Nuburu Inc

NOTE 1. BACKGROUND AND ORGANIZATION

Nuburu, Inc. (“Nuburu” or the “Company”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary Nuburu Subsidiary, Inc., is a leading innovator in high-power, high-brightness blue laser technology that is focused on bringing breakthrough improvements to a broad range of high-value applications including welding and 3D printing. The Company is located in Centennial, Colorado.

Nuburu was originally incorporated in Delaware on July 21, 2020 under the name Tailwind Acquisition Corp. (“Tailwind”) as a special purpose acquisition company, formed for the purpose of effecting an initial business combination with one or more target businesses. On September 9, 2020 (the “IPO Closing Date”), the Company consummated its initial public offering (the “IPO”). On January 31, 2023 (the "Closing Date"), the Company consummated a business combination with Nuburu Subsidiary, Inc. f/k/a Nuburu, Inc. (“Legacy Nuburu”), a privately held operating company which merged into the Company's subsidiary Compass Merger Sub, Inc. (the “Business Combination”) and changed its name to “Nuburu, Inc.,” and the Company became the owner, directly or indirectly, of all of the equity interests of Nuburu Subsidiary, Inc. and its subsidiaries. In light of the fact that the Business Combination has closed and the Company's ongoing business will be the business formerly operated by Legacy Nuburu, this business section primarily includes information regarding Legacy Nuburu’s business.

Throughout the notes to the consolidated financial statements, unless otherwise noted, the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our” and similar terms refer to Legacy Nuburu prior to the consummation of the Business Combination, and Nuburu and its subsidiaries after the consummation of the Business Combination.

Going Concern and Liquidity

The Company devotes its efforts to business planning, research and development, and raising capital. The Company is an emerging growth company that has not yet achieved full commercialization and is expected to incur losses until it does.

From inception through December 31, 2023, the Company has incurred operating losses and negative cash flows from operating activities. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company has incurred net losses of$20,706,384 and$14,129,101, respectively, and the Company has an accumulated deficit of$81,898,692 as of December 31, 2023. The Company expects to continue to expand its operations, including by investing in manufacturing, sales and marketing, research and development, and infrastructure to support its growth. The Company anticipates that it will incur net losses for the foreseeable future and, even if it increases its revenue, there is no guarantee that it will ever become profitable. All of the aforementioned factors raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.

Until the Company can generate sufficient revenue to cover its operating expenses, working capital, and capital expenditures, the Company will rely on funds raised from the closing of the Business Combination, from the $9,225,000 of Senior Convertible Notes and Warrants issued in June 2023, from the $5,500,000 of Junior Notes and Warrants issued in November 2023, and from the $11,400,000 of Legacy Nuburu convertible notes (the "Legacy Convertible Notes") issued prior to the Closing (refer to Note 8, Notes and Convertible Notes Payable for more information on the Company's notes); as well as from the Lincoln Park Purchase Agreement pursuant to which Lincoln Park has agreed to purchase from the Company, at the sole discretion of the Company, up to $100,000,000 of Common Stock from time to time over a 48-month period. In accordance with the Lincoln Park Purchase Agreement, Lincoln Park has purchased, at the option of the Company, approximately $2.1 million of Common Stock during the year ended December 31, 2023 but is not required to purchase shares if the Company's stock price falls below $1.00 per share.

The Company plans to finance its operations with proceeds from the issuance and sale of equity securities or debt; however, there is no assurance that management's plans to obtain additional debt or equity financing will be successfully implemented or implemented on terms favorable to the Company.

Certain Significant Risks and Uncertainties

The Company’s future results of operations involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could affect the Company’s future operating results and cause actual results to vary materially from expectations include, but are not limited to, rapid technological change, competition from substitute products and larger companies, protection of proprietary technology, ability to maintain distributor relationships, and dependence on key individuals.

NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and pursuant to the accounting and disclosure rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").

Reclassification

Certain prior period balances in the consolidated statements of cash flows have been combined or reclassified to conform to current period presentation pursuant to Rule 10-01(a)(2) of Regulation S-X of the SEC. Such reclassifications had no impact on net income, cash flows or shareholders' equity previously reported.

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Emerging Growth Company

The Company is an “emerging growth company,” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act, as modified by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”), and it may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the independent registered public accounting firm attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in its periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved.

Further, Section 102(b)(1) of the JOBS Act exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies (that is, those that have not had a Securities Act registration statement declared effective or do not have a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act) are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting standards. The JOBS Act provides that a company can elect to opt out of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements that apply to non-emerging growth companies but any such election to opt out is irrevocable. The Company has elected not to opt out of such extended transition period which means that when a standard is issued or revised and it has different application dates for public or private companies, the Company, as an emerging growth company, can adopt the new or revised standard at the time private companies adopt the new or revised standard. This may make comparison of the Company’s consolidated financial statements with another public company which is neither an emerging growth company nor an emerging growth company which has opted out of using the extended transition period difficult or impossible because of the potential differences in accounting standards used.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the Company’s management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods.

Making estimates requires management to exercise significant judgment. It is at least reasonably possible that the estimate of the effect of a condition, situation or set of circumstances that existed at the date of the consolidated financial statements, which management considered in formulating its estimate, could change in the near term due to one or more future confirming events. Estimates and assumptions made by management include, but are not limited to, the Company's inventory reserve and valuation of stock-based awards and warrants issued. Such estimates may be subject to change as more current information becomes available and, accordingly, the actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents are defined as short term, highly liquid investments, which are readily convertible to cash and have remaining maturities of three months or less at the date of acquisition. Cash and cash equivalents are held in U.S. financial institutions or in custodial accounts with U.S. financial institutions. The Company currently has bank deposits with financial institutions in the U.S. that exceed Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits of $250,000. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts, nor does the Company believe it is exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents. However, any loss incurred or lack of access to such funds could have a significant adverse impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, substantially all of the cash on hand was considered cash equivalents.

Concentrations of Credit Risk, Other Risks and Uncertainties

The Company's financial instruments that are subject to credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, substantially all of the Company's cash and cash equivalents were held in one large financial institution located in the United States. Management believes the financial risk associated with these balances is minimal and has not experienced any losses to date. The Company generally requires deposits from its customers. The Company's accounts receivable are derived from billings to customers and it has not experienced any collection issues to-date.

The Company's future results of operations involve a number of risks and uncertainties. The Company’s current business activities consist of business planning, research and development efforts to design and develop high-power, high-brightness blue laser technology, and capital raising to finance the Company through full commercialization. The Company is subject to the risks associated with such activities, including the need to further develop its technology and its marketing and distribution channels; further develop its supply chain and manufacturing; and hire additional management and other key personnel. Successful completion of the Company’s development program and, ultimately, the attainment of profitable operations, are dependent upon future events, including its ability to access potential markets and secure long-term financing.

The Company currently depends upon a small number of customers for a substantial portion of its revenue. During the year ended December 31, 2023, two customers accounted for 39% and 29% of the Company's revenue, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2022, two customers accounted for 47% and 22% of the Company’s revenue, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, four customers accounted for 50%,18%,13%, and 10% of the Company's accounts receivable, respectively. As of December 31, 2022, three customers accounted for 62%,26%, and 8% of the Company’s accounts receivable, respectively. Loss of any of the Company's customers could have a material adverse effect on the Company's operations.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The fair value of the Company's assets and liabilities, including cash equivalents, accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other current assets, accounts payable, and accrued expenses, which qualify as financial instruments under Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 820 —Fair Value Measurement ("ASC 820") approximates the carrying amounts represented in the consolidated balance sheets, primarily due to their short-term nature.

Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis in the balance sheets are categorized based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair values. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The standard describes a fair value hierarchy based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, as follows:

Level 1: Valuations based on quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets.

Level 2: Valuations based on observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3: Valuations based on unobservable inputs reflecting our own assumptions, consistent with reasonably available assumptions made by other market participants. These valuations require significant judgment.

The assets’ or liabilities’ fair value measurement level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses

Accounts receivable consist of uncollateralized obligations due from customers under normal trade terms, typically requiring a substantial deposit prior to any shipment. The carrying value of receivables, net of the allowance for credit losses, represents their net realizable value. The allowance for credit losses is estimated by management based on the nature and the age of outstanding receivables, historical collection experience, specific customer circumstances, and reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions. Past due receivables are written off when the Company's collection efforts have been deemed unsuccessful in collecting the amounts past due. Bad debt recoveries are credited to the allowance account as collected.

The Company manufactures and sells its products to a broad range of customers. Customers are typically provided payment terms of 30 to 120 days. The Company has tracked historical loss information for its trade receivables and has not experienced any material credit losses to date. Management has also determined that there were no economic conditions present to warrant an allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. As such, there wasno allowance for credit losses recorded as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Inventories, Net

All inventories are stated at the lower of cost determined on the first in, first out basis or net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predicted costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. Inventory includes parts and components that may be specialized in nature and subject to obsolescence. The Company maintains a reserve for excess or obsolete inventory items. On a quarterly basis, the Company reviews inventory quantities on hand in comparison to past consumption, recent purchases, and other factors to determine what inventory quantities, if any, may not be sellable. Based on this review, inventories are written off and charged to cost of revenue when identified as excess or obsolete. Subsequent changes in facts and circumstances do not result in an increase in the reserve previously recognized.

Property and Equipment, Net

Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. The Company provides for depreciation and amortization of property and equipment on a straight-line basis for financial accounting purposes, and on an accelerated basis for tax purposes, over the estimated useful life of the respective asset.

Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred and major renewals or betterments which extend the life of such assets are capitalized based on the shorter of the life of the lease or the estimated useful life. The net gain or loss on property retired or otherwise disposed of is credited or charged to operating expenses and the costs and accumulated depreciation and amortization are removed from the accounts.

The estimated useful lives for each major depreciable classification of property and equipment are as follows:

Leases

The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use ("ROU") assets, and operating lease liabilities, current, and noncurrent, on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company currently does not have any finance lease arrangements.

Operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at the commencement date of the lease. As the Company's leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date of the lease in determining the present value of future payments. The operating lease ROU asset also includes any lease payments made and excludes lease incentives and initial direct costs incurred. The Company's lease terms may include an option to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that it will exercise that option. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet; the Company recognized lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable. If the sum of the expected undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying value of the related asset or group of assets being reviewed for impairment, a loss is recognized for the difference between the fair value and carrying value of the asset or group of assets. There wasno impairment loss recognized for the years ended December 31, 2023 or 2022.

Revenue Recognition

The Company's primary business activity involves sales of high-powered lasers and related installation services. The Company has sales to customers throughout the U.S., Europe, and Asia. All sales are settled in U.S. dollars. The Company accounts for revenue contracts with customers by applying the requirements of FASB ASC 606 —Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASC 606"), which includes the following steps:

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identification of the contract, or contracts, with a customer;

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identification of the performance obligations in the contract;

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determination of the transaction price;

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allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and

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recognition of revenue when, or as, the Company satisfies a performance obligation.

In all sales arrangements, revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to customers, in an amount the Company expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for those goods and services.

At contract inception, the Company assesses the goods or services promised within each contract and determines the performance obligations and assesses whether each promised good or service is distinct. The Company then recognizes revenue for the amount of the transaction price that is allocated to the respective performance obligation when (or as) the performance obligation is satisfied.

Determining the method and amount of revenue to recognize requires the Company to make judgments and estimates which include determining whether the performance obligation is satisfied over time or at a point in time, the selection of method to measure progress towards completion, and determining if the contract includes any variable consideration or material right elements.

The Company’s primary performance obligations include product sales and installation services. Revenue for product sales is recognized when the customer obtains control of the product, which occurs at a point in time, and may be upon shipment or upon delivery based on the contractual shipping terms of a contract. Revenue for installation services is recognized over time, as the service is rendered. For this performance obligation, the Company has a right to consideration from customers that corresponds directly with the value to the customers of the Company's performance completed to date, and as such, the Company recognizes revenue in the amount to which it has a right to invoice the customer. Typically, invoices are issued upon shipment or completion of services, which varies based on the product and service duration.

The Company allocates the transaction price based on the estimated relative standalone selling prices of the promised products or services underlying each performance obligation. The Company determines standalone selling prices based on the price at which the performance obligation is sold separately. If the standalone selling price is not observable through past transactions, the Company estimates the standalone selling price taking into account available information such as market conditions and internally approved standard pricing related to the performance obligations.

The Company recognizes freight and shipping costs associated with outbound freight after control over a product has transferred to a customer, as a fulfillment cost and includes those costs in materials within cost of revenue. Revenue received from shipping and handling fees is reflected in net revenue.

The Company's standard terms and conditions which are applicable to the Company's contracts covering the sale of its products include warranty provisions that provide assurance to its customers that the products will comply with agreed upon specifications, which is standard in the industry. The product warranty is accounted for in accordance with the guidelines under ASC 460-10 —Guarantees. Therefore, losses from warranty obligations are accrued when the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated, and the information is available before the financial statements are issued or are available to be issued.

The Company has determined that the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flow are most significantly affected by its customer concentration, changes in technology, and adverse changes in the economy that may have an adverse impact on the ability of customers to contract with and pay the Company.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC 740 —Income Taxes("ASC 740"), which requires the recognition of deferred income taxes for differences between the basis of assets and liabilities for financial statement and income tax purposes. Income taxes are recognized for the current year and for the impact of deferred tax assets and liabilities, which represent future tax consequences of events that have been recognized differently in the financial statements than for income tax purposes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based upon the difference between the financial statement and income tax basis of assets and liabilities, as measured by the enacted tax rates which will be in effect when these differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax expense (credit) is the result of changes in the deferred tax assets and liabilities.

In the event of the future consequences of differences between financial reporting bases and tax bases of assets and liabilities result in a deferred tax asset, the Company performs an evaluation of the probability of being able to realize future benefits indicated by such asset. A valuation allowance related to a net deferred tax asset is recorded when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the net deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company recorded a full valuation allowance as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, as it is more likely than not that the Company will not be able to utilize the net deferred tax assets in the foreseeable future (see Note 12, Income Taxes). The Company maintains valuation allowances until sufficient evidence exists to support the reversal of such valuation allowances.

The Company recognizes in its financial statements the impact of a tax position, if that position is more likely than not of being sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the position. The Company's policy is to recognize interest and penalties accrued on any unrecognized tax benefits as a component of operating expense. Management has evaluated the Company's tax positions and concluded the Company has taken no uncertain tax positions that would require adjustments to the financial statements to comply with the provisions of this guidance. As there wereno uncertain tax positionsas of December 31, 2023 and 2022, no interest or penalties were recorded to operating expenses. Tax returns filed by the Company remain open to federal and state income tax examinations through the statutory time periods.

Cost of Revenue

Cost of revenue primarily consists of the cost of materials, overhead and employee compensation associated with the manufacturing of our high-powered lasers. Product cost also includes lower of cost or net realizable value ("LCNRV") adjustments to inventory for adjustments to reduce the carrying value of inventory if its value is greater than the net realizable value, as well as adjustments for excess or obsolete inventory.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development ("R&D") expenses consist of costs incurred to further the Company's commercialization development efforts. These costs consist primarily of compensation and related costs for R&D personnel, including stock-based compensation, employee benefits, training, travel, third-party consulting services, laboratory supplies, and R&D equipment depreciation. R&D costs are charged to the statement of operations as incurred and are included in operating expenses.

Selling and Marketing Expenses

Selling and marketing expenses consist primarily of compensation and related costs for the Company's direct sales force, sales management, and marketing and include stock-based compensation, employee benefits, and travel for selling and marketing employees as well as costs related to trade shows, marketing programs, third-party consulting expenses, and application lab depreciation expenses. Selling and marketing costs are charged to the statement of operations as incurred and are included in operating expenses.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses consist primarily of compensation and related costs for finance, human resources, and other administrative personnel, and include stock-based compensation, employee benefits, and travel expenses. In addition, general and administrative expenses include third-party consulting and advisory services; legal, audit, and accounting services; and facilities costs. General and administrative costs are charged to the statement of operations as incurred and are included in operating expenses.

Stock-Based Compensation Expenses

The Company measures and recognizes the compensation expenses for all stock-based awards made to employees, directors, and consultants based on estimated grant date fair values. The fair value of employee stock options is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes model. The fair value for time-based stock awards is based on the grant date share price reduced by the present value of the expected dividend yield prior to vesting. The fair value of market-based stock awards is estimated using an option-pricing model on the date of grant. Stock-based compensation is reduced for forfeitures, which are accounted for as they occur.

Deferred Financing Costs

Deferred financing costs related to financings not yet in place are included in deferred financing costs on the consolidated balance sheet and are not amortized until the associated financing is received, at which point the costs will be amortized over the term of the agreement. Deferred financing costs related to the Company's Junior Notes (as defined and described in Note 8) are included as a deduction from the carrying amount of the notes in current notes payable in the consolidated balance sheets and are amortized to interest expense over the term of the notes.

Debt Discount

The debt discount related to the Company's Junior Notes (as defined and described in Note 8) is included as a deduction from the carrying amount of the notes in current notes payable in the consolidated balance sheets and is amortized to interest expense over the term of the notes.

Net Loss Per Common Share

The Company's basic net loss per common share is calculated by dividing net loss by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Contingently issuable shares are included in the computation of basic net loss per share as of the date that all necessary conditions have been satisfied and issuance of the shares is no longer contingent. The Company's diluted net loss per share is computed by giving effect to all potential common stock equivalents outstanding for the period determined using the treasury stock method. For purposes of this calculation, stock options, restricted stock units, and warrants to purchase common stock equivalents have been excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share as their effect is anti-dilutive.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-13 —Financial Instruments - Credit Losses(Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments ("ASU 2016-13"). This ASU changes the methodology for measuring credit losses on financial instruments and the timing of when such losses are recorded. The standard was adopted by the Company effective January 1, 2023 and did not have any significant changes to the Company's financial statements and related notes.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02 —Leases, and issued subsequent amendments to the initial guidance in September 2017 within ASU 2017-13, in January 2018 within ASU 2018-01, in July 2018 within ASU 2018-11, in December 2018 within ASU 2018-20, in March 2019 within ASU 2019-01, in November 2019 within ASU 2019-10, in February 2020 within ASU 2020-02, in September 2020 within ASU 2020-05, in July 2021 within ASU 2021-05, and November 2021 within ASU 2021-09 (collectively, "Topic 842"). Topic 842 supersedes Topic 840 —Leases, and requires lessees to recognize all leases on their balance sheets, with the exception of short-term leases, as a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability measured at the present value of the lease payments. Leases will be classified as finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern and classification of expense recognition in the income statement. The new standard requires expanded disclosures regarding leasing arrangements. Effective January 1, 2022, the Company adopted Topic 842 using a modified retrospective transition approach by applying the new standard to all leases existing at the date of initial application and not restating comparative periods. There was no cumulative-effect adjustment recorded to retained deficit upon adoption.

Topic 842 provides several optional practical expedients in transition. The Company elected to use the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance, which allows the Company not to reassess its prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs for any leases that existed prior to January 1, 2022. The Company did not elect to use the other practical expedients provided.

Upon adoption, the Company recognized the right-of-use asset and operating lease liability totaling $934,584 and $1,031,067, respectively, to reflect the present value of remaining lease payments under an existing lease arrangement with no impact to the opening balance of retained deficit as a result of adoption. The difference between the leased asset and lease liability represents the existing deferred rent liability balance, resulting from historical straight-lining of an operating lease, which was effectively reclassified upon adoption to reduce the measurement of the leased asset. Results for reporting periods beginning January 1, 2022 are presented under ASC 842. For more information on the impact of adoption and the disclosures required by the new standard, refer to Note 6, Commitments and Contingencies.

In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020 06 —Debt – Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470 20) and Derivatives and Hedging – Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815 40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity("ASU 2020-06"). This ASU simplifies the accounting for convertible debt instruments and convertible preferred stock by removing the existing guidance in ASC 470-20, that requires entities to account for beneficial conversion features and cash conversion features in equity, separately from the host convertible debt or preferred stock. The amendments in ASU 2020-06 further revise the guidance in ASC 260, Earnings Per Share, to require entities to calculate diluted earnings per share (EPS) for convertible instruments by using the if converted method. In addition, entities must presume share settlement for purposes of calculating diluted EPS when an instrument may be settled in cash or shares. The standard is effective for the Company on January 1, 2024 and should be applied on a full or modified retrospective basis, with early adoption permitted beginning on January 1, 2021. The Company adopted ASU 2020-06 effective January 1, 2022. The adoption of ASU 2020-06 did not have an impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09 —Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. The ASU requires that an entity disclose specific categories in the effective tax rate reconciliation as well as reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold. Further, the ASU requires additional disclosures on income tax expense and taxes paid, net of refunds received, by jurisdiction. The new standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024 on a prospective basis with the option to apply it retrospectively. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance will result in the Company being required to include enhanced income tax related disclosures. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.

Management does not believe that any other recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting standards, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

NOTE 3. REVERSE RECAPITALIZATION

On January 31, 2023, upon the consummation of the Business Combination, all holders of 10,782,091 issued and outstanding shares of Legacy Nuburu common stock and 40,392,723 issued and outstanding shares of Legacy Nuburu preferred stock received shares of Nuburu common stock at a deemed value of $10.00 per share after giving effect to the exchange ratios set forth below (the “Exchange Ratios”):

This resulted in 31,323,904 shares of Nuburu Common Stock issued and outstanding as of the Closing and all holders of 7,132,467 issued and outstanding Legacy Nuburu equity awards received Nuburu equity awards covering 3,675,976 shares of Nuburu Common Stock at a deemed value of $10.00 per share after giving effect to the Exchange Ratios, based on the following events contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement:

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the cancellation and conversion of all 40,392,723 issued and outstanding shares of Legacy Nuburu preferred stock into 23,237,703 shares of Nuburu Common Stock at the conversion rate as calculated pursuant to Legacy Nuburu's Certificate of Incorporation, multiplied by the Exchange Ratios at the date and time the Business Combination became effective (“Effective Time”);

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the cancellation and conversion of all 10,782,091 issued and outstanding shares of Legacy Nuburu common stock into 5,556,857 shares of Nuburu Common Stock as adjusted by the Exchange Ratios;

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the net exercise of all 4,000,000 outstanding warrants to purchase shares of Legacy Nuburu common stock immediately prior to the Effective Time in accordance with its terms and subsequent conversion into 1,167,557 shares of Nuburu Common Stock at the Effective Time;

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the cancellation and conversion of all Legacy Nuburu Convertible Notes into shares of Legacy Nuburu common stock in accordance with its terms as of immediately prior to the Effective Time, which 2,642,239 shares were then outstanding as Legacy Nuburu common stock as of immediately prior to the Effective Time and subsequently converted into 1,361,787 shares of Nuburu Common Stock and 1,361,787 shares of Nuburu Series A preferred stock at the Effective Time; and

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the cancellation and exchange of all 6,079,467 granted and outstanding vested and unvested Legacy Nuburu options, which became 3,133,270 Nuburu options exercisable for shares of Nuburu Common Stock with the same terms and vesting conditions except for a number of shares exercisable and the exercise price, each of which was adjusted by the Exchange Ratio; and

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the cancellation and exchange of all 1,053,000 granted and outstanding vested and unvested Legacy Nuburu RSUs, which became 542,706 Nuburu RSUs for shares of Nuburu Common Stock with the same terms and vesting conditions except for the number of shares, which was adjusted by the Legacy Nuburu common stock Exchange Ratio.

The other related events that occurred in connection with the Closing are summarized below:

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Tailwind and the Tailwind Sponsor entered into a letter agreement (the “Sponsor Support and Forfeiture Agreement”), dated as of August 5, 2022 (as amended by the Amended and Restated Sponsor Support and Forfeiture Agreement, dated January 31, 2023). In connection with the Business Combination, the 8,355,393 Tailwind Sponsor Class B shares were forfeited other than 1,150,000 shares of Common Stock (of which,150,000 shares were transferred to Nautilus Maser Fund, L.P. and 50,000 shares were transferred to Cohen & Company Capital Markets at Closing) and 650,000 shares of Series A preferred stock. Additionally, upon the Closing, the Sponsor cancelled the 9,700,000 Private Placement Warrants that were held by the Sponsor.

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Tailwind, Legacy Nuburu and Lincoln Park entered into a purchase agreement pursuant to which Nuburu may direct Lincoln Park to purchase up to $100 million of Common Stock from time to time over a 48-month period, subject to certain limitations contained in the Lincoln Park Purchase Agreement. At the Closing, Nuburu issued 200,000 shares of Nuburu Common Stock to Lincoln Park.

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Legacy Nuburu entered into an engagement letter with Anzu Partners on August 30, 2022 (the “Services Agreement”) relating to this arrangement pursuant to which Legacy Nuburu, in recognition of past Services, (i) agreed to pay $500,000 to Anzu Partners upon the closing of the Business Combination and (ii) issued a warrant with a strike price of $0.01 per share to Anzu Partners for 500,000 shares of Preferred Stock (the “Anzu Partners Warrant”). This warrant was exercised by Anzu Partners in connection with the Closing.

After giving effect to the Business Combination as described above, the number of shares of Common Stock and Series A preferred stock issued and outstanding immediately following the consummation of the Business Combination was as follows:

(1) Excludes 3,675,976 shares of Common Stock as of the Closing of the Business Combination to be reserved for potential future issuance upon the exercise of Nuburu options or settlement of Nuburu RSUs.

(2) Excludes 16,710,785 Public Warrants issued and outstanding as of the Closing of the Business Combination.

The Business Combination is accounted for as a reverse recapitalization in accordance with GAAP because Legacy Nuburu has been determined to be the accounting acquirer. Under this method of accounting, Tailwind, which is the legal acquirer, is treated as the accounting acquiree for financial reporting purposes and Legacy Nuburu, which is the legal acquiree, is treated as the accounting acquirer. Accordingly, the consolidated assets, liabilities and results of operations of Legacy Nuburu have become the historical financial statements of Nuburu, and Tailwind’s assets, liabilities and results of operations have been consolidated with Legacy Nuburu’s beginning on the acquisition date. For accounting purposes, the financial statements of Nuburu represent a continuation of the financial statements of Legacy Nuburu with the Business Combination being treated as the equivalent of Legacy Nuburu issuing stock for the net assets of Tailwind, accompanied by a recapitalization. The net assets of Tailwind are stated at historical costs and no goodwill or other intangible assets have been recorded. Operations prior to the Business Combination will be presented as those of Legacy Nuburu in future reports of Nuburu.

Legacy Nuburu was determined to be the accounting acquirer based on evaluation of the following facts and circumstances:

•

Legacy Nuburu stockholders comprise a majority of the voting power of Nuburu;

•

The Nuburu board of directors consists only of members of the Legacy Nuburu board of directors or nominees selected by Legacy Nuburu;

•

Legacy Nuburu’s operations prior to the acquisition comprise the only ongoing operations of Nuburu;

•

Legacy Nuburu’s senior management comprises the senior management of Nuburu;

•

Nuburu has assumed the Legacy Nuburu name; and

•

Legacy Nuburu’s headquarters have become Nuburu’s headquarters.

All periods prior to the Business Combination have been retrospectively adjusted using the Exchange Ratios for the equivalent number of shares outstanding immediately after the Closing to effect the reverse recapitalization.

In connection with the Closing of the Business Combination, the Company received net proceeds from the Business Combination totaling $3.2 million, prior to deducting transaction and issuance costs. Legacy Nuburu’s total transaction expenses were approximately $3.2 million and Tailwind’s total transaction expenses were approximately $2.5 million after taking into account waivers of costs incurred by Legacy Nuburu and Tailwind.

NOTE 4. BALANCE SHEET COMPONENTS

Inventories, Net

Inventories, net as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 consisted of the following:

During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recorded net adjustments to inventories for LCNRV, obsolescence or scrap of approximately $640,000 to the statement of operations, primarily related to fully reserving inventory related to the Company's AO series as it shifted focus to producing the newer BLTM series, offset by scrap adjustments. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recorded net credits for LCNRV, obsolescence or scrap of approximately $250,000 to the statement of operations, primarily due to reversals of LCNRV adjustments on items that were sold.

Property and Equipment, Net

Property and equipment, net as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 consisted of the following:

Depreciation and amortization expense related to property and equipment was $505,898 and $450,505 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

Prepaid expenses and other current assets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 consisted of the following:

Accrued Expenses

Accrued expensesas of December 31, 2023 and 2022 consisted of the following:

NOTE 5. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The Company’s financial instruments that are carried at fair value consists of Level 1 and Level 3 assets and liabilities. Level 1 assets include highly liquid bank deposits and money market funds, which were not material as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. Level 1 liabilities include the Public Warrants and are classified as Level 1 due to the use of an observable market quote in an active market. The Company measured the fair value of the Public Warrants on the date of the Closing of the Business Combination based on the close price of the Public Warrant. During the year ended December 31, 2023, no warrants were exercised. Level 3 liabilities include the Junior Note Warrants (as defined in Note 8) and are classified as Level 3 due to the use of unobservable inputs in the valuation of the liability, as further described in Note 10.

The gains and losses from re-measurement of Level 1 financial liabilities are recorded as part of other (expense) income, net in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recorded a gain of$1,766,513, related to the change in fair value of the Public Warrants and Junior Note Warrants from the Closing to the end of the period. Refer to Note 10 for more information on the warrants issued by the Company during the periods presented. There were no transfers between Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 in any periods presented.

The following table sets forth the fair value of the Company’s financial liabilities by level within the fair value hierarchy:

(1) The Public Warrants are a Level 1 fair value measurement, as noted further below and in Note 10 of these consolidated financial statements.

Level 1 Financial Liabilities

The following table sets forth a summary of the changes in fair value of the Company's Level 1 financial liabilities.

On December 12, 2023, the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) notified the Company, and publicly announced, that the NYSE had determined to (a) commence proceedings to delist the Company’s warrants, each whole warrant exercisable to purchase one share of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, at a price of $11.50 per share, and listed to trade on the NYSE under the symbol “BURU.WS”, and (b) immediately suspend trading in the Warrants due to “abnormally low” trading price levels. As such, the Public Warrants were determined to haveno value as of December 31, 2023.

Level 3 Financial Liabilities

The following table sets forth a summary of the changes in fair value of the Company's Level 3 financial liabilities.

NOTE 6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Operating Lease

The Company leases and occupies approximately 27,900 square feet of office space in Centennial, Colorado under a noncancelable operating lease agreement. The original term of the lease was set to expire in December 2024, however, in November 2023, the Company elected to extend the lease through June 2025. In recognition of the ROU asset and the related lease liability as of December 31, 2023, any further options to extend the lease term have not been included as the Company was not reasonably certain to exercise any such option.

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the weighted-average remaining lease term was 1.5 years and 2.0 years, respectively, and the weighted-average discount rate used was 7.0% and 5.5%, respectively.

During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company recognized the following lease costs arising from the lease transaction:

As of December 31, 2023, the future payments and interest expense for the operating lease are as follows:

In the normal course of business, the Company may become involved in legal proceedings. The Company will accrue a liability for legal proceedings when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Significant judgment is required to determine both probability and the estimated amount. When only a range of possible loss can be established, the most probable amount in the range is accrued. If no amount within this range is a better estimate than any other amount within the range, the minimum amount in the range is accrued. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company was not involved in any material legal proceedings.

Purchase Commitments

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had $602,335 and $657,112 in outstanding firm purchase commitments to acquire inventory and research and development parts from suppliers for the Company's ongoing operations.

NOTE 7. REVENUE

The Company’s primary revenue-generating activity involves sales of high-powered lasers and related installation services. The Company has sales to customers throughout the U.S., Europe, and Asia. All sales are settled in U.S. dollars.

The following table presents revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by geography:

The following table presents revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by the timing of revenue recognition:

Contract liabilities consist of customer deposits that are applied to invoices as the performance obligation is performed. Accounts receivable and contract liabilities as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:

During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company recognized $32,500 and $1,800 of revenue that was included in the contract liabilities balance at the beginning of the reporting period, respectively.

NOTE 8. NOTES AND CONVERTIBLE NOTES PAYABLE

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company's outstanding debt consisted of the following. Please refer to the remainder of this footnote for more information on the debt issued during the periods presented.

Junior Notes Issued November 2023

On November 13, 2023, the Company entered into Note and Warrant Purchase Agreements (the "Junior Note Purchase Agreements") with the lenders identified therein (the "Lenders") providing for (i) zero-interest promissory notes, issued with a 10% original issue discount, in the aggregate principal amount of $5,500,000 (the "Junior Notes"), and (ii) warrants ("Junior Note Warrants," refer to Note 10, Warrants), exercisable for an amount of the Company's common stock equal to 100% principle amount of the Junior Notes (limited to an aggregate of 19.9% of the Company's outstanding common stock until such time as the transaction is approved by the Company's stockholders), which will be exercisable for $0.25 per share of the Company's common stock. The Company intends to use the net proceeds (after deducting the original issue discount of $500,000 and offering expenses of $691,399) from the Junior Note Purchase Agreements for general corporate purposes.

The Junior Notes are junior and secured by the Company's patent portfolio pursuant to a security agreement among the parties (the "Security Agreement"). The Junior Notes will mature on the earlier of: (i) the Company closing a credit facility in principal amount of at least $20 million, (ii) a Sale Event (as defined in the Junior Note Purchase Agreements), or (iii)twelve months after issuance. The Junior Notes contain customary events of default. If the Junior Notes have not been repaid within six or nine months after issuance, the Junior Notes will begin to bear interest at the SOFR rate plus 9% and at the SOFR rate plus 12%, respectively, and an additional 25% warrant coverage will be provided at each such date, with a per share exercise price equal to 120% of the trading price of the Company's common stock at the time of issuance and a redemption right in favor of the Company when the trading price of the common stock is greater than 200% of the applicable exercise price for 20 out of any 30 consecutive trading days. Shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Junior Note Warrants will be limited to an aggregate of 19.9% of the Company's outstanding common stock until such time as the transaction is approved by the Company's stockholders.

Refer to Note 10 for the Company's accounting for the Junior Note Warrants. As a result of that accounting, the Notes contain the original issue discount of $500,000 as well as the discount associated with the Junior Note Warrant liability of$2,668,169. The discount will be amortized over the term of the Junior Notes in accordance with FASB ASC 835 -Interest.

The table below summarizes the issuance of the Junior Notes and Junior Note Warrants to related parties:

(1)David Seldin was a member of the Legacy Nuburu board of directors and at the time of the issuance was the sole manager of Anzu Nuburu LLC, Anzu Nuburu II LLC, Anzu Nuburu III LLC and Anzu Nuburu V LLC (the "Anzu SPVs"), which at that time owned more than 5% of Legacy Nuburu’s capital stock.

(2) Ron Nicol, manager of Eunomia, LP, is the Executive Chairman of the Company’s board of directors.

(3) David Michael, an affiliate of CST Global LLC, was a member of the Legacy Nuburu board of directors.

Senior Convertible Notes Issued June 2023

On June 12, 2023 and June 16, 2023, the Company entered into Note and Warrant Purchase Agreements (the “Senior Convertible Note Purchase Agreements”) primarily with certain investors including existing investors (each, an “Investor”) for the sale of (i) convertible promissory notes (“Senior Convertible Notes”) in the aggregate principal amount of $9,225,000, and (ii) warrants (“Senior Note Warrants," refer to Note 10, Warrants) topurchase up to 11,518,895 shares of the Company’s common stock from the June 12, 2023 Purchase Agreement and up to 1,889,535 shares of Common Stock from the June 16, 2023 Purchase Agreement. The Company intends to use the net proceeds (after deducting offering expenses of $160,345) from the Senior Convertible Note Purchase Agreements for general corporate purposes.

The Senior Convertible Notes are senior, secured obligations of the Company, which became secured by the Company's patent portfolio per the Security Agreement as of November 2023, bear interest at the rate of 7.0% per annum, and are payable on the earlier of June 23, 2026 or the occurrence of an Event of Default, as defined in the Senior Convertible Notes. The Senior Convertible Notes are senior to the Junior Notes pursuant to an intercreditor agreement between the parties. The Senior Convertible Notes may be converted at any time following June 23, 2023 prior to the payment in full of the principal amount of the Senior Convertible Notes at the Investor’s option. In the event of the Sale of the Company (as defined in the Senior Convertible Notes), the outstanding principal amount of each Senior Convertible Note, plus all accrued and unpaid interest not otherwise converted into equity securities pursuant to the terms of the Senior Convertible Notes, shall (i) if the Investor so elects, be converted into equity securities pursuant to the terms of the Senior Convertible Notes at a price equal to $0.688 per share (subject to appropriate adjustment from time to time for any stock dividend, stock split, combination of shares, reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification or other similar event), or (ii) be due and payable immediately prior to the closing of such Sale of the Company, together with a premium equal to 150% of the principal amount to be prepaid.

The table below summarizes the sale of the Senior Convertible Notes and Senior Note Warrants to related parties:

(1) Thomas J. Wilson, an affiliate of Wilson-Garling 2023 Family Trust, was a member of the Legacy Nuburu board of directors.

(2) David Seldin was a member of the Legacy Nuburu board of directors and at the time of the issuance was the sole manager of Anzu Nuburu LLC, Anzu Nuburu II LLC, Anzu Nuburu III LLC and Anzu Nuburu V LLC (the "Anzu SPVs"), which at that time owned more than 5% of Legacy Nuburu’s capital stock.

(3) Ron Nicol, manager of Eunomia, LP, is the Executive Chairman of the Company’s board of directors.

(4) David Michael, an affiliate of CST Global LLC, was a member of the Legacy Nuburu board of directors.

(5) Curtis Maas, an affiliate of the Curtis N Maas Revocable Trust, was a member of the Legacy Nuburu board of directors.

Legacy Nuburu Convertible Notes

Over the course of multiple closings in March, August and December 2022 and January 2023, Legacy Nuburu issued and sold Legacy Convertible Notes payable to various investors with aggregate gross proceeds of $11,400,000. The Legacy Convertible Notes accrued interest at a rate of 8% per annum. The outstanding principal amount and all accrued and unpaid interest on the Legacy Convertible Notes (the “Conversion Amount”), immediately prior to the consummation of the Business Combination, automatically converted into 2,642,239 shares of Legacy Nuburu common stock that, upon consummation of the Business Combination, entitled the holders of the Legacy Convertible Notes to receive 1,361,787 shares of Common Stock, which was equal to (x) the Conversion Amount divided by (y) $8.50.

The table below summarizes the sale of the Legacy Convertible Notes to related parties:

(1) Thomas J. Wilson, an affiliate of W-G Investments LLC, was a member of the Legacy Nuburu board of directors.

(2) David Seldin was a member of the Legacy Nuburu board of directors and at the time of the issuance was the sole manager of the Anzu SPVs, which at that time owned more than 5% of Legacy Nuburu’s capital stock.

(3) Ron Nicol is the Chairman of the Company’s board of directors and was a member of the Legacy Nuburu board of directors.

(4) David Michael, an affiliate of CST Global LLC, was a member of the Legacy Nuburu board of directors.

(5) Curtis Maas, an affiliate of the Curtis N Maas Revocable Trust, was a member of the Legacy Nuburu board of directors.

(6) Ake Almgren resigned as a member of the Company's board of directors effective as of May 19, 2023.

NOTE 9. CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK

Legacy Nuburu Preferred Stock Financing

In multiple closings in December 2021 and January 2022, Legacy Nuburu sold an aggregate of 1,166,372 shares of Legacy Nuburu Series C Preferred Stock, at a purchase price of $5.00 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $5.8 million.

Series A Preferred Stock

Ranking

The Company’s Preferred Stock ranks senior to the Company’s Common Stock with respect to rights on the distribution of assets on any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Company.

Dividends

Holders of the Company’s Preferred Stock participate, on an as-converted basis (without regard to any conversion limitations) in all dividends paid to the holders of the Company’s Common Stock.

Conversion Rights

The Preferred Stock is convertible at any time into Common Stock at a conversion rate equal to $10.00 (subject to equitable adjustment in the event of a stock split, stock consolidation, subdivision or certain other events of a similar nature that increase or decrease the number of shares of Preferred Stock outstanding (the “Original Issuance Price”)) divided by the lesser of (i) $11.50 and (ii) the greater of (x)115% of the lowest volume-weighted average price per share of the Company’s Common Stock as displayed under the heading Bloomberg VWAP (the “VWAP”) for any consecutive ninety-trading day period prior to the calculation of such VWAP and (y) $5.00, in each case subject to adjustment as set forth in the Certificate of Designations (the “Conversion Price”).

Any conversion will be settled only in shares of Common Stock; provided, that, upon any conversion that would result in the holders beneficially owning greater than 9.99% of the Company’s voting stock outstanding as of the conversion date or any individual holder beneficially owning Common Stock in excess of the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that could be issued to the holder without triggering a change of control under the applicable stock exchange listing rules, the excess, if any, of the conversion consideration otherwise payable upon such conversion shall be paid in cash, based on an amount per share of Common Stock equal to the last reported price per share of the Common Stock on the trading day immediately preceding the conversion date.

Mandatory Conversion

If the VWAP is greater than 200% of the Conversion Price for any 20 trading days in a 30-day trading day period, the Company may elect to convert all, but not less than all, of the Preferred Stock then outstanding into the Company’s Common Stock at a conversion rate with respect to each share of Preferred Stock equal to the Original Issuance Price as of the date of such conversion divided by the then applicable Conversion Price.

Voting Rights

The holders of Preferred Stock are not entitled to vote at or receive notice of any meeting of stockholders, except the holders of Preferred Stock are entitled to certain consent rights on matters related to (i) the creation or authorization of the creation of any equity or debt securities of the Company that rank senior or equal to certain rights of the Preferred Stock and (ii) the authorization of any adverse change to the powers, preferences, or special rights of the Preferred Stock set forth in the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, and shall have voting rights as required by law.

Redemption

On the second anniversary of the Closing Date, or January 31, 2025 (the “Test Date”), the Company is obligated to redeem the maximum portion of the Preferred Stock permitted by law in cash at an amount equal to the Original Issuance Price as of such date if the Conversion Price exceeds the VWAP. If, on the Test Date, the Conversion Price is equal to or less than the VWAP, the Company must convert all shares of Preferred Stock then outstanding into shares of the Company’s Common Stock at the then applicable Conversion Price. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not be required to redeem any shares of Preferred Stock to the extent the Company does not have legally available funds to effect such redemption. The mandatory redemption and conversion provisions described herein are further subject to certain limitations detailed in the Certificate of Designations.

Series A Preferred Stock Issuances

The Company is authorized to issue 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock with a par value of $0.0001 per share with such designation, rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by the Company’s board of directors. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were 2,388,905 and 23,237,703 shares of preferred stock issued or outstanding, respectively.

Upon the Closing of the Business Combination, all 23,237,703 shares of issued and outstanding convertible preferred stock were cancelled and converted into 23,237,703 shares of Legacy Nuburu common stock based upon the conversion rate as calculated pursuant to Legacy Nuburu's Certificate of Incorporation, multiplied by the Exchange Ratios at the Effective Time.

Additionally, upon the Closing of the Business Combination, the cancellation and conversion of all Legacy Nuburu Convertible Notes into shares of Legacy Nuburu common stock in accordance with its terms as of immediately prior to the Effective Time resulted in the issuance of 2,642,239 shares which were then outstanding as Legacy Nuburu common stock as of immediately prior to the Effective Time and subsequently converted into 1,361,787 shares of Nuburu Common Stock and 1,361,787 shares of Nuburu Series A preferred stock at the Effective Time.

As of the Closing, each Legacy Nuburu stockholder waived its right to participate in the Preferred Stock Issuance (for clarity, excluding any shares received as a result of the conversion of any Legacy Convertible Notes prior to the Closing, which were entitled to participate in the Preferred Stock Issuance). Legacy Nuburu stockholders were entitled to receive approximately 99% of the Common Stock issued as merger consideration pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement agreed to waive such right by entering into the Stockholder Support Agreement (for clarity, excluding any shares received as a result of the conversion of any Legacy Convertible Notes). Those Legacy Nuburu stockholders who did not waive their right to participate resulted in the issuance of 15,478 shares of Nuburu Series A preferred stock at the Effective Time.

Each Tailwind stockholder who did not redeem their shares received a share of Nuburu Series A preferred stock. This resulted in the issuance of 316,188 shares of Nuburu Series A preferred stock to those non-redeeming stockholders.

Tailwind and the Tailwind Sponsor entered into the Sponsor Support and Forfeiture Agreement. In connection with the Business Combination, the 8,355,393 Founder Shares were forfeited other than 1,150,000 shares of Common Stock (of which,150,000 shares were transferred to Nautilus Maser Fund, L.P. and 50,000 shares were transferred to Cohen & Company Capital Markets at Closing) and 650,000 shares of Series A preferred stock.

Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Professional Corporation (“WSGR”) was engaged by Legacy Nuburu to act as its counsel for the Business Combination. As partial compensation for the services provided by WSGR to Legacy Nuburu in connection with the Business Combination, the Company agreed to issue to WSGR 195,452 shares of Common Stock and 195,452 shares of Preferred Stock pursuant to the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement entered into by and between the Company and WSGR on March 10, 2023. The foregoing issuance was made in a transaction not involving a public offering pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act in reliance upon Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act or Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act.

Legacy Nuburu entered into an engagement letter with Anzu Partners on August 30, 2022 pursuant to which Legacy Nuburu, in recognition of past Services, (i) agreed to pay $500,000 to Anzu Partners upon the closing of the Business Combination and (ii) issued a warrant with a strike price of $0.01 per share to Anzu Partners for 500,000 shares of Preferred Stock (the “Anzu Partners Warrant”). This warrant was exercised by Anzu Partners in connection with the Closing and the $500,000 payment was made during the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

Conversions

In November 2023, a holder of Series A Preferred Stock converted 650,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock to 1,300,000 share of Common Stock under the terms described under "Conversion Rights" above.

NOTE 10. WARRANTS

Liability Classified Warrants

November 2023 Junior Note Warrants

In connection with the Junior Notes discussed in Note 8 -Notes and Convertible Notes Payable the Company issued the Junior Note Warrants to purchase up to 22,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock. The Junior Note Warrants currently outstanding have an exercise price equal to $0.25 per share and expire on December 6, 2028. The Junior Note Purchase Agreements also provide for additional warrants to be issued if the Junior Notes remain outstanding for certain periods of time: (i) if the Junior Notes have not been repaid six months after issuance, additional warrants will be issued to each Lender in an amount equal to the principal amount of the Note multiplied by 25%, and such quotient divided by a per share cash exercise price equal to 120% of the Volume Weighted Average Price ("VWAP") of the Company's Common Stock during theten trading days immediately prior to issuance and (ii) if the Junior Notes have not been repaid nine months after issuance, additional warrants will be issued to each Lender in an amount equal to the principal amount of the Note multiplied by 25%, and such quotient divided by a per share cash exercise price equal to 120% of the VWAP of the Company's Common Stock during theten trading days immediately prior to issuance.

Based on the terms of the Junior Note Purchase Agreements, the Junior Note Warrants were evaluated under FASB ASC 815-40- Derivatives and Hedging-Contracts in Entity's Own Equity ("ASC 815-40") and the Company concluded they did not initially meet the criteria to be classified in stockholders' equity (deficit). Specifically, there were contingent exercise provisions and settlement provisions that existed, as described above, where the number of shares available under the Junior Note Warrants may be adjusted. Because the number of outstanding common shares was not a fair value input to a fixed-for-fixed model, the Junior Note Warrants are treated as liabilities and are remeasured at each reporting date. The proceeds of $5,500,000 were allocated first to the Junior Note Warrant liability at fair value and then to the Junior Notes. The Company further determined that the Junior Warrant liability meets the criteria to be accounted for as a bifurcated derivative due to the significant discount it creates on the Junior Notes. The aggregate fair value of the Junior Note Warrants of$2,668,169 was estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation based approach, a Level 3 valuation. The significant inputs to the calculation of the fair value of the Junior Note Warrant liability were as follows:

Public Warrants

In connection with the closing of the Business Combination, Nuburu assumed the 16,710,785 Public Warrants outstanding on the date of Closing. As of December 31, 2023, all 16,710,785 Public Warrants remain outstanding. However, on December 12, 2023, the NYSE notified the Company and publicly announced that the NYSE had determined to (a) commence proceedings to delist the Company’s warrants, each whole warrant exercisable to purchase one share of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, at a price of $11.50 per share, and listed to trade on the NYSE under the symbol “BURU WS”, and (b) immediately suspend trading in the Warrants due to “abnormally low” trading price levels. As such, the Public Warrants were determined to have no value in the financial statements as of December 31, 2023.

Each whole warrant entitles the registered holder to purchase one share of Common Stock at a price of $11.50 per share, subject to adjustment as discussed below, at any time commencing 30 days after the completion of the Business Combination. Pursuant to the Warrant Agreement, a warrant holder may exercise its warrants only for a whole number of shares of Common Stock. The warrants will expire five years after the completion of the Business Combination, at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, or earlier upon redemption or liquidation.

Redemptions of warrants when the price of Common Stock equals or exceeds $18.00 — Once the Public Warrants become exercisable, the Company may redeem the Public Warrants:

•

in whole and not in part;

•

at a price of $0.01 per warrant;

•

upon not less than 30 days’ prior written notice of redemption to each warrant holder; and

•

if, and only if, the closing price of the Common Stock equals or exceeds $18.00 per share for any 20 trading days within a 30-trading day period ending three trading days before the Company sends the notice of redemption to the warrant holders.

If and when the Public Warrants become redeemable by the Company, it may exercise its redemption right even if the Company is unable to register or qualify the underlying securities for sale under all applicable state securities laws.

Redemption of warrants when the price per share of Common Stock equals or exceeds $10.00 — Once the Public Warrants become exercisable, the Company may redeem the Public Warrants:

•

in whole and not in part;

•

at $0.10 per warrant upon a minimum of 30 days’ prior written notice of redemption provided that holders will be able to exercise their warrants on a cashless basis prior to redemption and receive that number of shares based on the redemption date and the fair market value of the Common Stock;

•

if, and only if, the last reported sale price of the Common Stock equals or exceeds $10.00 per share (as adjusted per stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, reclassifications, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within the 30-trading day period ending three trading days before the Company sends the notice of redemption to the warrant holders; and

•

if the closing price of the Common Stock for any 20 trading days within a 30-trading day period ending on the third trading day prior to the date on which the Company sends the notice of redemption to the warrant holders is less than $18.00 per share, the Private Placement Warrants must also be concurrently called for redemption on the same terms as the outstanding Public Warrants, as described above.

Equity Classified Warrants

June 2023 Senior Note Warrants

In connection with the Senior Convertible Notes discussed in Note 8 -Notes and Convertible Notes Payable, the Company issued the Senior Note Warrants to purchase up to 11,518,895 shares of the Company's common stock pursuant to the June 12, 2023 Purchase Agreement and 1,889,535 shares of Common Stock pursuant to the June 16, 2023 Purchase Agreement. The Senior Note Warrants have an exercise price equal to $1.03 per share and expire on June 23, 2028.

As the Senior Note Warrants were part of a bundled transaction, the gross proceeds from the Private Placement of $9,225,000 were allocated to the Senior Convertible Notes and the Senior Note Warrants based on their respective relative fair value upon issuance. The aggregate fair value of the Senior Note Warrants of $3,401,366 was estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:

NOTE 11. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

As of December 31, 2023, the Company had an active stock-based incentive compensation plan and an employee stock purchase plan: the 2022 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2022 Plan”) and the 2022 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”). All new equity compensation grants are issued under these two plans; however, outstanding awards previously issued under inactive plans will continue to vest and remain exercisable in accordance with the terms of the respective plans.

The 2022 Plan provides for the grant of stock and stock-based awards including stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance awards, and stock appreciation rights. As of December 31, 2023, there are 4.1 million shares available for grant under the 2022 Plan and 0.4 million shares available for grant under the ESPP.

Stock-Based Compensation Expense

Total stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations is classified as follows:

The Company’s stock-based compensation expense is based on the value of the portion of stock-based payment awards that are ultimately expected to vest. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, stock-based compensation relating to stock-based awards granted to consultants was $458,174 and $961,040, respectively.

Restricted Stock Units

The Company grants Restricted Stock Units ("RSUs") to its employees for their services with a liquidity event requirement. The RSUs granted to employees vest over a period of time from the grant date and are subject to the participants continuing service to the Company over the period. The following table shows a summary of the Company's RSUs outstanding as of December 31, 2023 as well as activity the year then ended:

The weighted average grant date fair value of RSUs granted to employees and consultants was $1.92 and $6.11 per share for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The total grant date fair value of RSUs awarded was $1,709,217 and $3,316,950 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The total grant date fair value of RSUs vested was $1,730,895 andnil for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

As of December 31, 2023, total unrecognized stock-based compensation costs related to RSUs was $2,624,464, which is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted average period of 1.6 years. As of December 31, 2023, all of the RSUs are expected to vest.

Stock Options

The Company's outstanding stock options generally expire 10 years from the date of grant and are exercisable when the options vest, generally over four years, the majority of which vest at a rate of 25% on the first anniversary of the grant date, with the remainder vesting ratably each month over the next three years. A summary of stock option activity is as follows:

The weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted to employees and consultants was $0.48 and $1.44 per share for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Aggregate intrinsic value represents the difference between the estimated fair value of the underlying Common Stock and the exercise price of outstanding, in-the-money options. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised was $1,040 and $2,319,018 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

As of December 31, 2023, total unrecognized stock-based compensation cost related to stock options was $1,871,219, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.3 years.

Determining the appropriate fair value of stock based awards requires the input of subjective assumptions including the fair value of the Company’s Common Stock, the expected life of the option, and expected stock price volatility. The Company used the Black Scholes option pricing model to value its stock option awards.

The Company estimates the fair value of the options utilizing the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which is dependent upon several variables, including expected option term, expected volatility of the Company’s share price over the expected term, expected risk-free interest rate over the expected option term, and expected dividend yield rate over the expected option term, and actual forfeiture rates. A summary of the assumptions the Company utilized for option grants during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, are as follows:

NOTE 12. INCOME TAXES

Due to its current operating losses, the Company recorded zero income tax expense during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. During these periods, the Company’s activities were limited to U.S. federal and state tax jurisdictions, as it does not have any significant foreign operations.

A summary of the sources of differences between income taxes at the federal statutory rate and the provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, is as follows:

Significant components of the Company's deferred income tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

Effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2021, taxpayers are required to capitalize any expenses incurred that are considered incidental to research and experimentation ("R&E") activities under IRC Section 174. While taxpayers historically had the option of deducting these expenses under IRC Section 174, the December 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act mandates capitalization and amortization of R&E expenses for tax years beginning after December 31, 2021. Expenses incurred in connection with R&E activities in the US must be amortized over a 5-year period if incurred, and R&E expenses incurred outside the US must be amortized over a 15-year period. R&E activities are broader in scope than qualified research activities that are considered under IRC Section 41 (relating to the research tax credit). For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company performed an analysis based on available guidance and determined that it will continue to be in a loss position even after the required capitalization and amortization of its R&E expenses. The Company will continue to monitor this issue for future developments, but it does not expect R&E capitalization and amortization to require it to pay cash taxes now or in the near future. Also effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2021, companies are subject to further limitations on the tax deductibility of interest expense, which becomes limited to approximately 30% of adjusted earnings before interest and income tax expense. Interest expense that is limited for tax purposes may be carried forward indefinitely.

Due to the Company’s history of cumulative losses and after considering all the available objective evidence, management concluded that it is not more likely than not that all of the Company’s net deferred tax assets will be realized in the future. Accordingly, the Company’s deferred tax assets, which include net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards and tax credits related primarily to research and development, continue to be subject to a valuation allowance as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. The Company expects to continue to maintain a full valuation allowance until there is sufficient evidence to support recoverability of its deferred tax assets.

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had approximately $56 million and $42 million, respectively, of unused federal net operating losses and approximately $30 million and $29 million, respectively, of unused state net operating loss carryforwards, that may be applied against future federal and state taxable income. If not utilized, the Company has approximately $1.3 million of federal and $1.3 million of state carryforwards as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, that expire in the year 2035 through 2037 with the remainder having an indefinite carryforward yet being subject to 80% limitation as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. In addition, the Company had federal research credit carryforwards as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 of approximately $1.6 million and $1.2 million, respectively, of which will expire in the year 2035 through 2043, if not utilized.

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company has determined that it is more likely than not that the Company will not recognize the future tax benefit of the loss carryforwards and the capital losses, and has recognized a valuation allowance of approximately $19.2 million and $14.5 million, respectively. The valuation allowance increased by approximately $5.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2023.

Utilization of the NOL carryforwards and credits may be subject to a substantial annual limitation due to the ownership change limitations provided by Section 382 and Section 383 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and similar state provisions. Generally, in addition to certain entity reorganizations, the limitation applies when one or more "5-percent stockholders" increase their ownership, in the aggregate, by more than 50 percentage points over a 36-month time period testing period, or beginning the day after the most recent ownership change, if shorter. The Company has determined that a Section 382 change in ownership occurred during the year ended December 31, 2023. As a result of this change in ownership, we expect that certain of the Company's NOLs may not be utilized in the future to offset future taxable income or tax liabilities. The amount of the annual limitation is determined based on the value of the Company immediately prior to the ownership change. However, due to the full valuation allowance recorded as of December 31, 2023, the limitation does not affect the Company's results of operations for the periods presented.

A reconciliation of the federal income tax rate to the Company’s effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 is as follows:

NOTE 13. NET LOSS PER SHARE

Diluted earnings per share ("EPS") includes the dilutive effect of Common Stock equivalents and is computed using the weighted-average number of Common Stock and Common Stock equivalents outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted EPS during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 excluded Common Stock equivalents because the effect of their inclusion would be anti-dilutive or would decrease the reported loss per share. The following table sets forth securities outstanding that could potentially dilute the calculation of diluted earnings per share:

(1)Assumes that all shares of Series A Preferred Stock are converted into Common Stock at a conversion rate equal to $10.00 divided by $5.00, representing the maximum number of shares issuable to holders of Series A Preferred Stock.

NOTE 14. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On February 22, 2024, the Company held a Special Meeting of Stockholders where stockholders of record as of January 22, 2024 approved proposals to authorize the Company to: (i)effect a reverse stock split of the Company's issued and outstanding Common Stock within a range from 1-for 30 to 1-for-75, with the exact ratio of the reverse stock split to be determined by the Company's board of directors, and (ii) issue up to $50.0 million of securities in one or more non-public offerings, where the maximum discount at which securities may be offered may be equivalent to a discount of up to 30% below the market price of the Company's Common Stock. As of the date of this report, the Company has not effected the reverse stock split.

On April 3, 2024, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “SPA”) with certain accredited investors named therein (the “Investors”) pursuant to which the Investors agreed to purchase from the Company $3,000,000 of newly issued shares (the “Shares”) of the Company’s Common Stock, at a per Share purchase price of $0.125 per Share. This equates to 24,000,000 shares to be issued to the investors.

Pursuant to the SPA, the Company issued to the Investors warrants exercisable for an amount of Common Stock equal to 100% of the Shares, which will be exercisable for $0.1625 per share of Common Stock and have a 5-year term. The Investors will also have the right to nominatetwo out of seven directors for election to the Company’s board of directors.