision constitutes a separate right granted to each Holder by the Corporation and negotiated separately by each Holder, and is intended for the Corporation to treat the Holders as a group and shall not in any way be construed as the Holders acting in concert or as a group with respect to the purchase, disposition or voting of securities or otherwise.
(f) Waiver. Any waiver by the Corporation or a Holder of a breach of any provision of this Certificate of Designation shall not operate as or be construed to be a waiver of any other breach of such provision or of any breach of any other provision of this Certificate of Designation or a waiver by any other Holders. The failure of the Corporation or a Holder to insist upon strict adherence to any term of this Certificate of Designation on one or more occasions shall not be considered a waiver or deprive that party (or any other Holder) of the right thereafter to insist upon strict adherence to that term or any other term of this Certificate of Designation on any other occasion. Any waiver by the Corporation or a Holder must be in writing.
(g) Severability. If any provision of this Certificate of Designation is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the balance of this Certificate of Designation shall remain in effect, and if any provision is inapplicable to any Person or circumstance, it shall nevertheless remain applicable to all other Persons and circumstances. If it shall be found that any interest or other amount deemed interest due hereunder violates the applicable law governing usury, the applicable rate of interest due hereunder shall automatically be lowered to equal the maximum rate of interest permitted under applicable law.
(h) Next Business Day. Whenever any payment or other obligation hereunder shall be due on a day other than a Business Day, such payment shall be made on the next succeeding Business Day.
(i) Headings. The headings contained herein are for convenience only, do not constitute a part of this Certificate of Designation and shall not be deemed to limit or affect any of the provisions hereof.
(j) Status of Converted or Redeemed Preferred Stock. Shares of Preferred Stock may only be issued pursuant to the Purchase Agreements. If any shares of Preferred Stock shall be converted, redeemed or reacquired by the Corporation, such shares shall resume the status of authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock and shall no longer be designated as 9.99% Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock.
(k) Tax Withholding. The Corporation agrees that, provided that each Holder delivers to the Corporation a properly executed IRS Form W-9 or other certification satisfactory to the Corporation certifying as to such Holder’s status (or the status of such Holder’s beneficial owner(s) if the Holder is not treated as the beneficial owner of the applicable payment for applicable U.S. federal withholding tax purposes) as a United States person (within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code) and such Holder’s (or such
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beneficial owners’) eligibility for complete exemption from backup withholding (“U.S. Person Certification”), under current law the Corporation (including any paying agent of the Corporation) shall not be required to, and shall not, withhold U.S. federal tax on any payments or deemed payments to any such Holder, unless the Corporation has actual knowledge or reason to know such U.S. Person Certification is incorrect, the Corporation reasonably believes that a previously delivered U.S. Person Certification is no longer accurate and/or valid, or there is a change in law that affects the withholding obligations of the Corporation. Subject to the foregoing limitations, the Corporation and its paying agent shall be entitled to withhold taxes on all payments made or deemed made to the relevant Holder or to request that the relevant Holder promptly pay the Corporation in cash any amounts required to satisfy any withholding tax obligations, in each case, to the extent the Corporation or its paying agent determines in good faith it is required to deduct and withhold tax on payments or deemed payments to the relevant Holder under applicable law; provided, that the Corporation shall use commercially reasonable efforts to notify the relevant Holder of any required withholding tax reasonably in advance of the date of the relevant payment. In the event that the Corporation does not have sufficient cash with respect to any Holder from withholding on cash payments otherwise payable to such Holder and cash paid to the Corporation by such Holder to the Corporation pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence, the Corporation and its paying agent shall be entitled to withhold taxes on deemed payments, including distributions of additional Preferred Stock in lieu of cash and constructive distributions on the Preferred Stock to the extent required by law, and the Corporation and its paying agent shall be entitled to satisfy any required withholding tax on non-cash payments (including deemed payments) through a sale of a portion of the Preferred Stock received as a dividend or from cash dividends or sales proceeds subsequently paid or credited on the Preferred Stock.
(l) Tax Treatment. Absent a change in law, Internal Revenue Service practice or a contrary determination (as defined in Section 1313(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended (the “Code”)), each holder of Preferred Stock and the Corporation shall not treat the Preferred Stock (based on their terms as set forth in this Certificate of Designation) as “preferred stock” within the meaning of Section 305 of the Code and Treasury Regulation Section 1.305-5 for United States federal income tax and withholding tax purposes and shall not take any position inconsistent with such treatment.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Certificate of Designation is executed on behalf of the Corporation by its Chief Executive Officer this 24th day of September, 2025.
| Kodiak AI, Inc. | ||
| By: | /s/ Don Burnette | |
| Name: | Don Burnette | |
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer | |
ANNEX A
NOTICE OF CONVERSION
(TO BE EXECUTED BY THE REGISTERED HOLDER IN ORDER TO CONVERT SHARES OF 9.99% SERIES A CUMULATIVE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK)
The undersigned hereby elects to convert all of its shares of 9.99% Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Preferred Stock”), as indicated below into shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”), of Kodiak AI, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation”), in accordance with the certificate of designation of such Preferred Stock, as of the date written below. If shares of Common Stock are to be issued in the name of a Person other than the undersigned, the undersigned will pay all transfer taxes payable with respect thereto and is delivering herewith such certificates and opinions as may be required by the Corporation. No fee will be charged to the Holders for any conversion, except for any such transfer taxes.
Conversion calculations:
| Date to Effect Conversion: | ||||
| Number of shares of Preferred Stock owned prior to Conversion: | ||||
| Number of shares of Preferred Stock to be Converted: | ||||
| Accrued Value plus Accrued but Unpaid Dividends of shares of Preferred Stock to be Converted: | ||||
| Number of shares of Common Stock to be Issued: | ||||
| Applicable Conversion Price: | ||||
| Number of shares of Preferred Stock subsequent to Conversion: | ||||
| Address for Delivery: | ||||
| or |
DWAC Instructions:
Broker no:
Account no:
| [HOLDER] | ||
| By: |
| |
| Name: | ||
| Title: | ||
Annex A
Exhibit 3.2
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF
KODIAK AI, INC.
ARTICLE I
The name of the corporation is Kodiak AI, Inc. (the “Company”).
ARTICLE II
The address of the Company’s registered office in the State of Delaware is 1209 Orange Street, City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, 19801. The name of its registered agent at such address is The Corporation Trust Company.
ARTICLE III
The nature of the business or purposes to be conducted or promoted by the Company is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”).
ARTICLE IV
Section 1. The Company is authorized to issue two classes of stock, to be designated, respectively, Common Stock and Preferred Stock. The total number of shares of stock that the Company shall have authority to issue is 2,000,000,000 shares, of which 1,980,000,000 shares are Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the “Common Stock”), and 20,000,000 shares are Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the “Preferred Stock”).
Section 2. Each share of Common Stock outstanding as of the applicable record date shall entitle the holder thereof to one (1) vote on any matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of stockholders.
Section 3. The Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series pursuant to a resolution or resolutions providing for such issue duly adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board of Directors”) (authority to do so being hereby expressly vested in the Board of Directors). Subject to limitations prescribed by law, the Board of Directors is further authorized to fix by resolution or resolutions the designations, powers, preferences and rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, of any series of Preferred Stock. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Board is authorized to fix by resolution or resolutions the dividend rights, dividend rate, conversion rights, voting rights, rights and terms of redemption (including sinking fund provisions), redemption price or prices, and liquidation preferences of any such series, and the number of shares constituting any such series and the designation thereof, or any of the foregoing. The Board of Directors is further authorized to increase (but not above the total number of authorized shares of the class) or decrease (but not below the number of shares of any such series then outstanding) the number of shares of any series, subject to applicable law and the powers, preferences and rights, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof stated in this Certificate of Incorporation or the resolution of the Board of Directors originally fixing the number of shares of such series. Except as may be otherwise specified by the terms of any series of Preferred Stock, if the number of shares of any series of Preferred Stock is so decreased, then the Company shall take all such steps as are necessary to cause the shares constituting such decrease to resume the status which they had prior to the adoption of the resolution originally fixing the number of shares of such series.
Section 4. Except as otherwise required by law or provided in this Certificate of Incorporation, holders of Common Stock shall not be entitled to vote on any amendment to this Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designation filed with respect to any series of Preferred Stock) that relates solely to the terms of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock if the holders of such affected series are entitled, either separately or together as a class with the holders of one or more other such series, to vote thereon by law or pursuant to this Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designation filed with respect to any series of Preferred Stock).
Section 5. The number of authorized shares of Preferred Stock or Common Stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of all the then-outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company entitled to vote thereon, without a separate vote of the holders of the class or classes the number of authorized shares of which are being increased or decreased, unless a vote of any holders of one or more series of Preferred Stock is required pursuant to the terms of this Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designation relating to any series of Preferred Stock), irrespective of the provisions of Section 242(b)(2) of the DGCL.
ARTICLE V
Section 1. Subject to the rights of holders of Preferred Stock, the number of directors that constitutes the entire Board of Directors shall be fixed only by resolution of the Board of Directors acting pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the Whole Board. For the purposes of this Certificate of Incorporation, the term “Whole Board” shall mean all of the directors then serving on the Board of Directors. At each annual meeting of stockholders, directors of the Company shall be elected to hold office until the expiration of the term for which they are elected and until their successors have been duly elected and qualified or until their earlier resignation or removal. If any such meeting shall not be so held, such election shall take place at a stockholders’ meeting called and held in accordance with the DGCL.
Section 2. From and after the consummation of the Merger (as defined in that certain Business Combination Agreement, dated as of April 14, 2025, by and between the Company, AAC II Merger Sub, Inc., and Kodiak Robotics, Inc.) (such time “the Merger Effective Time”), the directors of the Company (other than any director who may be elected by holders of Preferred Stock under specified circumstances) shall be divided into three classes as nearly equal in size as is practicable, designated Class I, Class II and Class III. Directors already in office shall be assigned to each class at the time such classification becomes effective in accordance with a resolution or resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors. At the first annual meeting of stockholders following the Merger Effective Time, the term of office of the Class I directors shall expire and Class I directors shall be elected for a full term of three years. At the second annual meeting of stockholders following the Merger Effective Time, the term of office of the Class II directors shall expire and Class II directors shall be elected for a full term of three years. At the third annual meeting of stockholders following the Merger Effective Time, the term of office of the Class III directors shall expire and Class III directors shall be elected for a full term of three years. At each succeeding annual meeting of stockholders, directors shall be elected for a full term of three years to succeed the directors of the class whose terms expire at such annual meeting. If the number of directors is changed, any newly created directorships or decrease in directorships shall be so apportioned among the classes as to make all classes as nearly equal in number as is practicable. No decrease in the number of directors constituting the Board of Directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent director.
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ARTICLE VI
Section 1. For so long as the Board of Directors is classified and subject to the rights of holders of Preferred Stock, any director or the entire Board of Directors may be removed from office at any time, but only for cause, and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Company entitled to vote in the election of directors, voting as a single class.
Section 2. Except as otherwise provided for or fixed by or pursuant to the provisions of ARTICLE IV in relation to the rights of the holders of Preferred Stock to elect directors under specified circumstances or except as otherwise provided by resolution of a majority of the Whole Board, newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the number of directors, created in accordance with the Bylaws of the Company, and any vacancies on the Board of Directors resulting from death, resignation, disqualification, removal or other cause shall be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors then in office, even though less than a quorum of the Board of Directors, or by a sole remaining director, and not by the stockholders. A person so elected by the Board of Directors to fill a vacancy or newly created directorship shall hold office until the next election of the class for which such director shall have been chosen and until his or her successor shall have been duly elected and qualified, or until such director’s earlier death, resignation or removal.
ARTICLE VII
Section 1. The Company is to have perpetual existence.
Section 2. The business and affairs of the Company shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors. In addition to the powers and authority expressly conferred upon them by statute or by this Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Company, the directors are hereby empowered to exercise all such powers and do all such acts and things as may be exercised or done by the Company.
Section 3. In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by statute, the Board of Directors is expressly authorized to adopt, alter, amend or repeal the Bylaws of the Company. The affirmative vote of at least a majority of the Whole Board shall be required in order for the Board of Directors to adopt, amend, alter or repeal the Company’s Bylaws. The Company’s Bylaws may also be adopted, amended, altered or repealed by the stockholders of the Company in accordance with the provisions of the Bylaws relating to amendments to the Bylaws. No Bylaw hereafter legally adopted, amended, altered or repealed shall invalidate any prior act of the directors or officers of the Company that would have been valid if such Bylaw had not been adopted, amended, altered or repealed.
Section 4. The election of directors need not be by written ballot unless the Bylaws of the Company shall so provide.
Section 5. No stockholder will be permitted to cumulate votes at any election of directors.
ARTICLE VIII
Section 1. Subject to the rights of holders of Preferred Stock, any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Company must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Company and may not be effected by any consent in writing by such stockholders.
Section 2. Subject to the terms of any series of Preferred Stock, special meetings of stockholders of the Company may be called only by the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or the Board of Directors acting pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the Whole Board. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a special meeting may not be called by any other person or persons and any power of stockholders to call a special meeting of stockholders is
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specifically denied. Only such business shall be considered at a special meeting of stockholders as shall have been stated in the notice for such meeting. Any such special meeting so called may be postponed, rescheduled or cancelled by the Board of Directors acting pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the Whole Board.
Section 3. Advance notice of stockholder nominations for the election of directors and of business to be brought by stockholders before any meeting of the stockholders of the Company shall be given in the manner and to the extent provided in the Bylaws of the Company.
ARTICLE IX
Section 1. To the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL as the same exists or as may hereafter be amended from time to time, a director or officer of the Company shall not be personally liable to the Company or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director or officer. If the DGCL is amended to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of directors or officers, then the liability of a director or officer of the Company shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, as so amended.
Section 2. Subject to any provisions in the Bylaws of the Company related to indemnification of directors of the Company and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Company shall indemnify any director of the Company who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a “Proceeding”) by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director of the Company or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service with respect to employee benefit plans, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with any such Proceeding. The Company shall be required to indemnify a person in connection with a Proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person only if the Proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Board of Directors.
Section 3. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Company shall have the power to indemnify any officer, employee or agent of the Company who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any Proceeding by reason of the fact that he or she is or was an officer, employee or agent of the Company or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service with respect to employee benefit plans, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with any such Proceeding.
Section 4. Neither any amendment, elimination nor repeal of any Section of this ARTICLE IX, nor the adoption of any provision of this Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Company inconsistent with this ARTICLE IX, shall eliminate or reduce the effect of this ARTICLE IX in respect of any matter occurring, or any Proceeding accruing or arising or that, but for this ARTICLE IX, would accrue or arise, prior to such amendment, elimination, repeal or adoption of an inconsistent provision.
ARTICLE X
Meetings of stockholders may be held within or outside of the State of Delaware, as the Bylaws of the Company may provide. The books of the Company may be kept (subject to any provision of applicable law) outside of the State of Delaware at such place or places or in such manner or manners as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors or in the Bylaws of the Company.
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ARTICLE XI
Section 1. The Company reserves the right to amend or repeal any provision contained in this Certificate of Incorporation in the manner prescribed by the laws of the State of Delaware and all rights conferred upon stockholders are granted subject to this reservation. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Certificate of Incorporation or any provision of law that might otherwise permit a lesser vote, but in addition to the vote of any holders of any class or series of the stock of the Company required by law or by this Certificate of Incorporation, the Board of Directors acting pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the Whole Board and the affirmative vote of 66 2/3% of the voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class, shall be required for the amendment, repeal or modification of the provisions of Section 3 of ARTICLE IV, ARTICLE V, ARTICLE VI, ARTICLE VII, ARTICLE VIII, this ARTICLE XI or ARTICLE XII of this Certificate of Incorporation.
Section 2. If any provision or provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable as applied to any circumstance for any reason whatsoever: (i) the validity, legality and enforceability of such provisions in any other circumstance and of the remaining provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation (including, each portion of any sentence of this Certificate of Incorporation containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and (ii) to the fullest extent possible and without limiting any other provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation (or any other provision of the Bylaws of the Company or any agreement entered into by the Company), the provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation (including, each such portion of any paragraph of this Certificate of Incorporation containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to permit the Company to protect its directors, officers, employees and agents from personal liability in respect of their good faith service to, or for the benefit of, the Company to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Section 3. To the fullest extent permitted by law, each and every individual, corporation, company, partnership, limited liability company, unincorporated association or other entity or organization (each, a “Person”) purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest (of any nature whatsoever) in any shares of the capital stock of the Company shall be deemed, by reason of and from and after the time of such purchase or other acquisition, to have notice of and to have consented to all of the provisions of (a) this Certificate of Incorporation, (b) the Bylaws of the Company and (c) any amendment to this Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Company enacted or adopted in accordance with this Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws of the Company and applicable law.
ARTICLE XII
Section 1. In recognition and anticipation that (i) certain directors, managers, principals, officers, employees and/or other representatives of Principal Stockholders and their Affiliates may serve as directors, officers or agents of the Company, (ii) the Principal Stockholders and their Affiliates may now engage and may continue to engage in the same or similar activities or related lines of business as those in which the Company, directly or indirectly, may engage and/or other business activities that overlap with or compete with those in which the Company, directly or indirectly, may engage, and (iii) members of the Board of Directors who are not employees of the Company or a majority owned subsidiary thereof (“Non-Employee Directors”) and their respective Affiliates may now engage and may continue to engage in the same or similar activities or related lines of business as those in which the Company, directly or indirectly, may engage and/or other business activities that overlap with or compete with those in which the Company, directly or indirectly, may engage, the provisions of this Article XII are set forth to regulate and define the conduct of certain affairs of the Company with respect to certain classes or categories of business opportunities as they may involve any of the Principal Stockholders, the Non-Employee Directors or their respective Affiliates and the powers, rights, duties and liabilities of the Company and its directors, officers and stockholders in connection therewith.
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Section 2. To the fullest extent permitted by law, none of (i) the Principal Stockholders or any of their Affiliates or (ii) any Non-Employee Director (including any Non-Employee Director who serves as an officer of the Company in both such director’s director and officer capacities) or such Non-Employee Director’s Affiliates (the Persons identified in (i) and (ii) above being referred to, collectively, as “Identified Persons” and, individually, as an “Identified Person”) shall have any duty to refrain from directly or indirectly: (1) engaging in the same or similar business activities or lines of business in which the Company or any of its Affiliates now engages or proposes to engage; or (2) otherwise competing with the Company or any of its Affiliates. To the fullest extent permitted by law, no Identified Person shall be liable to the Company or its stockholders or to any Affiliate of the Company for breach of any fiduciary duty solely by reason of the fact that such Identified Person engages in any such activities. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Company renounces any interest or expectancy in, or right to be offered an opportunity to participate in, any business opportunity which may be a corporate opportunity for an Identified Person and the Company or any of its Affiliates, except as provided in Section 3 of Article XII. Subject to Section 3 of Article XII. In addition and to the fullest extent permitted by law, in the event that any Identified Person acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or other business opportunity which may be a corporate opportunity for such Identified Person and the Company or any of its Affiliates, such Identified Person shall have no duty to communicate or offer such transaction or other business opportunity to the Company or any of its Affiliates and shall not be liable to the Company or its stockholders or to any Affiliate of the Company for breach of any fiduciary duty as a stockholder, director or officer of the Company solely by reason of the fact that such Identified Person pursues or acquires such corporate opportunity for such Identified Person, offers or directs such corporate opportunity to another Person, or does not communicate information regarding such corporate opportunity to the Company or any Affiliate of the Company.
Section 3. The Company does not renounce its interest in any corporate opportunity offered to any Non-Employee Director (including any Non-Employee Director who serves as an officer of the Company in both his or her director and officer capacities) if such opportunity is expressly offered to such Person solely in his or her capacity as a director or officer of the Company, and the provisions of Section 2 of Article XII shall not apply to any such corporate opportunity.
Section 4. In addition to and notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Article XII, a corporate opportunity shall not be deemed to be a potential corporate opportunity for the Company if it is a business opportunity that: (i) the Company is neither financially or legally able, nor contractually permitted, to undertake; (ii) from its nature, is not in the line of the Company’s business or is of no practical advantage to the Company; or (iii) is one in which the Company has no interest or reasonable expectancy.
Section 5. Solely for purposes of this Article XII, “Affiliate” shall mean in respect of any Principal Stockholder, any Person that, directly or indirectly, is controlled by such Principal Stockholder, controls such Principal Stockholder or is under common control with such Principal Stockholder. “Principal Stockholders” means investment funds affiliated with or advised by Ares Management Corporation or any of its subsidiaries and their respective successors. Solely for the purposes of this Article XII, Affiliate shall include: (a) any principal, member, director, manager, partner, stockholder, officer, employee or other representative of any of the foregoing (other than the Company and any entity that is controlled by the Company); and (b) any funds or vehicles advised by Affiliates of such Principal Stockholder. Solely for purposes of this Article XII, (x) in respect of a Non-Employee Director, the term “Affiliate” shall include any Person that, directly or indirectly, is controlled by such Non-Employee Director (other than the Company and any entity that is controlled by the Company); and (y) in respect of the Company, the term “Affiliate” shall include any Person that, directly or indirectly, is controlled by the Company.
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Section 6. To the fullest extent permitted by law, any Person purchasing or otherwise acquiring or holding any interest in any shares of capital stock of the Company shall be deemed to have notice of and to have consented to the provisions of this Article XII.
ARTICLE XIII
The name and mailing address of the incorporator of the Company are as follows:
Anton Feingold
c/o Ares Management LLC
245 Park Avenue, 44th Floor
New York, NY 10167
***
This Certificate of Incorporation shall become effective immediately upon acceptance by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Certificate of Incorporation has been executed by the incorporator of Kodiak AI, Inc. on this 23rd day of September, 2025.
| By: | /s/ Anton Feingold | |
| Anton Feingold | ||
| Incorporator |
8
Exhibit 3.3
BYLAWS OF
KODIAK AI, INC.
(initially adopted on September 23, 2025)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Page | ||||||
| ARTICLE I - CORPORATE OFFICES |
1 | |||||
| 1.1 |
REGISTERED OFFICE | 1 | ||||
| 1.2 |
OTHER OFFICES | 1 | ||||
| ARTICLE II - MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS |
1 | |||||
| 2.1 |
PLACE OF MEETINGS | 1 | ||||
| 2.2 |
ANNUAL MEETING | 1 | ||||
| 2.3 |
SPECIAL MEETING | 1 | ||||
| 2.4 |
ADVANCE NOTICE PROCEDURES | 2 | ||||
| 2.5 |
NOTICE OF STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETINGS | 9 | ||||
| 2.6 |
QUORUM | 9 | ||||
| 2.7 |
ADJOURNED MEETING; NOTICE | 9 | ||||
| 2.8 |
CONDUCT OF BUSINESS | 10 | ||||
| 2.9 |
VOTING | 10 | ||||
| 2.10 |
STOCKHOLDER ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT WITHOUT A MEETING | 11 | ||||
| 2.11 |
RECORD DATES | 11 | ||||
| 2.12 |
PROXIES | 11 | ||||
| 2.13 |
LIST OF STOCKHOLDERS ENTITLED TO VOTE | 12 | ||||
| 2.14 |
INSPECTORS OF ELECTION | 12 | ||||
| ARTICLE III - DIRECTORS |
13 | |||||
| 3.1 |
POWERS | 13 | ||||
| 3.2 |
NUMBER OF DIRECTORS | 13 | ||||
| 3.3 |
ELECTION, QUALIFICATION AND TERM OF OFFICE OF DIRECTORS | 13 | ||||
| 3.4 |
RESIGNATION AND VACANCIES | 13 | ||||
| 3.5 |
PLACE OF MEETINGS; MEETINGS BY TELEPHONE | 14 | ||||
| 3.6 |
REGULAR MEETINGS | 14 | ||||
| 3.7 |
SPECIAL MEETINGS; NOTICE | 14 | ||||
| 3.8 |
QUORUM; VOTING | 15 | ||||
| 3.9 |
BOARD ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT WITHOUT A MEETING | 15 | ||||
| 3.10 |
FEES AND COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS | 15 | ||||
| 3.11 |
REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS | 15 | ||||
| ARTICLE IV - COMMITTEES |
16 | |||||
| 4.1 |
COMMITTEES OF DIRECTORS | 16 | ||||
| 4.2 |
COMMITTEE MINUTES | 16 | ||||
| 4.3 |
MEETINGS AND ACTION OF COMMITTEES | 16 | ||||
| 4.4 |
SUBCOMMITTEES | 17 | ||||
| ARTICLE V - OFFICERS |
17 | |||||
| 5.1 |
OFFICERS | 17 | ||||
| 5.2 |
APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS | 17 | ||||
| 5.3 |
SUBORDINATE OFFICERS | 17 | ||||
| 5.4 |
REMOVAL AND RESIGNATION OF OFFICERS | 17 | ||||
| 5.5 |
VACANCIES IN OFFICES | 18 | ||||
| 5.6 |
REPRESENTATION OF SECURITIES OF OTHER ENTITIES | 18 | ||||
| 5.7 |
AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS | 18 | ||||
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
| Page | ||||||
| ARTICLE VI - STOCK |
18 | |||||
| 6.1 |
STOCK CERTIFICATES; PARTLY PAID SHARES | 18 | ||||
| 6.2 |
SPECIAL DESIGNATION ON CERTIFICATES | 19 | ||||
| 6.3 |
LOST CERTIFICATES | 19 | ||||
| 6.4 |
DIVIDENDS | 19 | ||||
| 6.5 |
TRANSFER OF STOCK | 19 | ||||
| 6.6 |
STOCK TRANSFER AGREEMENTS | 20 | ||||
| 6.7 |
REGISTERED STOCKHOLDERS | 20 | ||||
| 6.8 |
LOCKUP | 20 | ||||
| ARTICLE VII - MANNER OF GIVING NOTICE AND WAIVER |
23 | |||||
| 7.1 |
NOTICE OF STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETINGS | 23 | ||||
| 7.2 |
NOTICE TO STOCKHOLDERS SHARING AN ADDRESS | 23 | ||||
| 7.3 |
NOTICE TO PERSON WITH WHOM COMMUNICATION IS UNLAWFUL | 23 | ||||
| 7.4 |
WAIVER OF NOTICE | 23 | ||||
| ARTICLE VIII - INDEMNIFICATION |
24 | |||||
| 8.1 |
INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS IN THIRD PARTY PROCEEDINGS | 24 | ||||
| 8.2 |
INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS IN ACTIONS BY OR IN THE RIGHT OF THE COMPANY | 24 | ||||
| 8.3 |
SUCCESSFUL DEFENSE | 24 | ||||
| 8.4 |
INDEMNIFICATION OF OTHERS | 25 | ||||
| 8.5 |
ADVANCED PAYMENT OF EXPENSES | 25 | ||||
| 8.6 |
LIMITATION ON INDEMNIFICATION | 25 | ||||
| 8.7 |
DETERMINATION; CLAIM | 26 | ||||
| 8.8 |
NON-EXCLUSIVITY OF RIGHTS | 26 | ||||
| 8.9 |
INSURANCE | 27 | ||||
| 8.10 |
SURVIVAL | 27 | ||||
| 8.11 |
EFFECT OF REPEAL OR MODIFICATION | 27 | ||||
| 8.12 |
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS | 27 | ||||
| ARTICLE IX - GENERAL MATTERS |
28 | |||||
| 9.1 |
EXECUTION OF CORPORATE CONTRACTS AND INSTRUMENTS | 28 | ||||
| 9.2 |
FISCAL YEAR | 28 | ||||
| 9.3 |
SEAL | 28 | ||||
| 9.4 |
CONSTRUCTION; DEFINITIONS | 28 | ||||
| 9.5 |
FORUM SELECTION | 28 | ||||
| ARTICLE X - AMENDMENTS |
29 | |||||
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BYLAWS OF KODIAK AI, INC.
ARTICLE I - CORPORATE OFFICES
1.1 REGISTERED OFFICE
The registered office of Kodiak AI, Inc. (the “Company”) shall be fixed in the Company’s certificate of incorporation, as the same may be amended from time to time (the “certificate of incorporation”).
1.2 OTHER OFFICES
The Company may at any time establish other offices.
ARTICLE II - MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS
2.1 PLACE OF MEETINGS
Meetings of stockholders shall be held at a place, if any, within or outside the State of Delaware, determined by the board of directors of the Company (the “Board of Directors”). In its sole discretion, the Board of Directors may determine that a meeting of stockholders shall not be held at any place, but may instead be held solely by means of remote communication as authorized by Section 211(a)(2) of the Delaware General Corporation Law or any successor legislation (the “DGCL”). In the absence of any such designation or determination, stockholders’ meetings shall be held at the Company’s principal executive office.
2.2 ANNUAL MEETING
The annual meeting of stockholders shall be held each year. The Board of Directors shall designate the date and time of the annual meeting. At the annual meeting, directors shall be elected and any other proper business, brought in accordance with Section 2.4 of these bylaws, may be transacted. The Board of Directors acting pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the Whole Board may cancel, postpone or reschedule any previously scheduled annual meeting at any time, before or after the notice for such meeting has been sent to the stockholders. For the purposes of these bylaws, the term “Whole Board” shall mean all of the directors then serving on the Board of Directors.
2.3 SPECIAL MEETING
(a) Subject to the terms of any series of preferred stock of the Company (“Preferred Stock”), a special meeting of the stockholders may be called at any time by: (i) the Board of Directors acting pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the Whole Board; (ii) the chairperson of the Board of Directors; (iii) the chief executive officer; or (iv) the president. A special meeting of stockholders may not be called by any stockholder or any other person or persons. Acting pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the Whole Board, the Board of Directors may cancel, postpone or reschedule any previously scheduled special meeting at any time, before or after the notice for such meeting has been sent to the stockholders.
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(b) The notice of a special meeting shall include the purpose for which the meeting is called. Only such business shall be conducted at a special meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting by or at the direction of a majority of the Whole Board, the chairperson of the Board of Directors, the chief executive officer or the president. Nothing contained in this Section 2.3(b) shall be construed as limiting, fixing or affecting the time when a meeting of stockholders called by action of the Board of Directors may be held.
2.4 ADVANCE NOTICE PROCEDURES
(a) Annual Meetings of Stockholders.
(i) Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors or the proposal of other business to be transacted by the stockholders at an annual meeting of stockholders may be made only: (1) pursuant to the Company’s notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto); (2) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, or any committee thereof that has been formally delegated authority to nominate such persons or propose such business pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the Whole Board; (3) as may be provided in the certificate of designations for any class or series of Preferred Stock; or (4) by any stockholder of the Company who (A) is a stockholder of record at the time of giving of the notice contemplated by Section 2.4(a)(ii); (B) is a stockholder of record on the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of the annual meeting; (C) is a stockholder of record on the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to vote at the annual meeting; (D) is a stockholder of record at the time of the annual meeting; and (E) complies with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.4(a).
(ii) For nominations or other business to be properly brought before an annual meeting of stockholders by a stockholder pursuant to clause (4) of Section 2.4(a)(i), the stockholder must have given timely notice in writing to the secretary of the Company (the “Secretary”). Any such nomination or proposed business must constitute a proper matter for stockholder action. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Company no earlier than 8:00 a.m., Pacific time, on the 120th day and no later than 5:00 p.m., Pacific time, on the 90th day prior to the day of the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting of stockholders. For purposes of the Company’s first annual meeting after the closing of the Business Combination Transaction (as defined below), the first anniversary date shall be deemed to be June 11, 2025) as specified in the Company’s notice of such annual meeting (without regard to any adjournment, rescheduling, postponement or other delay of such annual meeting occurring after such notice was first sent). However, other than in connection with the Company’s first annual meeting after the closing of the Business Combination Transaction, if no annual meeting of stockholders was held in the preceding year, or if the date of the annual meeting for the current year has been changed by more than 25 days from the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting, then, to be timely, such notice must be received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Company no earlier than 8:00 a.m., Pacific time, on the 120th day prior to the day of the annual meeting and no later than 5:00 p.m., Pacific time, on the later of the 90th day prior to the day of the annual meeting. In the event the first public announcement of the date of such annual meeting is less than 100 days prior to the date of such annual meeting, then the Secretary must receive such notice no later than the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of the annual meeting was first made by the Company, or such notice will not be considered timely. In no event will the adjournment, rescheduling, postponement or other delay of any annual meeting, or any announcement thereof, commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above. In no event may a stockholder provide notice with respect to a greater number of director candidates than there are director seats subject to election by stockholders at the annual meeting. If the number of directors to be elected to the Board of Directors at the annual meeting is
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increased and there is no public announcement naming all of the nominees for director or specifying the size of the increased Board of Directors at least 10 days before the last day that a stockholder may deliver a notice of nomination pursuant to the foregoing provisions, then a stockholder’s notice required by this Section 2.4(a)(ii) will also be considered timely, but only with respect to any nominees for any new positions created by such increase, if it is received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Company no later than 5:00 p.m., Pacific time, on the 10th day following the day on which such public announcement is first made. “Public announcement” means disclosure in a press release reported by a national news service or in a document publicly filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) pursuant to Section 13, Section 14 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (as amended and inclusive of rules and regulations thereunder, the “1934 Act”) or by such other means as is reasonably designed to inform the public or stockholders of the Company in general of such information, including, without limitation, posting on the Company’s investor relations website.
(iii) A stockholder’s notice to the Secretary must set forth:
(1) as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election as a director:
(A) such person’s name, age, business address, residence address and principal occupation or employment;
(B) the class and number of shares of the Company that are held of record or are beneficially owned by such person and any (i) Derivative Instruments (as defined below) held or beneficially owned by such person, including the full notional amount of any securities that, directly or indirectly, underlie any Derivative Instrument; and (ii) other agreement, arrangement or understanding that has been made the effect or intent of which is to create or mitigate loss to, manage risk or benefit of share price changes for, or increase or decrease the voting power of such person with respect to the Company’s securities;
(C) all information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in connection with solicitations of proxies for the contested election of directors, or is otherwise required, in each case pursuant to Section 14 of the 1934 Act;
(D) such person’s written consent (x) to being named as a nominee of such stockholder, (y) to being named in the Company’s form of proxy pursuant to Rule 14a-19 under the 1934 Act (“Rule 14a-19”) and (z) to serving as a director of the Company if elected;
(E) any direct or indirect compensatory, payment, indemnification or other financial agreement, arrangement or understanding that such person has, or has had within the past three years, with any person or entity other than the Company (including, without limitation, the amount of any payment or payments received or receivable thereunder), in each case in connection with candidacy or service as a director of the Company (such agreement, arrangement or understanding, a “Third-Party Compensation Arrangement”); and
(F) a description of any other material relationships between such person and such person’s respective affiliates and associates, or others with whom such person is acting in concert, on the one hand, and such stockholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination is made, and their respective affiliates and associates, or others acting in concert with them, on the other hand, including, without limitation, all information that would be required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404 under Regulation S-K if such stockholder, beneficial owner, affiliate or associate were the “registrant” for purposes of such rule and such person were a director or executive officer of such registrant;
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(2) as to any other business that the stockholder proposes to bring before the annual meeting:
(A) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the annual meeting;
(B) the text of the proposal or business (including the text of any resolutions proposed for consideration and, if applicable, the text of any proposed amendment to these bylaws or the Company’s certificate of incorporation);
(C) the reasons for conducting such business at the annual meeting;
(D) any material interest in such business of such stockholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made, and their respective affiliates and associates, or others acting in concert with them; and
(E) all agreements, arrangements and understandings between such stockholder, the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made, and their respective affiliates or associates or others acting in concert with them in connection with the proposal of such business by such stockholder; and
(3) as to the stockholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made:
(A) the name and address of such stockholder (as they appear on the Company’s books), of such beneficial owner, and of their respective affiliates or associates or others acting in concert with them;
(B) for each class or series, the number of shares of stock of the Company that are, directly or indirectly, held of record or are beneficially owned by such stockholder, such beneficial owner or their respective affiliates or associates or others acting in concert with them;
(C) any agreement, arrangement or understanding between such stockholder, such beneficial owner or their respective affiliates or associates or others acting in concert with them in connection with the proposal of such nomination or other business;
(D) any (i) agreement, arrangement or understanding (including, without limitation and regardless of the form of settlement, any derivative, long or short positions, profit interests, forwards, futures, swaps, options, warrants, convertible securities, stock appreciation or similar rights, hedging transactions and borrowed or loaned shares) that has been entered into by or on behalf of such stockholder, such beneficial owner or their respective affiliates or associates or others acting in concert with them with respect to the Company’s securities (any of the foregoing, a “Derivative Instrument”) including the full notional amount of any securities that, directly or indirectly, underlie any Derivative Instrument; and (ii) other agreement, arrangement or understanding that has been made the effect or intent of which is to create or mitigate loss to, manage risk or benefit of share price changes for, or increase or decrease the voting power of, such stockholder, such beneficial owner or their respective affiliates or associates or others acting in concert with them with respect to the Company’s securities;
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(E) any proxy, contract, arrangement, understanding or relationship pursuant to which such stockholder, such beneficial owner or their respective affiliates or associates or others acting in concert with them has a right to vote any shares of any security of the Company;
(F) any rights to dividends on the Company’s securities owned beneficially by such stockholder, such beneficial owner or their respective affiliates or associates or others acting in concert with them that are separated or separable from the underlying security;
(G) any proportionate interest in the Company’s securities or Derivative Instruments held, directly or indirectly, by a general or limited partnership in which such stockholder, such beneficial owner or their respective affiliates or associates or others acting in concert with them is a general partner or, directly or indirectly, beneficially owns an interest in a general partner of such general or limited partnership;
(H) any performance-related fees (other than an asset-based fee) that such stockholder, such beneficial owner or their respective affiliates or associates or others acting in concert with them is entitled to based on any increase or decrease in the value of the Company’s securities or Derivative Instruments, including, without limitation, any such interests held by members of the immediate family of such persons sharing the same household;
(I) any significant equity interests or any significant Derivative Instruments in any principal competitor (as defined below) of the Company that are held by such stockholder, such beneficial owner or their respective affiliates or associates or others acting in concert with them;
(J) any direct or indirect interest of such stockholder, such beneficial owner or their respective affiliates or associates or others acting in concert with them in any contract with the Company, any affiliate of the Company or any principal competitor of the Company (in each case, including, without limitation, any employment agreement, collective bargaining agreement or consulting agreement);
(K) any material pending or threatened legal proceeding in which such stockholder, such beneficial owner or their respective affiliates or associates or others acting in concert with them is a party or material participant involving the Company or any of its officers, directors or affiliates;
(L) any material relationship between such stockholder, such beneficial owner or their respective affiliates or associates or others acting in concert with them, on the one hand, and the Company or any of its officers, directors or affiliates, on the other hand;
(M) a representation and undertaking that the stockholder is a holder of record of stock of the Company as of the date of submission of the stockholder’s notice and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the annual meeting to bring such nomination or other business before the annual meeting;
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(N) a representation and undertaking as to whether such stockholder, such beneficial owner or their respective affiliates or associates or others acting in concert with them intends, or is part of a group that intends, to (x) deliver a proxy statement or form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of the voting power of the Company’s then-outstanding stock required to approve or adopt the proposal or to elect each such nominee (which representation and undertaking must include a statement as to whether such stockholder, such beneficial owner or their respective affiliates or associates or others acting in concert with them intends to solicit the requisite percentage of the voting power of the Company’s stock under Rule 14a-19); or (y) otherwise solicit proxies from stockholders in support of such proposal or nomination;
(O) any other information relating to such stockholder, such beneficial owner or their respective affiliates or associates or others acting in concert with them, or director nominee or proposed business, that, in each case, would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filing required to be made in connection with the solicitation of proxies in support of such nominee (in a contested election of directors) or proposal pursuant to Section 14 of the 1934 Act; and
(P) such other information relating to any proposed item of business as the Company may reasonably require to determine whether such proposed item of business is a proper matter for stockholder action.
For purposes of this Section 2.4, “principal competitor” shall mean any entity that develops or provides products or services that compete with or are alternatives to the principal products developed or produced or services provided by the Company or its affiliates.
(iv) In addition to the requirements of this Section 2.4, to be timely, a stockholder’s notice (and any additional information submitted to the Company in connection therewith) must further be updated and supplemented (1) if necessary, so that the information provided or required to be provided in such notice is true and correct as of the record date(s) for determining the stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the annual meeting and as of the date that is 10 business days prior to the annual meeting or any adjournment, rescheduling, postponement or other delay thereof; and (2) to provide any additional information that the Company may reasonably request. Any such update and supplement or additional information (including, if requested pursuant to Section 2.4(a)(iii)(3)(P)) must be received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Company (A) in the case of a request for additional information, promptly following a request therefor, which response must be received by the Secretary not later than such reasonable time as is specified in any such request from the Company; or (B) in the case of any other update or supplement of any information, not later than five business days after the record date(s) for the annual meeting (in the case of any update and supplement required to be made as of the record date(s)), and not later than eight business days prior to the date for the annual meeting or any adjournment, rescheduling, postponement or other delay thereof (in the case of any update or supplement required to be made as of 10 business days prior to the annual meeting or any adjournment, rescheduling, postponement or other delay thereof). No later than five business days prior to the annual meeting or any adjournment, rescheduling, postponement or other delay thereof, a stockholder nominating individuals for election as a director will provide the Company with reasonable evidence that such stockholder has met the requirements of Rule 14a-19. The failure to timely provide such update, supplement, evidence or additional information shall result in the nomination or proposal no longer being eligible for consideration at the annual meeting. If the stockholder fails to comply with the requirements of Rule 14a-19 (including because the stockholder fails to provide the Company with all information or notices required by Rule 14a-19), then the director nominees proposed by such stockholder shall be ineligible for election at the annual meeting and any votes or proxies in respect of such nomination shall be disregarded, notwithstanding that such proxies may have been received by the Company and counted for the purposes of determining quorum. For
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the avoidance of doubt, the obligation to update and supplement, or provide additional information or evidence, as set forth in these bylaws shall not limit the Company’s rights with respect to any deficiencies in any notice provided by a stockholder, extend any applicable deadlines pursuant to these bylaws or enable or be deemed to permit a stockholder who has previously submitted notice pursuant to these bylaws to amend or update any nomination or to submit any new nomination. No disclosure pursuant to these bylaws will be required with respect to the ordinary course business activities of any broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee who is the stockholder submitting a notice pursuant to this Section 2.4 solely because such broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee has been directed to prepare and submit the notice required by these bylaws on behalf of a beneficial owner.
(b) Special Meetings of Stockholders. Except to the extent required by the DGCL, and subject to Section 2.3(a), special meetings of stockholders may be called only in accordance with the certificate of incorporation and these bylaws. Only such business will be conducted at a special meeting of stockholders as has been brought before the special meeting pursuant to the Company’s notice of meeting. If the election of directors is included as business to be brought before a special meeting in the Company’s notice of meeting, then nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors at such special meeting may be made by any stockholder who (i) is a stockholder of record at the time of giving of the notice contemplated by this Section 2.4(b); (ii) is a stockholder of record on the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of the special meeting; (iii) is a stockholder of record on the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to vote at the special meeting; (iv) is a stockholder of record at the time of the special meeting; and (v) complies with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.4(b). In no event may a stockholder provide notice with respect to a greater number of director candidates than there are director seats subject to election by stockholders at the special meeting. For nominations to be properly brought by a stockholder before a special meeting pursuant to this Section 2.4(b), the stockholder’s notice must be received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Company no earlier than 8:00 a.m., Pacific time, on the 120th day prior to the day of the special meeting and no later than 5:00 p.m., Pacific time, on the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of the special meeting was first made. In no event will any adjournment, rescheduling, postponement or other delay of a special meeting or any announcement thereof commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above. A stockholder’s notice to the Secretary must comply with the applicable notice requirements of Section 2.4(a)(iii), with references therein to “annual meeting” deemed to mean “special meeting” for the purposes of this final sentence of this Section 2.4(b).
(c) Other Requirements and Procedures.
(i) To be eligible to be a nominee of any stockholder for election as a director of the Company, the proposed nominee must provide to the Secretary, in accordance with the applicable time periods prescribed for delivery of notice under Section 2.4(a)(ii) or Section 2.4(b):
(1) a signed and completed written questionnaire (in the form provided by the Secretary at the written request of the nominating stockholder, which form will be provided by the Secretary within 5 business days of receiving such request) containing information regarding such nominee’s background and qualifications and such other information as may reasonably be required by the Company to determine the eligibility of such nominee to serve as a director of the Company or to serve as an independent director of the Company;
(2) a written representation and undertaking that, unless disclosed to the Company, such nominee is not, and will not become, a party to any voting agreement, arrangement, commitment, assurance or understanding with any person or entity as to how such nominee, if elected as a director, will vote on any issue;
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(3) a written representation and undertaking that, unless disclosed to the Company, such nominee is not, and will not become, a party to any Third-Party Compensation Arrangement;
(4) a written representation and undertaking that, if elected as a director, such nominee would be in compliance, and will continue to comply, with the Company’s corporate governance, conflict of interest, confidentiality, stock ownership and trading guidelines, and other policies and guidelines applicable to directors and in effect during such person’s term in office as a director (and, if requested by any candidate for nomination, the Secretary will provide to such proposed nominee all such policies and guidelines then in effect); and
(5) a written representation and undertaking that such nominee, if elected, intends to serve a full term on the Board of Directors.
(ii) At the request of the Board of Directors, any person nominated by the Board of Directors for election as a director must furnish to the Secretary the information that is required to be set forth in a stockholder’s notice of nomination pertaining to such nominee.
(iii) No person will be eligible to be nominated by a stockholder for election as a director of the Company, or to be seated as a director of the Company, unless nominated and elected in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.4. No business proposed by a stockholder will be conducted at a stockholder meeting except in accordance with this Section 2.4.
(iv) The chairperson of the applicable meeting of stockholders will, if the facts warrant, determine and declare to the meeting that a nomination was not made in accordance with the procedures prescribed by these bylaws or that other proposed business was not properly brought before the meeting. If the chairperson of the meeting should so determine, then the chairperson of the meeting will so declare to the meeting and the defective nomination will be disregarded or such business will not be transacted, as the case may be.
(v) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 2.4, unless otherwise required by law, if the stockholder (or a qualified representative of the stockholder) does not appear in person at the meeting to present a nomination or other proposed business, such nomination will be disregarded or such business will not be transacted, as the case may be, notwithstanding that proxies in respect of such nomination or business may have been received by the Company and counted for purposes of determining a quorum. For purposes of this Section 2.4, to be considered a qualified representative of the stockholder, a person must be a duly authorized officer, manager or partner of such stockholder or must be authorized by a writing executed by such stockholder or an electronic transmission delivered by such stockholder to act for such stockholder as proxy at the meeting, and such person must produce such writing or electronic transmission, or a reliable reproduction of the writing or electronic transmission, at the meeting.
(vi) Without limiting this Section 2.4, a stockholder must also comply with all applicable requirements of the 1934 Act with respect to the matters set forth in this Section 2.4, it being understood that (1) any references in these bylaws to the 1934 Act are not intended to, and will not, limit any requirements applicable to nominations or proposals as to any other business to be considered pursuant to this Section 2.4; and (2) compliance with clause (4) of Section 2.4(a)(i) and with Section 2.4(b) are the exclusive means for a stockholder to make nominations or submit other business (other than as provided in Section 2.4(c)(vii)).
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(vii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 2.4, the notice requirements set forth in these bylaws with respect to the proposal of any business pursuant to this Section 2.4 will be deemed to be satisfied by a stockholder if (1) such stockholder has submitted a proposal to the Company in compliance with Rule 14a-8 under the 1934 Act; and (2) such stockholder’s proposal has been included in a proxy statement that has been prepared by the Company to solicit proxies for the meeting of stockholders. Subject to Rule 14a-8 and other applicable rules and regulations under the 1934 Act, nothing in these bylaws will be construed to permit any stockholder, or give any stockholder the right, to include or have disseminated or described in the Company’s proxy statement any nomination of a director or any other business proposal.
2.5 NOTICE OF STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETINGS
Whenever stockholders are required or permitted to take any action at a meeting, a notice of the meeting shall be given in accordance with Section 232 of the DGCL. Any such notice shall state: (i) the place, if any, date and hour of the meeting; (ii) the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting; (iii) the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, if such date is different from the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting; and (iv) in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called. Except as otherwise provided in the DGCL, the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, the notice of any meeting of stockholders shall be given not less than 10 nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting as of the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting.
2.6 QUORUM
The holders of a majority of the voting power of the capital stock of the Company issued and outstanding and entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at all meetings of the stockholders, unless otherwise required by law, the certificate of incorporation, these bylaws or the rules of any applicable stock exchange on which the Company’s securities are listed. Where a separate vote by a class or series or classes or series is required, a majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of such class or series or classes or series, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum entitled to take action with respect to that vote on that matter, except as otherwise required by law, the certificate of incorporation, these bylaws or the rules of any applicable stock exchange on which the Company’s securities are listed.
If, however, such quorum is not present or represented at any meeting of the stockholders, then either (a) the chairperson of the meeting, or (b) a majority of the voting power of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, present in person or represented by proxy, shall have power to adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum is present or represented. At such adjourned meeting at which a quorum is present or represented, any business may be transacted that might have been transacted at the original meeting.
2.7 ADJOURNED MEETING; NOTICE
Unless these bylaws otherwise require, when a meeting is adjourned to another time or place (including an adjournment taken to address a technical failure to convene or continue a meeting using remote communication), notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting if the time, place, if any, thereof, and the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such adjourned meeting are: (i) announced at the meeting at which the
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adjournment is taken; (ii) displayed, during the time scheduled for the meeting, on the same electronic network used to enable stockholders and proxy holders to participate in the meeting by means of remote communication; or (iii) set forth in the notice of meeting given in accordance with Section 222(a) of the DGCL. At the adjourned meeting, the Company may transact any business which might have been transacted at the original meeting. If the adjournment is for more than 30 days, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting. If after the adjournment a new record date for stockholders entitled to vote is fixed for the adjourned meeting, the Board of Directors shall fix a new record date for notice of such adjourned meeting in accordance with Section 213(a) of the DGCL and Section 2.11 of these bylaws, and shall give notice of the adjourned meeting to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at such adjourned meeting as of the record date fixed for notice of such adjourned meeting.
2.8 CONDUCT OF BUSINESS
The chairperson of any meeting of stockholders shall determine the order of business and the procedure at the meeting, including such regulation of the manner of voting and the conduct of business and discussion as seem to the chairperson in order. The chairperson of any meeting of stockholders shall be designated by the Board of Directors. In the absence of such designation, the chairperson of the Board of Directors, if any, or the chief executive officer (in the absence of the chairperson of the Board of Directors) or the president (in the absence of the chairperson of the Board of Directors and the chief executive officer), or in their absence any other executive officer of the Company, shall serve as chairperson of the stockholder meeting. The chairperson of any meeting of stockholders shall have the power to adjourn the meeting to another place, if any, date or time, whether or not a quorum is present.
2.9 VOTING
The stockholders entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.11 of these bylaws, subject to Section 217 (relating to voting rights of fiduciaries, pledgors and joint owners of stock) and Section 218 (relating to voting trusts and other voting agreements) of the DGCL.
Except as may be otherwise provided in the certificate of incorporation, each stockholder shall be entitled to one vote for each share of capital stock held by such stockholder as of the applicable record date that has voting power upon the matter in question. No holder of shares of capital stock shall have the right to cumulate votes.
Except as otherwise provided by law, the certificate of incorporation, these bylaws or the rules of any applicable stock exchange on which the Company’s securities are listed, in all matters other than the election of directors, the affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power of the shares cast affirmatively or negatively shall be the act of the stockholders. Broker non-votes and abstentions will be considered for purposes of establishing a quorum at the meeting but will not be considered as votes cast for or against a proposal. Except as otherwise required by law, the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, directors shall be elected by a plurality of the voting power of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the election of directors. Except as otherwise provided by law, the certificate of incorporation, these bylaws or the rules of any applicable stock exchange on which the Company’s securities are listed, where a separate vote by a class or series or classes or series is required, in all matters other than the election of directors, the affirmative vote of the majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of such class or series or classes or series cast affirmatively or negatively at the meeting and entitled to vote on the subject matter shall be the act of such class or series or classes or series (it being understood that broker non-votes and abstentions will not be considered as votes cast for or against a proposal).
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2.10 STOCKHOLDER ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT WITHOUT A MEETING
Unless otherwise provided in the Company’s certificate of incorporation and subject to the rights of holders of Preferred Stock, any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Company must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Company and may not be effected by any consent in writing by such stockholders.
2.11 RECORD DATES
In order that the Company may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the Board of Directors may fix a record date. Any such record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors and which record date shall not be more than 60 nor less than 10 days before the date of such meeting. If the Board of Directors so fixes a date, such date shall also be the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting unless the Board of Directors determines, at the time it fixes such record date, that a later date on or before the date of the meeting shall be the date for making such determination.
If no record date is fixed by the Board of Directors, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given. If notice is waived, the record date shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held.
A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for determination of stockholders entitled to vote at the adjourned meeting, and in such case shall also fix as the record date for stockholders entitled to notice of such adjourned meeting the same or an earlier date as that fixed for determination of stockholders entitled to vote in accordance with the provisions of Section 213 of the DGCL and this Section 2.11 at the adjourned meeting.
In order that the Company may determine the stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights or the stockholders entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock, or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix a record date. The record date for any such determination shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted, and which record date shall be not more than 60 days prior to such action. If no record date is fixed, the record date for determining stockholders for any such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution relating thereto.
2.12 PROXIES
Each stockholder entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders, or such stockholder’s authorized officer, director, employee or agent, may authorize another person or persons to act for such stockholder by proxy authorized by a document or by a transmission permitted by law filed in accordance with the procedure established for the meeting. No such proxy shall be voted or acted upon after three years from its date, unless the proxy provides for a longer period. The authorization of a person to act as a proxy may
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be documented, signed and delivered in accordance with Section 116 of the DGCL. Any such authorization shall set forth, or be delivered with information enabling the Company to determine, the identity of the stockholder granting such authorization. The revocability of a proxy that states on its face that it is irrevocable shall be governed by the provisions of Section 212 of the DGCL.
2.13 LIST OF STOCKHOLDERS ENTITLED TO VOTE
No later than the tenth day before each meeting of stockholders, the Company shall prepare a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote is less than 10 days before the meeting date, the list shall reflect the stockholders entitled to vote as of the tenth day before the meeting date, arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder. The Company shall not be required to include electronic mail addresses or other electronic contact information on such list. Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder for any purpose germane to the meeting for a period of ten days ending on the day before the meeting date: (a) on a reasonably accessible electronic network, provided that the information required to gain access to such list is provided with the notice of the meeting; or (b) during ordinary business hours, at the Company’s principal place of business. In the event that the Company determines to make the list available on an electronic network, the Company may take reasonable steps to ensure that such information is available only to stockholders of the Company.
2.14 INSPECTORS OF ELECTION
Before any meeting of stockholders, the Company shall appoint an inspector or inspectors of election to act at the meeting or its adjournment. The Company may designate one or more persons as alternate inspectors to replace any inspector who fails to act.
Such inspectors shall:
(a) ascertain the number of shares outstanding and the voting power of each;
(b) determine the shares represented at the meeting and the validity of proxies and ballots;
(c) count all votes and ballots;
(d) determine and retain for a reasonable period a record of the disposition of any challenges made to any determination by the inspectors; and
(e) certify their determination of the number of shares represented at the meeting, and their count of all votes and ballots.
The inspectors of election shall perform their duties impartially, in good faith, to the best of their ability and as expeditiously as is practical. If there are multiple inspectors of election, the decision, act or certificate of a majority is effective in all respects as the decision, act or certificate of all. Any report or certificate made by the inspectors of election is prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein.
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ARTICLE III - DIRECTORS
3.1 POWERS
The business and affairs of the Company shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors, except as may be otherwise provided in the DGCL or the certificate of incorporation.
3.2 NUMBER OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors shall consist of one or more members, each of whom shall be a natural person. Unless the certificate of incorporation fixes the number of directors and subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect additional directors under specified circumstances, the number of directors shall be determined from time to time by resolution of a majority of the Whole Board. No reduction of the authorized number of directors shall have the effect of removing any director before that director’s term of office expires.
3.3 ELECTION, QUALIFICATION AND TERM OF OFFICE OF DIRECTORS
Except as provided in Section 3.4 of these bylaws, each director, including a director elected to fill a vacancy or newly created directorship, shall hold office until the expiration of the term for which elected and until such director’s successor is elected and qualified or until such director’s earlier death, resignation or removal. Directors need not be stockholders unless so required by the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws. The certificate of incorporation or these bylaws may prescribe other qualifications for directors.
If so provided in the certificate of incorporation, the directors of the Company shall be divided into three classes.
3.4 RESIGNATION AND VACANCIES
Any director may resign at any time upon notice given in writing or by electronic transmission to the Company. A resignation is effective when the resignation is delivered unless the resignation specifies a later effective date or an effective date determined upon the happening of an event or events. Unless otherwise specified in the notice of resignation, acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. A resignation which is conditioned upon the director failing to receive a specified vote for reelection as a director may provide that it is irrevocable. Unless otherwise provided in the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, when one or more directors resign from the Board of Directors, effective at a future date, a majority of the directors then in office, including those who have so resigned, shall have power to fill such vacancy or vacancies, the vote thereon to take effect when such resignation or resignations shall become effective.
Unless otherwise provided in the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, and subject to the rights of holders of Preferred Stock to elect directors under specified circumstances or except as otherwise provided by resolution of a majority of the Whole Board, vacancies and newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors elected by all of the stockholders having the right to vote as a single class may be filled by a majority of the directors then in office, although less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director, and not by stockholders. If the directors are divided into classes, a person so chosen to fill a vacancy or newly created directorship shall hold office until the next election of the class for which such director shall have been chosen and until his or her successor shall have been duly elected and qualified, or until such director’s earlier death, resignation or removal.
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3.5 PLACE OF MEETINGS; MEETINGS BY TELEPHONE
The Board of Directors may hold meetings, both regular and special, either within or outside the State of Delaware.
Unless otherwise restricted by the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, members of the Board of Directors may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors by means of conference telephone or other communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other. Such participation in a meeting shall constitute presence in person at the meeting.
3.6 REGULAR MEETINGS
Regular meetings of the Board of Directors may be held without notice at such time and at such place as shall from time to time be determined by the Board of Directors.
3.7 SPECIAL MEETINGS; NOTICE
Special meetings of the Board of Directors for any purpose or purposes may be called at any time by the chairperson of the Board of Directors, the chief executive officer, the president, or the Secretary or by a majority of the Whole Board; provided that the person(s) authorized to call a special meeting of the Board of Directors may authorize another person or persons to send notice of such meeting.
Notice of the time and place of special meetings shall be:
(a) delivered personally by hand, by courier or by telephone;
(b) sent by United States first-class mail, postage prepaid;
(c) sent by facsimile;
(d) sent by electronic mail; or
(e) otherwise given by electronic transmission (as defined in Section 232 of the DGCL),
directed to each director at that director’s address, telephone number, facsimile number, electronic mail address or other contact for notice by electronic transmission, as the case may be, as shown on the Company’s records.
If the notice is (i) delivered personally by hand, by courier or by telephone, (ii) sent by facsimile, (iii) sent by electronic mail or (iv) otherwise given by electronic transmission, it shall be delivered, sent or otherwise given to each director, as applicable, at least 24 hours before the time of the holding of the meeting. If the notice is sent by United States mail, it shall be deposited in the United States mail at least four days before the time of the holding of the meeting. Any oral notice of the time and place of the meeting may be communicated to the director in lieu of written notice if such notice is communicated at least 24 hours before the time of the holding of the meeting. The notice need not specify the place of the meeting (if the meeting is to be held at the Company’s principal executive office) nor the purpose of the meeting, unless required by statute.
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3.8 QUORUM; VOTING
At all meetings of the Board of Directors, a majority of the total authorized number of directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. If a quorum is not present at any meeting of the Board of Directors, then the directors present thereat may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum is present.
The affirmative vote of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Directors, except as may be otherwise specifically provided by statute, the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws.
If the certificate of incorporation provides that one or more directors shall have more or less than one vote per director on any matter, except as may otherwise be expressly provided in these bylaws or in the certificate and denoted with the phrase “notwithstanding the final paragraph of Section 3.8 of the bylaws” or language to similar effect, every reference in these bylaws to a majority or other proportion of the directors shall refer to a majority or other proportion of the votes of the directors.
3.9 BOARD ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT WITHOUT A MEETING
Unless otherwise restricted by the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, (i) any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors, or of any committee thereof, may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board of Directors or committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission and (ii) a consent may be documented, signed and delivered in any manner permitted by Section 116 of the DGCL. Any person (whether or not then a director) may provide, whether through instruction to an agent or otherwise, that a consent to action will be effective at a future time (including a time determined upon the happening of an event), no later than 60 days after such instruction is given or such provision is made and such consent shall be deemed to have been given for purposes of this Section 3.9 at such effective time so long as such person is then a director and did not revoke the consent prior to such time. Any such consent shall be revocable prior to its becoming effective. After an action is taken, the consent or consents relating thereto shall be filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Board of Directors, or the committee thereof, in the same paper or electronic form as the minutes are maintained.
3.10 FEES AND COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
Unless otherwise restricted by the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, the Board of Directors shall have the authority to fix the compensation of directors.
3.11 REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS
Any director or the entire Board of Directors may be removed from office by stockholders of the Company in the manner specified in the certificate of incorporation and applicable law. No reduction of the authorized number of directors shall have the effect of removing any director prior to the expiration of such director’s term of office.
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ARTICLE IV - COMMITTEES
4.1 COMMITTEES OF DIRECTORS
By resolution passed by a majority of the Whole Board, the Board of Directors may designate one or more committees, each committee to consist of one or more of the directors of the Company. The Board of Directors may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee. In the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, the member or members present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not such member or members constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified member. To the extent provided in the resolution of the Board of Directors or in these bylaws, any such committee shall have and may: (i) exercise all the powers and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Company; and (ii) authorize the seal of the Company to be affixed to all papers that may require it. No such committee shall have the power or authority, however, to (a) approve or adopt, or recommend to the stockholders, any action or matter (other than the election or removal of directors) expressly required by the DGCL to be submitted to stockholders for approval, or (b) adopt, amend or repeal any bylaw of the Company.
4.2 COMMITTEE MINUTES
Each committee and subcommittee shall keep regular minutes of its meetings.
4.3 MEETINGS AND ACTION OF COMMITTEES
Unless otherwise specified by the Board of Directors, meetings and actions of committees and subcommittees shall be governed by, and held and taken in accordance with, the provisions of:
(a) Section 3.5 (place of meetings and meetings by telephone);
(b) Section 3.6 (regular meetings);
(c) Section 3.7 (special meetings and notice);
(d) Section 3.8 (quorum; voting);
(e) Section 3.9 (action without a meeting); and
(f) Section 7.4 (waiver of notice)
with such changes in the context of those bylaws as are necessary to substitute the committee or subcommittee and its members for the Board of Directors and its members. However, (i) the time and place of regular meetings of committees or subcommittees may be determined either by resolution of the Board of Directors or by resolution of the committee or subcommittee; (ii) special meetings of committees or subcommittees may also be called by resolution of the Board of Directors or the committee or the subcommittee; and (iii) notice of special meetings of committees and subcommittees shall also be given to all alternate members who shall have the right to attend all meetings of the committee or subcommittee. The Board of Directors or a committee or subcommittee may also adopt other rules for the government of any committee or subcommittee.
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Any provision in the certificate of incorporation providing that one or more directors shall have more or less than one vote per director on any matter shall apply to voting in any committee or subcommittee, unless otherwise provided in the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws.
4.4 SUBCOMMITTEES
Unless otherwise provided in the certificate of incorporation, these bylaws or the resolutions of the Board of Directors designating the committee, a committee may create one or more subcommittees, each subcommittee to consist of one or more members of the committee, and delegate to a subcommittee any or all of the powers and authority of the committee.
ARTICLE V - OFFICERS
5.1 OFFICERS
The officers of the Company shall be a president and a secretary. At the discretion of the Board of Directors, the Company may also have a chairperson of the Board of Directors, a vice chairperson of the Board of Directors, a chief executive officer, a chief financial officer or treasurer, one or more vice presidents, one or more assistant vice presidents, one or more assistant treasurers, one or more assistant secretaries and any such other officers as may be appointed in accordance with the provisions of these bylaws. Any number of offices may be held by the same person.
5.2 APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS
The Board of Directors shall appoint the officers of the Company, except such officers as may be appointed in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.3 of these bylaws, subject to the rights, if any, of an officer under any contract of employment.
5.3 SUBORDINATE OFFICERS
The Board of Directors, or any duly authorized committee or subcommittee thereof, may appoint, or empower any officer to appoint, such other officers as the business of the Company may require. Each of such officers shall hold office for such period, have such authority, and perform such duties as are provided in these bylaws or as determined from time to time by the Board of Directors or, for the avoidance of doubt, any duly authorized committee or subcommittee thereof or by any officer who has been conferred such power of determination.
5.4 REMOVAL AND RESIGNATION OF OFFICERS
Subject to the rights, if any, of an officer under any contract of employment, any officer may be removed, either with or without cause, by the Board of Directors or, for the avoidance of doubt, any duly authorized committee or subcommittee thereof or by any officer who has been conferred such power of removal.
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Any officer may resign at any time by giving notice, in writing or by electronic transmission, to the Company. Any resignation shall take effect at the date of the receipt of that notice or at any later time specified in that notice. Unless otherwise specified in the notice of resignation, the acceptance of the resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. Any resignation is without prejudice to the rights, if any, of the Company under any contract to which the officer is a party.
5.5 VACANCIES IN OFFICES
Any vacancy occurring in any office of the Company shall be filled by the Board of Directors or as provided in Section 5.3.
5.6 REPRESENTATION OF SECURITIES OF OTHER ENTITIES
The chairperson of the Board of Directors, the chief executive officer, the president, any vice president, the treasurer, the secretary or assistant secretary of the Company or any other person authorized by the Board of Directors or the chief executive officer, the president or a vice president, is authorized to vote, represent and exercise on behalf of the Company all rights incident to any and all shares or other securities of, or interests in, or issued by, any other entity or entities, and all rights incident to any management authority conferred on the Company in accordance with the governing documents of any entity or entities, standing in the name of the Company, including the right to act by written consent. The authority granted herein may be exercised either by such person directly or by any other person authorized to do so by proxy or power of attorney duly executed by such person having the authority.
5.7 AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS
Each officer of the Company shall have such authority and perform such duties in the management of the business of the Company as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors or, for the avoidance of doubt, any duly authorized committee or subcommittee thereof or by any officer who has been conferred such power of designation and, to the extent not so provided, as generally pertain to such office, subject to the control of the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE VI - STOCK
6.1 STOCK CERTIFICATES; PARTLY PAID SHARES
The shares of the Company shall be represented by certificates, provided that the Board of Directors may provide by resolution or resolutions that some or all of any or all classes or series of its stock shall be uncertificated shares. Any such resolution shall not apply to shares represented by a certificate until such certificate is surrendered to the Company. Unless otherwise provided by resolution of the Board of Directors, every holder of stock represented by certificates shall be entitled to have a certificate signed by, or in the name of, the Company by any two officers of the Company representing the number of shares registered in certificate form. Any or all of the signatures on the certificate may be a facsimile. In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate has ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Company with the same effect as if such person were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue. The Company shall not have power to issue a certificate in bearer form.
The Company may issue the whole or any part of its shares as partly paid and subject to call for the remainder of the consideration to be paid for such shares. Upon the face or back of each stock certificate issued to represent any such partly-paid shares, or upon the books and records of the Company in the case of uncertificated partly-paid shares, the total amount of the consideration to be paid for those shares and the amount paid to date for the shares shall be stated. Upon the declaration of any dividend on fully-paid shares, the Company shall declare a dividend upon partly-paid shares of the same class, but only upon the basis of the percentage of the consideration actually paid for those shares.
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6.2 SPECIAL DESIGNATION ON CERTIFICATES
If the Company is authorized to issue more than one class of stock or more than one series of any class, then the powers, the designations, the preferences and the relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights shall be set forth in full or summarized on the face or back of the certificate that the Company shall issue to represent such class or series of stock. Notwithstanding the foregoing, except as otherwise provided in Section 202 of the DGCL, in lieu of the foregoing requirements, there may be set forth on the face or back of the certificate that the Company shall issue to represent such class or series of stock, a statement that the Company will furnish without charge to each stockholder who so requests the powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights. Within a reasonable time after the issuance or transfer of uncertificated stock, the registered owner thereof shall be given a notice, in writing or by electronic transmission, containing the information required to be set forth or stated on certificates pursuant to this Section 6.2 or Sections 151, 156, 202(a), 218(a) or 364 of the DGCL or with respect to this Section 6.2 a statement that the Company will furnish without charge to each stockholder who so requests the powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights. Except as otherwise expressly provided by law, the rights and obligations of the holders of uncertificated stock and the rights and obligations of the holders of certificates representing stock of the same class and series shall be identical.
6.3 LOST CERTIFICATES
Except as provided in this Section 6.3, no new certificates for shares shall be issued to replace a previously issued certificate unless the latter is surrendered to the Company and cancelled at the same time. The Company may issue a new certificate of stock or uncertificated shares in the place of any certificate theretofore issued by it, alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed. As a condition to the issuance of any new certificates, the Company may require the owner of the lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, or such owner’s legal representative, to give the Company a bond sufficient to indemnify it against any claim that may be made against it on account of the alleged loss, theft or destruction of any such certificate or the issuance of such new certificate or uncertificated shares.
6.4 DIVIDENDS
Subject to any restrictions contained in the certificate of incorporation or applicable law, the Board of Directors may declare and pay dividends upon the shares of the Company’s capital stock. Dividends may be paid in cash, in property, or in shares of the Company’s capital stock, subject to the provisions of the certificate of incorporation. The Board of Directors may set apart out of any of the funds of the Company available for dividends a reserve or reserves for any proper purpose and may abolish any such reserve.
6.5 TRANSFER OF STOCK
Transfers of record of shares of stock of the Company shall be made only upon its books by the holders of those shares, in person or by an attorney duly authorized, and, subject to Section 6.3 and Section 6.8 of these bylaws, if such stock is certificated, upon the surrender of a certificate or certificates for a like number of shares, properly endorsed or accompanied by proper evidence of succession, assignation or authority to transfer.
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6.6 STOCK TRANSFER AGREEMENTS
The Company shall have power to enter into and perform any agreement with any number of stockholders of any one or more classes or series of stock of the Company to restrict the transfer of shares of stock of the Company of any one or more classes or series owned by such stockholders in any manner not prohibited by the DGCL.
6.7 REGISTERED STOCKHOLDERS
The Company:
(a) shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a person registered on its books as the owner of shares to receive dividends and notices and to vote as such owner; and
(b) shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of another person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by the laws of Delaware.
6.8 LOCKUP
(a) Subject to Section 6.8(b), the holders (the “Lockup Holders”) of common stock of the Company (i) issued as consideration pursuant to the merger of AAC II Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation, with and into Kodiak Robotics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Business Combination Transaction”), including, for the avoidance of doubt, any shares of common stock of the Company issued as earnout consideration in connection with the Business Combination Transaction; (ii) issued upon the exercise of stock options or warrants outstanding as of immediately following the closing of the Business Combination Transaction in respect of stock options or warrants of Kodiak Robotics, Inc. outstanding immediately prior to the closing of the Business Combination Transaction; (iii) issued to or owned by any AACT Insider as of immediately prior to the closing of the Business Combination Transaction; or (iv) issued to the directors, officers and employees of the Company or its subsidiaries (such shares referred to in this Section 6.8(a), the “Lockup Shares”), may not, without the prior written consent of the Board of Directors (including, for the avoidance of doubt, a duly authorized committee thereof), Transfer any Lockup Shares until the end of the Lockup Period (the “Lockup”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, shares of Company common stock issued pursuant to the Company’s employee stock purchase plan shall not constitute Lockup Shares.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions set forth in Section 6.8(a), each Lockup Holder or such Lockup Holder’s respective Permitted Transferees may Transfer the Lockup Shares during the Lockup Period: (i) as a bona fide gift to a current or former spouse or domestic partner, parent, sibling, child or grandchild of such Lockup Holder or any other natural person with whom such Lockup Holder has a relationship by blood, marriage or adoption not more remote than first cousin (any of the foregoing, an “immediate family member”) or as a charitable contribution; (ii) to a trust, or other entity formed for estate planning purposes for the primary benefit of such Lockup Holder or its affiliates or an immediate family member of such Lockup Holder or a charitable organization; (iii) by will or intestate succession upon the death of such Lockup Holder; (iv) pursuant to a qualified domestic order, court order or in connection with a divorce settlement, or any legal, regulatory or other order; (v) if such Lockup Holder is a corporation, partnership (whether general, limited or otherwise), limited liability company, trust or other
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business entity, (A) to another corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust or other business entity that, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by or is under common control or management with such Lockup Holder, whether through one or more intermediaries or otherwise, (B) to partners, limited liability company members or stockholders of such Lockup Holder or their affiliates, including, for the avoidance of doubt, where such Lockup Holder is a partnership, to its general partner or a successor partnership or fund, or any other funds or accounts managed or advised by such partnership or its affiliates, or (C) by virtue of the laws of the state of the entity’s organization and the entity’s organizational documents upon dissolution of the entity; (vi) if such Lockup Holder is a trust, to a trustor or beneficiary of the trust or to the estate of a beneficiary of such trust; (vii) to the Company’s officers, directors or their affiliates or immediate family members; (viii) to a nominee or custodian of a person or entity to whom a disposition or transfer would be permissible under subsections (i) through (vii) of this Section 6.8(b); (ix) pursuant to a bona fide third-party tender offer, merger, stock sale, recapitalization, consolidation or other transaction involving a Change in Control approved by the Board of Directors (including, for the avoidance of doubt and to the fullest extent permitted by law, a duly authorized committee thereof) or through entry into any lock-up, voting or similar agreement pursuant to which such Lockup Holder may agree to transfer, sell, tender or otherwise dispose of Lockup Shares in connection with such a Change in Control; provided, however, that if such tender offer, merger, stock sale, recapitalization, consolidation or other such transaction is not completed, the Lockup Shares shall remain subject to the Lockup; (x) the establishment of a trading plan pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 promulgated under the 1934 Act; provided, however, that such plan does not provide for the Transfer of Lockup Shares during the Lockup Period; (xi) to the Company in connection with the repurchase of such Lockup Holder’s shares in connection with the termination of such Lockup Holder’s employment with the Company pursuant to contractual agreements with the Company; (xii) to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with the exercise of options to purchase shares of common stock of the Company or the vesting of Company stock-based awards; (xiii) in payment on a “net exercise” or “cashless” basis of the exercise or purchase price with respect to the exercise of options to purchase shares of common stock of the Company or for the purpose of paying the exercise price of such options or for paying taxes due as a result of the exercise of such options, the vesting of such options or stock awards; (xiv) upon reasonably prompt prior notice to the Company, by private sales or transfers made in connection with any forward purchase agreement or similar arrangement entered into at or in connection with the closing of the Business Combination Transaction, at prices no greater than the price at which the Lockup Shares were originally purchased; or (xv) if the Triggering Event occurs. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of clauses (i) through (viii), the Permitted Transferees must enter into a written agreement, in substantially the form of this Section 6.8 (it being understood that any references to “immediate family member” in the agreement executed by such transferee shall expressly refer only to the immediate family members of the original Lockup Holder and not to the immediate family members of the transferee), agreeing to be bound by the Lockup.
(c) In order to enforce this Section 6.8, the Company may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to the Lockup Shares until the end of the Lockup Period.
(d) Notwithstanding the other provisions set forth in this Section 6.8, the Board of Directors (including, for the avoidance of doubt and to the fullest extent permitted by law, a duly authorized committee thereof) may, in its sole discretion, determine to waive, amend, or repeal any Lockup obligations set forth in this Section 6.8. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any Lockup Holder is granted a discretionary waiver or termination of the restrictions set forth in this Section 6.8, such discretionary waiver or termination shall apply to each other Lockup Holder in the same proportion that the number of shares of Company common stock (or shares issued on the exercise, exchange or conversion of shares of common stock, as applicable) held by the Lockup Holder whose restrictions are terminated or waived bears to the number of shares of Company common stock (or such other shares) held by such other Lockup Holder (a “Pro-rata Release”). A Pro-rata Release shall not be applied in the case of an early release of any Lockup
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Holder from the restrictions described in this Section 6.8 if such early release is made (i) on the closing date of the Business Combination Transaction, (ii) as to the applicable Lockup Holder, with respect to an aggregate number of shares with a fair market value of less than $100,000 based on the closing price of one share of Company common stock on the Trading Day immediately prior to such release, or (iii) due to circumstances of an emergency or hardship, each as determined by the Board of Directors or any duly authorized committee thereof in its sole judgment.
(e) For purpose of this Section 6.8:
(i) the term “AACT” means Ares Acquisition Corporation II;
(ii) the term “AACT Insider” means Sponsor and each AACT officer or director party to the Insider Letter;
(iii) the term “Change in Control” means any transaction or series of related transactions pursuant to which a person (as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the 1934 Act), or group of persons, other than the Company, becomes the beneficial owner (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 of the 1934 Act) of more than 50% of the total voting power of the voting stock of the Company;
(iv) the term “Insider Letter” means the letter agreement dated April 20, 2023 among AACT, Sponsor, and AACT’s officers and directors;
(v) the term “Lockup Period” means the period beginning on the closing date of the Business Combination Transaction and ending on the earlier of (A) the date that is twelve (12) months thereafter or (B) such date on which the Company completes a liquidation, merger, stock exchange or other similar transaction that results in all of the Company’s stockholders having the right to exchange their shares of the Company’s capital stock for cash, securities or other property;
(vi) the term “Permitted Transferee” means, prior to the expiration of the Lockup Period, any person or entity to whom such Lockup Holder is permitted to Transfer such shares of common stock prior to the expiration of the Lockup Period pursuant to Section 6.8(b);
(vii) the term “Sponsor” means Ares Acquisition Holdings II LP;
(viii) the term “Trading Day” means any day on which shares of Company common stock are actually traded on the principal securities exchange or securities market on which shares of Company common stock are then traded;
(ix) the term “Transfer” means to (A) exchange, transfer, assign, lend, sell, offer to sell, contract or agree to sell, hypothecate, pledge, grant any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or agree to dispose of, directly or indirectly, or establish or increase a put equivalent position or liquidate or decrease a call equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of the 1934 Act with respect to, any security, or any right or interest therein, (B) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of any security, whether any such transaction is to be settled by delivery of such securities, in cash or otherwise, (C) take any action in furtherance of any of the matters described in clause (A) or (B), or (D) publicly announce any intention to effect any transaction specified in clause (A) or (B); and
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(x) the term “Triggering Event” means that the closing price of one share of Company common stock is at any time greater than or equal to $12.00 (which shall be equitably adjusted for stock splits, reverse stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations, reclassifications, combinations, exchanges of shares or other like changes or transactions with respect to Company common stock) over any twenty (20) Trading Days within any thirty (30) Trading Day period commencing at least 150 days after the closing of the Business Combination Transaction.
ARTICLE VII - MANNER OF GIVING NOTICE AND WAIVER
7.1 NOTICE OF STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETINGS
Notice of any meeting of stockholders shall be given in the manner set forth in the DGCL.
7.2 NOTICE TO STOCKHOLDERS SHARING AN ADDRESS
Except as otherwise prohibited under the DGCL, without limiting the manner by which notice otherwise may be given effectively to stockholders, any notice to stockholders given by the Company under the provisions of the DGCL, the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws shall be effective if given by a single written notice to stockholders who share an address if consented to by the stockholders at that address to whom such notice is given. Any such consent shall be revocable by the stockholder by written notice to the Company. Any stockholder who fails to object in writing to the Company, within 60 days of having been given written notice by the Company of its intention to send the single notice, shall be deemed to have consented to receiving such single written notice. This Section 7.2 shall not apply to Sections 164, 296, 311, 312 or 324 of the DGCL.
7.3 NOTICE TO PERSON WITH WHOM COMMUNICATION IS UNLAWFUL
Whenever notice is required to be given, under the DGCL, the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, to any person with whom communication is unlawful, the giving of such notice to such person shall not be required and there shall be no duty to apply to any governmental authority or agency for a license or permit to give such notice to such person. Any action or meeting which shall be taken or held without notice to any such person with whom communication is unlawful shall have the same force and effect as if such notice had been duly given. In the event that the action taken by the Company is such as to require the filing of a certificate under the DGCL, the certificate shall state, if such is the fact and if notice is required, that notice was given to all persons entitled to receive notice except such persons with whom communication is unlawful.
7.4 WAIVER OF NOTICE
Whenever notice is required to be given under any provision of the DGCL, the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, a written waiver, signed by the person entitled to notice, or a waiver by electronic transmission by the person entitled to notice, whether before or after the time of the event for which notice is to be given, shall be deemed equivalent to notice. Attendance of a person at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when the person attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the stockholders or the Board of Directors, as the case may be, need be specified in any written waiver of notice or any waiver by electronic transmission unless so required by the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws.
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ARTICLE VIII - INDEMNIFICATION
8.1 INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS IN THIRD PARTY PROCEEDINGS
Subject to the other provisions of this Article VIII and to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, as now or hereinafter in effect, the Company shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a “Proceeding”) (other than an action by or in the right of the Company) by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, or officer of the Company, or is or was a director or officer of the Company serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such Proceeding if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe such person’s conduct was unlawful. The termination of any Proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that such person’s conduct was unlawful.
8.2 INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS IN ACTIONS BY OR IN THE RIGHT OF THE COMPANY
Subject to the other provisions of this Article VIII and to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, as now or hereinafter in effect, the Company shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director or officer of the Company, or is or was a director or officer of the Company serving at the request of the Company as a director officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such Proceeding if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company; except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Company unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.
8.3 SUCCESSFUL DEFENSE
To the extent that a present or former director or officer (for purposes of this Section 8.3 only, as such term is defined in Section 145(c)(1) of the DGCL) of the Company has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any Proceeding described in Section 8.1 or Section 8.2, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with that claim. The Company may indemnify any other person who is not a present or former director or officer of the Company against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person to the extent such person has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any Proceeding described in Section 8.1 or Section 8.2, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein.
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8.4 INDEMNIFICATION OF OTHERS
Subject to the other provisions of this Article VIII, the Company shall have power to indemnify its employees and agents, or any other persons, to the extent not prohibited by the DGCL or other applicable law. The Board of Directors shall have the power to delegate to any person or persons identified in subsections (1) through (4) of Section 145(d) of the DGCL the determination of whether employees or agents shall be indemnified.
8.5 ADVANCED PAYMENT OF EXPENSES
Expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by an officer or director of the Company in defending any Proceeding shall be paid by the Company in advance of the final disposition of such Proceeding upon receipt of a written request therefor (together with documentation reasonably evidencing such expenses) and an undertaking by or on behalf of the person to repay such amounts advanced if it shall ultimately be determined that the person is not entitled to be indemnified under this Article VIII or the DGCL. Such expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by former directors and officers or other employees and agents of the Company or by persons serving at the request of the Company as directors, officers, employees or agents of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise may be so paid upon such terms and conditions, if any, as the Company deems appropriate. The right to advancement of expenses shall not apply to any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) for which indemnity is excluded pursuant to these bylaws, but shall apply to any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) referenced in Section 8.6(b) or 8.6(c) prior to a determination that the person is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless otherwise determined pursuant to Section 8.8, no advance shall be made by the Company to an officer of the Company (except by reason of the fact that such officer is or was a director of the Company, in which event this paragraph shall not apply) in any Proceeding if a determination is reasonably and promptly made (a) by a vote of the directors who are not parties to such Proceeding, even though less than a quorum, or (b) by a committee of such directors designated by the vote of the majority of such directors, even though less than a quorum, or (c) if there are no such directors, or if such directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, that facts known to the decision-making party at the time such determination is made demonstrate clearly and convincingly that such person acted in bad faith or in a manner that such person did not believe to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company.
8.6 LIMITATION ON INDEMNIFICATION
Subject to the requirements in Section 8.3 and the DGCL, the Company shall not be obligated to indemnify any person pursuant to this Article VIII in connection with any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding):
(a) for which payment has actually been made to or on behalf of such person under any statute, insurance policy, indemnity provision, vote or otherwise, except with respect to any excess beyond the amount paid;
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(b) for an accounting or disgorgement of profits pursuant to Section 16(b) of the 1934 Act, or similar provisions of federal, state or local statutory law or common law, if such person is held liable therefor (including pursuant to any settlement arrangements);
(c) for any reimbursement of the Company by such person of any bonus or other incentive-based or equity-based compensation or of any profits realized by such person from the sale of securities of the Company, in either case as required under any clawback or compensation recovery policy adopted by the Company, applicable securities exchange and association listing requirements, including, without limitation, those adopted in accordance with Rule 10D-1 under the 1934 Act and/or the 1934 Act (including, without limitation, any such reimbursements that arise from an accounting restatement of the Company pursuant to Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), or the payment to the Company of profits arising from the purchase and sale by such person of securities in violation of Section 306 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act), if such person is held liable therefor (including pursuant to any settlement arrangements);
(d) initiated by such person, including any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by such person against the Company or its directors, officers, employees, agents or other indemnitees, unless: (i) the Board of Directors authorized the Proceeding (or the relevant part of the Proceeding) prior to its initiation; (ii) the Company provides the indemnification, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the Company under applicable law; (iii) otherwise required to be made under Section 8.7 or (iv) otherwise required by applicable law; or
(e) if prohibited by applicable law.
8.7 DETERMINATION; CLAIM
If a claim for indemnification or advancement of expenses under this Article VIII is not paid in full within 90 days after receipt by the Company of the written request for such payment, the claimant shall be entitled to an adjudication by a court of competent jurisdiction of such person’s entitlement to such indemnification or advancement of expenses. The Company shall indemnify such person against any and all expenses that are actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with any action for indemnification or advancement of expenses from the Company under this Article VIII, to the extent such person is successful in such action, and to the extent not prohibited by law. In any such suit, the Company shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, have the burden of proving that the claimant is not entitled to the requested indemnification or advancement of expenses.
8.8 NON-EXCLUSIVITY OF RIGHTS
The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, this Article VIII shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under the certificate of incorporation or any statute, bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in such person’s official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office. The Company is specifically authorized to enter into individual contracts with any or all of its directors, officers, employees or agents respecting indemnification and advancement of expenses, to the fullest extent not prohibited by the DGCL or other applicable law.
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8.9 INSURANCE
The Company may purchase and maintain insurance to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company, or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of such person’s status as such, whether or not the Company would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability under the provisions of the DGCL.
8.10 SURVIVAL
The rights to indemnification and advancement of expenses conferred by this Article VIII shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.
8.11 EFFECT OF REPEAL OR MODIFICATION
A right to indemnification or to advancement of expenses arising under a provision of the certificate of incorporation or a bylaw shall not be eliminated or impaired by an amendment to or repeal or elimination of the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws after the occurrence of the act or omission that is the subject of the Proceeding for which indemnification or advancement of expenses is sought, unless the provision in effect at the time of such act or omission explicitly authorizes such elimination or impairment after such action or omission has occurred.
8.12 CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
For purposes of this Article VIII, references to the “Company” shall include, in addition to the resulting entity, any constituent entity (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger which, if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and authority to indemnify its directors, officers, employees or agents, so that any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of such constituent entity, or is or was serving at the request of such constituent entity as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall stand in the same position under the provisions of this Article VIII with respect to the resulting or surviving entity as such person would have with respect to such constituent entity if its separate existence had continued. For purposes of this Article VIII, references to “other enterprises” shall include employee benefit plans; references to “fines” shall include any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to an employee benefit plan; and references to “serving at the request of the Company” shall include any service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a person who acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner “not opposed to the best interests of the Company” as referred to in this Article VIII.
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ARTICLE IX - GENERAL MATTERS
9.1 EXECUTION OF CORPORATE CONTRACTS AND INSTRUMENTS
Except as otherwise provided by law, the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, the Board of Directors may authorize any officer or officers, or agent or agents, or employee or employees, to enter into any contract or execute any document or instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Company; such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. Unless so authorized or ratified by the Board of Directors or within the agency power of an officer, agent or employee, no officer, agent or employee shall have any power or authority to bind the Company by any contract or engagement or to pledge its credit or to render it liable for any purpose or for any amount.
9.2 FISCAL YEAR
The fiscal year of the Company shall be fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors and may be changed by the Board of Directors.
9.3 SEAL
The Company may adopt a corporate seal, which shall be adopted and which may be altered by the Board of Directors. The Company may use the corporate seal by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or in any other manner reproduced.
9.4 CONSTRUCTION; DEFINITIONS
Unless the context requires otherwise, the general provisions, rules of construction, and definitions in the DGCL shall govern the construction of these bylaws. Without limiting the generality of this provision, the singular number includes the plural, the plural number includes the singular, and the term “person” includes a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, and a natural person. Any reference in these bylaws to a section of the DGCL shall be deemed to refer to such section as amended from time to time and any successor provisions thereto.
9.5 FORUM SELECTION
Unless the Company consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, (X) the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, if the Court of Chancery does not have jurisdiction, another state court in Delaware or the United States District Court for the District of Delaware) shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for (a) any derivative action, suit or proceeding brought on behalf of the Company, (b) any action, suit or proceeding asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, stockholder, officer or other employee of the Company to the Company or the Company’s stockholders, (c) any action, suit or proceeding arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws (as either may be amended from time to time) or (d) any action, suit or proceeding asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine, except for, as to each of (a) through (d) above, any claim as to which such court determines that there is an indispensable party not subject to the jurisdiction of such court (and the indispensable party does not consent to the personal jurisdiction of such court within 10 days following such determination). If any action the subject matter of which is within the scope of the immediately preceding sentence is filed in a court other than the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware (a “Foreign Action”) in the name of any stockholder, such stockholder shall be deemed to have consented to (x) the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts in the State of Delaware in connection with any action brought in any such court to enforce the provisions of the immediately preceding sentence and (y) having service of process made upon such stockholder in any such action by service upon such stockholder’s counsel in the Foreign Action as agent for such stockholder.
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Subject to the preceding provisions of this Section 9.5, the federal district courts of the United States of America shall be the sole and exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause or causes of action arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, against any person in connection with any offering of the Company’s securities, including, without limitation and for the avoidance of doubt, any auditor, underwriter, expert, control person or other defendant, including all causes of action asserted against any defendant to such complaint. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of this Section 9.5 shall not apply to suits brought to enforce any liability or duty created by the 1934 Act, or any other claim for which the federal courts of the United States have exclusive jurisdiction.
Any person or entity purchasing, holding or otherwise acquiring any interest in any security of the Company shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this Section 9.5. This provision shall be enforceable by any party to a complaint covered by the provisions of this Section 9.5. This Section 9.5 is intended to benefit and may be enforced by the Company, its officers and directors, the underwriters to any offering giving rise to such complaint, and any other professional or entity whose profession gives authority to a statement made by that person and who has prepared or certified any part of the documents underlying the offering.
ARTICLE X - AMENDMENTS
These bylaws may be adopted, altered, amended or repealed by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the total voting power of the outstanding voting securities of the Company, voting together as a single class. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the total voting power of outstanding voting securities of the Company, voting together as a single class, shall be required for the stockholders of the Company to alter, amend or repeal, or adopt any bylaw inconsistent with, the following provisions of these bylaws: Article II, Sections 3.1, 3.2, 3.4 and 3.11 of Article III, Article VIII, Section 9.5 of Article IX or this Article X (including, without limitation, any such Article or Section as renumbered as a result of any amendment, alteration, change, repeal, or adoption of any other bylaw). The Board of Directors shall also have the power to adopt, amend or repeal bylaws. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a bylaw amendment adopted by stockholders which specifies the votes that shall be necessary for the election of directors shall not be further amended or repealed by the Board of Directors.
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Exhibit 4.4
| NUMBER | SHARES | |
| C- |
SEE REVERSE FOR
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
CUSIP []
KODIAK AI, INC.
INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE
COMMON STOCK
This Certifies that is the owner of
FULLY PAID AND NON-ASSESSABLE SHARES OF THE PAR VALUE OF $0.0001
EACH OF THE COMMON STOCK OF
KODIAK AI, INC.
(THE “CORPORATION”)
transferable on the books of the Corporation in person or by duly authorized attorney upon surrender of this
certificate properly endorsed.
This certificate is not valid unless countersigned by the Transfer Agent and registered by the Registrar.
Witness the facsimile signatures of its duly authorized officers.
Dated:
| Chief Executive Officer | Chief Financial Officer | |||
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KODIAK AI, INC.
Upon written request of the recordholder of this certificate to the Corporation at its principal place of business or registered office, the Corporation will furnish without charge to each recordholder who so requests the powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof of the Corporation and the qualifications, limitations, or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights. This certificate and the shares represented thereby are issued and shall be held subject to all the provisions of the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of the Corporation and all amendments thereto and resolutions of the Board of Directors providing for the issue of securities (copies of which may be obtained from the secretary of the Corporation), to all of which the holder of this certificate by acceptance hereof assents.
The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of this certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full according to applicable laws or regulations:
| TEN COM | —as tenants in common | |||||||||
| UNIF GIFT MIN ACT— | Custodian | |||||||||
| TEN ENT | —as tenants by the entireties | |||||||||
| (Cust) | (Minor) | |||||||||
| JT TEN | — as joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common |
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Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.
For value received, hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto
(PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER IDENTIFYING NUMBER(S) OF ASSIGNEE(S))
(PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES), INCLUDING ZIP CODE, OF ASSIGNEE(S))
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Shares of the capital stock represented by the within Certificate, and does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint
Attorney to transfer the said stock on the books of the within named Corporation with full power of substitution in the premises.
Dated:
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NOTICE: THE SIGNATURE(S) TO THIS ASSIGNMENT MUST CORRESPOND WITH THE NAME AS WRITTEN UPON THE FACE OF THE CERTIFICATE IN EVERY PARTICULAR, WITHOUT ALTERATION OR ENLARGEMENT OR ANY CHANGE WHATSOEVER.
| Signature(s) Guaranteed: |
| By |
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THE SIGNATURE(S) MUST BE GUARANTEED BY AN ELIGIBLE GUARANTOR INSTITUTION (BANKS, STOCKBROKERS, SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS AND CREDIT UNIONS WITH MEMBERSHIP IN AN APPROVED SIGNATURE GUARANTEE MEDALLION PROGRAM, PURSUANT TO S.E.C. RULE 17Ad-15 (OR ANY SUCCESSOR RULE)).
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Exhibit 10.8
AMENDED AND RESTATED
REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of September 24, 2025 (the “Effective Date”), is made and entered into by and among Kodiak AI, Inc., a Delaware corporation (formerly known as Ares Acquisition Corporation II, a Cayman Islands exempted company, prior to the Domestication (as defined below)) (the “Company”), Ares Acquisition Holdings II LP, a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership (the “Sponsor”) and each of the undersigned parties listed on the signature page to this Agreement under the caption “Kodiak Holders” (collectively, the “Kodiak Holders” and, together with the Sponsor and any Person who hereafter becomes a party to this Agreement pursuant to Section 5.2, each a “Holder” and collectively the “Holders”).
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Company and the Sponsor are party to the Registration and Shareholder Rights Agreement, dated as of April 20, 2023 (the “Original RRA”);
WHEREAS, the Company is party to the Business Combination Agreement, dated as of April 14, 2025 (as the same may be amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Business Combination Agreement”), by and among the Company, AAC II Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and direct wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and Kodiak Robotics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Legacy Kodiak”), pursuant to which the parties to the Business Combination Agreement undertook the transactions described in the Business Combination Agreement (the “Business Combination”);
WHEREAS, prior to the Effective Date and subject to the conditions of the Business Combination Agreement, the Company transferred by way of continuation to and domesticated as a Delaware corporation in accordance with Section 388 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended, and the Companies Act (As Revised) of the Cayman Islands (the “Domestication”);
WHEREAS, following the closing of the Business Combination, as of the Effective Date, the Holders own shares of Common Stock, the Sponsor owns Warrants and certain Kodiak Holders may own options to acquire Common Stock;
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 6.8 of the Original RRA, the provisions, covenants and conditions set forth in the Original RRA may be amended or modified upon the written consent of the Company and the Holders (as defined in the Original RRA) (the “Original Holders”) of at least a majority in interest of the Registrable Securities (as defined in the Original RRA) (the “Original Registrable Securities”) at the time in question;
WHEREAS, the Sponsor is party to this Agreement and is the Original Holder of at least a majority in interest of the Original Registrable Securities as of the Effective Date; and
WHEREAS, in connection with the consummation of the transactions described above, the Company and the Sponsor desire to amend and restate the Original RRA in its entirety as set forth in this Agreement, and the Company and the Holders desire to enter into this Agreement, pursuant to which the Company grants the Holders certain registration rights with respect to the Registrable Securities (as defined below) on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
1.1 Definitions. The terms defined in this Article I shall, for all purposes of this Agreement, have the respective meanings set forth below:
“Additional Holder” has the meaning given in Section 5.11.
“Additional Holder Common Stock” has the meaning given in Section 5.11.
“Adverse Disclosure” means any public disclosure of material non-public information, which disclosure, in the good faith judgment of the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief Financial Officer of the Company or the Board, in each case, after consultation with counsel to the Company, (i) would be required to be made in any Registration Statement or Prospectus in order for the applicable Registration Statement or Prospectus not to contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements contained therein (in the case of any Prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading, (ii) would not be required to be made at such time if the Registration Statement were not being filed, declared effective or used, as the case may be, and (iii) the Company has a bona fide business purpose for not making such information public.
“Agreement” has the meaning given in the Preamble to this Agreement.
“Board” means the board of directors of the Company.
“Business Combination” has the meaning given in the Recitals to this Agreement.
“Business Combination Agreement” has the meaning given in the Recitals to this Agreement .
“Business Day” means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York, New York are authorized or required by Law to close.
“Company Bylaws” means the Bylaws of the Company that will be in effect at the Closing, as contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement.
“Closing” has the meaning given in the Business Combination Agreement.
“Closing Date” has the meaning given in the Business Combination Agreement.
“Commission” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Common Stock” means common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Company.
“Company” has the meaning given in the Preamble to this Agreement and includes the Company’s successors by recapitalization, merger, consolidation, spin-off, reorganization or similar transaction.
“Demanding Holder” has the meaning given in Section 2.1.4.
“Domestication” has the meaning given in the Recitals to this Agreement.
“DTC” means the Depository Trust Company.
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“Earnout Stock” has the meaning given in the Business Combination Agreement.
“Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as it may be amended from time to time.
“FINRA” means the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.
“Form S-1 Shelf” has the meaning given in Section 2.1.1.
“Form S-3 Shelf” has the meaning given in Section 2.1.1.
“Governmental Authority” means any federal, state, provincial, municipal, local, foreign or other governmental, quasi-governmental, regulatory or administrative body, instrumentality, department or agency or any court, tribunal, administrative hearing body, arbitral body, commission, or other similar dispute-resolving panel or body (public or private).
“Holder” and “Holders,” with respect to any Person, has the meaning given in the Preamble to this Agreement, in each case, for so long as such Person holds any Registrable Securities.
“Holder Information” has the meaning given in Section 4.1.2.
“In-Kind Distribution” has the meaning given in Section 5.14.
“Joinder” has the meaning given in Section 5.11.
“Kodiak Holders” has the meaning given in the Preamble to this Agreement.
“Law” means any federal, state, local, municipal, foreign or other constitution, law, statute, act, legislation, principle of common law, ordinance, code, edict, decree, proclamation, treaty, convention, rule, regulation, directive, requirement, writ, injunction, settlement, ordinance, regulation, order or consent, in each case, issued, enacted, adopted, passed, approved, promulgated, made, implemented or otherwise put into effect by or under the authority of any Governmental Authority.
“Legacy Kodiak” has the meaning given in the Recitals to this Agreement.
“Legal Proceeding” means any notice of noncompliance or violation, or any claim, demand, charge, action, suit, litigation, audit, settlement, complaint, stipulation, assessment, examination, mediation or arbitration, or any request (including any request for information), inquiry, hearing, proceeding (whether at law or in equity) or investigation, by or before any Governmental Authority.
“Lock-up” means the lock-up restrictions under the Company Bylaws.
“Lock-Up Period” has the meaning given in the Company Bylaws.
“LP Distribution” has the meaning given in Section 3.1.17.
“LP Distribution Notice” has the meaning given in Section 3.1.17.
“Maximum Number of Securities” has the meaning given in Section 2.1.5.
“Minimum Takedown Threshold” has the meaning given in Section 2.1.4.
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“Misstatement” means an untrue statement of a material fact or an omission to state a material fact required to be stated in a Registration Statement or Prospectus, or necessary to make the statements in a Registration Statement or Prospectus (in the case of a Prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading.
“Original Holders” has the meaning given in the Recitals to this Agreement.
“Original Registrable Securities” has the meaning given in the Recitals to this Agreement.
“Original RRA” has the meaning given in the Recitals to this Agreement.
“Other Coordinated Offering” has the meaning given in Section 2.4.1.
“Permitted Transferees” means persons to whom a holder of Registrable Securities is permitted to transfer such Registrable Securities prior to the expiration of the applicable Lock-Up Period pursuant to the Lock-Up.
“Person” an individual, corporation, company, exempted company, partnership (including a general partnership, exempted limited partnership, limited partnership or limited liability partnership), limited liability company, association, trust or other entity or organization, including a government, domestic or foreign, or political subdivision of any government, or an agency or instrumentality of any government.
“Piggyback Registration” has the meaning given in Section 2.2.1.
“Prospectus” means the prospectus included in any Registration Statement, as supplemented by all prospectus supplements and as amended by all post-effective amendments and including all material incorporated by reference in such prospectus.
“Registrable Security” means (i) any outstanding shares of Common Stock (other than the Earnout Stock and the Sponsor Earnout Securities) held by a Holder immediately following the Closing, (ii) any shares of Common Stock that may be acquired by Holders upon the exercise, conversion or redemption of any other security of the Company or other right to acquire Common Stock held by a Holder immediately following the Closing, including, shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants or options to acquire Common Stock, (iii) the Sponsor Earnout Securities (provided that, prior to the release of such Sponsor Earnout Securities to the Sponsor in accordance with the terms of the Sponsor Support Agreement, the Sponsor Earnout Securities shall be deemed to be “Registrable Securities” only for purposes of Sections 2.1.1, 2.1.2 and 2.1.3), (iv) the Earnout Stock (provided that, prior to the delivery of such Earnout Stock to the Kodiak Holders in accordance with the terms of the Business Combination Agreement, the Earnout Stock shall be deemed to be “Registrable Securities” only for purposes of Sections 2.1.1, 2.1.2 and 2.1.3), (v) any outstanding shares of Common Stock or warrants or options to purchase shares of Common Stock (including the Warrants and any shares of Common Stock issued or issuable upon the exercise of any such warrant or option) of the Company held by a Holder following the Effective Date to the extent that such securities are “restricted securities” (as defined in Rule 144) or are otherwise held by an “affiliate” (as defined in Rule 144) of the Company and (vi) any other equity security of the Company issued or issuable with respect to any securities referenced in clause (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) or (v) above by way of a stock dividend or stock split or in connection with a combination of shares, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, spin-off, reorganization or similar transaction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Registrable Securities shall cease to be Registrable Securities upon the earliest to occur of the following events: (a) a Registration Statement with respect to the sale of such securities shall have become effective under the Securities Act and such securities shall have been sold, transferred, disposed of or exchanged in
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accordance with such Registration Statement by the applicable Holder to a Person that is not an “affiliate” (as defined in Rule 144) of the Company and new certificates for such securities not bearing (or book-entry positions not subject to) a legend restricting further transfer shall have been delivered by the Company and subsequent public distribution of such securities shall not require registration under the Securities Act; (b) such securities shall have been otherwise transferred, new certificates for such securities not bearing (or book-entry positions not subject to) a legend restricting further transfer shall have been delivered by the Company and subsequent public distribution of such securities shall not require registration under the Securities Act; (c) such securities shall have ceased to be outstanding; (d) such securities may be sold without registration pursuant to Rule 144 with no volume or manner of sale restrictions or limitations; and (e) such securities have been sold to, or through, a broker, dealer or underwriter in a public distribution or other public securities transaction. Notwithstanding the forgoing, if at any time the Company fails to file any required reports under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act with the SEC such that it is not in compliance with Rule 144(c)(1) or Rule 144(i)(2), as applicable, and as a result a Holder is unable to sell Company securities that ceased to be Registrable Securities pursuant to clause (d) of the prior sentence without restriction under Rule 144, such Company securities shall continue to qualify as Registrable Securities.
“Registration” means a registration, including any related Shelf Takedown, effected by preparing and filing a Registration Statement, Prospectus or similar document in compliance with the requirements of the Securities Act, and the applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and such registration statement becoming effective.
“Registration Expenses” means the documented, out-of-pocket expenses of a Registration, including the following:
(A) all registration and filing fees (including fees with respect to filings required to be made with FINRA) and any national securities exchange on which the Common Stock or Warrants are then listed;
(B) fees and expenses of compliance with securities or blue sky laws (including reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees and disbursements of counsel for the Underwriters in connection with blue sky qualifications of Registrable Securities);
(C) printing, messenger, telephone and delivery expenses;
(D) reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company;
(E) reasonable fees and disbursements of all independent registered public accountants of the Company incurred specifically in connection with such Registration (including the expenses or costs associated with any annual, quarterly or special audit required specifically in connection with such Registration and the delivery of any opinions or comfort letters expenses of any annual audit or quarterly review); and
(F) reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees and expenses of one (1) legal counsel selected by the majority in interest of Registrable Securities held by each of (i) the Demanding Holders in an Underwritten Offering or Other Coordinated Offering and (ii) the Holders participating in a Piggyback Registration, as applicable.
“Registration Statement” means any registration statement that covers Registrable Securities pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, including any Shelf, and, in each case, including the Prospectus included in such registration statement, amendments (including post-effective amendments) and supplements to such registration statement and all exhibits to, and all material incorporated by reference in, such registration statement.
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“Requesting Holders” has the meaning given in Section 2.1.5.
“Rule 144” means Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act, as amended from time to time, or any similar successor rule to Rule 144 that may be promulgated by the Commission.
“Securities Act” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time.
“Shelf” means the Form S-1 Shelf, the Form S-3 Shelf or any Subsequent Shelf Registration, as the case may be.
“Shelf Registration” means a registration of securities pursuant to a registration statement filed with the Commission in accordance with and pursuant to Rule 415 promulgated under the Securities Act, as amended from time to time, or any similar successor rule to Rule 415 that may be promulgated by the Commission.
“Shelf Takedown” means an Underwritten Shelf Takedown or any proposed transfer or sale using a Registration Statement, including a Piggyback Registration.
“Sponsor” means Ares Acquisition Holdings II LP, a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership.
“Sponsor Earnout Securities” has the meaning given in the Sponsor Support Agreement.
“Sponsor Holder” means each of (i) the Sponsor and (ii) AAC II Holdings II LP, a Delaware limited partnershipand their respective Permitted Transferees.
“Sponsor Support Agreement” means that certain Sponsor Support Agreement, dated as of April 14, 2025, by and among the Company, the Sponsor and Legacy Kodiak, as may be amended from time to time.
“Subsequent Shelf Registration” has the meaning given in Section 2.1.2.
“Transfer” means the (i) sale or assignment of, offer to sell, contract or agreement to sell, hypothecation, loan, pledge, grant of any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or agreement to dispose of, directly or indirectly, or establishment or increase of a put equivalent position or liquidation with respect to or decrease of a call equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act with respect to, any security, (ii) entry into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of any security, whether any such transaction is to be settled by delivery of such securities, in cash or otherwise, or (iii) public announcement of any intention to effect any transaction specified in clause (i) or (ii).
“Underwriter” means a securities dealer who purchases any Registrable Securities as principal in an Underwritten Offering and not as part of such dealer’s market-making activities.
“Underwritten Offering” means a Registration in which securities of the Company are sold to an Underwriter in a firm commitment underwriting for distribution to the public.
“Underwritten Shelf Takedown” has the meaning given in Section 2.1.4.
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“Warrants” means the Purchaser Private Placement Warrants (as defined in the Business Combination Agreement).
“Withdrawal Notice” has the meaning given in Section 2.1.6.
“Yearly Limit” has the meaning given in Section 2.1.4.
ARTICLE II
REGISTRATIONS AND OFFERINGS
2.1 Shelf Registration.
2.1.1 Filing. The Company shall, subject to Section 3.4, submit or file with the Commission (at the Company’s sole cost and expense) within 30 days of the Closing Date a Registration Statement for a Shelf Registration on Form S-1 (the “Form S-1 Shelf”) or, if the Company is eligible to use a Registration Statement on Form S-3, a Shelf Registration on Form S-3 (the “Form S-3 Shelf”), in each case, covering the resale of all Registrable Securities (determined as of two business days prior to such submission or filing) on a delayed or continuous basis and shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to have such Shelf declared effective as soon as reasonably practicable after such filing, but no later than the earlier of (a) the 120th calendar day following the filing date if the Commission notifies the Company that it will “review” the Registration Statement and (b) the tenth business day after the date the Company is notified (orally or in writing, whichever is earlier) by the Commission that the Registration Statement will not be “reviewed” or will not be subject to further review. Such Shelf shall provide for the resale of the Registrable Securities included in the Shelf pursuant to any method or combination of methods legally available to, and requested by, any Holder named in the Shelf. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company’s obligations to include the Registrable Securities held by a Holder in such Shelf are contingent upon such Holder furnishing in writing to the Company such information regarding the Holder, the securities of the Company held by the Holder and the intended method of disposition of the Registrable Securities as shall be reasonably requested by the Company to effect the registration of the Registrable Securities at least five (5) Business Days in advance of any filing. Subject to Sections 2.1.3 and 3.4, the Company shall maintain a Shelf in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, and shall prepare and file with the Commission such amendments, including post-effective amendments, and supplements as may be necessary to keep a Shelf continuously effective, available for use to permit the Holders named in such Shelf to sell their Registrable Securities included in such Shelf and in compliance with the provisions of the Securities Act until such time as there are no longer any Registrable Securities outstanding. If requested by a Holder, in the event the Company files a Form S-1 Shelf, the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to convert the Form S-1 Shelf (and any Subsequent Shelf Registration) to a Form S-3 Shelf as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company is eligible to use Form S-3.
2.1.2 Subsequent Shelf Registration. If any Shelf ceases to be effective under the Securities Act for any reason at any time while Registrable Securities are still outstanding, the Company shall, subject to Section 3.4, use its commercially reasonable efforts to, as promptly as reasonably practicable, cause such Shelf to again become effective under the Securities Act (including using its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the prompt withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness of such Shelf), and shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to, as promptly as reasonably practicable, amend such Shelf in a manner reasonably expected to result in the withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness of such Shelf or file an additional registration statement as a Shelf Registration (a “Subsequent Shelf Registration”) registering the resale of all Registrable Securities under such Shelf (determined as of two business days prior to such filing), and pursuant to any method or combination of methods legally available to, and requested by, any Holder named in such Subsequent Shelf Registration. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company’s obligations to include the Registrable Securities held by a
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Holder in such Subsequent Shelf Registration are contingent upon such Holder furnishing in writing to the Company such information regarding the Holder, the securities of the Company held by the Holder and the intended method of disposition of the Registrable Securities as shall be reasonably requested by the Company to effect the registration of the Registrable Securities at least three (3) Business Days in advance of any filing. If a Subsequent Shelf Registration is filed, the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to (i) cause such Subsequent Shelf Registration to become effective under the Securities Act as promptly as is reasonably practicable after the filing of the Subsequent Shelf Registration (it being agreed that the Subsequent Shelf Registration shall be an automatic shelf registration statement (as defined in Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act) if the Company is a well-known seasoned issuer (as defined in Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act) at the most recent applicable eligibility determination date) and (ii) keep such Subsequent Shelf Registration continuously effective, available for use to permit the Holders named in such Subsequent Shelf Registration to sell their Registrable Securities included in such Subsequent Shelf Registration and in compliance with the provisions of the Securities Act until such time as there are no longer any Registrable Securities outstanding. Any such Subsequent Shelf Registration shall be on Form S-3 to the extent that the Company is eligible to use such form. Otherwise, such Subsequent Shelf Registration shall be on another appropriate form.
2.1.3 New Registrable Securities. Subject to Section 3.4, in the event that any Holder holds Registrable Securities that are not registered for resale on a delayed or continuous basis, the Company shall, upon the written request of such Holder, promptly use its commercially reasonable efforts to (a) cause the resale of such Registrable Securities to be covered by either, at the Company’s option, any then-available Shelf (including by means of a post-effective amendment) or a Subsequent Shelf Registration filed promptly after receipt of such request and (b) cause the same to become effective as soon as practicable after such filing, and such Shelf or Subsequent Shelf Registration shall be subject to the terms of this Agreement; provided, however, that the Company shall only be required to cause such Registrable Securities to be so covered twice per calendar year for each of (i) the Sponsor Holders, collectively, and (ii) the Kodiak Holders, collectively.
2.1.4 Requests for Underwritten Shelf Takedowns. Subject to Section 3.4, at any time and from time to time when an effective Shelf is on file with the Commission, any Holder (a “Demanding Holder”) may request to sell all or any portion of its Registrable Securities in an Underwritten Offering or other coordinated offering that is registered pursuant to the Shelf (each, an “Underwritten Shelf Takedown”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall only be obligated to effect an Underwritten Shelf Takedown if such offering shall include Registrable Securities proposed to be sold by the Demanding Holder, either individually or together with other Demanding Holders, with a total offering price reasonably expected to exceed, in the aggregate, $60,000,000 (the “Minimum Takedown Threshold”). All requests for Underwritten Shelf Takedowns shall be made by written notice to the Company at least ten days prior to the public announcement of such Underwritten Shelf Takedown, specifying the approximate number of Registrable Securities proposed to be sold in the Underwritten Shelf Takedown. Subject to Section 2.4.4, the Company, shall have the right to select the Underwriters for such offering (which shall consist of one or more reputable nationally recognized investment banks), subject to the initial Demanding Holder’s prior approval (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed). Each of (i) the Sponsor Holder and (ii) the Kodiak Holders, collectively, may demand Underwritten Shelf Takedowns pursuant to this Section 2.1.4 not more than two times in any 12-month period (the “Yearly Limit”). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Company may effect any Underwritten Offering pursuant to any then-effective Registration Statement, including a Form S-3, that is then available for such offering.
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2.1.5 Reduction of Underwritten Offering. If the managing Underwriter or Underwriters in an Underwritten Shelf Takedown, in good faith, advises the Company, the Demanding Holders and the Holders requesting piggy back rights pursuant to this Agreement with respect to such Underwritten Shelf Takedown (the “Requesting Holders”) (if any) in writing that the dollar amount or number of Registrable Securities that the Demanding Holders and the Requesting Holders (if any) desire to sell, taken together with all other shares of Common Stock or other equity securities that the Company desires to sell and all other shares of Common Stock or other equity securities, if any, that have been requested to be sold in such Underwritten Offering pursuant to separate written contractual piggy-back registration rights held by any other stockholders who desire to sell, exceeds the maximum dollar amount or maximum number of equity securities that can be sold in the Underwritten Offering without adversely affecting the proposed offering price, the timing, the distribution method or the probability of success of such offering (such maximum dollar amount or maximum number of such securities, as applicable, the “Maximum Number of Securities”), then the Company shall include in such Underwritten Offering, as follows: (i) first, the Registrable Securities of the Demanding Holders and the Requesting Holders (if any) (pro rata, as nearly as practicable, based on the respective number of Registrable Securities that each Demanding Holder and Requesting Holder (if any) has requested be included in such Underwritten Shelf Takedown and the aggregate number of Registrable Securities that the Demanding Holders and Requesting Holders (if any) have requested be included in such Underwritten Shelf Takedown) that can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities or in such other proportions as shall mutually be agreed to among the Demanding Holders and the Requesting Holders; (ii) second, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clause (i), the shares of Common Stock or other equity securities of the Company that the Company desires to sell and that can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; and (iii) third, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii), the shares of Common Stock or other equity securities of the Company held by other persons or entities that the Company is obligated to register in a Registration pursuant to separate written contractual piggy-back registration rights that can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities. To facilitate the allocation of Registrable Securities in accordance with the above provisions, the Company or the Underwriters may round the number of shares allocated to any Holder to the nearest 1,000 Registrable Securities.
2.1.6 Underwritten Shelf Takedown Withdrawal. Prior to the filing of the applicable “red herring” prospectus or prospectus supplement used for marketing such Underwritten Shelf Takedown, a majority in interest of the Demanding Holders initiating an Underwritten Shelf Takedown shall have the right to withdraw from such Underwritten Shelf Takedown for any or no reason whatsoever upon written notice (a “Withdrawal Notice”) to the Company and the Underwriter or Underwriters (if any). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Sponsor Holders or the Kodiak Holders, as applicable, may elect to have the Company continue an Underwritten Shelf Takedown if the Minimum Takedown Threshold would still be satisfied by the Registrable Securities proposed to be sold in the Underwritten Shelf Takedown by the Sponsor Holders or the Kodiak Holders, as applicable. If withdrawn, a demand for an Underwritten Shelf Takedown shall constitute a demand for an Underwritten Shelf Takedown by the withdrawing Demanding Holder for purposes of Section 2.1.4 and shall count toward the Yearly Limit, unless either (i) the Demanding Holder(s) making the withdrawal has not previously withdrawn any Underwritten Shelf Takedown or (ii) the Demanding Holder(s) making the withdrawal reimburses the Company for all Registration Expenses with respect to such Underwritten Shelf Takedown (or, if there is more than one Demanding Holder, a pro rata portion of such Registration Expenses based on the respective number of Registrable Securities that each Demanding Holder has requested be included in such Underwritten Shelf Takedown). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Sponsor Holder or the Kodiak Holders, as applicable, elects to continue an Underwritten Shelf Takedown pursuant to the proviso in the immediately preceding sentence, such Underwritten Shelf Takedown shall instead count as an Underwritten Shelf Takedown demanded by the Sponsor Holders or the Kodiak Holders, as applicable, for purposes of Section 2.1.4 and shall count toward the Yearly Limit. Following the receipt of any Withdrawal Notice, the Company shall promptly forward such Withdrawal Notice to any other Requesting Holders. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Company shall be responsible for the Registration Expenses incurred in connection with a Shelf Takedown prior to its withdrawal under this Section 2.1.6, other than if a Demanding Holder elects to pay such Registration Expenses pursuant to clause (ii) of the second sentence of this Section 2.1.6.
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2.2 Piggyback Registration.
2.2.1 Piggyback Rights. If the Company or any Holder proposes to conduct a registered offering of, or if the Company proposes to file a Registration Statement under the Securities Act with respect to the Registration of, equity securities, or securities or other obligations exercisable or exchangeable for, or convertible into equity securities, for its own account or for the account of stockholders of the Company (or by the Company and by the stockholders of the Company including, an Underwritten Shelf Takedown pursuant to Section 2.1), the Company shall give written notice of such proposed offering to all of the Holders of Registrable Securities that hold of record at least $35,000,000 of Registrable Securities as soon as practicable but not less than five days before the anticipated filing date of such Registration Statement or, in the case of an Underwritten Offering pursuant to a Shelf Registration, the applicable “red herring” prospectus or prospectus supplement used for marketing such offering. Such notice shall (A) describe, to the extent known at the time of such notice, the amount and type of securities to be included in such offering, the intended method(s) of distribution, and the name of the proposed managing Underwriter or Underwriters, if any, in such offering, and (B) offer to all of the Holders of Registrable Securities the opportunity to include in such registered offering such number of Registrable Securities as such Holders may request in writing within five business days after receipt of such written notice (such Registration, a “Piggyback Registration”). Subject to Section 2.2.2, the Company shall, in good faith, cause such Registrable Securities to be included in such Piggyback Registration and, if applicable, shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the managing Underwriter or Underwriters of such Piggyback Registration to permit the Registrable Securities requested by the Holders pursuant to this Section 2.2.1 to be included in such registered offering on the same terms and conditions as any similar securities of the Company included in such registered offering and to permit the sale or other disposition of such Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended method(s) of distribution. The inclusion of any Holder’s Registrable Securities in a Piggyback Registration shall be subject to such Holder’s agreement to enter into an underwriting agreement in customary form with the Underwriter(s) selected for such Underwritten Offering by the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Piggyback Registration shall be required with respect to a Registration Statement (or any registered offering with respect to such Registration Statement) (i) filed in connection with any employee stock option or other benefit plan, (ii) for an exchange offer or offering of securities solely to the Company’s existing stockholders, (iii) pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (or similar form that relates to a transaction subject to Rule 145 under the Securities Act or any successor rule to Rule 145 under the Securities Act), (iv) for an offering of securities other than or in addition to shares of Common Stock, (v) for a dividend reinvestment plan, or (vi) a Block Trade or an Other Coordinated Offering (which shall be subject to Section 2.4).
2.2.2 Reduction of Piggyback Registration. If the managing Underwriter or Underwriters in an Underwritten Offering that is to be a Piggyback Registration, in good faith, advises the Company and the Holders of Registrable Securities participating in the Piggyback Registration in writing that the dollar amount or number of shares of Common Stock or other equity securities that the Company or the Demanding Holders desire to sell, taken together with (i) the shares of Common Stock or other equity securities, if any, as to which Registration or a registered offering has been demanded pursuant to separate written contractual arrangements with Persons other than the Holders of Registrable Securities hereunder, (ii) the Registrable Securities as to which Registration has been requested pursuant to this Section 2.2 and (iii) the shares of Common Stock or other equity securities, if any, as to which Registration or a registered offering has been requested pursuant to separate written contractual piggy-back registration rights of Persons other than the Holders of Registrable Securities hereunder, exceeds the Maximum Number of Securities, then:
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(a) if the Registration or registered offering is undertaken for the Company’s account, the Company shall include in any such Registration or registered offering (A) first, the shares of Common Stock or other equity securities that the Company desires to sell, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; (B) second, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clause (A), the Registrable Securities of Holders exercising their rights to register their Registrable Securities pursuant to Section 2.2.1, pro rata, as nearly as practicable, based on the respective number of Registrable Securities that each Holder has requested be included in such Underwritten Offering and the aggregate number of Registrable Securities that the Holders have requested to be included in such Underwritten Offering, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities or in such other proportions as shall mutually be agreed to among the requesting Holders; and (C) third, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clauses (A) and (B), the shares of Common Stock or other equity securities, if any, as to which Registration or a registered offering has been requested pursuant to separate written contractual piggy-back registration rights of Persons other than the Holders of Registrable Securities hereunder, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities;
(b) if the Registration or registered offering is pursuant to a request by Persons other than the Holders of Registrable Securities, then the Company shall include in any such Registration or registered offering (A) first, the shares of Common Stock or other equity securities, if any, of such requesting Persons, other than the Holders of Registrable Securities, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; (B) second, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clause (A), the Registrable Securities of Holders exercising their rights to register their Registrable Securities pursuant to Section 2.2.1, pro rata, as nearly as practicable, based on the respective number of Registrable Securities that each Holder has requested be included in such Underwritten Offering and the aggregate number of Registrable Securities that the Holders have requested to be included in such Underwritten Offering, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities or in such other proportions as shall mutually be agreed to among the requesting Holders; (C) third, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clauses (A) and (B), the shares of Common Stock or other equity securities that the Company desires to sell, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; and (D) fourth, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clauses (A), (B) and (C), the shares of Common Stock or other equity securities, if any, as to which Registration or a registered offering has been requested pursuant to separate written contractual piggy-back registration rights of such Persons other than the Holders of Registrable Securities hereunder, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; and
(c) if the Registration or registered offering is pursuant to a request by Holder(s) of Registrable Securities pursuant to Section 2.1, then the Company shall include in any such Registration or registered offering securities in the priority set forth in Section 2.1.5.
2.2.3 Piggyback Registration Withdrawal. Any Holder of Registrable Securities (other than a Demanding Holder, whose right to withdraw from an Underwritten Shelf Takedown, and related obligations, shall be governed by Section 2.1.6) shall have the right to withdraw from a Piggyback Registration for any or no reason whatsoever upon written notice to the Company and the Underwriter or Underwriters (if any) prior to the effectiveness of the Registration Statement filed with the Commission with respect to such Piggyback Registration or, in the case of a Piggyback Registration pursuant to a Shelf Registration, the filing of the applicable “red herring” prospectus or prospectus supplement with respect to such Piggyback Registration used for marketing such transaction. The Company (whether on its own good faith determination or as the result of a request for withdrawal by Persons pursuant to separate written contractual obligations) may withdraw a Registration Statement filed with the Commission in connection with a Piggyback Registration at any time prior to the effectiveness of such Registration Statement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement (other than Section 2.1.6), the Company shall be responsible for the Registration Expenses incurred in connection with the Piggyback Registration prior to its withdrawal under this Section 2.2.3.
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2.2.4 Unlimited Piggyback Registration Rights. For purposes of clarity, subject to Section 2.1.6, any Piggyback Registration effected pursuant to Section 2.2 shall not be counted as a demand for an Underwritten Shelf Takedown under Section 2.1.4 and shall not count toward the Yearly Limit.
2.3 Market Stand-off. In connection with any Underwritten Offering of equity securities of the Company (other than a Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering), if requested by the managing Underwriter, each Holder that participates in such Underwritten Offering agrees that it shall not Transfer any shares of Common Stock or other equity securities of the Company (other than those included in such offering pursuant to this Agreement), without the prior written consent of the Company, during the 90-day period (or such shorter time agreed to by the managing Underwriters) beginning on the date of pricing of such offering, except as expressly permitted by such lock-up agreement or in the event the Underwriters managing the offering otherwise consent in writing. Each Holder shall only be subject to the restriction set forth in this Section 2.3 if the directors and officers of the Company are subject to a lock-up obligation to the Underwriters managing the offering and the length of such lock-up for such Holder shall be no longer than the shortest lock-up of any such directors and officers. Additionally, the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that the lock-up agreements required under this Section 2.3 shall provide that, if the Company or the underwriters of such Underwritten Offering waive or shorten the lock-up period for any of the Company’s officers, directors or stockholders, then (i) all Holders subject to such lock-up shall receive notice of such waiver or modification no later than two (2) Business Days following such waiver or modification, and (ii) such lock-up will be similarly waived or shortened for each such Holder. Each Holder agrees to execute a customary lock-up agreement in favor of the Underwriters to such effect (in each case on substantially the same terms and conditions as all other Holders).
2.4 Block Trades; Other Coordinated Offerings.
2.4.1 Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article II, but subject to Section 3.4, at any time and from time to time when an effective Shelf is on file with the Commission, if a Demanding Holder wishes to engage in (a) an underwritten registered offering not involving a “roadshow,” an offer commonly known as a “block trade” (a “Block Trade”) or (b) an “at the market” or similar registered offering through a broker, sales agent or distribution agent, whether as agent or principal, (an “Other Coordinated Offering”), in each case, with an anticipated aggregate offering price of, either (x) at least $60,000,000 or (y) all remaining Registrable Securities held by the Demanding Holder, then such Demanding Holder shall notify the Company of the Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering at least five (5) Business Days prior to the day such offering is to commence and the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to facilitate such Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering as expeditiously as possible. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Demanding Holders representing a majority of the Registrable Securities wishing to engage in the Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering shall use commercially reasonable efforts to work with the Company and any Underwriters, brokers, sales agents or placement agents prior to making such request in order to facilitate preparation of the registration statement, prospectus and other offering documentation related to the Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering.
2.4.2 Prior to the filing of the applicable “red herring” prospectus or prospectus supplement used in connection with a Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering, a majority-in-interest of the Demanding Holders initiating such Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering shall have the right to submit a withdrawal notice to the Company, the Underwriter or Underwriters (if any) and any brokers, sale agents or placement agents (if any) of their intention to withdraw from such Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Company shall be responsible for the Registration Expenses incurred in connection with a Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering prior to its withdrawal under this Section 2.4.2.
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2.4.3 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, Section 2.2 shall not apply to a Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering initiated by a Demanding Holder pursuant to this Agreement or the Company.
2.4.4 The Company shall have the right to select the Underwriters and any brokers, sale agents or placement agents (if any) for any Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering (in each case, which shall consist of one or more reputable nationally recognized investment bank) subject to the Demanding Holder’s prior approval (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed).
2.4.5 Subject to Section 2.4.6, each of (i) Sponsor Holder and (ii) the Kodiak Holders, as a group, may demand no more than two Block Trades and Other Coordinated Offerings pursuant to this Section 2.4 in any twelve-month period. Any Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering effected pursuant to this Section 2.4 shall not be counted as a demand for an Underwritten Shelf Takedown pursuant to Section 2.1.4.
2.4.6 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, with respect to (i) the Sponsor Holder and (ii) the Kodiak Holders, as a group, in no event may the number of Block Trades or Other Coordinated Offerings demanded pursuant to this Section 2.4 plus the number of Underwritten Shelf Takedowns demanded pursuant to Section 2.1.4 exceed a total of two demands for such group in any twelve-month period.
2.5 Legends. In connection with any sale or other disposition of the Registrable Securities by a Holder pursuant to Rule 144 and upon compliance by the Holder with the requirements of this Section 2.5, if requested by the Holder, the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the transfer agent for the Registrable Securities (the “Transfer Agent”) to remove any restrictive legends related to the book entry account holding such Registrable Securities and make a new, unlegended entry for such book entry shares sold or disposed of without restrictive legends within one (1) trading day of any such request from the Holder; provided that the Company and the Transfer Agent have timely received from the Holder customary representations and other documentation reasonably acceptable to the Company and the Transfer Agent in connection therewith. Subject to receipt from the Holder by the Company and the Transfer Agent of customary representations and other documentation reasonably acceptable to the Company and the Transfer Agent in connection therewith, the Holder may request that the Company remove any legend from the book entry position evidencing its Registrable Securities and the Company will, if required by the Transfer Agent, use its commercially reasonable efforts cause an opinion of the Company’s counsel be provided, in a form reasonably acceptable to the Transfer Agent, to the effect that the removal of such restrictive legends in such circumstances may be effected under the Securities Act, following the earliest of such time as such Registrable Securities (i) have been sold pursuant to an effective registration statement or (ii) have been sold pursuant to Rule 144. If restrictive legends are no longer required for such Registrable Securities pursuant to the foregoing, the Company shall, in accordance with the provisions of this section and within one (1) trading day of any request therefor from the Holder accompanied by such customary and reasonably acceptable representations and other documentation referred to above establishing that restrictive legends are no longer required, deliver to the Transfer Agent irrevocable instructions that the Transfer Agent shall make a new, unlegended entry for such book entry shares. The Company shall be responsible for the fees of its Transfer Agent, its legal counsel and all DTC fees associated with such issuance.
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ARTICLE III
COMPANY PROCEDURES
3.1 General Procedures. In connection with any Shelf or Shelf Takedown, the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to effect such Registration to permit the sale of such Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended plan of distribution of such Shelf or Shelf Takedown (and including all manners of distribution in such Registration Statement as Holders may reasonably request in connection with the filing of such Registration Statement and as permitted by law, including distribution of Registrable Securities to a Holder’s members, securityholders or partners), and the Company shall, as expeditiously as possible:
3.1.1 prepare and file with the Commission, as soon as reasonably practicable, a Registration Statement with respect to such Registrable Securities and use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Registration Statement to become effective and remain effective until all Registrable Securities have ceased to be Registrable Securities;
3.1.2 prepare and file with the Commission such amendments and post-effective amendments to the Registration Statement, and such supplements to the Prospectus, as may be reasonably requested by any Holder that holds at least five percent (5%) of the Registrable Securities registered on such Registration Statement or any Underwriter of Registrable Securities or as may be required by the rules, regulations or instructions applicable to the registration form used by the Company or by the Securities Act or rules and regulations thereunder to keep the Registration Statement effective until all Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement are sold in accordance with the intended plan of distribution set forth in such Registration Statement or supplement to the Prospectus;
3.1.3 prior to filing a Registration Statement or Prospectus, or any amendment of or supplement to such Registration Statement or Prospectus, furnish without charge to the Underwriters, if any, and the Holders of Registrable Securities included in such Registration, and such Holders’ legal counsel, copies of such Registration Statement as proposed to be filed, each amendment and supplement to such Registration Statement (in each case including all exhibits to such Registration Statement and documents incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement), the Prospectus included in such Registration Statement (including each preliminary Prospectus) and such other documents as the Underwriters and the Holders of Registrable Securities included in such Registration or the legal counsel for any such Holders may request in order to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by such Holders;
3.1.4 prior to any public offering of Registrable Securities, use its commercially reasonable efforts to (i) register or qualify the Registrable Securities covered by the Registration Statement under such securities or “blue sky” laws of such jurisdictions in the United States as the Holders of Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement (in light of their intended plan of distribution) may request (or provide evidence satisfactory to such Holders that the Registrable Securities are exempt from such registration or qualification) and (ii) take such action necessary to cause such Registrable Securities covered by the Registration Statement to be registered with or approved by such other governmental authorities as may be necessary by virtue of the business and operations of the Company and do all other acts and things that may be necessary or advisable to enable the Holders of Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement to consummate the disposition of such Registrable Securities in such jurisdictions; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to qualify generally to do business in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify or take any action to which it would be subject to general service of process or taxation in any such jurisdiction where it is not then otherwise so subject;
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3.1.5 cause all such Registrable Securities to be listed on each national securities exchange or automated quotation system on which similar securities issued by the Company are then listed;
3.1.6 provide a transfer agent or warrant agent, as applicable, and registrar for all such Registrable Securities no later than the effective date of such Registration Statement;
3.1.7 advise each seller of such Registrable Securities of the issuance of any stop order by the Commission suspending the effectiveness of such Registration Statement or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose promptly after it receives such notice or obtains knowledge of such proceeding, and promptly use its commercially reasonable efforts to prevent the issuance of any stop order or to obtain its withdrawal if such stop order should be issued;
3.1.8 at least three calendar days prior to the filing of any Registration Statement or Prospectus or any amendment or supplement to such Registration Statement or Prospectus (or such shorter period of time as may be (a) necessary in order to comply with the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated under the Securities Act or Exchange Act, as applicable or (b) advisable in order to reduce the number of days that sales are suspended pursuant to Section 3.4), furnish a copy of such Registration Statement or Prospectus to each seller of such Registrable Securities and its counsel (excluding any exhibits to such Registration Statement or Prospectus and any filing made under the Exchange Act that is to be incorporated by reference in such Registration Statement or Prospectus);
3.1.9 notify the Holders at any time when a Prospectus relating to such Registration Statement is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, of the happening of any event as a result of which the Prospectus included in such Registration Statement, as then in effect, includes a Misstatement, and then to correct such Misstatement as set forth in Section 3.4;
3.1.10 in the event of an Underwritten Offering, a Block Trade, an Other Coordinated Offering, or sale by a broker, placement agent or sales agent that is registered pursuant to a Registration Statement, permit a representative of the Holders (such representative to be selected by a majority of the participating Holders), the Underwriters or other financial institutions facilitating such Underwritten Offering, Block Trade, Other Coordinated Offering or other sale pursuant to such Registration, if any, and any attorney, consultant or accountant retained by such Holders or Underwriter to participate, at each such Person’s own expense, in the preparation of the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, and cause the Company’s officers, directors and employees to supply all information reasonably requested by any such representative, Underwriter, financial institution, attorney, consultant or accountant in connection with the Registration; provided, however, that such representative, Underwriters or financial institutions agree to confidentiality arrangements, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Company, prior to the release or disclosure of any such information;
3.1.11 obtain a “comfort” letter (including a bring-down letter dated as of the date the Registrable Securities are delivered for sale pursuant to such Registration) from the Company’s independent registered public accountants in the event of an Underwritten Offering, a Block Trade, an Other Coordinated Offering or a sale by a broker, placement agent or sales agent pursuant to a Registration Statement (subject to such Underwriter or other financial institution facilitating such offering providing such certification or representation as reasonably requested by the Company’s independent registered public accountings and the Company’s counsel), in customary form and covering such matters of the type customarily covered by “comfort” letters as the managing Underwriter or other similar type of sales agent or placement agent may reasonably request;
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3.1.12 in the event of an Underwritten Offering, a Block Trade, an Other Coordinated Offering or sale by a broker, placement agent or sales agent pursuant to a Registration Statement, on the date the Registrable Securities are delivered for sale pursuant to such Registration, obtain an opinion and negative assurance letter, dated such date, of counsel representing the Company for the purposes of such Registration, addressed to the participating Holders, the broker, placement agent or sales agent, if any, and the Underwriters, if any, covering such legal matters with respect to the Registration in respect of which such opinion is being given as the participating Holders, broker, placement agent, sales agent, or Underwriter may reasonably request and as are customarily included in such opinions and negative assurance letters, provided, in each case, that such participating Holders provide such information to such counsel as is customarily required for, or is reasonably requested by such counsel for purposes of, such opinion or negative assurance letter;
3.1.13 in the event of an Underwritten Offering, a Block Trade, or an Other Coordinated Offering, to the extent reasonably requested by the Underwriter, broker, placement agent or sales agent engaged for such offering, allow the Underwriter, broker, placement agent or sales agent to conduct customary “underwriter’s due diligence” with respect to the Company;
3.1.14 in the event of any Underwritten Offering, a Block Trade, an Other Coordinated Offering or sale by a broker, placement agent or sales agent pursuant to a Registration Statement, enter into and perform its obligations under an underwriting agreement, purchase agreement, sales agreement or placement agreement, in usual and customary form, with the managing Underwriter or broker, sales agent or placement agent of such offering or sale;
3.1.15 make available to its security holders, as soon as reasonably practicable, an earnings statement covering the period of at least twelve months beginning with the first day of the Company’s first full calendar quarter after the effective date of the Registration Statement which satisfies the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158 thereunder (or any successor rule promulgated thereafter by the Commission);
3.1.16 with respect to an Underwritten Offering pursuant to Section 2.1.4, use its commercially reasonable efforts to make available senior executives of the Company to participate in customary “road show” presentations that may be reasonably requested by the Underwriter in such Underwritten Offering; and
3.1.17 if a Holder (and/or any of their affiliates) seek to effectuate an in-kind distribution of all or part of their Registrable Securities to the Holder’s respective direct or indirect equity holders, the Company will, subject to any applicable lock-ups or the insider trading policy of the Company, work with the foregoing Person(s) to facilitate such in-kind distribution in the manner reasonably requested and consistent with the Company’s obligations under the Securities Act. If any Holder determines to effect an in-kind distribution of its Registrable Securities to its limited partners (an “LP Distribution”), such Holder shall give at least ten but not more than 30 business days advance written notice to the Company (with a copy thereof contemporaneously to any other Investor) (an “LP Distribution Notice”). If a non-initiating Holder also elects to effect such an LP Distribution, it shall notify the Company and the Demanding Holder thereof within five business days after receipt of such LP Distribution Notice, and it shall be entitled to effect an LP Distribution at the same time as the initiating Investor that will result in such electing Investor distributing to its limited partners a pro rata percentage of its Company shares relative to the percentage of Company shares distributed to limited partners by the Demanding Holder. For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 3.1.17 shall not apply to an In-Kind Distribution of the Sponsor.
3.1.18 otherwise, in good faith, cooperate reasonably with, and take such customary actions as may reasonably be requested by the Holders participating in such Registration, consistent with the terms of this Agreement, in connection with such Registration.
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not be required to provide any documents or information to an Underwriter or other sales agent or placement agent if such Underwriter or other sales agent or placement agent has not then been named with respect to the applicable Underwritten Offering or other offering involving a registration as an Underwriter or broker, sales agent or placement agent, as applicable.
3.2 Registration Expenses. The Registration Expenses of all Registrations shall be borne by the Company. It is acknowledged by the Holders that the participating Holders in an offering shall bear all incremental selling expenses relating to the sale of Registrable Securities, such as Underwriters’ or agents’ commissions and discounts, brokerage fees, Underwriter marketing costs (pro rata, as nearly as practicable, based on the respective number of Registrable Securities that each Holder is including in the offering) and, other than as set forth in the definition of “Registration Expenses,” all reasonable fees and expenses of any legal counsel representing the Holders.
3.3 Requirements for Participation in Underwritten Offerings. The Holders of Registrable Securities shall provide such information as may reasonably be requested by the Company, or the managing Underwriter or placement agent or sales agent, if any, in connection with the preparation of any Registration Statement or Prospectus, including amendments of and supplements to such Registration Statement or Prospectus, in order to effect the registration of any Registrable Securities under the Securities Act pursuant to Article II and in connection with the Company’s obligation to comply with federal and applicable state securities Laws. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if any Holder does not timely provide the Company with its requested Holder Information, the Company may exclude such Holder’s Registrable Securities from the applicable Registration Statement or Prospectus if the Company determines, based on the advice of counsel, that such information is necessary to effect the registration and such Holder continues thereafter to withhold such information. No Person may participate in any Underwritten Offering, Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering for equity securities of the Company pursuant to a Registration initiated by the Company hereunder unless such Person (i) agrees to sell such Person’s securities on the basis provided in any arrangements approved by the Company and (ii) timely completes and executes all customary questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, lock-up agreements, underwriting or other agreements and other customary documents as may be reasonably required under the terms of such arrangements. The exclusion of a Holder’s Registrable Securities as a result of this Section 3.3 shall not affect the registration of the other Registrable Securities to be included in such Registration.
3.4 Suspension of Sales; Adverse Disclosure; Restrictions on Registration Rights.
3.4.1 Upon receipt of written notice from the Company that a Registration Statement or Prospectus contains a Misstatement, each of the Holders shall forthwith discontinue disposition of Registrable Securities until he, she or it has received copies of a supplemented or amended Registration Statement or Prospectus correcting the Misstatement (it being understood that the Company covenants to prepare and file such supplement or amendment as soon as practicable after the time of such notice), or until he, she or it is advised in writing by the Company that the use of the Registration Statement or Prospectus may be resumed.
3.4.2 If the filing, initial effectiveness or continued use of a Registration Statement in respect of any Registration at any time would (i) require the Company to make an Adverse Disclosure, (ii) require the inclusion in such Registration Statement of financial statements that are unavailable to the Company for reasons beyond the Company’s control or (iii) in the good faith judgment of the majority of the Board, be seriously detrimental to the Company, and the majority of the Board concludes as a result that it is essential to defer such filing, initial effectiveness or continued use at such time, the Company may, upon giving prompt written notice of such action to the Holders (which notice shall not specify the nature of the event giving rise to such delay or suspension), delay the filing or initial effectiveness of, or suspend use of, such Registration Statement for the shortest period of time determined in good faith by the Company
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to be necessary for such purpose. In the event the Company exercises its rights under this Section 3.4.2, the Holders agree to suspend, immediately upon their receipt of the notice referred to above, their use of the Registration Statement or Prospectus relating to any Registration in connection with any sale or offer to sell Registrable Securities until such Holder receives written notice from the Company that such sales or offers of Registrable Securities may be resumed, and in each case maintain the confidentiality of such notice and its contents.
3.4.3 Subject to Section 3.4.4, if (i) during the period starting with the date 60 days prior to the Company’s good faith estimate of the date of the filing of, and ending on a date 120 days after the effective date of, a Company-initiated Registration, and provided that the Company continues to actively employ, in good faith, all commercially reasonable efforts to maintain the effectiveness of the applicable Shelf Registration, or (ii) if, pursuant to Section 2.1.4, Holders have requested an Underwritten Shelf Takedown and the Company and such Holders are unable to obtain the commitment of underwriters to firmly underwrite such offering, then, in each case, the Company may, upon giving prompt written notice of such action to the Holders, delay any other registered offering pursuant to Section 2.1.4.
3.4.4 The right to delay or suspend any filing, initial effectiveness or continued use of a Registration Statement pursuant to Section 3.4.2 or a registered offering pursuant to Section 3.4.3 shall be exercised by the Company, in the aggregate, for not more than two (2) times in any 12-months period, and any delay or suspension shall last for no more than 90 consecutive calendar days or more than 120 total calendar days in each case, during any 12-month period.
3.5 Reporting Obligations. As long as any Holder shall own Registrable Securities, the Company, at all times while it shall be a reporting company under the Exchange Act, covenants to use commercially reasonable efforts to file timely (or obtain extensions in respect of such filings and file within the applicable grace period) all reports required to be filed by the Company after the Effective Date pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall have no obligation to furnish any documents publicly filed or furnished with the Commission and publicly available pursuant to the Electronic Data Gathering Analysis and Retrieval System. The Company further covenants that it shall, at all times while it shall be a reporting company under the Exchange Act, take such further action as any Holder may reasonably request, to the extent required from time to time to enable such Holder to sell Registrable Securities held by such Holder without registration under the Securities Act within the limitation of the exemptions provided by Rule 144, including making available at all time information necessary to enable such Holder to company with Rule 144. Upon the reasonable request of any Holder, the Company shall deliver to such Holder a written certification of a duly authorized officer as to whether it has complied with such requirements.
ARTICLE IV
INDEMNIFICATION AND CONTRIBUTION
4.1 Indemnification.
4.1.1 The Company agrees to indemnify, to the extent permitted by law, each Holder of Registrable Securities, its officers and directors and each Person who controls such Holder (within the meaning of the Securities Act) against all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and reasonable and documented expenses (including, reasonable and documented out-of-pocket attorneys’ fees and disbursements) resulting from any untrue or alleged untrue statement of material fact contained in or incorporated by reference in any Registration Statement, Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus or any amendment of or supplement to such Registration Statement, Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus filed pursuant to this Agreement or any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated in such Registration Statement, Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus or necessary to make the statements in
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such Registration Statement, Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus not misleading, except insofar as the same are caused by or contained in any information or affidavit so furnished in writing to the Company by such Holder expressly for use in such Registration Statement, Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus. The Company shall also reimburse such Persons for any documented, out-of-pocket legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by any of them in connection with investigating such loss, claim, damage or liability, except insofar as the same are made in reliance on and in conformity with any information with respect to such Holder furnished in writing to the Company by such Holder expressly for use in such Registration Statement, Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus. The Company shall agree to customary indemnification of the Underwriters, their officers and directors and each Person who controls such Underwriters (within the meaning of the Securities Act) to the same extent as provided in the foregoing with respect to the indemnification of the Holder.
4.1.2 In connection with any Registration Statement filed pursuant to this Agreement in which a Holder of Registrable Securities is participating, such Holder shall furnish (or cause to be furnished) to the Company in writing such information and affidavits as the Company reasonably requests for use in connection with any such Registration Statement or Prospectus (the “Holder Information”) and, to the extent permitted by law, shall indemnify the Company, its directors and officers and each Person who controls the Company (within the meaning of the Securities Act) against all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and reasonable and documented expenses (including, reasonable and documented out-of-pocket attorneys’ fees and disbursements) resulting from any untrue or alleged untrue statement of material fact contained in or incorporated by reference in any Registration Statement, Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus or any amendment of or supplement to such Registration Statement, Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus or any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated in such Registration Statement, Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus or necessary to make the statements in such Registration Statement, Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus not misleading, but only to the extent that such untrue statement is contained in (or not contained in, in the case of an omission) any information or affidavit so furnished in writing by or on behalf of such Holder expressly for use in such Registration Statement, Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus; provided, however, that the obligation to indemnify shall be several, not joint and several, among such Holders of Registrable Securities, and the liability of each such Holder of Registrable Securities shall be in proportion to and limited to the net proceeds received by such Holder from the sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to such Registration Statement. The Holders of Registrable Securities shall agree to customary indemnification of the Underwriters, their officers, directors and each person who controls such Underwriters (within the meaning of the Securities Act) to the same extent as provided in the foregoing with respect to indemnification of the Company.
4.1.3 Any Person entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Agreement shall (i) give prompt written notice to the indemnifying party of any claim with respect to which it seeks indemnification (provided that the failure to give prompt notice shall not impair any Person’s right to indemnification hereunder to the extent such failure has not materially prejudiced the indemnifying party) and (ii) unless in such indemnified party’s reasonable judgment a conflict of interest between such indemnified and indemnifying parties may exist with respect to such claim, permit such indemnifying party to assume the defense of such claim with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party. If such defense is assumed, the indemnifying party shall not be subject to any liability for any settlement made by the indemnified party without its consent (but such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld). An indemnifying party who is not entitled to, or elects not to, assume the defense of a claim shall not be obligated to pay the fees and expenses of more than one counsel for all parties indemnified by such indemnifying party with respect to such claim, unless in the reasonable judgment of any indemnified party a conflict of interest may exist between such indemnified party and any other of such indemnified parties with respect to such claim. No indemnifying party shall, without the consent of the indemnified party, not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed, consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement which cannot be settled in all respects by the payment of money (and such money is so paid by the indemnifying party pursuant to the terms of such settlement) or which settlement includes a statement or admission of fault and culpability on the part of such indemnified party or which settlement does not include as an unconditional term of such settlement the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such indemnified party of a release from all liability in respect to such claim or litigation.
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4.1.4 The indemnification provided for under this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the indemnified party or any officer, director or controlling Person of such indemnified party and shall survive the transfer of securities. The Company and each Holder of Registrable Securities participating in an offering also agrees to make such provisions as are reasonably requested by any indemnified party for contribution to such party in the event the Company’s or such Holder’s indemnification is unavailable for any reason.
4.1.5 If the indemnification provided under Section 4.1 from the indemnifying party is unavailable or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party in respect of any losses, claims, damages, liabilities and out-of-pocket expenses referred to in this Agreement, then the indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying the indemnified party, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by the indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims, damages, liabilities and out-of-pocket expenses in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the indemnifying party and the indemnified party, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of the indemnifying party and indemnified party shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any action in question, including any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact, was made by (or not made by, in the case of an omission), or relates to information supplied by (or not supplied by in the case of an omission), such indemnifying party or indemnified party, and the indemnifying party’s and indemnified party’s relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such action; provided, however, that the liability of any Holder under this Section 4.1.5 shall be limited to the amount of the net proceeds received by such Holder in such offering giving rise to such liability. The amount paid or payable by a party as a result of the losses or other liabilities referred to above shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth in Sections 4.1.1, 4.1.2 and 4.1.3, any reasonable and documented out-of-pocket legal or other fees, charges or out-of-pocket expenses reasonably incurred by such party in connection with any investigation or proceeding. The parties to this Agreement agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 4.1.5 were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation, which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in this Section 4.1.5. No Person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution pursuant to this Section 4.1.5 from any Person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.
ARTICLE V
MISCELLANEOUS
5.1 Notices. All notices, consents, waivers and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given: (i) when delivered, if delivered in person; (ii) when sent, if sent by electronic mail or other electronic means (provided that no “bounce back” or similar message is received), (iii) one Business Day after being sent, if sent by reputable, nationally recognized overnight courier service; or (iv) three Business Days after being mailed, if sent by registered or certified mail, pre-paid and return receipt requested, to the applicable party at the following addresses (or at such other address of a party as shall be specified by like notice). Any notice or communication under this Agreement must be addressed, if to the Company, to: Kodiak AI, Inc., 1049 Terra Bella Avenue, Mountain View, CA 94043 , Attention: Jordan Coleman, Chief Legal & Policy Officer, Email: jordan@kodiak.ai, with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, P.C., 350 Page Mill Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, Attention: Melissa Rick, Email: mrick@wsgr.com; and, if to any Holder, at such Holder’s address or contact information as set forth in the Company’s books and records. Any party may change its address for notice at any time and from time to time by written notice to the other parties to this Agreement, and such change of address shall become effective thirty (30) days after delivery of such notice as provided in this Section 5.1.
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5.2 Assignment; No Third-Party Beneficiaries.
5.2.1 This Agreement and the rights, duties and obligations of the Company under this Agreement may not be assigned or delegated by the Company in whole or in part.
5.2.2 This Agreement and the rights, duties and obligations of the Holders under this Agreement may not be assigned or delegated by the Holders in whole or in part; provided, however, that, subject to Section 5.2.5, a Holder may assign the rights and obligations of such Holder hereunder relating to particular Registrable Securities in connection with the transfer of such Registrable Securities to a Permitted Transferee of such Holder (it being understood that no such Transfer shall reduce any rights of the Holder with respect to Registrable Securities still held by such Holder). For the avoidance of doubt, (i) a Permitted Transferee receiving Registrable Securities from a Sponsor Holder shall become a Sponsor Holder and (ii) a Permitted Transferee receiving Registrable Securities from a Kodiak Holder shall become a Kodiak Holder.
5.2.3 This Agreement and the provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of each of the parties and its successors and the permitted assigns of the Holders, which shall include Permitted Transferees.
5.2.4 This Agreement shall not confer any rights or benefits on any Persons that are not parties to this Agreement, other than as expressly set forth in this Agreement and Section 5.2.
5.2.5 No assignment by any party to this Agreement of such party’s rights, duties and obligations hereunder shall be binding upon or obligate the Company unless such assignment is permitted under Section 5.2.2 and unless and until the Company shall have received (i) written notice of such assignment as provided in Section 5.1 and (ii) the written agreement of the assignee, in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Company, to be bound by the terms and provisions of this Agreement (which may be accomplished by an addendum or certificate of joinder to this Agreement). Any transfer or assignment made other than as provided in this Section 5.2 shall be null and void.
5.3 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed and delivered (including by electronic transmission) in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
5.4 Governing Law. This Agreement, and all claims or causes of action based upon, arising out of, or related to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the Laws of the State of Delaware applicable to contracts entered into and to be performed solely within such state, without giving effect to principles or rules of conflict of Laws to the extent such principles or rules would require or permit the application of Laws of another jurisdiction.
5.5 Jurisdiction. Any Legal Proceeding based upon, arising out of or related to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement must be brought in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware and any State of Delaware appellate court from the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware. Each of the parties irrevocably: (i) submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of each such court in any such proceeding or Legal Proceeding; (ii) waives any objection it may now or hereafter have to personal jurisdiction, venue or to convenience of forum; (iii) agrees that all claims in respect of the proceeding or
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Legal Proceeding shall be heard and determined only in any such court; and (iv) agrees not to bring any Legal Proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in any other court. Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to affect the right of any party to serve process in any manner permitted by Law or to commence Legal Proceedings or otherwise proceed against any other party in any other jurisdiction, in each case, to enforce judgments obtained in any Legal Proceeding brought pursuant to this Section 5.5.
5.6 Waiver of Jury Trial. ANY CONTROVERSY THAT MAY ARISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES. THEREFORE, EACH PARTY IRREVOCABLY, UNCONDITIONALLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ANY RIGHT SUCH PARTY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT.
5.7 Amendments and Modifications. Upon the written consent of the Company and the Holders of at least a majority in interest of the aggregate Registrable Securities at the time in question, compliance with any of the provisions, covenants and conditions set forth in this Agreement may be waived, or any of such provisions, covenants or conditions may be amended or modified; provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, any amendment to this Agreement or waiver of this Agreement that adversely affects a Holder, solely in its capacity as a holder of capital stock of the Company, in a manner that is materially different from the other Holders (in such capacity) shall require the consent of the Holder so affected. No course of dealing between any Holder or the Company and any other party to this Agreement or any failure or delay on the part of a Holder or the Company in exercising any rights or remedies under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver of any rights or remedies of any Holder or the Company. No single or partial exercise of any rights or remedies under this Agreement by a party shall operate as a waiver or preclude the exercise of any other rights or remedies hereunder or thereunder by such party.
5.8 Other Registration Rights. The Company represents and warrants that no Person, other than a Holder of Registrable Securities, has any right to require the Company to register any securities of the Company for sale or to include such securities of the Company in any Registration Statement filed by the Company for the sale of securities for its own account or for the account of any other Person. For so long as any Holder and its affiliates hold at least 5% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company, the Company will not grant rights to register any Common Stock (or securities convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock) pursuant to the Securities Act that are more favorable or senior to those granted to the Holders hereunder (such rights “Competing Registration Rights”) without the prior written consent of such greater than 5% Holders, not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned. Further, the Company represents and warrants that this Agreement supersedes any other registration rights agreement or agreement with similar terms and conditions, and in the event of a conflict between any such agreement or agreements and this Agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall prevail.
5.9 Term. This Agreement shall terminate with respect to any Holder upon the date that such Holder no longer holds any Registrable Securities or, if earlier, upon the seventh anniversary of the date of this Agreement. The provisions of Article IV shall survive any termination.
5.10 Holder Information. Each Holder agrees, if requested in writing, to represent to the Company within three (3) Business Days the total number of Registrable Securities held by such Holder in order for the Company to make determinations hereunder.
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5.11 Additional Holders; Joinder. Subject to the prior written consent of at least a majority in interest of the aggregate Registrable Securities at the time in question, the Company may make any Person who becomes a Holder pursuant to Section 5.2 or otherwise acquires Common Stock or rights to acquire Common Stock after the Effective Date a party to this Agreement (each such Person, an “Additional Holder”) by obtaining an executed joinder to this Agreement from such Additional Holder in the form of Exhibit A attached to this Agreement (a “Joinder”). Such Joinder shall specify the rights and obligations of the applicable Additional Holder under this Agreement. Upon the execution and delivery and subject to the terms of a Joinder by such Additional Holder, the Common Stock of the Company then owned, or underlying any rights or other securities of the Company then owned, by such Additional Holder (the “Additional Holder Common Stock”) shall be Registrable Securities to the extent provided in this Agreement and such Joinder, and such Additional Holder shall be a Holder under this Agreement with respect to such Additional Holder Common Stock.
5.12 Severability. In case any provision in this Agreement shall be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, such provision shall be modified or deleted, as to the jurisdiction involved, only to the extent necessary to render the same valid, legal and enforceable. The validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained in this Agreement shall not in any way be affected or impaired nor shall the validity, legality or enforceability of such provision be affected in any other jurisdiction. Upon a determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties will substitute for any invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision a suitable and equitable provision that carries out, so far as may be valid, legal and enforceable, the intent and purpose of such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision.
5.13 Entire Agreement; Restatement. This Agreement and the documents or instruments referred to in this Agreement, including any exhibits and schedules attached, which exhibits and schedules are incorporated by reference, embody the entire agreement and understanding of the parties in respect of the subject matter contained in this Agreement. There are no restrictions, promises, representations, warranties, covenants or undertakings, other than those expressly set forth or referred to in this Agreement or the documents or instruments referred to in this Agreement, which collectively supersede all prior agreements and the understandings among the parties with respect to the subject matter contained in this Agreement. Upon the Closing, the Original RRA shall no longer be of any force or effect.
5.14 In-Kind Distribution. If the Sponsor seeks to effectuate an in-kind distribution of all or part of its Registrable Securities to its direct or indirect equityholders (an “In-Kind Distribution”), the Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to work with the Sponsor to facilitate such In-Kind Distribution in the manner reasonably requested. Prior to any In-Kind Distribution, each distributee shall deliver to the Company a written acknowledgment and agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Company that the distributee will be bound by, and will be a party to, this Agreement; provided, however, that a failure by a distributee to deliver such acknowledgment and agreement shall not render such distribution to such distributee void, but such distributee shall not be entitled to the benefits of this Agreement until such time as such acknowledgment and agreement is delivered. Upon any In-Kind Distribution, (i) in the event of a distribution of all of the Sponsor’s Registrable Securities, the distributees holding Registrable Securities equal to a majority-in-interest of the Registrable Securities then held by the Sponsor at the time of such distribution shall thereafter be entitled to exercise and enforce the rights specifically granted to the Sponsor hereunder and (ii) each distributee shall be considered a “Sponsor Holder” hereunder.
[Signature Pages Follow]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first written above.
| COMPANY: | ||
| KODIAK AI, INC. | ||
| By: | /s/ Don Burnette | |
| Name: Don Burnette | ||
| Title: Chief Executive Officer | ||
[Signature Page to Amended & Restated Registration Rights Agreement]
| KODIAK HOLDERS: | ||
| DON BURNETTE | ||
| By: | /s/ Don Burnette | |
| Name: |
Don Burnette | |
| Title: |
Stockholder | |
| BATTERY INVESTMENT PARTNERS XII, LLC | ||
| By: Battery Partners XII, LLC | ||
| Managing Member | ||
| By: | /s/ Scott Tobin | |
| Name: |
Scott Tobin | |
| Title: |
General Partner | |
| BATTERY VENTURES XII, L.P. | ||
| By: Battery Partners XII, LLC | ||
| General Partner | ||
| By: | /s/ Scott Tobin | |
| Name: |
Scott Tobin | |
| Title: |
General Partner | |
[Signature Page to Amended & Restated Registration Rights Agreement]
| SPONSOR HOLDER: | ||
| ARES ACQUISITION HOLDINGS II LP, a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership | ||
| Acting by its General Partner | ||
| Ares Acquisition Holdings II | ||
| By: | /s/ Anton Feingold | |
| Name: | Anton Feingold | |
| Title: | Authorized Signatory | |
[Signature Page to Amended & Restated Registration Rights Agreement]
Exhibit A
AMENDED AND RESTATED
REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT
JOINDER
The undersigned is executing and delivering this joinder (this “Joinder”) pursuant to the Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of [____] (as the same may hereafter be amended, the “Registration Rights Agreement”), among Kodiak AI, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the other Persons named as parties in the Registration Rights Agreement. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined in this Joinder shall have the meanings provided in the Registration Rights Agreement.
By executing and delivering this Joinder to the Company, and upon acceptance of this Joinder by the Company upon the execution of a counterpart of this Joinder, the undersigned agrees to become a party to, to be bound by and to comply with the Registration Rights Agreement as a Holder of Registrable Securities in the same manner as if the undersigned were an original signatory to the Registration Rights Agreement as [a Sponsor Holder][a Kodiak Holder], and the Common Stock of the Company owned, or underlying any rights or other securities of the Company owned, by the undersigned shall be included as Registrable Securities under the Registration Rights Agreement to the extent provided in the Registration Rights Agreement; provided, however, that the undersigned and its permitted assigns (if any) shall not have any rights as Holders, and the Common Stock of the Company owned, or underlying any rights or other securities of the Company owned, by the undersigned shall not be included as Registrable Securities, for purposes of the Excluded Sections.
For purposes of this Joinder, “Excluded Sections” means [ ].
Accordingly, the undersigned has executed and delivered this Joinder as of the __________ day of __________, 20__.
| STOCKHOLDER: | ||
| By: |
| |
| Name: | ||
| Title (if applicable): | ||
| Address: |
| |
|
| ||
|
| ||
| Agreed and Accepted as of _______ , 20__ | ||
| [] | ||
| By: |
| |
| Name: | ||
| Title: | ||
Exhibit 10.9
BOARD OBSERVER AGREEMENT
This Board Observer Agreement (this “Agreement”), dated as of September 24, 2025, is made and entered into by and between Kodiak AI, Inc., a Delaware corporation (and successor-in-interest to Ares Acquisition Corporation II, a Cayman Islands exempt company, by way of domestication) (the “Purchaser”), and Ares Acquisition Holdings II LP, a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership (the “Sponsor”). Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings given to them in the Business Combination Agreement.
WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of the Business Combination Agreement, dated as of April 14, 2025, by and among the Purchaser, AAC II Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Purchaser (“Merger Sub”), and Kodiak Robotics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), among other transactions: (a) the Purchaser, Merger Sub and the Company intend to consummate a business combination; and (b) the parties intend to take all necessary action such that, effective as of the Closing, the Purchaser’s Board will be structured as set forth in Section 7.17 of the Business Combination Agreement; and
WHEREAS, effective as of the Closing, the Purchaser desires to provide the Sponsor with the right to nominate an observer (the “Observer”) to the Purchaser’s board of directors (the “Board”) to attend, at the Observer’s option, subject to the limitations set forth in this Agreement, meetings of the Board and each committee of the Board on which independent directors of the Board serve or observe (“Independent Committees”), as further set forth in this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties to this agreement agree as follows:
1. Board Observer Rights. Following the Closing:
(a) The Purchaser shall cause one person designated by the Sponsor to be appointed as a non-voting observer to the Board, and whom the Sponsor shall have the right to designate and replace from time to time in its sole discretion.
(b) Subject to the limitations set forth in Section 1(d), the Purchaser shall invite the Observer to attend, in a non-voting observer capacity, all meetings of the Board and any Independent Committee (including telephonic or videoconference meetings). The Observer shall have the right to speak at and participate in such meetings, but in no event shall the Observer: (i) be deemed to be a member of the Board or any Independent Committee; (ii) have the right or obligation to vote on any matter under consideration by the Board or any Independent Committee or otherwise have any power to cause the Purchaser or any of its Subsidiaries to take, or not to take, any action; (iii) have or be deemed to have, or otherwise be subject to, any duties, fiduciary or otherwise, to the Purchaser or its stockholders or any duties, fiduciary or otherwise; or (iv) have any right or possess any authority to bind the Purchaser or any of its Subsidiaries in any way whatsoever.
(c) Subject to the limitations set forth in Section 1(d), as a non-voting observer to the Board and each Independent Committee, concurrently with delivery to the directors of the Purchaser and in the same manner delivery is made to them, the Observer will also be provided copies of all notices, agenda, minutes, consents, resolutions and all other materials or information, financial or otherwise, that are provided to all of the directors of the Board of an applicable Committee, including with respect to any Board or Independent Committee meeting or any written consent in lieu of a Board or Independent Committee meeting. If a meeting of the Board or a meeting of an Independent Committee is conducted via telephone or other electronic medium, the Observer may attend such meeting via the same medium. The presence of the Observer shall not be taken into account or required for purposes of establishing a quorum.
(d) In no event will the Observer be entitled to be present at, or participate in, any Board or Independent Committee meeting or portion thereof (or receive any related materials): (i) to the extent reasonably necessary to preserve attorney-client privilege or work product privilege between Purchaser and its subsidiaries and its counsel or to comply with law; (ii) to the extent the Board or a committee will discuss or present on transactions or other matters where there is a conflict of interest with the Observer or the Sponsor; (iii) where the Board is planning to discuss or present on any information that is highly confidential or subject to trade secret; or (iv) where the non-Independent Committee directors are not invited to attend, unless the chair of the applicable Independent Committee invites the Observer to such meeting or portion thereof. The exclusions set forth in this Section 1(d)(i) through (iii) shall only apply to such portion of any meeting or materials: (x) as is necessary to preserve attorney-client privilege or work product privilege; or (y) that relate to a matter in respect of which an actual conflict of interest as described in clause (ii) exists or where discussion of such highly confidential or trade secret information as described in clause (iii) is expected to be discussed. The Purchaser will use commercially reasonable efforts to make arrangements (including redacting information or making substitute disclosure arrangements) that would enable participation by, or delivery of materials to, the Observer without jeopardizing privilege, creating a conflict of interest or providing such highly confidential or trade secret information.
(e) The Company shall reimburse the Observer for all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Observer in connection with attending meetings of the Board or any committee of the Board or any matter which the Observer undertakes on behalf of the Purchaser. The reimbursement of expenses in accordance with this Section 1(e) shall be paid in accordance with Purchaser’s policies and practices with respect to director expense reimbursement then in effect, but in any event no later than 30 days after the submission of a request for reimbursement.
2. Confidential Treatment of Purchaser Information. Sponsor agrees not to, and to direct its Representatives receiving Confidential Information (including the Observer) not to, disclose any Confidential Information to any person other than: (a) the Purchaser and its Representatives; (b) Sponsor’s Representatives who need to know such Confidential Information, have been informed of the confidential nature of Confidential Information and have agreed to keep such information confidential; (c) to the extent required by Law, Governmental Authority or self-regulatory authority (including to comply with any oral or written questions, interrogatories, requests for information or documents, subpoena, civil investigative demand, inspection, deposition, administrative proceeding, audit, formal or informal investigation or similar process), provided that in any such event, to the extent legally permissible and practicable under the circumstances, Sponsor and its Representatives will notify Purchaser of such requirement(s) so that Purchaser may, at its expense, seek an appropriate protective order or similar relief; or (d) with the Purchaser’s prior written consent. In the case of clause (c), the Sponsor will reasonably cooperate, at Purchaser’s expense, with Purchaser’s efforts (if any) to seek an appropriate protective order. “Confidential Information” means any nonpublic information about the Purchaser or its Affiliates furnished by or on behalf of the Purchaser or any of its Representatives to the Sponsor or its Representatives in connection with the rights granted under this Agreement (including by virtue of the right to designate an Observer pursuant to this Agreement). Notwithstanding the foregoing: “Confidential Information” does not include information that: (A) is or becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure by the Sponsor or its Representatives in violation of this Agreement or any other binding confidentiality obligation; (B) is or was available to Sponsor or its Representatives on a non-confidential basis prior to its disclosure to the Sponsor or its Representatives; (C) was or becomes available to Sponsor or its
Representatives from a source other than Purchaser or its Representatives that was not known to Sponsor or its applicable Representative, at the time of receipt of the relevant information, to be bound by a confidentiality obligation to the Purchaser or its controlled Affiliates; or (D) is or was independently developed by Sponsor or its Representatives without use of Confidential Information. Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent use of the Confidential Information in connection with the assertion or defense of any claim involving or relating to the Observer acting in his or her capacity as an Observer or the Sponsor in its capacity as an “Appointing Stockholder” (as such term is defined in the Indemnification Agreement) by or against Purchaser or any stockholder of the Purchaser. The Observer and Purchaser will enter into a joinder agreement to this Agreement in the form attached to this Agreement as Exhibit B.
3. Securities Law Compliance. Sponsor acknowledges that Confidential Information may contain or constitute material non-public information concerning the Purchaser and its controlled Affiliates. Sponsor acknowledges its obligations under the U.S. federal securities laws, including with respect to the prohibition of any person in possession of material non-public information about a company: (a) from purchasing or selling, directly or indirectly, securities of such company; or (b) from communicating such information to any other person under circumstances in which it is reasonably foreseeable that such person is likely to purchase or sell securities of such company. Sponsor agrees that it and the Observer will be subject to, and will comply with, the Purchaser’s policy with respect to insider trading (the “Insider Trading Policy”). The Purchaser agrees to advise Sponsor if any open trading window (as may be described in the Insider Trading Policy) is not opened, is closed early or if any special blackout period is applied in accordance with the terms of such policy and shall further provide Sponsor and the Observer with any and all notices under or in connection with the Insider Trading Policy as are provided to directors on the Purchaser’s Board.
4. Attorney Client Privilege. To the extent that any Confidential Information includes material subject to the attorney-client privilege, work product doctrine or any other applicable privilege concerning pending or threatened legal proceedings or governmental investigations, the parties agree that: (a) they have a commonality of interest with respect to such matters and it is their desire, intention and mutual understanding that the disclosure of such material is not intended to, and shall not, waive or diminish in any way the confidentiality of such material or its continued protection under the attorney-client privilege, work product doctrine or other applicable privilege; and (b) any such Confidential Information shall remain entitled to all protection under these privileges, this Agreement, and under the joint defense doctrine. Nothing in this Agreement obligates any party to reveal material subject to the attorney-client privilege, work product doctrine or any other applicable privilege.
5. No Restriction on Activities.
(a) To the fullest extent permitted by law, none of the Sponsor, the Observer or their respective Affiliates (each, an “Identified Person” and collectively, the “Identified Persons”) shall have any duty to refrain from directly or indirectly: (i) engaging in the same or similar business activities or lines of business in which the Purchaser or any of its Affiliates now engages or proposes to engage; or (ii) otherwise competing with the Purchaser or any of its Affiliates. To the fullest extent permitted by law, no Identified Person shall be liable to the Purchaser or its stockholders or to any Affiliate of the Purchaser for breach of any fiduciary duty solely by reason of the fact that such Identified Person engages in any such activities. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Purchaser renounces any interest or expectancy in, or right to be offered an opportunity to participate in, any business opportunity which may be a corporate opportunity for an Identified Person and the Purchaser or any of its Affiliates, except as provided in clause (b), below. Subject to clause (b), below, and to the fullest extent permitted by law, in the event that any Identified Person acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or other business opportunity which may be a corporate opportunity for such Identified Person and the Purchaser or any of its Affiliates, such Identified Person shall have no duty to communicate or offer such transaction or other business opportunity to the
Purchaser or any of its Affiliates and shall not be liable to the Purchaser or its stockholders or to any Affiliate of the Purchaser for breach of any fiduciary duty as a stockholder or Observer of the Purchaser solely by reason of the fact that such Identified Person pursues or acquires such corporate opportunity for such Identified Person, offers or directs such corporate opportunity to another Person, or does not communicate information regarding such corporate opportunity to the Purchaser or any Affiliate of the Purchaser. The parties to this Agreement acknowledge and agree that any such duties of the Observer with respect to the foregoing are expressly disclaimed pursuant to Section 1(b) of this Agreement.
(b) The Purchaser does not renounce its interest in any corporate opportunity offered to the Observer if such opportunity is expressly offered to the Observer solely in his or her capacity as an observer, and the provisions of clause (a) shall not apply to any such corporate opportunity.
(c) In addition to and notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 5, a corporate opportunity shall not be deemed to be a corporate opportunity for the Purchaser or its Affiliates if it is a business opportunity that: (i) the Purchaser is neither financially or legally able, nor contractually permitted, to undertake; (ii) from its nature, is not in the line of the Purchaser’s business or is of no practical advantage to the Purchaser; or (iii) is one in which the Purchaser has no interest or reasonable expectancy.
(d) Solely for the purposes of this Section 5:
(i) “Affiliate”, in respect of Sponsor, means any Person that, directly or indirectly, is controlled by Sponsor, controls Sponsor or is under common control with Sponsor (for the elimination of doubt, excluding Purchaser and any entity controlled by the Purchaser).
(ii) “Sponsor” means the Sponsor, its Affiliates and any investment funds, vehicles or accounts affiliated with, managed by or advised by Ares Management LLC or any of its Affiliates and their respective successors.
(iii) “Affiliate”, in respect of the Observer, means, in addition to the Sponsor and its Affiliates and the persons specified in clause (iv), below, any Person that, directly or indirectly, is controlled by the Observer (for the elimination of doubt, excluding Purchaser and any entity controlled by the Purchaser).
(iv) “Affiliate”, in respect of the Sponsor or the Observer, includes: (a) any principal, member, director, manager, partner, stockholder, officer, employee or other representative of any of Sponsor or any of its Affiliates (for the elimination of doubt, excluding the Purchaser and any entity that is controlled by the Purchaser); and (b) any funds, vehicles or accounts advised by Affiliates of the Sponsor.
(v) “Affiliate” in respect of the Purchaser, means any Person that, directly or indirectly, is controlled by the Purchaser.
6. Indemnification; Advancement of Expenses.
(a) The Observer shall be entitled to advancement of expenses and rights to indemnification from the Purchaser, and the Purchaser agrees to advance expenses to and indemnify the Observer, in each case to the same extent provided by the Purchaser to its directors. Purchaser shall offer Observer the opportunity to enter into an indemnification agreement at Closing, which shall be on the same form as the indemnification agreement offered to the Purchaser’s directors at the Closing, which form is attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Indemnification Agreement”).
(b) The foregoing rights to indemnification and advancement of expenses constitute third-party rights contractually extended to the Observer by the Purchaser and do not constitute rights to indemnification or advancement of expenses as a result of the Observer serving as a director, manager, officer, employee, or agent of the Purchaser. Any repeal or modification of this Section 6 or applicable Law shall not affect any rights or obligations then existing with respect to any state of facts or Legal Proceeding then existing. The Observer and his or her heirs, executors and administrators are express third-party beneficiaries of the rights granted to the Observer under this Section 6, and such rights shall inure to the benefit of the Observer and his or her heirs, executors and administrators.
7. Insurance. The Observer shall be entitled to liability insurance coverage against liability that may be asserted against or incurred by the Observer in his or her capacity as an Observer (whether such liability is asserted before, during or after the Observer’s term as an observer to the Board) to the same extent provided by the Purchaser to its directors against liability that may be asserted against or incurred by such director in his or her capacity as a director. Upon request, the Purchaser shall provide the Observer or his or her counsel with a copy of all directors’/officers’ liability insurance applications, binders, policies, declarations, endorsements, and other related materials.
8. Term. Unless extended by mutual agreement of the Purchaser and the Sponsor, this Agreement shall terminate and be of no further force or effect upon the earlier to occur of: (a) mutual agreement of the Purchaser and the Sponsor; and (b) the commencement of the third annual meeting of stockholders of the Purchaser following the Closing. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the provisions of this sentence and Sections 5, 6, 7 and 9 through 16 shall survive indefinitely following the termination of this Agreement.
9. Notices. All notices, consents, waivers and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given: (a) when delivered, if delivered in person; (b) when sent, if sent by electronic mail or other electronic means (provided that no “bounce back” or similar message is received); (c) one Business Day after being sent, if sent by reputable, nationally recognized overnight courier service; or (d) three Business Days after being mailed, if sent by registered or certified mail, pre-paid and return receipt requested, to the applicable party to this Agreement at the address of such party specified on the signature page of such party (or at such other address of a party to this Agreement as shall be specified by like notice).
10. No Recourse. This Agreement may only be enforced against, and any action for breach of this Agreement may only be made against, the parties to this Agreement. No claims of any nature whatsoever (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) arising under or relating to this Agreement, the negotiation of this Agreement or its subject matter, or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be asserted against any Non-Party Affiliate. Except to the extent liable in such Person’s capacity as a party to this Agreement, no Non-Party Affiliates shall have any liability arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the negotiation of this Agreement or its subject matter, or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including: (a) with respect to any claim (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) for breach of this Agreement; (b) in respect of any written or oral representations made or alleged to be made in connection with this Agreement; (c) as expressly provided in this Agreement; or (d) for any actual or alleged inaccuracies, misstatements or omissions with respect to any information or materials of any kind furnished in connection with this Agreement, the negotiation of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. “Non-Party Affiliate” means: (x) any officer, director, employee, partner, member, manager, direct or indirect equityholder or Affiliate of each of the Sponsor and the Purchaser; and (y) each of the former, current or future Affiliates, Representatives, successors or permitted assigns of any of the Persons referred to in the immediately preceding clause (x) (in the case of each of clause (x) and (y), other than the parties to this Agreement).
11. Assignment. This Agreement and all of the provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties to this Agreement and their respective heirs, successors and permitted assigns. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations under this Agreement shall be assigned (including by operation of law) without the prior written consent of the parties to this Agreement. Any assignment without such consent shall be null and void.
12. Specific Performance. The parties to this Agreement acknowledge and agree that irreparable damage may occur if any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached. In addition to any other remedy to which such party is entitled at law or in equity, the parties to this Agreement shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement. If any action shall be brought in equity to enforce the provisions of this Agreement, no party shall allege, and each party waives the defense, that there is an adequate remedy at law. Each party agrees to waive any requirement for the securing or posting of any bond in connection with such action.
13. Jurisdiction. Any Legal Proceeding based upon, arising out of or related to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement must be brought in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware and any State of Delaware appellate court therefrom (or, but only to the extent the Court of Chancery declines to accept jurisdiction over a particular matter, any state or federal court within the State of Delaware). Each of the parties irrevocably: (a) submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of each such court in any such Legal Proceeding; (b) waives any objection such party may now or after this Agreement have to personal jurisdiction, venue or to convenience of forum; (c) agrees that all claims in respect of the Legal Proceeding shall be heard and determined only in any such court; and (d) agrees not to bring any Legal Proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in any other court. Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to affect the right of any party to serve process in any manner permitted by Law or to commence Legal Proceedings or otherwise proceed against any other party in any other jurisdiction, in each case, to enforce judgments obtained in any Legal Proceeding brought pursuant to this Section 13.
14. Amendment. This Agreement may not be amended, changed, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified or terminated, except upon the execution and delivery of a written agreement executed by the Purchaser and the Sponsor.
15. Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the documents or instruments referred to in this Agreement embody the entire agreement and understanding of the Parties in respect of the subject matter contained in this Agreement. There are no restrictions, promises, representations, warranties, covenants or undertakings, other than those expressly set forth or referred to in this Agreement or the documents or instruments referred to in this Agreement, which collectively supersede all prior agreements and the understandings among the Parties with respect to the subject matter contained in this Agreement.
16. Miscellaneous. Sections 10.05 (Governing Law), 10.07 (Waiver of Jury Trial), 10.09 (Severability), 10.12 (Interpretation), 10.13 (Counterparts) and 10.15 (Waiver of Claims Against Trust) of the Business Combination Agreement are each incorporated into this Agreement (including any relevant definitions contained in any such Sections), mutatis mutandis.
[Signature page follows]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereto executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
| PURCHASER: | ||
| ARES ACQUSITION CORPORATION II | ||
| By: | /s/ Allyson Satin | |
| Name: | Allyson Satin | |
| Title: | Chief Operating Officer | |
| Address for Notices (prior to the Closing): | ||
| Ares Acquisition Corporation 245 Park Avenue, 44th Floor | ||
| New York, New York 10167 | ||
| Attn: Allyson Satin; Anton Feingold; Eric Waxman | ||
| Email: [***] | ||
| and | ||
| Ares Acquisition Corporation II 2000 Avenue of the Stars | ||
| Suite 1200 | ||
| Los Angeles, CA 90067 | ||
| Attn: Allyson Satin; Anton Feingold; Eric Waxman | ||
| Email: [***] | ||
| Address for Notices (following the Closing): | ||
| Kodiak AI, Inc. 1045 Terra Bella Ave | ||
| Mountain View, CA 94043 | ||
| Attn: Chief Legal Officer | ||
| Email: [***] | ||
| With copy (which shall not constitute notice) to: | ||
| 650 Page Mill Road | ||
| Palo Alto, CA 94304-1050 | ||
| Attn: Melissa Rick; Austin March | ||
| E-mail: [***] | ||
[Signature Page to Board Observer Agreement]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereto executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
| SPONSOR: | ||
| ARES ACQUSITION HOLDINGS II LP | ||
| By: | /s/ Allyson Satin | |
| Name: |
Allyson Satin | |
| Title: |
Authorized Signatory | |
| Address for Notices: | ||
| Ares Acquisition Holdings II LP 2000 Avenue of the Stars | ||
| Suite 1200 | ||
| Los Angeles, CA 90067 | ||
| Attn: Allyson Satin; Anton Feingold; Eric Waxman | ||
| Email: [***] | ||
| With a copy to (which shall not constitute notice) to: | ||
| Kirkland & Ellis LLP 2049 Century Park East, Suite 3700 | ||
| Los Angeles, California 90067 | ||
| Attn: Monica J. Shilling, P.C.; F. Walton Dumas | ||
| Email: [***] | ||
[Signature Page to Board Observer Agreement]
Exhibit A
Form of D&O Indemnification Agreement
KODIAK AI, INC.
INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT
This Indemnification Agreement (this “Agreement”) is dated as of September 24, 2025, and is between Kodiak AI, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and ____________________ (“Indemnitee”).
RECITALS
A. Indemnitee’s service to the Company substantially benefits the Company.
B. Individuals are reluctant to serve as directors, observers or officers of corporations or in certain other capacities unless they are provided with adequate protection through insurance or indemnification against the risks of claims and actions against them arising out of such service.
C. Indemnitee does not regard the protection currently provided by applicable law, the Company’s governing documents and any insurance as adequate under the present circumstances, and Indemnitee may not be willing to serve as a director, observer or officer without additional protection.
D. In order to induce Indemnitee to continue to provide services to the Company, it is reasonable, prudent and necessary for the Company to contractually obligate itself to indemnify, and to advance expenses on behalf of, Indemnitee as permitted by applicable law.
E. This Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the indemnification provided in the Company’s certificate of incorporation (as may be amended from time to time, the “Certificate of Incorporation”) and bylaws(as may be amended from time to time, the “Bylaws”), and any resolutions adopted pursuant to the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws (“Resolutions”). This Agreement shall not be deemed a substitute for the indemnification provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws or any Resolutions, nor shall this Agreement be deemed to limit, diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee under the Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws or any Resolutions.
The parties therefore agree as follows:
1. Definitions.
(a) A “Change in Control” shall be deemed to occur upon the earliest to occur after the date of this Agreement of any of the following events:
(i) Acquisition of Stock by Third Party. Any Person becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing fifteen percent (15%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities;
(ii) Change in Board Composition. During any period of two consecutive years (not including any period prior to the execution of this Agreement): (1) individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Company’s board of directors; and (2) any new directors (other than a director designated by a person who has entered into an agreement with the Company to effect a transaction described in Sections 1(a)(i), 1(a)(iii) or 1(a)(iv)) whose election by the board of directors or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the members of the Company’s board of directors;
(iii) Corporate Transactions. The effective date of a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other entity, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior to such merger or consolidation continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity): (1) more than 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation; and (2) the power to elect at least a majority of the board of directors or other governing body of such surviving entity;
(iv) Liquidation. The approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company or an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets; and
(v) Other Events. Any other event of a nature that would be required to be reported in response to Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A (or in response to any similar item on any similar schedule or form) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, whether or not the Company is then subject to such reporting requirement.
(vi) For purposes of this Section 1(a), the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(1) “Person” shall have the meaning as set forth in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “Person” shall exclude: (i) the Company; (ii) any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company; and (iii) any corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company.
(2) “Beneficial Owner” shall have the meaning given to such term in Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “Beneficial Owner” shall exclude any Person otherwise becoming a Beneficial Owner by reason of: (i) the stockholders of the Company approving a merger of the Company with another entity; or (ii) the Company’s board of directors approving a sale of securities by the Company to such Person.
(3) “Corporate Status” describes the status of a person who is or was a director, observer, manager, trustee, general partner, managing member, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of the Company or any other Enterprise.
(4) “DGCL” means the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as amended from time to time.
(5) “Disinterested Director” means a director of the Company who is not and was not a party to the Proceeding in respect of which indemnification is sought by Indemnitee.
(6) “Enterprise” means the Company and any other corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise of which Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, observer, manager, trustee, general partner, managing member, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary.
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(7) “Expenses” include all reasonable and actually incurred attorneys’ fees, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees and costs of experts and other professionals, witness fees, travel expenses, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees, federal, state, local or foreign taxes imposed on Indemnitee as a result of actual or deemed receipt of payment under this Agreement and all other disbursements or expenses of the types customarily incurred in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, being or preparing to be a witness in, or otherwise participating in, a Proceeding. Expenses also include: (i) Expenses incurred in connection with any appeal resulting from any Proceeding, including without limitation the premium, security for, and other costs relating to any cost bond, supersedeas bond or other appeal bond or their equivalent; and (ii) for purposes of Section 13(c), Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement or under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by the Company. Expenses, however, shall not include amounts paid in settlement by Indemnitee or the amount of judgments or fines against Indemnitee.
(8) “Independent Counsel” means a law firm, or a partner or member of a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the past five years has been, retained to represent: (i) the Company or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party (other than as Independent Counsel with respect to matters concerning Indemnitee under this Agreement, or other indemnitees under similar indemnification agreements); or (ii) any other party to the Proceeding giving rise to a claim for indemnification under this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “Independent Counsel” shall not include any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or Indemnitee in an action to determine Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement.
(9) “Proceeding” means any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, arbitration, mediation, alternate dispute resolution mechanism, investigation, inquiry, audit, administrative hearing or proceeding, whether brought by or in the right of the Company or otherwise and whether of a civil, criminal, administrative or investigative nature, including any appeal therefrom and including without limitation any such Proceeding pending as of the date of this Agreement, in which Indemnitee was, is or will be involved as a party, a potential party, a non-party witness or otherwise by reason of: (i) the fact that Indemnitee is or was a director, observer or officer of the Company; (ii) any action taken by Indemnitee or any action or inaction on Indemnitee’s part while acting as a director, observer or officer of the Company; or (iii) the fact that Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, observer, manager, trustee, general partner, managing member, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of the Company or any other Enterprise, in each case whether or not serving in such capacity at the time any liability or Expense is incurred for which indemnification or advancement of expenses can be provided under this Agreement.
(10) (A) Reference to “other enterprises” shall include employee benefit plans; (B) references to “fines” shall include any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to any employee benefit plan; (C) references to “serving at the request of the Company” shall include any service as a director, observer, officer, employee or agent of the Company that imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, observer, officer, employee or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; (D) a person who acted in good faith and in a manner they reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner “not opposed to the best interests of the Company” as referred to in this Agreement; and (E) references to “observer” shall mean an observer to the board of directors or equivalent governing body of the Company or any other Enterprise, as applicable.
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2. Indemnity in Third-Party Proceedings. The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee in accordance with the provisions of this Section 2 if Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant in any Proceeding, other than a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor. Pursuant to this Section 2, Indemnitee shall be indemnified to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law against all Expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on his or her behalf in connection with such Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter in such Proceeding, if Indemnitee: (a) acted in good faith and in a manner they reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company; and (b), with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that their conduct was unlawful.
3. Indemnity in Proceedings by or in the Right of the Company. The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee in accordance with the provisions of this Section 3 if Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant in any Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor. Pursuant to this Section 3, Indemnitee shall be indemnified to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection with such Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter in such Proceeding, if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner they reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if applicable law so provides, no indemnification for Expenses shall be made under this Section 3 in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which Indemnitee shall have been adjudged in a Final Disposition to be liable to the Company, unless and to the extent that the Delaware Court of Chancery or any court in which the Proceeding was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, Indemnitee is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification for such expenses as the Delaware Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.
4. Indemnification for Expenses of a Party Who is Wholly or Partly Successful. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the extent that Indemnitee is a party to or a participant in and is successful (on the merits or otherwise, including as a result of dismissal) in the defense of any Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter in such Proceeding, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection therewith. If Indemnitee is not wholly successful in such Proceeding but is successful, on the merits or otherwise, including as a result of dismissal, as to one or more but less than all claims, issues or matters in such Proceeding, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by them or on their behalf in connection with each successfully resolved claim, issue or matter. For purposes of this section, the termination of any claim, issue or matter in such a Proceeding by dismissal, with or without prejudice, shall be deemed to be a successful result as to such claim, issue or matter.
5. Indemnification of Appointing Stockholder. If: (a) Indemnitee is or was affiliated with one or more venture capital or private equity funds that has invested in the Company (an “Appointing Stockholder”); and (b) the Appointing Stockholder is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant in any Proceeding; and (c) the Appointing Stockholder’s involvement in the Proceeding: (i) arises primarily out of, or relates to, any action taken by the Company that was approved by the Company’s board of directors; and (ii) arises out of facts or circumstances that are the same or substantially similar to the facts and circumstances that form the basis of claims that have been, could have been or could be brought against the Indemnitee in a Proceeding, regardless of whether the legal basis of the claims against the Indemnitee and the Appointing Stockholder are the same or similar, then, to the extent permitted by applicable law, the Appointing Stockholder shall be entitled to all rights and remedies, including with respect to indemnification and advancement, provided to the Indemnitee under this Agreement as if the Appointing Stockholder were the Indemnitee. The rights provided to the Appointing Stockholder under this Section 5 shall be suspended during any period during which the Appointing Stockholder does not have a representative or observer on the Company’s board of directors. The Company and Indemnitee intend and agree that the Appointing Stockholder is an express third-party beneficiary of the terms of this Section 5.
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6. Indemnification for Expenses of a Witness. To the extent that Indemnitee is, by reason of their Corporate Status: (a) a witness in any Proceeding to which Indemnitee is not a party; (b) was made (or asked) to respond to discovery requests in any such Proceeding; or (c) receives a subpoena with respect to any Proceeding to which Indemnitee is not a party and is not threatened to be made a party, Indemnitee shall be indemnified to the extent permitted by applicable law against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection with the activities described in clauses (a) through (c).
7. Additional Indemnification.
(a) Notwithstanding any limitation in Sections 2, 3 or 4 the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law if Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant in any Proceeding (including a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor) against all Expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on their behalf in connection with the Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter in such Proceeding.
(b) For purposes of Section 7(a), the meaning of the phrase “to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law” shall include, but not be limited to:
(i) the fullest extent permitted by the provision of the DGCL that authorizes or contemplates additional indemnification by agreement, or the corresponding provision of any amendment to or replacement of the DGCL; and
(ii) the fullest extent authorized or permitted by any amendments to or replacements of the DGCL adopted after the date of this Agreement that increase the extent to which a corporation may indemnify its officers, directors and observers.
8. Exclusions. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement, the Company shall not be obligated under this Agreement to make any indemnity in connection with any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding):
(a) except as provided in Section 16, for which (and solely to the extent that) payment has actually been made to or on behalf of Indemnitee under any statute, insurance policy, indemnity provision, vote or otherwise, except with respect to any excess beyond the amount paid;
(b) for an accounting or disgorgement of profits pursuant to Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or similar provisions of federal, state or local statutory law or common law, if Indemnitee is held liable therefor (including pursuant to any settlement arrangements);
(c) for any reimbursement of the Company by Indemnitee of any bonus or other incentive-based or equity-based compensation or of any profits realized by Indemnitee from the sale of securities of the Company, in either case as required under: (i) any clawback or compensation recovery policy adopted by the Company; or (ii) applicable securities exchange and association listing requirements, including, without limitation, those adopted in accordance with Rule 10D-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and/or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (including, without limitation, any such reimbursements that arise from an accounting restatement of the Company pursuant to Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), or the payment to the Company of profits arising from the purchase and sale by Indemnitee of securities in violation of Section 306 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act), if Indemnitee is held liable for such amounts (including pursuant to any settlement arrangements);
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(d) initiated by Indemnitee, including any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee against the Company or its directors, observers, officers, employees, agents or other indemnitees, unless: (i) the Company’s board of directors authorized the Proceeding (or the relevant part of the Proceeding) prior to its initiation; (ii) the Company provides the indemnification, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the Company under applicable law; (iii) otherwise authorized in Section 13(c); or (iv) otherwise required by applicable law; or
(e) if prohibited by applicable law.
9. Advances of Expenses. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Company shall advance the Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any Proceeding prior to its Final Disposition, and such advancement shall be made as soon as reasonably practicable, but in any event no later than 30 days, after the receipt by the Company of a written statement or statements requesting such advances from time to time (which shall include invoices received by Indemnitee in connection with such Expenses but, in the case of invoices in connection with legal services, any references to legal work performed or to expenditure made that would cause Indemnitee to waive any privilege accorded by applicable law shall not be included with the invoice). Advances shall be unsecured and interest free and made without regard to Indemnitee’s ability to repay such advances. Indemnitee undertakes to repay any advance to the extent that it is ultimately determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final judicial decision from which there is no further right of appeal (a “Final Disposition”) that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company. This Section 9 shall not apply to any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) for which indemnity is excluded under Section 8 of this Agreement, but shall apply to any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) referenced in Section 8(b), 8(c) or 8(e) prior to a determination that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company.
10. Procedures for Notification and Defense of Claim.
(a) Unless the Company is a co-defendant with Indemnitee, Indemnitee shall notify the Company in writing of any matter with respect to which Indemnitee intends to seek indemnification or advancement of Expenses as soon as reasonably practicable following the receipt by Indemnitee of notice of such matter. The written notification to the Company shall include, in reasonable detail, to the extent known, a description of the nature of the Proceeding and the facts underlying the Proceeding. The failure by Indemnitee to notify the Company will not relieve the Company from any liability which it may have to Indemnitee under this Agreement or otherwise than under this Agreement, and any delay in so notifying the Company shall not constitute a waiver by Indemnitee of any rights, except to the extent that such failure or delay actually and materially prejudices the Company.
(b) If, at the time of the receipt of a notice of a Proceeding pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, the Company has directors’ and officers’ liability insurance in effect that may be applicable to the Proceeding, the Company shall give prompt notice of the commencement of the Proceeding to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the applicable policies. The Company shall thereafter take all commercially reasonable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such Proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policies.
(c) In the event the Company may be obligated to make any indemnity in connection with a Proceeding, other than in connection with any Proceeding brought by or in the right of the Company, the Company shall be entitled to assume the defense of such Proceeding with counsel approved by
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Indemnitee, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, upon the delivery to Indemnitee of written notice of its election to do so. After delivery of such notice, approval of such counsel by Indemnitee and the retention of such counsel by the Company, the Company will not be liable to Indemnitee for any fees or expenses of counsel subsequently incurred by Indemnitee with respect to the same Proceeding. Notwithstanding the Company’s assumption of the defense of any such Proceeding, the Company shall be obligated to pay the fees and expenses of Indemnitee’s separate counsel to the extent: (i) the employment of separate counsel by Indemnitee is authorized by the Company; (ii) counsel for the Company or Indemnitee shall have reasonably concluded that there is a conflict of interest between the Company and Indemnitee in the conduct of any such defense such that Indemnitee needs to be separately represented; (iii) the Company is not financially or legally able to perform its indemnification obligations; or (iv) the Company shall not have retained, or shall not continue to retain, counsel to defend such Proceeding to which Indemnitee has consented in accordance with this clause (c). The Company shall have the right to conduct such defense as it sees fit in its sole discretion. Regardless of any provision in this Agreement, Indemnitee shall have the right to employ counsel in any Proceeding at Indemnitee’s personal expense. The Company shall not be entitled, without the consent of Indemnitee, to assume the defense of any claim brought by or in the right of the Company.
(d) Indemnitee shall give the Company such information and cooperation in connection with the Proceeding as may be reasonably appropriate.
(e) The Company shall not be liable to indemnify Indemnitee for any settlement of any Proceeding (or any part of such Proceeding) without the Company’s prior written consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.
(f) The Company shall not, without Indemnitee’s prior written consent, settle any Proceeding (or any part of such Proceeding) in a manner that: (i) imposes any penalty or liability on Indemnitee; or (ii) includes any admission of fault, guilt, or culpability of Indemnitee; provided that, to the extent such settlement does not include any admission of fault, guilt, or culpability of Indemnitee, Indemnitee’s prior written consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed.
(g) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Company’s assumption of the defense of a Proceeding in accordance with Section 10(c) will constitute an irrevocable acknowledgement by the Company that any and all Expenses, judgements, fines and amounts paid in settlement in connection with such Proceeding are indemnifiable by the Company (including, to the fullest extent permitted by law, that the Indemnitee has met all applicable standards of conduct).
11. Procedures upon Application for Indemnification.
(a) To obtain indemnification, Indemnitee shall submit to the Company a written request, including in or with such written request such documentation and information as is reasonably available to Indemnitee and as is reasonably necessary to determine whether and to what extent Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification following the Final Disposition of the Proceeding. Any delay in providing the request will not relieve the Company from its obligations under this Agreement, nor constitute a waiver by Indemnitee of any rights, in each case except to the extent such delay is actually prejudicial.
(b) Upon written request by Indemnitee for indemnification pursuant to Section 11(a), a determination with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement to such indemnification shall be made in the specific case: (i) if a Change in Control shall have occurred, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Company’s board of directors, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee (unless the Indemnitee elects to have the determination made pursuant to Section 11(b)(ii), in which case the determination shall be made pursuant to Section 11(b)(ii)); or (ii) if a Change in Control shall not have
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occurred: (A) by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Company’s board of directors; (B) by a committee of Disinterested Directors designated by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Company’s board of directors; or (C) if there are no such Disinterested Directors or, if such Disinterested Directors so direct, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Company’s board of directors, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee. If it is determined that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, payment to Indemnitee shall be made within ten days after such determination. Indemnitee shall cooperate with the person, persons or entity making the determination with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification, including providing to such person, persons or entity upon reasonable advance request any documentation or information that is not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure and that is reasonably available to Indemnitee and reasonably necessary to such determination. Any costs or expenses (including attorneys’ fees and disbursements) actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in so cooperating with the person, persons or entity making such determination shall be borne by the Company, to the extent permitted by applicable law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company shall have assumed the defense of a Proceeding in accordance with Section 10(c), then pursuant to Section 10(g), to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Company shall have determined that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement and no further or contrary determination shall be made.
(c) In the event the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 11(b), the Independent Counsel shall be selected as provided in this Section 11(c). If a Change in Control shall not have occurred, the Independent Counsel shall be selected by the Company’s board of directors, and the Company shall give written notice to Indemnitee advising them of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected. If a Change in Control shall have occurred, the Independent Counsel shall be selected by Indemnitee (unless Indemnitee shall request that such selection be made by the Company’s board of directors, in which event the preceding sentence shall apply), and Indemnitee shall give written notice to the Company advising it of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected. In either event, Indemnitee or the Company, as the case may be, may, within ten days after such written notice of selection shall have been given, deliver to the Company or to Indemnitee, as the case may be, a written objection to such selection. Such objection may be asserted only on the ground that the Independent Counsel so selected does not meet the requirements of “Independent Counsel” as defined in Section 1 of this Agreement, and the objection shall set forth with particularity the factual basis of such assertion. Absent a proper and timely objection, the person selected in accordance with this Section 11(c) shall act as Independent Counsel. If a written objection is made and substantiated, the Independent Counsel selected may not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until such objection is withdrawn or a court has determined that such objection is without merit. If, within 20 days after the submission by Indemnitee of a written request for indemnification pursuant to Section 11(a) hereof, the parties have not agreed upon an Independent Counsel, either the Company or Indemnitee may petition a court of competent jurisdiction for resolution of any objection which shall have been made by the Company or Indemnitee to the other’s selection of Independent Counsel and for the appointment as Independent Counsel of a person selected by the court or by such other person as the court shall designate. The person with respect to whom all objections are so resolved or the person so appointed shall act as Independent Counsel under Section 11(b) of this Agreement. Upon the due commencement of any judicial proceeding or arbitration pursuant to Section 13(a) of this Agreement, the Independent Counsel shall be discharged and relieved of any further responsibility in such capacity (subject to the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing).
(d) The Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees and expenses of any Independent Counsel.
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12. Presumptions and Effect of Certain Proceedings.
(a) In making a determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification under this Agreement, the person, persons or entity making such determination shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, presume that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, and the Company shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, have the burden of proof to overcome that presumption.
(b) The termination of any Proceeding or of any claim, issue or matter in such Proceeding, by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement) of itself adversely affect the right of Indemnitee to indemnification or create a presumption that Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which they reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company or, with respect to any criminal Proceeding, that Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that their conduct was unlawful.
(c) Neither the knowledge, actions nor failure to act of any other director, observer, officer, agent or employee of the Enterprise shall be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnification under this Agreement.
13. Remedies of Indemnitee.
(a) Subject to Section 13(d), in the event that: (i) a determination is made pursuant to Section 10 of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Agreement; (ii) advancement of Expenses is not timely made pursuant to Section 9 or 13(c) of this Agreement; (iii) no determination of entitlement to indemnification shall have been made pursuant to Section 11 of this Agreement within 90 days after the receipt by the Company of the request for indemnification; (iv) payment of indemnification pursuant to this Agreement is not made: (A) within ten days after a determination has been made that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification; or (B) with respect to indemnification pursuant to Sections 4, 6 and 14(c) of this Agreement, within 30 days after receipt by the Company of a written request for indemnification; or (v) the Company or any other person or entity takes or threatens to take any action to declare this Agreement void or unenforceable, or institutes any litigation or other action or proceeding designed to deny, or to recover from, Indemnitee the benefits provided or intended to be provided to Indemnitee pursuant to this Agreement, Indemnitee shall be entitled to an adjudication by a court of competent jurisdiction of their entitlement to such indemnification or advancement of Expenses. Alternatively, Indemnitee, at their option, may seek an award in arbitration with respect to their entitlement to such indemnification or advancement of Expenses, to be conducted by a single arbitrator pursuant to the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. Indemnitee shall commence such proceeding seeking an adjudication or an award in arbitration within 180 days following the date on which Indemnitee first has the right to commence such proceeding pursuant to this Section 13(a). The foregoing sentence shall not apply in respect of a proceeding brought by Indemnitee to enforce their rights under Section 4 of this Agreement, which may be brought at any time. The Company shall not oppose Indemnitee’s right to seek any such adjudication or award in arbitration in accordance with this Agreement.
(b) Neither: (i) the failure of the Company, its board of directors, any committee or subgroup of the board of directors, Independent Counsel or stockholders to have made a determination that indemnification of Indemnitee is proper in the circumstances because Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct; nor (ii) an actual determination by the Company, its board of directors, any committee or subgroup of the board of directors, Independent Counsel or stockholders that Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct, shall create a presumption that Indemnitee has or has not met the applicable standard of conduct. In the event that a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 11 of this
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Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 13 shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial, or arbitration, on the merits, and Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of that adverse determination. In any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 13, the Company shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, have the burden of proving Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification or advancement of Expenses, as the case may be.
(c) To the extent not prohibited by law, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses that are incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any action for indemnification or advancement of Expenses from the Company under this Agreement or under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by the Company to the extent Indemnitee is successful in such action, and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall (as soon as reasonably practicable, but in any event no later than 60 days, after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor) advance such Expenses to Indemnitee, subject to the provisions of Section 9.
(d) To the fullest extent not prohibited by law, the Company shall be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 13 that the procedures and presumptions of this Agreement are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court or before any such arbitrator that the Company is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement. If a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 11 of this Agreement that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 13, absent: (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitee’s statements not materially misleading, in connection with the request for indemnification; or (ii) a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law.
(e) For purposes of any determination of good faith, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith to the extent Indemnitee relied in good faith on: (i) the records or books of account of the Enterprise, including financial statements; (ii) information supplied to Indemnitee by the officers of the Enterprise in the course of their duties; (iii) the advice of legal counsel for the Enterprise or its board of directors or counsel selected by any committee of the board of directors; or (iv) information or records given or reports made to the Enterprise by an independent certified public accountant, an appraiser, investment banker or other expert selected with reasonable care by the Enterprise or its board of directors or any committee of the board of directors. The provisions of this Section 13(e) shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in any way the other circumstances in which Indemnitee may be deemed to have acted in good faith or met any other applicable standard of conduct.
14. Contribution.
(a) Whether or not the indemnification provided in this Agreement is available, in respect of any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding in which the Company is jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such action, suit or proceeding), the Company shall pay, in the first instance, the entire amount of any judgment or settlement of such action, suit or proceeding without requiring Indemnitee to contribute to such payment and the Company hereby waives and relinquishes any right of contribution it may have against Indemnitee. The Company shall not enter into any settlement of any action, suit or proceeding in which the Company is jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such action, suit or proceeding) unless such settlement provides for a full and final release of all claims asserted against Indemnitee.
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(b) Without diminishing or impairing the obligations of the Company set forth in the preceding subparagraph, if, for any reason, Indemnitee shall elect or be required to pay all or any portion of any judgment or settlement in any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding in which the Company is jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such action, suit or proceeding), the Company shall contribute to the amount of Expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred and paid or payable by Indemnitee in proportion to the relative benefits received by the Company and all officers, directors or employees of the Company, other than Indemnitee, who are jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such action, suit or proceeding), on the one hand, and Indemnitee, on the other hand, from the transaction or events from which such action, suit or proceeding arose. The proportion determined on the basis of relative benefit may, to the extent necessary to conform to law, be further adjusted by reference to the relative fault of the Company and all officers, directors or employees of the Company other than Indemnitee who are jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such action, suit or proceeding), on the one hand, and Indemnitee, on the other hand, in connection with the transaction or events that resulted in such expenses, judgments, fines or settlement amounts, as well as any other equitable considerations which applicable law may require to be considered. The relative fault of the Company and all officers, directors or employees of the Company, other than Indemnitee, who are jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such action, suit or proceeding), on the one hand, and Indemnitee, on the other hand, shall be determined by reference to, among other things, the degree to which their actions were motivated by intent to gain personal profit or advantage, the degree to which their liability is primary or secondary and the degree to which their conduct is active or passive.
(c) The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee from any claims of contribution which may be brought by officers, directors, observers or employees of the Company, other than Indemnitee, who may be jointly liable with Indemnitee.
(d) To the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, if the indemnification provided for in this Agreement is unavailable to Indemnitee, the Company, in lieu of indemnifying Indemnitee, shall contribute to the amounts incurred by Indemnitee, whether for Expenses, judgments, fines or amounts paid or to be paid in settlement, in connection with any claim relating to an indemnifiable event under this Agreement, in such proportion as is deemed fair and reasonable in light of all of the circumstances of such Proceeding in order to reflect: (i) the relative benefits received by the Company and Indemnitee as a result of the events and transactions giving rise to such Proceeding; and (ii) the relative fault of Indemnitee and the Company (and its other directors, observers, officers, employees and agents) in connection with such events and transactions.
15. Non-exclusivity. The rights of indemnification and to receive advancement of Expenses as provided by this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, any agreement, a vote of stockholders or a Resolution, or otherwise. To the extent that a change in Delaware law, whether by statute or judicial decision, permits greater indemnification or advancement of Expenses than would be afforded currently under the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws and this Agreement, it is the intent of the parties hereto that Indemnitee shall enjoy by this Agreement the greater benefits so afforded by such change, subject to the restrictions expressly set forth in this Agreement or the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws. Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, no right or remedy conferred in this Agreement is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every other right and remedy shall be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given under this Agreement or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, the assertion or employment of any right or remedy under this Agreement, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other right or remedy.
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16. Primary Responsibility. The Company acknowledges that Indemnitee may have certain rights to indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by insurers or other entities that may provide: (a) personal or enterprise level insurance policies in the name or on behalf of; or (b) rights to indemnification in favor of, in the case of (a) or (b), Indemnitee from time to time (collectively, the “Secondary Indemnitors”). The Company agrees that, as between the Company and the Secondary Indemnitors, the Company is primarily responsible for amounts required to be indemnified or advanced under the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, Resolutions, this Agreement or any other agreement between Indemnitee or its Appointing Stockholder and the Company and any obligation of the Secondary Indemnitors to provide indemnification or advancement for the same amounts is secondary to those Company obligations. The Company waives any right of contribution or subrogation against the Secondary Indemnitors with respect to the liabilities for which the Company is primarily responsible under this Section 16. In the event of any payment by the Secondary Indemnitors of amounts otherwise required to be indemnified or advanced by the Company under the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, Resolutions or this Agreement, the Secondary Indemnitors shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee for indemnification or advancement of expenses under the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, Resolutions or this Agreement or, to the extent such subrogation is unavailable and contribution is found to be the applicable remedy, shall have a right of contribution with respect to the amounts paid. The Secondary Indemnitors are express third-party beneficiaries of the terms of this Section 16.
17. No Duplication of Payments. Subject to Section 16, The Company shall not be liable under this Agreement to make any payment of amounts otherwise indemnifiable under this Agreement (or for which advancement is provided under this Agreement) if and to the extent that Indemnitee has otherwise actually received payment for such amounts under any insurance policy, contract, agreement or otherwise.
18. Insurance. To the extent that the Company maintains an insurance policy or policies providing liability insurance for directors, observers, managers, trustees, general partners, managing members, officers, employees, agents or fiduciaries of the Company or any other Enterprise, Indemnitee shall be covered by such policy or policies to the same extent as the most favorably insured persons under such policy or policies in a comparable position.
19. Subrogation. Subject to Section 16, In the event of any payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee, who shall execute all papers required and take all action necessary to secure such rights, including execution of such documents as are necessary to enable the Company to bring suit to enforce such rights.
20. Services to the Company. Indemnitee agrees to serve as a director, observer or officer of the Company or, at the request of the Company, as a director, observer, manager, trustee, general partner, managing member, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of another Enterprise, for so long as Indemnitee is duly elected or appointed or until Indemnitee tenders their resignation or is removed from such position. Indemnitee may at any time and for any reason resign from such position (subject to any other contractual obligation or any obligation imposed by operation of law), in which event the Company shall have no obligation under this Agreement to continue Indemnitee in such position. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Indemnitee shall continue to enjoy the benefits of this Agreement with respect to any continuing or subsequent positions and with respect to Indemnitee’s services in such position prior to Indemnitee’s resignation from such positions. This Agreement shall not be deemed an employment contract between the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any Enterprise) and Indemnitee. Indemnitee specifically acknowledges that any employment with the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any Enterprise) is at will, and Indemnitee may be discharged at any time for any reason, with or without cause, with or without notice, except as may be otherwise expressly provided in any executed, written employment contract between Indemnitee and the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any Enterprise), any existing formal severance policies adopted by the Company’s board of directors or, with respect to service as a director, observer or officer of the Company, the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws or the DGCL or contract between the Company and such individual or its affiliates. No such document shall be subject to any oral modification of such document.
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21. Duration. This Agreement shall continue until and terminate upon the later of: (a) ten years after the date that Indemnitee shall have ceased to serve as a director, observer or officer of the Company or as a director, observer, manager trustee, general partner, managing member, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of any other Enterprise, as applicable; and (b) one year after the final termination of any Proceeding, including any appeal, then pending in respect of which Indemnitee is granted rights of indemnification or advancement of Expenses under this Agreement and of any proceeding commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to Section 13 of this Agreement relating thereto.
22. Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns, including any direct or indirect successor, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise, to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company, and shall inure to the benefit of Indemnitee and Indemnitee’s heirs, executors and administrators. The Company shall require and cause any successor (whether direct or indirect by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company, by written agreement, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place.
23. Severability. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to require or shall be construed as requiring the Company to do or fail to do any act in violation of applicable law. The Company’s inability, pursuant to court order or other applicable law, to perform its obligations under this Agreement shall not constitute a breach of this Agreement. If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (i) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement (including without limitation, each portion of any section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired by such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability and shall remain enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law; (ii) such provision or provisions shall be deemed reformed to the extent necessary to conform to applicable law and to give the maximum effect to the intent of the parties to this Agreement; and (iii) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested by such provisions.
24. Enforcement. The Company expressly confirms and agrees that it has entered into this Agreement and assumed the obligations imposed on it by this Agreement in order to induce Indemnitee to serve as a director, observer or officer of the Company, and the Company acknowledges that Indemnitee is relying upon this Agreement in serving as a director, observer or officer of the Company. To the extent permitted by law, the Company shall not seek from a court, or agree to, a “bar order” which would have the effect of prohibiting or limiting the Indemnitee’s rights to receive advancement of expenses under this Agreement.
25. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties to this Agreement with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral, written and implied, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws and Resolutions and applicable law.
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26. Modification and Waiver. No supplement, modification or amendment to this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by the parties to this Agreement. No amendment, alteration or repeal of this Agreement shall adversely affect any right of Indemnitee under this Agreement in respect of any action taken or omitted by such Indemnitee in their Corporate Status prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall constitute or be deemed a waiver of any other provision of this Agreement nor shall any waiver constitute a continuing waiver.
27. Notices. All notices and other communications required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be mailed by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, sent by electronic mail or otherwise delivered by hand, messenger or courier service addressed:
(a) if to Indemnitee, to Indemnitee’s address or electronic mail address as shown on the signature page of this Agreement or in the Company’s records, as may be updated in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement; or
(b) if to the Company, to the attention of the Chief Legal and Policy Officer of the Company at 1049 Terra Bella Avenue, Mountain View, CA 94043, or at such other current address as the Company shall have furnished to Indemnitee, with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to Melissa Rick, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, P.C., P.C., 650 Page Mill Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304-1050.
Each such notice or other communication shall for all purposes of this Agreement be treated as effective or having been given: (i) if delivered by hand, messenger or courier service, when delivered (or if sent via a nationally-recognized overnight courier service, freight prepaid, specifying next-business-day delivery, one business day after deposit with the courier); (ii) if sent via mail, at the earlier of its receipt or five days after the same has been deposited in a regularly-maintained receptacle for the deposit of the United States mail, addressed and mailed as aforesaid; or (iii) if sent via electronic mail, upon confirmation of delivery when directed to the relevant electronic mail address, if sent during normal business hours of the recipient, or if not sent during normal business hours of the recipient, then on the recipient’s next business day.
28. Applicable Law and Consent to Jurisdiction. This Agreement and the legal relations among the parties shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of laws rules. Except with respect to any arbitration commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to Section 13(a) of this Agreement, the Company and Indemnitee irrevocably and unconditionally: (i) agree that any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be brought only in the Delaware Court of Chancery, and not in any other state or federal court in the United States of America or any court in any other country; (ii) consent to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Court of Chancery for purposes of any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement; (iii) appoint, to the extent such party is not otherwise subject to service of process in the State of Delaware, The Corporation Trust Company, 1209 Orange Street, in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, Delaware 19801, as its agent in the State of Delaware as such party’s agent for acceptance of legal process in connection with any such action or proceeding against such party with the same legal force and validity as if served upon such party personally within the State of Delaware; (iv) waive any objection to the laying of venue of any such action or proceeding in the Delaware Court of Chancery; and (v) waive, and agree not to plead or to make, any claim that any such action or proceeding brought in the Delaware Court of Chancery has been brought in an improper or inconvenient forum.
29. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. This Agreement may also be executed and delivered by facsimile signature and in counterparts, each of which shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. Only one such counterpart signed by the party against whom enforceability is sought needs to be produced to evidence the existence of this Agreement.
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30. Captions. The headings of the paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute part of this Agreement or to affect the construction of this Agreement.
(signature page follows)
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The parties are signing this Indemnification Agreement as of the date stated in the introductory sentence.
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Exhibit B
Form of Joinder Agreement
JOINDER AGREEMENT
This Joinder (“Joinder”) is executed on [] by [] (the “Observer”) pursuant to the terms of the Board Observer Agreement, dated September 24, 2025, by and between Kodiak AI, Inc. and Ares Acquisition Holdings II LP (the “Observer Agreement”). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings set forth in the Observer Agreement.
Observer acknowledges agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Observer Agreement as an “Observer” thereunder, and with respect to Sections 2 (Confidential Treatment of Purchaser Information), 3 (Securities Law Compliance), and 4 (Attorney Client Privilege) of the Observer Agreement, to the same extent as the Sponsor, in each case, with the same force and effect as if the Observer were originally a party to such agreement.
For so long as Observer is the designated observer of Sponsor under the Observer Agreement (and thereafter with respect to acts or occurrences during the period Observer was the designated observer of Sponsor with respect to reimbursement of expenses, indemnification and advancement of expenses and insurance matters), the Observer will be a third party beneficiary of the obligations of Kodiak AI, Inc. to the Observer under the Board Observer Agreement, including with respect to the right to meeting attendance, receipt of materials and reimbursement of expenses as provided for, and subject to the limitations set forth, in Section 1 (Board Observer Rights), indemnification and advancement of expenses as provided in Section 6 (Indemnification; Advancement of Expenses) and insurance coverage as provided in Section 7 (Insurance). In addition, in accordance with Section 3 (Securities Law Compliance), Kodiak AI, Inc. agrees to advise the Observer if any open trading window (as may be described in the Insider Trading Policy) is not opened, is closed early or if any special blackout period is applied in accordance with the terms of such policy and shall further provide the Observer with any and all notices under or in connection with the Insider Trading Policy as are provided to directors on Kodiak AI, Inc.’s Board.
In WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Joinder as of the date first written above.
| OBSERVER: | ||
| By: |
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| Name: | ||
| ACKNOWLEDGED AND AGREED: | ||
| ARES ACQUISITION HOLDINGS II LP | ||
| By: |
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| Name: | ||
| Title: | ||
| KODIAK AI, INC. | ||
| By: |
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| Name: | ||
| Title: | ||
(Signature Page to Joinder Agreement)
Exhibit 10.15
KODIAK AI, INC.
2025 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
1. Purposes of this Plan. The purposes of this Plan are:
| | to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial responsibility, |
| | to provide additional incentive to Employees, Directors and Consultants, and |
| | to promote the success of the Company’s business. |
The Plan permits the grant of Incentive Stock Options, Nonstatutory Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units and Performance Awards.
2. Definitions. As used herein, the following definitions will apply:
2.1 “Administrator” means the Board or any of its Committees as will be administering the Plan, in accordance with Section 4.
2.2 “Applicable Laws” means the legal and regulatory requirements relating to the administration of equity-based awards, including but not limited to the related issuance of shares of Common Stock, including but not limited to, under U.S. federal and state corporate laws, U.S. federal and state securities laws, the Code, any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and the applicable laws of any non-U.S. country or jurisdiction where Awards are, or will be, granted under the Plan.
2.3 “Award” means, individually or collectively, a grant under the Plan of Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, or Performance Awards.
2.4 “Award Agreement” means the written or electronic agreement setting forth the terms and conditions applicable to each Award granted under the Plan. The Award Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan.
2.5 “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
2.6 “Change in Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:
(a) Change in Ownership of the Company. A change in the ownership of the Company which occurs on the date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (“Person”), acquires ownership of the stock of the Company that, together with the stock held by such Person, constitutes more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of the stock of the Company; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (a), the acquisition of additional stock by any one Person, who is considered to own more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of the stock of the Company prior to such additional acquisition, will not be considered a Change in Control; provided, further, that any change in the ownership of the stock of the Company as a result of a capital raising transaction of the Company that is approved by the Board also will not
be considered a Change in Control. Further, if the stockholders of the Company immediately before such change in ownership continue to retain immediately after the change in ownership, in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of shares of the Company’s voting stock immediately prior to the change in ownership, direct or indirect beneficial ownership of fifty percent (50%) or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Company or of the ultimate parent entity of the Company, such event will not be considered a Change in Control under this subsection (a). For this purpose, indirect beneficial ownership will include, without limitation, an interest resulting from ownership of the voting securities of one or more corporations or other business entities which own the Company, as the case may be, either directly or through one or more subsidiary corporations or other business entities; or
(b) Change in Effective Control of the Company. If the Company has a class of securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act, a change in the effective control of the Company which occurs on the date that a majority of members of the Board is replaced during any twelve (12) month period by Directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board prior to the date of the appointment or election. For purposes of this subsection (b), if any Person is considered to be in effective control of the Company, the acquisition of additional control of the Company by the same Person will not be considered a Change in Control; or
(c) Change in Ownership of a Substantial Portion of the Company’s Assets. A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets which occurs on the date that any Person acquires (or has acquired during the twelve (12) month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such Person or Persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than fifty percent (50%) of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (c), the following will not constitute a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets: (i) a transfer to an entity that is controlled by the Company’s stockholders immediately after the transfer, or (ii) a transfer of assets by the Company to: (A) a stockholder of the Company (immediately before the asset transfer) in exchange for or with respect to the Company’s stock, (B) an entity, fifty percent (50%) or more of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company, (C) a Person, that owns, directly or indirectly, fifty percent (50%) or more of the total value or voting power of all the outstanding stock of the Company, or (D) an entity, at least fifty percent (50%) of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by a Person described in this subsection (c)(ii)(C). For purposes of this subsection (c), gross fair market value means the value of the assets of the Company, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets.
For purposes of this definition, persons will be considered to be acting as a group if they are owners of a corporation that enters into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, or similar business transaction with the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a transaction will not be deemed a Change in Control unless the transaction qualifies as a change in control event within the meaning of Section 409A.
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Further and for purposes of clarity, a transaction will not constitute a Change in Control if: (x) its primary purpose is to change the jurisdiction of the Company’s incorporation, or (y) its primary purpose is to create a holding company that will be owned in substantially the same proportions by the persons who held the Company’s securities immediately before such transaction.
2.7 “Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Reference to a specific section of the Code or regulation thereunder will include such section or regulation, any valid regulation or other formal guidance of general or direct applicability promulgated under such section, and any comparable provision of any future legislation or regulation amending, supplementing or superseding such section or regulation.
2.8 “Committee” means a committee of Directors or of other individuals satisfying Applicable Laws appointed by the Board, or by a duly authorized committee of the Board, in accordance with Section 4.
2.9 “Common Stock” means the common stock of the Company.
2.10 “Company” means Ares Acquisition Corporation II (which, as of the effectiveness of the Plan, will be Kodiak AI, Inc., a Delaware corporation), or any successor thereto.
2.11 “Consultant” means any natural person, including an advisor, engaged by the Company or any of its Parents or Subsidiaries to render bona fide services to such entity, provided the services (a) are not in connection with the offer or sale of securities in a capital-raising transaction, and (b) do not directly promote or maintain a market for the Company’s securities, in each case, within the meaning of Form S-8 promulgated under the Securities Act, and provided further, that a Consultant will include only those persons to whom the issuance of Shares may be registered under Form S-8 promulgated under the Securities Act.
2.12 “Director” means a member of the Board.
2.13 “Disability” means total and permanent disability as defined in Code Section 22(e)(3), provided that in the case of Awards other than Incentive Stock Options, the Administrator in its discretion may determine whether a permanent and total disability exists in accordance with uniform and non-discriminatory standards adopted by the Administrator from time to time.
2.14 “Effective Time” means the consummation of the mergers by and between Kodiak Robotics, Inc., the Company, and certain other parties, pursuant to that certain Business Combination Agreement dated April 14, 2025 (such agreement, the “Business Combination Agreement,” and such mergers, the “Mergers”).
2.15 “Employee” means any person, including Officers and Inside Directors, employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. Neither service as a Director nor payment of a Director’s fee by the Company will be sufficient to constitute “employment” by the Company.
2.16 “Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
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2.17 “Exchange Program” means a program under which (a) outstanding Awards are surrendered or cancelled in exchange for awards of the same type (which may have higher or lower exercise prices and different terms), awards of a different type, and/or cash, (b) Participants would have the opportunity to transfer any outstanding Awards to a financial institution or other person or entity selected by the Administrator, and/or (c) the exercise price of an outstanding Award is reduced or increased. The Administrator will determine the terms and conditions of any Exchange Program in its sole discretion.
2.18 “Fair Market Value” means, as of any date and unless the Administrator determines otherwise, the value of a Share determined as follows:
(a) If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or a national market system, including without limitation the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq Global Select Market, the Nasdaq Global Market, or the Nasdaq Capital Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market, its Fair Market Value will be the closing sales price for such stock (or, if no closing sales price was reported on that date, as applicable, on the last Trading Day such closing sales price was reported) as quoted on such exchange or system on the date of determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable;
(b) If the Common Stock is regularly quoted by a recognized securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, the Fair Market Value will be the mean between the high bid and low asked prices for the Common Stock on the day of determination (or, if no bids and asks were reported on that date, as applicable, on the last Trading Day such bids and asks were reported), as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable; or
(c) In the absence of an established market for the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value will be determined in good faith by the Administrator.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of determining the fair market value of any Shares for any reason other than the determination of the exercise price of Options or Stock Appreciation Rights, fair market value will be determined by the Administrator in a manner compliant with Applicable Laws and applied consistently for such purpose. The determination of fair market value for purposes of tax withholding may be made in the Administrator’s sole discretion subject to Applicable Laws and is not required to be consistent with the determination of fair market value for other purposes.
2.19 “Fiscal Year” means the fiscal year of the Company.
2.20 “Incentive Stock Option” means an Option that by its terms qualifies and is otherwise intended to qualify as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Code Section 422 and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
2.21 “Inside Director” means a Director who is an Employee.
2.22 “Nonstatutory Stock Option” means an Option that by its terms does not qualify or is not intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.
2.23 “Officer” means a person who is an officer of the Company within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
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2.24 “Option” means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan.
2.25 “Outside Director” means a Director who is not an Employee.
2.26 “Parent” means a “parent corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Code Section 424(e).
2.27 “Participant” means the holder of an outstanding Award.
2.28 “Performance Awards” means an Award which may be earned in whole or in part upon attainment of performance goals or other vesting criteria as the Administrator may determine and which may be cash- or stock-denominated and may be settled for cash, Shares or other securities or a combination of the foregoing under Section 10.
2.29 “Performance Period” means Performance Period as defined in Section 10.1.
2.30 “Period of Restriction” means the period (if any) during which the transfer of Shares of Restricted Stock is subject to restrictions and therefore, the Shares are subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture. Such restrictions may be based on the passage of time, the achievement of target levels of performance, or the occurrence of other events as determined by the Administrator.
2.31 “Plan” means this Kodiak AI, Inc. 2025 Equity Incentive Plan, as may be amended from time to time.
2.32 “Restricted Stock” means Shares issued pursuant to an Award of Restricted Stock under Section 8 or issued pursuant to the early exercise of an Option.
2.33 “Restricted Stock Unit” means a bookkeeping entry representing an amount equal to the fair market value of one Share, granted pursuant to Section 9. Each Restricted Stock Unit represents an unfunded and unsecured obligation of the Company.
2.34 “Rule 16b-3” means Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act or any successor to Rule 16b-3, as in effect when discretion is being exercised with respect to the Plan.
2.35 “Section 16b” means Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act.
2.36 “Section 409A” means Code Section 409A and the U.S. Treasury Regulations and guidance thereunder, and any applicable state law equivalent, as each may be promulgated, amended or modified from time to time.
2.37 “Securities Act” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, including the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
2.38 “Service Provider” means an Employee, Director or Consultant.
2.39 “Share” means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in accordance with Section 15.
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2.40 “Stock Appreciation Right” means an Award, granted alone or in connection with an Option, that pursuant to Section 7 is designated as a Stock Appreciation Right.
2.41 “Subsidiary” means a “subsidiary corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Code Section 424(f).
2.42 “Trading Day” means a day that the primary stock exchange, national market system or other trading platform, as applicable, upon which the Common Stock is listed (or otherwise trades regularly, as determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion) is open for trading.
2.43 “U.S. Treasury Regulations” means the Treasury Regulations of the Code. Reference to a specific Treasury Regulation or Section of the Code will include such Treasury Regulation or Section, any valid regulation promulgated under such Section, and any comparable provision of any future legislation or regulation amending, supplementing or superseding such Section or regulation.
3. Stock Subject to the Plan.
3.1 Stock Subject to the Plan. Subject to adjustment upon changes in capitalization of the Company as provided in Section 15 and the automatic increase set forth in Section 3.2, the maximum aggregate number of Shares that may be subject to Awards and sold under the Plan will be equal to (a) a number equal to the lesser of (i) 28,195,000 Shares, or (ii) 10% of the total number of Shares outstanding immediately following the Mergers, plus (b) any Shares subject to equity awards granted under the Kodiak Robotics, Inc. 2018 Equity Incentive Plan that are assumed in the Mergers and that, on or after the Effective Time, are cancelled or forfeited, expire or otherwise terminate without having been exercised in full, are tendered to or withheld by the Company for payment of an exercise price or for tax withholding obligations, or are forfeited to or repurchased by the Company due to failure to vest, with the maximum number of Shares to be added to the Plan pursuant to this clause (b) equal to 56,100,142 Shares. In addition, Shares may become available for issuance under Sections 3.2 and 3.3. The Shares may be authorized but unissued Common Stock or reacquired Common Stock.
3.2 Automatic Share Reserve Increase. Subject to adjustment upon changes in capitalization of the Company as provided in Section 15, the number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan will be increased annually on the first day of each Fiscal Year beginning with the 2026 Fiscal Year and ending with the 2036 Fiscal Year, in an amount equal to the least of (a) 56,390,000 Shares, (b) a number of Shares equal to five percent (5%) of the total number of shares of all classes of common stock of the Company outstanding on the last day of the immediately preceding Fiscal Year, and (c) such number of Shares determined by the Administrator no later than the last day of the immediately preceding Fiscal Year.
3.3 Lapsed Awards. If an Award expires or becomes unexercisable without having been exercised in full, is surrendered pursuant to an Exchange Program or, with respect to Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units or Performance Awards, is forfeited to or repurchased by the Company due to the failure to vest, the unpurchased Shares (or for Awards other than Options or Stock Appreciation Rights the forfeited or repurchased Shares) that were subject thereto will become available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has terminated). With respect to Stock
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Appreciation Rights, only Shares actually issued (i.e., the net Shares issued) pursuant to a Stock Appreciation Right will cease to be available under the Plan; all remaining Shares under Stock Appreciation Rights will remain available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has terminated). Shares that actually have been issued under the Plan under any Award will not be returned to the Plan and will not become available for future distribution under the Plan; provided, however, that if Shares issued pursuant to Awards of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units or Performance Awards are repurchased by the Company or are forfeited to the Company due to the failure to vest, such Shares will become available for future grant under the Plan. Shares otherwise issuable under an Award that are used to pay the exercise price of an Award or to satisfy the tax liabilities or withholdings related to an Award will become available for future grant or sale under the Plan. To the extent an Award under the Plan is paid out in cash rather than Shares, such cash payment will not result in reducing the number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan.
3.4 Incentive Stock Options. Notwithstanding the foregoing and, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 15, the maximum number of Shares that may be issued upon the exercise of Incentive Stock Options will equal the aggregate Share number stated in Section 3.1 plus, to the extent allowable under Code Section 422 and the U.S. Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, any Shares that become available for issuance under the Plan pursuant to Sections 3.2 and 3.3.
3.5 Share Reserve. The Company, during the term of this Plan, will at all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as will be sufficient to satisfy the requirements of this Plan.
4. Administration of this Plan.
4.1 Procedure.
4.1.1 Multiple Administrative Bodies. Different Committees with respect to different groups of Service Providers may administer this Plan.
4.1.2 Rule 16b-3. To the extent desirable to qualify transactions hereunder as exempt under Rule 16b-3, the transactions contemplated hereunder will be structured to satisfy the requirements for exemption under Rule 16b-3.
4.1.3 Other Administration. Other than as provided above, the Plan will be administered by (a) the Board or (b) a Committee, which Committee will be constituted to comply with Applicable Laws.
4.1.4 Delegation of Authority for Day-to-Day Administration. Except to the extent prohibited by Applicable Laws, the Administrator may delegate to one or more individuals the day-to-day administration of this Plan and any of the functions assigned to it in this Plan. Such delegation may be revoked at any time.
4.2 Powers of the Administrator. Subject to the provisions of this Plan, and in the case of a Committee, subject to the specific duties delegated by the Board to such Committee, the Administrator will have the authority, in its discretion:
(a) to determine the Fair Market Value;
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(b) to determine the Awards to be granted and select the Service Providers to whom Awards may be granted hereunder;
(c) to determine the number of Shares or dollar amounts to be covered by each Award granted hereunder;
(d) to approve forms of Award Agreements for use under this Plan;
(e) to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, of any Award granted hereunder. Such terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, the exercise price, the time or times when Awards may be exercised (which may be based on performance criteria), any vesting acceleration or waiver of forfeiture restrictions, and any restriction or limitation regarding any Award or the Shares relating thereto (including but not limited to temporarily suspending the exercisability of an Award if the Administrator deems such suspension necessary or appropriate for administrative purposes or to comply with Applicable Laws, provided that, except where the exercise of the Award would result in noncompliance with Applicable Laws, such suspension must be lifted prior to the expiration of the maximum term and post-termination exercisability period of an Award), based in each case on such factors as the Administrator may determine;
(f) to institute and determine the terms and conditions of an Exchange Program, including, subject to Section 20.3, to unilaterally implement an Exchange Program without the consent of the applicable Award holder;
(g) to construe and interpret the terms of this Plan and Awards granted pursuant to this Plan;
(h) to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to this Plan, including rules and regulations relating to sub-plans established for the purpose of facilitating compliance with applicable non-U.S. laws, easing the administration of this Plan and/or for qualifying for favorable tax treatment under applicable non-U.S. laws, in each case as the Administrator may deem necessary or advisable;
(i) to modify or amend each Award (subject to Section 20.3), including but not limited to the discretionary authority to extend the post-termination exercisability period of Awards and to extend the maximum term of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right (subject to Sections 6.4 and 7.5);
(j) to allow Participants to satisfy withholding tax obligations in a manner prescribed in Section 16;
(k) to authorize any person to execute on behalf of the Company any instrument required to effect the grant of an Award previously granted by the Administrator;
(l) to allow a Participant to defer the receipt of the payment of cash or the delivery of Shares that otherwise would be due to such Participant under an Award;
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(m) to determine whether Awards will be settled in Shares, cash or in any combination thereof; and
(n) to make all other determinations deemed necessary or advisable for administering the Plan.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Administrator will not be obligated to treat all Awards, all Awards held by a Participant, all Awards of the same type, or all portions of Awards, similarly including but not limited to with respect to the number of Shares covered by such Award, the price applicable to such Award, or the vesting, forfeiture or other terms and conditions applicable to such award.
4.3 Effect of Administrator’s Decisions. The Administrator’s decisions, determinations and interpretations will be final and binding on all Participants and any other holders of Awards and will be given the maximum deference permitted by Applicable Laws.
5. Eligibility. Nonstatutory Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units or Performance Awards may be granted to Service Providers. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to Employees.
6. Stock Options.
6.1 Grant of Options. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan, the Administrator, at any time and from time to time, may grant Options to Service Providers in such amounts as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine.
6.2 Option Agreement. Each Award of an Option will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the exercise price, the term of the Option, the number of Shares subject to the Option, the exercise restrictions, if any, applicable to the Option and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may determine.
6.3 Limitations. Each Option will be designated in the Award Agreement as either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option. Notwithstanding such designation, to the extent that the aggregate fair market value of the Shares with respect to which incentive stock options are exercisable for the first time by the Participant during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company and any Parent or Subsidiary) exceeds one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000), such options will be treated as nonstatutory stock options. For purposes of this Section 6.3, incentive stock options will be taken into account in the order in which they were granted, the fair market value of the Shares will be determined as of the time the option with respect to such Shares is granted, and calculation will be performed in accordance with Code Section 422 and the U.S. Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder.
6.4 Term of Option. The term of each Option will be stated in the Award Agreement; provided, however, that the term will be no more than ten (10) years from the date of grant thereof. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to a Participant who, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company, the maximum term of the Incentive Stock Option will be five (5) years from the date of grant.
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6.5 Option Exercise Price and Consideration.
6.5.1 Exercise Price. The per-Share exercise price for the Shares to be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Option will be determined by the Administrator but will be no less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant. In addition, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to an Employee who owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company, the per-Share exercise price will be no less than one hundred ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Options may be granted with a per-Share exercise price of less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant pursuant to a transaction described in, and in a manner consistent with, Code Section 424(a).
6.5.2 Waiting Period and Exercise Dates. At the time an Option is granted, the Administrator will fix the period within which the Option may be exercised and will determine any conditions that must be satisfied before the Option may be exercised.
6.5.3 Form of Consideration. The Administrator will determine the acceptable form of consideration for exercising an Option, including the method of payment. Such consideration may consist of any one of or a combination of the following: (a) cash (including cash equivalents); (b) check; (c) promissory note, to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws; (d) other Shares, provided that such Shares have a Fair Market Value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to which such Option will be exercised and provided further that accepting such Shares will not result in any adverse accounting consequences to the Company, as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion; (e) consideration received by the Company under a cashless exercise program (whether through a broker or otherwise) implemented by the Company in connection with the Plan; (f) by net exercise; (g) any other consideration and method of payment for the issuance of Shares so long as permitted by Applicable Laws.
6.6 Exercise of Option.
6.6.1 Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Stockholder. Any Option granted hereunder will be exercisable according to the terms of this Plan and at such times and under such conditions as determined by the Administrator and set forth in the Award Agreement. An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.
An Option will be deemed exercised when the Company receives: (a) notice of exercise (in such form and in accordance with such procedures as the Administrator may specify from time to time) from the person entitled to exercise the Option; and (b) full payment of the exercise price for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised (together with applicable tax withholdings). Shares issued upon exercise of an Option will be issued in the name of the Participant or, if requested by the Participant, in the name of the Participant and his or her spouse. Until the Shares are issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder will exist with respect to the Shares subject to an Option, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Company will issue (or cause to be issued) such Shares promptly after the Option is exercised. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as provided in Section 15.
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Exercising an Option in any manner will decrease the number of Shares thereafter available, both for purposes of this Plan (except as provided otherwise under Section 3.3) and for sale under the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the Option is exercised.
6.6.2 Termination of Relationship as a Service Provider. If a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider, other than upon such cessation as the result of the Participant’s death or Disability, the Participant may exercise his or her Option within three (3) months of such cessation, or such shorter or longer period of time as may be specified in the Award Agreement, but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement or Section 6.4. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator or set forth in the Award Agreement or other written agreement authorized by the Administrator between the Participant and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Parents, as applicable, if on such date of cessation the Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Award, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Award will revert to the Plan immediately. If after such cessation the Participant does not exercise his or her vested Options within the time specified by the Administrator, such Option will terminate, and the Shares covered by such Award will revert to the Plan.
6.6.3 Disability of Participant. If a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider as a result of the Participant’s Disability, the Participant may exercise his or her Option within six (6) months of cessation, or such longer or shorter period of time as may be specified in the Award Agreement (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement or Section 6.4, as applicable) to the extent the Option is vested on such date of cessation. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator or set forth in the Award Agreement or other written agreement authorized by the Administrator between the Participant and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Parents, as applicable, if on the date of cessation the Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Award, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Award will revert to the Plan immediately. If after such cessation the Participant does not exercise his or her vested Options within the time specified herein, such Options will terminate, and the Shares covered by such Award will revert to the Plan.
6.6.4 Death of Participant. If a Participant dies while a Service Provider, his or her vested Option may be exercised within six (6) months following the Participant’s death, or within such longer or shorter period of time as may be specified in the Award Agreement (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement or Section 6.4, as applicable), by the Participant’s designated beneficiary, provided such beneficiary has been designated prior to the Participant’s death in a form (if any) acceptable to the Administrator. If the Administrator has not permitted the designation of a beneficiary or if no such beneficiary has been designated by the Participant, then such Option may be exercised by the personal representative of the Participant’s estate or by the person(s) to whom the Option is transferred pursuant to the Participant’s will or in accordance with the laws of descent and distribution (each, a “Legal Representative”). If the Option is exercised pursuant to this Section 6.6.4, Participant’s designated beneficiary or Legal Representative shall be subject to the terms of this Plan and the Award Agreement, including but not limited to the restrictions on transferability and forfeitability applicable to the Service Provider. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator or set forth in the Award Agreement or other written
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agreement authorized by the Administrator between the Participant and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Parents, as applicable, if at the time of death a Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Award, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Award will revert to the Plan immediately. If vested Options are not so exercised within the time specified herein, such Options will terminate, and the Shares covered by such Award will revert to the Plan.
6.6.5 Tolling Expiration. A Participant’s Award Agreement may also provide that:
(a) if the exercise of the Option following the cessation of Participant’s status as a Service Provider (other than upon the Participant’s death or Disability) would result in liability under Section 16b, then the Option will terminate on the earlier of (i) the expiration of the term of the Option set forth in the Award Agreement or (ii) the tenth (10th) day after the last date on which such exercise would result in liability under Section 16b; or
(b) if the exercise of the Option following the cessation of the Participant’s status as a Service Provider (other than upon the Participant’s death or Disability) would be prohibited at any time solely because the issuance of Shares would violate the registration requirements under the Securities Act, then the Option will terminate on the earlier of (i) the expiration of the term of the Option or (ii) the expiration of a period of thirty (30) days after the cessation of the Participant’s status as a Service Provider during which the exercise of the Option would not be in violation of such registration requirements.
7. Stock Appreciation Rights.
7.1 Grant of Stock Appreciation Rights. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan, a Stock Appreciation Right may be granted to Service Providers at any time and from time to time as may be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion.
7.2 Number of Shares. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan, the Administrator will have complete discretion to determine the number of Shares subject to any Award of Stock Appreciation Rights.
7.3 Exercise Price and Other Terms. The per-Share exercise price for the Shares that will determine the amount of the payment to be received upon exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right as set forth in Section 7.6 will be determined by the Administrator and will be no less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant. Otherwise, the Administrator, subject to the provisions of this Plan, will have complete discretion to determine the terms and conditions of Stock Appreciation Rights granted under the Plan.
7.4 Stock Appreciation Right Agreement. Each Stock Appreciation Right grant will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the exercise price, the term of the Stock Appreciation Right, the conditions of exercise and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may determine.
7.5 Term and Expiration of Stock Appreciation Rights. A Stock Appreciation Right granted under this Plan will expire upon the date determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion, and set forth in the Award Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the rules of Section 6.4 relating to the maximum term and Section 6.6 relating to exercise also will apply to Stock Appreciation Rights.
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7.6 Payment of Stock Appreciation Right Amount. Upon exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right, a Participant will be entitled to receive payment from the Company in an amount determined by multiplying:
(a) The difference between the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of exercise over the exercise price; times
(b) The number of Shares with respect to which the Stock Appreciation Right is exercised.
At the discretion of the Administrator, such payment may be in cash, in Shares of equivalent value or in some combination thereof.
8. Restricted Stock.
8.1 Grant of Restricted Stock. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan, the Administrator, at any time and from time to time, may grant Shares of Restricted Stock to Service Providers in such amounts as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may determine.
8.2 Restricted Stock Agreement. Each Award of Restricted Stock will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the Period of Restriction (if any), the number of Shares granted and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may determine. Unless the Administrator determines otherwise, the Company as escrow agent will hold Shares of Restricted Stock until the restrictions on such Shares have lapsed. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may determine that an Award of Restricted Stock will not be subject to any Period of Restriction and consideration for such Award is paid for by past services rendered as a Service Provider.
8.3 Transferability. Except as provided in this Section 8 or as the Administrator may determine, Shares of Restricted Stock may not be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned or otherwise alienated or hypothecated until the end of the applicable Period of Restriction, subject to the terms of Section 14.
8.4 Other Restrictions. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may impose such other restrictions on Shares of Restricted Stock as it may deem advisable or appropriate.
8.5 Removal of Restrictions. Except as otherwise provided in this Section 8, Shares of Restricted Stock covered by each Restricted Stock grant made under the Plan will be released from escrow as soon as practicable after the last day of the Period of Restriction or at such other time as the Administrator may determine. The Administrator, in its discretion, may accelerate the time at which any restrictions will lapse or be removed.
8.6 Voting Rights. During the Period of Restriction, Service Providers holding Shares of Restricted Stock granted hereunder may exercise full voting rights with respect to those Shares, unless the Administrator determines otherwise.
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8.7 Dividends and Other Distributions. During the Period of Restriction, Service Providers holding Shares of Restricted Stock will be entitled to receive all dividends and other distributions paid with respect to such Shares, unless the Administrator provides otherwise. If any such dividends or distributions are paid in Shares, the Shares will be subject to the same restrictions on transferability and forfeitability as the Shares of Restricted Stock with respect to which they were paid.
8.8 Return of Restricted Stock to Company. On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, the Restricted Stock for which restrictions have not lapsed will revert to the Company and again will become available for grant under this Plan.
9. Restricted Stock Units.
9.1 Grant. Restricted Stock Units may be granted at any time and from time to time as determined by the Administrator. After the Administrator determines that it will grant Restricted Stock Units, it will advise the Participant in an Award Agreement of the terms, conditions and restrictions related to the grant, including the number of Restricted Stock Units.
9.2 Vesting Criteria and Other Terms. The Administrator will set vesting criteria in its discretion that, depending on the extent to which the criteria are met, will determine the number of Restricted Stock Units that will be paid out to the Participant. The Administrator may set vesting criteria based upon the achievement of Company-wide, divisional, business unit or individual goals (including, but not limited to, continued employment or service), applicable federal or state securities laws or any other basis determined by the Administrator in its discretion.
9.3 Earning Restricted Stock Units. Upon meeting the applicable vesting criteria, the Participant will be entitled to receive a payout as set forth in the Award Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time after the grant of Restricted Stock Units, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may reduce or waive any vesting criteria that must be met to receive a payout.
9.4 Form and Timing of Payment. Payment of earned Restricted Stock Units will be made at the time(s) set forth in the Award Agreement. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may settle earned Restricted Stock Units in cash, Shares or a combination of both.
9.5 Cancellation. On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, all unearned or unvested Restricted Stock Units will be forfeited to the Company.
10. Performance Awards.
10.1 Award Agreement. Each Performance Award will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify any time period during which any performance objectives or other vesting provisions will be measured (“Performance Period”), and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator may determine. Each Performance Award will have an initial value that is determined by the Administrator on or before its date of grant.
10.2 Objectives or Vesting Provisions and Other Terms. The Administrator will set any objectives or vesting provisions that, depending on the extent to which any such objectives or vesting provisions are met, will determine the value of the payout for the Performance Awards. The Administrator may set vesting criteria based upon the achievement of Company-wide, divisional, business unit or individual goals (including, but not limited to, continued employment or service), applicable federal or state securities laws, or any other basis determined by the Administrator in its discretion.
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10.3 Earning Performance Awards. After an applicable Performance Period has ended, the holder of a Performance Award will be entitled to receive a payout for the Performance Award earned by the Participant over the Performance Period. The Administrator, in its discretion, may reduce or waive any performance objectives or other vesting provisions for such Performance Award.
10.4 Form and Timing of Payment. Payment of earned Performance Awards will be made at the time(s) set forth in the Award Agreement. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may settle earned Performance Awards in cash, Shares or a combination of both.
10.5 Cancellation of Performance Awards. On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, all unearned or unvested Performance Awards will be forfeited to the Company, and again will be available for grant under the Plan.
11. Outside Director Award Limitations. In any Fiscal Year, no Outside Director may be granted equity awards (including any Awards granted under this Plan), the value of which will be based on their grant date fair value determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and be provided any cash retainers or fees in amounts that, in the aggregate, exceed $750,000; provided that such amount is increased to $1,000,000 in the Fiscal Year of his or her initial service as an Outside Director. Any Awards or other compensation provided to an individual (a) for his or her services as an Employee, or for his or her services as a Consultant other than as an Outside Director, or (b) prior to the closing of the Mergers, will be excluded for purposes of this Section 11. For purposes of determining when cash retainers or fees are provided, any deferral elections to delay payout timing will be disregarded.
12. Compliance With Section 409A. This Plan and Awards issued hereunder are intended to be designed and operated in such a manner that is exempt from the application of, or complies with, the requirements of Section 409A such that the grant, payment, settlement or deferral will not be subject to the additional tax or interest applicable under Section 409A, except as otherwise determined in the sole discretion of the Administrator. Except as expressly determined otherwise by the Administrator, each payment or benefit under this Plan and under each Award Agreement is intended to constitute a separate payment for purposes of Section 1.409A-2(b)(2) of the U.S. Treasury Regulations. The Plan, each Award and each Award Agreement under the Plan is intended to be exempt from or meet the requirements of Section 409A and will be construed and interpreted in accordance with such intent (including with respect to any ambiguities or ambiguous terms), except to the extent the Administrator, in its sole discretion, expressly determines otherwise. To the extent that an Award or payment, or the settlement or deferral thereof, is subject to Section 409A, the Award will be granted, paid, settled or deferred in a manner that will meet the requirements of Section 409A, such that the grant, payment, settlement or deferral will not be subject to the additional tax or interest applicable under Section 409A. Notwithstanding any contrary provision in this Plan or Award Agreement, any payment(s) of “nonqualified deferred compensation” (within the meaning of Section 409A) that are otherwise required to be made under this Plan to a “specified employee” (as defined
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under Section 409A) as a result of such employee’s separation from service (other than a payment that is not subject to Section 409A) shall be delayed for the first six (6) months following such separation from service (or, if earlier, until the date of death of the specified employee) and shall instead be paid (in a manner set forth in the Award Agreement) upon expiration of such delay period. In no event will the Company or any of its Parents or Subsidiaries have any responsibility, liability or obligation to reimburse, indemnify or hold harmless a Participant (or any other person) in respect of Awards, for any taxes, penalties or interest that may be imposed on, or other costs incurred by, a Participant (or any other person) as a result of or in connection with Section 409A.
13. Leaves of Absence/Transfer Between Locations. Unless the Administrator provides otherwise or as otherwise required by Applicable Laws, vesting of Awards granted hereunder will be suspended during any unpaid leave of absence. A Participant will not cease to be an Employee in the case of (a) any leave of absence approved by the Company or (b) transfers between locations of the Company or between the Company, its Parents or any of its Subsidiaries. For purposes of Incentive Stock Options, no such leave may exceed three (3) months, unless reemployment upon expiration of such leave is guaranteed by statute or contract. If reemployment upon expiration of a leave of absence approved by the Company is not so guaranteed, then six (6) months following the first (1st) day of such leave, any Incentive Stock Option held by the Participant will cease to be treated as an Incentive Stock Option and will be treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock Option.
14. Limited Transferability of Awards. Unless determined otherwise by the Administrator, Awards may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution (which, for purposes of clarification, shall be deemed to include through a beneficiary designation if available in accordance with Section 6.6), and may be exercised, during the lifetime of the Participant, only by the Participant. If the Administrator makes an Award transferable, such Award will contain such additional terms and conditions as the Administrator deems appropriate.
15. Adjustments; Dissolution or Liquidation; Merger or Change in Control.
15.1 Adjustments. In the event that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Shares, other securities or other property), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, reclassification, repurchase or exchange of Shares or other securities of the Company, or other change in the corporate structure of the Company affecting the Shares, occurs (other than any ordinary dividends or other ordinary distributions), the Administrator, in order to prevent diminution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan, will adjust the number and class of shares of stock that may be delivered under the Plan and/or the number, class, and price of shares of stock covered by each outstanding Award, as well as numerical Share limits in Section 3. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company will have no obligation to effect any adjustment in a manner that may require the issuance of fractional Shares, and any fractional Shares resulting from any adjustment may be disregarded or provided for in any manner determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion, subject to any Applicable Laws.
15.2 Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Administrator will notify each Participant as soon as practicable prior to the effective date of such proposed transaction. Unless provided otherwise by the Administrator, to the extent it has not been previously exercised (with respect to an Option or Stock Appreciation Right), vested (with respect to Restricted Stock) or settled (with respect to any other Awards), an Award will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action.
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15.3 Merger or Change in Control. In the event of a merger of the Company with or into another corporation or other entity or a Change in Control, each outstanding Award will be treated as the Administrator determines (subject to the provisions of the following paragraph) without a Participant’s consent, which may include, without limitation, that the outstanding Award will be: (a) assumed, or a substantially equivalent award(s) will be substituted, by the acquiring or succeeding entity (or an affiliate thereof) with appropriate adjustments as to the number and kind of shares and prices; (b) continued by the Company, subject to any adjustment pursuant to Section 15.1; (c) upon written notice to the Participant, terminate upon or immediately prior to the consummation of such merger or Change in Control; (d) vest and become exercisable, realizable or payable, or restrictions applicable to the Award will lapse, in whole or in part prior to or upon consummation of such merger or Change in Control, and, to the extent the Administrator determines, terminate upon or immediately prior to the effectiveness of such merger or Change in Control; (e) (i) terminated in exchange for an amount of cash and/or property, if any, equal to the amount that would have been attained upon the exercise of such Award or realization of the Participant’s rights as of the date of the occurrence of the transaction (and, for purposes of clarity, if as of the date of the occurrence of the transaction the Administrator determines in good faith that no amount would have been attained upon the exercise of such Award or realization of the Participant’s rights, then such Award will be terminated by the Company without payment), or (ii) replaced with other rights or property selected by the Administrator in its sole discretion; or (f) treated in any combination of the foregoing. In taking any of the actions permitted under this Section 15.3, the Administrator will not be obligated to treat all Awards, all Awards held by a Participant, all Awards of the same type, or all portions of Awards, similarly.
In the event that the successor (or an affiliate thereof) does not assume the Award (or portion thereof) pursuant to the preceding clause (a) and as described below, or substitute for the Award (or portion thereof) pursuant to the preceding clause (a), and the Company does not continue the Award (or portion thereof) as described above, the Participant will fully vest in and have the right to exercise his or her outstanding Options and Stock Appreciation Rights (or portions thereof) not so assumed, substituted for or continued, including Shares as to which such Awards would not otherwise be vested or exercisable, all restrictions on Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, or Performance Awards (or portions thereof) not so assumed, substituted for or continued will lapse, and, with respect to Awards with performance-based vesting (or portions thereof) not assumed or substituted for, all performance goals or other vesting criteria will be deemed achieved at one hundred percent (100%) of target levels and all other terms and conditions met, in each case, unless specifically provided otherwise under the applicable Award Agreement or other written agreement authorized by the Administrator between the Participant and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Parents, as applicable. In addition, unless specifically provided otherwise under the applicable Award Agreement or other written agreement authorized by the Administrator between the Participant and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Parents, as applicable, to the extent an Option or Stock Appreciation Right (or portion thereof) is not so assumed, substituted for or continued in the event of a merger or Change in Control, the Administrator will notify the Participant in writing or electronically that the Option or Stock Appreciation Right (or its applicable portion) will be exercisable for a period of time determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion, and the Option or Stock Appreciation Right (or its applicable portion) will terminate upon the expiration of such period.
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For the purposes of this Section 15.3 and Section 15.4 below, an Award will be considered assumed if, following the merger or Change in Control, the Award confers the right to purchase or receive, for each Share subject to the Award immediately prior to the merger or Change in Control, the consideration (whether stock, cash or other securities or property) received in the merger or Change in Control by holders of Common Stock for each Share held on the effective date of the transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares); provided, however, that if such consideration received in the merger or Change in Control is not solely common stock of the successor or its Parent, the Administrator may, with the consent of the successor, provide for the consideration to be received upon the exercise of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right or upon the payout of a Restricted Stock Unit or Performance Award, for each Share subject to such Award, to be solely common stock of the successor or its Parent equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the merger or Change in Control.
Notwithstanding anything in this Section 15.3 to the contrary, and unless otherwise provided under an Award Agreement or other written agreement authorized by the Administrator between the Participant and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Parents, as applicable, an Award that vests, is earned or paid out upon the satisfaction of one or more performance goals will not be considered assumed if the Company or its successor modifies any of such performance goals without the Participant’s consent; provided, however, that a modification to such performance goals only to reflect the successor’s post-merger or post-Change in Control corporate structure will not be deemed to invalidate an otherwise valid Award assumption.
Notwithstanding anything in this Section 15.3 to the contrary, and unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement or other written agreement authorized by the Administrator between the Participant and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Parents, as applicable, if a payment under an Award Agreement is subject to Section 409A and if the change in control definition contained in the Award Agreement (or other agreement related to the Award, as applicable) does not comply with the definition of “change in control” for purposes of a distribution under Section 409A, then any payment of an amount that otherwise would be accelerated under this Section will be delayed until the earliest time that such payment would be permissible under Section 409A without triggering any penalties thereunder.
15.4 Outside Director Awards. In the event of a merger of the Company with or into another corporation or other entity or a Change in Control, with respect to Awards granted to an Outside Director while such individual was an Outside Director, the Outside Director will fully vest in and have the right to exercise Options and/or Stock Appreciation Rights as to all of the Shares underlying such Award, including those Shares which otherwise would not be vested or exercisable, all restrictions on Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units will lapse, and, with respect to Awards with performance-based vesting, all performance goals or other vesting criteria will be deemed achieved at one hundred percent (100%) of target levels and all other terms and conditions met, unless specifically provided otherwise under the applicable Award Agreement or other written agreement authorized by the Administrator between the Participant and the Company or any of its Parent or Subsidiaries, as applicable.
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16. Tax Withholding.
16.1 Withholding Requirements. Prior to the delivery of any Shares or cash pursuant to an Award (or exercise thereof) or such earlier time as any tax withholdings are due, the Company (or any of its Parents, Subsidiaries or affiliates employing or retaining the services of a Participant, as applicable) will have the power and the right to deduct or withhold, or require a Participant to remit to the Company (or any of its Parents, Subsidiaries, or affiliates, as applicable) or a relevant tax authority, an amount sufficient to satisfy U.S. federal, state, local, non-U.S. and other taxes (including the Participant’s FICA or other social insurance contribution obligation) required to be withheld or paid with respect to such Award (or exercise thereof).
16.2 Withholding Arrangements. The Administrator, in its sole discretion and pursuant to such procedures as it may specify from time to time, may permit a Participant to satisfy such tax liability or withholding obligation, in whole or in part, by such methods as the Administrator shall determine, including, without limitation: (a) paying cash, check or other cash equivalents; (b) electing to have the Company withhold otherwise deliverable cash or Shares having a fair market value equal to the minimum statutory amount required to be withheld or such greater amount as the Administrator may determine if such amount would not have adverse accounting consequences, as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion; (c) delivering to the Company already-owned Shares having a fair market value equal to the minimum statutory amount required to be withheld or such greater amount as the Administrator may determine; provided, in each case, that the delivery of such Shares will not result in any adverse accounting consequences, as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion; (d) selling a sufficient number of Shares otherwise deliverable to the Participant through such means as the Administrator may determine in its sole discretion (whether through a broker or otherwise) equal to the amount required to be withheld or such greater amount as the Administrator may determine; provided, in each case, that the delivery of such Shares will not result in any adverse accounting consequences, as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion; (e) such other consideration and method of payment for the meeting of tax liabilities or withholding obligations as the Administrator may determine to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws; or (f) any combination of the foregoing. The amount of the withholding obligation will be deemed to include any amount that the Administrator agrees may be withheld at the time the election is made, not to exceed the amount determined by using the maximum federal, state or local marginal income tax rates applicable to the Participant with respect to the Award on the date that the amount of tax to be withheld is to be determined or such greater amount as the Administrator may determine if such amount would not have adverse accounting consequences, as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion. The fair market value of the Shares to be withheld or delivered will be determined as of the date that the taxes are required to be withheld.
17. No Effect on Employment or Service. Neither the Plan nor any Award will confer upon a Participant any right with respect to continuing the Participant’s relationship as a Service Provider with the Company or its Subsidiaries or Parents, as applicable, nor will they interfere in any way with the Participant’s right or the right of the Company and its Subsidiaries or Parents, as applicable, to terminate such relationship at any time with or without cause, free from any liability or claim under the Plan, to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws.
18. Date of Grant. The date of grant of an Award will be, for all purposes, the date on which the Administrator makes the determination to grant such Award, or such other later date as may be determined by the Administrator. Notice of the determination will be provided to each Participant within a reasonable time after the date of such grant.
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19. Term of Plan. Subject to Section 23, this Plan will become effective upon the latest to occur of (a) its initial adoption by the Board, (b) initial approval by the Company’s stockholders or (c) the Effective Time. It will continue in effect until terminated under Section 20, but no Incentive Stock Options may be granted after 10 years from the date the Plan is adopted by the Board and Section 3.2 will operate only until the 10th anniversary of the date the Plan is adopted by the Board.
20. Amendment and Termination of this Plan.
20.1 Amendment and Termination. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may amend, alter, suspend or terminate the Plan, or any part thereof, at any time and for any reason.
20.2 Stockholder Approval. The Company will obtain stockholder approval of any Plan amendment to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with Applicable Laws.
20.3 Effect of Amendment or Termination. No amendment, alteration, suspension or termination of this Plan will materially impair the rights of any Participant under an outstanding Award, unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Participant and the Administrator, which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Participant and the Company; provided that the conversion of the Participant’s Incentive Stock Options into Nonstatutory Stock Options as a result of any actions taken by the Administrator will neither constitute nor contribute toward constituting an impairment of the Participant’s rights under an outstanding Award for purposes of this Section 20.3. Termination of this Plan will not affect the Administrator’s ability to exercise the powers granted to it hereunder with respect to Awards granted under the Plan prior to the date of such termination.
21. Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares.
21.1 Legal Compliance. Shares will not be issued pursuant to an Award, including without limitation upon exercise or vesting thereof, as applicable, unless the issuance and delivery of such Shares and unless the exercise or vesting of the Award, if and as applicable, and the issuance and delivery of such Shares will comply with Applicable Laws. If required by the Administrator, issuance will be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.
21.2 Investment Representations. As a condition to the exercise or vesting of an Award, the Company may require the person exercising or vesting in such Award to represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise or vesting that the Shares are being acquired only for investment and without any present intention to sell or distribute such Shares if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required.
22. Inability to Obtain Authority. If the Company determines it to be impossible or impractical to obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction or to complete or comply with the requirements of any registration or other qualification of the Shares under any U.S. state or federal law or non-U.S. law or under the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the stock exchange on which Shares of the same class are then listed, or any other governmental or regulatory body, which authority, registration, qualification or rule compliance is deemed by the Company’s counsel to be necessary or advisable for the issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder, the Company will be relieved of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite authority, registration, qualification or rule compliance will not have been obtained.
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23. Stockholder Approval. The Plan will be subject to approval by the stockholders of the Company within twelve (12) months after the date the Plan is adopted by the Board. Such stockholder approval will be obtained in the manner and to the degree required under Applicable Laws.
24. Forfeiture Events. The Administrator may specify in an Award Agreement that the Participant’s rights, payments and benefits with respect to an Award will be subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture, recoupment, reimbursement or reacquisition upon the occurrence of certain specified events, in addition to any otherwise applicable vesting or performance conditions of an Award. Such events may include, without limitation, termination of such Participant’s status as an employee or other service provider for cause or any specified action or inaction by a Participant, whether before or after such termination of employment or other service, that would constitute cause for termination of such Participant’s status as an employee or other service provider. Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary under this Plan, all Awards granted under the Plan will be subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture, recoupment, reimbursement or reacquisition under any clawback policy that may be in effect at grant and any other clawback policy that the Company is required to adopt to comply with Applicable Laws (including without limitation pursuant to the listing standards of any national securities exchange or association on which the Company’s securities are listed), including the Company’s current clawback policy (collectively, the “Clawback Policy”). The Administrator may require a Participant to forfeit, return or reimburse the Company for all or a portion of the Award and any amounts paid thereunder pursuant to the terms of the Clawback Policy or as necessary or appropriate to comply with Applicable Laws, including without limitation any reacquisition right regarding previously acquired Shares or other cash or property. Unless this Section 24 specifically is mentioned and waived in an Award Agreement or other document, no recovery of compensation under a Clawback Policy or otherwise will constitute an event that triggers or contributes to any right of a Participant to resign for “good reason” or “constructive termination” (or similar term) under any agreement with the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company.
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KODIAK AI, INC.
2025 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION GRANT
Unless otherwise defined herein, each capitalized term used in this Stock Option Agreement, which includes the Notice of Stock Option Grant (the “Notice of Grant”), the Terms and Conditions of Stock Option Grant, attached hereto as Exhibit A, the Exercise Notice, attached hereto as Exhibit B, and all other exhibits, appendices, and addenda attached hereto (the “Option Agreement”), will have the meaning given such term in the Kodiak AI, Inc. (the “Company”) 2025 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”).
| Participant Name: | [Name] | |||
| Address: | [Address] | |||
The undersigned Participant has been granted an Option to purchase Common Stock of the Company, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement, as follows:
| Grant Number: | ____________________________________ | |||
| Date of Grant: | ____________________________________ | |||
| Vesting Commencement Date: | ____________________________________ | |||
| Exercise Price per Share: | $___________________________________ | |||
| Total Number of Shares Subject to Option: | ____________________________________ | |||
| Total Exercise Price: | $___________________________________ | |||
| Type of Option: | ___ Incentive Stock Option | |||
| ___ Nonstatutory Stock Option | ||||
| Term/Expiration Date: | ____________________________________ | |||
Vesting Schedule:
Subject to any acceleration provisions contained in the Plan, this Option Agreement or any other written agreement authorized by the Administrator between Participant and the Company (or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company, as applicable) governing the terms of this Option, this Option will vest and be exercisable, in whole or in part, according to the following vesting schedule:
[[Insert Vesting Schedule], in each case subject to Participant continuing to be a Service Provider through the applicable vesting date.]
[Standard Vesting Schedule: One-fourth (1/4th) of the Total Number of Shares Subject to Option (as set forth above) subject to this Award Agreement will be scheduled to vest on the one (1) year anniversary of the Vesting Commencement Date, and one forty-eighth (1/48th) of the Total Number of Shares Subject to Option will be scheduled to vest each month thereafter on the same day of the month as the Vesting Commencement Date (and if there is no corresponding day in a particular month, on the last day of the month), in each case subject to Participant continuing to be a Service Provider through each such date.]
Termination Period:
This Option shall be exercisable, to the extent vested, for three (3) months after Participant ceases to be a Service Provider, unless such termination is due to Participant’s death or Disability. If Participant ceases to be a Service Provider due to Participant’s death or Disability, this Option shall be exercisable, to the extent vested, for twelve (12) months after Participant ceases to be a Service Provider. Further, and notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event may this Option be exercised after the Term/Expiration Date as provided above, and this Option may be subject to earlier termination as provided in Section 15 of the Plan.
By Participant’s signature and the signature of the representative of the Company below, Participant and the Company agree that this Option is granted under and governed by the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement, including the Terms and Conditions of Stock Option Grant, attached hereto as Exhibit A, the Exercise Notice, attached hereto as Exhibit B, and all other exhibits, appendices and addenda attached hereto, all of which are made a part of this document. Participant acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and represents that Participant is familiar with the terms and provisions thereof, and hereby accepts this Option Agreement subject to all of the terms and provisions thereof. Participant has reviewed the Plan and this Option Agreement in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Option Agreement and fully understands all provisions of the Plan and the Option Agreement. Participant hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions relating to the Plan or this Option Agreement. Participant further agrees to notify the Company upon any change in Participant’s residence address indicated below and to provide a valid email address if Participant no longer has a Company email address.
| PARTICIPANT | KODIAK AI, INC. | |||
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EXHIBIT A
KODIAK AI, INC.
2025 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF STOCK OPTION GRANT
1. Grant of Option.
(a) The Company hereby grants to the individual (“Participant”) named in the Notice of Stock Option Grant of this Option Agreement (the “Notice of Grant”), an option (the “Option”) to purchase the number of Shares set forth in the Notice of Grant, at the exercise price per Share set forth in the Notice of Grant (the “Exercise Price”), subject to all of the terms and conditions in this Option Agreement and the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. Subject to Section 20 of the Plan, in the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Plan shall prevail.
(b) For U.S. taxpayers, if designated in the Notice of Grant as an Incentive Stock Option (“ISO”), this Option is intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option as defined in Section 422 of the Code. Nevertheless, to the extent that it exceeds the $100,000 rule of Code Section 422(d), this Option shall be treated as a Nonstatutory Stock Option (“NSO”). Further, if for any reason this Option (or portion thereof) shall not qualify as an ISO, then, to the extent of such nonqualification, such Option (or portion thereof) shall be regarded as an NSO granted under the Plan. In no event shall the Administrator, the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company or any of their respective employees or directors have any liability to Participant (or any other person) due to the failure of the Option to qualify for any reason as an ISO.
(c) For non-U.S. taxpayers, the Option will be designated as an NSO.
2. Vesting Schedule. Except as provided in Section 3, the Option awarded by this Option Agreement will vest in accordance with the vesting provisions set forth in the Notice of Grant. Unless specifically provided otherwise in this Option Agreement or other written agreement authorized by the Administrator between Participant and the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company, as applicable, Shares subject to this Option that are scheduled to vest on a certain date or upon the occurrence of a certain condition will not vest in accordance with any of the provisions of this Option Agreement, unless Participant will have been continuously a Service Provider from the Date of Grant until the date such vesting occurs.
3. Administrator Discretion. The Administrator, in its discretion, may accelerate the vesting of the balance, or some lesser portion of the balance, of the unvested Option at any time, subject to the terms of the Plan. If so accelerated, such Option will be considered as having vested as of the date specified by the Administrator.
4. Exercise of Option.
(a) Right to Exercise. This Option shall be exercisable during its term in accordance with the Vesting Schedule set out in the Notice of Grant and with the applicable provisions of the Plan and this Option Agreement.
(b) Method of Exercise. This Option shall be exercisable by delivery of an exercise notice (the “Exercise Notice”) in the form attached as Exhibit B to the Notice of Grant or in a manner and pursuant to such procedures as the Administrator may determine, which shall state the election to exercise the Option, the number of Shares with respect to which the Option is being exercised (the “Exercised Shares”), and such other representations and agreements as may be required by the Company. The Exercise Notice shall be completed by Participant and delivered to the Company, accompanied by payment of the aggregate Exercise Price as to all Exercised Shares, together with any applicable Withholding Obligations (as defined below). This Option shall be deemed to be exercised upon receipt by the Company of such fully executed Exercise Notice accompanied by the aggregate Exercise Price, together with any applicable Withholding Obligations.
No Shares shall be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Option unless such issuance and such exercise comply with Applicable Laws. Assuming such compliance, for income tax purposes the Shares shall be considered transferred to Participant on the date on which the Option is exercised with respect to such Shares.
5. Method of Payment. Payment of the aggregate Exercise Price shall be by any of the following, or a combination thereof, at the election of Participant:
(a) cash or check;
(b) consideration received by the Company under a formal cashless exercise program adopted by the Company in connection with the Plan; or
(c) if Participant is a U.S. resident (and not otherwise restricted by the terms and conditions of any appendix to this Option Agreement including the Country Addendum, as defined below), surrender of other Shares which (i) shall be valued at their fair market value on the date of surrender and (ii) are owned free and clear of any liens, claims, encumbrances or security interests, so long as accepting such Shares, in the sole discretion of the Administrator, shall not result in any adverse accounting consequences to the Company.
A non-U.S. resident’s methods of exercise may be restricted by the terms and conditions of any appendix to this Option Agreement for Participant’s country (including the Country Addendum, as defined below). The Company from time to time may engage a stock plan service provider to assist the Company with the implementation, administration and management of the Plan and Awards granted thereunder. For clarity, the Administrator may establish procedures that require any exercise of this Option, including without limitation the method of payment of the applicable Exercise Price and any applicable Withholding Obligations, to be satisfied through such stock plan service provider.
6. Non-Transferability of Option. This Option may not be transferred in any manner otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised during the lifetime of Participant only by Participant.
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7. Term of Option. This Option may be exercised only within the term set out in the Notice of Grant, and may be exercised during such term only in accordance with the Plan and the terms of this Option Agreement.
8. Tax Obligations.
(a) Responsibility for Taxes. Participant acknowledges that, regardless of any action taken by the Company or, if different, Participant’s employer or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company to which Participant is providing services (together, the “Service Recipients”), the ultimate liability for any tax and social insurance liability obligations and requirements in connection with the Option, including, without limitation, (i) all federal, national, state, non-U.S. and local taxes (including Participant’s Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) obligations and social liability insurance obligations) that are required to be withheld by any Service Recipient or other payment of tax-related items related to Participant’s participation in the Plan and legally applicable to Participant, (ii) Participant’s and, to the extent required by any Service Recipient, the Service Recipient’s fringe benefit tax liability, if any, associated with the grant, vesting, or exercise of the Option or sale of Shares, and (iii) any other Service Recipient taxes the responsibility for which Participant has, or has agreed to bear, with respect to the Option (or exercise thereof or issuance of Shares thereunder) (collectively, the “Tax Obligations”), are and remain Participant’s sole responsibility and may exceed the amount actually withheld by the applicable Service Recipient(s). Participant further acknowledges that no Service Recipient (A) makes any representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax Obligations in connection with any aspect of the Option, including, but not limited to, the grant, vesting or exercise of the Option, the subsequent sale of Shares acquired pursuant to such exercise and the receipt of any dividends or other distributions, or (B) makes any commitment to and is under any obligation to structure the terms of the grant or any aspect of the Option to reduce or eliminate Participant’s liability for Tax Obligations or achieve any particular tax result. Further, if Participant is subject to Tax Obligations in more than one jurisdiction between the Date of Grant and the date of any relevant taxable or tax withholding event, as applicable, Participant acknowledges that the applicable Service Recipient(s) (or former employer, as applicable) may be required to withhold or account for Withholding Obligations (as defined below) in more than one jurisdiction. If Participant fails to make satisfactory arrangements for the payment of any required Tax Obligations hereunder at the time of the applicable taxable event, Participant acknowledges and agrees that the Company may refuse to issue or deliver the Shares.
(b) Tax Withholding. Pursuant to such procedures as the Administrator may specify from time to time, the applicable Service Recipient(s) will withhold the amount required to be withheld for the payment of Tax Obligations (the “Withholding Obligations”) which, to the extent permitted under the Plan, may, in the discretion of the Administrator, be in excess of the minimum statutory required amount to be withheld, upon each date with respect to which the Administrator determines Withholding Obligations are due, including but not limited to, at grant, vesting, exercise or any other date with respect to which Withholding Obligations arise. The Administrator, in its sole discretion and pursuant to such procedures as it may specify from time to time, may permit or require Participant to satisfy such Withholding Obligations, in whole or in part (without limitation), if permissible by applicable local law, by: (i) paying cash, (ii) having the Company withhold otherwise deliverable Shares having a fair market value equal to the minimum amount necessary to meet the withholding requirement for such Withholding Obligations (or such greater amount as Participant may elect if permitted by the Administrator, if such greater amount would not result in adverse financial accounting
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consequences) (“Net Share Withholding”), (iii) withholding the amount of such Withholding Obligations from Participant’s wages or other cash compensation paid to Participant by the applicable Service Recipient(s), (iv) delivering to the Company Shares that Participant owns and that already have vested with a fair market value equal to the Withholding Obligations (or such greater amount as Participant may elect if permitted by the Administrator, if such greater amount would not result in adverse financial accounting consequences), or (v) selling a sufficient number of such Shares otherwise deliverable to Participant, through such means as the Company may determine in its sole discretion (whether through a broker or otherwise) equal to the minimum amount necessary to meet the withholding requirement for such Withholding Obligations (or such greater amount as Participant may elect or the Company may require, if permitted by the Administrator and if such greater amount would not result in adverse financial accounting consequences) (“Sell to Cover”). If the Withholding Obligations are satisfied by withholding in Shares, for tax purposes, Participant is deemed to have been issued the full number of Shares exercised under the Option, notwithstanding that a number of Shares are held back solely for purposes of paying the Withholding Obligations. To the extent determined appropriate by the Administrator in its discretion, the Administrator will have the right (but not the obligation) to satisfy any Withholding Obligations by Net Share Withholding. If Net Share Withholding is the method by which such Withholding Obligations are satisfied, the Company will not withhold on a fractional Share basis to satisfy any portion of the Withholding Obligations and, unless the Company determines otherwise, no refund will be made to Participant for the value of the portion of a Share, if any, withheld in excess of the Withholding Obligations. If a Sell to Cover is the method by which Withholding Obligations are satisfied, Participant agrees that as part of the Sell to Cover, additional Shares may be sold to satisfy any associated broker or other fees. Only whole Shares will be sold pursuant to a Sell to Cover. Any proceeds from the sale of Shares pursuant to a Sell to Cover that are in excess of the Withholding Obligations and any associated broker or other fees will be paid to Participant in accordance with procedures the Company may specify from time to time.
(c) Notice of Disqualifying Disposition of ISO Shares. If the Option granted to Participant herein is an ISO, and if Participant sells or otherwise disposes of any of the Shares acquired pursuant to the ISO on or before the later of (i) the date two (2) years after the Date of Grant, or (ii) the date one (1) year after the date of exercise, Participant shall immediately notify the Company in writing of such disposition. Participant agrees that Participant may be subject to income tax withholding by the Company on the compensation income recognized by Participant.
(d) Section 409A. Under Section 409A, a stock right (such as the Option) that vests after December 31, 2004 (or that vested on or prior to such date but which was materially modified after October 3, 2004), that was granted with a per-share exercise price determined by the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) to be less than the fair market value of an underlying share on the date of grant (a “discount option”) may be considered “deferred compensation.” A stock right that is a “discount option” may result in (i) income recognition by the recipient of the stock right prior to the exercise of the stock right, (ii) an additional twenty percent (20%) federal income tax, and (iii) potential penalty and interest charges. The “discount option” may also result in additional state income, penalty and interest tax to the recipient of the stock right. Participant acknowledges that the Company cannot and has not guaranteed that the IRS will agree that the per-Share exercise price of this Option equals or exceeds the fair market value of a Share on the date of grant in a later examination. Participant agrees that if the IRS determines that the Option was granted with a per-Share exercise price that was less than the fair market value of a Share on the date of grant, Participant shall be solely responsible for Participant’s costs related to such a determination. In no event will the
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Company, any of its Parent or Subsidiaries or any Service Recipient have any responsibility, liability, or obligation to reimburse, indemnify or hold harmless Participant (or any other person) in respect of this Option or any other Awards for any taxes, penalties or interest that may be imposed on, or other costs incurred by, Participant (or any other person) as a result of Section 409A.
9. Rights as Stockholder. Neither Participant nor any person claiming under or through Participant will have any of the rights or privileges of a stockholder of the Company in respect of any Shares deliverable hereunder unless and until certificates representing such Shares (which may be in book entry form) will have been issued, recorded on the records of the Company or its transfer agents or registrars, and delivered to Participant (including through electronic delivery to a brokerage account). After such issuance, recordation and delivery, Participant will have all the rights of a stockholder of the Company with respect to voting such Shares and receipt of dividends and distributions on such Shares.
10. Entire Agreement; Governing Law; Severability. The Plan is incorporated herein by reference. The Plan and this Option Agreement (including the exhibits, appendices, and addenda attached to the Notice of Grant) constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified materially and adversely to Participant’s interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company and Participant. This Option Agreement is governed by the internal substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules, of the State of California. In the event that any provision hereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable or void, this Option Agreement shall continue in full force and effect.
11. No Guarantee of Continued Service. PARTICIPANT ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THE VESTING OF SHARES PURSUANT TO THE VESTING SCHEDULE HEREOF IS EARNED ONLY BY CONTINUING AS A SERVICE PROVIDER, WHICH UNLESS PROVIDED OTHERWISE UNDER APPLICABLE LAWS IS AT THE WILL OF THE APPLICABLE SERVICE RECIPIENT AND NOT THROUGH THE ACT OF BEING HIRED, BEING GRANTED THIS OPTION OR ACQUIRING SHARES HEREUNDER. PARTICIPANT FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THIS OPTION AGREEMENT, THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREUNDER AND THE VESTING SCHEDULE SET FORTH HEREIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED PROMISE OF CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT AS A SERVICE PROVIDER FOR THE VESTING PERIOD, FOR ANY PERIOD, OR AT ALL, AND SHALL NOT INTERFERE IN ANY WAY WITH PARTICIPANT’S RIGHT OR THE RIGHT OF ANY SERVICE RECIPIENT TO TERMINATE PARTICIPANT’S RELATIONSHIP AS A SERVICE PROVIDER, SUBJECT TO APPLICABLE LAW, WHICH TERMINATION, UNLESS PROVIDED OTHERWISE UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, MAY BE AT ANY TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSE.
12. Nature of Grant. In accepting the Option, Participant acknowledges, understands and agrees that:
(a) the grant of the Option is voluntary and occasional and does not create any contractual or other right to receive future grants of options, or benefits in lieu of options, even if options have been granted in the past;
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(b) all decisions with respect to future option or other grants, if any, will be at the sole discretion of the Administrator;
(c) Participant is voluntarily participating in the Plan;
(d) the Option and any Shares acquired under the Plan are not intended to replace any pension rights or compensation;
(e) the Option and Shares acquired under the Plan and the income and value of same, are not part of normal or expected compensation for any purpose, including without limitation calculating any severance, resignation, termination, redundancy, dismissal, end-of-service payments, bonuses, long-service awards, pension or retirement or welfare benefits or similar payments;
(f) the future value of the Shares underlying the Option is unknown, indeterminable, and cannot be predicted with certainty;
(g) if the underlying Shares do not increase in value, the Option will have no value;
(h) if Participant exercises the Option and acquires Shares, the value of such Shares may increase or decrease in value, even below the Exercise Price;
(i) for purposes of the Option, Participant’s status as a Service Provider will be considered terminated as of the date Participant is no longer actively providing services to the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company (regardless of the reason for such termination and whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is a Service Provider or the terms of Participant’s employment or service agreement, if any), and unless otherwise expressly provided in this Option Agreement (including by reference in the Notice of Grant to other arrangements or contracts) or determined by the Administrator, (i) Participant’s right to vest in the Option under the Plan, if any, will terminate as of such date and will not be extended by any notice period (e.g., Participant’s period of service would not include any contractual notice period or any period of “garden leave” or similar period mandated under employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is a Service Provider or the terms of Participant’s employment or service agreement, if any, unless Participant is providing bona fide services during such time); and (ii) the period (if any) during which Participant may exercise the Option after such termination of Participant’s engagement as a Service Provider will commence on the date Participant ceases to actively provide services and will not be extended by any notice period mandated under employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or terms of Participant’s engagement agreement; the Administrator shall have the exclusive discretion to determine when Participant is no longer actively providing services for purposes of this Option grant (including whether Participant may still be considered to be providing services while on a leave of absence and consistent with local law); and
(j) unless otherwise provided in the Plan or by the Administrator in its discretion, the Option and the benefits evidenced by this Option Agreement do not create any entitlement to have the Option or any such benefits transferred to, or assumed by, another company nor be exchanged, cashed out or substituted for, in connection with any corporate transaction affecting the Shares.
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13. No Advice Regarding Grant. The Company is not providing any tax, legal or financial advice, nor is the Company making any recommendations regarding Participant’s participation in the Plan, or Participant’s acquisition or sale of the Shares underlying the Option. Participant is hereby advised to consult with Participant’s own personal tax, legal and financial advisers regarding Participant’s participation in the Plan before taking any action related to the Plan.
14. Address for Notices. Any notice to be given to the Company under the terms of this Option Agreement will be addressed to the Company at Kodiak AI, Inc., 1049 Terra Bella Ave., Mountain View, CA 94043. The Company may hereafter designate in writing any changes in the address for notices to the Company for purposes of this Option Agreement, and such updated address shall apply upon and after any such designation.
15. Insider Trading Restrictions/Market Abuse Laws. In addition to all other restrictions set forth in the Plan or this Option Agreement, Participant is hereby notified that Participant may be subject to insider trading restrictions or market abuse laws, which may affect Participant’s ability to acquire or sell Shares or rights to Shares under the Plan during such time as Participant is considered to have “inside information” regarding the Company (as defined by Applicable Laws). Any restrictions under these laws or regulations are separate from and in addition to any restrictions that may be imposed under any applicable Company insider trading policy. Participants acknowledges and agrees that it is Participant’s responsibility to comply with any applicable restrictions and Participant is advised to speak to Participant’s personal advisor on this matter.
16. Successors and Assigns. The Company may assign any of its rights under this Option Agreement to single or multiple assignees, and this Option Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company. Subject to the restrictions on transfer herein set forth, this Option Agreement shall be binding upon Participant and Participant’s heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns. The rights and obligations of Participant under this Option Agreement may be assigned only with the prior written consent of the Company.
17. Additional Conditions to Issuance of Stock. If at any time the Company determines, in its discretion, that the listing, registration, qualification or rule compliance of the Shares upon any securities exchange or under any state, federal or non-U.S. law, the tax code and related regulations or under the rulings or regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or any other governmental regulatory body or the clearance, consent or approval of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or any other governmental regulatory authority is necessary or desirable as a condition to the exercise of the Options or the purchase by, or issuance of Shares, to Participant (or Participant’s estate) hereunder, such exercise, purchase or issuance will not occur unless and until such listing, registration, qualification, rule compliance, clearance, consent or approval will have been completed, effected or obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the Company. Subject to the terms of the Option Agreement and the Plan, the Company will not be required to issue any certificate or certificates for (or make any entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company of) the Shares hereunder prior to the lapse of such reasonable period of time following the date of exercise of the Option as the Administrator may establish from time to time for reasons of administrative convenience.
18. Interpretation. The Administrator will have the power to interpret the Plan and this Option Agreement and to adopt such rules for the administration, interpretation and application of the
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Plan as are consistent therewith and to interpret or revoke any such rules (including, but not limited to, the determination of whether or not any Shares subject to the Option have vested). All actions taken and all interpretations and determinations made by the Administrator in good faith will be final and binding upon Participant, the Company and all other interested persons. Neither the Administrator nor any person acting on behalf of the Administrator will be personally liable for any action, determination or interpretation made in good faith with respect to the Plan or this Option Agreement. Unless the context requires otherwise and subject to the foregoing interpretation rights and powers of the Administrator in this Section 18, the term “or” as used in this Option Agreement is not exclusive.
19. Electronic Delivery and Acceptance. The Company may, in its sole discretion, decide to deliver any documents related to the Option awarded under the Plan or future options that may be awarded under the Plan by electronic means or require Participant to participate in the Plan by electronic means. Participant hereby consents to receive such documents by electronic delivery and agrees to participate in the Plan through any on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or a third party designated by the Company.
20. Captions. Captions provided herein are for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Option Agreement.
21. Option Agreement Severable. In the event that any provision in this Option Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, such provision will be severable from, and such invalidity or unenforceability will not be construed to have any effect on, the remaining provisions of this Option Agreement.
22. Amendment, Suspension or Termination of the Plan. By accepting this Option, Participant expressly warrants that Participant has received an Option under the Plan, and has received, read and understood a description of the Plan. Participant understands that the Plan is discretionary in nature and may be amended, suspended or terminated by the Administrator at any time.
23. Country Addendum. Notwithstanding any provisions in this Option Agreement, this Option shall be subject to any special terms and conditions set forth in an appendix (if any) to this Option Agreement for any country whose laws are applicable to Participant and this Option (as determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion) (the “Country Addendum”). Moreover, if Participant relocates to one of the countries included in the Country Addendum (if any), the special terms and conditions for such country will apply to Participant, to the extent the Company determines that the application of such terms and conditions is necessary or advisable for legal or administrative reasons. The Country Addendum (if any) constitutes a part of this Option Agreement.
24. Modifications to the Option Agreement. This Option Agreement constitutes the entire understanding of the parties on the subjects covered. Participant expressly warrants that Participant is not accepting this Option Agreement in reliance on any promises, representations, or inducements other than those contained herein. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan or this Option Agreement, the Company reserves the right to revise this Option Agreement as it deems necessary or advisable, in its sole discretion and without the consent of Participant, to comply with Section 409A or to otherwise avoid imposition of any additional tax or income recognition under Section 409A in connection with the Option.
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25. No Waiver. Either party’s failure to enforce any provision or provisions of this Option Agreement shall not in any way be construed as a waiver of any such provision or provisions, nor prevent that party from thereafter enforcing each and every other provision of this Option Agreement. The rights granted both parties herein are cumulative and shall not constitute a waiver of either party’s right to assert all other legal remedies available to it under the circumstances.
26. Tax Consequences. Participant has reviewed with Participant’s own tax advisers the U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax consequences of this investment and the transactions contemplated by this Option Agreement. With respect to such matters, Participant relies solely on such advisers and not on any statements or representations of the Company or any of its agents, written or oral. Participant understands that Participant (and not the Company) shall be responsible for Participant’s own tax liability that may arise as a result of this investment or the transactions contemplated by this Option Agreement.
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EXHIBIT B
KODIAK AI, INC.
2025 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
EXERCISE NOTICE
Kodiak AI, Inc.
1049 Terra Bella Ave.
Mountain View, CA 94043
Attention: Stock Administration
1. Exercise of Option. Effective as of today, , , the undersigned (“Participant”) hereby elects to exercise Participant’s option (the “Option”) to purchase shares of the Common Stock (the “Shares”) of Kodiak AI, Inc. (the “Company”) under and pursuant to the 2025 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and the Stock Option Agreement dated , , including the Notice of Stock Option Grant, and the Terms and Conditions of Stock Option Grant attached as Exhibit A thereto and other exhibits, appendices and addenda attached thereto (the “Option Agreement”). Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used in this Exercise Notice will be ascribed the same defined meanings as set forth in the Option Agreement (or the Plan or other written agreement as specified in the Option Agreement).
2. Delivery of Payment. Participant herewith delivers to the Company the full purchase price of the Shares, as set forth in the Option Agreement, and any Withholding Obligations to be paid in connection with the exercise of the Option.
3. Representations of Participant. Participant acknowledges that Participant has received, read and understood the Plan and the Option Agreement and agrees to abide by and be bound by their terms and conditions.
4. Rights as Stockholder. Until the issuance of the Shares (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder shall exist with respect to the Common Stock subject to the Option, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Shares so acquired shall be issued to Participant as soon as practicable after the Option is exercised in accordance with the Option Agreement. No adjustment shall be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date of issuance except as provided in Section 15 of the Plan.
5. Tax Consultation. Participant understands that Participant may suffer adverse tax consequences as a result of Participant’s purchase or disposition of the Shares. Participant represents that Participant has consulted with any tax consultants Participant deems advisable in connection with the purchase or disposition of the Shares and that Participant is not relying on the Company for any tax advice.
6. Interpretation. Any dispute regarding the interpretation of this Exercise Notice shall be submitted by Participant or by the Company forthwith to the Administrator, which shall review such dispute at its next regular meeting. The resolution of such a dispute by the Administrator shall be final and binding on all parties to the maximum extent permitted by law.
7. Governing Law; Severability. This Exercise Notice is governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules, of the State of California. In the event that any provision hereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable or void, this Exercise Notice shall continue in full force and effect.
8. Entire Agreement. The Plan and Option Agreement are incorporated herein by reference. The Plan and the Option Agreement (including this Exercise Notice and any exhibits, appendices, and addenda attached to the Notice of Stock Option Grant of the Option Agreement) constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified adversely to Participant’s interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company and Participant.
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APPENDIX A
KODIAK AI, INC.
2025 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
COUNTRY ADDENDUM TO STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used in this Country Addendum to Stock Option Agreement (the “Country Addendum”) will be ascribed the same defined meanings as set forth in the Option Agreement of which this Country Addendum forms a part (or the Plan or other written agreement as specified in the Option Agreement).
Terms and Conditions
This Country Addendum includes additional terms and conditions that govern this Option granted pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Kodiak AI, Inc. 2025 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and the Stock Option Agreement to which this Country Addendum is attached (the “Option Agreement”) to the extent the individual to whom the Option was granted (“Participant”) resides or works in one of the countries listed below. If Participant is a citizen or resident (or is considered as such for local law purposes) of a country other than the country in which Participant is currently residing or working, or if Participant relocates to another country after the Option is granted, the Company, in its discretion, will determine to what extent the terms and conditions contained herein will apply to Participant.
Notifications
This Country Addendum also may include information regarding exchange controls and certain other issues of which Participant should be aware with respect to Participant’s participation in the Plan. The information is based on the securities, exchange control, and other Applicable Laws in effect in the respective countries as of [DATE]. Such Applicable Laws often are complex and change frequently. As a result, the Company strongly recommends that Participant not rely on the information in this Country Addendum as the only source of information relating to the consequences of Participant’s participation in the Plan because the information may be out of date at the time Participant vests in or exercises the Option or sells Shares acquired under the Option.
In addition, the information contained in this Country Addendum is general in nature and may not apply to Participant’s particular situation, and the Company is not in a position to assure Participant of any particular result. Participant should seek appropriate professional advice as to how the Applicable Laws in Participant’s country may apply to Participant’s situation.
Finally, if Participant is a citizen or resident of a country other than the one in which Participant currently is residing or working, transfers residence or employment to another country after this Option is awarded, or is considered a resident of another country for local law purposes, the information in this Country Addendum may not apply to Participant in the same manner.
| I. | GLOBAL PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO PARTICIPANTS IN ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN THE UNITED STATES |
1. Foreign Currency Exchange Considerations. Participant understands and agrees that neither the Company nor any Service Recipient shall be liable for any foreign currency exchange rate fluctuation between Participant’s local currency and the U.S. dollar that may affect the value of the Option, or of any amounts due to Participant under the Plan or as a result of exercising the Option or the subsequent sale of any Shares acquired under the Plan. Participant agrees and acknowledges that he or she will bear any and all risk associated with the exchange or fluctuation of currency associated with his or her participation in the Plan. Participant acknowledges and agrees that Participant may be responsible for reporting inbound transactions or fund transfers that exceed a certain amount. Participant is advised to seek appropriate professional advice as to how the exchange control regulations apply to his or her Option and Participant’s specific situation and understands that the relevant laws and regulations can change frequently and occasionally on a retroactive basis.
2. Nature of Grant. The following provisions supplement Section 12 of the Option Agreement:
(a) the Option and the Shares subject to the Option are not part of normal or expected compensation or salary for any purpose;
(b) Participant acknowledges and agrees that no Service Recipient shall be liable for any foreign exchange rate fluctuation between Participant’s local currency and the United States Dollar that may affect the value of the Option or of any amounts due to Participant pursuant to the exercise of the Option or the subsequent sale of any Shares acquired upon exercise; and
(c) no claim or entitlement to compensation or damages shall arise from forfeiture of the Option resulting from the termination of Participant’s status as a Service Provider (for any reason whatsoever, whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is a Service Provider or the terms of Participant’s employment or service agreement, if any), and in consideration of the grant of the Option to which Participant is otherwise not entitled, Participant irrevocably agrees never to institute any claim against any Service Recipient, waives Participant’s ability, if any, to bring any such claim, and releases each Service Recipient from any such claim; if, notwithstanding the foregoing, any such claim is allowed by a court of competent jurisdiction, then, by participating in the Plan, Participant shall be deemed irrevocably to have agreed not to pursue such claim and agrees to execute any and all documents necessary to request dismissal or withdrawal of such claim.
3. Data Privacy. Participant hereby acknowledges the collection, use and transfer, in electronic or other form, of Participant’s personal data as described in this Option Agreement and any other Option grant materials by and among, as applicable, the Service Recipients for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing Participant’s participation in the Plan.
Participant understands that the Company and the Service Recipient may hold certain personal information about Participant, including, but not limited to, Participant’s name, home address and telephone number, date of birth, social insurance number or other identification
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number, salary, nationality, job title, any Shares or directorships held in the Company, details of all Options or any other entitlement to Shares awarded, canceled, exercised, vested, unvested or outstanding in Participant’s favor (“Data”), for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing the Plan.
Participant understands that Data may be transferred to a stock plan service provider, as may be selected by the Company in the future, assisting the Company with the implementation, administration and management of the Plan. Participant understands that the recipients of the Data may be located in the United States or elsewhere, and that the recipients’ country of operation (e.g., the United States) may have different data privacy laws and protections than Participant’s country. Participant understands that Participant may request information about sharing, processing, and storage of Data and may exercise their rights with respect to the Data, which may include the right to terminate sharing, processing, and storage, by following instructions in the Company’s Personnel Privacy Notice or by contacting Participant’s local human resources representative. Participant authorizes the Company, any stock plan service provider selected by the Company and any other possible recipients which may assist the Company (presently or in the future) with implementing, administering and managing the Plan to receive, possess, use, retain and transfer the Data, in electronic or other form, for the sole purpose of implementing, administering and managing Participant’s participation in the Plan. Participant understands that Data will be held only as long as is necessary to implement, administer and manage Participant’s participation in the Plan.
4. Language. If Participant has received this Option Agreement or any other document related to the Plan translated into a language other than English and if the meaning of the translated version is different than the English version, the English version will control.
[Insert country-specific provisions.]
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KODIAK AI, INC.
2025 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT
NOTICE OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT GRANT
Unless otherwise defined herein, each capitalized term used in this Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, which includes the Notice of Restricted Stock Unit Grant (the “Notice of Grant”), the Terms and Conditions of Restricted Stock Unit Grant, attached hereto as Exhibit A, and all other exhibits, appendices, and addenda attached hereto (the “Award Agreement”), will have the meaning given such term in the Kodiak AI, Inc. (the “Company”) 2025 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”).
| Participant Name: | [Name] | |||
| Address: | [Address] | |||
The undersigned Participant has been granted an Award of Restricted Stock Units, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Award Agreement, as follows:
| Grant Number: | ____________________________________ | |||
| Date of Grant: | ____________________________________ | |||
| Vesting Commencement Date: | ____________________________________ | |||
| Total Number of Restricted Stock Units: | ____________________________________ | |||
Vesting Schedule:
[For purposes of this Award Agreement, “Quarterly Vesting Dates” with respect to any calendar year means [ ], [ ], [ ], and [ ].]
Subject to any acceleration provisions contained in the Plan, this Award Agreement or any other written agreement authorized by the Administrator between Participant and the Company (or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company, as applicable) governing the terms of this Award, the Restricted Stock Units will be scheduled to vest according to the following vesting schedule:
[[Insert Vesting Schedule], in each case subject to Participant continuing to be a Service Provider through the applicable vesting date.]
[Standard Vesting Schedule: One-fourth (1/4th) of the Total Number of Restricted Stock Units (as set forth above) subject to this Award Agreement will be scheduled to vest on the first Quarterly Vesting Date on or immediately following the one (1) year anniversary of the Vesting Commencement Date (such first vesting date, the “First Vesting Date”), and thereafter, one-sixteenth (1/16th) of the Total Number of Restricted Stock Units subject to this Award Agreement will be scheduled to vest on each of the next twelve (12) consecutive Quarterly Vesting Dates that occur after the First Vesting Date, in each case subject to Participant continuing to be a Service Provider through the applicable vesting date.]
By Participant’s signature and the signature of the representative of the Company below, Participant and the Company agree that this Award of Restricted Stock Units is granted under and governed by the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Award Agreement, including the Terms and Conditions of Restricted Stock Unit Grant, attached hereto as Exhibit A, and all other exhibits, appendices and addenda attached hereto, all of which are made a part of this document. Participant acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and represents that Participant is familiar with the terms and provisions thereof, and hereby accepts this Award Agreement subject to all of the terms and provisions thereof. Participant has reviewed the Plan and this Award Agreement in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Award Agreement and fully understands all provisions of the Plan and this Award Agreement. Participant hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions relating to the Plan or this Award Agreement. Participant further agrees to notify the Company upon any change in Participant’s residence address indicated below and to provide a valid email address if Participant no longer has a Company email address.
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EXHIBIT A
KODIAK AI, INC.
2025 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT GRANT
1. Grant of Restricted Stock Units. The Company hereby grants to the individual (“Participant”) named in the Notice of Restricted Stock Unit Grant of this Award Agreement (the “Notice of Grant”) under the Plan an Award of Restricted Stock Units, and subject to the terms and conditions of this Award Agreement and the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. Subject to Section 20 of the Plan, in the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Award Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Plan shall prevail.
2. Company’s Obligation to Pay. Each Restricted Stock Unit represents the right to receive a Share on the date it vests. Unless and until the Restricted Stock Units will have vested in the manner set forth in Section 3 or 4, Participant will have no right to payment of any such Restricted Stock Units. Prior to actual payment of any vested Restricted Stock Units, such Restricted Stock Unit will represent an unsecured obligation of the Company, payable (if at all) only from the general assets of the Company.
3. Vesting Schedule. Except as provided in Section 4, and subject to Section 5, the Restricted Stock Units awarded by this Award Agreement will vest in accordance with the vesting provisions set forth in the Notice of Grant. Unless specifically provided otherwise in this Award Agreement or other written agreement authorized by the Administrator between Participant and the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company, as applicable, governing the terms of this Award, Restricted Stock Units scheduled to vest on a certain date or upon the occurrence of a certain condition will not vest in accordance with any of the provisions of this Award Agreement, unless Participant will have been continuously a Service Provider from the Date of Grant until the date such vesting occurs.
4. Payment after Vesting.
(a) General Rule. Subject to Section 7, any Restricted Stock Units that vest will be paid to Participant (or in the event of Participant’s death, to Participant’s properly designated beneficiary or estate) in whole Shares no later than the applicable Settlement Deadline Date. Subject to the provisions of Section 4(c), “Settlement Deadline Date” with respect to a particular vested Restricted Stock Unit means within sixty (60) days following the vesting date of such particular Restricted Stock Unit (or, if earlier, March 15 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which occurs the first date on which the applicable Restricted Stock Unit is no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture for purposes of Section 409A (as defined in the Plan)). Except as may be required by the provisions of Section 4(c), no Restricted Stock Unit will be settled after the Settlement Deadline Date applicable to it. Subject to the provisions of Section 4(c), if any Restricted Stock Unit has not met all the requirements for settlement under this Award Agreement in a manner that would allow it
to be settled by the applicable Settlement Deadline Date, such Restricted Stock Unit will be forfeited as of immediately following the applicable Settlement Deadline Date. In no event will Participant be permitted, directly or indirectly, to specify the taxable year of payment of any Restricted Stock Units payable under this Award Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, there may be multiple Settlement Deadline Dates, each corresponding to a particular Restricted Stock Unit.
(b) Administrator Discretion. The Administrator, in its discretion, may accelerate the vesting of the balance, or some lesser portion of the balance, of the unvested Restricted Stock Units at any time, subject to the terms of the Plan. If so accelerated, such Restricted Stock Units will be considered as having vested as of the date specified by the Administrator.
(c) Section 409A.
(i) If Participant is a U.S. taxpayer, the payment of Shares vesting pursuant to this Award Agreement (including any discretionary acceleration under Section 4(b)) shall in all cases be paid at a time or in a manner that is intended to be exempt from, or complies with, Section 409A. The prior sentence may be superseded in a future agreement or amendment to this Award Agreement only by direct and specific reference to such sentence.
(ii) The Company’s intent is that this Restricted Stock Unit Award be exempt or excepted from the requirements of Section 409A. However, in an abundance of caution, the Company is including in this subsection, certain Section 409A rules that only apply if the Restricted Stock Units are not exempt or excepted, and then only in certain circumstances. Specifically, Section 409A contains rules that must apply to the Restricted Stock Units if (A) they are not exempt or excepted from Section 409A, (B) the Company has any stock that is publicly traded on an established securities market or otherwise at the time Participant’s service terminates, (C) Participant receives acceleration of vesting of the Restricted Stock Units in connection with a termination of service, and (D) at the time of such termination, Participant is considered a “specified employee” under the Section 409A rules. Should these rules ever become applicable to Participant’s Restricted Stock Units, then notwithstanding anything in the Plan, this Award Agreement or any other agreement (whether entered into before, on or after the Date of Grant), if the vesting of the balance, or some lesser portion of the balance, of the Restricted Stock Units is accelerated in connection with the termination of Participant’s status as a Service Provider (provided that such termination is a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A, as determined by the Administrator), other than due to Participant’s death, and if (x) Participant is a U.S. taxpayer and a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A at the time of such termination as a Service Provider and (y) the payment of such accelerated Restricted Stock Units will result in the imposition of additional tax under Section 409A if paid to Participant on or within the six (6) month period following the cessation of Participant’s status as a Service Provider, then the payment of such accelerated Restricted Stock Units will not be made until the date six (6) months and one (1) day following the date of cessation of Participant’s status as a Service Provider, unless Participant dies following Participant’s termination as a Service Provider, in which case, the Restricted Stock Units will be paid in Shares to Participant’s estate as soon as practicable following Participant’s death.
(iii) It is the intent of this Award Agreement that it and all payments and benefits to U.S. taxpayers hereunder be exempt from, or comply with, the requirements of Section 409A so that none of the Restricted Stock Units provided under this Award Agreement or
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Shares issuable thereunder will be subject to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities or ambiguous terms herein will be interpreted to be so exempt or so comply. Each payment payable under this Award Agreement is intended to constitute a separate payment for purposes of Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-2(b)(2). To the extent necessary to comply with Section 409A, references to termination of Participant’s status as a Service Provider, termination of employment, or similar phrases will be references to Participant’s “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A. In no event will the Company, any Service Recipient (as defined below) or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company have any responsibility, liability, or obligation to reimburse, indemnify, or hold harmless Participant (or any other person) for any taxes, penalties and interest that may be imposed, or other costs that may be incurred, as a result of Section 409A.
5. Forfeiture Upon Termination as a Service Provider. Unless specifically provided otherwise in this Award Agreement or other written agreement authorized by the Administrator between Participant and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Parents, as applicable, governing the terms of this Award, if Participant ceases to be a Service Provider for any reason, the then-unvested Restricted Stock Units awarded by this Award Agreement will thereupon be forfeited at no cost to the Company upon the date of such cessation and Participant will have no further rights to such Restricted Stock Units or the Shares thereunder.
6. Death of Participant. Any distribution or delivery to be made to Participant under this Award Agreement, if Participant is then deceased, will be made to Participant’s designated beneficiary, or if no beneficiary survives Participant, the administrator or executor of Participant’s estate. Any such transferee must furnish the Company with (a) written notice of such transferee’s status as transferee, and (b) evidence satisfactory to the Company to establish the validity of the transfer and compliance with any laws or regulations pertaining to said transfer.
7. Tax Obligations
(a) Responsibility for Taxes. Participant acknowledges that, regardless of any action taken by the Company or, if different, Participant’s employer or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company to which Participant is providing services (together, the “Service Recipients”), the ultimate liability for any tax and social insurance liability obligations and requirements in connection with the Restricted Stock Units, including, without limitation, (i) all federal, national, state, non-U.S. and local taxes (including Participant’s Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) obligations and social liability insurance obligations) that are required to be withheld by any Service Recipient or other payment of tax-related items related to Participant’s participation in the Plan and legally applicable to Participant, (ii) Participant’s and, to the extent required by any Service Recipient, the Service Recipient’s fringe benefit tax liability, if any, associated with the grant, vesting, or settlement of the Restricted Stock Units or sale of Shares, and (iii) any other Service Recipient taxes the responsibility for which Participant has, or has agreed to bear, with respect to the Restricted Stock Units (or the vesting or settlement thereof or issuance of Shares thereunder) (collectively, the “Tax Obligations”), are and remain Participant’s sole responsibility and may exceed the amount actually withheld by the applicable Service Recipient(s). Participant further acknowledges that no Service Recipient (A) makes any representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax Obligations in connection with any aspect of the Restricted Stock Units, including, but not limited to, the grant, vesting or settlement of the Restricted Stock Units, the subsequent sale of Shares acquired pursuant to such settlement and the receipt of any dividends or other distributions, or (B) makes any commitment to and is under any
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obligation to structure the terms of the grant or any aspect of the Restricted Stock Units to reduce or eliminate Participant’s liability for Tax Obligations or achieve any particular tax result. Further, if Participant is subject to Tax Obligations in more than one jurisdiction between the Date of Grant and the date of any relevant taxable or tax withholding event, as applicable, Participant acknowledges that the applicable Service Recipient(s) (or former employer, as applicable) may be required to withhold or account for Withholding Obligations (as defined below) in more than one jurisdiction.
(b) Tax Withholding. Pursuant to such procedures as the Administrator may specify from time to time, the applicable Service Recipient(s) will withhold the amount required to be withheld for the payment of Tax Obligations (the “Withholding Obligations”) which, to the extent permitted under the Plan, may, in the discretion of the Administrator, be in excess of the minimum statutory required amount to be withheld, upon each date with respect to which the Administrator determines Withholding Obligations are due, including but not limited to, at grant, vesting, settlement or any other date with respect to which Withholding Obligations arise. The Administrator, in its sole discretion and pursuant to such procedures as it may specify from time to time, may permit or require Participant to satisfy such Withholding Obligations, in whole or in part (without limitation), if permissible by Applicable Laws, by one or a combination of the following: (i) paying cash, (ii) having the Company withhold otherwise deliverable Shares having a fair market value equal to the minimum amount necessary to meet the withholding requirement for such Withholding Obligations (or such greater amount as Participant may elect if permitted by the Administrator, if such greater amount would not result in adverse financial accounting consequences) (“Net Share Withholding”), (iii) withholding the amount of such Withholding Obligations from Participant’s wages or other cash compensation paid to Participant by the applicable Service Recipient(s), (iv) delivering to the Company Shares that Participant owns and that already have vested with a fair market value equal to the Withholding Obligations (or such greater amount if permitted by the Administrator, if such greater amount would not result in adverse financial accounting consequences), (v) selling a sufficient number of such Shares otherwise deliverable to Participant, through such means as the Company may determine in its sole discretion (whether through a broker or otherwise) equal to the minimum amount necessary to meet the withholding requirement for such Withholding Obligations (or such greater amount as Participant may elect or the Company may require, if permitted by the Administrator and if such greater amount would not result in adverse financial accounting consequences) (“Sell to Cover”), or (vi) such other means as the Administrator deems appropriate. If the Withholding Obligations are satisfied by withholding in Shares, for tax purposes, Participant is deemed to have been issued the full number of Shares subject to the vested Restricted Stock Units, notwithstanding that a number of the Shares are held back solely for the purpose of paying the Withholding Obligations. To the extent determined appropriate by the Administrator in its discretion, the Administrator will have the right (but not the obligation) to satisfy any Withholding Obligations by Net Share Withholding. If Net Share Withholding is the method by which such Withholding Obligations are satisfied, the Company will not withhold on a fractional Share basis to satisfy any portion of the Withholding Obligations and, unless the Company determines otherwise, no refund will be made to Participant for the value of the portion of a Share, if any, withheld in excess of the Withholding Obligations. If a Sell to Cover is the method by which Withholding Obligations are satisfied, Participant agrees that as part of the Sell to Cover, additional Shares may be sold to satisfy any associated broker or other fees. Only whole Shares will be sold pursuant to a Sell to Cover. Any proceeds from the sale of Shares pursuant to a Sell to Cover that are in excess of the Withholding Obligations and any associated broker or other fees will be paid to Participant in accordance with procedures the Company may specify from time to time.
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(c) Tax Consequences. Participant has reviewed with Participant’s own tax advisers the U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax consequences of this investment and the transactions contemplated by this Award Agreement. With respect to such matters, Participant relies solely on such advisers and not on any statements or representations of the Company or any of its agents, written or oral. Participant understands that Participant (and not the Company) shall be responsible for Participant’s own tax liability that may arise as a result of this investment or the transactions contemplated by this Award Agreement.
(d) Company’s Obligation to Deliver Shares. For clarification purposes, in no event will the Company issue Participant any Shares unless and until arrangements satisfactory to the Administrator have been made for the payment of Participant’s Withholding Obligations. If Participant fails to make satisfactory arrangements for the payment of such Withholding Obligations hereunder at the time any applicable Restricted Stock Units otherwise are scheduled to vest pursuant to Sections 3 or 4 or Participant’s Withholding Obligations otherwise become due, Participant permanently will forfeit such Restricted Stock Units to which Participant’s Withholding Obligation relates and any right to receive Shares thereunder and such Restricted Stock Units will be returned to the Company at no cost to the Company. Participant acknowledges and agrees that the Company may permanently refuse to issue or deliver the Shares if such Withholding Obligations are not delivered at the time they are due.
8. Rights as Stockholder. Neither Participant nor any person claiming under or through Participant will have any of the rights or privileges of a stockholder of the Company in respect of any Shares deliverable hereunder unless and until certificates representing such Shares (which may be in book entry form) will have been issued, recorded on the records of the Company or its transfer agents or registrars, and delivered to Participant (including through electronic delivery to a brokerage account). After such issuance, recordation and delivery, Participant will have all the rights of a stockholder of the Company with respect to voting such Shares and receipt of dividends and distributions on such Shares.
9. No Guarantee of Continued Service. PARTICIPANT ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THE VESTING OF THE RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS PURSUANT TO THE VESTING SCHEDULE HEREOF IS EARNED ONLY BY CONTINUING AS A SERVICE PROVIDER, WHICH UNLESS PROVIDED OTHERWISE UNDER APPLICABLE LAWS IS AT THE WILL OF THE APPLICABLE SERVICE RECIPIENT AND NOT THROUGH THE ACT OF BEING HIRED, BEING GRANTED THIS RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD OR ACQUIRING SHARES HEREUNDER. PARTICIPANT FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THIS AWARD AGREEMENT, THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREUNDER AND THE VESTING SCHEDULE SET FORTH HEREIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED PROMISE OF CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT AS A SERVICE PROVIDER FOR THE VESTING PERIOD, FOR ANY PERIOD, OR AT ALL, AND SHALL NOT INTERFERE IN ANY WAY WITH PARTICIPANT’S RIGHT OR THE RIGHT OF ANY SERVICE RECIPIENT TO TERMINATE PARTICIPANT’S RELATIONSHIP AS A SERVICE PROVIDER, SUBJECT TO APPLICABLE LAW, WHICH TERMINATION, UNLESS PROVIDED OTHERWISE UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, MAY BE AT ANY TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSE.
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10. Grant is Not Transferable. Except to the limited extent provided in Section 6, this Award and the rights and privileges conferred hereby will not be transferred, assigned, pledged or hypothecated in any way (whether by operation of law or otherwise) and will not be subject to sale under execution, attachment or similar process. Upon any attempt to transfer, assign, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of this Award, or any right or privilege conferred hereby, or upon any attempted sale under any execution, attachment or similar process, this Award and the rights and privileges conferred hereby immediately will become null and void.
11. Nature of Grant. In accepting this Award of Restricted Stock Units, Participant acknowledges, understands and agrees that:
(a) the grant of the Restricted Stock Units is voluntary and occasional and does not create any contractual or other right to receive future grants of Restricted Stock Units, or benefits in lieu of Restricted Stock Units, even if Restricted Stock Units have been granted in the past;
(b) all decisions with respect to future Restricted Stock Units or other grants, if any, will be at the sole discretion of the Administrator;
(c) Participant is voluntarily participating in the Plan;
(d) the Restricted Stock Units and the Shares subject to the Restricted Stock Units are not intended to replace any pension rights or compensation;
(e) the Restricted Stock Units and the Shares subject to the Restricted Stock Units, and the income and value of same, are not part of normal or expected compensation for any purpose, including without limitation calculating any severance, resignation, termination, redundancy, dismissal, end-of-service payments, bonuses, long-service awards, pension or retirement or welfare benefits or similar payments;
(f) the future value of the Shares underlying the Restricted Stock Units is unknown, indeterminable, and cannot be predicted with certainty;
(g) for purposes of the Restricted Stock Units, Participant’s status as a Service Provider will be considered terminated as of the date Participant is no longer actively providing services to the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company (regardless of the reason for such termination and whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is a Service Provider or the terms of Participant’s employment or service agreement, if any), and unless otherwise expressly provided in this Award Agreement (including by reference in the Notice of Grant to other arrangements or contracts) or determined by the Administrator, Participant’s right to vest in the Restricted Stock Units under the Plan, if any, will terminate as of such date and will not be extended by any notice period (e.g., Participant’s period of service would not include any contractual notice period or any period of “garden leave” or similar period mandated under employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is a Service Provider or the terms of Participant’s employment or service agreement, if any, unless Participant is providing bona fide services during such time); the Administrator shall have the exclusive discretion to determine when Participant is no longer actively providing services for purposes of this Award of Restricted Stock Units (including whether Participant may still be considered to be providing services while on a leave of absence and consistent with local law); and
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(h) unless otherwise provided in the Plan or by the Administrator in its discretion, the Restricted Stock Units and the benefits evidenced by this Award Agreement do not create any entitlement to have the Restricted Stock Units or any such benefits transferred to, or assumed by, another company nor be exchanged, cashed out or substituted for, in connection with any corporate transaction affecting the Shares.
12. No Advice Regarding Grant. The Company is not providing any tax, legal or financial advice, nor is the Company making any recommendations regarding Participant’s participation in the Plan, or Participant’s acquisition or sale of the Shares underlying the Restricted Stock Units. Participant is hereby advised to consult with Participant’s own personal tax, legal and financial advisers regarding Participant’s participation in the Plan before taking any action related to the Plan.
13. Address for Notices. Any notice to be given to the Company under the terms of this Award Agreement will be addressed to the Company at Kodiak AI, Inc., 1049 Terra Bella Ave., Mountain View, CA 94043, or at such other address as the Company may hereafter designate in writing.
14. Insider Trading Restrictions/Market Abuse Laws. In addition to all other restrictions set forth in the Plan or this Award Agreement, Participant is hereby notified that Participant may be subject to insider trading restrictions or market abuse laws, which may affect Participant’s ability to acquire or sell Shares or rights to Shares under the Plan during such time as Participant is considered to have “inside information” regarding the Company (as defined by Applicable Laws). Any restrictions under these laws or regulations are separate from and in addition to any restrictions that may be imposed under any applicable Company insider trading policy. Participants acknowledges and agrees that it is Participant’s responsibility to comply with any applicable restrictions and Participant is advised to speak to Participant’s personal advisor on this matter.
15. Successors and Assigns. The Company may assign any of its rights under this Award Agreement to single or multiple assignees, and this Award Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company. Subject to the restrictions on transfer herein set forth, this Award Agreement shall be binding upon Participant and Participant’s heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns. The rights and obligations of Participant under this Award Agreement may be assigned only with the prior written consent of the Company.
16. Additional Conditions to Issuance of Stock. If at any time the Company will determine, in its discretion, that the listing, registration, qualification or rule compliance of the Shares upon any securities exchange or under any state, federal or non-U.S. law, the tax code and related regulations or under the rulings or regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or any other governmental regulatory body or the clearance, consent or approval of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or any other governmental regulatory authority is necessary or desirable as a condition to the issuance of Shares to Participant (or Participant’s estate) hereunder, such issuance will not occur unless and until such listing, registration, qualification, rule compliance, clearance, consent or approval will have been completed, effected or obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the Company. If any such listing, registration, qualification, rule compliance, clearance, consent or approval has not been completed by the applicable Settlement Deadline Date (or, if later, the settlement date required under Section 4(c)(ii)) with respect to a Restricted Stock Unit in a manner that would
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allow it to be settled by the applicable Settlement Deadline Date (or, if later, the settlement date required under Section 4(c)(ii)), such Restricted Stock Unit shall be forfeited as of immediately following the Settlement Deadline (or, if later, the settlement date required under Section 4(c)(ii)) date. Subject to the terms of the Award Agreement and the Plan, the Company will not be required to issue any certificate or certificates for (or make any entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company of) the Shares hereunder prior to the lapse of such reasonable period of time following the date of vesting of the Restricted Stock Units as the Administrator may establish from time to time for reasons of administrative convenience.
17. Interpretation. The Administrator will have the power to interpret the Plan and this Award Agreement and to adopt such rules for the administration, interpretation and application of the Plan as are consistent therewith and to interpret or revoke any such rules (including, but not limited to, the determination of whether or not any Restricted Stock Units have vested). All actions taken and all interpretations and determinations made by the Administrator in good faith will be final and binding upon Participant, the Company and all other interested persons. Neither the Administrator nor any person acting on behalf of the Administrator will be personally liable for any action, determination or interpretation made in good faith with respect to the Plan or this Award Agreement. Unless the context requires otherwise and subject to the foregoing interpretation rights and powers of the Administrator in this Section 17, the term “or” as used in this Award Agreement is not exclusive.
18. Electronic Delivery and Acceptance. The Company may, in its sole discretion, decide to deliver any documents related to the Restricted Stock Units awarded under the Plan or future Restricted Stock Units that may be awarded under the Plan by electronic means or require Participant to participate in the Plan by electronic means. Participant hereby consents to receive such documents by electronic delivery and agrees to participate in the Plan through any on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or a third party designated by the Company.
19. Captions. Captions provided herein are for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Award Agreement.
20. Amendment, Suspension or Termination of the Plan. By accepting this Award, Participant expressly warrants that Participant has received an Award of Restricted Stock Units under the Plan, and has received, read and understood a description of the Plan. Participant understands that the Plan is discretionary in nature and may be amended, suspended or terminated by the Administrator at any time.
21. Country Addendum. Notwithstanding any provisions in this Award Agreement, the Restricted Stock Unit grant shall be subject to any special terms and conditions set forth in an appendix (if any) to this Award Agreement for any country whose laws are applicable to Participant and this Award of Restricted Stock Units (as determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion) (the “Country Addendum”). Moreover, if Participant relocates to one of the countries included in the Country Addendum (if any), the special terms and conditions for such country will apply to Participant, to the extent the Company determines that the application of such terms and conditions is necessary or advisable for legal or administrative reasons. The Country Addendum (if any) constitutes a part of this Award Agreement.
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22. Modifications to the Award Agreement. This Award Agreement constitutes the entire understanding of the parties on the subjects covered. Participant expressly warrants that Participant is not accepting this Award Agreement in reliance on any promises, representations, or inducements other than those contained herein. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan or this Award Agreement, the Company reserves the right to revise this Award Agreement as it deems necessary or advisable, in its sole discretion and without the consent of Participant, to comply with Section 409A or to otherwise avoid imposition of any additional tax or income recognition under Section 409A in connection with this Award of Restricted Stock Units.
23. No Waiver. Either party’s failure to enforce any provision or provisions of this Award Agreement shall not in any way be construed as a waiver of any such provision or provisions, nor prevent that party from thereafter enforcing each and every other provision of this Award Agreement. The rights granted both parties herein are cumulative and shall not constitute a waiver of either party’s right to assert all other legal remedies available to it under the circumstances.
24. Governing Law; Severability. This Award Agreement and the Restricted Stock Units are governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules, of the State of Delaware. In the event that any provision hereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable or void, this Award Agreement shall continue in full force and effect.
25. Binding Terms. The terms, conditions, obligations, and requirements of this Award Agreement will apply as a condition of receiving and holding the Award without the need for any manual or other execution of this Award Agreement by Participant or the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, as a condition to holding the Award or the vesting or settlement of the Award, upon the Company’s request at any time, the Company may require Participant to manually or electronically sign this Award Agreement, if Participant has not already done so.
26. Entire Agreement. The Plan is incorporated herein by reference. The Plan and this Award Agreement (including the exhibits, appendices, and addenda attached to the Notice of Grant) constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified materially and adversely to Participant’s interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company and Participant.
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APPENDIX A
KODIAK AI, INC.
2025 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
COUNTRY ADDENDUM TO RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT
Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used in this Country Addendum to Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (this “Country Addendum”) will be ascribed the same defined meanings as set forth in the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement of which this Country Addendum forms a part (or the Plan or other written agreement as specified in the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement).
Terms and Conditions
This Country Addendum includes additional terms and conditions that govern the Award of Restricted Stock Units granted pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Kodiak AI, Inc. 2025 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement to which this Country Addendum is attached (the “Restricted Stock Unit Agreement”) to the extent the individual to whom the Restricted Stock Units were granted (“Participant”) resides or works in one of the countries listed below. If Participant is a citizen or resident (or is considered as such for local law purposes) of a country other than the country in which Participant is currently residing or working, or if Participant relocates to another country after the Award of Restricted Stock Units is granted, the Company, in its discretion, will determine to what extent the terms and conditions contained herein will apply to Participant.
Notifications
This Country Addendum also may include information regarding exchange controls and certain other issues of which Participant should be aware with respect to Participant’s participation in the Plan. The information is based on the securities, exchange control and other Applicable Laws in effect in the respective countries as of [DATE]. Such Applicable Laws often are complex and change frequently. As a result, the Company strongly recommends that Participant not rely on the information in this Country Addendum as the only source of information relating to the consequences of Participant’s participation in the Plan because the information may be out of date at the time Participant vests in or receives or sells the Shares covered by the Restricted Stock Units.
In addition, the information contained in this Country Addendum is general in nature and may not apply to Participant’s particular situation, and the Company is not in a position to assure Participant of any particular result. Participant should seek appropriate professional advice as to how the Applicable Laws in Participant’s country may apply to Participant’s situation.
Finally, if Participant is a citizen or resident of a country other than the one in which Participant currently is residing or working, transfers residence or employment to another country after the grant of the Restricted Stock Units, or is considered a resident of another country for local law purposes, the information in this Country Addendum may not apply to Participant in the same manner.
| I. | GLOBAL PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO PARTICIPANTS IN ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN THE UNITED STATES |
1. Foreign Currency Exchange Considerations. Participant understands and agrees that neither the Company nor any Service Recipient shall be liable for any foreign currency exchange rate fluctuation between Participant’s local currency and the U.S. dollar that may affect the value of the Restricted Stock Units, or of any amounts due to Participant under the Plan or as a result of vesting of the Participant’s Restricted Stock Units or the subsequent sale of any Shares acquired under the Plan. Participant agrees and acknowledges that he or she will bear any and all risk associated with the exchange or fluctuation of currency associated with his or her participation in the Plan. Participant acknowledges and agrees that Participant may be responsible for reporting inbound transactions or fund transfers that exceed a certain amount. Participant is advised to seek appropriate professional advice as to how the exchange control regulations apply to his or her Restricted Stock Units and Participant’s specific situation and understands that the relevant laws and regulations can change frequently and occasionally on a retroactive basis.
2. Nature of Grant. The following provisions supplement Section 11 of the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement:
(a) the Restricted Stock Units and the Shares subject to the Restricted Stock Units are not part of normal or expected compensation or salary for any purpose;
(b) Participant acknowledges and agrees that no Service Recipient shall be liable for any foreign exchange rate fluctuation between Participant’s local currency and the United States Dollar that may affect the value of the Restricted Stock Units or of any amounts due to Participant pursuant to the settlement of the Restricted Stock Units or the subsequent sale of any Shares acquired upon settlement; and
(c) no claim or entitlement to compensation or damages shall arise from forfeiture of the Restricted Stock Units resulting from the termination of Participant’s status as a Service Provider (for any reason whatsoever whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is a Service Provider or the terms of Participant’s employment or service agreement, if any), and in consideration of the grant of the Restricted Stock Units to which Participant is otherwise not entitled, Participant irrevocably agrees never to institute any claim against any Service Recipient, waives Participant’s ability, if any, to bring any such claim, and releases each Service Recipient from any such claim; if, notwithstanding the foregoing, any such claim is allowed by a court of competent jurisdiction, then, by participating in the Plan, Participant shall be deemed irrevocably to have agreed not to pursue such claim and agrees to execute any and all documents necessary to request dismissal or withdrawal of such claim.
3. Data Privacy. Participant hereby acknowledges the collection, use and transfer, in electronic or other form, of Participant’s personal data as described in this Award Agreement and any other Restricted Stock Unit grant materials by and among, as applicable, the Service Recipients for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing Participant’s participation in the Plan.
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Participant understands that the Company and the Service Recipient may hold certain personal information about Participant, including, but not limited to, Participant’s name, home address and telephone number, date of birth, social insurance number or other identification number, salary, nationality, job title, any Shares or directorships held in the Company, details of all Restricted Stock Units or any other entitlement to Shares awarded, canceled, exercised, vested, unvested or outstanding in Participant’s favor (“Data”), for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing the Plan.
Participant understands that Data may be transferred to a stock plan service provider, as may be selected by the Company in the future, assisting the Company with the implementation, administration and management of the Plan. Participant understands that the recipients of the Data may be located in the United States or elsewhere, and that the recipients’ country of operation (e.g., the United States) may have different data privacy laws and protections than Participant’s country. Participant understands that Participant may request information about sharing, processing, and storage of Data and may exercise their rights with respect to the Data, which may include the right to terminate sharing, processing, and storage, by following instructions in the Company’s Personnel Privacy Notice or by contacting Participant’s local human resources representative. Participant authorizes the Company, any stock plan service provider selected by the Company and any other possible recipients which may assist the Company (presently or in the future) with implementing, administering and managing the Plan to receive, possess, use, retain and transfer the Data, in electronic or other form, for the sole purpose of implementing, administering and managing Participant’s participation in the Plan. Participant understands that Data will be held only as long as is necessary to implement, administer and manage Participant’s participation in the Plan.
4. Language. If Participant has received the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement or any other document related to the Plan translated into a language other than English and if the meaning of the translated version is different than the English version, the English version will control.
[Insert country-specific provisions.]
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KODIAK AI, INC.
2025 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT
NOTICE OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT GRANT
Unless otherwise defined herein, each capitalized term used in this Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, which includes the Notice of Restricted Stock Unit Grant (the “Notice of Grant”), the Terms and Conditions of Restricted Stock Unit Grant, attached hereto as Exhibit A, and all other exhibits, appendices, and addenda attached hereto (the “Award Agreement”), will have the meaning given such term in the Kodiak AI, Inc. (the “Company”) 2025 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”).
| Participant Name: | [Name] | |||
| Address: | [Address] | |||
The undersigned Participant has been granted an Award of Restricted Stock Units, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Award Agreement, as follows:
| Grant Number: | ____________________________________ | |||
| Date of Grant: | ____________________________________ | |||
| Total Number of Restricted Stock Units: | ____________________________________ | |||
Vesting Schedule:
The Restricted Stock Units will vest subject to satisfaction of both (i) the Service Requirement, and (ii) the Performance Requirement, each as described in the Vesting Appendix attached hereto as Exhibit B.
By Participant’s signature and the signature of the representative of the Company below, Participant and the Company agree that this Award of Restricted Stock Units is granted under and governed by the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Award Agreement, including the Terms and Conditions of Restricted Stock Unit Grant, attached hereto as Exhibit A, and all other exhibits, appendices and addenda attached hereto, all of which are made a part of this document. Participant acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and represents that Participant is familiar with the terms and provisions thereof, and hereby accepts this Award Agreement subject to all of the terms and provisions thereof. Participant has reviewed the Plan and this Award Agreement in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Award Agreement and fully understands all provisions of the Plan and this Award Agreement. Participant hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions relating to the Plan or this Award Agreement. Participant further agrees to notify the Company upon any change in Participant’s residence address indicated below and to provide a valid email address if Participant no longer has a Company email address.
| PARTICIPANT | KODIAK AI, INC. | |||
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| Print Name | Print Name | |||
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EXHIBIT A
KODIAK AI, INC.
2025 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT GRANT
1. Grant of Restricted Stock Units. The Company hereby grants to the individual (“Participant”) named in the Notice of Restricted Stock Unit Grant of this Award Agreement (the “Notice of Grant”) under the Plan an Award of Restricted Stock Units, and subject to the terms and conditions of this Award Agreement and the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. Subject to Section 20 of the Plan, in the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Award Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Plan shall prevail.
2. Company’s Obligation to Pay. Each Restricted Stock Unit represents the right to receive a Share on the date it vests. Unless and until the Restricted Stock Units will have vested in the manner set forth in Section 3 or 4, Participant will have no right to payment of any such Restricted Stock Units. Prior to actual payment of any vested Restricted Stock Units, such Restricted Stock Unit will represent an unsecured obligation of the Company, payable (if at all) only from the general assets of the Company.
3. Vesting Schedule. Except as provided in Section 4, and subject to Section 5, the Restricted Stock Units awarded by this Award Agreement will vest in accordance with the vesting provisions set forth in the Notice of Grant. Unless specifically provided otherwise in this Award Agreement or other written agreement authorized by the Administrator between Participant and the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company, as applicable, governing the terms of this Award, Restricted Stock Units scheduled to vest on a certain date or upon the occurrence of a certain condition will not vest in accordance with any of the provisions of this Award Agreement, unless Participant will have been continuously a Service Provider from the Date of Grant until the date such vesting occurs.
4. Payment after Vesting.
(a) General Rule. Subject to Section 7, any Restricted Stock Units that vest will be paid to Participant (or in the event of Participant’s death, to Participant’s properly designated beneficiary or estate) in whole Shares no later than the applicable Settlement Deadline Date. Subject to the provisions of Section 4(c), “Settlement Deadline Date” with respect to a particular vested Restricted Stock Unit means within sixty (60) days following the vesting date of such particular Restricted Stock Unit (or, if earlier, March 15 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which occurs the first date on which the applicable Restricted Stock Unit is no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture for purposes of Section 409A (as defined in the Plan)). Except as may be required by the provisions of Section 4(c), no Restricted Stock Unit will be settled after the Settlement Deadline Date applicable to it. Subject to the provisions of Section 4(c), if any Restricted Stock Unit has not met all the requirements for settlement under this Award Agreement in a manner that would allow it
to be settled by the applicable Settlement Deadline Date, such Restricted Stock Unit will be forfeited as of immediately following the applicable Settlement Deadline Date. In no event will Participant be permitted, directly or indirectly, to specify the taxable year of payment of any Restricted Stock Units payable under this Award Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, there may be multiple Settlement Deadline Dates, each corresponding to a particular Restricted Stock Unit.
(b) Administrator Discretion. The Administrator, in its discretion, may accelerate the vesting of the balance, or some lesser portion of the balance, of the unvested Restricted Stock Units at any time, subject to the terms of the Plan. If so accelerated, such Restricted Stock Units will be considered as having vested as of the date specified by the Administrator.
(c) Section 409A.
(i) If Participant is a U.S. taxpayer, the payment of Shares vesting pursuant to this Award Agreement (including any discretionary acceleration under Section 4(b)) shall in all cases be paid at a time or in a manner that is intended to be exempt from, or complies with, Section 409A. The prior sentence may be superseded in a future agreement or amendment to this Award Agreement only by direct and specific reference to such sentence.
(ii) The Company’s intent is that this Restricted Stock Unit Award be exempt or excepted from the requirements of Section 409A. However, in an abundance of caution, the Company is including in this subsection, certain Section 409A rules that only apply if the Restricted Stock Units are not exempt or excepted, and then only in certain circumstances. Specifically, Section 409A contains rules that must apply to the Restricted Stock Units if (A) they are not exempt or excepted from Section 409A, (B) the Company has any stock that is publicly traded on an established securities market or otherwise at the time Participant’s service terminates, (C) Participant receives acceleration of vesting of the Restricted Stock Units in connection with a termination of service, and (D) at the time of such termination, Participant is considered a “specified employee” under the Section 409A rules. Should these rules ever become applicable to Participant’s Restricted Stock Units, then notwithstanding anything in the Plan, this Award Agreement or any other agreement (whether entered into before, on or after the Date of Grant), if the vesting of the balance, or some lesser portion of the balance, of the Restricted Stock Units is accelerated in connection with the termination of Participant’s status as a Service Provider (provided that such termination is a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A, as determined by the Administrator), other than due to Participant’s death, and if (x) Participant is a U.S. taxpayer and a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A at the time of such termination as a Service Provider and (y) the payment of such accelerated Restricted Stock Units will result in the imposition of additional tax under Section 409A if paid to Participant on or within the six (6) month period following the cessation of Participant’s status as a Service Provider, then the payment of such accelerated Restricted Stock Units will not be made until the date six (6) months and one (1) day following the date of cessation of Participant’s status as a Service Provider, unless Participant dies following Participant’s termination as a Service Provider, in which case, the Restricted Stock Units will be paid in Shares to Participant’s estate as soon as practicable following Participant’s death.
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(iii) It is the intent of this Award Agreement that it and all payments and benefits to U.S. taxpayers hereunder be exempt from, or comply with, the requirements of Section 409A so that none of the Restricted Stock Units provided under this Award Agreement or Shares issuable thereunder will be subject to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities or ambiguous terms herein will be interpreted to be so exempt or so comply. Each payment payable under this Award Agreement is intended to constitute a separate payment for purposes of Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-2(b)(2). To the extent necessary to comply with Section 409A, references to termination of Participant’s status as a Service Provider, termination of employment, or similar phrases will be references to Participant’s “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A. In no event will the Company, any Service Recipient (as defined below) or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company have any responsibility, liability, or obligation to reimburse, indemnify, or hold harmless Participant (or any other person) for any taxes, penalties and interest that may be imposed, or other costs that may be incurred, as a result of Section 409A.
5. Forfeiture Upon Termination as a Service Provider. Unless specifically provided otherwise in this Award Agreement or other written agreement authorized by the Administrator between Participant and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Parents, as applicable, governing the terms of this Award, if Participant ceases to be a Service Provider for any reason, the then-unvested Restricted Stock Units awarded by this Award Agreement will thereupon be forfeited at no cost to the Company upon the date of such cessation and Participant will have no further rights to such Restricted Stock Units or the Shares thereunder.
6. Death of Participant. Any distribution or delivery to be made to Participant under this Award Agreement, if Participant is then deceased, will be made to Participant’s designated beneficiary, or if no beneficiary survives Participant, the administrator or executor of Participant’s estate. Any such transferee must furnish the Company with (a) written notice of such transferee’s status as transferee, and (b) evidence satisfactory to the Company to establish the validity of the transfer and compliance with any laws or regulations pertaining to said transfer.
7. Tax Obligations
(a) Responsibility for Taxes. Participant acknowledges that, regardless of any action taken by the Company or, if different, Participant’s employer or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company to which Participant is providing services (together, the “Service Recipients”), the ultimate liability for any tax and social insurance liability obligations and requirements in connection with the Restricted Stock Units, including, without limitation, (i) all federal, national, state, non-U.S. and local taxes (including Participant’s Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) obligations and social liability insurance obligations) that are required to be withheld by any Service Recipient or other payment of tax-related items related to Participant’s participation in the Plan and legally applicable to Participant, (ii) Participant’s and, to the extent required by any Service Recipient, the Service Recipient’s fringe benefit tax liability, if any, associated with the grant, vesting, or settlement of the Restricted Stock Units or sale of Shares, and (iii) any other Service Recipient taxes the responsibility for which Participant has, or has agreed to bear, with respect to the Restricted Stock Units (or the vesting or settlement thereof or issuance of Shares thereunder) (collectively, the “Tax Obligations”), are and remain Participant’s sole responsibility and may exceed the amount actually withheld by the applicable Service Recipient(s). Participant further acknowledges that no Service Recipient (A) makes any representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax Obligations in connection with any aspect of the Restricted Stock Units, including, but not limited to, the grant, vesting or settlement of the Restricted Stock Units, the subsequent sale of Shares acquired pursuant to such settlement and the receipt of any dividends or other distributions, or (B) makes any commitment to and is under any
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obligation to structure the terms of the grant or any aspect of the Restricted Stock Units to reduce or eliminate Participant’s liability for Tax Obligations or achieve any particular tax result. Further, if Participant is subject to Tax Obligations in more than one jurisdiction between the Date of Grant and the date of any relevant taxable or tax withholding event, as applicable, Participant acknowledges that the applicable Service Recipient(s) (or former employer, as applicable) may be required to withhold or account for Withholding Obligations (as defined below) in more than one jurisdiction.
(b) Tax Withholding. Pursuant to such procedures as the Administrator may specify from time to time, the applicable Service Recipient(s) will withhold the amount required to be withheld for the payment of Tax Obligations (the “Withholding Obligations”) which, to the extent permitted under the Plan, may, in the discretion of the Administrator, be in excess of the minimum statutory required amount to be withheld, upon each date with respect to which the Administrator determines Withholding Obligations are due, including but not limited to, at grant, vesting, settlement or any other date with respect to which Withholding Obligations arise. The Administrator, in its sole discretion and pursuant to such procedures as it may specify from time to time, may permit or require Participant to satisfy such Withholding Obligations, in whole or in part (without limitation), if permissible by Applicable Laws, by one or a combination of the following: (i) paying cash, (ii) having the Company withhold otherwise deliverable Shares having a fair market value equal to the minimum amount necessary to meet the withholding requirement for such Withholding Obligations (or such greater amount as Participant may elect if permitted by the Administrator, if such greater amount would not result in adverse financial accounting consequences) (“Net Share Withholding”), (iii) withholding the amount of such Withholding Obligations from Participant’s wages or other cash compensation paid to Participant by the applicable Service Recipient(s), (iv) delivering to the Company Shares that Participant owns and that already have vested with a fair market value equal to the Withholding Obligations (or such greater amount if permitted by the Administrator, if such greater amount would not result in adverse financial accounting consequences), (v) selling a sufficient number of such Shares otherwise deliverable to Participant, through such means as the Company may determine in its sole discretion (whether through a broker or otherwise) equal to the minimum amount necessary to meet the withholding requirement for such Withholding Obligations (or such greater amount as Participant may elect or the Company may require, if permitted by the Administrator and if such greater amount would not result in adverse financial accounting consequences) (“Sell to Cover”), or (vi) such other means as the Administrator deems appropriate. If the Withholding Obligations are satisfied by withholding in Shares, for tax purposes, Participant is deemed to have been issued the full number of Shares subject to the vested Restricted Stock Units, notwithstanding that a number of the Shares are held back solely for the purpose of paying the Withholding Obligations. To the extent determined appropriate by the Administrator in its discretion, the Administrator will have the right (but not the obligation) to satisfy any Withholding Obligations by Net Share Withholding. If Net Share Withholding is the method by which such Withholding Obligations are satisfied, the Company will not withhold on a fractional Share basis to satisfy any portion of the Withholding Obligations and, unless the Company determines otherwise, no refund will be made to Participant for the value of the portion of a Share, if any, withheld in excess of the Withholding Obligations. If a Sell to Cover is the method by which Withholding Obligations are satisfied, Participant agrees that as part of the Sell to Cover, additional Shares may be sold to satisfy any associated broker or other fees. Only whole Shares will be sold pursuant to a Sell to Cover. Any proceeds from the sale of Shares pursuant to a Sell to Cover that are in excess of the Withholding Obligations and any associated broker or other fees will be paid to Participant in accordance with procedures the Company may specify from time to time.
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(c) Tax Consequences. Participant has reviewed with Participant’s own tax advisers the U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax consequences of this investment and the transactions contemplated by this Award Agreement. With respect to such matters, Participant relies solely on such advisers and not on any statements or representations of the Company or any of its agents, written or oral. Participant understands that Participant (and not the Company) shall be responsible for Participant’s own tax liability that may arise as a result of this investment or the transactions contemplated by this Award Agreement.
(d) Company’s Obligation to Deliver Shares. For clarification purposes, in no event will the Company issue Participant any Shares unless and until arrangements satisfactory to the Administrator have been made for the payment of Participant’s Withholding Obligations. If Participant fails to make satisfactory arrangements for the payment of such Withholding Obligations hereunder at the time any applicable Restricted Stock Units otherwise are scheduled to vest pursuant to Sections 3 or 4 or Participant’s Withholding Obligations otherwise become due, Participant permanently will forfeit such Restricted Stock Units to which Participant’s Withholding Obligation relates and any right to receive Shares thereunder and such Restricted Stock Units will be returned to the Company at no cost to the Company. Participant acknowledges and agrees that the Company may permanently refuse to issue or deliver the Shares if such Withholding Obligations are not delivered at the time they are due.
8. Rights as Stockholder. Neither Participant nor any person claiming under or through Participant will have any of the rights or privileges of a stockholder of the Company in respect of any Shares deliverable hereunder unless and until certificates representing such Shares (which may be in book entry form) will have been issued, recorded on the records of the Company or its transfer agents or registrars, and delivered to Participant (including through electronic delivery to a brokerage account). After such issuance, recordation and delivery, Participant will have all the rights of a stockholder of the Company with respect to voting such Shares and receipt of dividends and distributions on such Shares.
9. No Guarantee of Continued Service. PARTICIPANT ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THE VESTING OF THE RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS PURSUANT TO THE VESTING SCHEDULE HEREOF IS EARNED ONLY BY CONTINUING AS A SERVICE PROVIDER, WHICH UNLESS PROVIDED OTHERWISE UNDER APPLICABLE LAWS IS AT THE WILL OF THE APPLICABLE SERVICE RECIPIENT AND NOT THROUGH THE ACT OF BEING HIRED, BEING GRANTED THIS RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD OR ACQUIRING SHARES HEREUNDER. PARTICIPANT FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THIS AWARD AGREEMENT, THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREUNDER AND THE VESTING SCHEDULE SET FORTH HEREIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED PROMISE OF CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT AS A SERVICE PROVIDER FOR THE VESTING PERIOD, FOR ANY PERIOD, OR AT ALL, AND SHALL NOT INTERFERE IN ANY WAY WITH PARTICIPANT’S RIGHT OR THE RIGHT OF ANY SERVICE RECIPIENT TO TERMINATE PARTICIPANT’S RELATIONSHIP AS A SERVICE PROVIDER, SUBJECT TO APPLICABLE LAW, WHICH TERMINATION, UNLESS PROVIDED OTHERWISE UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, MAY BE AT ANY TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSE.
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10. Grant is Not Transferable. Except to the limited extent provided in Section 6, this Award and the rights and privileges conferred hereby will not be transferred, assigned, pledged or hypothecated in any way (whether by operation of law or otherwise) and will not be subject to sale under execution, attachment or similar process. Upon any attempt to transfer, assign, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of this Award, or any right or privilege conferred hereby, or upon any attempted sale under any execution, attachment or similar process, this Award and the rights and privileges conferred hereby immediately will become null and void.
11. Nature of Grant. In accepting this Award of Restricted Stock Units, Participant acknowledges, understands and agrees that:
(a) the grant of the Restricted Stock Units is voluntary and occasional and does not create any contractual or other right to receive future grants of Restricted Stock Units, or benefits in lieu of Restricted Stock Units, even if Restricted Stock Units have been granted in the past;
(b) all decisions with respect to future Restricted Stock Units or other grants, if any, will be at the sole discretion of the Administrator;
(c) Participant is voluntarily participating in the Plan;
(d) the Restricted Stock Units and the Shares subject to the Restricted Stock Units are not intended to replace any pension rights or compensation;
(e) the Restricted Stock Units and the Shares subject to the Restricted Stock Units, and the income and value of same, are not part of normal or expected compensation for any purpose, including without limitation calculating any severance, resignation, termination, redundancy, dismissal, end-of-service payments, bonuses, long-service awards, pension or retirement or welfare benefits or similar payments;
(f) the future value of the Shares underlying the Restricted Stock Units is unknown, indeterminable, and cannot be predicted with certainty;
(g) for purposes of the Restricted Stock Units, Participant’s status as a Service Provider will be considered terminated as of the date Participant is no longer actively providing services to the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company (regardless of the reason for such termination and whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is a Service Provider or the terms of Participant’s employment or service agreement, if any), and unless otherwise expressly provided in this Award Agreement (including by reference in the Notice of Grant to other arrangements or contracts) or determined by the Administrator, Participant’s right to vest in the Restricted Stock Units under the Plan, if any, will terminate as of such date and will not be extended by any notice period (e.g., Participant’s period of service would not include any contractual notice period or any period of “garden leave” or similar period mandated under employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is a Service Provider or the terms of Participant’s employment or service agreement, if any, unless Participant is providing bona fide services during such time); the Administrator shall have the exclusive discretion to determine when Participant is no longer actively providing services for purposes of this Award of Restricted Stock Units (including whether Participant may still be considered to be providing services while on a leave of absence and consistent with local law); and
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(h) unless otherwise provided in the Plan or by the Administrator in its discretion, the Restricted Stock Units and the benefits evidenced by this Award Agreement do not create any entitlement to have the Restricted Stock Units or any such benefits transferred to, or assumed by, another company nor be exchanged, cashed out or substituted for, in connection with any corporate transaction affecting the Shares.
12. No Advice Regarding Grant. The Company is not providing any tax, legal or financial advice, nor is the Company making any recommendations regarding Participant’s participation in the Plan, or Participant’s acquisition or sale of the Shares underlying the Restricted Stock Units. Participant is hereby advised to consult with Participant’s own personal tax, legal and financial advisers regarding Participant’s participation in the Plan before taking any action related to the Plan.
13. Address for Notices. Any notice to be given to the Company under the terms of this Award Agreement will be addressed to the Company at Kodiak AI, Inc., 1049 Terra Bella Ave., Mountain View, CA 94043, or at such other address as the Company may hereafter designate in writing.
14. Insider Trading Restrictions/Market Abuse Laws. In addition to all other restrictions set forth in the Plan or this Award Agreement, Participant is hereby notified that Participant may be subject to insider trading restrictions or market abuse laws, which may affect Participant’s ability to acquire or sell Shares or rights to Shares under the Plan during such time as Participant is considered to have “inside information” regarding the Company (as defined by Applicable Laws). Any restrictions under these laws or regulations are separate from and in addition to any restrictions that may be imposed under any applicable Company insider trading policy. Participants acknowledges and agrees that it is Participant’s responsibility to comply with any applicable restrictions and Participant is advised to speak to Participant’s personal advisor on this matter.
15. Successors and Assigns. The Company may assign any of its rights under this Award Agreement to single or multiple assignees, and this Award Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company. Subject to the restrictions on transfer herein set forth, this Award Agreement shall be binding upon Participant and Participant’s heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns. The rights and obligations of Participant under this Award Agreement may be assigned only with the prior written consent of the Company.
16. Additional Conditions to Issuance of Stock. If at any time the Company will determine, in its discretion, that the listing, registration, qualification or rule compliance of the Shares upon any securities exchange or under any state, federal or non-U.S. law, the tax code and related regulations or under the rulings or regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or any other governmental regulatory body or the clearance, consent or approval of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or any other governmental regulatory authority is necessary or desirable as a condition to the issuance of Shares to Participant (or Participant’s estate) hereunder, such issuance will not occur unless and until such listing, registration, qualification, rule compliance, clearance, consent or approval will have been completed, effected or obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the Company. If any such listing, registration, qualification, rule compliance, clearance, consent or approval has not been completed by the applicable Settlement Deadline Date (or, if later, the settlement date required under Section 4(c)(ii)) with respect to a Restricted Stock Unit in a manner that would
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allow it to be settled by the applicable Settlement Deadline Date (or, if later, the settlement date required under Section 4(c)(ii)), such Restricted Stock Unit shall be forfeited as of immediately following the Settlement Deadline (or, if later, the settlement date required under Section 4(c)(ii)) date. Subject to the terms of the Award Agreement and the Plan, the Company will not be required to issue any certificate or certificates for (or make any entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company of) the Shares hereunder prior to the lapse of such reasonable period of time following the date of vesting of the Restricted Stock Units as the Administrator may establish from time to time for reasons of administrative convenience.
17. Interpretation. The Administrator will have the power to interpret the Plan and this Award Agreement and to adopt such rules for the administration, interpretation and application of the Plan as are consistent therewith and to interpret or revoke any such rules (including, but not limited to, the determination of whether or not any Restricted Stock Units have vested). All actions taken and all interpretations and determinations made by the Administrator in good faith will be final and binding upon Participant, the Company and all other interested persons. Neither the Administrator nor any person acting on behalf of the Administrator will be personally liable for any action, determination or interpretation made in good faith with respect to the Plan or this Award Agreement. Unless the context requires otherwise and subject to the foregoing interpretation rights and powers of the Administrator in this Section 17, the term “or” as used in this Award Agreement is not exclusive.
18. Electronic Delivery and Acceptance. The Company may, in its sole discretion, decide to deliver any documents related to the Restricted Stock Units awarded under the Plan or future Restricted Stock Units that may be awarded under the Plan by electronic means or require Participant to participate in the Plan by electronic means. Participant hereby consents to receive such documents by electronic delivery and agrees to participate in the Plan through any on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or a third party designated by the Company.
19. Captions. Captions provided herein are for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Award Agreement.
20. Amendment, Suspension or Termination of the Plan. By accepting this Award, Participant expressly warrants that Participant has received an Award of Restricted Stock Units under the Plan, and has received, read and understood a description of the Plan. Participant understands that the Plan is discretionary in nature and may be amended, suspended or terminated by the Administrator at any time.
21. Country Addendum. Notwithstanding any provisions in this Award Agreement, the Restricted Stock Unit grant shall be subject to any special terms and conditions set forth in an appendix (if any) to this Award Agreement for any country whose laws are applicable to Participant and this Award of Restricted Stock Units (as determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion) (the “Country Addendum”). Moreover, if Participant relocates to one of the countries included in the Country Addendum (if any), the special terms and conditions for such country will apply to Participant, to the extent the Company determines that the application of such terms and conditions is necessary or advisable for legal or administrative reasons. The Country Addendum (if any) constitutes a part of this Award Agreement.
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22. Modifications to the Award Agreement. This Award Agreement constitutes the entire understanding of the parties on the subjects covered. Participant expressly warrants that Participant is not accepting this Award Agreement in reliance on any promises, representations, or inducements other than those contained herein. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan or this Award Agreement, the Company reserves the right to revise this Award Agreement as it deems necessary or advisable, in its sole discretion and without the consent of Participant, to comply with Section 409A or to otherwise avoid imposition of any additional tax or income recognition under Section 409A in connection with this Award of Restricted Stock Units.
23. No Waiver. Either party’s failure to enforce any provision or provisions of this Award Agreement shall not in any way be construed as a waiver of any such provision or provisions, nor prevent that party from thereafter enforcing each and every other provision of this Award Agreement. The rights granted both parties herein are cumulative and shall not constitute a waiver of either party’s right to assert all other legal remedies available to it under the circumstances.
24. Governing Law; Severability. This Award Agreement and the Restricted Stock Units are governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules, of the State of Delaware. In the event that any provision hereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable or void, this Award Agreement shall continue in full force and effect.
25. Binding Terms. The terms, conditions, obligations, and requirements of this Award Agreement will apply as a condition of receiving and holding the Award without the need for any manual or other execution of this Award Agreement by Participant or the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, as a condition to holding the Award or the vesting or settlement of the Award, upon the Company’s request at any time, the Company may require Participant to manually or electronically sign this Award Agreement, if Participant has not already done so.
26. Entire Agreement. The Plan is incorporated herein by reference. The Plan and this Award Agreement (including the exhibits, appendices, and addenda attached to the Notice of Grant) constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified materially and adversely to Participant’s interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company and Participant.
* * *
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EXHIBIT B
VESTING APPENDIX
The following terms shall apply to the Award of Restricted Stock Units granted to the Participant identified in the Notice of Grant to which this Vesting Appendix is attached. Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms shall have the meanings set forth in the Plan or Award Agreement, as applicable.
1. Vesting Schedule. Vesting of the Restricted Stock Units is subject to (i) the Restricted Stock Units becoming Earned Units (as defined below) by satisfaction of the Performance Requirement (as described in Section 3), and (ii) satisfaction of the Service Requirement (as described in Section 2). No Restricted Stock Units will vest unless both vesting requirements are met.
2. Service Requirement. The Service Requirement will be satisfied on the same service-based vesting schedule applicable to option number [OPTION ID] granted to Participant by Kodiak Robotics, Inc. (“Legacy Kodiak”) under the Legacy Kodiak 2018 Equity Incentive Plan, subject to Participant’s continued status as a Service Provider through each applicable date.
3. Performance Requirement.
(a) Tranches. For purposes of the Performance Requirement, the Restricted Stock Units are divided into three (3) vesting tranches (each, a “Tranche”), numbered 1 through 3, as set forth in the table below.
Table 1
| Tranche Number | Restricted Stock Units Subject to Tranche* |
Stock Price Goal* | ||||
| 1 | 1/3rd of Restricted Stock Units | $ | 18 | |||
| 2 | 1/3rd of Restricted Stock Units | $ | 23 | |||
| 3 | 1/3rd of Restricted Stock Units | $ | 28 | |||
| * | Each value in the “Stock Price Goal” column and the number of Restricted Stock Units subject to each Tranche automatically will be proportionally adjusted to reflect the impact of any stock splits, reverse stock splits, stock dividends, extraordinary cash dividends, reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, combination, exchange of shares or other like change or transaction with respect to the Company during the Performance Period. |
(b) Stock Price Goals. For a Tranche to become eligible to vest, the Company must certify achievement no later than thirty (30) days following the end of the Performance Period of a Specified Price that exceeds the Stock Price Goal set forth opposite such Tranche in Table 1 above (each, a “Stock Price Goal”), subject to Participant’s continued status as a Service Provider through the date of achievement. Upon certification of achievement within the Performance Period of a Stock
Price Goal, all of the Restricted Stock Units corresponding to such Tranche will become “Earned Units” and eligible to vest, subject to satisfaction of the Service Requirement. For clarity, (i) the Stock Price Goal applicable to a Tranche may be achieved only once during the Performance Period, and (ii) the Stock Price Goal for more than one Tranche may be achieved at the same time (to the extent not previously achieved).
(c) Certification of Performance. The Administrator will determine and certify in writing (a “Certification”) whether the Company has achieved any of the Stock Price Goals based on whether the Specified Price exceeds a Stock Price Goal. The date of each such Certification is a “Certification Date.” Once a Stock Price Goal with respect to a Tranche has been certified, the Earned Units subject to such Tranche will vest, subject to satisfaction of the Service Requirement (and subject to Section 5 below). To the extent a Stock Price Goal for any Tranche has not been determined to be achieved pursuant to a Certification on or prior to thirty (30) days after the last day of the Performance Period, then the Administrator will complete a final Certification to determine whether the Stock Price Goal for any such Tranche was achieved during the Performance Period (the “Final Certification”).
(d) Forfeiture. Any Restricted Stock Units that have not become Earned Units following the date that is thirty (30) days following the end of the Performance Period will be forfeited automatically as of that date and Participant’s right to acquire any of such Restricted Stock Units will terminate immediately. In addition, if Participant ceases to be a Service Provider for any or no reason, any then-unvested Restricted Stock Units will be immediately forfeited.
4. Change of Control. In the event of a Change of Control that occurs during the Performance Period, the terms of this Section 4 will apply.
(a) Shortened Performance Period. The Performance Period will be shortened to end on a date that is selected by the Administrator and occurs within the ten (10) day period prior to the expected date of completion of the Change of Control (the “Shortened Performance Period”).
(b) Final Certification. The Administrator will complete a Final Certification for such Shortened Performance Period prior to the completion of the Change of Control.
(c) Earned Units. Any Restricted Stock Units for a Tranche for which the Company achieves the applicable Stock Price Goal (and for which the applicable Stock Price Goal has not already been achieved) will become Earned Units following the Final Certification (which, for clarity, shall be effective as of immediately prior to the completion of the Change of Control). The occurrence of a Change of Control will not change the Service Requirement and vesting of any such Earned Units will remain subject to satisfaction of the Service Requirement (which, for the avoidance of doubt, is subject to any acceleration of service-based vesting in connection with the Change of Control under the terms of the Legacy Kodiak 2018 Equity Incentive Plan or a Participant’s option agreement).
(d) Forfeiture. For clarity, any Restricted Stock Units that have not become Earned Units in connection with the Final Certification will be forfeited immediately as of such time, and will not be eligible for any vesting or payment of any consideration, including as a result of or in connection with the completion of a Change of Control.
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5. Definitions.
(a) “Change of Control” means any transaction or series of transactions the result of which is: (a) the acquisition by any Person or “group” (as defined in the Exchange Act) of Persons (other than the Company) of direct or indirect beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act) of equity securities representing 50% or more of the combined voting power or economic rights or interests in the Company; (b) a merger, consolidation, reorganization or other business combination, however effected, resulting in: (i) any Person or “group” (as defined in the Exchange Act) acquiring at least 50% of the combined voting power or economic rights or interests in the Company or the surviving Person outstanding immediately after such combination; or (ii) members of the board of directors of the Company immediately prior to such merger, consolidation, reorganization or other business combination not constituting at least a majority of the board of directors of the company surviving the combination or, if the surviving company is a Subsidiary, the ultimate parent of such Subsidiary; or (c) a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company.
(b) “Performance Period” means the time period beginning [insert closing date] and ending on the earlier of (a) [insert 4-year anniversary of closing date] or (b) the consummation of a Change of Control.
(c) “Specified Price” means either (i) the VWAP of a share of Company capital stock as reported on the securities exchange constituting the primary market for the Company’s capital stock for 20 out of 30 consecutive trading days preceding any date, or (ii) in the event of a Change of Control occurring prior to the end of the Performance Period, the value per share of Company capital stock to be paid or distributed to the holder of a share of Company capital stock in connection with such Change of Control (inclusive of the value of any contingent consideration payable or distributable in connection with such Change of Control, as determined reasonably and in good faith by the Administrator), plus, in each case, the cumulative value per share of Company capital stock of all dividends and distributions made between the grant date and the applicable date of determination.
(d) “VWAP” means for any security as of any day or multi-day period means the dollar volume-weighted average price for such security on the principal securities exchange or securities market on which such security is then traded during the period beginning at 9:30:01 a.m., New York time, and ending at 4:00:00 p.m., New York time, as reported by Bloomberg through its “HP” function (set to weighted average). If the foregoing does not apply, “VWAP” shall mean the dollar volume-weighted average price of such security in the over-the-counter market on the electronic bulletin board for such security during the period beginning at 9:30:01 a.m., New York time, and ending at 4:00:00 p.m., New York time, as reported by Bloomberg. If no dollar volume-weighted average price is reported for such security by Bloomberg for such hours, “VWAP” shall mean the average of the highest closing bid price and the lowest closing ask price of any of the market makers for such security as reported by OTC Markets Group Inc. If the VWAP cannot be calculated for such security on such date(s) on any of the foregoing bases, the VWAP of such security on such day or multi-day period (as applicable) shall be the fair market value per share on such day or multi-day period (as applicable) as reasonably determined by the Company.
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KODIAK AI, INC.
2025 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
COUNTRY ADDENDUM TO RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT
Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used in this Country Addendum to Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (this “Country Addendum”) will be ascribed the same defined meanings as set forth in the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement of which this Country Addendum forms a part (or the Plan or other written agreement as specified in the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement).
Terms and Conditions
This Country Addendum includes additional terms and conditions that govern the Award of Restricted Stock Units granted pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Kodiak AI, Inc. 2025 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement to which this Country Addendum is attached (the “Restricted Stock Unit Agreement”) to the extent the individual to whom the Restricted Stock Units were granted (“Participant”) resides or works in one of the countries listed below. If Participant is a citizen or resident (or is considered as such for local law purposes) of a country other than the country in which Participant is currently residing or working, or if Participant relocates to another country after the Award of Restricted Stock Units is granted, the Company, in its discretion, will determine to what extent the terms and conditions contained herein will apply to Participant.
Notifications
This Country Addendum also may include information regarding exchange controls and certain other issues of which Participant should be aware with respect to Participant’s participation in the Plan. The information is based on the securities, exchange control and other Applicable Laws in effect in the respective countries as of [DATE]. Such Applicable Laws often are complex and change frequently. As a result, the Company strongly recommends that Participant not rely on the information in this Country Addendum as the only source of information relating to the consequences of Participant’s participation in the Plan because the information may be out of date at the time Participant vests in or receives or sells the Shares covered by the Restricted Stock Units.
In addition, the information contained in this Country Addendum is general in nature and may not apply to Participant’s particular situation, and the Company is not in a position to assure Participant of any particular result. Participant should seek appropriate professional advice as to how the Applicable Laws in Participant’s country may apply to Participant’s situation.
Finally, if Participant is a citizen or resident of a country other than the one in which Participant currently is residing or working, transfers residence or employment to another country after the grant of the Restricted Stock Units, or is considered a resident of another country for local law purposes, the information in this Country Addendum may not apply to Participant in the same manner.
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| I. | GLOBAL PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO PARTICIPANTS IN ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN THE UNITED STATES |
1. Foreign Currency Exchange Considerations. Participant understands and agrees that neither the Company nor any Service Recipient shall be liable for any foreign currency exchange rate fluctuation between Participant’s local currency and the U.S. dollar that may affect the value of the Restricted Stock Units, or of any amounts due to Participant under the Plan or as a result of vesting of the Participant’s Restricted Stock Units or the subsequent sale of any Shares acquired under the Plan. Participant agrees and acknowledges that he or she will bear any and all risk associated with the exchange or fluctuation of currency associated with his or her participation in the Plan. Participant acknowledges and agrees that Participant may be responsible for reporting inbound transactions or fund transfers that exceed a certain amount. Participant is advised to seek appropriate professional advice as to how the exchange control regulations apply to his or her Restricted Stock Units and Participant’s specific situation and understands that the relevant laws and regulations can change frequently and occasionally on a retroactive basis.
2. Nature of Grant. The following provisions supplement Section 11 of the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement:
(a) the Restricted Stock Units and the Shares subject to the Restricted Stock Units are not part of normal or expected compensation or salary for any purpose;
(b) Participant acknowledges and agrees that no Service Recipient shall be liable for any foreign exchange rate fluctuation between Participant’s local currency and the United States Dollar that may affect the value of the Restricted Stock Units or of any amounts due to Participant pursuant to the settlement of the Restricted Stock Units or the subsequent sale of any Shares acquired upon settlement; and
(c) no claim or entitlement to compensation or damages shall arise from forfeiture of the Restricted Stock Units resulting from the termination of Participant’s status as a Service Provider (for any reason whatsoever whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is a Service Provider or the terms of Participant’s employment or service agreement, if any), and in consideration of the grant of the Restricted Stock Units to which Participant is otherwise not entitled, Participant irrevocably agrees never to institute any claim against any Service Recipient, waives Participant’s ability, if any, to bring any such claim, and releases each Service Recipient from any such claim; if, notwithstanding the foregoing, any such claim is allowed by a court of competent jurisdiction, then, by participating in the Plan, Participant shall be deemed irrevocably to have agreed not to pursue such claim and agrees to execute any and all documents necessary to request dismissal or withdrawal of such claim.
3. Data Privacy. Participant hereby acknowledges the collection, use and transfer, in electronic or other form, of Participant’s personal data as described in this Award Agreement and any other Restricted Stock Unit grant materials by and among, as applicable, the Service Recipients for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing Participant’s participation in the Plan.
Participant understands that the Company and the Service Recipient may hold certain personal information about Participant, including, but not limited to, Participant’s name, home address and telephone number, date of birth, social insurance number or other identification number, salary, nationality, job title, any Shares or directorships held in the Company, details of all Restricted Stock Units or any other entitlement to Shares awarded, canceled, exercised, vested, unvested or outstanding in Participant’s favor (“Data”), for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing the Plan.
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Participant understands that Data may be transferred to a stock plan service provider, as may be selected by the Company in the future, assisting the Company with the implementation, administration and management of the Plan. Participant understands that the recipients of the Data may be located in the United States or elsewhere, and that the recipients’ country of operation (e.g., the United States) may have different data privacy laws and protections than Participant’s country. Participant understands that Participant may request information about sharing, processing, and storage of Data and may exercise their rights with respect to the Data, which may include the right to terminate sharing, processing, and storage, by following instructions in the Company’s Personnel Privacy Notice or by contacting Participant’s local human resources representative. Participant authorizes the Company, any stock plan service provider selected by the Company and any other possible recipients which may assist the Company (presently or in the future) with implementing, administering and managing the Plan to receive, possess, use, retain and transfer the Data, in electronic or other form, for the sole purpose of implementing, administering and managing Participant’s participation in the Plan. Participant understands that Data will be held only as long as is necessary to implement, administer and manage Participant’s participation in the Plan.
4. Language. If Participant has received the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement or any other document related to the Plan translated into a language other than English and if the meaning of the translated version is different than the English version, the English version will control.
[Insert country-specific provisions.]
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Exhibit 10.16
KODIAK AI, INC.
2025 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
1. Purpose. The purpose of this Plan is to provide employees of the Company and its Designated Companies with an opportunity to purchase Common Stock through accumulated Contributions. The Company intends for this Plan to have two components: a component that is intended to qualify as an “employee stock purchase plan” under Code Section 423 (the “423 Component”) and a component that is not intended to qualify as an “employee stock purchase plan” under Code Section 423 (the “Non-423 Component”). The provisions of the 423 Component, accordingly, will be construed to extend and limit Plan participation in a uniform and nondiscriminatory basis consistent with the requirements of Code Section 423. In addition, this Plan authorizes the grant of an option to purchase shares of Common Stock under the Non-423 Component that does not qualify as an “employee stock purchase plan” under Code Section 423; an option granted under the Non-423 Component will provide for substantially the same benefits as an option granted under the 423 Component, except that a Non-423 Component option may include features necessary to comply with applicable non-U.S. laws pursuant to rules, procedures or sub-plans adopted by the Administrator. Except as otherwise provided herein or by the Administrator, the Non-423 Component will operate and be administered in the same manner as the 423 Component.
2. Definitions.
2.1 “Administrator” means the Board or any Committee designated by the Board to administer this Plan pursuant to Section 4.
2.2 “Applicable Laws” means the legal and regulatory requirements relating to the administration of equity-based awards, including but not limited to the related issuance of shares of Common Stock, including but not limited to, under U.S. federal and state corporate laws, U.S. federal and state securities laws, the Code, any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and the applicable laws of any non-U.S. country or jurisdiction where options are, or will be, granted under this Plan.
2.3 “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
2.4 “Change in Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:
(a) Change in Ownership of the Company. A change in the ownership of the Company which occurs on the date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (“Person”), acquires ownership of the stock of the Company that, together with the stock held by such Person, constitutes more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of the stock of the Company; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (a), the acquisition of additional stock by any one Person, who is considered to own more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of the stock of the Company will not be considered a Change in Control; provided, further, that any change in the ownership of the stock of the Company as a result of a capital raising transaction of the Company that is approved by the Board also will not be considered a Change in Control. Further, if the stockholders of the Company immediately before such change in ownership continue to retain
immediately after the change in ownership, in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of shares of the Company’s voting stock immediately prior to the change in ownership, direct or indirect beneficial ownership of fifty percent (50%) or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Company or of the ultimate parent entity of the Company, such event will not be considered a Change in Control under this subsection (a). For this purpose, indirect beneficial ownership will include, without limitation, an interest resulting from ownership of the voting securities of one or more corporations or other business entities which own the Company, as the case may be, either directly or through one or more subsidiary corporations or other business entities; or
(b) Change in Effective Control of the Company. A change in the effective control of the Company which occurs on the date that a majority of members of the Board is replaced during any twelve (12) month period by Directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board prior to the date of the appointment or election. For purposes of this subsection (b), if any Person is considered to be in effective control of the Company, the acquisition of additional control of the Company by the same Person will not be considered a Change in Control; or
(c) Change in Ownership of a Substantial Portion of the Company’s Assets. A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets which occurs on the date that any Person acquires (or has acquired during the twelve (12) month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such Person or Persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than fifty percent (50%) of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (c), the following will not constitute a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets: (i) a transfer to an entity that is controlled by the Company’s stockholders immediately after the transfer, or (ii) a transfer of assets by the Company to: (A) a stockholder of the Company (immediately before the asset transfer) in exchange for or with respect to the Company’s stock, (B) an entity, fifty percent (50%) or more of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company, (C) a Person, that owns, directly or indirectly, fifty percent (50%) or more of the total value or voting power of all the outstanding stock of the Company, or (D) an entity, at least fifty percent (50%) of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by a Person described in this subsection (c)(ii)(C). For purposes of this subsection (c), gross fair market value means the value of the assets of the Company, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets.
For purposes of this definition, persons will be considered to be acting as a group if they are owners of a corporation that enters into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, or similar business transaction with the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a transaction will not be deemed a Change in Control unless the transaction qualifies as a change in control event within the meaning of Section 409A.
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Further and for purposes of clarity, a transaction will not constitute a Change in Control if: (x) its primary purpose is to change the jurisdiction of the Company’s incorporation, or (y) its primary purpose is to create a holding company that will be owned in substantially the same proportions by the persons who held the Company’s securities immediately before such transaction.
2.5 “Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Reference to a specific section of the Code or regulation thereunder will include such section or regulation, any valid regulation or other formal guidance of general or direct applicability promulgated under such section, and any comparable provision of any future legislation or regulation amending, supplementing or superseding such section or regulation.
2.6 “Committee” means a committee of the Board appointed in accordance with Section 4.
2.7 “Common Stock” means the common stock of the Company.
2.8 “Company” means Ares Acquisition Corporation II (which, as of the effectiveness of the Plan, will be Kodiak AI, Inc., a Delaware corporation), or any successor thereto.
2.9 “Compensation” means an Eligible Employee’s base straight time gross earnings, but exclusive of payments for overtime, shift premium, commissions, incentive compensation, equity compensation, bonuses and other similar compensation. The Administrator, in its discretion, may, on a uniform and nondiscriminatory basis, establish a different definition of Compensation for a subsequent Offering Period.
2.10 “Contributions” means the payroll deductions and other additional payments that the Company may permit to be made by a Participant to fund the exercise of options granted pursuant to this Plan.
2.11 “Designated Company” means any Subsidiary that has been designated by the Administrator from time to time in its sole discretion as eligible to participate in this Plan. For purposes of the 423 Component, only the Company and its Subsidiaries may be Designated Companies, provided, however that at any given time, a Subsidiary that is a Designated Company under the 423 Component will not be a Designated Company under the Non-423 Component.
2.12 “Director” means a member of the Board.
2.13 “Effective Time” means the consummation of the mergers by and between Kodiak Robotics, Inc., the Company, and certain other parties, pursuant to that certain Business Combination Agreement dated April 14, 2025.
2.14 “Eligible Employee” means any individual who is a common law employee providing services to the Company or a Designated Company and is customarily employed for at least twenty (20) hours per week and more than five (5) months in any calendar year by the Employer, or any lesser number of hours per week and/or number of months in any calendar year established by the Administrator (if required under Applicable Laws) for purposes of any separate Offering or for Participants in the Non-423 Component. For purposes of this Plan, the employment relationship will be treated as continuing intact while the individual is on sick leave or other leave of absence that the Employer approves or is legally protected under Applicable Laws with respect to the Participant’s participation in this Plan. Where the period of leave exceeds three (3) months and the individual’s
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right to reemployment is not guaranteed either by statute or by contract, the employment relationship will be deemed to have terminated three (3) months and one (1) day following the commencement of such leave. The Administrator, in its discretion, from time to time may, prior to an Enrollment Date for all options to be granted on such Enrollment Date in an Offering, determine (for each Offering under the 423 Component, on a uniform and nondiscriminatory basis or as otherwise permitted by U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.423-2) that the definition of Eligible Employee will or will not include an individual if he or she: (a) has not completed at least two (2) years of service since his or her last hire date (or such lesser period of time as may be determined by the Administrator in its discretion), (b) customarily works not more than twenty (20) hours per week (or such lesser period of time as may be determined by the Administrator in its discretion), (c) customarily works not more than five (5) months per calendar year (or such lesser period of time as may be determined by the Administrator in its discretion), (d) is a highly compensated employee within the meaning of Code Section 414(q), or (e) is a highly compensated employee within the meaning of Code Section 414(q) with compensation above a certain level or is an officer or subject to the disclosure requirements of Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, provided the exclusion is applied with respect to each Offering under the 423 Component in an identical manner to all highly compensated individuals of the Employer whose employees are participating in that Offering. Each exclusion will be applied with respect to an Offering under the 423 Component in a manner complying with U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.423-2(e)(2)(ii). Such exclusions may be applied with respect to an Offering under the Non-423 Component without regard to the limitations of U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.423-2.
2.15 “Employer” means the employer of the applicable Eligible Employee(s).
2.16 “Enrollment Date” means the first Trading Day of each Offering Period.
2.17 “Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
2.18 “Exercise Date” means the last Trading Day of a Purchase Period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that an Offering Period is terminated prior to its expiration pursuant to Section 18, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may determine that any Purchase Period also terminating under such Offering Period will terminate without options being exercised on the Exercise Date(s) that otherwise would have occurred on the last Trading Day of such Purchase Period.
2.19 “Fair Market Value” means, as of any date and unless the Administrator determines otherwise, the value of a share of Common Stock determined as follows:
(a) If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or a national market system, including without limitation the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq Global Select Market, the Nasdaq Global Market, or the Nasdaq Capital Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market, its Fair Market Value will be the closing sales price for such stock (or, if no closing sales price was reported on that date, as applicable, on the last Trading Day such closing sales price was reported) as quoted on such exchange or system on the date of determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable;
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(b) If the Common Stock is regularly quoted by a recognized securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock will be the mean between the high bid and low asked prices for the Common Stock on the day of determination (or if no bids and asks were reported on that date, as applicable, on the last Trading Day such bids and asks were reported), as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable; or
(c) In the absence of an established market for the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value will be determined in good faith by the Administrator.
The determination of fair market value for purposes of tax withholding may be made in the Administrator’s discretion subject to Applicable Laws and is not required to be consistent with the determination of Fair Market Value for other purposes.
2.20 “Fiscal Year” means the fiscal year of the Company.
2.21 “New Exercise Date” means a new Exercise Date if the Administrator shortens any Offering Period then in progress.
2.22 “Offering” means an offer under this Plan of an option that may be exercised during an Offering Period as further described in Section 6. For purposes of this Plan, the Administrator may designate separate Offerings under this Plan (the terms of which need not be identical) in which Eligible Employees of one or more Employers will participate, even if the dates of the applicable Offering Periods of each such Offering are identical and the provisions of this Plan will separately apply to each Offering. To the extent permitted by U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.423-2(a)(1), the terms of each Offering need not be identical provided that the terms of this Plan and an Offering together satisfy U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.423-2(a)(2) and (a)(3).
2.23 “Offering Period” means a period beginning on such date as may be determined by the Administrator, in its discretion, and ending on such Exercise Date as may be determined by the Administrator, in its discretion, during which an option granted pursuant to this Plan may be exercised. The duration and timing of Offering Periods may be changed pursuant to Sections 6 and 18.
2.24 “Parent” means a “parent corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Code Section 424(e).
2.25 “Participant” means an Eligible Employee that participates in this Plan.
2.26 “Plan” means this Kodiak AI, Inc. 2025 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
2.27 “Purchase Period” means the period during an Offering Period and during which shares of Common Stock may be purchased on behalf of Participants thereunder in accordance with the terms of this Plan. Purchase Periods will have such duration as determined by the Administrator, commencing after one Exercise Date and ending with the next Exercise Date, except that the first Purchase Period of any Offering Period will commence on the Enrollment Date and end with the next Exercise Date. Unless the Administrator provides otherwise, a Purchase Period in an Offering Period will have the same duration as, and coincide with the length of, such Offering Period.
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2.28 “Purchase Price” means an amount equal to eighty-five percent (85%) of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the Enrollment Date or on the Exercise Date, whichever is lower; provided however, that the Purchase Price may be determined for any Offering Period by the Administrator subject to compliance with Code Section 423 (or any successor rule or provision or any other Applicable Laws, regulation or stock exchange rule) or pursuant to Section 18.
2.29 “Section 409A” means Code Section 409A and the U.S. Treasury Regulations and guidance thereunder, and any applicable state law equivalent, as each may be promulgated, amended or modified from time to time.
2.30 “Subsidiary” means a “subsidiary corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Code Section 424(f).
2.31 “Trading Day” means a day that the primary stock exchange, national market system, or other trading platform, as applicable, upon which the Common Stock is listed (or otherwise trades regularly, as determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion) is open for trading.
2.32 “U.S. Treasury Regulations” means the Treasury Regulations of the Code. Reference to a specific Treasury Regulation or Section of the Code will include such Treasury Regulation or Section, any valid regulation promulgated under such Section, and any comparable provision of any future legislation or regulation amending, supplementing or superseding such Section or regulation.
3. Stock.
3.1 Stock Subject to the Plan. Subject to adjustment upon changes in capitalization of the Company as provided in Section 17 and the automatic increase set forth in Section 3.2, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that will be made available for sale under this Plan will be a number equal to the lesser of (i) 5,639,000 shares of Common Stock, or (ii) 2% of the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately following the Effective Time. The shares of Common Stock may be authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Common Stock.
3.2 Automatic Share Reserve Increase. Subject to adjustment upon changes in capitalization of the Company as provided in Section 17, the number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance under this Plan will be increased annually on the first day of each Fiscal Year, beginning with the Fiscal Year following the Fiscal Year in which the first Enrollment Date (if any) occurs, in an amount equal to the least of (a) 11,280,000 shares of Common Stock, (b) a number of shares of Common Stock equal to one percent (1%) of the total number of shares of all classes of common stock of the Company outstanding on the last day of the immediately preceding Fiscal Year, and (c) such number of Shares determined by the Administrator no later than the last day of the immediately preceding Fiscal Year.
4. Administration. This Plan will be administered by the Board or a Committee appointed by the Board, which Committee will be constituted to comply with Applicable Laws. The Administrator will have full and exclusive discretionary authority to:
(a) construe, interpret and apply the terms of this Plan,
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(b) delegate ministerial duties to any of the Company’s employees,
(c) designate separate Offerings under this Plan,
(d) designate Subsidiaries as participating in the 423 Component or Non-423 Component,
(e) determine eligibility,
(f) adjudicate all disputed claims filed under this Plan, and
(g) establish such procedures that it deems necessary or advisable for the administration of this Plan (including, without limitation, to adopt such procedures, sub-plans, and appendices to the subscription agreement as are necessary or appropriate to permit the participation in this Plan by employees who are foreign nationals or employed outside the U.S., the terms of which sub-plans and appendices may take precedence over other provisions of this Plan, with the exception of Section 3, but unless otherwise superseded by the terms of such sub-plan or appendix, the provisions of this Plan will govern the operation of such sub-plan or appendix). Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, the Eligible Employees eligible to participate in each sub-plan will participate in a separate Offering under the 423 Component, or if the terms would not qualify under the 423 Component, in the Non-423 Component, in either case unless such designation would cause the 423 Component to violate the requirements of Code Section 423.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrator is specifically authorized to adopt rules and procedures regarding eligibility to participate, the definition of Compensation, handling of Contributions, making of Contributions to this Plan (including, without limitation, in forms other than payroll deductions), establishment of bank or trust accounts to hold Contributions, payment of interest, conversion of local currency, obligations to pay payroll tax, determination of beneficiary designation requirements, withholding procedures and handling of stock certificates that vary with applicable local requirements. The Administrator also is authorized to determine that, to the extent permitted by U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.423-2(f), the terms of an option granted under this Plan or an Offering to citizens or residents of a non-U.S. jurisdiction will be less favorable than the terms of options granted under this Plan or the same Offering to employees resident solely in the U.S. Every finding, decision and determination made by the Administrator will, to the full extent permitted by law, be final and binding upon all parties.
5. Eligibility.
5.1 Offering Periods. Any Eligible Employee on a given Enrollment Date will be eligible to participate in this Plan, subject to the requirements of Section 7.
5.2 Non-U.S. Employees. Eligible Employees who are citizens or residents of a non-U.S. jurisdiction (without regard to whether they also are citizens or residents of the United States or resident aliens (within the meaning of Code Section 7701(b)(1)(A))) may be excluded from participation in this Plan or an Offering if the participation of such Eligible Employees is prohibited under the laws of the applicable jurisdiction or if complying with the laws of the applicable jurisdiction would cause this Plan or an Offering to violate Code Section 423. In the case of the Non-423 Component, an Eligible Employee may be excluded from participation in this Plan or an Offering if the Administrator has determined that participation of such Eligible Employee is not advisable or practicable.
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5.3 Limitations. Any provisions of this Plan to the contrary notwithstanding, no Eligible Employee will be granted an option under this Plan (a) to the extent that, immediately after the grant, such Eligible Employee (or any other person whose stock would be attributed to such Eligible Employee pursuant to Code Section 424(d)) would own capital stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company and/or hold outstanding options to purchase such stock possessing five percent (5%) or more of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of the capital stock of the Company or of any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company, or (b) to the extent that his or her rights to purchase stock under all employee stock purchase plans (as defined in Code Section 423) of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company accrues at a rate, which exceeds twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) worth of stock (determined at the Fair Market Value of the stock at the time such option is granted) for each calendar year in which such option is outstanding at any time, as determined in accordance with Code Section 423 and the regulations thereunder.
6. Offering Periods. This Plan will be implemented by Offering Periods as established by the Administrator from time to time. Offering Periods will expire on the earliest to occur of (a) the completion of the purchase of shares on the last Exercise Date occurring within twenty-seven (27) months of the applicable Enrollment Date on which the option to purchase shares was granted under this Plan, or (b) such shorter period established prior to the Enrollment Date of the Offering Period by the Administrator, from time to time, in its discretion, on a uniform and nondiscriminatory basis, for all options to be granted on such Enrollment Date. The Administrator will have the power to change the duration of Offering Periods (including the commencement dates thereof) with respect to future Offerings without stockholder approval if such change is announced prior to the scheduled beginning of the first Offering Period to be affected thereafter; provided, however, that no Offering Period may last more than twenty-seven (27) months.
7. Participation. An Eligible Employee may participate in this Plan pursuant to Section 5.1 (a) by submitting to the Company’s Legal Department (or its designee), a properly completed subscription agreement authorizing Contributions in the form provided by the Administrator for such purpose (which may be similar to the form attached hereto as Exhibit A), or (b) in accordance with an electronic or other enrollment procedure determined by the Administrator, in either case, on or before a date determined by the Administrator prior to an applicable Enrollment Date.
8. Contributions.
8.1 Contribution Amounts. At the time a Participant enrolls in this Plan pursuant to Section 7, he or she will elect to have Contributions (in the form of payroll deductions or otherwise, to the extent permitted by the Administrator) made on each pay day during the Offering Period in an amount not exceeding fifteen percent (15%) of the Compensation, which he or she receives on each pay day during the Offering Period; provided, however, that unless and until determined otherwise by the Administrator, should a pay day occur on an Exercise Date, a Participant will have any Contributions made on such day applied to his or her account under the then-current Purchase Period or Offering Period (i.e., for which the Exercise Date occurs on such day).
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8.2 Contribution Methods. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may permit all Participants in a specified Offering to contribute amounts to this Plan through payment by cash, check or other means set forth in the subscription agreement prior to each Exercise Date of each Offering Period. A Participant’s subscription agreement will remain in effect for successive Offering Periods unless terminated as provided in Section 12 (or Participant’s participation is terminated as provided in Section 13).
(a) In the event Contributions are made in the form of payroll deductions, such payroll deductions for a Participant will commence on the first pay day following the Enrollment Date and will end on the last pay day on or prior to the last Exercise Date of such Offering Period to which such authorization is applicable, unless sooner terminated by the Participant as provided in Section 12 (or Participant’s participation is terminated as provided in Section 13).
(b) All Contributions made for a Participant will be credited to his or her account under this Plan and Contributions will be made in whole percentages of his or her Compensation only. A Participant may not make any additional payments into such account.
8.3 Participant Changes to Contributions. A Participant may discontinue his or her participation in this Plan as provided under Section 12. Until and unless determined otherwise by the Administrator, in its sole discretion, during any Offering Period, a Participant may not increase the rate of his or her Contributions applicable to such Offering Period and may decrease the rate of his or her Contributions applicable to such Offering Period only one (1) time, provided that such decrease is to a Contribution rate of zero percent (0%). In addition, until and unless determined otherwise by the Administrator, in its sole discretion, during any Offering Period, a Participant may increase or decrease the rate of his or her Contributions (as a whole percent to a rate between zero percent (0%) and the maximum percentage specified in Section 8.1), which Contribution rate adjustment will become effective upon the commencement of the next Offering Period and remain in effect for subsequent Offering Periods and, except as set forth in the immediately preceding sentence, any such adjustment will not affect the Contribution rate for any ongoing Offering Period.
(a) A Participant may make a Contribution rate adjustment pursuant to this Section 8.3 (i) by properly completing and submitting to the Company’s Legal Department (or its designee), a new subscription agreement authorizing the change in Contribution rate in the form provided by the Administrator for such purpose, or (ii) in accordance with an electronic or other procedure prescribed by the Administrator, in either case, on or before a date determined by the Administrator prior to (x) the scheduled beginning of the first Offering Period to be affected or (y) an applicable Exercise Date, as applicable. If a Participant has not followed such procedures to change the rate of Contributions, the rate of his or her Contributions will continue at the originally elected rate throughout the Offering Period and future Offering Periods (unless the Participant’s participation is terminated as provided in Sections 12 or 13).
(b) The Administrator may, in its sole discretion, limit or amend the nature and/or number of Contribution rate changes (including to permit, prohibit and/or limit increases and/or decreases to rate changes) that may be made by Participants during any Purchase Period or Offering Period, and may establish such other conditions or limitations as it deems appropriate for Plan administration.
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(c) Except as provided by this Section 8.3, any change in Contribution rate made pursuant to this Section 8.3 will be effective as of the first full payroll period following five (5) business days after the date on which the change is made by the Participant (unless the Administrator, in its sole discretion, elects to process a given change in Contribution rate earlier).
8.4 Other Contribution Changes. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent necessary to comply with Code Section 423(b)(8) and Section 5.3 (which generally limit participation in an Offering Period pursuant to certain Applicable Laws), a Participant’s Contributions may be decreased to zero percent (0%) by the Administrator at any time during an Offering Period (or a Purchase Period, as applicable). Subject to Code Section 423(b)(8) and Section 5.3, Contributions will recommence at the rate originally elected by the Participant effective as of the beginning of the first Offering Period (or Purchase Period, as applicable) scheduled to end in the following calendar year, unless the Participant’s participation has terminated as provided in Sections 12 or 13.
8.5 Cash Contributions. Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary in this Plan, the Administrator may allow Participants to participate in this Plan via cash contributions instead of payroll deductions if (a) payroll deductions are not permitted or advisable under Applicable Laws, (b) the Administrator determines that cash contributions are permissible for Participants participating in the 423 Component and/or (c) the Participants are participating in the Non-423 Component.
8.6 Tax Withholdings. At the time the option is exercised, in whole or in part, or at the time some or all of the Common Stock issued under this Plan is disposed of (or at any other time that a taxable event related to this Plan occurs), the Participant must make adequate provision for the Company’s or Employer’s federal, state, local or any other tax liability payable to any authority including taxes imposed by jurisdictions outside of the U.S., national insurance, social security or other tax withholding or payment on account obligations, if any, which arise upon the exercise of the option or the disposition of the Common Stock (or any other time that a taxable event related to this Plan occurs). At any time, the Company or the Employer may, but will not be obligated to, withhold from the Participant’s compensation the amount necessary for the Company or the Employer to meet applicable withholding obligations, including any withholding required to make available to the Company or the Employer any tax deductions or benefits attributable to the sale or early disposition of Common Stock by the Eligible Employee. In addition, the Company or the Employer may, but will not be obligated to, withhold from the proceeds of the sale of Common Stock or use any other method of withholding the Company or the Employer deems appropriate to the extent permitted by U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.423-2(f).
8.7 Use of Funds. The Company may use all Contributions received or held by it under this Plan for any corporate purpose, and the Company will not be obligated to segregate such Contributions except under Offerings or for Participants in the Non-423 Component for which Applicable Laws require that Contributions to this Plan by Participants be segregated from the Company’s general corporate funds and/or deposited with an independent third party, provided that, if such segregation or deposit with an independent third party is required by Applicable Laws, it will apply to all Participants in the relevant Offering under the 423 Component, except to the extent otherwise permitted by U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.423-2(f). Until shares of Common Stock are issued, Participants will have only the rights of an unsecured creditor with respect to such shares.
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9. Grant of Option. On the Enrollment Date of each Offering Period, each Eligible Employee participating in such Offering Period will be granted an option to purchase on each Exercise Date during such Offering Period (at the applicable Purchase Price) up to a number of shares of Common Stock determined by dividing such Eligible Employee’s Contributions accumulated prior to such Exercise Date and retained in the Eligible Employee’s account as of the Exercise Date by the applicable Purchase Price.
9.1 Certain Option Limits. In no event will an Eligible Employee be permitted to purchase during each Offering Period more than a maximum number of shares of Common Stock to be determined by the Administrator (subject adjustment pursuant to Section 17), and provided further that such purchase will be subject to the limitations set forth in Sections 3 and 5.3 and in the subscription agreement. The Administrator, in its absolute discretion, may increase or decrease the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that an Eligible Employee may purchase during each Purchase Period or Offering Period, as applicable.
9.2 Option Receipt. The Eligible Employee may accept the grant of an option under this Plan by electing to participate in this Plan in accordance with the requirements of Section 7.
9.3 Option Term. Exercise of the option will occur as provided in Section 10, unless the Participant’s participation has terminated pursuant to Sections 12 or 13. The option will expire on the last day of the Offering Period.
10. Exercise of Option.
10.1 Automatic Exercise. Unless a Participant’s participation in this Plan has terminated as provided in Sections 12 and 13, his or her option for the purchase of shares of Common Stock will be exercised automatically on the Exercise Date, and the maximum number of full shares of Common Stock subject to the option will be purchased for such Participant at the applicable Purchase Price with the accumulated Contributions from his or her account. No fractional shares of Common Stock will be purchased; any Contributions accumulated in a Participant’s account, which are not sufficient to purchase a full (whole) share will be retained in the Participant’s account for the subsequent Purchase Period or Offering Period, as applicable, subject to earlier termination of the Participant’s participation in this Plan as provided in Sections 12 or 13. Any other funds left over in a Participant’s account after the Exercise Date will be returned to the Participant. During a Participant’s lifetime, a Participant’s option to purchase shares of Common Stock hereunder is exercisable only by him or her.
10.2 Pro Rata Allocations. If the Administrator determines that, on a given Exercise Date, the number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which options are to be exercised may exceed (a) the number of shares of Common Stock that were available for sale under this Plan on the Enrollment Date of the applicable Offering Period, or (b) the number of shares of Common Stock available for sale under this Plan on such Exercise Date, the Administrator may in its sole discretion (x) provide that the Company will make a pro rata allocation of the shares of Common Stock available for purchase on such Enrollment Date or Exercise Date, as applicable, in as uniform a manner as will be practicable and as it will determine in its sole discretion to be equitable among all Participants exercising options to purchase Common Stock on such Exercise Date, and continue all Offering Periods then in effect or (y) provide that the Company will make a pro rata allocation of the
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shares of Common Stock available for purchase on such Enrollment Date or Exercise Date, as applicable, in as uniform a manner as will be practicable and as it will determine in its sole discretion to be equitable among all participants exercising options to purchase Common Stock on such Exercise Date, and terminate any or all Offering Periods then in effect pursuant to Section 18. The Company may make a pro rata allocation of the shares of Common Stock available on the Enrollment Date of any applicable Offering Period pursuant to the preceding sentence, notwithstanding any authorization of additional shares of Common Stock for issuance under this Plan by the Company’s stockholders subsequent to such Enrollment Date (and, for purposes of clarity, notwithstanding any automatic increase in shares of Common Stock that become available for issuance pursuant to Section 3.2).
11. Delivery. As soon as reasonably practicable after each Exercise Date on which a purchase of shares of Common Stock occurs, the Company will arrange the delivery to each Participant of the shares of Common Stock purchased upon exercise of his or her option in a form determined by the Administrator (in its sole discretion) and pursuant to rules established by the Administrator. The Company may permit or require that shares of Common Stock be deposited directly with a broker designated by the Company or with a trustee or designated agent of the Company, and the Company may utilize electronic or automated methods of share transfer. The Company may require that shares of Common Stock be retained with such broker, trustee or agent for a designated period of time and/or may establish other procedures to permit tracking of disqualifying dispositions or other dispositions of such shares. No Participant will have any voting, dividend, or other stockholder rights with respect to shares of Common Stock subject to any option granted under this Plan until such shares have been purchased and delivered to the Participant as provided in this Section 11.
12. Withdrawal.
12.1 Withdrawal Procedures. A Participant may withdraw all but not less than all the Contributions credited to his or her account and not yet used to exercise his or her option under this Plan at any time by (a) submitting to the Company’s Legal Department (or its designee) a written notice of withdrawal in the form determined by the Administrator for such purpose (which may be similar to the form attached hereto as Exhibit B), or (b) following an electronic or other withdrawal procedure determined by the Administrator. The Administrator may set forth a deadline of when a withdrawal must occur to be effective prior to a given Exercise Date in accordance with policies it may approve from time to time. All of the Participant’s Contributions credited to his or her account will be paid to such Participant as soon as administratively practicable after receipt of notice of withdrawal and such Participant’s option for the Offering Period will be automatically terminated, and no further Contributions for the purchase of shares of Common Stock will be made for such Offering Period. If a Participant withdraws from an Offering Period, Contributions will not resume at the beginning of the succeeding Offering Period, unless the Participant re-enrolls in this Plan in accordance with the provisions of Section 7.
12.2 No Effect on Future Participation. A Participant’s withdrawal from an Offering Period will not have any effect upon his or her eligibility to participate in any similar plan that may hereafter be adopted by the Company or in succeeding Offering Periods that commence after the termination of the Offering Period from which the Participant withdraws.
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13. Termination of Employment. Upon a Participant’s ceasing to be an Eligible Employee, for any reason, he or she will be deemed to have elected to withdraw from this Plan and the Contributions credited to such Participant’s account during the Offering Period but not yet used to purchase shares of Common Stock under this Plan will be returned to such Participant, or, in the case of his or her death, to the person or persons entitled thereto, and such Participant’s option will be automatically terminated. Unless determined otherwise by the Administrator in a manner that, with respect to an Offering under the 423 Component, is permitted by, and compliant with, Code Section 423, a Participant whose employment transfers between entities through a termination with an immediate rehire (with no break in service) by the Company or a Designated Company will not be treated as terminated under this Plan; however, if a Participant transfers from an Offering under the 423 Component to the Non-423 Component, the exercise of the option will be qualified under the 423 Component only to the extent it complies with Code Section 423; further, no Participant will be deemed to switch from an Offering under the Non-423 Component to an Offering under the 423 Component or vice versa unless (and then only to the extent) such switch would not cause the 423 Component or any option thereunder to fail to comply with Code Section 423.
14. Section 409A. This Plan is intended to be exempt from the application of Section 409A, and, to the extent not exempt, is intended to comply with Section 409A and any ambiguities herein will be interpreted to be exempt from, or comply with, Section 409A. In furtherance of the foregoing and notwithstanding any provision in this Plan to the contrary, if the Administrator determines that an option granted under this Plan may be subject to Section 409A or that any provision in this Plan would cause an option under this Plan to be subject to Section 409A, the Administrator may amend the terms of this Plan and/or of an outstanding option granted under this Plan, or take such other action the Administrator determines is necessary or appropriate, in each case, without the Participant’s consent, to exempt any outstanding option or future option that may be granted under this Plan from or to allow any such options to comply with Section 409A, but only to the extent any such amendments or action by the Administrator would not violate Section 409A. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company and any of its Parents or Subsidiaries will have no liability, obligation or responsibility to reimburse, indemnify, or hold harmless a Participant or any other party if the option to purchase Common Stock under this Plan that is intended to be exempt from or compliant with Section 409A is not so exempt or compliant or for any action taken by the Administrator with respect thereto. The Company makes no representation that the option to purchase Common Stock under this Plan is compliant with Section 409A. Each payment or benefit under this Plan is intended to constitute a separate payment for purposes of Section 1.409A-2(b)(2) of the U.S. Treasury Regulations.
15. Rights as Stockholder. Until the shares of Common Stock are issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), a Participant will have only the rights of an unsecured creditor with respect to such shares, and no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder will exist with respect to such shares. Shares of Common Stock to be delivered to a Participant under this Plan will be registered in the name of the Participant or, if so required under Applicable Laws, in the name of the Participant and his or her spouse.
16. Transferability. Neither Contributions credited to a Participant’s account nor any rights with regard to the exercise of an option or to receive shares of Common Stock under this Plan may be assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise disposed of in any way (other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution) by the Participant. Any such attempt at assignment, transfer, pledge or other disposition will be without effect, except that the Company may treat such act as an election to withdraw funds from an Offering Period in accordance with Section 12.
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17. Adjustments, Dissolution, Liquidation, Merger or Change in Control.
17.1 Adjustments. In the event that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Common Stock, other securities, or other property), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, reclassification, repurchase, or exchange of Common Stock or other securities of the Company, or other change in the corporate structure of the Company affecting the Common Stock occurs (other than any ordinary dividends or other ordinary distributions), the Administrator, in order to prevent diminution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under this Plan, will adjust the number and class of common stock that may be delivered under this Plan, the Purchase Price per share, the class and the number of shares of common stock covered by each option under this Plan that has not yet been exercised, and the numerical share limits of Sections 3 and 9.1.
17.2 Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, any Offering Period then in progress will be shortened by setting a New Exercise Date, and will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed dissolution or liquidation, unless provided otherwise by the Administrator. The New Exercise Date will be before the date of the Company’s proposed dissolution or liquidation. The Administrator will notify each Participant in writing or electronically, prior to the New Exercise Date, that the Exercise Date for the Participant’s option has been changed to the New Exercise Date and that the Participant’s option will be exercised automatically on the New Exercise Date, unless prior to such date the Participant has withdrawn from the Offering Period as provided in Section 12 (or, prior to such New Exercise Date, Participant’s participation has terminated as provided in Section 13).
17.3 Merger or Change in Control. In the event of a merger of the Company with or into another corporation or other entity or Change in Control, each outstanding option will be assumed or an equivalent option substituted by the successor corporation or a Parent or Subsidiary of the successor corporation. In the event that the successor corporation refuses to assume or substitute for the option, the Offering Period with respect to which such option relates will be shortened by setting a New Exercise Date on which such Offering Period will end. The New Exercise Date will occur before the date of the Company’s proposed merger or Change in Control. The Administrator will notify each Participant in writing or electronically prior to the New Exercise Date, that the Exercise Date for the Participant’s option has been changed to the New Exercise Date and that the Participant’s option will be exercised automatically on the New Exercise Date, unless prior to such date the Participant has withdrawn from the Offering Period as provided in Section 12 (or, prior to such New Exercise Date, Participant’s participation has terminated as provided in Section 13).
18. Amendment or Termination.
18.1 Amendment, Suspension, Termination. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may amend, alter, suspend, or terminate this Plan, or any part thereof, at any time and for any reason. If this Plan is terminated, the Administrator, in its discretion, may elect to terminate all outstanding Offering Periods either immediately or upon completion of the purchase of shares of Common Stock on the next Exercise Date (which may be sooner than originally scheduled, if
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determined by the Administrator in its discretion), or may elect to permit Offering Periods to expire in accordance with their terms (and subject to any adjustment pursuant to Section 17). If the Offering Periods are terminated prior to expiration, all amounts then credited to Participants’ accounts that have not been used to purchase shares of Common Stock will be returned to the Participants (without interest thereon, except as otherwise required under Applicable Laws, as further set forth in Section 22) as soon as administratively practicable.
18.2 Certain Administrator Changes. Without stockholder consent and without limiting Section 18.1, the Administrator will be entitled to change the Offering Periods and any Purchase Periods, designate separate Offerings, limit the frequency and/or number of changes in the amount withheld during an Offering Period, establish the exchange rate applicable to amounts withheld in a currency other than U.S. dollars, permit Contributions in excess of the amount designated by a Participant in order to adjust for delays or mistakes in the Company’s processing of properly completed Contribution elections, establish reasonable waiting and adjustment periods and/or accounting and crediting procedures to ensure that amounts applied toward the purchase of Common Stock for each Participant properly correspond with Contribution amounts, and establish such other limitations or procedures as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion advisable that are consistent with this Plan.
18.3 Changes Due to Accounting Consequences. In the event the Administrator determines that the ongoing operation of this Plan may result in unfavorable financial accounting consequences, the Administrator may, in its discretion and, to the extent necessary or desirable, modify, amend or terminate this Plan to reduce or eliminate such accounting consequence including, but not limited to:
(a) amending this Plan to conform with the safe harbor definition under the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 (or any successor thereto), including with respect to an Offering Period underway at the time;
(b) altering the Purchase Price for any Purchase Period or Offering Period including a Purchase Period or Offering Period underway at the time of the change in Purchase Price;
(c) shortening any Purchase Period or Offering Period by setting a New Exercise Date, including a Purchase Period or Offering Period underway at the time of the Administrator action;
(d) reducing the maximum percentage of Compensation a Participant may elect to set aside as Contributions; and
(e) reducing the maximum number of shares of Common Stock a Participant may purchase during any Purchase Period or Offering Period.
Such modifications or amendments will not require stockholder approval or the consent of any Plan Participants.
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19. Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares.
19.1 Legal Compliance. Shares of Common Stock will not be issued with respect to an option unless the exercise of such option and the issuance and delivery of such shares pursuant thereto will comply with Applicable Laws and will be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.
19.2 Investment Representations. As a condition to the exercise of an option, the Company may require the person exercising such option to represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise that the shares are being purchased only for investment and without any present intention to sell or distribute such shares if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required.
20. Term of Plan. This Plan will become effective upon the latest to occur of (a) its adoption by the Board, (b) approval by the Company’s stockholders, or (c) the Effective Time. This Plan will continue in effect for a term of twenty (20) years, unless sooner terminated under Section 18.
21. Stockholder Approval. This Plan will be subject to approval by the stockholders of the Company within twelve (12) months after the date this Plan is adopted by the Board. Such stockholder approval will be obtained in the manner and to the degree required under Applicable Laws.
22. Interest. No interest will accrue on the Contributions of a participant in this Plan, except as may be required by Applicable Laws, as determined by the Company, and if so required by the laws of a particular jurisdiction, will apply, with respect to Offerings under the 423 Component, to all Participants in the relevant Offering, except to the extent otherwise permitted by U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.423-2(f).
23. No Effect on Employment. Neither this Plan nor any option under this Plan will confer upon any Participant any right with respect to continuing the Participant’s employment with the Company or its Subsidiaries or Parents, as applicable, nor will they interfere in any way with the Participant’s right or the right of the Company and its Subsidiaries or Parents, as applicable, to terminate such employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, free from any liability or any claim under this Plan.
24. Reports. Individual accounts will be maintained for each Participant in this Plan. Statements of account will be given to participating Eligible Employees at least annually, which statements will set forth the amounts of Contributions, the Purchase Price, the number of shares of Common Stock purchased and the remaining cash balance, if any.
25. Notices. All notices or other communications by a Participant to the Company under or in connection with this Plan will be deemed to have been duly given when received in the form and manner specified by the Company at the location, or by the person, designated by the Company for the receipt thereof.
26. Legal Construction.
26.1 Severability. If any provision of this Plan is or becomes or is deemed to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable for any reason in any jurisdiction or as to any Participant, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability will not affect the remaining parts of this Plan, and this Plan will be construed and enforced as to such jurisdiction or Participant as if the invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision had not been included.
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26.2 Governing Law. This Plan will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, but without regard to its conflict of law provisions.
26.3 Headings. Headings are provided herein for convenience only, and will not serve as a basis for interpretation of this Plan.
27. Compliance with Applicable Laws. The terms of this Plan are intended to comply with all Applicable Laws and will be construed accordingly.
28. Automatic Transfer to Low Price Offering Period. Unless determined otherwise by the Administrator, this Section 28 applies to an Offering Period to the extent such Offering Period provides for more than one (1) Exercise Date within such Offering Period. To the extent permitted by Applicable Laws, if the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on any Exercise Date in an Offering Period is less than the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the Enrollment Date of such Offering Period, then all Participants in such Offering Period will be withdrawn automatically from such Offering Period immediately after the exercise of their option on such Exercise Date and automatically re-enrolled in the immediately following Offering Period as of the first day thereof.
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EXHIBIT A
KODIAK AI, INC.
2025 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT
| _____ Original Application | Offering Date: _________________ | |
| _____ Change in Payroll Deduction Rate | ||
1. ____________________ hereby elects to participate in the Kodiak AI, Inc. 2025 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Plan”) and subscribes to purchase shares of the Company’s Common Stock in accordance with this Subscription Agreement and the Plan. Any capitalized terms not specifically defined in this Subscription Agreement will have the meaning ascribed to them under the Plan.
2. I hereby authorize and consent to payroll deductions from each paycheck in the amount of ____% of my Compensation on each payday (from 0% to 15%) during the Offering Period in accordance with the Plan. (Please note that no fractional percentages are permitted.) I understand that only my first election to decrease the rate of my payroll deductions may be applied with respect to an ongoing Offering Period in accordance with the terms of the Plan, and any subsequent election to decrease the rate of my payroll deductions during the same Offering Period, and any election to increase the rate of my payroll deductions during any Offering Period, will not be applied to the ongoing Offering Period.
3. I understand that said payroll deductions will be accumulated for the purchase of shares of Common Stock at the applicable Purchase Price determined in accordance with the Plan. I understand that if I do not withdraw from an Offering Period, any accumulated payroll deductions will be used to automatically exercise my option and purchase Common Stock under the Plan. I further understand that if I am outside of the U.S., my payroll deductions will be converted to U.S. dollars at an exchange rate selected by the Company on the purchase date.
4. I have received a copy of the complete Plan and its accompanying prospectus. I understand that my participation in the Plan is in all respects subject to the terms of the Plan.
5. Shares of Common Stock purchased for me under the Plan should be issued in the name(s) of _____________ (Eligible Employee or Eligible Employee and spouse only).
6. If I am a U.S. taxpayer, I understand that if I dispose of any shares received by me pursuant to the Plan within two (2) years after the Offering Date (the first day of the Offering Period during which I purchased such shares) or one (1) year after the Exercise Date, I will be treated for federal income tax purposes as having received ordinary income at the time of such disposition in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares at the time such shares were purchased by me over the price that I paid for the shares. I hereby agree to notify the Company in writing
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within thirty (30) days after the date of any disposition of my shares and I will make adequate provision for federal, state or other tax withholding obligations, if any, which arise upon the disposition of the Common Stock. The Company may, but will not be obligated to, withhold from my compensation the amount necessary to meet any applicable withholding obligation including any withholding necessary to make available to the Company any tax deductions or benefits attributable to sale or early disposition of Common Stock by me. If I dispose of such shares at any time after the expiration of the two (2) year and one (1) year holding periods, I understand that I will be treated for federal income tax purposes as having received income only at the time of such disposition, and that such income will be taxed as ordinary income only to the extent of an amount equal to the lesser of (a) the excess of the fair market value of the shares at the time of such disposition over the purchase price which I paid for the shares, or (b) fifteen percent (15%) of the fair market value of the shares on the first day of the Offering Period. The remainder of the gain, if any, recognized on such disposition will be taxed as capital gain.
7. For employees that may be subject to tax in non U.S. jurisdictions, I acknowledge and agree that, regardless of any action taken by the Company or any Designated Company with respect to any or all income tax, social security, social insurances, National Insurance Contributions, payroll tax, fringe benefit, or other tax-related items related to my participation in the Plan and legally applicable to me including, without limitation, in connection with the grant of such options, the purchase or sale of shares of Common Stock acquired under the Plan and/or the receipt of any dividends on such shares (“Tax-Related Items”), the ultimate liability for all Tax-Related Items is and remains my responsibility and may exceed the amount actually withheld by the Company or a Designated Company. Furthermore, I acknowledge that the Company and/or any Designated Company (a) make no representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax-Related Items in connection with any aspect of the options under the Plan and (b) do not commit to and are under no obligation to structure the terms of the grant of options or any aspect of my participation in the Plan to reduce or eliminate my liability for Tax-Related Items or achieve any particular tax result. Further, if I have become subject to tax in more than one jurisdiction between the date of my enrollment and the date of any relevant taxable or tax withholding event, as applicable, I acknowledge that the Company and/or the Employer (or former employer, as applicable) may be required to withhold or account for Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction.
Prior to the purchase of shares of Common Stock under the Plan or any other relevant taxable or tax withholding event, as applicable, I agree to make adequate arrangements satisfactory to the Company and/or the applicable Designated Company to satisfy all Tax-Related Items. In this regard, I authorize the Company and/or the applicable Designated Company, or their respective agents, at their discretion, to satisfy any applicable withholding obligations with regard to all Tax-Related Items by one or a combination of the following: (a) withholding from my wages or Compensation paid to me by the Company and/or the applicable Designated Company; or (b) withholding from proceeds of the sale of the shares of Common Stock purchased under the Plan either through a voluntary sale or through a mandatory sale arranged by the Company (on my behalf pursuant to this authorization). Depending on the withholding method, the Company may withhold or account for Tax-Related Items by considering applicable maximum withholding rates, in which case I will receive a refund of any over-withheld amount in cash and will have no entitlement to the Common Stock equivalent.
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Finally, I agree to pay to the Company or the applicable Designated Company any amount of Tax-Related Items that the Company or the applicable Designated Company may be required to withhold as a result of my participation in the Plan that cannot be satisfied by the means previously described. The Company may refuse to purchase shares of Common Stock under the Plan on my behalf and/or refuse to issue or deliver the shares or the proceeds of the sale of shares if I fail to comply with my obligations in connection with the Tax-Related Items.
8. By electing to participate in the Plan, I acknowledge, understand and agree that:
(a) the Plan is established voluntarily by the Company, it is discretionary in nature and it may be modified, amended, suspended or terminated by the Company at any time, to the extent provided for in the Plan;
(b) all decisions with respect to future grants under the Plan, if applicable, will be at the sole discretion of the Company;
(c) the grant of options under the Plan will not create a right to employment or be interpreted as forming or amending an employment or service contract with the Company, or any Designated Company, and will not interfere with the ability of the Company or any Designated Company, as applicable, to terminate my employment (if any);
(d) I am voluntarily participating in the Plan;
(e) the options granted under the Plan and the shares of Common Stock underlying such options, and the income and value of same, are not intended to replace any pension rights or compensation;
(f) the options granted under the Plan and the shares of Common Stock underlying such options, and the income and value of same, are not part of my normal or expected compensation for any purpose, including, but not limited to, calculating any severance, resignation, termination, redundancy, dismissal, end-of-service payments, bonuses, long-service awards, pension or retirement benefits or similar payments;
(g) the future value of the shares of Common Stock offered under the Plan is unknown, indeterminable and cannot be predicted with certainty;
(h) the shares of Common Stock that I acquire under the Plan may increase or decrease in value, even below the Purchase Price;
(i) no claim or entitlement to compensation or damages will arise from the forfeiture of options granted to me under the Plan as a result of the termination of my status as an Eligible Employee (for any reason whatsoever, and whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where I am employed or the terms of my employment agreement, if any) and, in consideration of the grant of options under the Plan to which I am otherwise not entitled, I irrevocably agree never to institute a claim against the Company, or any Designated Company, waive my ability, if any, to bring such claim, and release the Company, and any Designated Company from any such claim that may arise; if, notwithstanding the foregoing, any such claim is allowed by a court of competent jurisdiction, I will be deemed irrevocably to have agreed to not to pursue such claim and agree to execute any and all documents necessary to request dismissal or withdrawal of such claim; and
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(j) in the event of the termination of my status as an Eligible Employee (for any reason whatsoever, whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where I am employed or the terms of my employment agreement, if any), my right to participate in the Plan and any options granted to me under the Plan, if any, will terminate effective as of the date that I am no longer actively employed by the Company or one of its Designated Companies and, in any event, will not be extended by any notice period mandated under the employment laws in the jurisdiction in which I am employed or the terms of my employment agreement, if any (e.g., active employment would not include a period of “garden leave” or similar period pursuant to the employment laws in the jurisdiction in which I am employed or the terms of my employment agreement, if any); the Company will have the exclusive discretion to determine when I am no longer actively employed for purposes of my participation in the Plan (including whether I may still be considered to be actively employed while on a leave of absence).
9. I understand that the Company and/or any Designated Company may collect, where permissible under applicable law certain personal information about me, including, but not limited to, my name, home address and telephone number, date of birth, social insurance number or other identification number, salary, nationality, job title, any shares of Common Stock or directorships held in the Company, details of all options granted under the Plan or any other entitlement to shares of Common Stock awarded, cancelled, exercised, vested, unvested or outstanding in my favor (“Data”), for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing the Plan. I understand that the Company may transfer my Data to the United States, which is not considered by the European Commission to have data protection laws equivalent to the laws in my country. I understand that the Company will transfer my Data to its designated broker, or such other stock plan service provider as may be selected by the Company in the future, which is assisting the Company with the implementation, administration and management of the Plan. I understand that the recipients of the Data may be located in the United States or elsewhere, and that a recipient’s country of operation (e.g., the United States) may have different, including less stringent, data privacy laws that the European Commission or my jurisdiction does not consider to be equivalent to the protections in my country. I understand that I may request a list with the names and addresses of any potential recipients of the Data by contacting my local human resources representative. I authorize the Company, the Company’s designated broker and any other possible recipients which may assist the Company with implementing, administering and managing the Plan to receive, possess, use, retain and transfer the Data, in electronic or other form, for the sole purpose of implementing, administering and managing my participation in the Plan. I understand that Data will be held only as long as is necessary to implement, administer and manage my participation in the Plan. I understand that that I may, at any time, view Data, request additional information about the storage and processing of Data, require any necessary amendments to Data or refuse or withdraw the consents herein, in any case without cost, by contacting in writing my local human resources representative. Further, I understand that I am providing the consents herein on a purely voluntary basis. If I do not consent, or if I later seek to revoke my consent, my employment status or career with the Company or any Designated Company will not be adversely affected; the only adverse consequence of refusing or withdrawing my consent is that the Company would not be able to grant me options under the Plan or other equity awards, or administer or maintain such awards. Therefore, I understand that refusing or withdrawing my consent may affect my ability to participate in the Plan. For more information on the consequences of my refusal to consent or withdrawal of consent, I understand that I may contact my local human resources representative.
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If I am an employee outside the U.S., I understand that in accordance with applicable law, I have the right to access, and to request a copy of, the Data held about me. I also understand that I have the right to discontinue the collection, processing, or use of my Data, or supplement, correct, or request deletion of my Data. To exercise my rights, I may contact my local human resources representative.
I hereby explicitly and unambiguously consent to the collection, use and transfer, in electronic or other form, of my personal data as described herein and any other Plan materials by and among, as applicable, the Company and its Subsidiaries or Parents for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing my participation in the Plan. I understand that my consent will be sought and obtained for any processing or transfer of my data for any purpose other than as described in the enrollment form and any other plan materials.
10. If I have received this Subscription Agreement or any other document related to the Plan translated into a language other than English and if the meaning of the translated version is different than the English version, the English version will control, subject to applicable laws.
11. The provisions of this Subscription Agreement and Appendix A are severable and if any one or more provisions are determined to be illegal or otherwise unenforceable, in whole or in part, the remaining provisions nevertheless will be binding and enforceable.
12. Notwithstanding any provisions in this Subscription Agreement, I understand that if I am working or resident in a country other than the United States, my participation in the Plan also will be subject to the additional terms and conditions set forth on Appendix A and any special terms and conditions for my country set forth on Appendix A. Moreover, if I relocate to one of the countries included in Appendix A, the special terms and conditions for such country will apply to me to the extent the Company determines that the application of such terms and conditions is necessary or advisable for legal or administrative reasons. Appendix A constitutes part of this Subscription Agreement and the provisions of this Subscription Agreement govern such Appendix (to the extent not superseded or supplemented by the terms and conditions set forth therein).
13. I hereby agree to be bound by the terms of the Plan. The effectiveness of this Subscription Agreement is dependent upon my eligibility to participate in the Plan.
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I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT WILL REMAIN IN EFFECT THROUGHOUT SUCCESSIVE OFFERING PERIODS UNLESS TERMINATED BY ME.
| Dated: | ||||||||
| Signature of Employee |
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EXHIBIT B
KODIAK AI, INC.
2025 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL
The undersigned Participant in the Offering Period of the Kodiak AI, Inc. 2025 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Plan”) that began on ____________, ______ (the “Offering Date”) hereby notifies the Company that he or she hereby withdraws from the Offering Period. He or she hereby directs the Company to pay to the undersigned as promptly as practicable all the payroll deductions credited to his or her account with respect to such Offering Period. The undersigned understands and agrees that his or her option for such Offering Period will be terminated automatically. The undersigned understands further that no further payroll deductions will be made for the purchase of shares in the current Offering Period and the undersigned will be eligible to participate in succeeding Offering Periods only by delivering to the Company a new Subscription Agreement. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein will have the meaning ascribed to them under the Plan.
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Exhibit 10.17
Kodiak AI, Inc.
Change in Control and Severance Policy
This Change in Control and Severance Policy (the “Policy”) is designed to provide certain protections to a select group of key employees of Kodiak AI, Inc. (“Kodiak AI” or the “Company”) or any of its subsidiaries in connection with a change in control of Kodiak AI or in connection with the involuntary termination of their employment under the circumstances described in this Policy. The Policy is designed to be an “employee welfare benefit plan” (as defined in Section 3(1) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”)), and this document is both the formal plan document and the required summary plan description for the Policy.
Eligible Employee: An individual is only eligible for protection under this Policy if he or she is an Eligible Employee and complies with its terms (including any terms in the Eligible Employee’s Participation Agreement (as defined below)). To be an “Eligible Employee,” an employee must (a) have been designated by the Board, its designee, or an authorized committee of the Board (in either case, the “Committee”) as eligible to participate in the Policy, whether individually or by position or category of position and (b) have executed a participation agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (a “Participation Agreement”).
Policy Benefits: An Eligible Employee will be eligible to receive the payments and benefits set forth in his or her Participation Agreement if his or her employment with Kodiak AI and all of its subsidiaries terminates as a result of a Qualified Termination. All benefits under this Policy and the Participation Agreement will be subject to the Eligible Employee’s compliance with the Release Requirement and any timing modifications required to avoid adverse taxation under Section 409A.
Death of Eligible Employee: If the Eligible Employee dies before all payments or benefits he or she is entitled to receive have been paid, such unpaid amounts will be paid to his or her designated beneficiary, if living, or otherwise to his or her personal representative in a lump-sum payment as soon as possible following his or her death.
Forfeiture/Clawback: If the Company discovers after the Eligible Employee’s receipt of payments or benefits under this Policy that grounds for the termination of the Eligible Employee’s employment for Cause existed, then the Eligible Employee will cease receiving any further payments or benefits under this Policy and, to the extent permitted under applicable laws, will be required to repay to the Company any payments or benefits he or she received under the Policy (or any financial gain derived from such payments or benefits). Additionally, to the extent that any payments or benefits under this Policy would be subject to recovery under the Company’s compensation recovery (clawback) policy, that policy will not be superseded by this Policy.
Release: The Eligible Employee’s receipt of any severance payments or benefits under this Policy is subject to the Eligible Employee signing and not revoking the Company’s then-standard separation agreement and release of claims (which may include an agreement not to disparage the Company, non-solicit provisions, and other standard terms and conditions) (the “Release” and such requirement, the “Release Requirement”), which must become effective and irrevocable no later than the 60th day following the Eligible Employee’s Qualified Termination (the “Release
Deadline”). If the Release does not become effective and irrevocable by the Release Deadline, the Eligible Employee will forfeit any right to severance payments or benefits under this Policy. In no event will severance payments or benefits under the Policy be paid or provided until the Release actually becomes effective and irrevocable. Notwithstanding any other payment schedule set forth in this Policy or the Eligible Employee’s Participation Agreement, none of the severance payments and benefits payable upon such Eligible Employee’s Qualified Termination under this Policy will be paid or otherwise provided prior to the 60th day following the Eligible Employee’s Qualified Termination. Except as otherwise set forth in an Eligible Employee’s Participation Agreement or to the extent that payments are delayed under the paragraph below entitled “Section 409A,” on the first regular payroll pay day following the 60th day following the Eligible Employee’s Qualified Termination, the Company will pay or provide the Eligible Employee the severance payments and benefits that the Eligible Employee would otherwise have received under this Policy on or prior to such date, with the balance of such severance payments and benefits being paid or provided as originally scheduled.
Section 409A: The Company intends that all payments and benefits provided under this Policy or otherwise are exempt from, or comply with, the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and any guidance promulgated thereunder (collectively, “Section 409A”) so that none of the payments or benefits will be subject to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities herein will be interpreted in accordance with this intent. No payment or benefits to be paid to an Eligible Employee, if any, under this Policy or otherwise, when considered together with any other severance payments or separation benefits that are considered deferred compensation under Section 409A (together, the “Deferred Payments”) will be paid or otherwise provided until such Eligible Employee has a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A. If, at the time of the Eligible Employee’s termination of employment, the Eligible Employee is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A, then the payment of the Deferred Payments will be delayed to the extent necessary to avoid the imposition of the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, which generally means that the Eligible Employee will receive payment on the first payroll date that occurs on or after the date that is 6 months and 1 day following his or her termination of employment. The Company reserves the right to amend the Policy as it deems necessary or advisable, in its sole discretion and without the consent of any Eligible Employee or any other individual, to comply with any provision required to avoid the imposition of the additional tax imposed under Section 409A or to otherwise avoid income recognition under Section 409A prior to the actual payment of any benefits or imposition of any additional tax. Each payment, installment, and benefit payable under this Policy is intended to constitute a separate payment for purposes of U.S. Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b)(2). In no event will the Company reimburse any Eligible Employee for any taxes that may be imposed on him or her as a result of Section 409A.
Parachute Payments:
Reduction of Severance Benefits. Notwithstanding anything set forth herein to the contrary, if any payment or benefit that an Eligible Employee would receive from the Company or any other party whether in connection with the provisions herein or otherwise (the “Payment”) would (a) constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, and (b) but for this sentence, be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), then such Payment will be equal
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to the Best Results Amount. The “Best Results Amount” will be either (x) the full amount of such Payment or (y) such lesser amount as would result in no portion of the Payment being subject to the Excise Tax, whichever of the foregoing amounts, taking into account the applicable federal, state and local employment taxes, income taxes and the Excise Tax, results in the Eligible Employee’s receipt, on an after-tax basis, of the greater amount notwithstanding that all or some portion of the Payment may be subject to the Excise Tax. If a reduction in payments or benefits constituting parachute payments is necessary so that the Payment equals the Best Results Amount, reduction will occur in the following order: reduction of cash payments; cancellation of accelerated vesting of stock awards; reduction of employee benefits. In the event that acceleration of vesting of stock award compensation is to be reduced, such acceleration of vesting will be cancelled in the reverse order of the date of grant of the Eligible Employee’s Equity Awards unless the Eligible Employee elects in writing a different order for cancellation. The Eligible Employee will be solely responsible for the payment of all personal tax liability that is incurred as a result of the payments and benefits received under this Policy, and the Eligible Employee will not be reimbursed by the Company for any such payments.
Determination of Excise Tax Liability. The Company will select a professional services firm to make all of the determinations required to be made under these paragraphs relating to parachute payments. The Company will request that firm provide detailed supporting calculations both to the Company and the Eligible Employee prior to the date on which the event that triggers the Payment occurs if administratively feasible, or subsequent to such date if events occur that result in parachute payments to the Eligible Employee at that time. For purposes of making the calculations required under these paragraphs relating to parachute payments, the firm may make reasonable assumptions and approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good faith determinations concerning the application of the Code. The Company and the Eligible Employee will furnish to the firm such information and documents as the firm may reasonably request in order to make a determination under these paragraphs relating to parachute payments. The Company will bear all costs the firm may reasonably incur in connection with any calculations contemplated by these paragraphs relating to parachute payments. Any such determination by the firm will be binding upon the Company and the Eligible Employee, and the Company will have no liability to the Eligible Employee for the determinations of the firm.
Administration: The Policy will be administered by the Committee or its delegate (in each case, an “Administrator”). The Administrator will have full discretion to administer and interpret the Policy. Any decision made or other action taken by the Administrator with respect to the Policy and any interpretation by the Administrator of any term or condition of the Policy, or any related document, will be conclusive and binding on all persons and be given the maximum possible deference allowed by law. The Administrator is the “plan administrator” of the Policy for purposes of ERISA and will be subject to the fiduciary standards of ERISA when acting in such capacity.
Attorneys’ Fees: The Company and each Eligible Employee will bear their own attorneys’ fees incurred in connection with any disputes between them.
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Exclusive Benefits: Except as may be set forth in an Eligible Employee’s Participation Agreement, this Policy is intended to be the only agreement between the Eligible Employee and the Company regarding any change of control or severance payments or benefits to be paid to the Eligible Employee on account of a termination of employment whether unrelated to, concurrent with, or following, a Change in Control. Accordingly, by executing a Participation Agreement, an Eligible Employee hereby forfeits and waives any rights to any severance or change of control benefits set forth in any employment agreement, offer letter, and/or Equity Award agreement, except as set forth in this Policy and in the Eligible Employee’s Participation Agreement.
Tax Withholding: All payments and benefits under this Policy will be paid less applicable withholding taxes. The Company is authorized to withhold from any payments or benefits all federal, state, local and/or foreign taxes required to be withheld therefrom and any other required payroll deductions. The Company will not pay any Eligible Employee’s taxes arising from or relating to any payments or benefits under this Policy.
Amendment or Termination: The Committee may amend or terminate the Policy at any time, without advance notice to any Eligible Employee or other individual and without regard to the effect of the amendment or termination on any Eligible Employee or on any other individual; provided, however, that any amendment of the Policy that is adverse to an Eligible Employee will not be effective with respect to such Eligible Employee without such Eligible Employee’s prior written consent. Any action to amend or terminate the Policy will be taken in a non-fiduciary capacity.
Claims Procedure: Any Eligible Employee who believes he or she is entitled to any payment under the Policy may submit a claim in writing to the Administrator. If the claim is denied (in full or in part), the claimant will be provided a written notice explaining the specific reasons for the denial and referring to the provisions of the Policy on which the denial is based. The notice will also describe any additional information needed to support the claim and the Policy’s procedures for appealing the denial. The denial notice will be provided within 90 days after the claim is received. If special circumstances require an extension of time (up to 90 days), written notice of the extension will be given within the initial 90-day period. This notice of extension will indicate the special circumstances requiring the extension of time and the date by which the Administrator expects to render its decision on the claim.
Appeal Procedure: If the claimant’s claim is denied, the claimant (or his or her authorized representative) may apply in writing to the Administrator for a review of the decision denying the claim. Review must be requested within 60 days following the date the claimant received the written notice of their claim denial or else the claimant loses the right to review. The claimant (or representative) then has the right to review and obtain copies of all documents and other information relevant to the claim, upon request and at no charge, and to submit issues and comments in writing. The Administrator will provide written notice of the decision on review within 60 days after it receives a review request. If additional time (up to 60 days) is needed to review the request, the claimant (or representative) will be given written notice of the reason for the delay. This notice of extension will indicate the special circumstances requiring the extension of time and the date by which the Administrator expects to render its decision. If the claim is denied (in full or in part), the claimant will be provided a written notice explaining the specific reasons for the denial and referring to the provisions of the Policy on which the denial is based. The notice will also include a statement that the claimant will be provided, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents and other information relevant to the claim and a statement regarding the claimant’s right to bring an action under Section 502(a) of ERISA.
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Successors: Any successor to the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s business and/or assets (whether direct or indirect and whether by purchase, merger, consolidation, liquidation or other transaction) will assume the obligations under the Policy and agree expressly to perform the obligations under the Policy in the same manner and to the same extent as the Company would be required to perform such obligations in the absence of a succession. For all purposes under the Policy, the term “Company” will include any successor to the Company’s business and/or assets which becomes bound by the terms of the Policy by operation of law, or otherwise.
Applicable Law: The provisions of the Policy will be construed, administered, and enforced in accordance with ERISA and, to the extent applicable, the internal substantive laws of the state of California (but not its conflict of laws provisions).
Definitions: Unless otherwise defined in an Eligible Employee’s Participation Agreement, the following terms will have the following meanings for purposes of this Policy and the Eligible Employee’s Participation Agreement:
“Annual Bonus” mean the Eligible Employee’s target annual incentive under the Company’s annual incentive plan as established for the year in which a Qualified Termination occurs.
“Base Salary” means the greater of: Eligible Employee’s annual base salary as in effect immediately prior to (a) such Eligible Employee’s Qualified Termination (or if the termination is due to a resignation for Good Reason based on a material reduction in base salary, then the Eligible Employee’s annual base salary in effect immediately prior to such reduction) or (b) the Change in Control.
“Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
“Cause” means the occurrence of any of the following as determined in good faith by the Administrator: (a) the Eligible Employee’s repeated failure, in the reasonable judgment of the Board, to substantially perform his or her assigned duties or responsibilities as a service provider as directed or assigned by the Board (other than a failure resulting from the Eligible Employee’s Disability) after written notice thereof from the Board to the Eligible Employee describing in reasonable detail the Eligible Employee’s failure to perform such duties or responsibilities and the Eligible Employee having had the opportunity to address the Board, with counsel, regarding such alleged failures and his or her failure to remedy the same within 30 days of receiving written notice; (b) the Eligible Employee engaging in knowing and intentional illegal conduct, or any act of dishonesty that involves the Company or any of its subsidiaries, that was or is materially injurious to the Company or any of its subsidiaries; (c) the Eligible Employee’s violation of a federal or state law or regulation directly or indirectly applicable to the business of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, which violation was or is reasonably likely to be injurious to the Company or any of its subsidiaries; (d) the Eligible Employee’s material breach of the terms of any confidentiality agreement or invention assignment agreement between the Eligible
5
Employee and the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or the willful, material breach by the Eligible Employee of the terms of any other non-disclosure obligation owed to the Company or any of its subsidiaries; or (e) the Eligible Employee being convicted of, or entering a plea of nolo contendere to, a felony or committing any act of moral turpitude, dishonesty or fraud against, or the misappropriation of material property belonging to, the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
“Change in Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:
| (a) | Change in Ownership of the Company. A change in the ownership of the Company which occurs on the date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (“Person”), acquires ownership of the stock of the Company that, together with the stock held by such Person, constitutes more than 50% of the total voting power of the stock of the Company; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (a), the acquisition of additional stock by any one Person, who is considered to own more than 50% of the total voting power of the stock of the Company prior to such additional acquisition, will not be considered a Change in Control; provided, further, that any change in the ownership of the stock of the Company as a result of a capital raising transaction of the Company that is approved by the Board also will not be considered a Change in Control. Further, if the stockholders of the Company immediately before such change in ownership continue to retain immediately after the change in ownership, in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of shares of the Company’s voting stock immediately prior to the change in ownership, direct or indirect beneficial ownership of 50% or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Company or of the ultimate parent entity of the Company, such event will not be considered a Change in Control under this subsection (a). For this purpose, indirect beneficial ownership will include, without limitation, an interest resulting from ownership of the voting securities of one or more corporations or other business entities which own the Company, as the case may be, either directly or through one or more subsidiary corporations or other business entities; or |
| (b) | Change in Effective Control of the Company. If the Company has a class of securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act, a change in the effective control of the Company which occurs on the date that a majority of members of the Board is replaced during any 12 month period by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board prior to the date of the appointment or election. For purposes of this subsection (b), if any Person is considered to be in effective control of the Company, the acquisition of additional control of the Company by the same Person will not be considered a Change in Control; or |
| (c) | Change in Ownership of a Substantial Portion of the Company’s Assets. A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets which occurs on the date that any Person acquires (or has acquired during the 12 month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such Person or Persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than 50% of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company |
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| immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (c), the following will not constitute a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets: (i) a transfer to an entity that is controlled by the Company’s stockholders immediately after the transfer, or (ii) a transfer of assets by the Company to: (A) a stockholder of the Company (immediately before the asset transfer) in exchange for or with respect to the Company’s stock, (B) an entity, 50% or more of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company, (C) a Person, that owns, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of the total value or voting power of all the outstanding stock of the Company, or (D) an entity, at least 50% of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by a Person described in this subsection (c)(ii)(C). For purposes of this subsection (c), gross fair market value means the value of the assets of the Company, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets. |
For purposes of this definition, persons will be considered to be acting as a group if they are owners of a corporation that enters into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, or similar business transaction with the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a transaction will not be deemed a Change in Control unless the transaction qualifies as a change in control event within the meaning of Section 409A (as defined below).
Further and for purposes of clarity, a transaction will not constitute a Change in Control if: (x) its primary purpose is to change the jurisdiction of the Company’s incorporation, or (y) its primary purpose is to create a holding company that will be owned in substantially the same proportions by the persons who held the Company’s securities immediately before such transaction.
“Change in Control Period” will mean the period beginning 3 months prior to a Change in Control and ending 12 months following the Change in Control.
“COBRA” means the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended.
“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
“Disability” means the Eligible Employee (a) is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, or (b) is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than 3 months under an accident and health plan covering Company employees.
“Equity Award” means, unless otherwise specified in an Eligible Employee’s Participation Agreement, any equity compensation award covering shares of the Company’s common stock that was issued to the Eligible Employee.
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“Exchange Act” means the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
“Good Reason” means the termination of the Eligible Employee’s employment with the Company or any of its subsidiaries by the Eligible Employee in accordance with the next sentence after the occurrence of one or more of the following events without the Eligible Employee’s express written consent: (a) a material diminution in the Eligible Employee’s position or responsibilities with the or any of its subsidiaries in effect immediately prior to such assignment, or the Eligible Employee’s removal from such position and responsibilities; (b) a material reduction in the Eligible Employee’s Base Salary as in effect immediately prior to such reduction, unless such reduction is no more than 15% and part of a Company-wide reduction for similarly situated employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, as applicable; and (c) a material change in the principal geographic location at which the Eligible Employee must perform services for the Company or any of its subsidiaries, as applicable (for purposes of this Agreement a relocation to a facility or a location that would not increase the Eligible Employee’s one-way commute distance by more than 50 miles from the Eligible Employee’s then principal residence shall not be considered a material change in geographic location).
In order for the termination of the Eligible Employee’s employment to be for Good Reason, the Eligible Employee must not terminate employment without first providing written notice to the Company of the acts or omissions constituting the grounds for “Good Reason” within 90 days of the initial existence of the grounds for “Good Reason” and a cure period of 30 days following the date of written notice (the “Cure Period”), the grounds must not have been cured during that time, and the Eligible Employee must terminate employment within 30 days following the Cure Period.
“Qualified Termination” has the meaning set forth in the Eligible Employee’s Participation Agreement.
“Transactions” means the transactions contemplated by that certain Business Combination Agreement entered into on April 14, 2025, between the Company, and Kodiak Robotics, Inc. and certain other parties.
Additional Information:
| Plan Name: | Kodiak AI, Inc. Change in Control and Severance Policy | |
| Plan Sponsor: | Kodiak AI, Inc. | |
| 1045 Terra Bell Avenue | ||
| Mountain View, CA 94043 | ||
| Identification Numbers: | 501 | |
| Plan Year: | Company’s Fiscal Year | |
| Plan Administrator: | Kodiak AI, Inc. | |
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| Attention: Chief Legal Officer | ||
| 1045 Terra Bell Avenue | ||
| Mountain View, CA 94043 | ||
| Agent for Service of | ||
| Legal Process: | Kodiak AI, Inc. | |
| Attention: Chief Legal Officer | ||
| 1045 Terra Bell Avenue | ||
| Mountain View, CA 94043 | ||
| Type of Plan: | Severance Plan/Employee Welfare Benefit Plan | |
| Plan Costs: | The cost of the Policy is paid by the Company. | |
Statement of ERISA Rights:
Eligible Employees have certain rights and protections under ERISA:
They may examine (without charge) all Policy documents, including any amendments and copies of all documents filed with the U.S. Department of Labor, such as the Policy’s annual report (Internal Revenue Service Form 5500). These documents are available for review in the Company’s Human Resources Department.
They may obtain copies of all Policy documents and other Policy information upon written request to the Plan Administrator. A reasonable charge may be made for such copies.
In addition to creating rights for Eligible Employees, ERISA imposes duties upon the people who are responsible for the operation of the Policy. The people who operate the Policy (called “fiduciaries”) have a duty to do so prudently and in the interests of Eligible Employees. No one, including the Company or any other person, may fire or otherwise discriminate against an Eligible Employee in any way to prevent them from obtaining a benefit under the Policy or exercising rights under ERISA. If an Eligible Employee’s claim for a severance benefit is denied, in whole or in part, they must receive a written explanation of the reason for the denial. An Eligible Employee has the right to have the denial of their claim reviewed. (The claim review procedure is explained above.)
Under ERISA, there are steps Eligible Employees can take to enforce the above rights. For instance, if an Eligible Employee requests materials and does not receive them within 30 days, they may file suit in a federal court. In such a case, the court may require the Administrator to provide the materials and to pay the Eligible Employee up to $110 a day until they receive the materials, unless the materials were not sent because of reasons beyond the control of the Plan Administrator. If an Eligible Employee has a claim which is denied or ignored, in whole or in part, he or she may file suit in a state or federal court. If it should happen that an Eligible Employee is discriminated against for asserting their rights, he or she may seek assistance from the U.S. Department of Labor, or may file suit in a federal court.
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In any case, the court will decide who will pay court costs and legal fees. If the Eligible Employee is successful, the court may order the person sued to pay these costs and fees. If the Eligible Employee loses, the court may order the Eligible Employee to pay these costs and fees, for example, if it finds that the claim is frivolous.
If an Eligible Employee has any questions regarding the Policy, please contact the Plan Administrator. If an Eligible Employee has any questions about this statement or about their rights under ERISA, they may contact the nearest area office of the Employee Benefits Security Administration (formerly the Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration), U.S. Department of Labor, listed in the telephone directory, or the Division of Technical Assistance and Inquiries, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20210. An Eligible Employee may also obtain certain publications about their rights and responsibilities under ERISA by calling the publications hotline of the Employee Benefits Security Administration.
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Tier 1 - CEO
EXHIBIT A
Change in Control and Severance Policy
Participation Agreement
This Participation Agreement (“Agreement”) is made and entered into by and between ______ on the one hand, and Kodiak AI, Inc. (the “Company”) on the other and shall be effective upon the later of its execution by both such parties, Board approval of the Policy, or the closing of the Transactions.
You have been designated as eligible to participate in the Policy, a copy of which is attached hereto, under which you are eligible to receive the following severance payments and benefits upon a Qualified Termination, subject to the terms and conditions of the Policy.
CIC Qualified Termination. Upon your CIC Qualified Termination, you will be entitled to the following benefits, subject to your compliance with the Policy:
| | Equity Vesting: 100% of the then-unvested shares subject to each of your then-outstanding Equity Awards will immediately vest and, in the case of options and stock appreciation rights, will become exercisable (for avoidance of doubt, no more than 100% of the shares subject to the outstanding portion of an Equity Award may vest and become exercisable under this provision). In the case of Equity Awards with performance-based vesting, unless otherwise determined by the Company and set forth in your Equity Award agreement, all performance goals and other vesting criteria will be deemed achieved at 100% of target levels. Any restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units, and similar full value awards that vest under this paragraph will be settled on the 61st day following your CIC Qualified Termination. |
| | Salary and Bonus Severance: You will be eligible to receive a single cash payment equal to the sum of (a) 150% of your Base Salary and (b) the then pro rata portion of your Annual Bonus for the year of termination. This payment will be made in a single lump sum on the 61st day following your Qualified Termination. |
| | COBRA Benefit: Upon a Qualified Termination, if you make a valid election under COBRA to continue your health coverage, the Company will pay or reimburse you for the cost of such continuation coverage for you and any of your eligible dependents that were covered under the Company’s health care plans immediately prior to the date of such Qualified Termination until the earliest of (a) the end of the 18-month period following your Qualified Termination or (b) the date upon which you and/or your eligible dependents become covered under similar plans or (c) the date upon which you cease to be eligible for coverage under COBRA (the “COBRA Coverage”). Notwithstanding the preceding, if the Company determines in its sole discretion that it cannot provide the COBRA Coverage without potentially violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), the Company will instead provide you a taxable lump-sum payment on the 61st day following your Qualified Termination, in an amount equal to 18 months of COBRA Coverage multiplied by the monthly COBRA premium that you would be required to pay to continue group health coverage for you and your eligible dependents, in each case, in effect on the date of the Qualified Termination based on the premium for the first |
A-1
Tier 1 - CEO
| month of COBRA coverage (whichever of such taxable payments or the COBRA Coverage that the Company actually provides, the “COBRA Benefit”). If the Company provides for a taxable cash payment in lieu of the COBRA Coverage, then such cash payment will be made regardless of whether you elect COBRA continuation coverage and such payment will be made in full on the 61st day following your Qualified Termination. |
Non-CIC Qualified Termination. Upon your Non-CIC Qualified Termination, you will be entitled to the following benefits, subject to your compliance with the Policy.
| | Salary Severance: You will be eligible to receive a single cash payment equal to 100% of your Base Salary. This payment will be made in a single lump sum on the 61st day following your Qualified Termination. |
| | COBRA Benefit: Upon a Qualified Termination, if you make a valid election under COBRA to continue your health coverage, the Company will pay or reimburse you for the cost of such continuation coverage for you and any of your eligible dependents that were covered under the Company’s health care plans immediately prior to the date of such Qualified Termination until the earliest of (a) the end of the 12-month period following your Qualified Termination or (b) the date upon which you and/or your eligible dependents become covered under similar plans or (c) the date upon which you cease to be eligible for coverage under COBRA (the “Non-CIC COBRA Coverage”). Notwithstanding the preceding, if the Company determines in its sole discretion that it cannot provide the COBRA Coverage without potentially violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), the Company will instead provide you a taxable lump-sum payment on the 61st day following your Qualified Termination, in an amount equal to 12 months of COBRA Coverage multiplied by the monthly COBRA premium that you would be required to pay to continue group health coverage for you and your eligible dependents, in each case, in effect on the date of the Qualified Termination based on the premium for the first month of COBRA coverage (whichever of such taxable payments or the Non-CIC COBRA Coverage that the Company actually provides, the “Non-CIC COBRA Benefit”). If the Company provides for a taxable cash payment in lieu of the Non-CIC COBRA Coverage, then such cash payment will be made regardless of whether you elect COBRA continuation coverage, and such payment will be made in full on the 61st day following your Qualified Termination. |
Definitions
“Qualified Termination” means either (i) a termination of your employment by the Company (or any of its subsidiaries) other than for Cause, death, or Disability or by you for Good Reason, in either case, during the Change in Control Period (a “CIC Qualified Termination”) or (ii) a termination of your employment by the Company (or any of its subsidiaries) other than for Cause, death, or Disability or by you for Good Reason outside the Change in Control Period (a “Non-CIC Qualified Termination”).
A-2
Tier 1 - CEO
Term of Agreement
This Agreement will have an initial term of 3 years commencing on the date it becomes effective (the “Effective Date” and such term, the “Initial Term”). On the 3-year anniversary of the Effective Date, this Agreement will renew automatically for additional, 1 year terms (each, an “Additional Term”) unless either party provides the other party with written notice of nonrenewal at least 90 days prior to the date of automatic renewal. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Change in Control occurs (a) when there are fewer than 12 months remaining during the Initial Term or (b) during an Additional Term, then the term of this Agreement will extend automatically through the date that is 12 months following the date of the Change in Control. If you become entitled to the benefits under this Agreement, then the Agreement will not terminate until all of the obligations of the parties hereto with respect to this Agreement have been satisfied.
Other Provisions
You agree that the Policy and the Agreement constitute the entire agreement of the parties hereto and supersede in their entirety all prior representations, understandings, undertakings or agreements (whether oral or written and whether expressed or implied) of the parties and will specifically supersede any severance and/or change of control provisions of any offer letter, employment agreement, or Equity Award agreement entered into between you and the Company.
This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.
By its signature below, each of the parties signifies its acceptance of the terms of this Agreement, in the case of the Company by its duly authorized officer effective as of the last date set forth below.
| KODIAK AI, INC. | ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEE | |||||||
| By: | Signature: | |||||||
| Date: |
|
Date: |
| |||||
A-3
Tier 2 - Leadership Team
EXHIBIT A
Change in Control and Severance Policy
Participation Agreement
This Participation Agreement (“Agreement”) is made and entered into by and between ______ on the one hand, and Kodiak AI, Inc. (the “Company”) on the other and shall be effective upon the later of its execution by both such parties, Board approval of the Policy, or the closing of the Transactions.
You have been designated as eligible to participate in the Policy, a copy of which is attached hereto, under which you are eligible to receive the following severance payments and benefits upon a Qualified Termination, subject to the terms and conditions of the Policy.
CIC Qualified Termination. Upon your CIC Qualified Termination, you will be entitled to the following benefits, subject to your compliance with the Policy:
| | Equity Vesting: 100% of the then-unvested shares subject to each of your then-outstanding Equity Awards will immediately vest and, in the case of options and stock appreciation rights, will become exercisable (for avoidance of doubt, no more than 100% of the shares subject to the outstanding portion of an Equity Award may vest and become exercisable under this provision). In the case of Equity Awards with performance-based vesting, unless otherwise determined by the Company and set forth in your Equity Award agreement, all performance goals and other vesting criteria will be deemed achieved at 100% of target levels. Any restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units, and similar full value awards that vest under this paragraph will be settled on the 61st day following your CIC Qualified Termination. |
| | Salary and Bonus Severance: You will be eligible to receive a single cash payment equal to the sum of (a) 100% of your Base Salary and (b) the then pro rata portion of your Annual Bonus for the year of termination. This payment will be made in a single lump sum on the 61st day following your Qualified Termination. |
| | COBRA Benefit: Upon a Qualified Termination, if you make a valid election under COBRA to continue your health coverage, the Company will pay or reimburse you for the cost of such continuation coverage for you and any of your eligible dependents that were covered under the Company’s health care plans immediately prior to the date of such Qualified Termination until the earliest of (a) the end of the 12-month period following your Qualified Termination or (b) the date upon which you and/or your eligible dependents become covered under similar plans or (c) the date upon which you cease to be eligible for coverage under COBRA (the “COBRA Coverage”). Notwithstanding the preceding, if the Company determines in its sole discretion that it cannot provide the COBRA Coverage without potentially violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), the Company will instead provide you a taxable lump-sum payment on the 61st day following your Qualified Termination, in an amount equal to 12 months of COBRA Coverage multiplied by the monthly COBRA premium that you would be required to pay to continue group health coverage for you and your eligible dependents, in each case, in effect on the date of the Qualified Termination based on the premium for the first |
A-1
Tier 2 - Leadership Team
| month of COBRA coverage (whichever of such taxable payments or the COBRA Coverage that the Company actually provides, the “COBRA Benefit”). If the Company provides for a taxable cash payment in lieu of the COBRA Coverage, then such cash payment will be made regardless of whether you elect COBRA continuation coverage and such payment will be made in full on the 61st day following your Qualified Termination. |
Non-CIC Qualified Termination. Upon your Non-CIC Qualified Termination, you will be entitled to the following benefits, subject to your compliance with the Policy.
| | Salary Severance: You will be eligible to receive a single cash payment equal to 50% of your Base Salary. This payment will be made in a single lump sum on the 61st day following your Qualified Termination. |
| | COBRA Benefit: Upon a Qualified Termination, if you make a valid election under COBRA to continue your health coverage, the Company will pay or reimburse you for the cost of such continuation coverage for you and any of your eligible dependents that were covered under the Company’s health care plans immediately prior to the date of such Qualified Termination until the earliest of (a) the end of the 6-month period following your Qualified Termination or (b) the date upon which you and/or your eligible dependents become covered under similar plans or (c) the date upon which you cease to be eligible for coverage under COBRA (the “Non-CIC COBRA Coverage”). Notwithstanding the preceding, if the Company determines in its sole discretion that it cannot provide the COBRA Coverage without potentially violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), the Company will instead provide you a taxable lump-sum payment on the 61st day following your Qualified Termination, in an amount equal to 6 months of COBRA Coverage multiplied by the monthly COBRA premium that you would be required to pay to continue group health coverage for you and your eligible dependents, in each case, in effect on the date of the Qualified Termination based on the premium for the first month of COBRA coverage (whichever of such taxable payments or the Non-CIC COBRA Coverage that the Company actually provides, the “Non-CIC COBRA Benefit”). If the Company provides for a taxable cash payment in lieu of the Non-CIC COBRA Coverage, then such cash payment will be made regardless of whether you elect COBRA continuation coverage, and such payment will be made in full on the 61st day following your Qualified Termination. |
Definitions
“Qualified Termination” means either (i) a termination of your employment by the Company (or any of its subsidiaries) other than for Cause, death, or Disability or by you for Good Reason, in either case, during the Change in Control Period (a “CIC Qualified Termination”) or (ii) a termination of your employment by the Company (or any of its subsidiaries) other than for Cause, death, or Disability or by you for Good Reason outside the Change in Control Period (a “Non-CIC Qualified Termination”).
Term of Agreement
This Agreement will have an initial term of 3 years commencing on the date it becomes effective (the “Effective Date” and such term, the “Initial Term”). On the 3-year anniversary of the Effective Date, this Agreement will renew automatically for additional, 1 year terms (each, an
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Tier 2 - Leadership Team
“Additional Term”) unless either party provides the other party with written notice of nonrenewal at least 90 days prior to the date of automatic renewal. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Change in Control occurs (a) when there are fewer than 12 months remaining during the Initial Term or (b) during an Additional Term, then the term of this Agreement will extend automatically through the date that is 12 months following the date of the Change in Control. If you become entitled to the benefits under this Agreement, then the Agreement will not terminate until all of the obligations of the parties hereto with respect to this Agreement have been satisfied.
Other Provisions
You agree that the Policy and the Agreement constitute the entire agreement of the parties hereto and supersede in their entirety all prior representations, understandings, undertakings or agreements (whether oral or written and whether expressed or implied) of the parties and will specifically supersede any severance and/or change of control provisions of any offer letter, employment agreement, or Equity Award agreement entered into between you and the Company.
This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.
By its signature below, each of the parties signifies its acceptance of the terms of this Agreement, in the case of the Company by its duly authorized officer effective as of the last date set forth below.
| KODIAK AI, INC. | ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEE | |||||||
| By: | Signature: | |||||||
| Date: |
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Date: |
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Exhibit 10.18
KODIAK AI, INC.
EXECUTIVE INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN
1. Purposes of the Plan. The Plan is intended to increase stockholder value and the success of the Company by motivating Employees to (a) perform to the best of their abilities and (b) achieve the Company’s objectives.
2. Definitions.
2.1 “Actual Award” means as to any Performance Period, the actual award (if any) payable to a Participant for the Performance Period, subject to the authority of the Administrator (as defined in Section 3) under Section 4.4.
2.2 “Affiliate” means any corporation or other entity (including, but not limited to, partnerships and joint ventures) that, from time to time and at the time of any determination, directly or indirectly, is in control of or is controlled by the Company.
2.3 “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
2.4 “Bonus Pool” means the pool of funds available for distribution to Participants. Subject to the terms of the Plan, the Administrator establishes the Bonus Pool for each Performance Period.
2.5 “Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Reference to a specific section of the Code or regulation thereunder will include such section or regulation, any valid regulation or formal guidance of general or direct applicability promulgated under such section or regulation, and any comparable provision of any future legislation or regulation amending, supplementing or superseding such section or regulation.
2.6 “Committee” means a committee appointed by the Board (pursuant to Section 3) to administer the Plan.
2.7 “Company” means Kodiak AI, Inc., a Delaware corporation, or any successor thereto.
2.8 “Company Group” means the Company and any Parents, Subsidiaries, and Affiliates.
2.9 “Disability” means a permanent and total disability determined in accordance with uniform and nondiscriminatory standards adopted by the Administrator from time to time.
2.10 “Employee” means any executive, officer, or other employee of the Company Group, whether such individual is so employed at the time the Plan is adopted or becomes so employed subsequent to the adoption of the Plan.
2.11 “Fiscal Year” means the fiscal year of the Company.
2.12 “Parent” means a “parent corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Code Section 424(e).
2.13 “Participant” means as to any Performance Period, an Employee who has been selected by the Administrator for participation in the Plan for that Performance Period.
2.14 “Performance Period” means the period of time for the measurement of the performance criteria that must be met to receive an Actual Award, as determined by the Administrator. A Performance Period may be divided into one or more shorter periods if, for example, but not by way of limitation, the Administrator desires to measure some performance criteria over twelve (12) months and other criteria over three (3) months.
2.15 “Plan” means this Executive Incentive Compensation Plan (including any appendix attached hereto), as may be amended from time to time.
2.16 “Section 409A” means Section 409A of the Code and any applicable state law equivalent, as each may be promulgated, amended or modified from time to time.
2.17 “Subsidiary” means a “subsidiary corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Code Section 424(f), in relation to the Company.
2.18 “Target Award” means the target award, at one hundred percent (100%) of target level performance achievement, payable under the Plan to a Participant for a Performance Period, as determined by the Administrator in accordance with Section 4.2.
2.19 “Tax Withholdings” means tax, social insurance and social security liability or premium obligations in connection with the awards under the Plan, including without limitation: (a) all federal, state, and local income, employment and any other taxes (including the Participant’s U.S. Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) obligation) that are required to be withheld by the Company Group, (b) the Participant’s and, to the extent required by the Company Group, the fringe benefit tax liability of the Company Group associated with an award under the Plan, and (c) any other taxes or social insurance or social security liabilities or premium the responsibility for which the Participant has, or has agreed to bear, with respect to such award under the Plan.
2.20 “Termination of Employment” means a cessation of the employee-employer relationship between an Employee and the Company Group, including without limitation a termination by resignation, discharge, death, Disability, retirement, or the disaffiliation of a Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate. For purposes of the Plan, transfer of employment of a Participant between any members of the Company Group (for example, between the Company and a Subsidiary) will not be deemed a Termination of Employment.
3. Administration of the Plan.
3.1 Administrator. The Plan will be administered by the Board or a Committee (the “Administrator”). To the extent necessary or desirable to satisfy applicable laws, the Committee acting as the Administrator will consist of not less than two (2) members of the Board. The members of any Committee will be appointed from time to time by, and serve at the pleasure of, the Board. The Board may retain the authority to administer the Plan concurrently with a Committee and may revoke the delegation of some or all authority previously delegated. Different Administrators may administer the Plan with respect to different groups of Employees. Unless and until the Board otherwise determines, the Board’s Compensation Committee will administer the Plan.
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3.2 Administrator Authority. It will be the duty of the Administrator to administer the Plan in accordance with the Plan’s provisions. The Administrator will have all powers and discretion necessary or appropriate to administer the Plan and to control its operation, including, but not limited to, the power to (a) determine which Employees will be granted awards, (b) prescribe the terms and conditions of awards, (c) interpret the Plan and the awards, (d) adopt such procedures and sub-plans as are necessary or appropriate to permit participation in the Plan by Employees who are non-U.S. nationals or employed outside of the U.S. or to qualify awards for special tax treatment under the laws of jurisdictions other than the U.S., (e) adopt rules for the administration, interpretation and application of the Plan as are consistent therewith, and (f) interpret, amend or revoke any such rules. Any determinations and decisions made or to be made by the Administrator pursuant to the provisions of the Plan, unless specified otherwise by the Administrator, will be in the Administrator’s sole discretion.
3.3 Decisions Binding. All determinations and decisions made by the Administrator and/or any delegate of the Administrator pursuant to the provisions of the Plan will be final, conclusive, and binding on all persons, and will be given the maximum deference permitted by law.
3.4 Delegation by Administrator. The Administrator, on such terms and conditions as it may provide, may delegate all or part of its authority and powers under the Plan to one or more directors and/or officers of the Company. Such delegation may be revoked at any time.
3.5 Indemnification. Each person who is or will have been a member of the Administrator will be indemnified and held harmless by the Company against and from (a) any loss, cost, liability, or expense that may be imposed upon or reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with or resulting from any claim, action, suit, or proceeding to which he or she may be a party or in which he or she may be involved by reason of any action taken or failure to act under the Plan or any award, and (b) from any and all amounts paid by him or her in settlement thereof, with the Company’s approval, or paid by him or her in satisfaction of any judgment in any such claim, action, suit, or proceeding against him or her, provided he or she will give the Company an opportunity, at its own expense, to handle and defend the same before he or she undertakes to handle and defend it on his or her own behalf. The foregoing right of indemnification will not be exclusive of any other rights of indemnification to which such persons may be entitled under the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, by contract, as a matter of law, or otherwise, or under any power that the Company may have to indemnify them or hold them harmless.
4. Selection of Participants and Determination of Awards.
4.1 Selection of Participants. The Administrator will select the Employees who will be Participants for any Performance Period. Participation in the Plan will be on a Performance Period by Performance Period basis. Accordingly, an Employee who is a Participant for a given Performance Period in no way is guaranteed or assured of being selected for participation in any subsequent Performance Period or Performance Periods. No Employee will have the right to be selected to receive an award under this Plan or, if so selected, to be selected to receive a future award.
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4.2 Determination of Target Awards. The Administrator may establish a Target Award for each Participant (which may be expressed as a percentage of a Participant’s average annual base salary for the Performance Period or a fixed dollar amount or such other amount or based on such other formula or factors as the Administrator determines).
4.3 Bonus Pool. Each Performance Period, the Administrator may establish a Bonus Pool, which pool may be established before, during or after the applicable Performance Period. Actual Awards will be paid from the Bonus Pool (if a Bonus Pool has been established).
4.4 Discretion to Modify Awards. Notwithstanding any contrary provision of the Plan, the Administrator, at any time prior to payment of an Actual Award, may: (a) increase, reduce or eliminate a Participant’s Actual Award, and/or (b) increase, reduce or eliminate the amount allocated to the Bonus Pool. The Actual Award may be below, at or above the Target Award, as determined by the Administrator. The Administrator may determine the amount of any increase, reduction, or elimination based on such factors as it deems relevant, and will not be required to establish any allocation or weighting with respect to the factors it considers.
4.5 Discretion to Determine Criteria. Notwithstanding any contrary provision of the Plan, the Administrator will determine the performance goals, if any, applicable to any Target Award (or portion thereof) which may include, without limitation, goals related to: research and development milestones; regulatory milestones or regulatory-related goals; gross margin; financial milestones; new product or business development; operating margin; product release timelines or other product release milestones; publications; cash flow; procurement; savings; internal structure; leadership development; project function or portfolio-specific milestones; license or research collaboration agreements; capital raising; initial public offering preparations; patentability; and individual objectives such as peer reviews or other subjective or objective criteria. As determined by the Administrator, the performance goals may be based on U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) or non-GAAP results and any actual results may be adjusted by the Administrator for one-time items or unbudgeted or unexpected items and/or payments of Actual Awards under the Plan when determining whether the performance goals have been met. The performance goals may be based on any factors the Administrator determines relevant, including without limitation on an individual, divisional, portfolio, project, business unit, segment or Company-wide basis. Any criteria used may be measured on such basis as the Administrator determines, including without limitation: (a) in absolute terms, (b) in combination with another performance goal or goals (for example, but not by way of limitation, as a ratio or matrix), (c) in relative terms (including, but not limited to, results for other periods, passage of time and/or against another company or companies or an index or indices), (d) on a per-share basis, (e) against the performance of the Company as a whole or a segment of the Company and/or (f) on a pre-tax or after-tax basis. The performance goals may differ from Participant to Participant and from award to award. Failure to meet the applicable performance goals will result in a failure to earn the Target Award, except as provided in Section 4.4.
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5. Payment of Awards.
5.1 Right to Receive Payment. Each Actual Award will be paid solely from the general assets of the Company Group. Nothing in this Plan will be construed to create a trust or to establish or evidence any Participant’s claim of any right other than as an unsecured general creditor with respect to any payment to which the Participant may be entitled.
5.2 Timing of Payment. Payment of each Actual Award will be made as soon as practicable after the end of the Performance Period to which the Actual Award relates and after the Actual Award is approved by the Administrator, but in no event after the later of (a) the fifteenth (15th) day of the third (3rd) month of the Fiscal Year immediately following the Fiscal Year in which the Participant’s Actual Award first becomes no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, and (b) March 15 of the calendar year immediately following the calendar year in which the Participant’s Actual Award first becomes no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture. Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, to earn an Actual Award a Participant must be employed by the Company Group on the date the Actual Award is paid, and in all cases subject to the Administrator’s discretion pursuant to Section 4.4.
5.3 Form of Payment. Each Actual Award generally will be paid in cash (or its equivalent) in a single lump sum. The Administrator reserves the right to settle an Actual Award with a grant of an equity award with such terms and conditions, including any vesting requirements, as determined by the Administrator.
5.4 Payment in the Event of Death or Disability. If a Termination of Employment occurs due to a Participant’s death or Disability prior to payment of an Actual Award that the Administrator has determined will be paid for a prior Performance Period, then the Actual Award will be paid to the Participant or the Participant’s estate, as the case may be, subject to the Administrator’s discretion pursuant to Section 4.4.
6. General Provisions.
6.1 Tax Matters.
6.1.1 Section 409A. It is the intent that this Plan be exempt from or comply with the requirements of Section 409A so that none of the payments to be provided hereunder will be subject to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities or ambiguous terms will be interpreted to be so exempt or so comply. Each payment under this Plan is intended to constitute a separate payment for purposes of Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-2(b)(2). In no event will the Company Group have any liability, obligation, or responsibility to reimburse, indemnify or hold harmless any Participant or other Employee for any taxes, penalties or interest imposed, or other costs incurred, as a result of Section 409A.
6.1.2 Tax Withholdings. The Company Group will have the right and authority to deduct from any Actual Award all applicable Tax Withholdings. Prior to the payment of an Actual Award or such earlier time as any Tax Withholdings are due, the Company Group is permitted to deduct or withhold, or require a Participant to remit to the Company Group, an amount sufficient to satisfy any Tax Withholdings with respect to such Actual Award.
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6.2 No Effect on Employment or Service. Neither the Plan nor any award under the Plan will confer upon a Participant any right regarding continuing the Participant’s relationship as an Employee or other service provider to the Company Group, nor will they interfere with or limit in any way the right of the Company Group or the Participant to terminate such relationship at any time, with or without cause, to the extent permitted by applicable laws.
6.3 Forfeiture Events.
6.3.1 Clawback Policy; Applicable Laws. All awards under the Plan will be subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture, or recoupment in accordance with any clawback policy that the Company Group is required to adopt pursuant to the listing standards of any national securities exchange or association on which the Company’s securities are listed or as is otherwise required by applicable laws, including the Company’s current clawback policy. In addition, the Administrator may impose such other clawback, recovery or recoupment provisions with respect to an award under the Plan as the Administrator determines necessary or appropriate, including without limitation a reacquisition right in respect of previously acquired cash, stock, or other property provided with respect to an award. Unless this Section 6.3.1 is specifically mentioned and waived in a written agreement between a Participant and a member of the Company Group or other document, no recovery of compensation under a clawback policy will give the Participant the right to resign for “good reason” or “constructive termination” (or similar term) under any agreement with a member of the Company Group.
6.3.2 Additional Forfeiture Terms. The Administrator may specify when providing for an award under the Plan that the Participant’s rights, payments, and benefits with respect to the award will be subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture, or recoupment upon the occurrence of specified events, in addition to any otherwise applicable vesting or performance conditions of the award. Such events may include, without limitation, termination of the Participant’s status as an Employee for “cause” or any act by a Participant, whether before or after the Participant’s status as an Employee terminates, that would constitute “cause.”
6.3.3 Accounting Restatements. If the Company is required to prepare an accounting restatement due to the material noncompliance of the Company, as a result of misconduct, with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws, then any Participant who knowingly or through gross negligence engaged in the misconduct, or who knowingly or through gross negligence failed to prevent the misconduct, and any Participant who is one of the individuals subject to automatic forfeiture under Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, will reimburse the Company Group the amount of any payment with respect to an award earned or accrued during the twelve (12) month period following the first public issuance or filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (whichever first occurred) of the financial document embodying such financial reporting requirement.
6.4 Successors. All obligations of the Company under the Plan, with respect to awards under the Plan, will be binding on any successor to the Company, whether the existence of such successor is the result of a direct or indirect purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise, of all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company.
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6.5 Nontransferability of Awards. No award under the Plan may be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated, other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and except as provided in Section 5.4. All rights with respect to an award granted to a Participant will be available during his or her lifetime only to the Participant.
7. Amendment, Termination, and Duration.
7.1 Amendment, Suspension, or Termination. The Administrator may amend or terminate the Plan, or any part thereof, at any time and for any reason. The amendment, suspension or termination of the Plan will not, without the consent of the Participant, alter or impair any rights or obligations under any Actual Award earned by such Participant. No award may be granted during any period of suspension or after termination of the Plan.
7.2 Duration of Plan. The Plan will commence on the date first adopted by the Board or the Compensation Committee of the Board, and subject to Section 7.1 (regarding the Administrator’s right to amend or terminate the Plan), will remain in effect thereafter until terminated.
8. Legal Construction.
8.1 Gender and Number. Unless otherwise indicated by the context, any feminine term used herein also will include the masculine and any masculine term used herein also will include the feminine; the plural will include the singular and the singular will include the plural.
8.2 Severability. If any provision of the Plan is or becomes or is deemed to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable for any reason in any jurisdiction or as to any Participant, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability will not affect the remaining parts of the Plan, and the Plan will be construed and enforced as if the invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision had not been included.
8.3 Governing Law. The Plan and all awards will be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, but without regard to its conflict of law provisions.
8.4 Bonus Plan. The Plan is intended to be a “bonus program” as defined under U.S. Department of Labor regulations section 2510.3-2(c) and will be construed and administered in accordance with such intention.
8.5 Headings. Headings are provided herein for convenience only, and will not serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of the Plan.
9. Compliance with Applicable Laws. Awards under the Plan (including without limitation the granting of such awards) will be subject to all applicable laws, rules and regulations, and to such approvals by any governmental agencies or national securities exchanges as may be required.
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Exhibit 10.19
KODIAK AI, INC.
COMPENSATION RECOVERY POLICY
As adopted on September 24, 2025
Kodiak AI, Inc. (the “Company”) is committed to strong corporate governance. As part of this commitment, the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) has adopted this clawback policy called the Compensation Recovery Policy (the “Policy”). The Policy is intended to further the Company’s pay-for-performance philosophy and to comply with applicable laws by providing rules relating to the reasonably prompt recovery of certain compensation received by Covered Executives in the event of an Accounting Restatement. The application of the Policy to Covered Executives is not discretionary, except to the limited extent provided below, and applies without regard to whether a Covered Executive was at fault. Capitalized terms used in the Policy are defined below, and the definitions have substantive impact on its application so reviewing them carefully is important to your understanding.
The Policy is intended to comply with, and will be interpreted in a manner consistent with, Section 10D of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), with Exchange Act Rule 10D-1 and with the listing standards of the national securities exchange (the “Exchange”) on which the securities of the Company are listed, including any official interpretive guidance.
Persons Covered by the Policy
The Policy is binding and enforceable against all “Covered Executives.” A Covered Executive is each individual who is or was ever designated as an “officer” by the Board in accordance with Exchange Act Rule 16a-1(f) (a “Section 16 Officer”). The Committee may (but is not obligated to) request or require a Covered Executive to sign and return to the Company an acknowledgement that such Covered Executive will be bound by the terms and comply with the Policy. The Policy is binding on each Covered Executive whether or not the Covered Executive signs and/or returns any acknowledgment.
Administration of the Policy
The Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) of the Board has full delegated authority to administer the Policy. The Committee is authorized to interpret and construe the Policy and to make all determinations necessary, appropriate, or advisable for the administration of the Policy. In addition, if determined in the discretion of the Board, the Policy may be administered by the independent members of the Board or another committee of the Board made up of independent members of the Board, in which case all references to the Committee will be deemed to refer to the independent members of the Board or the other Board committee. All determinations of the Committee will be final and binding and will be given the maximum deference permitted by law.
Accounting Restatements Requiring Application of the Policy
If the Company is required to prepare an accounting restatement due to the material noncompliance of the Company with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws, including any required accounting restatement to correct an error in previously issued financial statements that is material to the previously issued financial statements, or that would result in a material misstatement if the error were corrected in the current period or left uncorrected in the current period (an “Accounting Restatement”), then the Committee must determine the Excess Compensation, if any, that must be recovered. The Company’s obligation to recover Excess Compensation is not dependent on if or when restated financial statements are filed.
Compensation Covered by the Policy
The Policy applies to certain Incentive-Based Compensation (certain terms used in this Section are defined below) that is Received on or after October 2, 2023 (the “Effective Date”), during the Covered Period while the Company has a class of securities listed on a national securities exchange. Such Incentive-Based Compensation is considered “Clawback Eligible Incentive-Based Compensation” if the Incentive-Based Compensation is Received by a person after such person became a Section 16 Officer and the person served as a Section 16 Officer at any time during the performance period for the Incentive-Based Compensation. “Excess Compensation” means the amount of Clawback Eligible Incentive-Based Compensation that exceeds the amount of Clawback Eligible Incentive-Based Compensation that otherwise would have been Received had such Clawback Eligible Incentive-Based Compensation been determined based on the restated amounts. Excess Compensation must be computed without regard to any taxes paid and is referred to in the listings standards as “erroneously awarded compensation”.
To determine the amount of Excess Compensation for Incentive-Based Compensation based on stock price or total shareholder return, where it is not subject to mathematical recalculation directly from the information in an Accounting Restatement, the amount must be based on a reasonable estimate of the effect of the Accounting Restatement on the stock price or total shareholder return upon which the Incentive-Based Compensation was Received and the Company must maintain documentation of the determination of that reasonable estimate and provide that documentation to the Exchange.
“Incentive-Based Compensation” means any compensation that is granted, earned, or vested based wholly or in part upon the attainment of a Financial Reporting Measure. For the avoidance of doubt, no compensation that is potentially subject to recovery under the Policy will be earned until the Company’s right to recover under the Policy has lapsed. The following items of compensation are not Incentive-Based Compensation under the Policy: salaries, bonuses paid solely at the discretion of the Committee or Board that are not paid from a bonus pool that is determined by satisfying a Financial Reporting Measure, bonuses paid solely upon satisfying one or more subjective standards and/or completion of a specified employment period, non-equity incentive plan awards earned solely upon satisfying one or more strategic measures or operational measures, and equity awards for which the grant is not contingent upon achieving any Financial Reporting Measure performance goal and vesting is contingent solely upon completion of a specified employment period (e.g., time-based vesting equity awards) and/or attaining one or more non-Financial Reporting Measures.
“Financial Reporting Measures” are measures that are determined and presented in accordance with the accounting principles used in preparing the Company’s financial statements, and any measures that are derived wholly or in part from such measures. Stock price and total shareholder return are also Financial Reporting Measures. A Financial Reporting Measure need not be presented within the financial statements or included in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Incentive-Based Compensation is “Received” under the Policy in the Company’s fiscal period during which the Financial Reporting Measure specified in the Incentive-Based Compensation award is attained, even if the payment, vesting, settlement or grant of the Incentive-Based Compensation occurs after the end of that period. For the avoidance of doubt, the Policy does not apply to Incentive-Based Compensation for which the Financial Reporting Measure is attained prior to the Effective Date.
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“Covered Period” means the three completed fiscal years immediately preceding the Accounting Restatement Determination Date. In addition, Covered Period can include certain transition periods resulting from a change in the Company’s fiscal year.
“Accounting Restatement Determination Date” means the earliest to occur of: (a) the date the Board, a committee of the Board, or one or more of the officers of the Company authorized to take such action if Board action is not required, concludes, or reasonably should have concluded, that the Company is required to prepare an Accounting Restatement; and (b) the date a court, regulator, or other legally authorized body directs the Company to prepare an Accounting Restatement.
Repayment of Excess Compensation
The Company must recover Excess Compensation reasonably promptly and Covered Executives are required to repay Excess Compensation to the Company. Subject to applicable law, the Company may recover Excess Compensation by requiring the Covered Executive to repay such amount to the Company by direct payment to the Company or such other means or combination of means as the Committee determines to be appropriate (these determinations do not need to be identical as to each Covered Executive). These means include (but are not limited to):
| (a) | requiring reimbursement of cash Incentive-Based Compensation previously paid; |
| (b) | seeking recovery of any gain realized on the vesting, exercise, settlement, sale, transfer, or other disposition of any equity-based awards (including, but not limited to, time-based vesting awards), without regard to whether such awards are Incentive-Based Compensation or vest based on the achievement of performance goals; |
| (c) | offsetting the amount to be recovered from any unpaid or future compensation to be paid by the Company or any affiliate of the Company to the Covered Executive, including (but not limited to) payments of severance that might otherwise be due in connection with a Covered Executive’s termination of employment and without regard to whether such amounts are Incentive-Based Compensation; |
| (d) | cancelling outstanding vested or unvested equity awards (including, but not limited to, time-based vesting awards), without regard to whether such awards are Incentive-Based Compensation; and/or |
| (e) | taking any other remedial and recovery action permitted by law, as determined by the Committee. |
The repayment of Excess Compensation must be made by a Covered Executive notwithstanding any Covered Executive’s belief (whether or not legitimate) that the Excess Compensation had been previously earned under applicable law and therefore is not subject to clawback.
In addition to its rights to recovery under the Policy, the Company or any affiliate of the Company may take any legal actions it determines appropriate to enforce a Covered Executive’s obligations to the Company or to discipline a Covered Executive. Failure of a Covered Executive to comply with their obligations under the Policy may result in (without limitation) termination of that Covered Executive’s employment, institution of civil proceedings, reporting of misconduct to appropriate governmental authorities, reduction of future compensation opportunities or change in role. The decision to take any actions described in the preceding sentence will not be subject to the approval of the Committee and can
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be made by the Board, any committee of the Board, or any duly authorized officer of the Company or of any applicable affiliate of the Company. For avoidance of doubt, any decisions of the Company or the Covered Executive’s employer to discipline a Covered Executive or terminate the employment of a Covered Executive are independent of determinations under this Policy. For example, if a Covered Executive was involved in activities that led to an Accounting Restatement, the Company’s decision whether to terminate such Covered Executive’s employment would be made under its employment arrangements with such Covered Executive and the requirement to apply this no-fault and non-discretionary clawback policy will not be determinative of whether any such termination is for cause, although failure to comply with the Policy might be something that could result in a termination for cause depending on the terms of such arrangements.
Limited Exceptions to the Policy
The Company must recover the Excess Compensation in accordance with the Policy except to the limited extent that any of the conditions set forth below is met, and the Committee determines that recovery of the Excess Compensation would be impracticable:
| (a) | The direct expense paid to a third party to assist in enforcing the Policy would exceed the amount to be recovered. Before reaching this conclusion, the Company must make a reasonable attempt to recover such Excess Compensation, document such reasonable attempt(s) to recover, and provide that documentation to the Exchange; or |
| (b) | Recovery would likely cause an otherwise tax-qualified retirement plan, under which benefits are broadly available to employees of the Company, to fail to meet the legal requirements as such. |
Other Important Information in the Policy
The Policy is in addition to the requirements of Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 that are applicable to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as well as any other applicable laws, regulatory requirements, rules, or pursuant to the terms of any existing Company policy or agreement providing for the recovery of compensation.
Notwithstanding the terms of any of the Company’s organizational documents (including, but not limited to, the Company’s bylaws), any corporate policy or any contract (including, but not limited to, any indemnification agreement), neither the Company nor any affiliate of the Company will indemnify or provide advancement for any Covered Executive against any loss of Excess Compensation. Neither the Company nor any affiliate of the Company will pay for or reimburse insurance premiums for an insurance policy that covers potential recovery obligations. In the event that the Company is required to recover Excess Compensation pursuant to the Policy from a Covered Executive who is no longer an employee, the Company will be entitled to seek recovery in order to comply with applicable law, regardless of the terms of any release of claims or separation agreement that individual may have signed.
The Committee or Board may review and modify the Policy from time to time.
If any provision of the Policy or the application of any such provision to any Covered Executive is adjudicated to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provisions of the Policy or the application of such provision to another Covered Executive, and the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions will be deemed amended to the minimum extent necessary to render any such provision or application enforceable.
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The Policy will terminate and no longer be enforceable when the Company ceases to be listed issuer within the meaning of Section 10D of the Exchange Act.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
| | I acknowledge that I have received and read the Compensation Recovery Policy (the “Policy”) of Kodiak AI, Inc. (the “Company”). |
| | I understand and acknowledge that the Policy applies to me, and all of my beneficiaries, heirs, executors, administrators or other legal representatives and that the Company’s right to recovery in order to comply with applicable law will apply, regardless of the terms of any release of claims or separation agreement I have signed or will sign in the future. |
| | I agree to be bound by and to comply with the Policy and understand that determinations of the Committee (as such term is used in the Policy) will be final and binding and will be given the maximum deference permitted by law. |
| | I understand and agree that my current indemnification rights, whether in an individual agreement or the Company’s organizational documents, exclude the right to be indemnified for amounts required to be recovered under the Policy. |
| | I understand that my failure to comply in all respects with the Policy is a basis for termination of my employment with the Company and any affiliate of the Company as well as any other appropriate discipline. |
| | I understand that neither the Policy, nor the application of the Policy to me, gives rise to a resignation for good reason (or similar concept) by me under any applicable employment agreement or arrangement. |
| | I acknowledge that if I have questions concerning the meaning or application of the Policy, it is my responsibility to seek guidance from the General Counsel. |
| | I acknowledge that neither this Acknowledgement nor the Policy is meant to constitute an employment contract. |
Please review, sign and return this form to the General Counsel.
| Covered Executive |
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| (print name) |
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| (signature) |
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| (date) |
Exhibit 10.20
KODIAK AI, INC.
OUTSIDE DIRECTOR COMPENSATION POLICY
Kodiak AI, Inc. (the “Company”) believes that the granting of equity and cash compensation to members of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board,” and members of the Board, “Directors”) who are not employees represents an effective tool to attract, retain and reward such Directors. This Outside Director Compensation Policy (the “Policy”) is intended to formalize the Company’s policy regarding cash compensation and grants of equity awards to Directors who are not employees of the Company or any of its Parents or Subsidiaries (“Outside Directors”). Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used in this Policy will have the meaning given such term in the Company’s 2025 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time, or if such plan no longer is in use at the time of the grant of an equity award, the meaning given such term or similar term in the equity plan then in place and primarily used by the Company and under which non-employee Directors are eligible to receive awards (the “Plan”). Each Outside Director will be solely responsible for any tax obligations incurred by such Outside Director because of equity awards and cash compensation such Outside Director receives under this Policy.
1. Effective Date. This Policy will be effective as of the Closing (as defined in the Business Combination Agreement). If the Business Combination Agreement is terminated without the Closing having occurred, then this Policy also will terminate as of such time.
2. Cash Compensation.
2.1 Board Member Annual Cash Retainer. Following the Closing, each Outside Director will be paid an annual cash retainer of $60,000 (an “Annual Retainer”). There are no per-meeting attendance fees for attending Board meetings or meetings of any committee of the Board.
2.2 Additional Annual Cash Retainers. Following the Closing, each Outside Director who serves as the Non-Employee Chair of the Board, or the chair or a member of a committee of the Board, will be eligible to earn additional annual fees as follows (an “Additional Retainer”):
| Non-Employee Chair of the Board: |
$ | 40,000 | ||
| Audit Committee Chair: |
$ | 20,000 | ||
| Audit Committee Member: |
$ | 10,000 | ||
| Compensation Committee Chair: |
$ | 15,000 | ||
| Compensation Committee Member: |
$ | 7,500 | ||
| Nominating and Governance Committee Chair: |
$ | 10,000 | ||
| Nominating and Governance Committee Member: |
$ | 5,000 |
For clarity, each Outside Director who serves as the chair of a committee will receive only the additional annual fee as the chair of the committee and not the additional annual fee as a member of such committee while serving as such chair. Additionally, the Outside Director who serves as the Non-Employee Chair of the Board will receive the annual fee for services provided in such role as well as the annual fee as an Outside Director.
2.3 Payment Timing and Proration. Each Annual Retainer and Additional Retainer (in either case, a “Cash Retainer”) under this Policy will be paid quarterly in arrears on a prorated basis to each Outside Director who has served in the relevant capacity at any time during the immediately preceding fiscal quarter of the Company (“Fiscal Quarter”), and such payment will be made no later than 30 days following the end of such immediately preceding Fiscal Quarter. For clarity, an Outside Director who has served as an Outside Director, as a member of an applicable committee (or chair thereof), or as Non-Employee Chair of the Board during only a portion of the relevant Fiscal Quarter will receive a prorated payment of the quarterly installment of the applicable Cash Retainer(s), calculated based on the number of days during such Fiscal Quarter such Outside Director has served in the relevant capacities. For clarity, an Outside Director who has served as an Outside Director, as a member of an applicable committee (or chair thereof), or as Non-Employee Chair of the Board from the Closing through the end of the Fiscal Quarter containing the Closing (the “Initial Period”), as applicable, will receive a prorated payment of the quarterly installment of the applicable Cash Retainer(s), calculated based on the number of days during the Initial Period that such Outside Director has served in the relevant capacities.
3. Equity Compensation. Outside Directors will be eligible to receive all types of Awards (except Incentive Stock Options) under the Plan, including discretionary Awards not covered under this Policy. All grants of Awards to Outside Directors pursuant to Sections 3.2 and 3.3 of this Policy will be automatic and nondiscretionary, except as otherwise provided herein, and will be made in accordance with the following provisions:
3.1 No Discretion. No person will have any discretion to select which Outside Directors will be granted Awards under this Policy or to determine the number of Shares to be covered by such Awards (except as provided in Sections 3.4.2 and 9 below).
3.2 Initial Awards. Each individual who first becomes an Outside Director following the Closing automatically will be granted an award of Restricted Stock Units having a Value of $390,000 (an “Initial Award”). The grant date of the Initial Award will be the first Trading Day on or after the date on which such individual first becomes an Outside Director, whether through election by the stockholders of the Company or appointment by the Board to fill a vacancy. If an individual was an Inside Director, becoming an Outside Director due to termination of the individual’s status as an Employee will not entitle the Outside Director to an Initial Award. Each Initial Award will be scheduled to vest as to 1/3 of the Shares on each anniversary of the Initial Award’s grant date, in each case subject to the Outside Director remaining a Service Provider through the applicable vesting date.
3.3 Annual Award. On the first Trading Day immediately following each Annual Meeting of the Company’s stockholders (an “Annual Meeting”) that occurs after the Closing Date, each Outside Director automatically will be granted an award of Restricted Stock Units having a Value of $195,000 (the “Annual Award”), subject to the Outside Director remaining a Service Provider on the grant date; provided, however, that if an individual commenced service as an Outside Director after the date of the Annual Meeting that occurred immediately prior to such
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Annual Meeting (or if there is no such prior Annual Meeting, then after the Closing Date), then the Annual Award granted to such Outside Director will be prorated based on the number of whole months that the individual served as an Outside Director prior to the Annual Award’s grant date during the 12- month period immediately preceding such Annual Meeting (with any resulting fractional Share rounded down to the nearest whole Share). The Annual Award will be scheduled to vest in full on the earlier of the one-year anniversary of the Annual Award’s grant date or the day immediately prior to the date of the next Annual Meeting that occurs after the Annual Award’s grant date, subject to the Outside Director remaining a Service Provider through such vesting date.
3.4 Additional Terms of Initial Awards and Annual Awards. In addition to the foregoing terms under this Section 3, the terms and conditions of each Initial Award and Annual Award (each, a “Policy Award”) will be as follows.
3.4.1 Each Policy Award will be granted under and subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and the applicable form of Award Agreement previously approved by the Board or its Committee (as defined below), as applicable, for use thereunder.
3.4.2 The Board or its Committee, as applicable and in its discretion, may change and otherwise revise the terms of Policy Awards to be granted in the future pursuant to this Policy, including without limitation the number of Shares subject thereto and type of Award.
3.4.3 For purposes of this Policy, “Value” means the grant date fair value as determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or such other methodology as the Board or any committee of the Board that has been designated appropriate authority with respect to Outside Director compensation (the “Committee”), as applicable, may determine prior to the grant of the applicable Award becoming effective.
Notwithstanding any contrary provision in this Policy, no Policy Award will be granted under this Policy to an individual unless such individual is a Service Provider as of the Policy Award’s grant date.
4. Change in Control. In the event of a Change in Control, each Outside Director will fully vest in his or her outstanding Policy Awards, as of immediately prior to the Change in Control, provided that the Outside Director continues to be an Outside Director through immediately prior to such Change in Control.
5. Annual Compensation Limit. In any Fiscal Year, no Outside Director may be granted equity awards (including any Awards granted under the Plan), the value of which will be based on their grant date fair value determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and be provided any cash retainers or fees in amounts that, in the aggregate, exceed $750,000; provided that such amount is increased to $1,000,000 in the Fiscal Year of his or her initial service as an Outside Director. Any equity awards or other compensation provided to an individual (a) for his or her services as an Employee, or for his or her services as a Consultant other than as an Outside Director, or (b) prior to the Closing, will be excluded for purposes of this Section 5.
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6. Travel Expenses. Each Outside Director’s reasonable, customary and properly documented travel expenses to meetings of the Board and any of its committees, as applicable, will be reimbursed by the Company.
7. Adjustments. In the event that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Shares, other securities or other property), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, reclassification, repurchase, or exchange of Shares or other securities of the Company, or other change in the corporate structure of the Company affecting the Shares occurs (other than any ordinary dividends or other ordinary distributions), the Administrator, in order to prevent diminution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under this Policy, will adjust the number and class of shares of stock that may be delivered pursuant to Policy Awards and/or the number, class, and price of shares of stock covered by each outstanding Policy Award.
8. Section 409A. In no event will cash compensation or taxable expense reimbursement payments under this Policy be paid after the later of (a) the 15th day of the third (3rd) month following the end of the Company’s taxable year in which the compensation is earned or expenses are incurred, as applicable, or (b) the 15th day of the 3rd month following the end of the calendar year in which the compensation is earned or expenses are incurred, as applicable, in compliance with the “short-term deferral” exception under Section 409A. It is the intent of this Policy that this Policy and all payments hereunder be exempt from or otherwise comply with the requirements of Section 409A so that none of the compensation to be provided hereunder will be subject to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities or ambiguous terms herein will be interpreted to be so exempt or comply. Each payment and benefit under this Policy is intended to be a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A. In no event will the Company or any of its Parents or Subsidiaries have any responsibility, liability, or obligation to reimburse, indemnify, or hold harmless an Outside Director (or any other person) for any taxes imposed, or other costs incurred, as a result of Section 409A.
9. Revisions. The Board may amend, alter, suspend or terminate this Policy, or any part thereof, at any time and for any reason. Further, the Board may provide for cash, equity, or other compensation to Outside Directors in addition to the compensation provided under this Policy. No amendment, alteration, suspension or termination of this Policy will materially impair the rights of an Outside Director with respect to compensation that already has been paid or awarded, unless otherwise mutually agreed between the Outside Director and the Company. Termination of this Policy will not affect the Plan administrator’s ability to exercise the powers granted to it under the Plan with respect to Awards granted pursuant to this Policy.
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Exhibit 10.21
KODIAK ROBOTICS, INC.
2018 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
(as amended May 2, 2025)
1. Purposes of the Plan. The purposes of this Plan are:
| | to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial responsibility, |
| | to provide additional incentive to Employees, Directors and Consultants, and |
| | to promote the success of the Company’s business. |
The Plan permits the grant of Incentive Stock Options, Nonstatutory Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units.
2. Definitions. As used herein, the following definitions will apply:
(a) “Administrator” means the Board or any of its Committees as will be administering the Plan, in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan.
(b) “Applicable Laws” means the requirements relating to the administration of equity-based awards under U.S. state corporate laws, U.S. federal and state securities laws, the Code, any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and the applicable laws of any foreign country or jurisdiction where Awards are, or will be, granted under the Plan.
(c) “Award” means, individually or collectively, a grant under the Plan of Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, or Restricted Stock Units.
(d) “Award Agreement” means the written or electronic agreement setting forth the terms and provisions applicable to each Award granted under the Plan. The Award Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.
(e) “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
(f) “Change in Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:
(i) Change in Ownership of the Company. A change in the ownership of the Company which occurs on the date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (“Person”), acquires ownership of the stock of the Company that, together with the stock held by such Person, constitutes more than 50% of the total voting power of the stock of the Company, except that any change in the ownership of the stock of the Company as a result of a private financing of the Company that is approved by the Board will not be considered a Change in Control; or
(ii) Change in Effective Control of the Company. If the Company has a class of securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act, a change in the effective control of the Company which occurs on the date that a majority of members of the Board is replaced during any twelve (12) month period by Directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board prior to the date of the appointment or election. For purposes of this clause (ii), if any Person is considered to be in effective control of the Company, the acquisition of additional control of the Company by the same Person will not be considered a Change in Control; or
(iii) Change in Ownership of a Substantial Portion of the Company’s Assets. A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets which occurs on the date that any Person acquires (or has acquired during the twelve (12) month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than 50% of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions. For purposes of this subsection (iii), gross fair market value means the value of the assets of the Company, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets.
For purposes of this Section 2(f), persons will be considered to be acting as a group if they are owners of a corporation that enters into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, or similar business transaction with the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a transaction will not be deemed a Change in Control unless the transaction qualifies as a change in control event within the meaning of Code Section 409A, as it has been and may be amended from time to time, and any proposed or final Treasury Regulations and Internal Revenue Service guidance that has been promulgated or may be promulgated thereunder from time to time.
Further and for the avoidance of doubt, a transaction will not constitute a Change in Control if: (i) its sole purpose is to change the jurisdiction of the Company’s incorporation, or (ii) its sole purpose is to create a holding company that will be owned in substantially the same proportions by the persons who held the Company’s securities immediately before such transaction.
(g) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Any reference to a section of the Code herein will be a reference to any successor or amended section of the Code.
(h) “Committee” means a committee of Directors or of other individuals satisfying Applicable Laws appointed by the Board, or by the compensation committee of the Board, in accordance with Section 4 hereof.
(i) “Common Stock” means the common stock of the Company.
(j) “Company” means Kodiak Robotics, Inc., a Delaware corporation, or any successor thereto.
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(k) “Consultant” means any natural person, including an advisor, engaged by the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary to render bona fide services to such entity, provided the services (i) are not in connection with the offer or sale of securities in a capital-raising transaction, and (ii) do not directly promote or maintain a market for the Company’s securities.
(l) “Director” means a member of the Board.
(m) “Disability” means total and permanent disability as defined in Code Section 22(e)(3), provided that in the case of Awards other than Incentive Stock Options, the Administrator in its discretion may determine whether a permanent and total disability exists in accordance with uniform and non-discriminatory standards adopted by the Administrator from time to time.
(n) “Employee” means any person, including officers and Directors, employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. Neither service as a Director nor payment of a director’s fee by the Company will be sufficient to constitute “employment” by the Company.
(o) “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(p) “Exchange Program” means a program under which (i) outstanding Awards are surrendered or cancelled in exchange for Awards of the same type (which may have higher or lower exercise prices and different terms), Awards of a different type, and/or cash, (ii) Participants would have the opportunity to transfer any outstanding Awards to a financial institution or other person or entity selected by the Administrator, and/or (iii) the exercise price of an outstanding Award is reduced or increased. The Administrator will determine the terms and conditions of any Exchange Program in its sole discretion.
(q) “Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, the value of Common Stock determined as follows:
(i) If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or a national market system, including without limitation the Nasdaq Global Select Market, the Nasdaq Global Market or the Nasdaq Capital Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market, its Fair Market Value will be the closing sales price for such stock (or the closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such exchange or system on the day of determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable;
(ii) If the Common Stock is regularly quoted by a recognized securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, the Fair Market Value of a Share will be the mean between the high bid and low asked prices for the Common Stock on the day of determination (or, if no bids and asks were reported on that date, as applicable, on the last trading date such bids and asks were reported), as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable; or
(iii) In the absence of an established market for the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value will be determined in good faith by the Administrator.
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(r) “Incentive Stock Option” means an Option that by its terms qualifies and is otherwise intended to qualify as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Code Section 422 and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
(s) “Nonstatutory Stock Option” means an Option that by its terms does not qualify or is not intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.
(t) “Option” means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan.
(u) “Parent” means a “parent corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Code Section 424(e).
(v) “Participant” means the holder of an outstanding Award.
(w) “Period of Restriction” means the period during which the transfer of Shares of Restricted Stock are subject to restrictions and therefore, the Shares are subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture. Such restrictions may be based on the passage of time, the achievement of target levels of performance, or the occurrence of other events as determined by the Administrator.
(x) “Plan” means this 2018 Equity Incentive Plan.
(y) “Restricted Stock” means Shares issued pursuant to an Award of Restricted Stock under Section 8 of the Plan, or issued pursuant to the early exercise of an Option.
(z) “Restricted Stock Unit” means a bookkeeping entry representing an amount equal to the Fair Market Value of one Share, granted pursuant to Section 9. Each Restricted Stock Unit represents an unfunded and unsecured obligation of the Company.
(aa) “Service Provider” means an Employee, Director or Consultant.
(bb) “Share” means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in accordance with Section 13 of the Plan.
(cc) “Stock Appreciation Right” means an Award, granted alone or in connection with an Option, that pursuant to Section 7 is designated as a Stock Appreciation Right.
(dd) “Subsidiary” means a “subsidiary corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Code Section 424(f).
3. Stock Subject to the Plan.
(a) Stock Subject to the Plan. Subject to the provisions of Section 13 of the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares that may be subject to Awards and sold under the Plan is 109,032,879 Shares. The Shares may be authorized but unissued, or reacquired Common Stock.
(b) Lapsed Awards. If an Award expires or becomes unexercisable without having been exercised in full, is surrendered pursuant to an Exchange Program, or, with respect to Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units, is forfeited to or repurchased by the Company due to the failure to
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vest, the unpurchased Shares (or for Awards other than Options or Stock Appreciation Rights the forfeited or repurchased Shares) which were subject thereto will become available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has terminated). With respect to Stock Appreciation Rights, only Shares actually issued pursuant to a Stock Appreciation Right will cease to be available under the Plan; all remaining Shares under Stock Appreciation Rights will remain available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has terminated). Shares that have actually been issued under the Plan under any Award will not be returned to the Plan and will not become available for future distribution under the Plan; provided, however, that if Shares issued pursuant to Awards of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units are repurchased by the Company or are forfeited to the Company due to the failure to vest, such Shares will become available for future grant under the Plan. Shares used to pay the exercise price of an Award or to satisfy the tax withholding obligations related to an Award will become available for future grant or sale under the Plan. To the extent an Award under the Plan is paid out in cash rather than Shares, such cash payment will not result in reducing the number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing and, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 13, the maximum number of Shares that may be issued upon the exercise of Incentive Stock Options will equal the aggregate Share number stated in Section 3(a), plus, to the extent allowable under Code Section 422 and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, any Shares that become available for issuance under the Plan pursuant to Section 3(b).
(c) Share Reserve. The Company, during the term of this Plan, will at all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as will be sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan.
4. Administration of the Plan.
(a) Procedure.
(i) Multiple Administrative Bodies. Different Committees with respect to different groups of Service Providers may administer the Plan.
(ii) Other Administration. Other than as provided above, the Plan will be administered by (A) the Board or (B) a Committee, which Committee will be constituted to satisfy Applicable Laws.
(b) Powers of the Administrator. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, and in the case of a Committee, subject to the specific duties delegated by the Board to such Committee, the Administrator will have the authority, in its discretion:
(i) to determine the Fair Market Value;
(ii) to select the Service Providers to whom Awards may be granted hereunder;
(iii) to determine the number of Shares to be covered by each Award granted hereunder;
(iv) to approve forms of Award Agreements for use under the Plan;
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(v) to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of any Award granted hereunder. Such terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, the exercise price, the time or times when Awards may be exercised (which may be based on performance criteria), any vesting acceleration or waiver of forfeiture restrictions, and any restriction or limitation regarding any Award or the Shares relating thereto, based in each case on such factors as the Administrator will determine;
(vi) to institute and determine the terms and conditions of an Exchange Program;
(vii) to construe and interpret the terms of the Plan and Awards granted pursuant to the Plan;
(viii) to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan, including rules and regulations relating to sub-plans established for the purpose of satisfying applicable foreign laws or for qualifying for favorable tax treatment under applicable foreign laws;
(ix) to modify or amend each Award (subject to Section 18(c) of the Plan), including but not limited to the discretionary authority to extend the post-termination exercisability period of Awards and to extend the maximum term of an Option (subject to Section 6(d));
(x) to allow Participants to satisfy withholding tax obligations in a manner prescribed in Section 14;
(xi) to authorize any person to execute on behalf of the Company any instrument required to effect the grant of an Award previously granted by the Administrator;
(xii) to allow a Participant to defer the receipt of the payment of cash or the delivery of Shares that otherwise would be due to such Participant under an Award; and
(xiii) to make all other determinations deemed necessary or advisable for administering the Plan.
(c) Effect of Administrator’s Decision. The Administrator’s decisions, determinations and interpretations will be final and binding on all Participants and any other holders of Awards.
5. Eligibility. Nonstatutory Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, and Restricted Stock Units may be granted to Service Providers. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to Employees.
6. Stock Options.
(a) Grant of Options. Subject to the terms and provisions of the Plan, the Administrator, at any time and from time to time, may grant Options in such amounts as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine.
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(b) Option Agreement. Each Award of an Option will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the exercise price, the term of the Option, the number of Shares subject to the Option, the exercise restrictions, if any, applicable to the Option, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine.
(c) Limitations. Each Option will be designated in the Award Agreement as either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option. Notwithstanding such designation, however, to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of the Shares with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by the Participant during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company and any Parent or Subsidiary) exceeds one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000), such Options will be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options. For purposes of this Section 6(c), Incentive Stock Options will be taken into account in the order in which they were granted, the Fair Market Value of the Shares will be determined as of the time the Option with respect to such Shares is granted, and calculation will be performed in accordance with Code Section 422 and Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder.
(d) Term of Option. The term of each Option will be stated in the Award Agreement; provided, however, that the term will be no more than ten (10) years from the date of grant thereof. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to a Participant who, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the term of the Incentive Stock Option will be five (5) years from the date of grant or such shorter term as may be provided in the Award Agreement.
(e) Option Exercise Price and Consideration.
(i) Exercise Price. The per Share exercise price for the Shares to be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Option will be determined by the Administrator, but will be no less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant. In addition, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to an Employee who owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the per Share exercise price will be no less than one hundred ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 6(e)(i), Options may be granted with a per Share exercise price of less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant pursuant to a transaction described in, and in a manner consistent with, Code Section 424(a).
(ii) Waiting Period and Exercise Dates. At the time an Option is granted, the Administrator will fix the period within which the Option may be exercised and will determine any conditions that must be satisfied before the Option may be exercised.
(iii) Form of Consideration. The Administrator will determine the acceptable form of consideration for exercising an Option, including the method of payment. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the Administrator will determine the acceptable form of consideration at the time of grant. Such consideration may consist entirely of: (1) cash; (2) check; (3) promissory note, to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws, (4) other Shares, provided that such Shares have a Fair Market Value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the
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Shares as to which such Option will be exercised and provided further that accepting such Shares will not result in any adverse accounting consequences to the Company, as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion; (5) consideration received by the Company under cashless exercise program (whether through a broker or otherwise) implemented by the Company in connection with the Plan; (6) by net exercise, (7) such other consideration and method of payment for the issuance of Shares to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws, or (8) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment. In making its determination as to the type of consideration to accept, the Administrator will consider if acceptance of such consideration may be reasonably expected to benefit the Company.
(f) Exercise of Option.
(i) Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Stockholder. Any Option granted hereunder will be exercisable according to the terms of the Plan and at such times and under such conditions as determined by the Administrator and set forth in the Award Agreement. An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.
An Option will be deemed exercised when the Company receives: (i) notice of exercise (in such form as the Administrator may specify from time to time) from the person entitled to exercise the Option, and (ii) full payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised (together with applicable tax withholding). Full payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment authorized by the Administrator and permitted by the Award Agreement and the Plan. Shares issued upon exercise of an Option will be issued in the name of the Participant or, if requested by the Participant, in the name of the Participant and his or her spouse. Until the Shares are issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder will exist with respect to the Shares subject to an Option, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Company will issue (or cause to be issued) such Shares promptly after the Option is exercised. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as provided in Section 13 of the Plan.
Exercising an Option in any manner will decrease the number of Shares thereafter available, both for purposes of the Plan and for sale under the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the Option is exercised.
(ii) Termination of Relationship as a Service Provider. If a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider, other than upon the Participant’s termination as the result of the Participant’s death or Disability, the Participant may exercise his or her Option within thirty (30) days of termination, or such longer period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement) to the extent that the Option is vested on the date of termination. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, if on the date of termination the Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option will revert to the Plan. If after termination the Participant does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified by the Administrator, the Option will terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option will revert to the Plan.
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(iii) Disability of Participant. If a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider as a result of the Participant’s Disability, the Participant may exercise his or her Option within six (6) months of termination, or such longer period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement) to the extent the Option is vested on the date of termination. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, if on the date of termination the Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option will revert to the Plan. If after termination the Participant does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified herein, the Option will terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option will revert to the Plan.
(iv) Death of Participant. If a Participant dies while a Service Provider, the Option may be exercised within six (6) months following the Participant’s death, or within such longer period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement) to the extent that the Option is vested on the date of death, by the Participant’s designated beneficiary, provided such beneficiary has been designated prior to the Participant’s death in a form acceptable to the Administrator. If no such beneficiary has been designated by the Participant, then such Option may be exercised by the personal representative of the Participant’s estate or by the person(s) to whom the Option is transferred pursuant to the Participant’s will or in accordance with the laws of descent and distribution. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, if at the time of death Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option will immediately revert to the Plan. If the Option is not so exercised within the time specified herein, the Option will terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option will revert to the Plan.
7. Stock Appreciation Rights.
(a) Grant of Stock Appreciation Rights. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, a Stock Appreciation Right may be granted to Service Providers at any time and from time to time as will be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion.
(b) Number of Shares. The Administrator will have complete discretion to determine the number of Shares subject to any Award of Stock Appreciation Rights.
(c) Exercise Price and Other Terms. The per Share exercise price for the Shares that will determine the amount of the payment to be received upon exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right as set forth in Section 7(f) will be determined by the Administrator and will be no less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant. Otherwise, the Administrator, subject to the provisions of the Plan, will have complete discretion to determine the terms and conditions of Stock Appreciation Rights granted under the Plan.
(d) Stock Appreciation Right Agreement. Each Stock Appreciation Right grant will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the exercise price, the term of the Stock Appreciation Right, the conditions of exercise, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine.
(e) Expiration of Stock Appreciation Rights. A Stock Appreciation Right granted under the Plan will expire upon the date determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion, and set forth in the Award Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the rules of Section 6(d) relating to the maximum term and Section 6(f) relating to exercise also will apply to Stock Appreciation Rights.
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(f) Payment of Stock Appreciation Right Amount. Upon exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right, a Participant will be entitled to receive payment from the Company in an amount determined by multiplying:
(i) The difference between the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of exercise over the exercise price; times
(ii) The number of Shares with respect to which the Stock Appreciation Right is exercised.
At the discretion of the Administrator, the payment upon Stock Appreciation Right exercise may be in cash, in Shares of equivalent value, or in some combination thereof.
8. Restricted Stock.
(a) Grant of Restricted Stock. Subject to the terms and provisions of the Plan, the Administrator, at any time and from time to time, may grant Shares of Restricted Stock to Service Providers in such amounts as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine.
(b) Restricted Stock Agreement. Each Award of Restricted Stock will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the Period of Restriction, the number of Shares granted, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine. Unless the Administrator determines otherwise, the Company as escrow agent will hold Shares of Restricted Stock until the restrictions on such Shares have lapsed.
(c) Transferability. Except as provided in this Section 8 or as the Administrator determines, Shares of Restricted Stock may not be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated until the end of the applicable Period of Restriction.
(d) Other Restrictions. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may impose such other restrictions on Shares of Restricted Stock as it may deem advisable or appropriate.
(e) Removal of Restrictions. Except as otherwise provided in this Section 8, Shares of Restricted Stock covered by each Restricted Stock grant made under the Plan will be released from escrow as soon as practicable after the last day of the Period of Restriction or at such other time as the Administrator may determine. The Administrator, in its discretion, may accelerate the time at which any restrictions will lapse or be removed.
(f) Voting Rights. During the Period of Restriction, Service Providers holding Shares of Restricted Stock granted hereunder may exercise full voting rights with respect to those Shares, unless the Administrator determines otherwise.
(g) Dividends and Other Distributions. During the Period of Restriction, Service Providers holding Shares of Restricted Stock will be entitled to receive all dividends and other distributions paid with respect to such Shares, unless the Administrator provides otherwise. If any such dividends or distributions are paid in Shares, the Shares will be subject to the same restrictions on transferability and forfeitability as the Shares of Restricted Stock with respect to which they were paid.
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(h) Return of Restricted Stock to Company. On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, the Restricted Stock for which restrictions have not lapsed will revert to the Company and again will become available for grant under the Plan.
9. Restricted Stock Units.
(a) Grant. Restricted Stock Units may be granted at any time and from time to time as determined by the Administrator. After the Administrator determines that it will grant Restricted Stock Units, it will advise the Participant in an Award Agreement of the terms, conditions, and restrictions related to the grant, including the number of Restricted Stock Units.
(b) Vesting Criteria and Other Terms. The Administrator will set vesting criteria in its discretion, which, depending on the extent to which the criteria are met, will determine the number of Restricted Stock Units that will be paid out to the Participant. The Administrator may set vesting criteria based upon the achievement of Company-wide, business unit, or individual goals (including, but not limited to, continued employment or service), or any other basis determined by the Administrator in its discretion.
(c) Earning Restricted Stock Units. Upon meeting the applicable vesting criteria, the Participant will be entitled to receive a payout as determined by the Administrator. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time after the grant of Restricted Stock Units, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may reduce or waive any vesting criteria that must be met to receive a payout.
(d) Form and Timing of Payment. Payment of earned Restricted Stock Units will be made as soon as practicable after the date(s) determined by the Administrator and set forth in the Award Agreement. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may settle earned Restricted Stock Units in cash, Shares, or a combination of both.
(e) Cancellation. On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, all unearned Restricted Stock Units will be forfeited to the Company.
10. Compliance With Code Section 409A. Awards will be designed and operated in such a manner that they are either exempt from the application of, or comply with, the requirements of Code Section 409A, except as otherwise determined in the sole discretion of the Administrator. The Plan and each Award Agreement under the Plan is intended to meet the requirements of Code Section 409A and will be construed and interpreted in accordance with such intent, except as otherwise determined in the sole discretion of the Administrator. To the extent that an Award or payment, or the settlement or deferral thereof, is subject to Code Section 409A the Award will be granted, paid, settled or deferred in a manner that will meet the requirements of Code Section 409A, such that the grant, payment, settlement or deferral will not be subject to the additional tax or interest applicable under Code Section 409A.
11. Leaves of Absence/Transfer Between Locations. Unless the Administrator provides otherwise, vesting of Awards granted hereunder will be suspended during any unpaid leave of absence. A Participant will not cease to be an Employee in the case of (i) any leave of absence approved by the Company or (ii) transfers between locations of the Company or between the Company, its Parent, or any Subsidiary. For purposes of Incentive Stock Options, no such leave may exceed three (3) months, unless reemployment upon expiration of such leave is guaranteed by statute or contract. If reemployment upon expiration of a leave of absence approved by the Company is not so guaranteed, then six (6) months following the first (1st) day of such leave, any Incentive Stock Option held by the Participant will cease to be treated as an Incentive Stock Option and will be treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock Option.
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12. Limited Transferability of Awards.
(a) Unless determined otherwise by the Administrator, Awards may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, or otherwise transferred in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and may be exercised, during the lifetime of the Participant, only by the Participant. If the Administrator makes an Award transferable, such Award may only be transferred (i) by will, (ii) by the laws of descent and distribution, or (iii) as permitted by Rule 701 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).
(b) Further, until the Company becomes subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, or after the Administrator determines that it is, will, or may no longer be relying upon the exemption from registration under the Exchange Act as set forth in Rule 12h-1(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act, an Option, or prior to exercise, the Shares subject to the Option, may not be pledged, hypothecated or otherwise transferred or disposed of, in any manner, including by entering into any short position, any “put equivalent position” or any “call equivalent position” (as defined in Rule 16a-1(h) and Rule 16a-1(b) of the Exchange Act, respectively), other than to (i) persons who are “family members” (as defined in Rule 701(c)(3) of the Securities Act) through gifts or domestic relations orders, or (ii) to an executor or guardian of the Participant upon the death or disability of the Participant. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may determine to permit transfers to the Company or in connection with a Change in Control or other acquisition transactions involving the Company to the extent permitted by Rule 12h-1(f).
13. Adjustments; Dissolution or Liquidation; Merger or Change in Control.
(a) Adjustments. In the event that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Shares, other securities, or other property), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase, or exchange of Shares or other securities of the Company, or other change in the corporate structure of the Company affecting the Shares occurs, the Administrator, in order to prevent diminution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan, will adjust the number and class of shares of stock that may be delivered under the Plan and/or the number, class, and price of shares of stock covered by each outstanding Award; provided, however, that the Administrator will make such adjustments to an Award required by Section 25102(o) of the California Corporations Code to the extent the Company is relying upon the exemption afforded thereby with respect to the Award.
(b) Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Administrator will notify each Participant as soon as practicable prior to the effective date of such proposed transaction. To the extent it has not been previously exercised, an Award will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action.
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(c) Merger or Change in Control. In the event of a merger of the Company with or into another corporation or other entity or a Change in Control, each outstanding Award will be treated as the Administrator determines (subject to the provisions of the following paragraph) without a Participant’s consent, including, without limitation, that (i) Awards will be assumed, or substantially equivalent Awards will be substituted, by the acquiring or succeeding corporation (or an affiliate thereof) with appropriate adjustments as to the number and kind of shares and prices; (ii) upon written notice to a Participant, that the Participant’s Awards will terminate upon or immediately prior to the consummation of such merger or Change in Control; (iii) outstanding Awards will vest and become exercisable, realizable, or payable, or restrictions applicable to an Award will lapse, in whole or in part prior to or upon consummation of such merger or Change in Control, and, to the extent the Administrator determines, terminate upon or immediately prior to the effectiveness of such merger or Change in Control; (iv) (A) the termination of an Award in exchange for an amount of cash and/or property, if any, equal to the amount that would have been attained upon the exercise of such Award or realization of the Participant’s rights as of the date of the occurrence of the transaction (and, for the avoidance of doubt, if as of the date of the occurrence of the transaction the Administrator determines in good faith that no amount would have been attained upon the exercise of such Award or realization of the Participant’s rights, then such Award may be terminated by the Company without payment), or (B) the replacement of such Award with other rights or property selected by the Administrator in its sole discretion; or (v) any combination of the foregoing. In taking any of the actions permitted under this subsection 13(c), the Administrator will not be obligated to treat all Awards, all Awards held by a Participant, or all Awards of the same type, similarly.
In the event that the successor corporation does not assume or substitute for the Award (or portion thereof), the Participant will fully vest in and have the right to exercise all of his or her outstanding Options and Stock Appreciation Rights, including Shares as to which such Awards would not otherwise be vested or exercisable, all restrictions on Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units will lapse, and, with respect to Awards with performance-based vesting, all performance goals or other vesting criteria will be deemed achieved at one hundred percent (100%) of target levels and all other terms and conditions met. In addition, if an Option or Stock Appreciation Right is not assumed or substituted in the event of a merger or Change in Control, the Administrator will notify the Participant in writing or electronically that the Option or Stock Appreciation Right will be exercisable for a period of time determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion, and the Option or Stock Appreciation Right will terminate upon the expiration of such period.
For the purposes of this subsection 13(c), an Award will be considered assumed if, following the merger or Change in Control, the Award confers the right to purchase or receive, for each Share subject to the Award immediately prior to the merger or Change in Control, the consideration (whether stock, cash, or other securities or property) received in the merger or Change in Control by holders of Common Stock for each Share held on the effective date of the transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares); provided, however, that if such consideration received in the merger or Change in Control is not solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent, the Administrator may, with the consent of the successor corporation, provide for the consideration to be received upon the exercise of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right or upon the payout of a Restricted Stock Unit, for each Share subject to such Award, to be solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the merger or Change in Control.
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Notwithstanding anything in this Section 13(c) to the contrary, an Award that vests, is earned or paid-out upon the satisfaction of one or more performance goals will not be considered assumed if the Company or its successor modifies any of such performance goals without the Participant’s consent; provided, however, a modification to such performance goals only to reflect the successor corporation’s post-Change in Control corporate structure will not be deemed to invalidate an otherwise valid Award assumption.
Notwithstanding anything in this Section 13(c) to the contrary, if a payment under an Award Agreement is subject to Code Section 409A and if the change in control definition contained in the Award Agreement does not comply with the definition of “change of control” for purposes of a distribution under Code Section 409A, then any payment of an amount that is otherwise accelerated under this Section will be delayed until the earliest time that such payment would be permissible under Code Section 409A without triggering any penalties applicable under Code Section 409A.
14. Tax Withholding.
(a) Withholding Requirements. Prior to the delivery of any Shares or cash pursuant to an Award (or exercise thereof), the Company will have the power and the right to deduct or withhold, or require a Participant to remit to the Company, an amount sufficient to satisfy federal, state, local, foreign or other taxes (including the Participant’s FICA obligation) required to be withheld with respect to such Award (or exercise thereof).
(b) Withholding Arrangements. The Administrator, in its sole discretion and pursuant to such procedures as it may specify from time to time, may permit a Participant to satisfy such tax withholding obligation, in whole or in part by (without limitation) (i) paying cash, (ii) electing to have the Company withhold otherwise deliverable Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the minimum statutory amount required to be withheld, (iii) delivering to the Company already-owned Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the statutory amount required to be withheld, provided the delivery of such Shares will not result in any adverse accounting consequences, as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion, or (iv) selling a sufficient number of Shares otherwise deliverable to the Participant through such means as the Administrator may determine in its sole discretion (whether through a broker or otherwise) equal to the amount required to be withheld. The amount of the withholding requirement will be deemed to include any amount which the Administrator agrees may be withheld at the time the election is made, not to exceed the amount determined by using the maximum federal, state or local marginal income tax rates applicable to the Participant with respect to the Award on the date that the amount of tax to be withheld is to be determined. The Fair Market Value of the Shares to be withheld or delivered will be determined as of the date that the taxes are required to be withheld.
15. No Effect on Employment or Service. Neither the Plan nor any Award will confer upon a Participant any right with respect to continuing the Participant’s relationship as a Service Provider with the Company, nor will they interfere in any way with the Participant’s right or the Company’s right to terminate such relationship at any time, with or without cause, to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws.
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16. Date of Grant. The date of grant of an Award will be, for all purposes, the date on which the Administrator makes the determination granting such Award, or such other later date as is determined by the Administrator. Notice of the determination will be provided to each Participant within a reasonable time after the date of such grant.
17. Term of Plan. Subject to Section 21 of the Plan, the Plan will become effective upon its adoption by the Board. Unless sooner terminated under Section 18, it will continue in effect for a term of ten (10) years from the later of (a) the effective date of the Plan, or (b) the earlier of the most recent Board or stockholder approval of an increase in the number of Shares reserved for issuance under the Plan.
18. Amendment and Termination of the Plan.
(a) Amendment and Termination. The Board may at any time amend, alter, suspend or terminate the Plan.
(b) Stockholder Approval. The Company will obtain stockholder approval of any Plan amendment to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with Applicable Laws.
(c) Effect of Amendment or Termination. No amendment, alteration, suspension or termination of the Plan will impair the rights of any Participant, unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Participant and the Administrator, which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Participant and the Company. Termination of the Plan will not affect the Administrator’s ability to exercise the powers granted to it hereunder with respect to Awards granted under the Plan prior to the date of such termination.
19. Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares.
(a) Legal Compliance. Shares will not be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Award unless the exercise of such Award and the issuance and delivery of such Shares will comply with Applicable Laws and will be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.
(b) Investment Representations. As a condition to the exercise of an Award, the Company may require the person exercising such Award to represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise that the Shares are being purchased only for investment and without any present intention to sell or distribute such Shares if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required.
20. Inability to Obtain Authority. The inability of the Company to obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority is deemed by the Company’s counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder, will relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite authority will not have been obtained.
21. Stockholder Approval. The Plan will be subject to approval by the stockholders of the Company within twelve (12) months after the date the Plan is adopted by the Board. Such stockholder approval will be obtained in the manner and to the degree required under Applicable Laws.
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22. Information to Participants. Beginning on the earlier of (i) the date that the aggregate number of Participants under this Plan is five hundred (500) or more and the Company is relying on the exemption provided by Rule 12h-1(f)(1) under the Exchange Act and (ii) the date that the Company is required to deliver information to Participants pursuant to Rule 701 under the Securities Act, and until such time as the Company becomes subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, is no longer relying on the exemption provided by Rule 12h-1(f)(1) under the Exchange Act or is no longer required to deliver information to Participants pursuant to Rule 701 under the Securities Act, the Company shall provide to each Participant the information described in paragraphs (e)(3), (4), and (5) of Rule 701 under the Securities Act not less frequently than every six (6) months with the financial statements being not more than 180 days old and with such information provided either by physical or electronic delivery to the Participants or by written notice to the Participants of the availability of the information on an Internet site that may be password-protected and of any password needed to access the information. The Company may request that Participants agree to keep the information to be provided pursuant to this section confidential. If a Participant does not agree to keep the information to be provided pursuant to this section confidential, then the Company will not be required to provide the information unless otherwise required pursuant to Rule 12h-1(f)(1) under the Exchange Act or Rule 701 of the Securities Act.
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KODIAK ROBOTICS, INC.
2018 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) shall have the same defined meanings in this Stock Option Agreement (the “Option Agreement”).
| I. | NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION GRANT |
Name:
Address:
The undersigned Participant has been granted an Option to purchase Common Stock of the Company, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement, as follows:
| Date of Grant: |
||||
| Vesting Commencement Date: |
||||
| Exercise Price per Share: |
$ | |||
| Total Number of Shares Granted: |
||||
| Total Exercise Price: |
$ | |||
| Type of Option: |
Incentive Stock Option | |||
| Nonstatutory Stock Option | ||||
| Term/Expiration Date: |
||||
Vesting Schedule:
This Option shall be exercisable, in whole or in part, according to the following vesting schedule:
[Vesting Schedule]
Termination Period:
This Option shall be exercisable for three (3) months after Participant ceases to be a Service Provider, unless such termination is due to Participant’s death or Disability, in which case this Option shall be exercisable for twelve (12) months after Participant ceases to be a Service Provider. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, in no event may this Option be exercised after the Term/Expiration Date as provided above and this Option may be subject to earlier termination as provided in Section 13 of the Plan.
| II. | AGREEMENT |
1. Grant of Option. The Administrator of the Company hereby grants to the Participant named in the Notice of Stock Option Grant in Part I of this Option Agreement (“Participant”), an option (the “Option”) to purchase the number of Shares set forth in the Notice of Stock Option Grant, at the exercise price per Share set forth in the Notice of Stock Option Grant (the “Exercise Price”), and subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. Subject to Section 18 of the Plan, in the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Plan shall prevail.
If designated in the Notice of Stock Option Grant as an Incentive Stock Option (“ISO”), this Option is intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option as defined in Section 422 of the Code. Nevertheless, to the extent that it exceeds the $100,000 rule of Code Section 422(d), this Option shall be treated as a Nonstatutory Stock Option (“NSO”). Further, if for any reason this Option (or portion thereof) shall not qualify as an ISO, then, to the extent of such nonqualification, such Option (or portion thereof) shall be regarded as a NSO granted under the Plan. In no event shall the Administrator, the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary or any of their respective employees or directors have any liability to Participant (or any other person) due to the failure of the Option to qualify for any reason as an ISO.
2. Exercise of Option.
(a) Right to Exercise. This Option shall be exercisable during its term in accordance with the Vesting Schedule set out in the Notice of Stock Option Grant and with the applicable provisions of the Plan and this Option Agreement.
(b) Method of Exercise. This Option shall be exercisable by delivery of an exercise notice in the form attached as Exhibit A (the “Exercise Notice”) or in a manner and pursuant to such procedures as the Administrator may determine, which shall state the election to exercise the Option, the number of Shares with respect to which the Option is being exercised (the “Exercised Shares”), and such other representations and agreements as may be required by the Company. The Exercise Notice shall be accompanied by payment of the aggregate Exercise Price as to all Exercised Shares, together with any applicable tax withholding. This Option shall be deemed to be exercised upon receipt by the Company of such fully executed Exercise Notice accompanied by the aggregate Exercise Price, together with any applicable tax withholding.
No Shares shall be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Option unless such issuance and such exercise comply with Applicable Laws. Assuming such compliance, for income tax purposes the Shares shall be considered transferred to Participant on the date on which the Option is exercised with respect to such Shares.
3. Participant’s Representations. In the event the Shares have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), at the time this Option is exercised, Participant shall, if required by the Company, concurrently with the exercise of all or any portion of this Option, deliver to the Company his or her Investment Representation Statement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B.
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4. Lock-Up Period. Participant hereby agrees that Participant shall not offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company or enter into any swap, hedging or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of any Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company held by Participant (other than those included in the registration) for a period specified by the representative of the underwriters of Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company not to exceed one hundred and eighty (180) days following the effective date of any registration statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act (or such other period as may be requested by the Company or the underwriters to accommodate regulatory restrictions on (i) the publication or other distribution of research reports and (ii) analyst recommendations and opinions, including, but not limited to, the restrictions contained in NYSE Rule 472(f)(4), or any successor provisions or amendments thereto).
Participant agrees to execute and deliver such other agreements as may be reasonably requested by the Company or the underwriter which are consistent with the foregoing or which are necessary to give further effect thereto. In addition, if requested by the Company or the representative of the underwriters of Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company, Participant shall provide, within ten (10) days of such request, such information as may be required by the Company or such representative in connection with the completion of any public offering of the Company’s securities pursuant to a registration statement filed under the Securities Act. The obligations described in this Section 4 shall not apply to a registration relating solely to employee benefit plans on Form S-1 or Form S-8 or similar forms that may be promulgated in the future, or a registration relating solely to a Commission Rule 145 transaction on Form S-4 or similar forms that may be promulgated in the future. The Company may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to the shares of Common Stock (or other securities) subject to the foregoing restriction until the end of said one hundred and eighty (180) day (or other) period. Participant agrees that any transferee of the Option or shares acquired pursuant to the Option shall be bound by this Section 4.
5. Method of Payment. Payment of the aggregate Exercise Price shall be by any of the following, or a combination thereof, at the election of the Participant:
(a) cash;
(b) check;
(c) consideration received by the Company under a formal cashless exercise program adopted by the Company in connection with the Plan; or
(d) surrender of other Shares which (i) shall be valued at its Fair Market Value on the date of exercise, and (ii) must be owned free and clear of any liens, claims, encumbrances or security interests, if accepting such Shares, in the sole discretion of the Administrator, shall not result in any adverse accounting consequences to the Company.
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6. Restrictions on Exercise. This Option may not be exercised until such time as the Plan has been approved by the stockholders of the Company, or if the issuance of such Shares upon such exercise or the method of payment of consideration for such shares would constitute a violation of any Applicable Law.
7. Non-Transferability of Option.
(a) This Option may not be transferred in any manner otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised during the lifetime of Participant only by Participant. The terms of the Plan and this Option Agreement shall be binding upon the executors, administrators, heirs, successors and assigns of Participant.
(b) Further, until the Company becomes subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, or after the Administrator determines that it is, will, or may no longer be relying upon the exemption from registration of Options under the Exchange Act as set forth in Rule 12h-1(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act (the “Reliance End Date”), Participant shall not transfer this Option or, prior to exercise, the Shares subject to this Option, in any manner other than (i) to persons who are “family members” (as defined in Rule 701(c)(3) of the Securities Act) through gifts or domestic relations orders, or (ii) to an executor or guardian of Participant upon the death or disability of Participant. Until the Reliance End Date, the Options and, prior to exercise, the Shares subject to this Option, may not be pledged, hypothecated or otherwise transferred or disposed of, including by entering into any short position, any “put equivalent position” or any “call equivalent position” (as defined in Rule 16a-1(h) and Rule 16a-1(b) of the Exchange Act, respectively), other than as permitted in clauses (i) and (ii) of this paragraph.
8. Term of Option. This Option may be exercised only within the term set out in the Notice of Stock Option Grant, and may be exercised during such term only in accordance with the Plan and the terms of this Option Agreement.
9. Tax Obligations.
(a) Tax Withholding. Participant agrees to make appropriate arrangements with the Company (or the Parent or Subsidiary employing or retaining Participant) for the satisfaction of all Federal, state, local and foreign income and employment tax withholding requirements applicable to the Option exercise. Participant acknowledges and agrees that the Company may refuse to honor the exercise and refuse to deliver the Shares if such withholding amounts are not delivered at the time of exercise.
(b) Notice of Disqualifying Disposition of ISO Shares. If the Option granted to Participant herein is an ISO, and if Participant sells or otherwise disposes of any of the Shares acquired pursuant to the ISO on or before the later of (i) the date two (2) years after the Date of Grant, or (ii) the date one (1) year after the date of exercise, Participant shall immediately notify the Company in writing of such disposition. Participant agrees that Participant may be subject to income tax withholding by the Company on the compensation income recognized by Participant.
(c) Code Section 409A. Under Code Section 409A, an Option that vests after December 31, 2004 (or that vested on or prior to such date but which was materially modified after October 3, 2004) that was granted with a per Share exercise price that is determined by the Internal
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Revenue Service (the “IRS”) to be less than the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant (a “discount option”) may be considered “deferred compensation.” An Option that is a “discount option” may result in (i) income recognition by Participant prior to the exercise of the Option, (ii) an additional twenty percent (20%) federal income tax, and (iii) potential penalty and interest charges. The “discount option” may also result in additional state income, penalty and interest tax to the Participant. Participant acknowledges that the Company cannot and has not guaranteed that the IRS will agree that the per Share exercise price of this Option equals or exceeds the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant in a later examination. Participant agrees that if the IRS determines that the Option was granted with a per Share exercise price that was less than the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant, Participant shall be solely responsible for Participant’s costs related to such a determination.
10. Entire Agreement; Governing Law. The Plan is incorporated herein by reference. The Plan and this Option Agreement constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the Participant’s interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company and Participant. This Option Agreement is governed by the internal substantive laws but not the choice of law rules of California.
11. No Guarantee of Continued Service. PARTICIPANT ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THE VESTING OF SHARES PURSUANT TO THE VESTING SCHEDULE HEREOF IS EARNED ONLY BY CONTINUING AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT THE WILL OF THE COMPANY (OR THE PARENT OR SUBSIDIARY EMPLOYING OR RETAINING PARTICIPANT) AND NOT THROUGH THE ACT OF BEING HIRED, BEING GRANTED THIS OPTION OR ACQUIRING SHARES HEREUNDER. PARTICIPANT FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THIS AGREEMENT, THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREUNDER AND THE VESTING SCHEDULE SET FORTH HEREIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED PROMISE OF CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT AS A SERVICE PROVIDER FOR THE VESTING PERIOD, FOR ANY PERIOD, OR AT ALL, AND SHALL NOT INTERFERE IN ANY WAY WITH PARTICIPANT’S RIGHT OR THE RIGHT OF THE COMPANY (OR THE PARENT OR SUBSIDIARY EMPLOYING OR RETAINING PARTICIPANT) TO TERMINATE PARTICIPANT’S RELATIONSHIP AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT ANY TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSE.
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Participant acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and represents that he or she is familiar with the terms and provisions thereof, and hereby accepts this Option subject to all of the terms and provisions thereof. Participant has reviewed the Plan and this Option in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Option and fully understands all provisions of the Option. Participant hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions arising under the Plan or this Option. Participant further agrees to notify the Company upon any change in the residence address indicated below.
| PARTICIPANT
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KODIAK ROBOTICS, INC.
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| Signature
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By
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| «Name» |
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| Print Name
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Print Name
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| Title | ||||
| Residence Address |
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EXHIBIT A
2018 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
EXERCISE NOTICE
Kodiak Robotics, Inc.
1049 Terra Bella Avenue
Mountain View, CA 94043
Attention: Chief Executive Officer
1. Exercise of Option. Effective as of today, ________________, ____, the undersigned (“Participant”) hereby elects to exercise Participant’s option (the “Option”) to purchase ________________ shares of the Common Stock (the “Shares”) of Kodiak Robotics, Inc. (the “Company”) under and pursuant to the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and the Stock Option Agreement dated ______________, _____ (the “Option Agreement”).
2. Delivery of Payment. Participant herewith delivers to the Company the full purchase price of the Shares, as set forth in the Option Agreement, and any and all withholding taxes due in connection with the exercise of the Option.
3. Representations of Participant. Participant acknowledges that Participant has received, read and understood the Plan and the Option Agreement and agrees to abide by and be bound by their terms and conditions.
4. Rights as Stockholder. Until the issuance of the Shares (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder shall exist with respect to the Common Stock subject to an Award, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Shares shall be issued to Participant as soon as practicable after the Option is exercised in accordance with the Option Agreement. No adjustment shall be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date of issuance except as provided in Section 13 of the Plan.
5. Company’s Right of First Refusal. Before any Shares held by Participant or any transferee (either being sometimes referred to herein as the “Holder”) may be sold or otherwise transferred (including transfer by gift or operation of law), the Company or its assignee(s) shall have a right of first refusal to purchase the Shares on the terms and conditions set forth in this Section 5 (the “Right of First Refusal”).
(a) Notice of Proposed Transfer. The Holder of the Shares shall deliver to the Company a written notice (the “Notice”) stating: (i) the Holder’s bona fide intention to sell or otherwise transfer such Shares; (ii) the name of each proposed purchaser or other transferee (“Proposed Transferee”); (iii) the number of Shares to be transferred to each Proposed Transferee; and (iv) the bona fide cash price or other consideration for which the Holder proposes to transfer the Shares (the “Offered Price”), and the Holder shall offer the Shares at the Offered Price to the Company or its assignee(s).
(b) Exercise of Right of First Refusal. At any time within thirty (30) days after receipt of the Notice, the Company and/or its assignee(s) may, by giving written notice to the Holder, elect to purchase all, but not less than all, of the Shares proposed to be transferred to any one or more of the Proposed Transferees, at the purchase price determined in accordance with subsection (c) below.
(c) Purchase Price. The purchase price (“Purchase Price”) for the Shares purchased by the Company or its assignee(s) under this Section 5 shall be the Offered Price. If the Offered Price includes consideration other than cash, the cash equivalent value of the non-cash consideration shall be determined by the Board of Directors of the Company in good faith.
(d) Payment. Payment of the Purchase Price shall be made, at the option of the Company or its assignee(s), in cash (by check), by cancellation of all or a portion of any outstanding indebtedness of the Holder to the Company (or, in the case of repurchase by an assignee, to the assignee), or by any combination thereof within thirty (30) days after receipt of the Notice or in the manner and at the times set forth in the Notice.
(e) Holder’s Right to Transfer. If all of the Shares proposed in the Notice to be transferred to a given Proposed Transferee are not purchased by the Company and/or its assignee(s) as provided in this Section 5, then the Holder may sell or otherwise transfer such Shares to that Proposed Transferee at the Offered Price or at a higher price, provided that such sale or other transfer is consummated within one hundred and twenty (120) days after the date of the Notice, that any such sale or other transfer is effected in accordance with any applicable securities laws and that the Proposed Transferee agrees in writing that the provisions of this Section 5 shall continue to apply to the Shares in the hands of such Proposed Transferee. If the Shares described in the Notice are not transferred to the Proposed Transferee within such period, a new Notice shall be given to the Company, and the Company and/or its assignees shall again be offered the Right of First Refusal before any Shares held by the Holder may be sold or otherwise transferred.
(f) Exception for Certain Family Transfers. Anything to the contrary contained in this Section 5 notwithstanding, the transfer of any or all of the Shares during the Participant’s lifetime or on the Participant’s death by will or intestacy to the Participant’s immediate family or a trust for the benefit of the Participant’s immediate family shall be exempt from the provisions of this Section 5. “Immediate Family” as used herein shall mean spouse, lineal descendant or antecedent, father, mother, brother or sister. In such case, the transferee or other recipient shall receive and hold the Shares so transferred subject to the provisions of this Section 5, and there shall be no further transfer of such Shares except in accordance with the terms of this Section 5.
(g) Termination of Right of First Refusal. The Right of First Refusal shall terminate as to any Shares upon the earlier of (i) the first sale of Common Stock of the Company to the general public, or (ii) a Change in Control in which the successor corporation has equity securities that are publicly traded.
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6. Tax Consultation. Participant understands that Participant may suffer adverse tax consequences as a result of Participant’s purchase or disposition of the Shares. Participant represents that Participant has consulted with any tax consultants Participant deems advisable in connection with the purchase or disposition of the Shares and that Participant is not relying on the Company for any tax advice.
7. Restrictive Legends and Stop-Transfer Orders.
(a) Legends. Participant understands and agrees that the Company shall cause the legends set forth below or legends substantially equivalent thereto, to be placed upon any certificate(s) evidencing ownership of the Shares together with any other legends that may be required by the Company or by state or federal securities laws:
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE “ACT”) AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED OR HYPOTHECATED UNLESS AND UNTIL REGISTERED UNDER THE ACT OR, IN THE OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE ISSUER OF THESE SECURITIES, SUCH OFFER, SALE OR TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR HYPOTHECATION IS IN COMPLIANCE THEREWITH.
THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER AND A RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL HELD BY THE ISSUER OR ITS ASSIGNEE(S) AS SET FORTH IN THE EXERCISE NOTICE BETWEEN THE ISSUER AND THE ORIGINAL HOLDER OF THESE SHARES, A COPY OF WHICH MAY BE OBTAINED AT THE PRINCIPAL OFFICE OF THE ISSUER. SUCH TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS AND RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL ARE BINDING ON TRANSFEREES OF THESE SHARES.
THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER FOR A PERIOD OF TIME FOLLOWING THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE UNDERWRITTEN PUBLIC OFFERING OF THE COMPANY’S SECURITIES SET FORTH IN AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE ISSUER AND THE ORIGINAL HOLDER OF THESE SHARES AND MAY NOT BE SOLD OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF BY THE HOLDER PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION OF SUCH PERIOD WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF THE COMPANY OR THE MANAGING UNDERWRITER.
(b) Stop-Transfer Notices. Participant agrees that, in order to ensure compliance with the restrictions referred to herein, the Company may issue appropriate “stop transfer” instructions to its transfer agent, if any, and that, if the Company transfers its own securities, it may make appropriate notations to the same effect in its own records.
(c) Refusal to Transfer. The Company shall not be required (i) to transfer on its books any Shares that have been sold or otherwise transferred in violation of any of the provisions of this Exercise Notice or (ii) to treat as owner of such Shares or to accord the right to vote or pay dividends to any purchaser or other transferee to whom such Shares shall have been so transferred.
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8. Successors and Assigns. The Company may assign any of its rights under this Exercise Notice to single or multiple assignees, and this Exercise Notice shall inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company. Subject to the restrictions on transfer herein set forth, this Exercise Notice shall be binding upon Participant and his or her heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns.
9. Interpretation. Any dispute regarding the interpretation of this Exercise Notice shall be submitted by Participant or by the Company forthwith to the Administrator, which shall review such dispute at its next regular meeting. The resolution of such a dispute by the Administrator shall be final and binding on all parties.
10. Governing Law; Severability. This Exercise Notice is governed by the internal substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules, of California. In the event that any provision hereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable or void, this Exercise Notice shall continue in full force and effect.
11. Entire Agreement. The Plan and Option Agreement are incorporated herein by reference. This Exercise Notice, the Plan, the Option Agreement and the Investment Representation Statement constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the Participant’s interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company and Participant.
| Submitted by: | Accepted by: | |||
| PARTICIPANT
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KODIAK ROBOTICS, INC.
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| Signature
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By
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| Print Name
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Print Name
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| Address:
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| 1049 Terra Bella Avenue Mountain View, CA 94043 | ||||
| Date Received | ||||
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EXHIBIT B
INVESTMENT REPRESENTATION STATEMENT
PARTICIPANT : «Name»
COMPANY : KODIAK ROBOTICS, INC.
SECURITY : COMMON STOCK
AMOUNT :
DATE :
In connection with the purchase of the above-listed Securities, the undersigned Participant represents to the Company the following:
(a) Participant is aware of the Company’s business affairs and financial condition and has acquired sufficient information about the Company to reach an informed and knowledgeable decision to acquire the Securities. Participant is acquiring these Securities for investment for Participant’s own account only and not with a view to, or for resale in connection with, any “distribution” thereof within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).
(b) Participant acknowledges and understands that the Securities constitute “restricted securities” under the Securities Act and have not been registered under the Securities Act in reliance upon a specific exemption therefrom, which exemption depends upon, among other things, the bona fide nature of Participant’s investment intent as expressed herein. In this connection, Participant understands that, in the view of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the statutory basis for such exemption may be unavailable if Participant’s representation was predicated solely upon a present intention to hold these Securities for the minimum capital gains period specified under tax statutes, for a deferred sale, for or until an increase or decrease in the market price of the Securities, or for a period of one (1) year or any other fixed period in the future. Participant further understands that the Securities must be held indefinitely unless they are subsequently registered under the Securities Act or an exemption from such registration is available. Participant further acknowledges and understands that the Company is under no obligation to register the Securities. Participant understands that the certificate evidencing the Securities shall be imprinted with any legend required under applicable state securities laws.
(c) Participant is familiar with the provisions of Rule 701 and Rule 144, each promulgated under the Securities Act, which, in substance, permit limited public resale of “restricted securities” acquired, directly or indirectly from the issuer thereof, in a non-public offering subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. Rule 701 provides that if the issuer qualifies under Rule 701 at the time of the grant of the Option to Participant, the exercise shall be exempt from registration under the Securities Act. In the event the Company becomes subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, ninety (90) days thereafter (or such
longer period as any market stand-off agreement may require) the Securities exempt under Rule 701 may be resold, subject to the satisfaction of the applicable conditions specified by Rule 144, including in the case of affiliates (1) the availability of certain public information about the Company, (2) the amount of Securities being sold during any three (3) month period not exceeding specified limitations, (3) the resale being made in an unsolicited “broker’s transaction”, transactions directly with a “market maker” or “riskless principal transactions” (as those terms are defined under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) and (4) the timely filing of a Form 144, if applicable.
In the event that the Company does not qualify under Rule 701 at the time of grant of the Option, then the Securities may be resold in certain limited circumstances subject to the provisions of Rule 144, which may require (i) the availability of current public information about the Company; (ii) the resale to occur more than a specified period after the purchase and full payment (within the meaning of Rule 144) for the Securities; and (iii) in the case of the sale of Securities by an affiliate, the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in sections (2), (3) and (4) of the paragraph immediately above.
(d) Participant further understands that in the event all of the applicable requirements of Rule 701 or 144 are not satisfied, registration under the Securities Act, compliance with Regulation A, or some other registration exemption shall be required; and that, notwithstanding the fact that Rules 144 and 701 are not exclusive, the Staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission has expressed its opinion that persons proposing to sell private placement securities other than in a registered offering and otherwise than pursuant to Rules 144 or 701 shall have a substantial burden of proof in establishing that an exemption from registration is available for such offers or sales, and that such persons and their respective brokers who participate in such transactions do so at their own risk. Participant understands that no assurances can be given that any such other registration exemption shall be available in such event.
| PARTICIPANT
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KODIAK ROBOTICS, INC.
2018 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT – [PARTIAL] EARLY EXERCISE
Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) shall have the same defined meanings in this Stock Option Agreement – [Partial] Early Exercise (the “Option Agreement”).
| I. | NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION GRANT |
Name:
Address:
The undersigned Participant has been granted an Option to purchase Common Stock of the Company, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement, as follows:
| Date of Grant: |
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| Vesting Commencement Date: |
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| Exercise Price per Share: |
$ | |||
| Total Number of Shares Granted: |
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| Total Exercise Price: |
$ | |||
| Type of Option: |
Incentive Stock Option | |||
| Nonstatutory Stock Option | ||||
| Term/Expiration Date: |
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Vesting Schedule:
This Option shall be exercisable, in whole or in part, according to the following vesting schedule:
Twenty-five percent (25%) of the Shares subject to the Option shall vest on the one (1) year anniversary of the Vesting Commencement Date, and one forty-eighth (1/48th) of the Shares subject to the Option shall vest each month thereafter on the same day of the month as the Vesting Commencement Date (and if there is no corresponding day, on the last day of the month), subject to Participant continuing to be a Service Provider through each such date.
Termination Period:
This Option shall be exercisable for three (3) months after Participant ceases to be a Service Provider, unless such termination is due to Participant’s death or Disability, in which case this Option shall be exercisable for twelve (12) months after Participant ceases to be a Service Provider. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, in no event may this Option be exercised after the Term/Expiration Date as provided above and this Option may be subject to earlier termination as provided in Section 13 of the Plan.
| II. | AGREEMENT |
1. Grant of Option. The Administrator of the Company hereby grants to the Participant named in the Notice of Stock Option Grant in Part I of this Option Agreement (“Participant”), an option (the “Option”) to purchase the number of Shares set forth in the Notice of Stock Option Grant, at the exercise price per Share set forth in the Notice of Stock Option Grant (the “Exercise Price”), and subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. Subject to Section 18 of the Plan, in the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Plan shall prevail.
If designated in the Notice of Stock Option Grant as an Incentive Stock Option (“ISO”), this Option is intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option as defined in Section 422 of the Code. Nevertheless, to the extent that it exceeds the $100,000 rule of Code Section 422(d), this Option shall be treated as a Nonstatutory Stock Option (“NSO”). Further, if for any reason this Option (or portion thereof) shall not qualify as an ISO, then, to the extent of such nonqualification, such Option (or portion thereof) shall be regarded as a NSO granted under the Plan. In no event shall the Administrator, the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary or any of their respective employees or directors have any liability to Participant (or any other person) due to the failure of the Option to qualify for any reason as an ISO.
2. Exercise of Option. This Option shall be exercisable during its term in accordance with the Vesting Schedule set out in the Notice of Stock Option Grant and with the applicable provisions of the Plan as follows:
(a) Right to Exercise.
i. [Subject to subsections 2(a)(ii) and 2(a)(iii) below, this Option shall be exercisable cumulatively according to the vesting schedule set forth in the Notice of Stock Option Grant. Alternatively, at the election of Participant, this Option may be exercised in whole or in part at any time as to Shares that have not yet vested. Vested Shares shall not be subject to the Company’s repurchase right (as set forth in the Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit C-1).]/[ Subject to subsections 2(a)(ii) and 2(a)(iii) below, this Option shall be exercisable cumulatively according to the vesting schedule set forth in the Notice of Stock Option Grant. Alternatively, at the election of Participant, up to [ ] Shares subject to this Option may be exercised before they have vested (the “Early Exercise Limit”). For the avoidance of any doubt, once the Participant has, in the aggregate, exercised a number of Shares equal to the Early Exercise Limit before such Shares have vested, the Participant may not exercise additional Shares before they have vested, even after the original Shares that were exercised prior to vesting have vested. Vested Shares shall not be subject to the Company’s repurchase right (as set forth in the Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit C).]
ii. As a condition to exercising this Option for unvested Shares, Participant shall execute the Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement.
iii. This Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.
(b) Method of Exercise. This Option shall be exercisable by delivery of an exercise notice in the form attached as Exhibit A (the “Exercise Notice”) or in a manner and pursuant to such procedures as the Administrator may determine, which shall state the election to exercise the Option, the number of Shares with respect to which the Option is being exercised (the “Exercised Shares”), and such other representations and
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agreements as may be required by the Company. The Exercise Notice shall be accompanied by payment of the aggregate Exercise Price as to all Exercised Shares, together with any applicable tax withholding. This Option shall be deemed to be exercised upon receipt by the Company of such fully executed Exercise Notice accompanied by the aggregate Exercise Price, together with any applicable tax withholding.
No Shares shall be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Option unless such issuance and such exercise comply with Applicable Laws. Assuming such compliance, for income tax purposes the Shares shall be considered transferred to Participant on the date on which the Option is exercised with respect to such Shares.
3. Participant’s Representations. In the event the Shares have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), at the time this Option is exercised, Participant shall, if required by the Company, concurrently with the exercise of all or any portion of this Option, deliver to the Company his or her Investment Representation Statement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B.
4. Lock-Up Period. Participant hereby agrees that Participant shall not offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company or enter into any swap, hedging or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of any Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company held by Participant (other than those included in the registration) for a period specified by the representative of the underwriters of Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company not to exceed one hundred and eighty (180) days following the effective date of any registration statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act (or such other period as may be requested by the Company or the underwriters to accommodate regulatory restrictions on (i) the publication or other distribution of research reports and (ii) analyst recommendations and opinions, including, but not limited to, the restrictions contained in NYSE Rule 472(f)(4), or any successor provisions or amendments thereto).
Participant agrees to execute and deliver such other agreements as may be reasonably requested by the Company or the underwriter which are consistent with the foregoing or which are necessary to give further effect thereto. In addition, if requested by the Company or the representative of the underwriters of Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company, Participant shall provide, within ten (10) days of such request, such information as may be required by the Company or such representative in connection with the completion of any public offering of the Company’s securities pursuant to a registration statement filed under the Securities Act. The obligations described in this Section 4 shall not apply to a registration relating solely to employee benefit plans on Form S-1 or Form S-8 or similar forms that may be promulgated in the future, or a registration relating solely to a Commission Rule 145 transaction on Form S-4 or similar forms that may be promulgated in the future. The Company may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to the shares of Common Stock (or other securities) subject to the foregoing restriction until the end of said one hundred and eighty (180) day (or other) period. Participant agrees that any transferee of the Option or shares acquired pursuant to the Option shall be bound by this Section 4.
5. Method of Payment. Payment of the aggregate Exercise Price shall be by any of the following, or a combination thereof, at the election of the Participant:
(a) cash;
(b) check;
(c) consideration received by the Company under a formal cashless exercise program adopted by the Company in connection with the Plan; or
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(d) surrender of other Shares which (i) shall be valued at its Fair Market Value on the date of exercise, and (ii) must be owned free and clear of any liens, claims, encumbrances or security interests, if accepting such Shares, in the sole discretion of the Administrator, shall not result in any adverse accounting consequences to the Company.
6. Restrictions on Exercise. This Option may not be exercised until such time as the Plan has been approved by the stockholders of the Company, or if the issuance of such Shares upon such exercise or the method of payment of consideration for such shares would constitute a violation of any Applicable Law.
7. Non-Transferability of Option.
(a) This Option may not be transferred in any manner otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised during the lifetime of Participant only by Participant. The terms of the Plan and this Option Agreement shall be binding upon the executors, administrators, heirs, successors and assigns of Participant.
(b) Further, until the Company becomes subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, or after the Administrator determines that it is, will, or may no longer be relying upon the exemption from registration of Options under the Exchange Act as set forth in Rule 12h-1(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act (the “Reliance End Date”), Participant shall not transfer this Option or, prior to exercise, the Shares subject to this Option, in any manner other than (i) to persons who are “family members” (as defined in Rule 701(c)(3) of the Securities Act) through gifts or domestic relations orders, or (ii) to an executor or guardian of Participant upon the death or disability of Participant. Until the Reliance End Date, the Options and, prior to exercise, the Shares subject to this Option, may not be pledged, hypothecated or otherwise transferred or disposed of, including by entering into any short position, any “put equivalent position” or any “call equivalent position” (as defined in Rule 16a-1(h) and Rule 16a-1(b) of the Exchange Act, respectively), other than as permitted in clauses (i) and (ii) of this paragraph.
8. Term of Option. This Option may be exercised only within the term set out in the Notice of Stock Option Grant, and may be exercised during such term only in accordance with the Plan and the terms of this Option Agreement.
9. Tax Obligations.
(a) Tax Withholding. Participant agrees to make appropriate arrangements with the Company (or the Parent or Subsidiary employing or retaining Participant) for the satisfaction of all Federal, state, local and foreign income and employment tax withholding requirements applicable to the Option exercise. Participant acknowledges and agrees that the Company may refuse to honor the exercise and refuse to deliver the Shares if such withholding amounts are not delivered at the time of exercise.
(b) Notice of Disqualifying Disposition of ISO Shares. If the Option granted to Participant herein is an ISO, and if Participant sells or otherwise disposes of any of the Shares acquired pursuant to the ISO on or before the later of (i) the date two (2) years after the Date of Grant, or (ii) the date one (1) year after the date of exercise, Participant shall immediately notify the Company in writing of such disposition. Participant agrees that Participant may be subject to income tax withholding by the Company on the compensation income recognized by Participant.
(c) Code Section 409A. Under Code Section 409A, an Option that vests after December 31, 2004 (or that vested on or prior to such date but which was materially modified after October 3, 2004) that was granted with a per Share exercise price that is determined by the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) to be less than the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant (a “discount option”) may be considered
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“deferred compensation.” An Option that is a “discount option” may result in (i) income recognition by Participant prior to the exercise of the Option, (ii) an additional twenty percent (20%) federal income tax, and (iii) potential penalty and interest charges. The “discount option” may also result in additional state income, penalty and interest tax to the Participant. Participant acknowledges that the Company cannot and has not guaranteed that the IRS will agree that the per Share exercise price of this Option equals or exceeds the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant in a later examination. Participant agrees that if the IRS determines that the Option was granted with a per Share exercise price that was less than the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant, Participant shall be solely responsible for Participant’s costs related to such a determination.
10. Entire Agreement; Governing Law. The Plan is incorporated herein by reference. The Plan and this Option Agreement constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the Participant’s interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company and Participant. This Option Agreement is governed by the internal substantive laws but not the choice of law rules of California.
11. No Guarantee of Continued Service. PARTICIPANT ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THE VESTING OF SHARES PURSUANT TO THE VESTING SCHEDULE HEREOF IS EARNED ONLY BY CONTINUING AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT THE WILL OF THE COMPANY (OR THE PARENT OR SUBSIDIARY EMPLOYING OR RETAINING PARTICIPANT) AND NOT THROUGH THE ACT OF BEING HIRED, BEING GRANTED THIS OPTION OR ACQUIRING SHARES HEREUNDER. PARTICIPANT FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THIS AGREEMENT, THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREUNDER AND THE VESTING SCHEDULE SET FORTH HEREIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED PROMISE OF CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT AS A SERVICE PROVIDER FOR THE VESTING PERIOD, FOR ANY PERIOD, OR AT ALL, AND SHALL NOT INTERFERE IN ANY WAY WITH PARTICIPANT’S RIGHT OR THE RIGHT OF THE COMPANY (OR THE PARENT OR SUBSIDIARY EMPLOYING OR RETAINING PARTICIPANT) TO TERMINATE PARTICIPANT’S RELATIONSHIP AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT ANY TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSE.
Participant acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and represents that he or she is familiar with the terms and provisions thereof, and hereby accepts this Option subject to all of the terms and provisions thereof. Participant has reviewed the Plan and this Option in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Option and fully understands all provisions of the Option. Participant hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions arising under the Plan or this Option. Participant further agrees to notify the Company upon any change in the residence address indicated below.
| PARTICIPANT
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KODIAK ROBOTICS, INC.
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| Signature
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By
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| «Name» |
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| Print Name
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Print Name
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| Title | ||||
| Residence Address |
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EXHIBIT A
2018 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
EXERCISE NOTICE
Kodiak Robotics, Inc.
1049 Terra Bella Avenue
Mountain View, CA 94043
Attention: Chief Executive Officer
1. Exercise of Option. Effective as of today, ________________, ____, the undersigned (“Participant”) hereby elects to exercise Participant’s option (the “Option”) to purchase ________________ shares of the Common Stock (the “Shares”) of Kodiak Robotics, Inc. (the “Company”) under and pursuant to the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and the Stock Option Agreement – Early Exercise dated ______________, _____ (the “Option Agreement”).
2. Delivery of Payment. Participant herewith delivers to the Company the full purchase price of the Shares, as set forth in the Option Agreement, and any and all withholding taxes due in connection with the exercise of the Option.
3. Representations of Participant. Participant acknowledges that Participant has received, read and understood the Plan and the Option Agreement and agrees to abide by and be bound by their terms and conditions.
4. Rights as Stockholder. Until the issuance of the Shares (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder shall exist with respect to the Common Stock subject to an Award, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Shares shall be issued to Participant as soon as practicable after the Option is exercised in accordance with the Option Agreement. No adjustment shall be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date of issuance except as provided in Section 13 of the Plan.
5. Company’s Right of First Refusal. Before any Shares held by Participant or any transferee (either being sometimes referred to herein as the “Holder”) may be sold or otherwise transferred (including transfer by gift or operation of law), the Company or its assignee(s) shall have a right of first refusal to purchase the Shares on the terms and conditions set forth in this Section 5 (the “Right of First Refusal”).
(a) Notice of Proposed Transfer. The Holder of the Shares shall deliver to the Company a written notice (the “Notice”) stating: (i) the Holder’s bona fide intention to sell or otherwise transfer such Shares; (ii) the name of each proposed purchaser or other transferee (“Proposed Transferee”); (iii) the number of Shares to be transferred to each Proposed Transferee; and (iv) the bona fide cash price or other consideration for which the Holder proposes to transfer the Shares (the “Offered Price”), and the Holder shall offer the Shares at the Offered Price to the Company or its assignee(s).
(b) Exercise of Right of First Refusal. At any time within thirty (30) days after receipt of the Notice, the Company and/or its assignee(s) may, by giving written notice to the Holder, elect to purchase all, but not less than all, of the Shares proposed to be transferred to any one or more of the Proposed Transferees, at the purchase price determined in accordance with subsection (c) below.
(c) Purchase Price. The purchase price (“Purchase Price”) for the Shares purchased by the Company or its assignee(s) under this Section 5 shall be the Offered Price. If the Offered Price includes consideration other than cash, the cash equivalent value of the non-cash consideration shall be determined by the Board of Directors of the Company in good faith.
(d) Payment. Payment of the Purchase Price shall be made, at the option of the Company or its assignee(s), in cash (by check), by cancellation of all or a portion of any outstanding indebtedness of the Holder to the Company (or, in the case of repurchase by an assignee, to the assignee), or by any combination thereof within thirty (30) days after receipt of the Notice or in the manner and at the times set forth in the Notice.
(e) Holder’s Right to Transfer. If all of the Shares proposed in the Notice to be transferred to a given Proposed Transferee are not purchased by the Company and/or its assignee(s) as provided in this Section 5, then the Holder may sell or otherwise transfer such Shares to that Proposed Transferee at the Offered Price or at a higher price, provided that such sale or other transfer is consummated within one hundred and twenty (120) days after the date of the Notice, that any such sale or other transfer is effected in accordance with any applicable securities laws and that the Proposed Transferee agrees in writing that the provisions of this Section 5 shall continue to apply to the Shares in the hands of such Proposed Transferee. If the Shares described in the Notice are not transferred to the Proposed Transferee within such period, a new Notice shall be given to the Company, and the Company and/or its assignees shall again be offered the Right of First Refusal before any Shares held by the Holder may be sold or otherwise transferred.
(f) Exception for Certain Family Transfers. Anything to the contrary contained in this Section 5 notwithstanding, the transfer of any or all of the Shares during the Participant’s lifetime or on the Participant’s death by will or intestacy to the Participant’s immediate family or a trust for the benefit of the Participant’s immediate family shall be exempt from the provisions of this Section 5. “Immediate Family” as used herein shall mean spouse, lineal descendant or antecedent, father, mother, brother or sister. In such case, the transferee or other recipient shall receive and hold the Shares so transferred subject to the provisions of this Section 5, and there shall be no further transfer of such Shares except in accordance with the terms of this Section 5.
(g) Termination of Right of First Refusal. The Right of First Refusal shall terminate as to any Shares upon the earlier of (i) the first sale of Common Stock of the Company to the general public, or (ii) a Change in Control in which the successor corporation has equity securities that are publicly traded.
6. Tax Consultation. Participant understands that Participant may suffer adverse tax consequences as a result of Participant’s purchase or disposition of the Shares. Participant represents that Participant has consulted with any tax consultants Participant deems advisable in connection with the purchase or disposition of the Shares and that Participant is not relying on the Company for any tax advice.
7. Restrictive Legends and Stop-Transfer Orders.
(a) Legends. Participant understands and agrees that the Company shall cause the legends set forth below or legends substantially equivalent thereto, to be placed upon any certificate(s) evidencing ownership of the Shares together with any other legends that may be required by the Company or by state or federal securities laws:
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE “ACT”) AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR
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OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED OR HYPOTHECATED UNLESS AND UNTIL REGISTERED UNDER THE ACT OR, IN THE OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE ISSUER OF THESE SECURITIES, SUCH OFFER, SALE OR TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR HYPOTHECATION IS IN COMPLIANCE THEREWITH.
THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER AND A RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL HELD BY THE ISSUER OR ITS ASSIGNEE(S) AS SET FORTH IN THE EXERCISE NOTICE BETWEEN THE ISSUER AND THE ORIGINAL HOLDER OF THESE SHARES, A COPY OF WHICH MAY BE OBTAINED AT THE PRINCIPAL OFFICE OF THE ISSUER. SUCH TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS AND RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL ARE BINDING ON TRANSFEREES OF THESE SHARES.
THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER FOR A PERIOD OF TIME FOLLOWING THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE UNDERWRITTEN PUBLIC OFFERING OF THE COMPANY’S SECURITIES SET FORTH IN AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE ISSUER AND THE ORIGINAL HOLDER OF THESE SHARES AND MAY NOT BE SOLD OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF BY THE HOLDER PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION OF SUCH PERIOD WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF THE COMPANY OR THE MANAGING UNDERWRITER.
(b) Stop-Transfer Notices. Participant agrees that, in order to ensure compliance with the restrictions referred to herein, the Company may issue appropriate “stop transfer” instructions to its transfer agent, if any, and that, if the Company transfers its own securities, it may make appropriate notations to the same effect in its own records.
(c) Refusal to Transfer. The Company shall not be required (i) to transfer on its books any Shares that have been sold or otherwise transferred in violation of any of the provisions of this Exercise Notice or (ii) to treat as owner of such Shares or to accord the right to vote or pay dividends to any purchaser or other transferee to whom such Shares shall have been so transferred.
8. Successors and Assigns. The Company may assign any of its rights under this Exercise Notice to single or multiple assignees, and this Exercise Notice shall inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company. Subject to the restrictions on transfer herein set forth, this Exercise Notice shall be binding upon Participant and his or her heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns.
9. Interpretation. Any dispute regarding the interpretation of this Exercise Notice shall be submitted by Participant or by the Company forthwith to the Administrator, which shall review such dispute at its next regular meeting. The resolution of such a dispute by the Administrator shall be final and binding on all parties.
10. Governing Law; Severability. This Exercise Notice is governed by the internal substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules, of California. In the event that any provision hereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable or void, this Exercise Notice shall continue in full force and effect.
11. Entire Agreement. The Plan and Option Agreement are incorporated herein by reference. This Exercise Notice, the Plan, the Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement, the Option Agreement and the Investment Representation Statement constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the Participant’s interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company and Participant.
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| Submitted by: | Accepted by: | |||
| PARTICIPANT
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KODIAK ROBOTICS, INC.
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| Signature
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By
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| Print Name
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Print Name
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| Title | ||||
| Address:
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Address: | |||
| 1049 Terra Bella Avenue Mountain View, CA 94043 | ||||
| Date Received | ||||
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EXHIBIT B
INVESTMENT REPRESENTATION STATEMENT
| PARTICIPANT | : | |||
| COMPANY | : | KODIAK ROBOTICS, INC. | ||
| SECURITY | : | COMMON STOCK | ||
| AMOUNT | : | |||
| DATE | : | |||
In connection with the purchase of the above-listed Securities, the undersigned Participant represents to the Company the following:
(a) Participant is aware of the Company’s business affairs and financial condition and has acquired sufficient information about the Company to reach an informed and knowledgeable decision to acquire the Securities. Participant is acquiring these Securities for investment for Participant’s own account only and not with a view to, or for resale in connection with, any “distribution” thereof within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).
(b) Participant acknowledges and understands that the Securities constitute “restricted securities” under the Securities Act and have not been registered under the Securities Act in reliance upon a specific exemption therefrom, which exemption depends upon, among other things, the bona fide nature of Participant’s investment intent as expressed herein. In this connection, Participant understands that, in the view of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the statutory basis for such exemption may be unavailable if Participant’s representation was predicated solely upon a present intention to hold these Securities for the minimum capital gains period specified under tax statutes, for a deferred sale, for or until an increase or decrease in the market price of the Securities, or for a period of one (1) year or any other fixed period in the future. Participant further understands that the Securities must be held indefinitely unless they are subsequently registered under the Securities Act or an exemption from such registration is available. Participant further acknowledges and understands that the Company is under no obligation to register the Securities. Participant understands that the certificate evidencing the Securities shall be imprinted with any legend required under applicable state securities laws.
(c) Participant is familiar with the provisions of Rule 701 and Rule 144, each promulgated under the Securities Act, which, in substance, permit limited public resale of “restricted securities” acquired, directly or indirectly from the issuer thereof, in a non-public offering subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. Rule 701 provides that if the issuer qualifies under Rule 701 at the time of the grant of the Option to Participant, the exercise shall be exempt from registration under the Securities Act. In the event the Company becomes subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, ninety (90) days thereafter (or such longer period as any market stand-off agreement may require) the Securities exempt under Rule 701 may be resold, subject to the satisfaction of the applicable conditions specified by Rule 144, including in the case of affiliates (1) the availability of certain public information about the Company, (2) the amount of Securities being sold during any three (3) month period not exceeding specified limitations, (3) the resale being made in an unsolicited “broker’s transaction”, transactions directly with a “market maker” or “riskless principal transactions” (as those terms are defined under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) and (4) the timely filing of a Form 144, if applicable.
In the event that the Company does not qualify under Rule 701 at the time of grant of the Option, then the Securities may be resold in certain limited circumstances subject to the provisions of Rule 144, which may require (i) the availability of current public information about the Company; (ii) the resale to occur more than a specified period after the purchase and full payment (within the meaning of Rule 144) for the Securities; and (iii) in the case of the sale of Securities by an affiliate, the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in sections (2), (3) and (4) of the paragraph immediately above.
(d) Participant further understands that in the event all of the applicable requirements of Rule 701 or 144 are not satisfied, registration under the Securities Act, compliance with Regulation A, or some other registration exemption shall be required; and that, notwithstanding the fact that Rules 144 and 701 are not exclusive, the Staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission has expressed its opinion that persons proposing to sell private placement securities other than in a registered offering and otherwise than pursuant to Rules 144 or 701 shall have a substantial burden of proof in establishing that an exemption from registration is available for such offers or sales, and that such persons and their respective brokers who participate in such transactions do so at their own risk. Participant understands that no assurances can be given that any such other registration exemption shall be available in such event.
| PARTICIPANT |
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Print Name |
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Date |
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EXHIBIT [C]/[C-1]
Kodiak Robotics, Inc.
2018 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
RESTRICTED STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT
Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) shall have the same defined meanings in this Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”).
| III. | NOTICE OF GRANT OF RESTRICTED STOCK |
Name:
Address:
The undersigned Participant has been granted a right to purchase Common Stock of the Company, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Agreement, as follows:
| Date of Grant: | ||||
| Vesting Commencement Date: | ||||
| Purchase Price per Share: | $ | |||
| Total Number of Shares Granted: | ||||
| Total Purchase Price: | $ | |||
| Expiration Date: | [30 days after Date of Grant] | |||
| Vesting Schedule: | ||||
Subject to any accelerated vesting provisions in the Plan, [ ].
Any of the Shares which have not yet been released from the Company’s Repurchase Option are referred to herein as “Unreleased Shares.” The Shares which have been released from the Company’s Repurchase Option shall be delivered to Participant at Participant’s request (see Section 11 of Part II of this Agreement).
YOU MUST EXERCISE THIS RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD BEFORE THE EXPIRATION DATE OR IT WILL TERMINATE AND YOU WILL HAVE NO FURTHER RIGHT TO PURCHASE THE SHARES.
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| IV. | AGREEMENT |
1. Sale of Stock. The Administrator of the Company hereby agrees to sell to the Participant named in the Notice of Grant of Restricted Stock in Part I of this Agreement (“Participant”), and Participant hereby agrees to purchase the number of Shares set forth in the Notice of Grant of Restricted Stock, at the Purchase Price per Share set forth in the Notice of Grant of Restricted Stock (the “Purchase Price”), and subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. Subject to Section 18(c) of the Plan, in the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Plan shall prevail.
2. Payment of Purchase Price. Participant herewith delivers to the Company the aggregate Purchase Price for the Shares by cash or check, together with any and all withholding taxes due in connection with the purchase of the Shares.
3. Participant’s Representations. In the event the Shares have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, at the time this Restricted Stock Award is exercised, Participant shall, if required by the Company, concurrently with the exercise of all or any portion of this Restricted Stock Award, deliver to the Company his or her Investment Representation Statement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A.
4. Lock-Up Period. Participant hereby agrees that Participant shall not offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company or enter into any swap, hedging or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of any Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company held by Participant (other than those included in the registration) for a period specified by the representative of the underwriters of Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company not to exceed one hundred and eighty (180) days following the effective date of any registration statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act (or such other period as may be requested by the Company or the underwriters to accommodate regulatory restrictions on (i) the publication or other distribution of research reports and (ii) analyst recommendations and opinions, including, but not limited to, the restrictions contained in NYSE Rule 472(f)(4), or any successor provisions or amendments thereto).
Participant agrees to execute and deliver such other agreements as may be reasonably requested by the Company or the underwriter which are consistent with the foregoing or which are necessary to give further effect thereto. In addition, if requested by the Company or the representative of the underwriters of Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company, Participant shall provide, within ten (10) days of such request, such information as may be required by the Company or such representative in connection with the completion of any public offering of the Company’s securities pursuant to a registration statement filed under the Securities Act. The obligations described in this Section 4 shall not apply to a registration relating solely to employee benefit plans on Form S-1 or Form S-8 or similar forms that may be promulgated in the future, or a registration relating solely to a Commission Rule 145 transaction on Form S-4 or similar forms that may be promulgated in the future. The Company may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to the shares of Common Stock (or other securities) subject to the foregoing restriction until the end of said one hundred and eighty (180) day (or other) period. Participant agrees that any transferee of the Restricted Stock Award or shares acquired pursuant to the Restricted Stock Award shall be bound by this Section 4.
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5. Non-Transferability of Restricted Stock. This Restricted Stock Award may not be transferred in any manner otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised during the lifetime of Participant only by Participant. The terms of the Plan and this Agreement shall be binding upon the executors, administrators, heirs, successors and assigns of Participant.
6. Tax Consequences. Participant has reviewed with Participant’s own tax advisors the federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of this investment and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Participant is relying solely on such advisors and not on any statements or representations of the Company or any of its agents. Participant understands that Participant (and not the Company) shall be responsible for Participant’s own tax liability that may arise as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Participant understands that Section 83 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), taxes as ordinary income the difference between the purchase price for the Shares and the Fair Market Value of the Shares as of the date any restrictions on the Shares lapse. In this context, “restriction” includes the right of the Company to buy back the Shares pursuant to the Repurchase Option. Participant understands that Participant may elect to be taxed at the time the Shares are purchased rather than when and as the Repurchase Option expires by filing an election under Section 83(b) of the Code with the IRS within thirty (30) days from the date of purchase. The form for making this election is attached as Exhibit B-3 hereto.
THE PARTICIPANT ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT IS THE PARTICIPANT’S SOLE RESPONSIBILITY AND NOT THE COMPANY’S TO FILE TIMELY THE ELECTION UNDER SECTION 83(b), EVEN IF THE PARTICIPANT REQUESTS THE COMPANY OR ITS REPRESENTATIVES TO MAKE THIS FILING ON THE PARTICIPANT’S BEHALF.
7. Tax Withholding. Pursuant to such procedures as the Administrator may specify from time to time, the Company shall withhold the minimum amount required to be withheld for the payment of income, employment and other taxes which the Company determines must be withheld (the “Withholding Taxes”) with respect to Shares released from the Company’s Repurchase Option by, in the Administrator’s discretion: (i) withholding otherwise deliverable Shares upon release from the Company’s Repurchase Option having a Fair Market Value equal the amount of such Withholding Taxes, (ii) withholding the amount of such Withholding Taxes from Participant’s paycheck(s), (iii) requiring Participant to make appropriate arrangements with the Company (or the Parent or Subsidiary employing or retaining Participant) for the satisfaction of all Withholding Taxes, or (iv) a combination of the foregoing. The Company shall not retain fractional Shares to satisfy any portion of the Withholding Taxes. Accordingly, if any withholding is done through the withholding of Shares, Participant shall pay to the Company an amount in cash sufficient to satisfy the remaining Withholding Taxes due and payable as a result of the Company not retaining fractional Shares. Should the Company be unable to procure such cash amounts from Participant, Participant agrees and acknowledges that Participant is giving the Company permission to withhold from Participant’s paycheck(s) an amount equal to the remaining Withholding Taxes due and payable as a result of the Company not retaining fractional Shares. Participant acknowledges and agrees that the Company may refuse to honor the exercise and refuse to deliver the Shares if such withholding amounts are not delivered at the time of purchase.
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8. No Guarantee of Continued Service. PARTICIPANT ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THE RELEASE OF SHARES FROM THE REPURCHASE OPTION OF THE COMPANY PURSUANT TO THE VESTING SCHEDULE HEREOF IS EARNED ONLY BY CONTINUING AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT THE WILL OF THE COMPANY (OR THE PARENT OR SUBSIDIARY EMPLOYING OR RETAINING PARTICIPANT) AND NOT THROUGH THE ACT OF BEING HIRED OR PURCHASING SHARES HEREUNDER. PARTICIPANT FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THIS AGREEMENT, THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREUNDER AND THE VESTING SCHEDULE SET FORTH HEREIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED PROMISE OF CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT AS A SERVICE PROVIDER FOR THE VESTING PERIOD, FOR ANY PERIOD, OR AT ALL, AND SHALL NOT INTERFERE IN ANY WAY WITH PARTICIPANT’S RIGHT OR THE RIGHT OF THE COMPANY (OR THE PARENT OR SUBSIDIARY EMPLOYING OR RETAINING PARTICIPANT) TO TERMINATE PARTICIPANT’S RELATIONSHIP AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT ANY TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSE.
9. Repurchase Option.
(a) In the event Participant’s continuous status as a Service Provider terminates for any or no reason (including death or Disability), the Company shall, upon the date of such termination (as reasonably fixed and determined by the Company), have an irrevocable, exclusive option for a period of ninety (90) days from such date to repurchase up to that number of Shares which constitute the Unreleased Shares (as defined in Part [I]/[III] of this Agreement) at the Purchase Price per share (the “Repurchase Price”) (the “Repurchase Option”).
(b) The Repurchase Option shall be exercised by the Company by delivering written notice to Participant or Participant’s executor (with a copy to the Escrow Holder (as defined in Section 11)) AND, at the Company’s option, (i) by delivering to Participant or Participant’s executor a check in the amount of the aggregate Repurchase Price, or (ii) by the Company canceling an amount of Participant’s indebtedness to the Company equal to the aggregate Repurchase Price, or (iii) by a combination of (i) and (ii) so that the combined payment and cancellation of indebtedness equals such aggregate Repurchase Price. Upon delivery of such notice and the payment of the aggregate Repurchase Price in any of the ways described above, the Company shall become the legal and beneficial owner of the Unreleased Shares being repurchased and all rights and interests therein or relating thereto, and the Company shall have the right to retain and transfer to its own name the number of Unreleased Shares being repurchased by the Company.
(c) Whenever the Company shall have the right to repurchase the Unreleased Shares hereunder, the Company may designate and assign one or more employees, officers, directors or shareholders of the Company or other persons or organizations to exercise all or a part of the Company’s Repurchase Option to purchase all or a part of the Unreleased Shares. If the Fair Market Value of the Unreleased Shares to be repurchased on the date of such designation or assignment (the “Repurchase FMV”) exceeds the aggregate Repurchase Price of the Unreleased Shares, then each such designee or assignee shall pay the Company cash equal to the difference between the Repurchase FMV and the aggregate Repurchase Price of Unreleased Shares to be purchased.
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(d) If the Company or its assignee does not elect to exercise the Repurchase Option conferred above by giving the requisite notice within ninety (90) days following Participant’s termination as a Service Provider, the Repurchase Option shall terminate.
10. Restriction on Transfer. Except for the escrow described in Section 11 or transfer of the Shares to the Company or its assignees contemplated by this Agreement, none of the Shares or any beneficial interest therein shall be transferred, encumbered or otherwise disposed of in any way until the release of such Shares from the Company’s Repurchase Option in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Any distribution or delivery to be made to Participant under this Agreement shall, if Participant is then deceased, be made to Participant’s designated beneficiary, or if no beneficiary survives Participant, to the administrator or executor of Participant’s estate. Any such transferee must furnish the Company with (a) written notice of his or her status as transferee, and (b) evidence satisfactory to the Company to establish the validity of the transfer and compliance with any laws or regulations pertaining to said transfer.
11. Escrow of Shares.
(a) To ensure the availability for delivery of Participant’s Unreleased Shares upon exercise of the Repurchase Option by the Company, Participant will, upon execution of this Agreement, deliver and deposit with an escrow holder designated by the Company (the “Escrow Holder”) the share certificates representing the Unreleased Shares, together with the Assignment Separate from Certificate (the “Stock Assignment”) duly endorsed in blank, attached hereto as Exhibit B-1. The Unreleased Shares and Stock Assignment shall be held by the Escrow Holder, pursuant to the Joint Escrow Instructions of the Company and Participant attached as Exhibit B-2 hereto, until such time as the Company’s Repurchase Option expires.
(b) The Escrow Holder shall not be liable for any act it may do or omit to do with respect to holding the Unreleased Shares in escrow and while acting in good faith and in the exercise of its judgment.
(c) If the Company or any assignee exercises its Repurchase Option hereunder, the Escrow Holder, upon receipt of written notice of such option exercise from the proposed transferee, shall take all steps necessary to accomplish such transfer. Participant hereby appoints the Escrow Holder with full power of substitution, as Participant’s true and lawful attorney-in-fact with irrevocable power and authority in the name and on behalf of Participant to take any action and execute all documents and instruments, including, without limitation, stock powers which may be necessary to transfer the certificate or certificates evidencing such Unreleased Shares to the Company upon such termination.
(d) When the Repurchase Option has been exercised or expires unexercised or a portion of the Shares has been released from such Repurchase Option, upon Participant’s request the Escrow Holder shall promptly cause a new certificate to be issued for such released Shares and shall deliver such certificate to the Company or Participant, as the case may be.
(e) Subject to the terms hereof, Participant shall have all the rights of a shareholder with respect to such Shares while they are held in escrow, including without limitation, the right to vote the Shares and receive any cash dividends declared thereon.
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(f) In the event of any merger, reorganization, consolidation, recapitalization, separation, liquidation, stock dividend, split-up, share combination, or other change in the corporate structure of the Company affecting the Common Stock, the Shares shall be increased, reduced or otherwise changed, and by virtue of any such change Participant shall in his or her capacity as owner of Unreleased Shares that have been awarded to him or her be entitled to new or additional or different shares of stock, cash or securities (other than rights or warrants to purchase securities); such new or additional or different shares, cash or securities shall thereupon be considered to be “Unreleased Shares” and shall be subject to all of the conditions and restrictions which were applicable to the Unreleased Shares pursuant to this Agreement. If Participant receives rights or warrants with respect to any Unreleased Shares, such rights or warrants may be held or exercised by Participant, provided that until such exercise any such rights or warrants and after such exercise any shares or other securities acquired by the exercise of such rights or warrants shall be considered to be Unreleased Shares and shall be subject to all of the conditions and restrictions which were applicable to the Unreleased Shares pursuant to this Agreement. The Administrator in its absolute discretion at any time may accelerate the vesting of all or any portion of such new or additional shares of stock, cash or securities, rights or warrants to purchase securities or shares or other securities acquired by the exercise of such rights or warrants.
12. Company’s Right of First Refusal. Subject to Section 10, before any Shares held by Participant or any transferee (either being sometimes referred to herein as the “Holder”) may be sold or otherwise transferred (including transfer by gift or operation of law), the Company or its assignee(s) shall have a right of first refusal to purchase the Shares on the terms and conditions set forth in this Section 12 (the “Right of First Refusal”).
(a) Notice of Proposed Transfer. The Holder of the Shares shall deliver to the Company a written notice (the “Notice”) stating: (i) the Holder’s bona fide intention to sell or otherwise transfer such Shares; (ii) the name of each proposed purchaser or other transferee (“Proposed Transferee”); (iii) the number of Shares to be transferred to each Proposed Transferee; and (iv) the bona fide cash price or other consideration for which the Holder proposes to transfer the Shares (the “Offered Price”), and the Holder shall offer the Shares at the Offered Price to the Company or its assignee(s).
(b) Exercise of Right of First Refusal. At any time within thirty (30) days after receipt of the Notice, the Company and/or its assignee(s) may, by giving written notice to the Holder, elect to purchase all, but not less than all, of the Shares proposed to be transferred to any one or more of the Proposed Transferees, at the purchase price determined in accordance with subsection (c) below.
(c) Purchase Price. The purchase price (“Right of First Refusal Price”) for the Shares purchased by the Company or its assignee(s) under this Section 12 shall be the Offered Price. If the Offered Price includes consideration other than cash, the cash equivalent value of the non-cash consideration shall be determined by the Board in good faith.
(d) Payment. Payment of the Right of First Refusal Price shall be made, at the option of the Company or its assignee(s), in cash (by check), by cancellation of all or a portion of any outstanding indebtedness of the Holder to the Company (or, in the case of repurchase by an assignee, to the assignee), or by any combination thereof within thirty (30) days after receipt of the Notice or in the manner and at the times set forth in the Notice.
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(e) Holder’s Right to Transfer. If all of the Shares proposed in the Notice to be transferred to a given Proposed Transferee are not purchased by the Company and/or its assignee(s) as provided in this Section 12, then the Holder may sell or otherwise transfer such Shares to that Proposed Transferee at the Offered Price or at a higher price, provided that such sale or other transfer is consummated within one hundred and twenty (120) days after the date of the Notice, that any such sale or other transfer is effected in accordance with any applicable securities laws and that the Proposed Transferee agrees in writing that the provisions of this Section 12 shall continue to apply to the Shares in the hands of such Proposed Transferee. If the Shares described in the Notice are not transferred to the Proposed Transferee within such period, a new Notice shall be given to the Company, and the Company and/or its assignees shall again be offered the Right of First Refusal before any Shares held by the Holder may be sold or otherwise transferred.
(f) Exception for Certain Family Transfers. Anything to the contrary contained in this Section 12 notwithstanding, the transfer of any or all of the Shares during Participant’s lifetime or on Participant’s death by will or intestacy to Participant’s immediate family or a trust for the benefit of Participant’s immediate family shall be exempt from the provisions of this Section 12. “Immediate Family” as used herein shall mean spouse, lineal descendant or antecedent, father, mother, brother or sister. In such case, the transferee or other recipient shall receive and hold the Shares so transferred subject to the provisions of this Agreement, including but not limited to this Section 12 and Section 9, and there shall be no further transfer of such Shares except in accordance with the terms of this Section 12.
(g) Termination of Right of First Refusal. The Right of First Refusal shall terminate as to any Shares upon the earlier of (i) the first sale of Common Stock of the Company to the general public, or (ii) a Change in Control in which the successor corporation has equity securities that are publicly traded.
13. Restrictive Legends and Stop-Transfer Orders.
(a) Legends. Participant understands and agrees that the Company shall cause the legends set forth below or legends substantially equivalent thereto, to be placed upon any certificate(s) evidencing ownership of the Shares together with any other legends that may be required by the Company or by state or federal securities laws:
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE “ACT”) AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED OR HYPOTHECATED UNLESS AND UNTIL REGISTERED UNDER THE ACT OR, IN THE OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE ISSUER OF THESE SECURITIES, SUCH OFFER, SALE OR TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR HYPOTHECATION IS IN COMPLIANCE THEREWITH.
THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER, A RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL, AND A REPURCHASE OPTION HELD BY THE ISSUER OR ITS ASSIGNEE(S) AS SET FORTH IN THE RESTRICTED STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE ISSUER AND THE ORIGINAL HOLDER OF THESE SHARES,
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A COPY OF WHICH MAY BE OBTAINED AT THE PRINCIPAL OFFICE OF THE ISSUER. SUCH TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS, RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL AND REPURCHASE OPTION ARE BINDING ON TRANSFEREES OF THESE SHARES.
THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER FOR A PERIOD OF TIME FOLLOWING THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE UNDERWRITTEN PUBLIC OFFERING OF THE COMPANY’S SECURITIES SET FORTH IN AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE ISSUER AND THE ORIGINAL HOLDER OF THESE SHARES AND MAY NOT BE SOLD OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF BY THE HOLDER PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION OF SUCH PERIOD WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF THE COMPANY OR THE MANAGING UNDERWRITER.
(b) Stop-Transfer Notices. Participant agrees that, in order to ensure compliance with the restrictions referred to herein, the Company may issue appropriate “stop transfer” instructions to its transfer agent, if any, and that, if the Company transfers its own securities, it may make appropriate notations to the same effect in its own records.
(c) Refusal to Transfer. The Company shall not be required (i) to transfer on its books any Shares that have been sold or otherwise transferred in violation of any of the provisions of this Agreement or (ii) to treat as owner of such Shares or to accord the right to vote or pay dividends to any purchaser or other transferee to whom such Shares shall have been so transferred.
14. Notices. Any notice, demand or request required or permitted to be given by either the Company or Participant pursuant to the terms of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed given when delivered personally or deposited in the U.S. mail, First Class with postage prepaid, and addressed to the parties at the addresses of the parties set forth at the end of this Agreement or such other address as a party may request by notifying the other in writing.
Any notice to the Escrow Holder shall be sent to the Company’s address with a copy to the other party not sending the notice.
15. No Waiver. Either party’s failure to enforce any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall not in any way be construed as a waiver of any such provision or provisions, nor prevent that party from thereafter enforcing each and every other provision of this Agreement. The rights granted both parties herein are cumulative and shall not constitute a waiver of either party’s right to assert all other legal remedies available to it under the circumstances.
16. Successors and Assigns. The Company may assign any of its rights under this Agreement to single or multiple assignees, and this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company. Subject to the restrictions on transfer herein set forth, this Agreement shall be binding upon Participant and his or her heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns. The rights and obligations of Participant under this Agreement may only be assigned with the prior written consent of the Company.
17. Interpretation. Any dispute regarding the interpretation of this Agreement shall be submitted by Participant or by the Company forthwith to the Administrator, which shall review such dispute at its next regular meeting. The resolution of such a dispute by the Administrator shall be final and binding on all parties.
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18. Additional Documents. Participant agrees upon request to execute any further documents or instruments necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes or intent of this Agreement.
19. Governing Law; Severability. This Agreement is governed by the internal substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules, of California. In the event that any provision hereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable or void, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect.
20. Entire Agreement. The Plan is incorporated herein by reference. The Plan and this Agreement (including the exhibits referenced herein) constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the Participant’s interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company and Participant.
Participant acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and represents that he or she is familiar with the terms and provisions thereof, and hereby accepts this Agreement subject to all of the terms and provisions thereof. Participant has reviewed the Plan and this Agreement in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Agreement and fully understands all provisions of this Agreement. Participant hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions arising under the Plan or this Agreement. Participant further agrees to notify the Company upon any change in the residence address indicated below.
| PARTICIPANT | KODIAK ROBOTICS, INC. | |||
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EXHIBIT [C-2]/[B-1]
ASSIGNMENT SEPARATE FROM CERTIFICATE
FOR VALUE RECEIVED I, , hereby sell, assign and transfer unto Kodiak Robotics, Inc. shares of the Common Stock of Kodiak Robotics, Inc. standing in my name on the books of said corporation represented by Certificate No. herewith and do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint to transfer the said stock on the books of the within named corporation with full power of substitution in the premises.
This Stock Assignment may be used only in accordance with the Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement between Kodiak Robotics, Inc. and the undersigned dated , (the “Agreement”).
| Dated: | , |
Signature: |
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INSTRUCTIONS: Please do not fill in any blanks other than the signature line. The purpose of this assignment is to enable the Company to exercise its “repurchase option,” as set forth in the Agreement, without requiring additional signatures on the part of the Participant.
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EXHIBIT [C-3]/[B-2]
JOINT ESCROW INSTRUCTIONS
,
Corporate Secretary
Kodiak Robotics, Inc.
1049 Terra Bella Avenue
Mountain View, CA 94043
Dear :
As Escrow Agent for both Kodiak Robotics, Inc. (the “Company”), and the undersigned purchaser of stock of the Company (the “Participant”), you are hereby authorized and directed to hold the documents delivered to you pursuant to the terms of that certain Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) between the Company and the undersigned, in accordance with the following instructions:
1. In the event the Company and/or any assignee of the Company (referred to collectively for convenience herein as the “Company”) exercises the Company’s repurchase option set forth in the Agreement, the Company shall give to Participant and you a written notice specifying the number of shares of stock to be purchased, the purchase price, and the time for a closing hereunder at the principal office of the Company. Participant and the Company hereby irrevocably authorize and direct you to close the transaction contemplated by such notice in accordance with the terms of said notice.
2. At the closing, you are directed (a) to date the stock assignments necessary for the transfer in question, (b) to fill in the number of shares being transferred, and (c) to deliver the stock assignments, together with the certificate evidencing the shares of stock to be transferred, to the Company or its assignee, against the simultaneous delivery to you of the purchase price (by cash, a check, or some combination thereof) for the number of shares of stock being purchased pursuant to the exercise of the Company’s repurchase option.
3. Participant irrevocably authorizes the Company to deposit with you any certificates evidencing shares of stock to be held by you hereunder and any additions and substitutions to said shares as defined in the Agreement. Participant does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint you as Participant’s attorney-in-fact and agent for the term of this escrow to execute with respect to such securities all documents necessary or appropriate to make such securities negotiable and to complete any transaction herein contemplated, including but not limited to the filing with any applicable state blue sky authority of any required applications for consent to, or notice of transfer of, the securities. Subject to the provisions of this paragraph 3, Participant shall exercise all rights and privileges of a stockholder of the Company while the stock is held by you.
4. Upon written request of the Participant, but no more than once per calendar year, unless the Company’s repurchase option has been exercised, you shall deliver to Participant a certificate or certificates representing so many shares of stock as are not then subject to the Company’s repurchase option. Within one hundred and twenty (120) days after cessation of Participant’s continuous
employment by or services to the Company, or any parent or subsidiary of the Company, you shall deliver to Participant a certificate or certificates representing the aggregate number of shares held or issued pursuant to the Agreement and not purchased by the Company or its assignees pursuant to exercise of the Company’s repurchase option.
5. If at the time of termination of this escrow you should have in your possession any documents, securities, or other property belonging to Participant, you shall deliver all of the same to Participant and shall be discharged of all further obligations hereunder.
6. Your duties hereunder may be altered, amended, modified or revoked only by a writing signed by all of the parties hereto.
7. You shall be obligated only for the performance of such duties as are specifically set forth herein and may rely and shall be protected in relying or refraining from acting on any instrument reasonably believed by you to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties. You shall not be personally liable for any act you may do or omit to do hereunder as Escrow Agent or as attorney-in-fact for Participant while acting in good faith, and any act done or omitted by you pursuant to the advice of your own attorneys shall be conclusive evidence of such good faith.
8. You are hereby expressly authorized to disregard any and all warnings given by any of the parties hereto or by any other person or corporation, excepting only orders or process of courts of law and are hereby expressly authorized to comply with and obey orders, judgments or decrees of any court. In case you obey or comply with any such order, judgment or decree, you shall not be liable to any of the parties hereto or to any other person, firm or corporation by reason of such compliance, notwithstanding any such order, judgment or decree being subsequently reversed, modified, annulled, set aside, vacated or found to have been entered without jurisdiction.
9. You shall not be liable in any respect on account of the identity, authorities or rights of the parties executing or delivering or purporting to execute or deliver the Agreement or any documents or papers deposited or called for hereunder.
10. You shall not be liable for the outlawing of any rights under the Statute of Limitations with respect to these Joint Escrow Instructions or any documents deposited with you.
11. You shall be entitled to employ such legal counsel and other experts as you may deem necessary properly to advise you in connection with your obligations hereunder, may rely upon the advice of such counsel, and may pay such counsel reasonable compensation therefor.
12. Your responsibilities as Escrow Agent hereunder shall terminate if you shall cease to be an officer or agent of the Company or if you shall resign by written notice to each party. In the event of any such termination, the Company shall appoint a successor Escrow Agent.
13. If you reasonably require other or further instruments in connection with these Joint Escrow Instructions or obligations in respect hereto, the necessary parties hereto shall join in furnishing such instruments.
14. It is understood and agreed that should any dispute arise with respect to the delivery and/or ownership or right of possession of the securities held by you hereunder, you are authorized
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and directed to retain in your possession without liability to anyone all or any part of said securities until such disputes shall have been settled either by mutual written agreement of the parties concerned or by a final order, decree or judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction after the time for appeal has expired and no appeal has been perfected, but you shall be under no duty whatsoever to institute or defend any such proceedings.
15. Any notice required or permitted hereunder shall be given in writing and shall be deemed effectively given upon personal delivery or upon deposit in the United States Post Office, by registered or certified mail with postage and fees prepaid, addressed to each of the other parties thereunto entitled at the following addresses or at such other addresses as a party may designate by ten (10) days advance written notice to each of the other parties hereto.
16. By signing these Joint Escrow Instructions, you become a party hereto only for the purpose of said Joint Escrow Instructions; you do not become a party to the Agreement.
17. This instrument shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, and their respective successors and permitted assigns.
18. These Joint Escrow Instructions shall be governed by the internal substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules, of California.
| PARTICIPANT | KODIAK ROBOTICS, INC. | |||
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EXHIBIT [C-4]/[B-3]
ELECTION UNDER SECTION 83(b)
OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986
The undersigned taxpayer hereby elects, pursuant to Sections 55 and 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, to include in taxpayer’s gross income or alternative minimum taxable income, as the case may be, for the current taxable year the amount of any compensation taxable to taxpayer in connection with taxpayer’s receipt of the property described below.
| 1. | The name, address, taxpayer identification number and taxable year of the undersigned are as follows: |
| NAME: |
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SPOUSE: |
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| TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NO.: |
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TAXABLE YEAR: |
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| 2. | The property with respect to which the election is made is described as follows: shares (the “Shares”) of the Common Stock of Kodiak Robotics, Inc. (the “Company”). |
| 3. | The date on which the property was transferred is: , . |
| 4. | The property is subject to the following restrictions: |
The Shares may not be transferred and are subject to forfeiture under the terms of an agreement between the taxpayer and the Company. These restrictions lapse upon the satisfaction of certain conditions contained in such agreement.
| 5. | The Fair Market Value at the time of transfer, determined without regard to any restriction other than a restriction which by its terms shall never lapse, of such property is: $ . |
| 6. | The amount (if any) paid for such property is: $ . |
The undersigned has submitted a copy of this statement to the person for whom the services were performed in connection with the undersigned’s receipt of the above-described property. The transferee of such property is the person performing the services in connection with the transfer of said property.
The undersigned understands that the foregoing election may not be revoked except with the consent of the Commissioner.
| Dated: , |
Taxpayer |
The undersigned spouse of taxpayer joins in this election.
| Dated: , |
Spouse of Taxpayer |
Kodiak Robotics, Inc.
2018 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
RESTRICTED STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT
Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) shall have the same defined meanings in this Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”).
| I. | NOTICE OF GRANT OF RESTRICTED STOCK |
Name:
Address:
The undersigned Participant has been granted a right to purchase Common Stock of the Company, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Agreement, as follows:
| Date of Grant: | ||||
| Vesting Commencement Date: | ||||
| Purchase Price per Share: | $ | |||
| Total Number of Shares Granted: | ||||
| Total Purchase Price: | $ | |||
| Expiration Date: | [30 days after Date of Grant] | |||
| Vesting Schedule: | ||||
Subject to any accelerated vesting provisions in the Plan, [twenty-five percent (25%) of the Shares subject to this Agreement shall be released from the Company’s Repurchase Option on the one (1) year anniversary of the Vesting Commencement Date, and one forty-eighth (1/48th) of the Shares subject to this Agreement shall be released each month thereafter on the same day of the month as the Vesting Commencement Date (and if there is no corresponding day, on the last day of the month), subject to Participant continuing to be a Service Provider through each such date.]
Any of the Shares which have not yet been released from the Company’s Repurchase Option are referred to herein as “Unreleased Shares.” The Shares which have been released from the Company’s Repurchase Option shall be delivered to Participant at Participant’s request (see Section 11 of Part II of this Agreement).
YOU MUST EXERCISE THIS RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD BEFORE THE EXPIRATION DATE OR IT WILL TERMINATE AND YOU WILL HAVE NO FURTHER RIGHT TO PURCHASE THE SHARES.
| II. | AGREEMENT |
1. Sale of Stock. The Administrator of the Company hereby agrees to sell to the Participant named in the Notice of Grant of Restricted Stock in Part I of this Agreement (“Participant”), and Participant hereby agrees to purchase the number of Shares set forth in the Notice of Grant of Restricted Stock, at the Purchase Price per Share set forth in the Notice of Grant of Restricted Stock (the “Purchase Price”), and subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. Subject to Section 18(c) of the Plan, in the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Plan shall prevail.
2. Payment of Purchase Price. Participant herewith delivers to the Company the aggregate Purchase Price for the Shares by cash or check, together with any and all withholding taxes due in connection with the purchase of the Shares.
3. Participant’s Representations. In the event the Shares have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, at the time this Restricted Stock Award is exercised, Participant shall, if required by the Company, concurrently with the exercise of all or any portion of this Restricted Stock Award, deliver to the Company his or her Investment Representation Statement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A.
4. Lock-Up Period. Participant hereby agrees that Participant shall not offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company or enter into any swap, hedging or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of any Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company held by Participant (other than those included in the registration) for a period specified by the representative of the underwriters of Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company not to exceed one hundred and eighty (180) days following the effective date of any registration statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act (or such other period as may be requested by the Company or the underwriters to accommodate regulatory restrictions on (i) the publication or other distribution of research reports and (ii) analyst recommendations and opinions, including, but not limited to, the restrictions contained in NYSE Rule 472(f)(4), or any successor provisions or amendments thereto).
Participant agrees to execute and deliver such other agreements as may be reasonably requested by the Company or the underwriter which are consistent with the foregoing or which are necessary to give further effect thereto. In addition, if requested by the Company or the representative of the underwriters of Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company, Participant shall provide, within ten (10) days of such request, such information as may be required by the Company or such representative in connection with the completion of any public offering of the Company’s securities pursuant to a registration statement filed under the Securities Act. The obligations described in this Section 4 shall not apply to a registration relating solely to employee
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benefit plans on Form S-1 or Form S-8 or similar forms that may be promulgated in the future, or a registration relating solely to a Commission Rule 145 transaction on Form S-4 or similar forms that may be promulgated in the future. The Company may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to the shares of Common Stock (or other securities) subject to the foregoing restriction until the end of said one hundred and eighty (180) day (or other) period. Participant agrees that any transferee of the Restricted Stock Award or shares acquired pursuant to the Restricted Stock Award shall be bound by this Section 4.
5. Non-Transferability of Restricted Stock. This Restricted Stock Award may not be transferred in any manner otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised during the lifetime of Participant only by Participant. The terms of the Plan and this Agreement shall be binding upon the executors, administrators, heirs, successors and assigns of Participant.
6. Tax Consequences. Participant has reviewed with Participant’s own tax advisors the federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of this investment and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Participant is relying solely on such advisors and not on any statements or representations of the Company or any of its agents. Participant understands that Participant (and not the Company) shall be responsible for Participant’s own tax liability that may arise as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Participant understands that Section 83 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), taxes as ordinary income the difference between the purchase price for the Shares and the Fair Market Value of the Shares as of the date any restrictions on the Shares lapse. In this context, “restriction” includes the right of the Company to buy back the Shares pursuant to the Repurchase Option. Participant understands that Participant may elect to be taxed at the time the Shares are purchased rather than when and as the Repurchase Option expires by filing an election under Section 83(b) of the Code with the IRS within thirty (30) days from the date of purchase. The form for making this election is attached as Exhibit B-3 hereto.
THE PARTICIPANT ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT IS THE PARTICIPANT’S SOLE RESPONSIBILITY AND NOT THE COMPANY’S TO FILE TIMELY THE ELECTION UNDER SECTION 83(b), EVEN IF THE PARTICIPANT REQUESTS THE COMPANY OR ITS REPRESENTATIVES TO MAKE THIS FILING ON THE PARTICIPANT’S BEHALF.
7. Tax Withholding. Pursuant to such procedures as the Administrator may specify from time to time, the Company shall withhold the minimum amount required to be withheld for the payment of income, employment and other taxes which the Company determines must be withheld (the “Withholding Taxes”) with respect to Shares released from the Company’s Repurchase Option by, in the Administrator’s discretion: (i) withholding otherwise deliverable Shares upon release from the Company’s Repurchase Option having a Fair Market Value equal the amount of such Withholding Taxes, (ii) withholding the amount of such Withholding Taxes from Participant’s paycheck(s), (iii) requiring Participant to make appropriate arrangements with the Company (or the Parent or Subsidiary employing or retaining Participant) for the satisfaction of all Withholding Taxes, or (iv) a combination of the foregoing. The Company shall not retain fractional Shares to satisfy any portion of the Withholding Taxes. Accordingly, if any withholding is done through the withholding of Shares, Participant shall pay to the Company an amount in cash sufficient to satisfy the remaining Withholding Taxes due and payable as a result of the Company not retaining
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fractional Shares. Should the Company be unable to procure such cash amounts from Participant, Participant agrees and acknowledges that Participant is giving the Company permission to withhold from Participant’s paycheck(s) an amount equal to the remaining Withholding Taxes due and payable as a result of the Company not retaining fractional Shares. Participant acknowledges and agrees that the Company may refuse to honor the exercise and refuse to deliver the Shares if such withholding amounts are not delivered at the time of purchase.
8. No Guarantee of Continued Service. PARTICIPANT ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THE RELEASE OF SHARES FROM THE REPURCHASE OPTION OF THE COMPANY PURSUANT TO THE VESTING SCHEDULE HEREOF IS EARNED ONLY BY CONTINUING AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT THE WILL OF THE COMPANY (OR THE PARENT OR SUBSIDIARY EMPLOYING OR RETAINING PARTICIPANT) AND NOT THROUGH THE ACT OF BEING HIRED OR PURCHASING SHARES HEREUNDER. PARTICIPANT FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THIS AGREEMENT, THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREUNDER AND THE VESTING SCHEDULE SET FORTH HEREIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED PROMISE OF CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT AS A SERVICE PROVIDER FOR THE VESTING PERIOD, FOR ANY PERIOD, OR AT ALL, AND SHALL NOT INTERFERE IN ANY WAY WITH PARTICIPANT’S RIGHT OR THE RIGHT OF THE COMPANY (OR THE PARENT OR SUBSIDIARY EMPLOYING OR RETAINING PARTICIPANT) TO TERMINATE PARTICIPANT’S RELATIONSHIP AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT ANY TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSE.
9. Repurchase Option.
(a) In the event Participant’s continuous status as a Service Provider terminates for any or no reason (including death or Disability), the Company shall, upon the date of such termination (as reasonably fixed and determined by the Company), have an irrevocable, exclusive option for a period of ninety (90) days from such date to repurchase up to that number of Shares which constitute the Unreleased Shares (as defined in Part I of this Agreement) at the Purchase Price per share (the “Repurchase Price”) (the “Repurchase Option”).
(b) The Repurchase Option shall be exercised by the Company by delivering written notice to Participant or Participant’s executor (with a copy to the Escrow Holder (as defined in Section 11)) AND, at the Company’s option, (i) by delivering to Participant or Participant’s executor a check in the amount of the aggregate Repurchase Price, or (ii) by the Company canceling an amount of Participant’s indebtedness to the Company equal to the aggregate Repurchase Price, or (iii) by a combination of (i) and (ii) so that the combined payment and cancellation of indebtedness equals such aggregate Repurchase Price. Upon delivery of such notice and the payment of the aggregate Repurchase Price in any of the ways described above, the Company shall become the legal and beneficial owner of the Unreleased Shares being repurchased and all rights and interests therein or relating thereto, and the Company shall have the right to retain and transfer to its own name the number of Unreleased Shares being repurchased by the Company.
(c) Whenever the Company shall have the right to repurchase the Unreleased Shares hereunder, the Company may designate and assign one or more employees, officers, directors
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or shareholders of the Company or other persons or organizations to exercise all or a part of the Company’s Repurchase Option to purchase all or a part of the Unreleased Shares. If the Fair Market Value of the Unreleased Shares to be repurchased on the date of such designation or assignment (the “Repurchase FMV”) exceeds the aggregate Repurchase Price of the Unreleased Shares, then each such designee or assignee shall pay the Company cash equal to the difference between the Repurchase FMV and the aggregate Repurchase Price of Unreleased Shares to be purchased.
(d) If the Company or its assignee does not elect to exercise the Repurchase Option conferred above by giving the requisite notice within ninety (90) days following Participant’s termination as a Service Provider, the Repurchase Option shall terminate.
10. Restriction on Transfer. Except for the escrow described in Section 11 or transfer of the Shares to the Company or its assignees contemplated by this Agreement, none of the Shares or any beneficial interest therein shall be transferred, encumbered or otherwise disposed of in any way until the release of such Shares from the Company’s Repurchase Option in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Any distribution or delivery to be made to Participant under this Agreement shall, if Participant is then deceased, be made to Participant’s designated beneficiary, or if no beneficiary survives Participant, to the administrator or executor of Participant’s estate. Any such transferee must furnish the Company with (a) written notice of his or her status as transferee, and (b) evidence satisfactory to the Company to establish the validity of the transfer and compliance with any laws or regulations pertaining to said transfer.
11. Escrow of Shares.
(a) To ensure the availability for delivery of Participant’s Unreleased Shares upon exercise of the Repurchase Option by the Company, Participant will, upon execution of this Agreement, deliver and deposit with an escrow holder designated by the Company (the “Escrow Holder”) the share certificates representing the Unreleased Shares, together with the Assignment Separate from Certificate (the “Stock Assignment”) duly endorsed in blank, attached hereto as Exhibit B-1. The Unreleased Shares and Stock Assignment shall be held by the Escrow Holder, pursuant to the Joint Escrow Instructions of the Company and Participant attached as Exhibit B-2 hereto, until such time as the Company’s Repurchase Option expires.
(b) The Escrow Holder shall not be liable for any act it may do or omit to do with respect to holding the Unreleased Shares in escrow and while acting in good faith and in the exercise of its judgment.
(c) If the Company or any assignee exercises its Repurchase Option hereunder, the Escrow Holder, upon receipt of written notice of such option exercise from the proposed transferee, shall take all steps necessary to accomplish such transfer. Participant hereby appoints the Escrow Holder with full power of substitution, as Participant’s true and lawful attorney-in-fact with irrevocable power and authority in the name and on behalf of Participant to take any action and execute all documents and instruments, including, without limitation, stock powers which may be necessary to transfer the certificate or certificates evidencing such Unreleased Shares to the Company upon such termination.
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(d) When the Repurchase Option has been exercised or expires unexercised or a portion of the Shares has been released from such Repurchase Option, upon Participant’s request the Escrow Holder shall promptly cause a new certificate to be issued for such released Shares and shall deliver such certificate to the Company or Participant, as the case may be.
(e) Subject to the terms hereof, Participant shall have all the rights of a shareholder with respect to such Shares while they are held in escrow, including without limitation, the right to vote the Shares and receive any cash dividends declared thereon.
(f) In the event of any merger, reorganization, consolidation, recapitalization, separation, liquidation, stock dividend, split-up, share combination, or other change in the corporate structure of the Company affecting the Common Stock, the Shares shall be increased, reduced or otherwise changed, and by virtue of any such change Participant shall in his or her capacity as owner of Unreleased Shares that have been awarded to him or her be entitled to new or additional or different shares of stock, cash or securities (other than rights or warrants to purchase securities); such new or additional or different shares, cash or securities shall thereupon be considered to be “Unreleased Shares” and shall be subject to all of the conditions and restrictions which were applicable to the Unreleased Shares pursuant to this Agreement. If Participant receives rights or warrants with respect to any Unreleased Shares, such rights or warrants may be held or exercised by Participant, provided that until such exercise any such rights or warrants and after such exercise any shares or other securities acquired by the exercise of such rights or warrants shall be considered to be Unreleased Shares and shall be subject to all of the conditions and restrictions which were applicable to the Unreleased Shares pursuant to this Agreement. The Administrator in its absolute discretion at any time may accelerate the vesting of all or any portion of such new or additional shares of stock, cash or securities, rights or warrants to purchase securities or shares or other securities acquired by the exercise of such rights or warrants.
12. Company’s Right of First Refusal. Subject to Section 10, before any Shares held by Participant or any transferee (either being sometimes referred to herein as the “Holder”) may be sold or otherwise transferred (including transfer by gift or operation of law), the Company or its assignee(s) shall have a right of first refusal to purchase the Shares on the terms and conditions set forth in this Section 12 (the “Right of First Refusal”).
(a) Notice of Proposed Transfer. The Holder of the Shares shall deliver to the Company a written notice (the “Notice”) stating: (i) the Holder’s bona fide intention to sell or otherwise transfer such Shares; (ii) the name of each proposed purchaser or other transferee (“Proposed Transferee”); (iii) the number of Shares to be transferred to each Proposed Transferee; and (iv) the bona fide cash price or other consideration for which the Holder proposes to transfer the Shares (the “Offered Price”), and the Holder shall offer the Shares at the Offered Price to the Company or its assignee(s).
(b) Exercise of Right of First Refusal. At any time within thirty (30) days after receipt of the Notice, the Company and/or its assignee(s) may, by giving written notice to the Holder, elect to purchase all, but not less than all, of the Shares proposed to be transferred to any one or more of the Proposed Transferees, at the purchase price determined in accordance with subsection (c) below.
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(c) Purchase Price. The purchase price (“Right of First Refusal Price”) for the Shares purchased by the Company or its assignee(s) under this Section 12 shall be the Offered Price. If the Offered Price includes consideration other than cash, the cash equivalent value of the non-cash consideration shall be determined by the Board in good faith.
(d) Payment. Payment of the Right of First Refusal Price shall be made, at the option of the Company or its assignee(s), in cash (by check), by cancellation of all or a portion of any outstanding indebtedness of the Holder to the Company (or, in the case of repurchase by an assignee, to the assignee), or by any combination thereof within thirty (30) days after receipt of the Notice or in the manner and at the times set forth in the Notice.
(e) Holder’s Right to Transfer. If all of the Shares proposed in the Notice to be transferred to a given Proposed Transferee are not purchased by the Company and/or its assignee(s) as provided in this Section 12, then the Holder may sell or otherwise transfer such Shares to that Proposed Transferee at the Offered Price or at a higher price, provided that such sale or other transfer is consummated within one hundred and twenty (120) days after the date of the Notice, that any such sale or other transfer is effected in accordance with any applicable securities laws and that the Proposed Transferee agrees in writing that the provisions of this Section 12 shall continue to apply to the Shares in the hands of such Proposed Transferee. If the Shares described in the Notice are not transferred to the Proposed Transferee within such period, a new Notice shall be given to the Company, and the Company and/or its assignees shall again be offered the Right of First Refusal before any Shares held by the Holder may be sold or otherwise transferred.
(f) Exception for Certain Family Transfers. Anything to the contrary contained in this Section 12 notwithstanding, the transfer of any or all of the Shares during Participant’s lifetime or on Participant’s death by will or intestacy to Participant’s immediate family or a trust for the benefit of Participant’s immediate family shall be exempt from the provisions of this Section 12. “Immediate Family” as used herein shall mean spouse, lineal descendant or antecedent, father, mother, brother or sister. In such case, the transferee or other recipient shall receive and hold the Shares so transferred subject to the provisions of this Agreement, including but not limited to this Section 12 and Section 9, and there shall be no further transfer of such Shares except in accordance with the terms of this Section 12.
(g) Termination of Right of First Refusal. The Right of First Refusal shall terminate as to any Shares upon the earlier of (i) the first sale of Common Stock of the Company to the general public, or (ii) a Change in Control in which the successor corporation has equity securities that are publicly traded.
13. Restrictive Legends and Stop-Transfer Orders.
(a) Legends. Participant understands and agrees that the Company shall cause the legends set forth below or legends substantially equivalent thereto, to be placed upon any certificate(s) evidencing ownership of the Shares together with any other legends that may be required by the Company or by state or federal securities laws:
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE “ACT”) AND MAY NOT BE
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OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED OR HYPOTHECATED UNLESS AND UNTIL REGISTERED UNDER THE ACT OR, IN THE OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE ISSUER OF THESE SECURITIES, SUCH OFFER, SALE OR TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR HYPOTHECATION IS IN COMPLIANCE THEREWITH.
THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER, A RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL, AND A REPURCHASE OPTION HELD BY THE ISSUER OR ITS ASSIGNEE(S) AS SET FORTH IN THE RESTRICTED STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE ISSUER AND THE ORIGINAL HOLDER OF THESE SHARES, A COPY OF WHICH MAY BE OBTAINED AT THE PRINCIPAL OFFICE OF THE ISSUER. SUCH TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS, RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL AND REPURCHASE OPTION ARE BINDING ON TRANSFEREES OF THESE SHARES.
THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER FOR A PERIOD OF TIME FOLLOWING THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE UNDERWRITTEN PUBLIC OFFERING OF THE COMPANY’S SECURITIES SET FORTH IN AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE ISSUER AND THE ORIGINAL HOLDER OF THESE SHARES AND MAY NOT BE SOLD OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF BY THE HOLDER PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION OF SUCH PERIOD WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF THE COMPANY OR THE MANAGING UNDERWRITER.
(b) Stop-Transfer Notices. Participant agrees that, in order to ensure compliance with the restrictions referred to herein, the Company may issue appropriate “stop transfer” instructions to its transfer agent, if any, and that, if the Company transfers its own securities, it may make appropriate notations to the same effect in its own records.
(c) Refusal to Transfer. The Company shall not be required (i) to transfer on its books any Shares that have been sold or otherwise transferred in violation of any of the provisions of this Agreement or (ii) to treat as owner of such Shares or to accord the right to vote or pay dividends to any purchaser or other transferee to whom such Shares shall have been so transferred.
14. Notices. Any notice, demand or request required or permitted to be given by either the Company or Participant pursuant to the terms of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed given when delivered personally or deposited in the U.S. mail, First Class with postage prepaid, and addressed to the parties at the addresses of the parties set forth at the end of this Agreement or such other address as a party may request by notifying the other in writing.
Any notice to the Escrow Holder shall be sent to the Company’s address with a copy to the other party not sending the notice.
15. No Waiver. Either party’s failure to enforce any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall not in any way be construed as a waiver of any such provision or provisions, nor prevent that party from thereafter enforcing each and every other provision of this Agreement. The rights granted both parties herein are cumulative and shall not constitute a waiver of either party’s right to assert all other legal remedies available to it under the circumstances.
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16. Successors and Assigns. The Company may assign any of its rights under this Agreement to single or multiple assignees, and this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company. Subject to the restrictions on transfer herein set forth, this Agreement shall be binding upon Participant and his or her heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns. The rights and obligations of Participant under this Agreement may only be assigned with the prior written consent of the Company.
17. Interpretation. Any dispute regarding the interpretation of this Agreement shall be submitted by Participant or by the Company forthwith to the Administrator, which shall review such dispute at its next regular meeting. The resolution of such a dispute by the Administrator shall be final and binding on all parties.
18. Additional Documents. Participant agrees upon request to execute any further documents or instruments necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes or intent of this Agreement.
19. Governing Law; Severability. This Agreement is governed by the internal substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules, of California. In the event that any provision hereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable or void, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect.
20. Entire Agreement. The Plan is incorporated herein by reference. The Plan and this Agreement (including the exhibits referenced herein) constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the Participant’s interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company and Participant.
Participant acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and represents that he or she is familiar with the terms and provisions thereof, and hereby accepts this Agreement subject to all of the terms and provisions thereof. Participant has reviewed the Plan and this Agreement in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Agreement and fully understands all provisions of this Agreement. Participant hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions arising under the Plan or this Agreement. Participant further agrees to notify the Company upon any change in the residence address indicated below.
| PARTICIPANT | Kodiak Robotics, Inc. | |||
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EXHIBIT A
INVESTMENT REPRESENTATION STATEMENT
| PARTICIPANT | : | |||
| COMPANY | : | Kodiak Robotics, Inc. | ||
| SECURITY | : | COMMON STOCK | ||
| AMOUNT | : | |||
| DATE | : | |||
In connection with the purchase of the above-listed Securities, the undersigned Participant represents to the Company the following:
(a) Participant is aware of the Company’s business affairs and financial condition and has acquired sufficient information about the Company to reach an informed and knowledgeable decision to acquire the Securities. Participant is acquiring these Securities for investment for Participant’s own account only and not with a view to, or for resale in connection with, any “distribution” thereof within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).
(b) Participant acknowledges and understands that the Securities constitute “restricted securities” under the Securities Act and have not been registered under the Securities Act in reliance upon a specific exemption therefrom, which exemption depends upon, among other things, the bona fide nature of Participant’s investment intent as expressed herein. In this connection, Participant understands that, in the view of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the statutory basis for such exemption may be unavailable if Participant’s representation was predicated solely upon a present intention to hold these Securities for the minimum capital gains period specified under tax statutes, for a deferred sale, for or until an increase or decrease in the market price of the Securities, or for a period of one year or any other fixed period in the future. Participant further understands that the Securities must be held indefinitely unless they are subsequently registered under the Securities Act or an exemption from such registration is available. Participant further acknowledges and understands that the Company is under no obligation to register the Securities. Participant understands that the certificate evidencing the Securities shall be imprinted with any legend required under applicable state securities laws.
(c) Participant is familiar with the provisions of Rule 701 and Rule 144, each promulgated under the Securities Act, which, in substance, permit limited public resale of “restricted securities” acquired, directly or indirectly from the issuer thereof, in a non-public offering subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. Rule 701 provides that if the issuer qualifies under Rule 701 at the time of the grant of the Restricted Stock Award to Participant, the exercise shall be exempt from registration under the Securities Act. In the event the Company becomes subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, ninety (90) days thereafter (or such longer period as any market stand-off agreement may require) the Securities
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exempt under Rule 701 may be resold, subject to the satisfaction of the applicable conditions specified by Rule 144, including in the case of affiliates (1) the availability of certain public information about the Company, (2) the amount of Securities being sold during any three (3) month period not exceeding specified limitations, (3) the resale being made in an unsolicited “broker’s transaction”, transactions directly with a “market maker” or “riskless principal transactions” (as those terms are defined under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) and (4) the timely filing of a Form 144, if applicable.
In the event that the Company does not qualify under Rule 701 at the time of grant of the Restricted Stock Award, then the Securities may be resold in certain limited circumstances subject to the provisions of Rule 144, which may require (i) the availability of current public information about the Company; (ii) the resale to occur more than a specified period after the purchase and full payment (within the meaning of Rule 144) for the Securities; and (iii) in the case of the sale of Securities by an affiliate, the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in sections (2), (3) and (4) of the paragraph immediately above.
(d) Participant further understands that in the event all of the applicable requirements of Rule 701 or 144 are not satisfied, registration under the Securities Act, compliance with Regulation A, or some other registration exemption shall be required; and that, notwithstanding the fact that Rules 144 and 701 are not exclusive, the Staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission has expressed its opinion that persons proposing to sell private placement securities other than in a registered offering and otherwise than pursuant to Rules 144 or 701 shall have a substantial burden of proof in establishing that an exemption from registration is available for such offers or sales, and that such persons and their respective brokers who participate in such transactions do so at their own risk. Participant understands that no assurances can be given that any such other registration exemption shall be available in such event.
| PARTICIPANT |
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EXHIBIT B-1
ASSIGNMENT SEPARATE FROM CERTIFICATE
FOR VALUE RECEIVED I, , hereby sell, assign and transfer unto Kodiak Robotics, Inc. shares of the Common Stock of Kodiak Robotics, Inc. standing in my name on the books of said corporation represented by Certificate No. herewith and do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint to transfer the said stock on the books of the within named corporation with full power of substitution in the premises.
This Stock Assignment may be used only in accordance with the Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement between Kodiak Robotics, Inc. and the undersigned dated , (the “Agreement”).
| Dated: | , |
Signature: |
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INSTRUCTIONS: Please do not fill in any blanks other than the signature line. The purpose of this assignment is to enable the Company to exercise its “repurchase option,” as set forth in the Agreement, without requiring additional signatures on the part of the Participant.
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EXHIBIT B-2
JOINT ESCROW INSTRUCTIONS
,
Corporate Secretary
Kodiak Robotics, Inc.
121 Easy Street, Mountain View, CA 94043
Dear :
As Escrow Agent for both Kodiak Robotics, Inc. (the “Company”), and the undersigned purchaser of stock of the Company (the “Participant”), you are hereby authorized and directed to hold the documents delivered to you pursuant to the terms of that certain Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) between the Company and the undersigned, in accordance with the following instructions:
1. In the event the Company and/or any assignee of the Company (referred to collectively for convenience herein as the “Company”) exercises the Company’s repurchase option set forth in the Agreement, the Company shall give to Participant and you a written notice specifying the number of shares of stock to be purchased, the purchase price, and the time for a closing hereunder at the principal office of the Company. Participant and the Company hereby irrevocably authorize and direct you to close the transaction contemplated by such notice in accordance with the terms of said notice.
2. At the closing, you are directed (a) to date the stock assignments necessary for the transfer in question, (b) to fill in the number of shares being transferred, and (c) to deliver the stock assignments, together with the certificate evidencing the shares of stock to be transferred, to the Company or its assignee, against the simultaneous delivery to you of the purchase price (by cash, a check, or some combination thereof) for the number of shares of stock being purchased pursuant to the exercise of the Company’s repurchase option.
3. Participant irrevocably authorizes the Company to deposit with you any certificates evidencing shares of stock to be held by you hereunder and any additions and substitutions to said shares as defined in the Agreement. Participant does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint you as Participant’s attorney-in-fact and agent for the term of this escrow to execute with respect to such securities all documents necessary or appropriate to make such securities negotiable and to complete any transaction herein contemplated, including but not limited to the filing with any applicable state blue sky authority of any required applications for consent to, or notice of transfer of, the securities. Subject to the provisions of this paragraph 3, Participant shall exercise all rights and privileges of a stockholder of the Company while the stock is held by you.
4. Upon written request of the Participant, but no more than once per calendar year, unless the Company’s repurchase option has been exercised, you shall deliver to Participant a certificate or certificates representing so many shares of stock as are not then subject to the
Company’s repurchase option. Within one hundred and twenty (120) days after cessation of Participant’s continuous employment by or services to the Company, or any parent or subsidiary of the Company, you shall deliver to Participant a certificate or certificates representing the aggregate number of shares held or issued pursuant to the Agreement and not purchased by the Company or its assignees pursuant to exercise of the Company’s repurchase option.
5. If at the time of termination of this escrow you should have in your possession any documents, securities, or other property belonging to Participant, you shall deliver all of the same to Participant and shall be discharged of all further obligations hereunder.
6. Your duties hereunder may be altered, amended, modified or revoked only by a writing signed by all of the parties hereto.
7. You shall be obligated only for the performance of such duties as are specifically set forth herein and may rely and shall be protected in relying or refraining from acting on any instrument reasonably believed by you to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties. You shall not be personally liable for any act you may do or omit to do hereunder as Escrow Agent or as attorney-in-fact for Participant while acting in good faith, and any act done or omitted by you pursuant to the advice of your own attorneys shall be conclusive evidence of such good faith.
8. You are hereby expressly authorized to disregard any and all warnings given by any of the parties hereto or by any other person or corporation, excepting only orders or process of courts of law and are hereby expressly authorized to comply with and obey orders, judgments or decrees of any court. In case you obey or comply with any such order, judgment or decree, you shall not be liable to any of the parties hereto or to any other person, firm or corporation by reason of such compliance, notwithstanding any such order, judgment or decree being subsequently reversed, modified, annulled, set aside, vacated or found to have been entered without jurisdiction.
9. You shall not be liable in any respect on account of the identity, authorities or rights of the parties executing or delivering or purporting to execute or deliver the Agreement or any documents or papers deposited or called for hereunder.
10. You shall not be liable for the outlawing of any rights under the Statute of Limitations with respect to these Joint Escrow Instructions or any documents deposited with you.
11. You shall be entitled to employ such legal counsel and other experts as you may deem necessary properly to advise you in connection with your obligations hereunder, may rely upon the advice of such counsel, and may pay such counsel reasonable compensation therefor.
12. Your responsibilities as Escrow Agent hereunder shall terminate if you shall cease to be an officer or agent of the Company or if you shall resign by written notice to each party. In the event of any such termination, the Company shall appoint a successor Escrow Agent.
13. If you reasonably require other or further instruments in connection with these Joint Escrow Instructions or obligations in respect hereto, the necessary parties hereto shall join in furnishing such instruments.
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14. It is understood and agreed that should any dispute arise with respect to the delivery and/or ownership or right of possession of the securities held by you hereunder, you are authorized and directed to retain in your possession without liability to anyone all or any part of said securities until such disputes shall have been settled either by mutual written agreement of the parties concerned or by a final order, decree or judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction after the time for appeal has expired and no appeal has been perfected, but you shall be under no duty whatsoever to institute or defend any such proceedings.
15. Any notice required or permitted hereunder shall be given in writing and shall be deemed effectively given upon personal delivery or upon deposit in the United States Post Office, by registered or certified mail with postage and fees prepaid, addressed to each of the other parties thereunto entitled at the following addresses or at such other addresses as a party may designate by ten (10) days advance written notice to each of the other parties hereto.
16. By signing these Joint Escrow Instructions, you become a party hereto only for the purpose of said Joint Escrow Instructions; you do not become a party to the Agreement.
17. This instrument shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, and their respective successors and permitted assigns.
18. These Joint Escrow Instructions shall be governed by the internal substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules, of California.
| PARTICIPANT | Kodiak Robotics, Inc. | |||
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| ESCROW AGENT | ||
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Corporate Secretary | ||
| Dated: |
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EXHIBIT B-3
ELECTION UNDER SECTION 83(b)
OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986
The undersigned taxpayer hereby elects, pursuant to Sections 55 and 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, to include in taxpayer’s gross income or alternative minimum taxable income, as the case may be, for the current taxable year the amount of any compensation taxable to taxpayer in connection with taxpayer’s receipt of the property described below.
| 1. | The name, address, taxpayer identification number and taxable year of the undersigned are as follows: |
| NAME: |
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SPOUSE: |
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| ADDRESS: |
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| TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NO.: |
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TAXABLE YEAR: |
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| 2. | The property with respect to which the election is made is described as follows: shares (the “Shares”) of the Common Stock of Kodiak Robotics, Inc. (the “Company”). |
| 3. | The date on which the property was transferred is: , . |
| 4. | The property is subject to the following restrictions: |
The Shares may not be transferred and are subject to forfeiture under the terms of an agreement between the taxpayer and the Company. These restrictions lapse upon the satisfaction of certain conditions contained in such agreement.
| 5. | The Fair Market Value at the time of transfer, determined without regard to any restriction other than a restriction which by its terms shall never lapse, of such property is: $ . |
| 6. | The amount (if any) paid for such property is: $ . |
The undersigned has submitted a copy of this statement to the person for whom the services were performed in connection with the undersigned’s receipt of the above-described property. The transferee of such property is the person performing the services in connection with the transfer of said property.
The undersigned understands that the foregoing election may not be revoked except with the consent of the Commissioner.
| Dated: , |
Taxpayer |
The undersigned spouse of taxpayer joins in this election.
| Dated: , |
Spouse of Taxpayer |
Exhibit 10.25
THIRD AMENDMENT TO VENTURE LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT
This THIRD AMENDMENT TO VENTURE LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of September 24, 2025 (the “Third Amendment Effective Date”), is entered into by and among KODIAK ROBOTICS, INC., a Delaware corporation (“Borrower”), HORIZON TECHNOLOGY FINANCE CORPORATION (“Horizon”), as collateral agent (“Collateral Agent”), HORIZON FUNDING I, LLC, as an assignee of Horizon, as a Lender (“HFI”), HORIZON FUNDING II, LLC, as an assignee of Horizon, as a Lender (“HFII”) and HORIZON CREDIT II, LLC, as an assignee of Horizon and subsequently assigned to Horizon Funding Trust 2022-1 (“HF Trust”), as a Lender (“HCII” and, collectively with HFI and HFII, “Lenders”).
RECITALS
A. Borrower, Lenders and Collateral Agent are parties to that certain Venture Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of September 28, 2022, as amended from time to time (as so amended, the “Loan Agreement”), pursuant to which, among other things, (i) Horizon provided (a) a loan to Borrower as evidenced by that certain Amended and Restated Secured Promissory Note (Loan A) executed by Borrower in favor of HF Trust, as assignee Horizon, and subsequently assigned to HCII, amended and restated as of June 4, 2024, in the original principal amount of Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000) (the “Loan A Note”), (b) a loan to Borrower as evidenced by that certain Amended and Restated Secured Promissory Note (Loan B) executed by Borrower in favor of HFI, as assignee of Horizon, amended and restated as of June 4, 2024, in the original principal amount of Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000) (the “Loan B Note”), (c) a loan to Borrower as evidenced by that certain Amended and Restated Secured Promissory Note (Loan C) executed by Borrower in favor of HCII, as assignee of Horizon, and subsequently assigned to HFII, amended and restated as of June 4, 2024, in the original principal amount of Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) (the “Loan C Note”), and (d) a loan to Borrower as evidenced by that certain Amended and Restated Secured Promissory Note (Loan D) executed by Borrower in favor of HFI, as assignee of Horizon, amended and restated as of June 4, 2024, in the original principal amount of Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) (the “Loan D Note”, and collectively with the Loan A Note, the Loan B Note, and the Loan C Note, the “Notes”), and (ii) Collateral Agent and Lenders have been granted a security interest by Borrower in all assets of Borrower, including Borrower’s Intellectual Property (as defined in the Loan Agreement).
B. Borrower has requested that the Collateral Agent and the Lenders amend the Loan Agreement to (i) make certain conforming changes to account for the closing of the Ares deSPAC Transaction and Kodiak Robotics, Inc. becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of the public company Kodiak AI, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Parent”), (ii) provide for a post-closing period for the joinder of Parent as a co-Borrower under the Loan Agreement, and (iii) make certain other changes as set forth in Section 3 hereof.
C. Lenders are willing to grant such request, but only to the extent, and in accordance with the terms, and subject to the conditions, set forth herein.
AGREEMENT
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above recitals and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, Borrower and Lenders hereby agree as follows:
1. Definitions; Interpretation. Unless otherwise defined herein, all capitalized terms used herein and defined in the Loan Agreement shall have the respective meanings given to those terms in the Loan Agreement. Other rules of construction set forth in the Loan Agreement, to the extent not inconsistent with this Agreement, apply to this Agreement and are hereby incorporated by reference.
2. Confirmation. Borrower hereby acknowledges and agrees that: (i) the Loan Agreement sets forth the legal, valid, binding and continuing obligations of Borrower to Lenders, (ii) the Obligations to Lenders under the Loan Agreement are secured by validly perfected security interests in all assets of Borrower, except as set forth in the Loan Agreement, and (iii) Borrower has no cause of action, claim, defense or set-off against any Lender in any way regarding or relating to the Loan Agreement or any Lender’s actions thereunder and to the extent any such cause of action, claim, defense or set-off arose on or prior to the date of this Agreement, it is waived and each Lender is released from any claims of Borrower. Borrower represents and warrants that no Default or Event of Default has occurred under the Loan Agreement.
3. Amendments to Loan Agreement.
(a) Borrower and Lenders hereby agree that Section 1.1 of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by inserting alphabetically the following defined terms:
“Kodiak” means Kodiak Robotics, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
“Parent” means Kodiak AI, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
“SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any or all of the functions of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Third Amendment Effective Date” means September 24, 2025.
(b) Borrower and Lenders hereby agree that the definition of “Borrower” in Section 1.1 of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended as follows:
“Borrower” means, collectively, Kodiak and each other entity joined hereto as a co-Borrower.
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(c) Borrower and Lenders hereby agree that clause (f) of the definition of “Permitted Investments” in Section 1.1 of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended as follows:
(f) Investments by (i) any Borrower in any other Borrower, (ii) any Subsidiary that is not a Borrower hereunder in a Borrower or another Subsidiary that is not a Borrower hereunder and (iii) any Borrower in Subsidiaries that are not a Borrower hereunder in an aggregate amount not to exceed Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000) in any fiscal year;
(d) Borrower and Lenders hereby agree that Section 6.3 of the Loan Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
“6.3 Financial Statements, Reports, Certificates. Borrower shall deliver to Lender: (a) at the time of filing of Parent’s Form 10-K with the SEC after the end of each fiscal year of Parent, the financial statements of Parent filed with such Form 10-K; and (b) at the time of filing of Parent’s Form 10-Q with the SEC after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of Parent, the Consolidated financial statements of Parent filed with such Form 10-Q; provided, that in each case, such financial statements may be delivered electronically and if so delivered, shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date on which such documents are filed for public availability on the SEC’s Electronic Data Gathering and Retrieval System or on which the Borrower posts such documents, or provides a link thereto on the Borrower’s website on the Internet, (c) as soon as available, but in any event upon the later of (A) thirty (30) days after the end of Parent’s fiscal year, or (B) following approval of the Parent’s Board of Directors, Parent’s operating budget and plan for the next fiscal year; and (d) such other financial information as Lender may reasonably request from time to time. In addition, Borrower shall deliver to Lender (A) promptly upon becoming available, copies of all statements, reports and notices sent or made available generally by Borrower to all of its security holders in their capacity as such and not in any other capacity and (B) promptly upon written receipt of notice thereof, a report of any material legal actions pending or threatened in writing against Borrower or any Subsidiary or the commencement of any action, proceeding or governmental investigation involving Borrower or any Subsidiary is commenced that is reasonably expected to result in damages or costs to Borrower of Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000) or more.”
(e) Borrower and Lenders hereby agree that Section 7.7 of the Loan Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
“7.5 Distributions. (a) Pay any dividends or make any distributions, or permit any Subsidiary to pay any dividends or make any distributions, on their respective Equity Securities, or make repurchases pursuant to the terms of employee stock purchase plans, employee restricted stock agreements or similar arrangements in an aggregate amount not to exceed One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) in any fiscal year, provided, however, that (i) if Borrower, during the period commencing as of the date of this Agreement and continuing until the repayment in full of the Obligations, receives aggregate cash proceeds in an amount not less than One Hundred Million Dollars ($100,000,000) as the result of the sale of Borrower’s Equity Securities and (ii) no Event of Default has occurred that has not been waived by Lender, then, Borrower shall be permitted to pay any dividends or make any
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distributions, or permit any Subsidiary to pay any dividends or make any distributions, on their respective Equity Securities in an aggregate amount not to exceed Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000) in any fiscal year; (b) return, or permit any Subsidiary to return, any capital to any holder of its Equity Securities as such on account of such Equity Securities; (c) make, or permit any Subsidiary to make, any distribution of assets, Equity Securities, obligations or securities to any holder of its Equity Securities as such; or (d) set apart any sum for any such purpose; provided, however, (A) any Subsidiary may pay dividends and distributions solely to Borrower or another wholly-owned Subsidiary of Borrower, (B) Borrower may pay dividends payable solely in Borrower’s capital stock, (C) Borrower may convert any of its convertible securities into other securities pursuant to the terms of such convertible securities or otherwise in exchange thereof, (D) Borrower may issue capital stock of Borrower in connection with the exercise of options and/or warrants, and (E) Borrower may pay cash in lieu of fractional shares upon exercise or conversion of any option, warrant or other convertible security.”
(f) Borrower and Lenders hereby agree that Section 7.7 of the Loan Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
“7.7 Change in Business or Ownership. Engage, or permit any Subsidiary to engage, in any business other than the businesses currently engaged in by Borrower or such Subsidiary, as applicable, or reasonably related, incidental or complementary thereto or a reasonable extension thereof or have an acquisition of ownership, directly or indirectly, beneficially or of record, by any Person or group (within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules of the SEC thereunder as in effect on the Third Amendment Effective Date) of Equity Securities representing more than 40% of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding Equity Securities of Parent.”
4. Conditions to Effectiveness. Each Lender’s consent and agreement herein is expressly conditioned on the following:
(a) Borrower executing and delivering to Lenders a copy of this Agreement;
(b) each of the representations and warranties of Borrower made in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date hereof as if made on and as of such date, both before and immediately after giving effect to this Agreement (except with respect to any such representation or warranty which is already qualified by a materiality qualifier, in which case such representation or warranty shall be true and correct in all respects, and where such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties are true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date);
(c) Borrower reimbursing Lenders for Holland & Knight LLP’s legal fees in the sum of Twelve Thousand Five Hundred and 00/100 Dollars ($12,500.00); and
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(d) Borrower paying Lenders’ in-house legal fees incurred in connection with this Agreement in the sum of Five Thousands and 00/100 Dollars ($5,000.00).
5. Representations and Warranties.
(a) At and as of the date of this Agreement and both prior to and immediately after giving effect to this Agreement, each of the representations and warranties contained in the Loan Agreement is true and correct in all material respects (except with respect to any such representation or warranty which is already qualified by a materiality qualifier, in which case such representation or warranty shall be true and correct in all respects, and where such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties are true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date).
(b) Borrower has all necessary power and authority to execute, deliver, and perform in accordance with the terms thereof, this Agreement. Borrower has all requisite power and authority to own and operate its Property and to carry on its businesses as now conducted.
6. Effect of Agreement. On and after the date hereof, each reference to the Loan Agreement in the Loan Agreement or in any other Loan Document shall mean the Loan Agreement as amended by this Agreement. Except as expressly provided hereunder, the execution, delivery and effectiveness of this Agreement shall not operate as a waiver of any right, power, or remedy of any Lender, nor constitute a waiver of any provision of the Loan Agreement. Except to the limited extent expressly provided herein, nothing contained herein shall, or shall be construed to (nor shall Borrower ever argue to the contrary) (i) modify the Loan Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) modify, waive, impair, or affect any of the covenants, agreements, terms, and conditions thereof, or (iii) waive the due keeping, observance and/or performance thereof, each of which is hereby ratified and confirmed by Borrower. Except as amended above, the Loan Agreement remains in full force and effect.
7. Minimum Cash. Beginning on Friday September 26, 2025 and continuing until Parent is joined as a co-Borrower under the Loan Agreement, Borrower shall maintain cash and cash equivalents in deposit accounts and securities accounts subject to Account Control Agreements in favor of Collateral Agent in a minimum amount equal to one hundred and ten percent (110%) of the principal amount of Loans outstanding.
8. Subsequent Joinder. Within seven (7) Business Days after the Third Amendment Effective Date, Parent shall provide to the Collateral Agent and the Lender the following:
(a) Joinder Agreement. A joinder agreement duly executed by Parent, Collateral Agent and Lender, in the form of Exhibit A hereto (the “Joinder Agreement”), which shall provide for the joinder of Parent as a co-Borrower under the Loan Agreement.
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(b) Secretary’s Certificate. A certificate of the secretary or assistant secretary of Parent with copies of the following documents attached: (i) the certificate of incorporation and bylaws (or equivalent documents) of Parent certified by Parent as being complete and in full force and effect on the date thereof, (ii) incumbency and representative signatures, and (iii) resolutions authorizing the execution and delivery of the joinder agreement and each of the other Loan Documents.
(c) Good Standing Certificates. A good standing certificate from Parent’s state of organization, dated as of a date no earlier than thirty (30) days prior to the date hereof.
(d) Certificate of Insurance. Evidence of the insurance coverage required by Section 6.8 of the Loan Agreement.
(e) Consents. All necessary consents of shareholders and other third parties with respect to the execution, delivery and performance of the joinder agreement and the other Loan Documents.
(f) Legal Opinion. A legal opinion of Parent’s counsel, dated as of the date of the Joinder Agreement, covering the matters set forth in Exhibit D to the Loan Agreement.
(g) Account Control Agreements. Account Control Agreements for all of Parent’s deposit accounts and securities accounts duly executed by all of the parties thereto (other than any Excluded Accounts).
(h) UCC Financing Statements. Lender shall have received such documents, instruments and agreements, including UCC financing statements or amendments to UCC financing statements and UCC financing statement searches, as Lender shall reasonably request to evidence the perfection and priority of the security interests granted to Collateral Agent and Lender pursuant to Section 4 of the Loan Agreement. Parent authorizes Collateral Agent and Lender to file any UCC financing statements, continuations of or amendments to UCC financing statements they deem necessary to perfect its security interest in the Collateral.
(i) Fees and Expenses. Payment of all fees and expenses then due under the joinder agreement or under any other Loan Document.
(j) Other Documents. Such other documents and completion of such other matters, as Lender may reasonably deem necessary or appropriate.
9. Headings. Headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not part of the substance hereof.
10. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Connecticut without reference to conflicts of law rules.
11. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, including by electronic or facsimile transmission, each of which when so delivered shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts taken together shall constitute but one and the same instrument.
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12. Integration. This Agreement and the Loan Documents constitute and contain the entire agreement of Borrower and Lenders with respect to their respective subject matters, and supersede any and all prior agreements, correspondence and communications.
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Borrower and Lenders have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the day and year first above written.
| BORROWER: | ||||||||
| KODIAK ROBOTICS, INC. | ||||||||
| By: | /s/ Don Burnette |
|||||||
| Name: Don Burnette | ||||||||
| Title: Founder & CEO | ||||||||
| COLLATERAL AGENT: | LENDER: | |||||||
| HORIZON TECHNOLOGY FINANCE CORPORATION | HORIZON FUNDING I, LLC, as a Lender | |||||||
| By: Horizon Secured Loan Fund I LLC, its sole member | ||||||||
| By: | /s/ Diane C. Earle |
By: | /s/ Diane C. Earle | |||||
| Name: Diane C. Earle | Name: Diane C. Earle | |||||||
| Title: Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer | Title: Manager | |||||||
| LENDER: | LENDER: | |||||||
| HORIZON CREDIT II LLC | HORIZON FUNDING II, LLC, as a Lender | |||||||
| By: Horizon Technology Finance Corporation, its sole member | ||||||||
| By: | /s/ Diane C. Earle |
By: | /s/ Diane C. Earle | |||||
| Name: Diane C. Earle | Name: Diane C. Earle | |||||||
| Title: Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer | Title: Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer | |||||||
[Signature Page to Third Amendment to Venture Loan and Security Agreement – Kodiak]
EXHIBIT A
Form of Joinder Agreement
(See attached)
[Signature Page to Third Amendment to Venture Loan and Security Agreement – Kodiak]
Exhibit A to Seventh Amendment to Loan Agreement
FORM OF JOINDER AGREEMENT
THIS JOINDER AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of [], 2025,1 is entered into between KODIAK AI, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Joined Borrower”), and HORIZON TECHNOLOGY FINANCE CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, in its capacity as collateral agent (“Collateral Agent”) under that certain Venture Loan and Security Agreement dated as of September 28, 20222 (as amended by that certain First Amendment dated as of June 4, 2024, that certain Second Amendment dated as of February 24, 2025, that certain Third Amendment dated as of September 24, 2025, and as further supplemented, modified, amended, amended and restated or replaced in writing from time to time, the “Loan Agreement”) among each borrower party thereto from time to time (each individually and collectively as the context may require, “Borrower”), jointly and severally, the lenders from time to time party thereto (collectively, “Lender”) and Collateral Agent. All capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Loan Agreement.
The undersigned hereby agree as follows:
1. (a) Joined Borrower hereby acknowledges, agrees and confirms that, by its execution of this Agreement, Joined Borrower will be deemed to be a “Borrower” under the Loan Agreement and the other Loan Documents and shall have all of the obligations of a Borrower thereunder as if it had executed the Loan Agreement and other Loan Documents. Joined Borrower hereby ratifies, as of the date hereof, and agrees to be bound by, all of the terms, provisions and conditions contained in the Loan Agreement and the other Loan Documents, including without limitation all of the representations, warranties and covenants set forth therein. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Joined Borrower hereby grants to Collateral Agent, for the benefit of itself and Lender, a continuing security interest in, and lien on, any and all right, title and interest of Joined Borrower in the Collateral.
(b) Joined Borrower acknowledges and confirms that it has received a copy of the Loan Agreement and the schedules and exhibits thereto and each other Loan Document and the schedules and exhibits thereto. The information on the schedules to the Loan Agreement and the other Loan Documents are hereby supplemented to reflect the information shown on the attached Schedule A.
(c) The parties hereto confirm and agree that immediately upon the Joined Borrower becoming a Borrower, the term “Obligations”, as used in the Loan Agreement and the other Loan Documents, shall include all obligations of the Joined Borrower under the Loan Agreement and under each other Loan Document.
2. Joined Borrower on behalf of itself and all persons and entities claiming by, through or under it hereby unconditionally releases, remises, acquits, waives and forever discharges Collateral Agent, Lenders and all of their respective past and present officers, employees, directors, shareholders, attorneys, representatives, parent corporations, subsidiaries, affiliates, successors and assigns (collectively, the “Released Group”) of, from and with respect to any and all manner of action and action, cause and causes of action, disputes, agreements, promises, warranties, representations, counterclaims, and/or liabilities, demands, and any claims or other remedies whatsoever available to it, its respective heirs, executors or administrators or successors or assigns, whether now known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, past or present, asserted or unasserted, contingent or liquidated, whether or not well founded in fact or law, whether in contract, in tort or otherwise (“Claims”) which it ever had, now has, claims to have had, now claims to have had or hereafter can, shall or may claim to have against the Released Group (or any part thereof) for or by reason of any cause, matter, or thing whatsoever arising from the beginning of time through the date hereof relating to or arising out of the Loan Documents, other than Claims resulting directly from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Released Group as determined in a final, non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction.
| 1 | NTD: To be executed and delivered not later than seven (7) Business Days following the Third Amendment Effective Date. |
3. By its signature below, each Borrower (including Joined Borrower) confirms that the Loan Agreement and each of the other Loan Documents is, and notwithstanding the joinder of the Joined Borrower, shall continue to be, in full force and effect, and hereby covenants and agrees with Collateral Agent and Lender that the foregoing joinder does not and shall not in any manner affect its obligations and liabilities under the Loan Documents. Each Borrower (including Joined Borrower) hereby acknowledges, reaffirms, confirms and ratifies its obligations under the Loan Documents, including its prior grant to Lender of a continuing first priority Lien on and security interest in, upon, and to all right, title and interest in and to any and all of the Collateral.
4. Headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not part of the substance hereof.
5. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Connecticut without reference to conflicts of laws rules.
6. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, including by electronic or facsimile transmission, each of which when so delivered shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts taken together shall constitute but one and the same instrument.
7. This Agreement and the Loan Documents constitute and contain the entire agreement of Borrower (including Joint Borrower), Collateral Agent and Lenders with respect to their respective subject matters, and supersede any and all prior agreements, correspondence and communications.
[Signature Page Follows]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused this Agreement to be duly executed by its authorized officer as of the day and year first above written.
| JOINED BORROWER: | ||
| KODIAK AI, INC., a Delaware corporation | ||
| By: |
| |
| Name: | ||
| Title: | ||
[Signature Page to Joinder Agreement – Kodiak AI, Inc.]
| COLLATERAL AGENT: | ||
| HORIZON TECHNOLOGY FINANCE CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, as Collateral Agent | ||
| By: |
| |
| Name: | ||
| Title: | ||
[Signature Page to Joinder Agreement – Kodiak AI, Inc.]
| Acknowledged and agreed: | ||
| BORROWER | ||
| KODIAK ROBOTICS, INC., a Delaware corporation | ||
| By: |
| |
| Name: | ||
| Title: | ||
| LENDERS | ||
| HORIZON FUNDING I, LLC, as a Lender | ||
| By: Horizon Secured Loan Fund I LLC, its sole member | ||
| By: |
| |
| Name: | ||
| Title: | ||
| HORIZON CREDIT II, LLC, as a Lender | ||
| By: |
| |
| Name: | ||
| Title: | ||
| HORIZON FUNDING II, LLC, as a Lender | ||
| By: Horizon Technology Finance Corporation, its sole member | ||
| By: |
| |
| Name: | ||
| Title: | ||
[Signature Page to Joinder Agreement – Kodiak AI, Inc.]
SCHEDULE A TO JOINDER AGREEMENT2
Joined Borrower supplements to schedules to the Loan Agreement and the other Loan Documents
| 2 | NTD: Joined Borrower to complete/provide. |
Exhibit 16.1
September 30, 2025
Securities and Exchange Commission
100 F Street, N.E.
Washington, DC 20549
Commissioners:
We have read Item 4.01 of Form 8-K dated September 30, 2025 of Kodiak Robotics Inc. and are in agreement with the statements contained in the second sentence in the first paragraph and the second and third paragraphs therein. We have no basis to agree or disagree with other statements of the registrant contained therein.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Exhibit 16.2
September 30, 2025
Securities and Exchange Commission
100 F Street, N.E.
Washington, DC 20549
Commissioners:
We have read the statements made by Kodiak AI, Inc. (formerly known as Ares Acquisition Corporation II) under Item 4.01 of its Form 8-K dated September 30, 2025. We agree with the statements concerning our Firm in such Form 8-K; we are not in a position to agree or disagree with other statements of Kodiak AI, Inc. contained therein.
Very truly yours,
/s/ WithumSmith+Brown, PC
WithumSmith+Brown, PC
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Defined terms included below and not otherwise defined in this Exhibit 99.1 have the same meaning as terms defined and included elsewhere in the Current Report on Form 8-K (the “Form 8-K”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on September 30, 20225. Unless the context otherwise requires, the “Company” refers to Kodiak AI, Inc. (“Kodiak”) (f/k/a Ares Acquisition Corp II) and its subsidiaries after the Closing, and Ares Acquisition Corp II (“AACT”) prior to the Closing.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information presents the combination of the historical financial statements of AACT and Legacy Kodiak, adjusted to implement the Business Combination and certain transactions contemplated in connection with the Business Combination.
AACT was incorporated on March 15, 2021, as a Cayman Islands exempted company incorporated with limited liability. AACT was incorporated to effect a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. AACT has neither engaged in any operations nor generated any revenue to date.
Legacy Kodiak was incorporated in the state of Delaware on April 6, 2018 and is a leading provider of AI-powered AV technology that is addressing the needs of the commercial trucking industry and the public sector.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of June 30, 2025 combines the historical balance sheet of AACT as of June 30, 2025 with the historical balance sheet of Legacy Kodiak as of June 30, 2025 on a pro forma basis as if the Business Combination had been consummated on June 30, 2025.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2025 combines the historical statement of operations of AACT for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and the historical statement of operations of Legacy Kodiak for the six months ended June 30, 2025 on a pro forma basis as if the Business Combination had been consummated on January 1, 2024. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 combines the historical statement of operations of AACT for the year ended December 31, 2024 and the historical statement of operations of Legacy Kodiak for the year ended December 31, 2024 on a pro forma basis as if the Business Combination had been consummated on January 1, 2024.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information was derived from and should be read in conjunction with the following historical financial statements and the accompanying notes, which are included elsewhere in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus:
| | the historical audited financial statements of AACT as of and for the year ended December 31, 2024 and the historical unaudited financial statements of AACT as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2025; |
| | the historical audited financial statements of Legacy Kodiak as of and for the year ended December 31, 2024 and the historical unaudited financial statements of Legacy Kodiak as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2025; and |
| | other information relating to Legacy Kodiak and AACT included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, including the description of the Business Combination Agreement and the transactions contemplated in connection therewith under the section titled “The Business Combination Proposal.” |
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information should also be read together with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of AACT” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of Legacy Kodiak” included elsewhere in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements have been presented for illustrative purposes only and do not necessarily reflect what Kodiak’s financial condition or results of operations would have been had the Business Combination been consummated on the dates indicated. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information
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also may not be useful in predicting the future financial condition and results of operations of Kodiak. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements include certain assumptions, which may ultimately not come to fruition. The actual financial position and results of operations may differ significantly from the pro forma amounts reflected herein due to a variety of factors. The unaudited pro forma adjustments and the assumptions included in these unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements represent management’s estimates based on information available as of the date of these unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements and are subject to change as additional information becomes available and analyses are performed.
Description of the Transactions
Pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement (as entered into on April 14, 2025), the following transactions occurred:
| (i) | On September 23, 2025, one day prior to the Closing Date, AACT became a Delaware corporation (the “Domestication”) and, in connection with the Domestication: |
| (A) | AACT’s name changed to “Kodiak AI, Inc.”; |
| (B) | each then-issued and outstanding AACT Unit was automatically cancelled and each holder became entitled to one share of Kodiak Common Stock and one-half of one Kodiak Warrant; |
| (C) | each then-issued and outstanding AACT Class A Ordinary Share automatically converted into one share of Kodiak Common Stock; |
| (D) | each then-issued and outstanding Public Warrant automatically converted into one Kodiak Warrant; and |
| (E) | each then-issued and outstanding Private Placement Warrant automatically converted into one Kodiak Warrant. |
| (ii) | On September 24, 2025, the Closing Date, Merger Sub merged with and into Legacy Kodiak, with Legacy Kodiak as the surviving company in the merger and, after giving effect to such merger, continuing as a wholly owned subsidiary of Kodiak. |
| (iii) | Upon the consummation of the Business Combination, Legacy Kodiak Securityholders received or have the right to receive, in the aggregate, shares of Kodiak Common Stock equal to (i) $2.5 billion divided by (ii) approximately $11.45 and the following transactions occurred: |
| (A) | the conversion of all outstanding shares of Legacy Kodiak Preferred Stock into shares of Legacy Kodiak Common Stock at a one-for-one conversion rate; |
| (B) | the full vesting and net exercise of outstanding Legacy Kodiak Warrants for which Legacy Kodiak had received binding net exercise agreements prior to the consummation of the Business Combination into shares of Legacy Kodiak Common Stock based on the deemed value of a share of Legacy Kodiak Common Stock immediately prior to the Closing, and the assumption of all Legacy Kodiak Warrants not subject to such an agreement into Assumed Kodiak Warrants, in each case, pursuant to the terms of such Legacy Kodiak Warrant; |
| (C) | the automatic conversion of all of Legacy Kodiak’s outstanding SAFEs into shares of Legacy Kodiak Common Stock according to their terms and conditions; |
| (D) | the conversion of all Second Lien Loans, excluding the Exchanged SAFE Loan, into shares of Legacy Kodiak Common Stock at an effective price of $6.00 per share of Common Stock; |
| (E) | the conversion of each issued and outstanding share of Legacy Kodiak Common Stock, including shares of Legacy Kodiak Common Stock outstanding following the events described in subsections (A) through |
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| (D) above, to a number of shares of Kodiak Common Stock based on the quotient obtained by dividing: (i) the aggregate number of shares of Kodiak Common Stock to be issued to Legacy Kodiak Securityholders at the Closing of the Business Combination; by (ii) the fully-diluted capitalization of Legacy Kodiak as of immediately prior to the Closing (the “Per Share Merger Consideration”); |
| (F) | the conversion of all outstanding vested and unvested Legacy Kodiak Options into Exchanged Kodiak Options exercisable for shares of Kodiak Common Stock with the same terms except for the number of shares exercisable and the exercise price, each of which was adjusted based on the Per Share Merger Consideration; and |
| (G) | the assumption of all outstanding vested and unvested Legacy Kodiak Warrants, for which net exercise was not assumed, into Assumed Kodiak Warrants exercisable for shares of Kodiak Common Stock with the same terms except for the number of shares exercisable and the exercise price, each of which was adjusted based on the Per Share Merger Consideration. |
Kodiak Earn Out Securities
During the Earn Out Period, Legacy Kodiak Securityholders, including Legacy Kodiak Option holders, received, or will be entitled to receive, up to 74,998,317 Earn Out Securities, which will vest or be issued, as applicable, upon achievement of certain milestones during the Earn Out Period and, for the Earn Out RSUs, certain service-based vesting conditions.
An initial 24,999,439 Earn Out Securities will vest or be issued to Legacy Kodiak Securityholders, if, within the Earn Out Period, the volume weighted average closing price of Kodiak Common Stock equals or exceeds the Triggering Event I Threshold, and causes Triggering Event I. An additional 24,999,439 Earn Out Securities will vest or be issued to Legacy Kodiak Securityholders, if, within the Earn Out Period, the volume weighted average closing price of Kodiak Common Stock equals or exceeds the Triggering Event II Threshold, and causes Triggering Event II. The remaining 24,999,439 Earn Out Securities will vest or be issued to Legacy Kodiak Securityholders, if, within the Earn Out Period, the volume weighted average closing price of Kodiak Common Stock equals or exceeds the Triggering Event III Threshold, and causes Triggering Event III.
If during the Earn Out Period there is a Change of Control that will result in:
| (A) | holders of Kodiak Common Stock receiving a per share price equal to or in excess of the Triggering Event I Threshold, then Triggering Event I shall be deemed to occur and the relevant Earn Out Securities shall be issued or vest immediately prior to the consummation of the Change of Control; |
| (B) | holders of Kodiak Common Stock receiving a per share price equal to or in excess of the Triggering Event II Threshold, then Triggering Event II shall be deemed to occur and the relevant Earn Out Securities shall be issued or vest immediately prior to the consummation of the Change of Control; and |
| (C) | holders of Kodiak Common Stock receiving a per share price equal to or in excess of the Triggering Event III Threshold, then Triggering Event III shall be deemed to occur and the relevant Earn Out Securities shall be issued or vest immediately prior to the consummation of the Change of Control. |
Other Related Events in Connection with the Business Combination
Other related events that took place in connection with the Business Combination are summarized below:
Legacy Kodiak Financing
From February 2025 through April 2025, certain institutional and accredited investors provided $23.7 million of financing to Legacy Kodiak in the form of SAFEs, including $10.0 million from the Sponsor Affiliate Investor.
3
From April 2025 through June 2025, certain institutional and accredited investors invested $29.7 million in the form of Second Lien Loans to Legacy Kodiak, including $20.0 million from the Sponsor Affiliate Investor.
Additionally, certain institutional and accredited investors invested $14.1 million in the form of Second Lien Loans to Legacy Kodiak in July 2025 through September 2025.
In connection with the consummation of the Business Combination: (i) immediately prior to the Closing, the Second Lien Loans, other than the Exchanged SAFE Loan, converted into equity shares of Legacy Kodiak Common Stock; and (ii) upon the Closing, such shares of Legacy Kodiak Common Stock converted into shares of Kodiak Common Stock as provided for by the Business Combination Agreement. The Exchanged SAFE Loan remains outstanding and has a maturity date of October 1, 2026.
Further, on August 25, 2025, Legacy Kodiak entered into a Second Amendment to the Second Lien Loan and Security Agreement pursuant to which the Sponsor Affiliate Investor agreed to invest an aggregate of up to $20.0 million in delayed draw Second Lien Loans, which are referred to as Sponsor Affiliate Delayed Draw Loans, which Legacy Kodiak can draw in four $5.0 million increments. No amounts have been drawn down under the Sponsor Affiliate Delayed Draw Loans.
PIPE Investment, Preferred PIPE Investment and PIPE Warrants
Concurrently with the execution of the Business Combination Agreement, AACT entered into the certain subscription agreements (the “PIPE Subscription Agreements”) with the certain investors in a private placement (the “PIPE Investors”). Under the terms of the PIPE Subscription Agreements, the PIPE Investors agreed to subscribe for and purchase from Kodiak an aggregate of $60.0 million of shares of Common Stock.
Pursuant to the PIPE Subscription Agreements, certain PIPE Investors relating to aggregate subscriptions of $10.0 million satisfied their respective obligations to purchase the PIPE Stock under the PIPE Subscription Agreements by purchasing Class A Ordinary Shares in open market transactions at a price of less than approximately $11.45 per share prior to the record date established for voting at the extraordinary general meeting of AACT to approve the Business Combination.
On September 15, 2025, AACT entered into Preferred Subscription Agreements with the Preferred Investors for an aggregate purchase price of $145.0 million. One of such Preferred Investors was a PIPE Investor who had previously entered into a PIPE Subscription Agreement for an aggregate purchase price of $50.0 million. The obligation of such Preferred Investor to purchase the $50.0 million of Common Stock in such PIPE Subscription Agreement was replaced with the obligation to purchase the Preferred Stock and PIPE Warrants. Pursuant to the Subscription Agreements, on the Closing Date, the Preferred Investors purchased 142,155 shares of Preferred Stock, and PIPE Warrants to purchase 17,769,375 shares of Kodiak Common Stock.
Each share of the Series A Preferred Stock will be convertible into Common Stock at any time at the option of the holder at a rate equal to the Accrued Value, divided by the then-applicable conversion price, plus any accrued but unpaid dividends on such share. The conversion price will initially be $12.00, subject to adjustments for stock dividends, splits, combinations and similar events and customary anti-dilution adjustments, including with respect to certain future issuances or sales of Common Stock at prices less than the conversion price then in effect. In addition, if the trailing 45-day volume-weighted average price of Common Stock on the 46th trading day following the date that is six months after the date of the Closing Date is less than the conversion price then in effect, the conversion price will be adjusted to the greater of (i) such volume weighted average price and (ii) $8.00. Further, if the trailing 45-day volume-weighted average price of Common Stock on the 46th trading day following the date that is nine months after the Closing Date is less than the conversion price then in effect, the conversion price will be adjusted to the greater of (i) such volume weighted average price and (ii) $6.00.
The PIPE Warrants were immediately exercisable upon issuance and expire on September 24, 2031. The PIPE Warrants, if exercised, will be exercised on a cash or cashless basis at Kodiak’s election. Each PIPE Warrant was initially exercisable at $12.00 per share of Common Stock, subject to the same anti-dilution and other adjustments as the conversion price of the Series A Preferred Stock. The PIPE Warrants also provide for certain customary registration rights with respect to the shares of Common Stock underlying the PIPE Warrants.
4
Non-Redemption Agreements
On September 22, 2025, AACT and Legacy Kodiak entered into the Non-Redemption Agreements in exchange for the Non-Redemption Investors agreeing to not redeem (or to rescind their redemption request of) an aggregate of 3,319,712 Class A Ordinary Shares in connection with the Extraordinary General Meeting. Pursuant to the Non-Redemption Agreements, immediately prior to the consummation of the Business Combination, Kodiak issued to the Non-Redemption Investor for no additional consideration, either (i) Non-Redemption Warrants to purchase Common Stock or (ii) shares of Common Stock. On the Closing Date, under the Non-Redemption Agreements, the Company issued Non-Redemption Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 7,606,666 shares of Common Stock and an aggregate of 368,028 shares of Common Stock. The Non-Redemption Warrants have substantially the same terms as the PIPE Warrants.
AACT Capital Transactions
| 1) | AACT Share Redemption |
At the extraordinary general meeting of AACT held on April 22, 2025, AACT shareholders voted on and approved a proposal to amend AACT’s Memorandum and Articles of Association to extend the date by which AACT has to consummate a business combination from April 25, 2025 to January 26, 2026. Immediately prior to this vote, AACT shareholders holding an aggregate of 640,288 AACT Class A Ordinary Shares chose to redeem such shares for a total redemption amount of $7.1 million.
| 2) | Sponsor Contribution |
Beginning April 25, 2025, the Sponsor agreed to make monthly Contributions directly to the Trust Account of $1.0 million, which equates to $0.02 for each outstanding AACT Class A Ordinary Share, other than AACT Class A Ordinary Shares held by the Sponsor, up to a maximum aggregate amount of $9.9 million. The Sponsor made $4.9 million of Contributions through the Closing Date. Kodiak reimbursed the Sponsor for the aggregate amount of all Contributions upon Closing.
| 3) | Sponsor Earn Out Securities |
On March 19, 2021, the Sponsor paid $25,000 to cover certain offering and formation costs of Kodiak in consideration for the Sponsor Shares. As of June 30, 2025, there were 12,500,000 Sponsor Shares outstanding. As part of the Business Combination, AACT and the Sponsor agreed with respect to the Sponsor Shares that:
| | 50%, or the Sponsor Earn Out Securities, will be subject to vesting and vest upon the occurrence of Triggering Event I during the Earn Out Period; and |
| | 50% will not be subject to any forfeiture or vesting conditions. |
If, during the Earn Out Period, there is a Change of Control that will result in holders of Kodiak Common Stock receiving a per share price equal to or in excess of the Triggering Event I Threshold, then the Sponsor Earn Out Securities shall vest as of immediately prior to the consummation of the Change of Control.
| 4) | Sponsor Working Capital Loan |
In order to finance transaction costs in connection with the Business Combination, the Sponsor provided AACT with an aggregate of $1.7 million of Working Capital Loans. The Working Capital Loans was repaid upon the Closing.
5
Expected Accounting Treatment of the Business Combination
The expected accounting treatment of the Business Combination is dependent upon which entity in the Business Combination is considered the accounting acquirer. A combining entity can be considered an accounting acquirer in one scenario and an accounting acquiree in another.
On May 12, 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-03, Determining the Accounting Acquirer in the Acquisition of a Variable Interest Entity (“ASU 2025-03”) which amends the ASC 805, Business Combinations, framework for identifying the accounting acquirer in business combinations when the legal acquiree is a variable interest entity (“VIE”) by requiring entities to consider the general accounting acquirer factors in ASC 805 when the transaction is primarily effected by the exchange of equity interests. The ASU is applied prospectively to all business combinations with acquisition dates occurring on or after the date of initial application. The ASU is effective for all annual reporting periods (and interim periods in annual reporting periods) beginning after December 15, 2026. Early adoption is permitted in interim or annual reporting periods in which financial statements have not yet been issued (or made available for issuance). AACT and Legacy Kodiak have elected to early adopt ASU 2025-03 as of April 1, 2025. For purposes of these pro forma financial statements, management has assessed the Business Combination as if ASU 2025-03 had already been adopted as the Closing will occur after the adoption date. The adoption of the ASU 2025-03 will not have any retrospective impact to AACT’s or Legacy Kodiak’s historical financial statements.
The Business Combination will be accounted for as a reverse recapitalization in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Under this method of accounting, while AACT is the legal acquirer, it has been treated as the “acquired” company for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, for accounting purposes, the financial statements of Kodiak represent a continuation of the financial statements of Legacy Kodiak with the Business Combination treated as the equivalent of Legacy Kodiak issuing stock for the net assets of AACT, accompanied by a recapitalization. The net assets of AACT and Legacy Kodiak will be stated at historical cost, with no goodwill or other intangible assets recorded. Transaction costs attributed to equity-classified instruments have been recorded within equity in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements. Transaction costs attributed to liability-classified instruments issued in the Business Combination, consisting of the PIPE Warrants and the Non-Redemption Warrants, will be expensed as incurred. Operations prior to the Business Combination will be those of Legacy Kodiak in future reports of Kodiak.
Legacy Kodiak has been determined to be the accounting acquirer based on evaluation of the following facts and circumstances:
| | Legacy Kodiak stockholders acquired a significant majority of the voting power of Kodiak; |
| | The Kodiak Board has seven members of whom one individual was designated by AACT and of whom six individuals were be designated by Legacy Kodiak; |
| | Legacy Kodiak’s senior management comprise the senior management roles of Kodiak and be responsible for the day-to-day operations; and |
| | Legacy Kodiak is the larger entity based on historical operating activity and its larger employee base. |
Additional Accounting Considerations
Kodiak is assessing the accounting related to the Business Combination and the treatment related to the following matters:
| | Sponsor Earn Out Securities – Management has preliminarily concluded the Sponsor Earn Out Securities are equity-classified instruments as they have an exercise contingency related to a single triggering event and will be indexed to the Kodiak Common Stock. |
| | Earn Out Securities – Management has preliminarily concluded the Earn Out Securities are equity-classified instruments as the only variability in the number of shares issuable or to be issued is related to the price of Kodiak Common Stock which is an input into the valuation model and does not preclude the Earn Out Securities from being considered indexed to the Kodiak Common Stock. |
6
Management is currently evaluating the accounting treatment related to the Earn Out Securities attributed to the unvested Legacy Kodiak Options issued in connection with the Business Combination. For purposes of the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information, these Earn Out Securities are accounted for as stock-based compensation due to the continued service requirement and also are equity-classified. However, the evaluation and finalization of accounting conclusions, including any related compensation expense, are ongoing and subject to change.
| | Public Warrants and Private Placement Warrants – These warrants were accounted for as equity instruments in the historical financial statements of AACT. Management has preliminarily concluded that equity classification for the Public Warrants and Private Placement Warrants continues to be appropriate. |
| | Series A Preferred Stock and PIPE Warrants – Management has preliminarily concluded the Preferred Stock will be classified in temporary equity as the Preferred Stock is redeemable at the option of the holder commencing any time after the fifth anniversary of the Closing Date at a price equal to the accrued value plus accrued and unpaid dividends on such shares. |
Management has preliminarily concluded that the PIPE Warrants are liability-classified instruments due to an anti-dilution protective provision, which may result in a further adjustment if the issuance that triggered the anti-dilution adjustment expires or terminates unexercised or unconverted. As the exercise or termination of another instrument is not an input into the valuation model, the PIPE Warrants are precluded from being considered indexed to the Kodiak Common Stock.
Management is in the process of obtaining a third-party valuation for the Series A Preferred Stock and the PIPE Warrants. The preliminary valuations indicate that aggregate fair values of approximately $194.8 million for the Series A Preferred Stock and $86.4 million for the PIPE Warrants for a total fair value of $281.2 million which exceeds the consideration received of $145.0 million. Accordingly, the excess of $136.2 million has been recorded through earnings (accumulated deficit) in the pro forma balance sheet. The valuation amounts included in these unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements are preliminary and subject to change.
| | Non-Redemption Warrants – The Non-Redemption Shares were issued for no consideration to certain Non-Redemption Investors immediately prior to the Closing. As the Non-Redemption Warrants are considered a non-pro rata dividend to certain equityholders, the value of the Non-Redemption Warrants has been recorded at fair value with an offset to accumulated deficit in the pro forma balance sheet. Management has preliminarily concluded that the Non-Redemption Warrants are liability-classified instruments due to an anti-dilution protective provision, which may result in a further adjustment if the issuance that triggered the anti-dilution adjustment expires or terminates unexercised or unconverted. As the exercise or termination of another instrument is not an input into the valuation model, the Non-Redemption Warrants are precluded from being considered indexed to the Kodiak Common Stock. Management is in the process of obtaining a third-party valuation for the Non-Redemption Warrants. The valuation included in these unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements are preliminary and subject to change. |
| | Non-Redemption Shares – The Non-Redemption Shares were issued for no consideration to certain Non-Redemption Investors immediately prior to the Closing. As the Non-Redemption Shares are considered a non-pro rata dividend to certain equityholders, the value of the Non-Redemption Shares has been recorded at fair value with an offset to accumulated deficit in the pro forma balance sheet. |
The final accounting treatment related to the Business Combination, including the Earn Out Securities, Sponsor Earn Out Securities, Public Warrants, Private Placement Warrants, Preferred Stock, PIPE Warrants and Non-Redemption Warrants will be finalized by Kodiak and reported in the first reporting period following the consummation of the Business Combination.
7
Post-Transaction Reporting Consideration
After the Business Combination is consummated, Legacy Kodiak’s historical financial statements will replace those of AACT beginning with the filing of the financial statements that first include the Business Combination.
Ownership after the Business Combination
The following presents the post-Closing share ownership of Kodiak excluding the dilutive effect of (i) the shares of Kodiak Common Stock underlying Legacy Kodiak Options, (ii) the Earn Out Securities, (iii) the Sponsor Earn Out Securities, (iv) the Private Placement Warrants, (v) the Public Warrants, (vi) the PIPE Warrants, (vii) the Non-Redemption Warrants and (viii) the Assumed Warrants.
| Common Stock | % Ownership | |||||||
| Public Shareholders |
5,492,904 | 2.9 | % | |||||
| Sponsor(1) |
6,250,000 | 3.3 | % | |||||
| Legacy Kodiak Securityholders(2) |
161,754,941 | 85.5 | % | |||||
| Series A Preferred Stock(3) |
14,215,500 | 7.5 | % | |||||
| Non-Redemption Shares |
368,028 | 0.2 | % | |||||
| Legacy Kodiak Advisor(4) |
1,091,519 | 0.6 | % | |||||
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| Pro forma shares outstanding |
189,172,892 | 100. | % | |||||
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| (1) | Excludes 50% or 6,250,000 of the Sponsor’s 12,500,000 Converted AACT Class A Ordinary Shares, which are Sponsor Earn Out Securities subject to vesting upon the occurrence of Triggering Event I during the Earn Out Period. |
| (2) | Includes (i) 122,444,697 shares of Kodiak Common Stock issued for outstanding Legacy Kodiak Common and Preferred Stock, (ii) 1,548,425 shares of Kodiak Common Stock issued upon the full vesting and the net exercise of certain outstanding Legacy Kodiak Warrants, (iii) 30,061,262 shares of Kodiak Common Stock issued upon conversion of all SAFEs and (iv) 7,700,557 shares issued upon conversion of the Second Lien Loans, excluding the Exchanged SAFE Loan. Excludes 74,998,317 Earn Out Securities that Legacy Kodiak Securityholders will be eligible to receive upon satisfaction of certain milestones during the Earn Out Period, 558,559 shares of Kodiak Common Stock underlying a Legacy Kodiak Warrant that was assumed and became Assumed Kodiak Warrants at Closing, and 55,989,713 shares of Kodiak Common Stock underlying vested and unvested Legacy Kodiak Options that converted into Exchanged Kodiak Options. |
| (3) | Represents 142,155 shares of Preferred Stock, on an as-converted basis. Each share of Preferred Stock is convertible into Kodiak Common Stock at any time at the option of the holder at a rate equal to the Accrued Value, divided by the then-applicable conversion price, plus any accrued but unpaid dividends on such share. The conversion price was initially $12.00, subject to adjustments for stock dividends, splits, combinations and similar events and customary anti-dilution adjustments, including with respect to certain future issuances or sales of Kodiak Common Stock at prices less than the conversion price then in effect. In addition, if the trailing 45-day volume-weighted average price of Common Stock on the 46th trading day following the date that is six months after the date of the Closing Date is less than the conversion price then in effect, the conversion price will be adjusted to the greater of (i) such volume weighted average price and (ii) $8.00. Further, if the trailing 45-day volume-weighted average price of Common Stock on the 46th trading day following the date that is nine months after the Closing Date is less than the conversion price then in effect, the conversion price will be adjusted to the greater of (i) such volume weighted average price and (ii) $6.00. |
| (4) | Represents shares of Kodiak Common Stock issued at Closing to an advisor to Legacy Kodiak in a private placement in satisfaction of $12.5 million of fees payable to such advisor. |
8
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
As of June 30, 2025
(in thousands, except par values)
| AACT (Historical) |
Legacy Kodiak (Historical) |
AACT Capital Transactions |
Notes | Legacy Kodiak Interim Financing |
Notes | Transaction Accounting Adjustments (Note 3) |
Notes | Pro Forma Combined |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ASSETS |
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| Current assets: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 138 | $ | 20,249 | $ | 497 | A3 | $ | 14,125 | B1 | $ | (8,359 | ) | C1 | $ | 192,261 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 145,000 | C5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (4,936 | ) | C6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (6,730 | ) | C7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 62,904 | C14 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (17,153 | ) | C16 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (13,474 | ) | C17 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trade receivables |
— | 535 | 535 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
2,691 | 2,106 | (2,442 | ) | C16 | 2,355 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Total current assets |
2,829 | 22,890 | 497 | 14,125 | 154,810 | 195,151 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and investments held in trust account |
558,150 | — | 1,974 | A1 | (502,360 | ) | C13 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 5,140 | A2 | (62,904 | ) | C14 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restricted cash |
— | 1,450 | 1,450 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Property and equipment, net |
— | 12,999 | 12,999 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets |
— | 6,210 | 6,210 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other long-term assets |
— | 11,117 | 987 | A1 | (2,468 | ) | C6 | 24 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (2,442 | ) | C16 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (7,170 | ) | C17 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Total assets |
$ | 560,979 | $ | 54,666 | $ | 8,598 | $ | 14,125 | $ | (422,534 | ) | $ | 215,834 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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| LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT) |
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| Current liabilities: |
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| Accounts payable |
$ | — | $ | 5,479 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 5,479 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
9,395 | 15,711 | (9,395 | ) | C16 | 11,015 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (4,696 | ) | C17 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Due to related party |
53 | — | 53 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities, current |
— | 1,781 | 1,781 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Extension note |
1,481 | — | 987 | A1 | (2,468 | ) | C6 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Working capital loan |
1,233 | — | 497 | A3 | (1,730 | ) | C7 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current maturities of long-term debt |
— | 30,310 | 987 | A1 | (2,468 | ) | C6 | 26,387 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (2,442 | ) | C16 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Total current liabilities |
12,162 | 53,281 | 2,471 | (23,199 | ) | 44,715 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
9
| AACT (Historical) |
Legacy Kodiak (Historical) |
AACT Capital Transactions |
Notes | Legacy Kodiak Interim Financing |
Notes | Transaction Accounting Adjustments (Note 3) |
Notes | Pro Forma Combined |
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| Second lien loans |
— | 41,894 | 14,125 | B1 | (45,477 | ) | C3 | 10,542 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long term debt, net of current maturities |
— | 2,263 | 2,263 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating leases liabilities, noncurrent |
— | 4,683 | 4,683 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Convertible notes payable |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Liability due to SAFE arrangement, net of issuance costs |
— | 265,509 | (265,509 | ) | C2 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Warrant liability |
— | 2,917 | (2,917 | ) | C4 | 123,327 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 86,359 | C5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 36,968 | C12 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other long-term liabilities |
— | 390 | 390 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred financing obligation |
1,481 | 987 | A1 | (2,468 | ) | C6 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Overfunding loans |
5,000 | — | (5,000 | ) | C7 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred underwriters’ discount |
8,359 | — | (8,359 | ) | C1 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Total liabilities: |
27,002 | 370,937 | 3,458 | 14,125 | (229,602 | ) | 185,920 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New Kodiak redeemable convertible preferred stock, $0.0001 par value |
194,800 | C5 | 194,800 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Legacy Kodiak redeemable convertible preferred stock, $0.000001 par value |
— | 170,648 | (170,648 | ) | C10 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AACT Class A ordinary shares subject to redemption |
558,050 | — | (495,948 | ) | C13 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (62,102 | ) | C15 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stockholders’ equity (deficit): |
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| Legacy Kodiak Common Stock |
— | — | — | C10 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred stock (AACT) |
— | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AACT Class A Ordinary Shares |
1 | — | (1 | ) | C8 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
10
| AACT (Historical) |
Legacy Kodiak (Historical) |
AACT Capital Transactions |
Notes | Legacy Kodiak Interim Financing |
Notes | Transaction Accounting Adjustments (Note 3) |
Notes | Pro Forma Combined |
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| AACT Class B Ordinary Shares |
— | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New Kodiak Common Stock |
— | — | 3 | C2 | 17 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1 | C3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| — | C4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1 | C8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 6 | C10 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 6 | C11 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| — | C12 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| — | C15 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| — | C17 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital |
— | 23,136 | — | C1 | 524,441 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 265,506 | C2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 45,476 | C3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2,917 | C4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| — | C8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (18,934 | ) | C9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 170,642 | C10 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (6 | ) | C11 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3,220 | C12 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (6,412 | ) | C13 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 62,102 | C15 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (10,200 | ) | C16 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (13,006 | ) | C17 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accumulated deficit |
(24,074 | ) | (510,055 | ) | 5,140 | (136,159 | ) | C5 | (689,344 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 18,934 | C9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (40,188 | ) | C12 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (2,942 | ) | C17 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
| Total stockholders’ (deficit) equity |
(24,073 | ) | (486,919 | ) | 5,140 | 340,966 | (164,886 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities, redeemable convertible preferred stock and stockholders’ equity (deficit) |
$ | 560,979 | $ | 54,666 | $ | 8,598 | $ | 14,125 | $ | (422,534 | ) | $ | 215,834 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements.
11
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Operations
For the Six Months ended June 30, 2025
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
| AACT (Historical) |
Legacy Kodiak (Historical) |
Transaction Accounting Adjustments (Note 3) |
Notes | Pro Forma Combined |
||||||||||||||||
| Revenues |
$ | — | $ | 1,974 | $ | — | $ | 1,974 | ||||||||||||
| Operating expenses: |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Research and development |
— | 22,352 | 22,352 | |||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative |
8,212 | 12,286 | 20,498 | |||||||||||||||||
| Truck and freight operations |
— | 9,475 | 9,475 | |||||||||||||||||
| Sales and marketing |
— | 1,807 | 1,807 | |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses |
8,212 | 45,920 | 54,132 | |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Loss from operations |
(8,212 | ) | (43,946 | ) | (52,158 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Other (expense) income: |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense |
— | (2,424 | ) | (2,424 | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Interest income and other, net |
— | 463 | 463 | |||||||||||||||||
| Change in fair value of second lien loans |
(2,154 | ) | 1,612 | D2 | (542 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Change in fair value of SAFEs |
(192,548 | ) | 192,548 | D2 | — | |||||||||||||||
| Change in fair value of warrant liabilities |
— | (1,298 | ) | 1,298 | D2 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Investment income on investments held in trust account |
11,531 | — | (11,531 | ) | D1 | — | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Total other income (expense), net |
11,531 | (197,961 | ) | 183,927 | (2,503 | ) | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Income (loss) before provision for income taxes |
3,319 | (241,907 | ) | 183,927 | (54,661 | ) | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Provision for income taxes |
— | (4 | ) | — | (4 | ) | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) |
$ | 3,319 | $ | (241,911 | ) | $ | 183,927 | $ | (54,665 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Weighted average shares outstanding – basic and diluted |
62,252 | 90,158 | 174,473 | |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
| Net loss per share – basic and diluted |
$ | 0.05 | $ | (2.68 | ) | $ | (0.31 | ) | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements.
12
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Operations
For the Year Ended December 31, 2024
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
| AACT (Historical) |
Legacy Kodiak (Historical) |
Transaction Accounting Adjustments (Note 3) |
Notes | Pro Forma Combined |
||||||||||||||||
| Revenues |
$ | — | $ | 14,933 | $ | — | $ | 14,933 | ||||||||||||
| Operating expenses: |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Research and development |
— | 43,436 | 43,436 | |||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative |
1 ,776 | 20,999 | 10,200 | D3 | 35,917 | |||||||||||||||
| 2,942 | D4 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Truck and freight operations |
— | 9,013 | 9,013 | |||||||||||||||||
| Sales and marketing |
— | 3,204 | 3,204 | |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses |
1,776 | 76,652 | 13,142 | 91,570 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Loss from operations |
(1,776 | ) | (61,719 | ) | (13,142 | ) | (76,637 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Other (expense) income: |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense |
— | (4,951 | ) | (4,951 | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Interest income and other, net |
— | 895 | 895 | |||||||||||||||||
| Change in fair value of SAFEs |
(4,109 | ) | 4,109 | D2 | — | |||||||||||||||
| Change in fair value of warrant liabilities |
— | 426 | (426 | ) | D2 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Excess of fair value over consideration received for equity instruments issued |
— | — | (176,347 | ) | D5 | (176,347 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Investment income on investments held in trust account |
27,762 | — | (27,762 | ) | D1 | — | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Total other income (expense), net |
27,762 | (7,739 | ) | (200,426 | ) | (180,403 | ) | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Income (loss) before provision for income taxes |
25,986 | (69,458 | ) | (213,568 | ) | (257,040 | ) | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Provision for income taxes |
— | (1 | ) | — | (1 | ) | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) |
$ | 25,986 | $ | (69,459 | ) | $ | (213,568 | ) | $ | (257,041 | ) | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Weighted average shares outstanding – basic and diluted |
62,500 | 88,181 | 173,164 | |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
| Net loss per share – basic and diluted |
$ | 0.42 | $ | (0.79 | ) | $ | (1.48 | ) | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements.
13
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1 – Description of the Business Combination
On April 14, 2025, AACT, Legacy Kodiak and Merger Sub entered into the Business Combination Agreement. Pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement, on September 24, 2025, the Closing Date, Legacy Kodiak merged with Merger Sub, a wholly owned subsidiary of AACT, with Legacy Kodiak being the surviving corporation as a wholly owned subsidiary of AACT. In connection with the Domestication, AACT changed its name to “Kodiak AI, Inc.”
Note 2 – Basis of the Pro Forma Presentation
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been prepared in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of June 30, 2025 assumes that the Business Combination had been consummated on June 30, 2025. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and the year ended December 31, 2024 present the pro forma effect to the Business Combination as if it had been completed on January 1, 2024.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information was derived from and should be read in conjunction with the following historical financial statements and the accompanying notes, which are included elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus:
| | the historical audited financial statements of AACT as of and for the year ended December 31, 2024 and the historical unaudited financial statements of AACT as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2025; |
| | the historical audited financial statements of Legacy Kodiak as of and for the year ended December 31, 2024 and the historical unaudited financial statements of Legacy Kodiak as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2025; and |
| | other information relating to Legacy Kodiak and AACT included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, including the description of Business Combination Agreement and the transactions contemplated in connection therewith under the section titled “The Business Combination Proposal.” |
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information should also be read together with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of AACT” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of Legacy Kodiak” included the Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
Management has made significant estimates and assumptions in its determination of the pro forma adjustments. As the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been prepared based on these preliminary estimates, the final amounts recorded may differ materially from the information presented.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information does not give effect to any anticipated synergies, operating efficiencies, tax savings or cost savings that may be associated with the Business Combination. The pro forma adjustments reflecting the consummation of the Business Combination are based on certain currently available information and certain assumptions and methodologies that management believes are reasonable under the circumstances. The unaudited pro forma adjustments, which are described in the accompanying notes, may be revised as additional information becomes available and is evaluated. Therefore, it is likely that the actual adjustments will differ from the pro forma adjustments and it is possible the difference may be material. Management believes that its assumptions and methodologies provide a reasonable basis for presenting all the significant effects of the Business Combination based on information available to management at this time and that the pro forma adjustments give appropriate effect to those assumptions and are properly applied in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information does not include income tax effects as the parties to the Business Combination are evaluating the post-Closing tax implications of Kodiak. Accordingly, the unaudited pro forma condensed combined provision for income taxes does not necessarily reflect the amounts that would have resulted had the parties to the Business Combination filed consolidated income tax returns during the periods presented, nor does it reflect the amounts of pro forma deferred tax assets or liabilities as of the periods presented.
14
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information is not necessarily indicative of what the actual results of operations and financial position would have been had the Business Combination been consummated on the dates indicated, nor are they indicative of the future consolidated results of operations or financial position of Kodiak.
The Business Combination will be accounted for as a reverse recapitalization in accordance with GAAP. Under this method of accounting, AACT is expected to be treated as the “acquired” company for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, for accounting purposes, the financial statements of Kodiak will represent a continuation of the financial statements of Legacy Kodiak with the Business Combination treated as the equivalent of Legacy Kodiak issuing stock for the net assets of AACT, accompanied by a recapitalization. The net assets of AACT and Legacy Kodiak will be stated at historical cost, with no goodwill or other intangible assets recorded. Transaction costs attributed to equity-classified instruments issued or assumed in the Business Combination, including the AACT Ordinary Shares, Public Warrants, Private Placement Warrants, Sponsor Shares, Earn Out Securities, Sponsor Earn Out Securities, Preferred Stock, and Non-Redemption Shares, will be recorded within equity in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements. Transaction costs attributed to liability-classified instruments issued in the Business Combination, consisting of the PIPE Warrants and the Non-Redemption Warrants, will be expensed as incurred. Operations prior to the Business Combination will be those of Legacy Kodiak in future reports of Kodiak.
Note 3 – Pro Forma Adjustments
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been prepared to illustrate the effect of the Business Combination and has been prepared for informational purposes only.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been prepared in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X. Article 11 provides guidance to depict the accounting for the transaction (“Transaction Accounting Adjustments”) and present the reasonably estimable synergies and other transaction effects that have occurred or are reasonably expected to occur (“Management Adjustments”). Given such Management Adjustments, if any, would not enhance an understanding of the pro forma effects of the Transaction, AACT has elected not to present any Management Adjustments and will only be presenting Transaction Accounting Adjustments in the following unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information.
AACT and Legacy Kodiak have not had any historical relationship prior to the Business Combination. Accordingly, no pro forma adjustments were required to eliminate activities between the companies.
Pro Forma Adjustments to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet
The adjustments included in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of June 30, 2025 are as follows:
| (A1) | Reflects the Contribution of $2.0 million to the Trust Account by the Sponsor in July and August 2025. |
| (A2) | Reflects the investment income accrued in Trust Account subsequent to June 30, 2025 through the Closing Date. |
| (A3) | Reflects additional Working Capital Loan drawdowns totaling $0.5 million in September 2025. |
| (B1) | In July 2025 through the Closing, Legacy Kodiak issued an aggregate of $14.1 million in Second Lien Loans. |
| (C1) | Reflects the cash payment of AACT’s deferred underwriting commissions and IPO advisory fees related to AACT’s initial public offering. Prior to the execution of the Business Combination Agreement, the IPO underwriters and IPO advisor agreed to reduce their aggregate deferred underwriting commission and deferred IPO advisory fees from $17.5 million to $8.4 million. In addition, one of the underwriters has agreed to waive $156.3 thousand of any deferred underwriting fee to which it is entitled. |
15
| (C2) | Reflects the conversion of the Legacy Kodiak SAFEs into 30,061,262 shares of Kodiak Common Stock. |
| (C3) | Reflects the conversion of the Second Lien Loans, excluding the Exchanged SAFE Loan, to 7,700,557 shares of Kodiak Common Stock. The Exchanged SAFE Loan totaling $10.5 million remains outstanding after the Closing with a maturity date of October 1, 2026. |
| (C4) | Reflects the full vesting and net exercise immediately prior to the Closing of Legacy Kodiak Warrants to purchase Legacy Kodiak Common Stock or Legacy Kodiak Preferred Stock. The remaining outstanding Legacy Kodiak Warrants became Assumed Kodiak Warrants and are expected to be equity-classified. Therefore, the pro forma adjustment eliminates the redeemable convertible preferred stock warrant liability. Legacy Kodiak Common Stock and Legacy Kodiak Preferred Stock were exchanged for an aggregate of 1,548,425 shares of Kodiak Common Stock. |
| (C5) | Reflects the fair value of the Series A Preferred Stock and PIPE Warrants issued by Kodiak. As the aggregate fair value of the Series A Preferred Stock and the PIPE Warrants is in excess of the aggregate consideration received of $145.0 million, the excess of $136.2 million has been reflected through earnings (accumulated deficit) in the pro forma balance sheet. The valuation amounts included in these unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements are preliminary and subject to change. |
| (C6) | Reflects the reimbursement in cash of the Contributions and the elimination of amounts receivable from and payable by Legacy Kodiak to AACT if the Business Combination did not close. |
| (C7) | The Overfunding and Working Capital Loans held by the Sponsor were repaid upon the Closing |
| (C8) | Reflects the recapitalization of AACT Class A Ordinary Shares into Kodiak Common Stock at a per share par value of $0.0001. |
| (C9) | Reflects the elimination of AACT’s historical accumulated deficit, including impact of additional investment income subsequent to June 30, 2025 as adjusted in (A2), with a corresponding adjustment to additional paid in capital for Kodiak. |
| (C10) | Reflects the conversion of Legacy Kodiak Preferred Stock into shares of Legacy Kodiak Common Stock, and such shares being exchanged for shares of Kodiak Common Stock calculated based on the Per Share Merger Consideration. |
| (C11) | Reflects the conversion of Legacy Kodiak Common Stock into shares of Kodiak Common Stock calculated based on the Per Share Merger Consideration. |
| (C12) | Reflects the issuance of Non-Redemption Warrants and Non-Redemption Shares for no consideration. The Non-Redemption Warrants and Non-Redemption Shares are considered a non-pro rata dividend to certain equityholders. Therefore, the value of the Non-Redemption Warrants and the Non-Redemption Shares have been reflected at fair value with an offset to accumulated deficit in the pro forma balance sheet. |
| (C13) | Represents the actual redemptions of 43,866,808 shares of AACT Class A Ordinary Shares for approximately $502.4 million |
| (C14) | Reflects the reclassification of cash and investments held in the Trust Account that became available at the Closing to cash and cash equivalents. |
| (C15) | Reflects the recapitalization of AACT Class A Ordinary Shares subject to redemption into Kodiak Common Stock at $0.0001 par value. |
| (C16) | Represents the preliminary estimated direct and incremental transaction costs of $7.8 million incurred by AACT related to the Business Combination subsequent to June 30, 2025. Additionally, $9.4 million of transaction costs have been incurred by AACT prior to June 30, 2025, of which 50% of $4.9 million in |
16
| transaction costs was an obligation of Legacy Kodiak if the Business Combination does not close and was reflected as other receivables on AACT’s condensed balance sheet as of June 30, 2025. The remaining 50% has been expensed in AACT’s historical statement of operations. The aggregate estimated transaction costs of $17.2 million incurred or expected to be incurred by AACT are assumed to be settled in cash upon or shortly after the Closing (excluding $0.3 million of costs paid prior to June 30, 2025) and include $3.2 million in investment advisory fees, $11.0 million in legal fees and $3.0 million of other direct and incremental transaction fees. This adjustment does not reflect the deferred underwriting commissions and IPO advisory fees related to the IPO. |
| (C17) | Represents the preliminary estimated direct and incremental transaction costs of $21.3 million incurred by Legacy Kodiak related to the Business Combination subsequent to June 30, 2025. The Legacy Kodiak costs are reflected in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as a direct reduction to Kodiak’s additional paid-in capital for the transaction costs attributable to issuance of equity-classified instruments. Transaction costs attributable to the issuance of liability-classified instruments, consisting of the PIPE Warrants and Non-Redemption Warrants, are expensed and reflected in accumulated deficit. As of June 30, 2025, Legacy Kodiak has recorded deferred offering costs of $11.1 million in its balance sheet, of which $7.2 million was offset against additional paid in capital upon the Closing, $1.5 million relates to Legacy Kodiak’s obligation related to the Sponsor Contribution (see C6) and $2.4 million relates to its obligations under the Business Combination Agreement if the proposed Business Combination did not close. Legacy Kodiak satisfied its obligation to pay $12.5 million of its advisory fees related to the Business Combination in shares of Kodiak Common Stock upon the Closing. The remaining estimated transaction costs of $16.0 million incurred by Legacy Kodiak were settled in cash prior to or upon the Closing and consisted of $7.8 million in legal fees, $3.9 million in investment advisory fees, $3.7 million in accounting-related fees and $0.6 million in other direct and incremental transaction fees. |
Transaction Accounting Adjustments to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statements of Operations
The pro forma adjustments included in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and for the year ended December 31, 2024 are as follows:
| (D1) | Reflects the elimination of interest income related to the investments held in the Trust Account. |
| (D2) | Reflects the elimination of remeasurement gains and losses on the Second Lien Loans (excluding the Exchanged SAFE Loan), SAFEs, and the Legacy Kodiak redeemable convertible preferred stock warrant liability. |
| (D3) | Represents the preliminary estimated direct and incremental transaction costs of $7.8 million incurred by AACT related to the Business Combination subsequent to June 30, 2025, of which $3.2 million is for investment advisory fees paid upon the close of the Business Combination. Additionally, the adjustment includes the 50% of transaction costs incurred prior to June 30, 2025, which would have been an obligation of Legacy Kodiak if the Business Combination did not close. |
| (D4) | Represents the estimated direct and incremental transaction costs incurred by Legacy Kodiak allocated to liability-classified instruments, consisting of the PIPE Warrants and the Non-Redemption Warrants. |
| (D5) | Represents the excess of the fair value over consideration received for the Series A Preferred Stock, PIPE Warrants, Non-Redemption Shares and Non-Redemption Warrants. |
17
Note 4 – Loss per Share
As the Business Combination is being reflected as if it had been consummated on January 1, 2024, the calculation of weighted average shares outstanding for pro forma basic and diluted net income per share assumes the following events occurred as of January 1, 2024:
| | the issuance and conversion of SAFEs and Second Lien Loans, excluding the Exchanged SAFE Loan, into Legacy Kodiak Common Stock immediately prior to the consummation of the Business Combination; |
| | the April 2025 redemption of 640,288 AACT Class A Ordinary Shares by Public Shareholders; |
| | the issuance of additional shares in connection with the Business Combination; |
| | the issuance of additional shares with respect to the Preferred Stock; and |
| | the issuance of $12.5 million of shares of Kodiak Common Stock to a Legacy Kodiak advisor. |
| Year Ended December 31, 2024 |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 |
|||||||
| Pro Forma net loss (in thousands) |
$ | (257,041 | ) | $ | (54,665 | ) | ||
| Public Shareholders |
5,492,904 | 5,492,904 | ||||||
| Vested Sponsor shares |
6,250,000 | 6,250,000 | ||||||
| Non-Redemption Shares |
368,028 | 368,028 | ||||||
| Legacy Kodiak Securityholders – weighted average common stock |
58,410,457 | 59,720,292 | ||||||
| Legacy Kodiak Securityholders – weighted average preferred stock |
62,240,421 | 62,240,421 | ||||||
| Legacy Kodiak Securityholders – assumed net exercise of certain warrants(1) |
1,548,425 | 1,548,425 | ||||||
| Legacy Kodiak SAFE holders |
30,061,262 | 30,061,262 | ||||||
| Legacy Kodiak Second Lien Loan holders(2) |
7,700,557 | 7,700,557 | ||||||
| Legacy Kodiak Advisor |
1,091,519 | 1,091,519 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Pro Forma basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding |
173,163,573 | 174,473,408 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Pro Forma net loss per share, basic and diluted |
$ | (1.48 | ) | $ | (0.31 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| (1) | Includes Legacy Kodiak warrants that vested and net exercised immediately prior to the Closing. |
| (2) | Excluding the Exchanged SAFE Loan. |
Following the Closing, the following outstanding shares of Kodiak Common Stock equivalents were excluded from the computation of pro forma diluted net loss per share for all the periods presented above because including them would have had an anti-dilutive effect:
| Private Placement Warrants(1) |
14,300,000 | |||
| Public Warrants(1) |
24,999,990 | |||
| Legacy Kodiak Options(2) |
55,989,713 | |||
| Legacy Kodiak Warrants(3) |
558,559 | |||
| Series A Preferred Stock(4) |
14,215,500 | |||
| PIPE Warrants(5) |
17,769,375 | |||
| Non-Redemption Warrants(5) |
7,606,666 |
18
| Sponsor Earn Out Securities(6) |
6,250,000 | |||
| Earn Out Securities(6) |
74,998,317 | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Total |
216,688,120 | |||
|
|
|
| (1) | Following the Domestication, one whole warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one share of Kodiak Common Stock at a price of $11.50 per share. The Private Placement Warrants and the Public Warrants are anti-dilutive on a pro forma basis and have been excluded from the diluted number of Kodiak’s shares outstanding at the Closing. |
| (2) | All outstanding Legacy Kodiak Options at the Closing, whether vested or unvested, converted into Exchanged Kodiak Options. Additionally, holders of Legacy Kodiak Options received Earn Out RSUs representing a pro rata share of the Earn Out Securities. Each Earn Out RSU will be subject to certain service-based vesting conditions. |
| (3) | Certain Legacy Kodiak Warrants became Assumed Kodiak Warrants at Closing. |
| (4) | Each share of Preferred Stock are convertible into Kodiak Common Stock at any time at the option of the holder at a rate equal to the accrued value, divided by the then-applicable conversion price, plus any accrued but unpaid dividends on such share. |
| (5) | The PIPE Warrants and Non-Redemption Warrants were immediately exercisable upon issuance and will expire six years from the Closing Date. |
| (6) | The Earn Out Securities and the Sponsor Earn Out Securities are contingently issuable upon the achievement of the applicable triggering event(s). |
19