SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT
Exhibit 4.1
THIS INVESTMENT INVOLVES A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK. THIS INVESTMENT IS SUITABLE ONLY FOR PERSONS WHO CAN BEAR THE ECONOMIC RISK FOR
AN INDEFINITE PERIOD OF TIME AND WHO CAN AFFORD TO LOSE THEIR ENTIRE INVESTMENT. FURTHERMORE, INVESTORS MUST UNDERSTAND THAT SUCH
INVESTMENT IS ILLIQUID AND IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE TO BE ILLIQUID FOR AN INDEFINITE PERIOD OF TIME. NO PUBLIC MARKET EXISTS FOR
THE SECURITIES, AND NO PUBLIC MARKET IS EXPECTED TO DEVELOP FOLLOWING THIS OFFERING.
THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), OR ANY STATE SECURITIES OR BLUE SKY LAWS AND ARE BEING OFFERED AND SOLD IN RELIANCE ON EXEMPTIONS FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE ACT AND STATE SECURITIES OR BLUE SKY LAWS. ALTHOUGH AN OFFERING STATEMENT HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (THE “SEC”), THAT OFFERING STATEMENT DOES NOT INCLUDE THE SAME INFORMATION THAT WOULD BE INCLUDED IN A REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE ACT. THE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SEC, ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION OR OTHER REGULATORY AUTHORITY, NOR HAVE ANY OF THE FOREGOING AUTHORITIES PASSED UPON THE MERITS OF THIS OFFERING OR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER MATERIALS OR INFORMATION MADE AVAILABLE TO INVESTOR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING, OVER THE WEB-BASED PLATFORM MAINTAINED BY SEEDINVEST TECHNOLOGY, LLC (THE “PLATFORM”) OR THROUGH SI SECURITIES, LLC (THE “BROKER”). ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS UNLAWFUL.
THE SECURITIES CANNOT BE SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE SECURITIES ACT. IN ADDITION, THE SECURITIES CANNOT BE SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES OR “BLUE SKY” LAWS.
INVESTORS WHO ARE NOT “ACCREDITED INVESTORS” (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN SECTION 501 OF REGULATION D PROMULGATED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) ARE SUBJECT TO LIMITATIONS ON THE AMOUNT THEY MAY INVEST, AS SET OUT IN SECTION 6(g). THE COMPANY IS RELYING ON THE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES SET FORTH BY EACH INVESTOR IN THIS SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER INFORMATION PROVIDED BY INVESTOR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING TO DETERMINE THE APPLICABILITY TO THIS OFFERING OF EXEMPTIONS FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT.
PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS MAY NOT TREAT THE CONTENTS OF THE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT, THE OFFERING CIRCULAR OR ANY OF THE OTHER MATERIALS AVAILIBLE ON THE PLATFORM OR PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND/OR BROKER (COLLECTIVELY, THE “OFFERING MATERIALS”), OR ANY PRIOR OR SUBSEQUENT COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMPANY OR ANY OF ITS OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS (INCLUDING “TESTING THE WATERS” MATERIALS) AS INVESTMENT, LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE. IN MAKING AN INVESTMENT DECISION, INVESTORS MUST RELY ON THEIR OWN EXAMINATION OF THE COMPANY AND THE TERMS OF THIS OFFERING, INCLUDING THE MERITS AND THE RISKS INVOLVED.
EACH PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR SHOULD CONSULT THE INVESTOR’S OWN COUNSEL, ACCOUNTANTS AND OTHER PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS AS TO INVESTMENT, LEGAL, TAX AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS CONCERNING THE INVESTOR’S PROPOSED INVESTMENT.
THE OFFERING MATERIALS MAY CONTAIN FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND INFORMATION RELATING TO, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE COMPANY, ITS BUSINESS PLAN AND STRATEGY, AND ITS INDUSTRY. THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS ARE BASED ON THE BELIEFS OF, ASSUMPTIONS MADE BY, AND INFORMATION CURRENTLY AVAILABLE TO THE COMPANY’S MANAGEMENT. WHEN USED IN THE OFFERING MATERIALS, THE WORDS “ESTIMATE,” “PROJECT,” “BELIEVE,” “ANTICIPATE,” “INTEND,” “EXPECT” AND SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS ARE INTENDED TO IDENTIFY FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS, WHICH CONSTITUTE FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS. THESE STATEMENTS REFLECT MANAGEMENT’S CURRENT VIEWS WITH RESPECT TO FUTURE EVENTS AND ARE SUBJECT TO RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES THAT COULD CAUSE THE COMPANY’S ACTUAL RESULTS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE CONTAINED IN THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. INVESTORS ARE CAUTIONED NOT TO PLACE UNDUE RELIANCE ON THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS, WHICH SPEAK ONLY AS OF THE DATE ON WHICH THEY ARE MADE. THE COMPANY DOES NOT UNDERTAKE ANY OBLIGATION TO REVISE OR UPDATE THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS TO REFLECT EVENTS OR CIRCUMSTANCES AFTER SUCH DATE OR TO REFLECT THE OCCURRENCE OF UNANTICIPATED EVENTS.
THE COMPANY MAY NOT BE OFFERING THE SECURITIES IN EVERY STATE. THE OFFERING MATERIALS DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OR SOLICITATION IN ANY STATE OR JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE SECURITIES ARE NOT BEING OFFERED.
THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THE OFFERING MATERIALS WAS PREPARED BY THE COMPANY SOLELY FOR THE USE BY PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING. NOTHING CONTAINED IN THE OFFERING MATERIALS IS OR SHOULD BE RELIED UPON AS A PROMISE OR REPRESENTATION AS TO THE FUTURE PERFORMANCE OF THE COMPANY.
THE COMPANY RESERVES THE RIGHT IN ITS SOLE DISCRETION AND FOR ANY REASON WHATSOEVER TO MODIFY, AMEND AND/OR WITHDRAW ALL OR A PORTION OF THE OFFERING AND/OR ACCEPT OR REJECT IN WHOLE OR IN PART ANY PROSPECTIVE INVESTMENT IN THE SECURITIES OR TO ALLOT TO ANY PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR LESS THAN THE AMOUNT OF SECURITIES SUCH INVESTOR DESIRES TO PURCHASE. EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE INDICATED, THE OFFERING MATERIALS SPEAK AS OF THEIR DATE. NEITHER THE DELIVERY NOR THE PURCHASE OF THE SECURITIES SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THAT DATE.
| To: | Groundfloor Finance Inc. |
000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
Attention: Xxxxx Xxxxx, Chief Executive Officer
Ladies and Gentlemen:
| 1. | Subscription. |
(a) The undersigned (“Investor”) hereby irrevocably subscribes for and agrees to purchase shares (the “Shares”) of Series B Stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Series B Stock” or the “Shares”), of Groundfloor Finance Inc., a Georgia corporation (the “Company”), at a purchase price of $_______ per share of Series B Stock (the “Per Security Price”), rounded down to the nearest whole share based on Investor’s subscription amount, upon the terms and conditions set forth herein (the “Subscription”). The purchase price of the Shares is payable in the manner provided in Section 3(a) below. The rights and preferences of the Shares are as set forth in the Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company, available in the Exhibits to the Offering Statement of the Company filed with the SEC (the “Offering Statement”).
(b) Investor understands that the Shares are being offered pursuant to the Offering Circular dated [●], 2020 and its exhibits (the “Offering Circular”) as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). By subscribing to the Offering, Investor acknowledges that Investor has received a copy of the Offering Statement and any other information required by Investor to make an investment decision with respect to the Shares.
(c) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Company shall have no obligation to issue any of the Series B Stock to any person who is a resident of a jurisdiction in which the issuance of Series B Stock to him, her or it would constitute a violation of the securities, “blue sky” or other similar laws of such jurisdiction (collectively referred to as the “State Securities Laws”). This Subscription may be accepted or rejected in whole or in part, at any time prior to the Termination Date (as hereinafter defined), by the Company at its sole discretion. In addition, the Company, at its sole discretion, may allocate to Investor only a portion of the number of the Shares that Investor has subscribed to purchase hereunder. The Company will notify Investor whether this subscription is accepted (whether in whole or in part) or rejected. If Investor’s subscription is rejected, Investor’s payment (or portion thereof if partially rejected) will be returned to Investor without interest and all of Investor’s obligations hereunder shall terminate. Tendered funds will be transmitted promptly to the Escrow Agent (as hereinafter defined), and returned promptly to Investor if the Minimum Offering (as hereinafter defined) is not met prior to the Termination Date.
(d) The aggregate number of shares of Series B Stock that may be sold by the Company in this offering shall not exceed 526,315 shares (the “Maximum Shares”). The Company may accept subscriptions until [●], 2020, or sooner terminated by the Company (the “Termination Date”). Providing that subscriptions for $[●] (the “Minimum Offering”) and all other requirements for a closing are met, the Company may elect at any time to close all or any portion of this offering on various dates at or prior to the Termination Date (each a “Closing”).
(e) In the event of rejection of this subscription in its entirety, or in the event the sale of the Shares (or any portion thereof) to Investor is not consummated for any reason, this Subscription Agreement shall have no force or effect, except for Section 6 hereof, which shall remain in force and effect.
(f) The terms of this Subscription Agreement shall be binding upon Investor and its transferees, heirs, successors and assigns (collectively, “Transferees”); provided that for any such transfer to be deemed effective, (i) the Transferee shall have executed and delivered to the Company in advance an instrument in a form acceptable to the Company in its sole discretion, pursuant to which the proposed Transferee shall acknowledge, agree, and be bound by the representations and warranties of Investor, terms of this Subscription Agreement, and (ii) the Company consents to the transfer, in its sole discretion.
2. Joinder to Investors’ Rights Agreement. By subscribing to the Offering and executing this Subscription Agreement, Investor (and, if Investor is purchasing the Shares subscribed for hereby in a fiduciary capacity, the person or persons for whom Investor is so purchasing) hereby joins as a party that is designated as an “Investor” under the Investors’ Rights Agreement to be dated as of the initial Closing, in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Investors’ Rights Agreement”). Any notice required or permitted to be given to Investor under the Investors’ Rights Agreement shall be given to Investor at the address provided with Investor’s subscription. Investor confirms that Investor has reviewed the Investors’ Rights Agreement and will be bound by the terms thereof as a party who is designated as an “Investor” under the Investors’ Rights Agreement.
| 3. | Purchase Procedure. |
(a) Payment. The purchase price for the Shares shall be paid simultaneously with Investor’s subscription.
(b) Escrow Arrangements. Payment for the Shares by Investor shall be received by SI Securities, LLC from each Investor by ACH electronic transfer, wire transfer of immediately available funds, or other means approved by the Company, prior to the Termination Date in the amount of Investor’s subscription. Tendered funds will be promptly sent to the Bryn Mawr Trust Company of Delaware (the “Escrow Agent”) and remain in escrow until the Minimum Offering is met. In the event that the Minimum Offering has not been met by the Termination Date, any money tendered by Investors in the offering will be promptly returned by the Escrow Agent. Upon a successful Closing, the Escrow Agent shall release Investor’s funds to the Company. The Investor shall receive notice and evidence of the digital entry of the number of the Shares owned by Investor reflected on the books and records of the Company and verified by [●] (the “Transfer Agent”), which books and records shall bear a notation that the Shares were sold in reliance upon Regulation A of the Securities Act. Upon written instruction by the Investor, the Transfer Agent may record the Shares beneficially owned by the Investor on the books and records of the Company in the name of any other entity as designated by the Investor.
4. Market Stand-Off.
(a) Investor hereby agrees that Investor shall not sell, offer, pledge, contract to sell, grant any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any right or warrant to purchase, lend or otherwise transfer or encumber, directly or indirectly, any Shares or Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of such Shares, or other securities of the Company, nor shall Investor 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 Shares or Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of such Shares, or other securities of the Company, during the period from the filing of the first registration statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act, that includes securities to be sold on behalf of the Company to the public in an underwritten public offering under the Securities Act through the end of the 180-day period following the effective date of such registration statement (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 NASD Rule 2711(f)(4) or NYSE Rule 472(f)(4), or any successor provisions or amendments thereto). Investor further agrees, if so requested by the Company or any representative of its underwriters, to enter into such underwriter’s standard form of “lockup” or “market standoff” agreement in a form satisfactory to the Company and such underwriter.
(b) In the event of any stock dividend, stock split, recapitalization, or other change affecting the Company’s outstanding capital stock effected without receipt of consideration, then any new, substituted, or additional securities distributed with respect to any Shares or Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of such Shares shall be immediately subject to the provisions of this Section 4, to the same extent the Shares or Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of such Shares are at such time covered by such provisions.
(c) In order to enforce the provisions of this Section 4, the Company may impose stop transfer instructions with respect to the Shares or Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of such Shares until the end of the applicable stand off period.
5. Representations and Warranties of the Company. The Company is a corporation, duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Georgia and has all requisite corporate power and authority to carry on its business as now conducted. The Company is duly qualified to transact business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the failure to do so would have a material adverse effect on its business or properties.
(a) Authorization. All requisite action on the part of the Company, its officers, directors and stockholders necessary for the authorization, execution and delivery of the Series B Stock and the performance of all obligations of the Company hereunder and thereunder has been taken or will be taken prior to the issuance of Series B Stock to the Investor, and this Agreement constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of the Company, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except (i) as limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, and other laws or court decisions of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally, and (ii) as limited by laws or court decisions relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief, or other equitable remedies or to equitable principles of general applicability.
(b) Approvals. All consents, approvals, orders or authorizations of, or registrations, qualifications, designations, declarations or filings with, any governmental authority or any other person, required on the part of the Company in connection with the valid execution and delivery of this Agreement, the offer, sale and issuance of the Series B Stock, and the consummation of any other transaction contemplated hereby, shall have been obtained.
(c) Legends. The Company will place appropriate legends on the instruments representing the Series B Stock (if any are issued) as required by applicable State Securities Laws, including a legend in form substantially as follows:
“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 OTHERWISE COMPLIES WITH THE ACT.
THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO A LOCK UP PERIOD OF UP TO 180 DAYS FOLLOWING THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF A REGISTRATION STATEMENT OF THE COMPANY FILED UNDER THE ACT, AS SET FORTH IN AN 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 LOCK UP PERIOD IS BINDING ON TRANSFEREES OF THESE SHARES.
THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER HELD BY THE ISSUER OR ITS ASSIGNEE(S) AS SET FORTH IN THE SERIES B STOCK SUBSCRIPTION 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 ARE BINDING ON TRANSFEREES OF THESE SHARES.”
6. Representations and Warranties of Investor. By subscribing to the Offering, Investor (and, if Investor is purchasing the Shares subscribed for hereby in a fiduciary capacity, the person or persons for whom Investor is so purchasing) represents and warrants, which representations and warranties are true and complete in all material respects as of the date of each Closing:
(a) Requisite Power and Authority. Investor has all necessary power and authority under all applicable provisions of law to subscribe to the Offering, to execute and deliver this Subscription Agreement, to join as a party to the Investors’ Rights Agreement, and to carry out the provisions of such respective agreements. All action on Investor’s part required for the lawful subscription to the offering have been or will be effectively taken prior to the Closing. Upon subscribing to the Offering, this Subscription Agreement and the Investors’ Rights Agreement will be valid and binding obligations of Investor, enforceable in accordance with their respective terms, except (i) as limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights and (ii) as limited by general principles of equity that restrict the availability of equitable remedies.
(b) Company Information. Investor has had an opportunity to discuss the Company’s business, management and financial affairs with directors, officers and management of the Company and has had the opportunity to review the Company’s operations and facilities. Investor has also had the opportunity to ask questions of and receive answers from the Company and its management regarding the terms and conditions of this investment. Investor acknowledges that except as set forth herein, no representations or warranties have been made to Investor, or to Investor’s advisors or representative, by the Company or others with respect to the business or prospects of the Company or its financial condition.
(c) Investment Experience. Investor has sufficient experience in financial and business matters to be capable of utilizing such information to evaluate the merits and risks of Investor’s investment in the Shares, and to make an informed decision relating thereto; or Investor has utilized the services of a purchaser representative and together they have sufficient experience in financial and business matters that they are capable of utilizing such information to evaluate the merits and risks of Investor’s investment in the Shares, and to make an informed decision relating thereto.
(d) Investor Determination of Suitability. Investor has evaluated the risks of an investment in the Shares, including those described in the section of the Offering Circular captioned “Risk Factors”, and has determined that the investment is suitable for Investor. Investor has adequate financial resources for an investment of this character, and at this time Investor could bear a complete loss of Investor’s investment in the Company.
(e) No Registration. Investor understands that the Shares are not being registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), on the ground that the issuance thereof is exempt under Regulation A of Section 3(b) of the Securities Act, and that reliance on such exemption is predicated in part on the truth and accuracy of Investor’s representations and warranties, and those of the other purchasers of the shares of Series B Stock in the offering. Investor further understands that the Shares are not being registered under the securities laws of any states on the basis that the issuance thereof is exempt as an offer and sale not involving a registerable public offering in such state, since the Shares are “covered securities” under the National Securities Market Improvement Act of 1996. Investor covenants not to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any Shares unless such Shares have been registered under the Securities Act and under applicable state securities laws, or exemptions from such registration requirements are available.
(f) Illiquidity and Continued Economic Risk. Investor acknowledges and agrees that there is no ready public market for the Shares and that there is no guarantee that a market for their resale will ever exist. The Company has no obligation to list any of the Shares on any market or take any steps (including registration under the Securities Act or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) with respect to facilitating trading or resale of the Shares. Investor must bear the economic risk of this investment indefinitely and Investor acknowledges that Investor is able to bear the economic risk of losing Investor’s entire investment in the Shares.
(g) Accredited Investor Status or Investment Limits. Investor represents that either: (i) Investor is an “accredited investor” within the meaning of Rule 501 of Regulation D under the Securities Act; or (ii) the purchase price, together with any other amounts previously used to purchase Shares in this offering, does not exceed 10% of the greater of Investor’s annual income or net worth (or in the case where Investor is a non-natural person, their revenue or net assets for such Investor’s most recently completed fiscal year end). Investor further represents that to the extent it has any questions with respect to its status as an accredited investor, or the application of the investment limits, it has sought professional advice.
(h) Stockholder Information. Within five days after receipt of a request from the Company, Investor hereby agrees to provide such information with respect to its status as a stockholder (or potential stockholder) and to execute and deliver such documents as may reasonably be necessary to comply with any and all laws and regulations to which the Company is or may become subject, including, without limitation, the need to determine the accredited status of the Company’s stockholders. Investor further agrees that in the event it transfers any Securities, it will require the transferee of such Securities to agree to provide such information to the Company as a condition of such transfer.
(i) Valuation. Investor acknowledges that the price of the shares of Series B Stock to be sold in this offering was set by the Company on the basis of the Company’s internal valuation and no warranties are made as to value. Investor further acknowledges that future offerings of securities of the Company may be made at lower valuations, with the result that Investor’s investment will bear a lower valuation.
(j) Domicile. Investor maintains Investor’s domicile (and is not a transient or temporary resident) at the address provided with Investors subscription.
(k) Foreign Investors. If Investor is not a United States person (as defined by Section 7701(a)(30) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended), Investor hereby represents that it has satisfied itself as to the full observance of the laws of its jurisdiction in connection with any invitation to subscribe for the Shares or any use of this Subscription Agreement, including (i) the legal requirements within its jurisdiction for the purchase of the Shares, (ii) any foreign exchange restrictions applicable to such purchase, (iii) any governmental or other consents that may need to be obtained, and (iv) the income tax and other tax consequences, if any, that may be relevant to the purchase, holding, redemption, sale, or transfer of the Shares. Investor’s subscription and payment for and continued beneficial ownership of the Shares will not violate any applicable securities or other laws of Investor’s jurisdiction.
7. Indemnity. The representations, warranties and covenants made by Investor herein shall survive the closing of this Subscription Agreement. Investor agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company and its respective officers, directors and affiliates, and each other person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense whatsoever (including, but not limited to, any and all reasonable attorneys’ fees, including attorneys’ fees on appeal) and expenses reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any false representation or warranty or breach or failure by Investor to comply with any covenant or agreement made by Investor herein or in any other document furnished by Investor to any of the foregoing in connection with this transaction.
8. Arbitration.
(a) Unless you opt out as provided pursuant to Section 8(b) below, either party to this Agreement may, at its sole election, require that the sole and exclusive forum and remedy for resolution of a Claim be final and binding arbitration pursuant to this Section 8 (the “Arbitration Provision”), except with respect to any Claim alleging violation of federal securities laws by Groundfloor or any of its officers or directors (a “Securities Claim”). Unless otherwise agreed to in writing by Groundfloor, the arbitration shall be conducted in Atlanta, Georgia. “Claim” shall include any past, present, or future claim, dispute, or controversy involving you (or persons claiming through or connected with you), on the one hand, and Groundfloor (or persons claiming through or connected with Groundfloor), on the other hand, relating to or arising out of this Agreement, the Groundfloor Platform, and/or the activities or relationships that involve, lead to, or result from any of the foregoing, including (except to the extent provided otherwise in the last sentence of Section 8(f) below) the validity or enforceability of this Arbitration Provision, any part thereof, or the entire Agreement. Claims are subject to arbitration regardless of whether they arise from contract; tort (intentional or otherwise); a constitution, statute, common law, or principles of equity; or otherwise. Claims include matters arising as initial claims, counter-claims, cross-claims, third-party claims, or otherwise. The scope of this Arbitration Provision is to be given the broadest possible interpretation that is enforceable.
(b) You may opt out of this Arbitration Provision for all purposes by sending an arbitration opt out notice to Groundfloor Finance Inc., 000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 000, Xxxxxxx, XX 00000, Attention: Xxxxx Xxxxx, Chief Executive Officer, that is received at the specified address within 30 days of the date of your first electronic acceptance of the terms of this Agreement. The opt out notice must clearly state that you are rejecting arbitration; identify the Agreement to which it applies by date; provide your name, address, and social security or TIN-number; and be signed by you. You may send the opt out notice in any manner you see fit as long as it is received at the specified address within the specified time. No other methods can be used to opt out of this Arbitration Provision. If the opt out notice is sent on your behalf by a third party, such third party must include evidence of his or her authority to submit the opt out notice on your behalf.
(c) The party initiating arbitration shall do so with the American Arbitration Association (the “AAA”) or JAMS. The arbitration shall be conducted according to, and the location of the arbitration shall be determined in accordance with, the rules and policies of the administrator selected, except to the extent the rules conflict with this Arbitration Provision or any countervailing law. In the case of a conflict between the rules and policies of the administrator and this Arbitration Provision, this Arbitration Provision shall control, subject to countervailing law, unless all parties to the arbitration consent to have the rules and policies of the administrator apply.
(d) If we elect arbitration, we shall pay all of the administrator’s filing costs and administrative fees (other than hearing fees). If you elect arbitration, filing costs and administrative fees (other than hearing fees) shall be paid in accordance with the rules of the administrator selected, or in accordance with countervailing law if contrary to the administrator’s rules. We shall pay the administrator’s hearing fees for one full day of arbitration hearings. Fees for hearings that exceed one day will be paid by the party requesting the hearing, unless the administrator’s rules or applicable law require otherwise, or you request that we pay them and we agree to do so. Each party shall bear the expense of its own attorneys’ fees, except as otherwise provided by law. If a statute gives you the right to recover any of these fees, these statutory rights shall apply in the arbitration notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein.
(e) Within 30 days of a final award by the arbitrator, any party may appeal the award for reconsideration by a three-arbitrator panel selected according to the rules of the arbitrator administrator. In the event of such an appeal, any opposing party may cross-appeal within 30 days after notice of the appeal. The panel will reconsider de novo all aspects of the initial award that are appealed. Costs and conduct of any appeal shall be governed by this Arbitration Provision and the administrator’s rules, in the same way as the initial arbitration proceeding. Any award by the individual arbitrator that is not subject to appeal, and any panel award on appeal, shall be final and binding, except for any appeal right under the Federal Arbitration Act ( the “FAA”), and may be entered as a judgment in any court of competent jurisdiction.
(f) We agree not to invoke our right to arbitrate an individual Claim you may bring in Small Claims Court or an equivalent court, if any, so long as the Claim is pending only in that court. NO ARBITRATION SHALL PROCEED ON A CLASS, REPRESENTATIVE, OR COLLECTIVE BASIS (INCLUDING AS PRIVATE ATTORNEY GENERAL ON BEHALF OF OTHERS), EVEN IF THE CLAIM OR CLAIMS THAT ARE THE SUBJECT OF THE ARBITRATION HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN ASSERTED (OR COULD HAVE BEEN ASSERTED) IN A COURT AS CLASS REPRESENTATIVE, OR COLLECTIVE ACTIONS IN A COURT. Unless consented to in writing by all parties to the arbitration, no party to the arbitration may join, consolidate, or otherwise bring claims for or on behalf of two or more individuals or unrelated corporate entities in the same arbitration unless those persons are parties to a single transaction. Unless consented to in writing by all parties to the arbitration, an award in arbitration shall determine the rights and obligations of the named parties only, and only with respect to the claims in arbitration, and shall not (i) determine the rights, obligations, or interests of anyone other than a named party, or resolve any Claim of anyone other than a named party; nor (ii) make an award for the benefit of, or against, anyone other than a named party. No administrator or arbitrator shall have the power or authority to waive, modify, or fail to enforce this Section 8(f), and any attempt to do so, whether by rule, policy, arbitration decision or otherwise, shall be invalid and unenforceable. Any challenge to the validity of this Section 8(f) shall be determined exclusively by a court and not by the administrator or any arbitrator.
(g) This Arbitration Provision is made pursuant to a transaction involving interstate commerce and shall be governed by and enforceable under the FAA. The arbitrator will apply substantive law consistent with the FAA and applicable statutes of limitations. The arbitrator may award damages or other types of relief permitted by applicable substantive law, subject to the limitations set forth in this Arbitration Provision. The arbitrator will not be bound by judicial rules of procedure and evidence that would apply in a court. The arbitrator shall take steps to reasonably protect confidential information.
(h) This Arbitration Provision shall survive (i) suspension, termination, revocation, closure, or amendments to this Agreement and the relationship of the parties and (ii) the bankruptcy or insolvency of any party or other person.. If any portion of this Arbitration Provision other than Section 8(f) is deemed invalid or unenforceable, the remaining portions of this Arbitration Provision shall nevertheless remain valid and in force. If an arbitration is brought on a class, representative, or collective basis, and the limitations on such proceedings in Section 8(f) are finally adjudicated pursuant to the last sentence of Section 8(f) to be unenforceable, then no arbitration shall be had. In no event shall any invalidation be deemed to authorize an arbitrator to determine Claims or make awards beyond those authorized in this Arbitration Provision.
THE PARTIES ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THEY HAVE A RIGHT TO LITIGATE CLAIMS THROUGH A COURT BEFORE A JUDGE, BUT WILL NOT HAVE THAT RIGHT IF ANY PARTY ELECTS ARBITRATION PURSUANT TO THIS ARBITRATION PROVISION. THE PARTIES HEREBY KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVE THEIR RIGHTS TO LITIGATE SUCH CLAIMS IN A COURT UPON ELECTION OF ARBITRATION BY ANY PARTY.
9. Governing Law; Jurisdiction. This Subscription Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia.
EACH OF INVESTOR AND THE COMPANY CONSENTS TO THE JURISDICTION OF ANY STATE OR FEDERAL COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION LOCATED WITHIN THE STATE OF GEORGIA AND NO OTHER PLACE AND IRREVOCABLY AGREES THAT ALL ACTIONS OR PROCEEDINGS RELATING TO THIS SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT MAY BE LITIGATED IN SUCH COURTS. EACH OF INVESTORS AND THE COMPANY ACCEPTS FOR ITSELF AND HIMSELF AND IN CONNECTION WITH ITS AND HIS RESPECTIVE PROPERTIES, GENERALLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY, THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE AFORESAID COURTS AND WAIVES ANY DEFENSE OF FORUM NON CONVENIENS, AND IRREVOCABLY AGREES TO BE BOUND BY ANY JUDGMENT RENDERED THEREBY IN CONNECTION WITH THIS SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT. INVESTOR AND THE COMPANY FURTHER IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO THE SERVICE OF PROCESS OUT OF ANY OF THE AFOREMENTIONED COURTS IN THE MANNER AND IN THE ADDRESS SPECIFIED IN SECTION 10 AND THE SIGNATURE PAGE OF THIS SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT. HOWEVER, NOTHING IN THIS PARAGRAPH SHALL BE CONSTRUED TO BE APPLICABLE TO ANY ACTION ARISING UNDER THE FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS.
EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM (WHETHER BASED IN CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT OR THE ACTIONS OF EITHER PARTY IN THE NEGOTIATION, ADMINISTRATION, PERFORMANCE AND ENFORCEMENT THEREOF. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO ALSO WAIVES ANY BOND OR SURETY OR SECURITY UPON SUCH BOND WHICH MIGHT, BUT FOR THIS WAIVER, BE REQUIRED OF SUCH PARTY. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO FURTHER WARRANTS AND REPRESENTS THAT IT HAS REVIEWED THIS WAIVER WITH ITS LEGAL COUNSEL, AND THAT IT KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ITS JURY TRIAL RIGHTS FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL. THIS WAIVER IS IRREVOCABLE, MEANING THAT IT MAY NOT BE MODIFIED EITHER ORALLY OR IN WRITING, AND THIS WAIVER SHALL APPLY TO ANY SUBSEQUENT AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS, SUPPLEMENTS OR MODIFICATIONS TO THIS SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT. IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, THIS SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT MAY BE FILED AS A WRITTEN CONSENT TO A TRIAL BY THE COURT. BY AGREEING TO THIS PROVISION, EACH SUBSCRIBER WILL NOT BE DEEMED TO HAVE WAIVED THE COMPANY’S COMPLIANCE WITH U.S. FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS AND THE RULES AND REGULATIONS PROMULGATED THEREUNDER.
10. Notices. Notice, requests, demands and other communications relating to this Subscription Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if and when (a) delivered personally, on the date of such delivery; or (b) mailed by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, in the third day after the posting thereof; or (c) emailed, telecopied or cabled on the date of such delivery to the address of the respective parties as follows:
If to the Company, to:
000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 000,
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
Attention: Xxxxx Xxxxx, Chief Executive Officer
If to Investor, at Investor’s address supplied in connection with this subscription, or to such other address as may be specified by written notice from time to time by the party entitled to receive such notice. Any notices, requests, demands or other communications by email shall be confirmed by letter given in accordance with (a) or (b) above.
11. Miscellaneous.
(a) All pronouns and any variations thereof shall be deemed to refer to the masculine, feminine, neuter, singular or plural, as the identity of the person or persons or entity or entities may require.
(b) This Subscription Agreement is not transferable or assignable by Investor.
(c) The representations, warranties and agreements contained herein shall be deemed to be made by and be binding upon Investor and its heirs, executors, administrators and successors and shall inure to the benefit of the Company and its successors and assigns.
(d) None of the provisions of this Subscription Agreement may be waived, changed or terminated orally or otherwise, except as specifically set forth herein or except by a writing signed by the Company and Investor.
(e) In the event any part of this Subscription Agreement is found to be void or unenforceable, the remaining provisions are intended to be separable and binding with the same effect as if the void or unenforceable part were never the subject of agreement.
(f) The invalidity, illegality or unenforceability of one or more of the provisions of this Subscription Agreement in any jurisdiction shall not affect the validity, legality or enforceability of the remainder of this Subscription Agreement in such jurisdiction or the validity, legality or enforceability of this Subscription Agreement, including any such provision, in any other jurisdiction, it being intended that all rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.
(g) This Subscription Agreement supersedes all prior discussions and agreements between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and contains the sole and entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof.
(h) The terms and provisions of this Subscription Agreement are intended solely for the benefit of each party hereto and their respective successors and assigns, and it is not the intention of the parties to confer, and no provision hereof shall confer, third-party beneficiary rights upon any other person.
(i) The headings used in this Subscription Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only and do not define or limit the provisions hereof.
(j) This Subscription Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.
(k) No failure or delay by any party in exercising any right, power or privilege under this Subscription Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. The rights and remedies herein provided shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by law.
12. Subscription Procedure. Each Investor, by providing his or her name and subscription amount and clicking “accept” and/or checking the appropriate box on the Groundfloor Platform (“Online Acceptance”), confirms such Investor’s investment through the Platform and confirms such Investor’s electronic signature to this Subscription Agreement. Investor agrees that his or her electronic signature as provided through Online Acceptance is the legal equivalent of his or her manual signature on this Subscription Agreement and Online Acceptance establishes such Investor’s acceptance of the terms and conditions of this Subscription Agreement.
EXHIBIT A
INVESTORS’ RIGHTS AGREEMENT
