Gryphon Digital Mining Inc

Akerna’s named executive officers for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 were Jessica Billingsley, Chief Executive Officer, L. Dean Ditto, Chief Financial Officer, David McCullough, Chief Technology Officer and Ray Thompson, Chief Operating Officer.

Summary Compensation Table

The following table sets forth all information concerning the compensation earned, for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 for services rendered to us by persons who served as our named executive officers at the end of December 31, 2023.

Legacy Gryphon Executive Compensation

The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation of the named executive officer for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:

Consulting Agreement with Chang Advisory, Inc.

Mr. Chang serves as Gryphon’s Chief Executive Officer pursuant to a Consulting Agreement between Gryphon and Chang Advisory, Inc. (“Chang Advisory”), effective January 14, 2021. Mr. Chang is the sole owner of Chang Advisory. Under the agreement, Chang Advisory’s base fee was initially CAD $175,000 per year. The agreement provided that the base fee would increase to CAD $300,000 per year upon the closing of either: (i) an equity financing totaling at least CAD $5 million or (ii) a debt and equity financing totaling at least CAD $10 million. This condition was met in March 2021 and, accordingly, the base fee is currently CAD $300,000 per year. Under the agreement, Chang Advisory’s base fee for any year may not be reduced without the written consent of both Chang Advisory and Gryphon, and Chang Advisory is entitled to an annual cash incentive opportunity with a target equal to 100% of Chang Advisory’s base fee for such year. The agreement further provides that Gryphon will pay to Chang Advisory harmonized sales tax on any invoice or other compensation paid to Chang Advisory in the event that Gryphon’s head office becomes located in Canada or in the event that any law or governmental authority requires that such tax be remitted by Chang Advisory in respect of any such compensation.

On the effective date of the agreement, Chang Advisory became entitled to purchase, for USD $0.004 per share, 15.2% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Gryphon as of such date. In the event that Chang Advisory’s engagement with Gryphon terminates by reason of Chang Advisory’s resignation or by reason of a material breach by Chang Advisory of the agreement, or for cause (as defined below), prior to the one-year anniversary of the effective date of the agreement, Gryphon or any other affiliate of Gryphon had the right (but not the obligation) to repurchase (i) 75% of the such shares if such termination occurred within six months of the effective date of the agreement; and (ii) 50% of such shares if such termination occurred after six months and within one year of such effective date, in each case for a price of USD $0.004 per share. Such repurchase right expired on the one-year anniversary of the effective date of the agreement.

In the event that Chang Advisory’s engagement is terminated by Gryphon without cause, is terminated by Chang Advisory for good reason, or in the event that there is a change in control (as defined in the agreement), all unvested equity awards held by Chang Advisory will accelerate vesting and, with respect to any stock options, such options will remain fully exercisable until their original expiry date. In the event of Chang Advisory’s termination for cause or voluntary resignation, all equity awards granted to Chang Advisory that are outstanding on the date of such termination or resignation will continue to vest on the original schedule and any stock options will remain exercisable until the earlier of (i) the expiration date set forth in the applicable stock option agreement; or (ii) the expiration of 6 months measured from the date of such termination or resignation.

The agreement also provides that Chang Advisory will be entitled to receive reimbursement from Gryphon for all reasonable business expenses, and Mr. Chang and his partner and dependents will be eligible to participate in the benefit plans that are available to the executive officers of Gryphon. Under the agreement, Gryphon will indemnify Chang Advisory and Mr. Chang to the fullest extent permitted by law against all costs, charges, awards, legal fees and expenses which Chang Advisory and/or Mr. Chang is/are involved because of its/his/their association with Gryphon, and Gryphon will at all times maintain a Directors and Officers Insurance Policy under which Chang Advisory and Mr. Chang will be insured.

Upon termination of engagement due to the death or disability (as defined in the agreement) of Chang Advisory, Chang Advisory will be entitled to receive: (i) any unpaid annual bonus for the year immediately prior to the year of such termination (in an amount equal to the greater of the bonus percentage accrued by Gryphon or Chang Advisory’s target annual bonus) and (ii) a pro-rated share of Chang Advisory’s target annual bonus for the year of such termination (in an amount equal to the bonus percentage accrued by Gryphon through the last closed accounting month prior to such termination but with such bonus percentage being deemed to be fully accrued if Gryphon is at least on target to attain the appropriate financial targets for such year). In addition, in the case of termination due to disability, Gryphon will continue Chang Advisory’s and/or Mr. Chang’s participation in the benefit plans for so long as he remains disabled as defined under those plans.

Under the agreement, should Gryphon terminate Chang Advisory’s engagement (other than for cause or as a result of Chang Advisory’s death or disability), or in the event Chang Advisory resigns for good reason, or in the event of a termination of Chang Advisory’s engagement whether by Chang Advisory or by Gryphon for any reason other than cause within 6 months of a change in control, then Gryphon will pay to Chang Advisory (i) a termination fee equal to the annual fee; (ii) bonus for any prior year that has been earned but is unpaid (in an amount equal to the greater of the bonus percentage accrued by Gryphon or Chang Advisory’s target annual bonus); and (iii) a pro-rated share of Chang Advisory’s target annual bonus for the year of such termination (in an amount equal to the bonus percentage accrued by Gryphon through the last closed accounting month prior such termination but with such bonus percentage being deemed to be fully accrued if Gryphon is at least on target to attain the appropriate financial targets for such year).

For purposes of the agreement, “cause” means that Chang Advisory or Mr. Chang has engaged in any one of the following: (i) intentional misconduct involving Gryphon or its assets, including, without limitation, material misappropriation of Gryphon’s funds or property; (ii) reckless or willful misconduct in the performance of Chang Advisory’s duties in the event such conduct continues after Gryphon has provided 30 days written notice to Chang Advisory and a reasonable opportunity to cure such misconduct; (iii) conviction of, or plea of nolo contendere to, any felony or misdemeanor involving dishonesty or fraud; (iv) the material violation of any of Gryphon’s policies, including without limitation, Gryphon’s policies on equal engagement opportunity and the prohibition against unlawful harassment; (v) the material breach of any provision of the agreement after 30 days written notice to Chang Advisory of such breach and a reasonable opportunity to cure such breach; or (vi) any other misconduct that has a material adverse effect on the business or reputation of Gryphon after 30 days written notice to Chang Advisory of such breach and a reasonable opportunity to cure the adverse effects of such misconduct.

Executive Employment Agreement with Simeon Salzman

Gryphon and Simeon Salzman are party to an Executive Employment Agreement dated June 19, 2023, the effective date of the employment agreement. Because Mr. Salzman recently joined Gryphon in, his compensation is not disclosed in the 2022 Summary Compensation Table presented above. The employment agreement provides for the terms described in this paragraph. Mr. Salzman will serve as the Chief Financial Officer of Gryphon (and, under certain circumstances, such other position as Gryphon’s Chief Executive Officer may designate), reporting to Gryphon’s Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Salzman will receive a base salary of $200,000 and will be eligible to receive an annual bonus with a target of up to 50% of his then-current base salary. Mr. Salzman will receive a time-based equity grant covering 390,800 Gryphon Shares (the “Equity Grant”), vesting as follows (subject to Mr. Salzman’s continued employment with Gryphon through the relevant vesting date): 1/6 of the Equity Grant will vest upon the 6-month anniversary of the effective date of the employment agreement and the remainder of the Equity Grant will vest in substantially equal quarterly installments commencing with the first quarter following the 6 month anniversary of the effective date of the employment agreement. The vesting of the Equity Grant will be accelerated if Mr. Salzman is continuously employed through of a change in control of Gryphon (excluding a reverse takeover transaction or merger for the purposes of listing Gryphon on a public exchange). Mr. Salzman will be entitled to receive those benefits that are made available to the other similarly situated executive employees of Gryphon, and will be reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. Upon the termination of the employment agreement during the first two full financial reporting quarters of Gryphon by (a) Mr. Salzman for good reason (as defined in the employment agreement) or (b) by Gryphon without cause (as defined in the employment agreement), then, subject to Mr. Salzman’s execution and non- revocation of and compliance with a separation and release agreement in a form provided by Gryphon, Gryphon will pay Mr. Salzman an amount equal to 3 months of his then current base salary. Upon such a termination of the employment agreement following the first two full financial reporting quarters of Gryphon, Gryphon will pay Mr. Salzman an amount equal to (a) 12 months of his then current base salary, plus (b) Mr. Salzman’s then-current annual bonus target.

Outstanding Equity Awards at 2023 Fiscal Year-End

A summary of the number and the value of the outstanding equity awards as of December 31, 2022 held by the named executive officers is set out in the table below.

Pension Benefits

None of our employees participate in or have account balances in qualified or non-qualified defined benefit plans sponsored by us. Our Compensation Committee may elect to adopt qualified or non-qualified benefit plans in the future if it determines that doing so is in our company’s best interest.

Non-qualified Deferred Compensation

None of our employees participate in or have account balances in non-qualified defined contribution plans or other non-qualified deferred compensation plans maintained by us. Our Compensation Committee may elect to provide our officers and other employees with non-qualified defined contribution or other non-qualified compensation benefits in the future if it determines that doing so is in our company’s best interest.

Employee Benefits and Stock Plans

2024 Omnibus Incentive Plan

Set forth below is a summary of the material features of the 2024 Plan, which was adopted in connection with the closing of the Business Combination.

The 2024 Plan provides for the following grants: (a) incentive stock options (within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”)) (“ISO” or “ISOs”); (b) nonstatutory stock options (i.e., options other than ISOs) (“NSO” or “NSOs”), (c) stock appreciation rights (“SAR” or “SARs”), (d) restricted stock grants, (e) restricted stock unit grants (“RSU” or “RSUs”), (f) performance grants, and (g) other grants based in whole or in part by reference to shares that are granted pursuant to the terms and conditions of the 2024 Plan.

Subject to any Capitalization Adjustment (as defined and described below) and the automatic increase (as described later in this paragraph), and any other applicable provisions in the 2024 Plan, the total number of shares reserved and available for issuance pursuant to the 2024 Plan is 5,810,033 shares which was 15% of the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding at the closing of the Business Combination (the “Share Reserve”). The Share Reserve will automatically increase on January 1 st of each year, for a period of not more than ten years, commencing on January 1, 2025 and ending on (and including) January 1, 2033 by the lesser of (a) 3% of the total number of the shares of Common Stock outstanding on December 31 st of the immediately preceding calendar year, and (b) such number of shares determined by the Board.

Following the effective date of the 2024 Plan (the “Plan Effective Date”), any shares subject to an outstanding grant or any portion thereof granted under the 2024 Plan will be returned to the Share Reserve and will be available for issuance in connection with subsequent grants under the 2024 Plan to the extent such shares: (a) are cancelled, forfeited, or settled in cash; (b) are used to pay the exercise price of such outstanding grant or any Tax-Related Items (as defined below) arising in connection with vesting, exercise or settlement of such outstanding grant; (c) are surrendered pursuant to an Exchange Program (as defined below); (d) expire by their terms at any time; or (e) are reacquired by the Company pursuant to a forfeiture provision or repurchase right by the Company (collectively, “Returning Shares”). Shares subject to Substitute Grants (as defined below) will not be deducted from the Share Reserve and may not be returned to the Share Reserve as Returning Shares.

Subject to the provisions relating to Capitalization Adjustments described below, the maximum number of shares that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of ISOs is 5,810,033 shares which was 15% of the total number of shares of common stock outstanding at the closing of the Merger (the “Incentive Stock Option Limit”).

If, after the Plan Effective Date, the number of outstanding shares is changed or the value of the shares is otherwise affected by a stock dividend, extraordinary dividend or distribution (whether in cash, shares or other property, other than a regular cash dividend) recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, subdivision, combination, consolidation, reclassification, spin-off or similar change in the capital structure of the Company or any similar equity restructuring transaction, as that term is used in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 (or any successor thereto), without consideration (a “Capitalization Adjustment”), then (a) the maximum number and class of shares or type of security reserved for issuance and future grant from the Share Reserve, (b) the exercise price, purchase price, and number and class of shares or type of security subject to outstanding grants, and (c) the number and class of shares subject to the Incentive Stock Option Limit, will be proportionately adjusted, subject to any required action by the board of directors or the stockholders of the Company and in compliance with applicable laws; provided that fractions of a share will not be issued.

The shares issuable under the 2024 Plan will be authorized but unissued or forfeited shares, treasury shares or shares reacquired by the Company in any manner.

Incentive stock options may be granted only to employees of the Company, and its parent and any subsidiary entities (to the extent permitted under Section 422 of the Code). All other grants may be granted to employees, consultants and directors, provided such consultants and directors render bona fide services not in connection with the offer and sale of securities in a capital-raising transaction.

The maximum number of shares subject to grants (and of cash subject to cash-settled grants) granted under the 2024 Plan or otherwise during any one calendar year to any non-employee director for service on the board of directors, taken together with any cash fees paid by the Company to such non-employee director during such calendar year for service on the board of directors, will not exceed $1,000,000 in total value (calculating the value of any such grants based on the grant date fair value of such grants for financial reporting purposes).

Each option or SAR will be in such form and will contain such terms and conditions as the Administrator (defined below) deems appropriate. Each SAR will be denominated in share equivalents. The provisions of separate options or SARs need not be identical.

Options and SARs may be exercisable within the times or upon the events determined by the Administrator and as set forth in the grant agreement governing such grant. No option or SAR will be exercisable after the expiration of ten (10) years from the date the option or SAR is granted, or such shorter period specified in the grant agreement. In addition, in the case of an ISO granted to a person who, at the time the ISO is granted, directly or by attribution owns more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or of any parent or subsidiary (“Ten Percent Holder”), such option may not be exercisable after the expiration of five (5) years from the date the ISO is granted.

The exercise price of an option or SAR will be such price as is determined by the Administrator and set forth in the grant agreement; provided that (a) in the case of an ISO (i) granted to a Ten Percent Holder, the exercise price will be no less than one hundred ten percent (110%) of the fair market value (as defined in the 2024 Plan) on the date of grant and (ii) granted to any other employee, the exercise price will be no less than one hundred percent (100%) of the fair market value on the date of grant, and (b) in the case of an NSO or SAR, the exercise price will be such price as is determined by the Administrator. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an option or SAR that is a Substitute Grant (as defined below) may be granted with an exercise price lower than one hundred percent (100%) of the fair market value.

Upon exercise of a SAR, a grantee will be entitled to receive payment from the Company in an amount determined by multiplying (a) the difference between the fair market value of a share on the date of exercise over the exercise price, by (b) the number of shares with respect to which the SAR is exercised. At the discretion of the Administrator, the payment from the Company for the SAR exercise may be in cash, in shares of equivalent value, or in some combination thereof.

Unless explicitly provided otherwise in a grantee’s grant agreement, if a grantee’s continuous service status (as defined in the 2024 Plan) is terminated, the grantee (or his or her legal representative, in the case of death) may exercise his or her option or SAR (to the extent such grant was exercisable on the termination date) within the following period of time following the termination of the grantee’s continuous service status: (a) three (3) months following a termination of a grantee’s continuous service status by the Company or any parent or subsidiary without cause (as defined in the 2024 Plan) or by the grantee for any reason (other than due to death or disability (as disability is defined in the Plan)); (b) six (6) months following a termination due to the grantee’s disability; (c) twelve (12) months following a termination due to the grantee’s death; and (d) twelve (12) months following the grantee’s death, if such death occurs following the date of such termination but during the period such grant is otherwise exercisable (as provided in clauses (a) or (b) above).

Except as otherwise provided in the grant agreement, if a grantee’s continuous service status is terminated by the Company or any parent or subsidiary for cause, the grantee’s options or SARs will terminate and be forfeited immediately upon such grantee’s termination of continuous service status, and the grantee will be prohibited from exercising any portion (including any vested portion) of such grants on and after the date of such termination of continuous service status.

To the extent that the aggregate fair market value of shares with respect to which options designated as ISOs are exercisable for the first time by any grantee during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company or any parent or subsidiary of the Company) exceeds One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000), such excess options will be treated as NSOs. For this purpose, ISOs will be taken into account in the order in which they were granted, and the fair market value of the shares subject to an ISO will be determined as of the date of the grant of such option.

Without stockholder approval, the Administrator may modify, extend or renew outstanding options or SARs, and authorize the grant of new options or SARs in substitution therefor, including in connection with an Exchange Program. Any such action may not, without the written consent of a grantee, materially impair any of such grantee’s rights under any grant previously granted, except that the Administrator may reduce the exercise price of an outstanding option or SAR without the consent of a grantee by a written notice (notwithstanding any adverse tax consequences to the grantee arising from the repricing); provided, however, that the exercise price may not be reduced below the fair market value on the date the action is taken to reduce the exercise price.

A restricted stock grant is an offer by the Company to sell or issue (with no payment required, unless explicitly provided otherwise in a grantee’s grant agreement) shares to a grantee that are subject to certain specified restrictions. Each restricted stock grant will be in such form and will contain such terms and conditions as the Administrator will deem appropriate. The terms and conditions of restricted stock grants may change from time to time, and the terms and conditions of separate grant agreements need not be identical.

The purchase price for shares issued pursuant to a restricted stock grant, if any, will be determined by the Administrator on the date the restricted stock grant is granted and, if permitted by applicable law, no cash consideration will be required in connection with the payment for the purchase price where the Administrator provides that payment will be in the form of services previously rendered.

Grantees holding restricted stock grants will be entitled to receive all dividends and other distributions paid with respect to such shares, unless the Administrator provides otherwise at the time the grant is granted. If any such dividends or distributions are paid in shares, the shares will be subject to the same restrictions on transferability and forfeitability as the restricted stock grants with respect to which they were paid.

An RSU grant is a grant covering a number of shares that may be settled in cash, or by issuance of those shares at a date in the future. Each RSU grant will be in such form and will contain such terms and conditions as the Administrator will deem appropriate. The terms and conditions of RSU grants may change from time to time, and the terms and conditions of separate grant agreements need not be identical. Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, no purchase price will apply to an RSU settled in shares. Payment of vested RSUs will be made as soon as practicable after the date(s) determined by the Administrator and set forth in the grant agreement. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may settle vested RSUs in cash, shares, or a combination of both.

The Administrator may permit grantees holding RSUs to receive dividend equivalent rights (as defined in the 2024 Plan) on outstanding RSUs if and when dividends are paid to stockholders on shares. In the discretion of the Administrator, such dividend equivalent rights may be paid in cash or shares, and may either be paid at the same time as dividend payments are made to stockholders or delayed until shares are issued pursuant to the underlying RSUs, and may be subject to the same vesting or performance requirements as the RSUs. If the Administrator permits dividend equivalent rights to be made on RSUs, the terms and conditions for such dividend equivalent rights will be set forth in the applicable grant agreement.

A performance grant is a grant that may be granted, may vest or may become eligible to vest contingent upon the attainment during a performance period of performance goals determined by the Administrator. Performance grants may be granted as options, SARs, restricted stock, RSUs or other grants, including cash-based grants.

Performance grants will be based on the attainment of performance goals that are established by the Administrator for the relevant performance period. Prior to the grant of any performance grant, the Administrator will determine and each grant agreement will set forth the terms of each performance grant. A performance grant may but need not require the grantee’s completion of a specified period of service. The Administrator will determine the extent to which a performance grant has been earned in its sole discretion. The Administrator may reduce or waive any criteria with respect to a performance goal, or adjust a performance goal (or method of calculating the attainment of a performance goal) to take into account unanticipated events, including changes in law and accounting or tax rules, as the Administrator deems necessary or appropriate, or to reflect the impact of extraordinary or unusual items, events or circumstances to avoid windfalls or hardships. The Administrator may also adjust or eliminate the compensation or economic benefit due upon attainment of performance goals in its sole discretion, subject to any limitations contained in the grant agreement and compliance with applicable law.

Other forms of grants valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, shares, including the appreciation in value thereof (e.g., options or stock rights with an exercise price or strike price less than 100% of the fair market value of the shares at the time of grant) may be granted either alone or in addition to other grants provided for in the 2024 Plan. Subject to the provisions of the 2024 Plan and applicable law, the Administrator may determine the persons to whom and the time or times at which such other grants will be granted, the number of shares (or the cash equivalent thereof) to be granted pursuant to such other grants and all other terms and conditions of such other grants.

Payment from a grantee for shares acquired pursuant to the 2024 Plan may be made in cash or cash equivalents or, where approved for the grantee by the Administrator and where permitted by applicable law (and to the extent not otherwise set forth in the applicable grant agreement): (a) by cancellation of indebtedness of the Company owed to the grantee; (b) by surrender of shares held by the grantee that are clear of all liens, claims, encumbrances or security interests and that have a fair market value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate payment required; (c) by waiver of compensation due or accrued to the grantee for services rendered or to be rendered to the Company or an affiliate; (d) by consideration received by the Company pursuant to a broker-assisted or other form of cashless exercise program implemented by the Administrator in connection with the 2024 Plan; (e) by the Company withholding otherwise deliverable shares having a fair market value on the date of withholding equal to the aggregate payment required; (f) by any combination of the foregoing; or (g) by any other method of payment as is permitted by applicable law.

Regardless of any action taken by the Company or any affiliate, the ultimate liability for all income tax, social insurance, payroll tax, fringe benefits tax, payment on account, employment tax, stamp tax or other Tax-Related Items related to the grantee’s participation in the 2024 Plan and legally applicable to the grantee, including any employer liability for which the grantee is liable (the “Tax-Related Items”) is the grantee’s responsibility.

Unless otherwise provided in the grantee’s grant agreement, the Administrator, or its delegate(s) (as permitted by applicable law), in its sole discretion and pursuant to such procedures as it may specify from time to time and subject to limitations of applicable law, may require or permit a grantee to satisfy any applicable withholding obligations for Tax-Related Items, in whole or in part by (without limitation): (a) requiring the grantee to make a cash payment; (b) withholding from the grantee’s wages or other cash compensation paid to the grantee by the Company or any affiliate; (c) withholding from the shares otherwise issuable pursuant to a grant; (d) permitting the grantee to deliver to the Company already-owned shares or (e) withholding from the proceeds of the sale of otherwise deliverable shares acquired pursuant to a grant either through a voluntary sale or through a mandatory sale arranged by the Company. The Company or an affiliate may withhold or account for Tax-Related Items by considering applicable minimum statutory withholding amounts or other applicable withholding rates, including up to the maximum applicable rate in the grantee’s jurisdiction.

Except as expressly provided in the 2024 Plan or an applicable grant agreement, or otherwise determined by the Administrator, grants granted under the 2024 Plan will not be transferable or assignable by the grantee, other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. Any options, SARs or other grants that are exercisable may only be exercised: (a) during the grantee’s lifetime only by (i) the grantee, or (ii) the grantee’s guardian or legal representative; (b) after the grantee’s death, by the legal representative of the grantee’s heirs or legatees. The Administrator may permit transfer of grants in a manner that is not prohibited by applicable law.

No grantee will have any of the rights of a stockholder with respect to any shares until the shares are issued to the grantee, except for any dividend equivalent rights permitted by an applicable grant agreement. After shares are issued to the grantee, the grantee will be a stockholder and have all the rights of a stockholder with respect to such shares, including the right to vote and receive all dividends or other distributions made or paid with respect to such shares, subject to any repurchase or forfeiture provisions in any restricted stock grant, the terms of the Company’s insider trading policy, and applicable law.

Without prior stockholder approval, the Administrator may conduct an Exchange Program, subject to consent of an affected grantee (unless not required in connection with a repricing pursuant to the 2024 Plan, or under the terms of a grant agreement) and compliance with applicable law. For purposes of the 2024 Plan, “Exchange Program” means a program pursuant to which (a) outstanding grants are surrendered, cancelled or exchanged for cash, the same type of grant or a different grant (or combination thereof) or (b) the exercise price of an outstanding grant is increased or reduced.

All grants granted under the 2024 Plan will be subject to clawback or recoupment under any clawback or recoupment policy adopted by the board of directors or the Administrator or required by applicable law during the term of grantee’s employment or other service with the Company that is applicable to officers, employees, directors or other service providers of the Company. In addition, the Administrator may impose such other clawback, recovery or recoupment provisions in a grant agreement as the Administrator determines necessary or appropriate.

Except as otherwise provided in the applicable grant agreement or as determined by the Administrator, if a grantee’s continuous service status terminates for any reason, vesting of a grant will cease and such portion of a grant that has not vested will be forfeited, and the grantee will have no further right, title or interest in any then-unvested portion of the grant. In addition, the Company may receive through a forfeiture condition or a repurchase right any or all of the shares held by the grantee under a restricted stock grant that have not vested as of the date of such termination, subject to the terms of the applicable grant agreement.

In the event that the Company is subject to a change in control (as defined in the 2024 Plan), outstanding grants acquired under the 2024 Plan will be subject to the agreement evidencing the change in control, which need not treat all outstanding grants in an identical manner. Such agreement, without the grantee’s consent, may provide for one or more of the following with respect to all outstanding grants as of the effective date of such change in control: (a) the continuation of an outstanding grant by the Company (if the Company is the successor entity); (b) the assumption of an outstanding grant by the successor or acquiring entity (if any) of such change in control (or by its parents, if any); (c) the substitution by the successor or acquiring entity in such change in control (or by its parents, if any) of equivalent awards with substantially the same terms for such outstanding grants; (d) the full or partial acceleration of exercisability or vesting and accelerated expiration of an outstanding grant and lapse of the Company’s right to repurchase or re-acquire shares acquired under a grant or lapse of forfeiture rights with respect to shares acquired under a grant; (e) the settlement of such outstanding grant (whether or not then vested or exercisable) in cash, cash equivalents, or securities of the successor entity (or its parent, if any) with a fair market value equal to the required amount provided in the definitive agreement evidencing the change in control, followed by the cancellation of such grants; or (e) the cancellation of outstanding grants in exchange for no consideration.

The Company, from time to time, may substitute or assume outstanding awards granted by another company, whether in connection with an acquisition of such other company or otherwise, by either (a) granting a grant under the 2024 Plan in substitution of such other company’s award; or (b) assuming such award as if it had been granted under the 2024 Plan if the terms of such assumed award could be applied to a grant granted under the 2024 Plan (a “Substitute Grant”). Such substitution or assumption will be permissible if the holder of the Substitute Grant would have been eligible to be granted a grant under the 2024 Plan if the other company had applied the rules of the 2024 Plan to such grant. The exercise price and the number and nature of shares issuable upon exercise or settlement of any such Substitute Grant will be adjusted appropriately pursuant to Section 424(a) of the Code and/or Section 409A of the Code, as applicable.

The 2024 Plan will be administered by the Compensation Committee or the Board acting as the Compensation Committee(the “Administrator”). Without limitation, the Administrator will have the authority to, subject to the preceding sentence: construe and interpret the 2024 Plan, any grant agreement and any other agreement or document executed pursuant to the 2024 Plan; prescribe, amend, expand, modify and rescind or terminate rules and regulations relating to the 2024 Plan or any grant (including the terms or conditions of any grant); approve persons to receive grants; determine the form, terms and conditions of grants; determine the number of shares or other consideration subject to grants; determine the fair market value in good faith and interpret the applicable provisions of the 2024 Plan and the definition of fair market value in connection with circumstances that impact the fair market value, if necessary; determine whether grants will be granted singly, in combination with, in tandem with, in replacement of, or as alternatives to, other grants under the 2024 Plan or awards under any other incentive or compensation plan of the Company or any affiliate; grant waivers of any conditions of the 2024 Plan or any grant; determine the vesting, exercisability and payment of grants; correct any defect, supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the 2024 Plan, any grant or any grant agreement; determine whether a grant has been earned or has vested; determine the terms and conditions of any, and to institute any exchange program; adopt or revise rules and/or procedures (including the adoption or revision of any subplan under the 2024 Plan) relating to the operation and administration of the 2024 Plan to facilitate compliance with requirements of local law and procedures outside the united States (provided that board of directors approval will not be necessary for immaterial modifications to the 2024 Plan or any grant agreement made to ensure or facilitate compliance with the laws or regulations of the relevant foreign jurisdiction); delegate any of the foregoing to one or more persons pursuant to a specific delegation as permitted by the terms of the 2024 Plan and applicable law, including Section 157(c) of the Delaware General Corporation Law; and make all other determinations necessary or advisable in connection with the administration of the 2024 Plan. We expect that our Compensation Committee will administer the 2024 Plan.

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable laws, each member of the Administrator (including officers of the Company or an affiliate of the Company, if applicable), or of the board of directors, as applicable, will be indemnified and held harmless by the Company against and from (i) any loss, cost, liability or expense that may be imposed upon or reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with or resulting from any claim, action, suit or proceeding to which he or she may be a party or in which he or she may be involved by reason of any action taken or failure to act under the 2024 Plan or pursuant to the terms and conditions of any grant except for actions taken in bad faith or failures to act in good faith, and (ii) any and all amounts paid by him or her in settlement thereof, with the Company’s approval, or paid by him or her in satisfaction of any judgment in any such claim, action, suit or proceeding against him or her; provided that such member will give the Company an opportunity, at its own expense, to handle and defend any such claim, action, suit or proceeding before he or she undertakes to handle and defend it on his or her own behalf. The foregoing right of indemnification will not be exclusive of any other rights of indemnification to which such persons may be entitled under the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, by contract, as a matter of law or otherwise, or under any other power that the Company may have to indemnify or hold harmless each such person.

The 2024 Plan and all grants granted thereunder will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to that body of laws pertaining to conflict of laws.

The Administrator may amend the 2024 Plan or any grant in any respect the Administrator deems necessary or advisable, subject to the limitations of applicable law and the 2024 Plan. If required by applicable law, the Company will seek stockholder approval of any amendment of the 2024 Plan that (a) materially increases the number of shares available for issuance under the 2024 Plan (excluding any Capitalization Adjustment); (b) materially expands the class of individuals eligible to receive grants under the 2024 Plan; (c) materially increases the benefits accruing to grantees under the 2024 Plan; (d) materially reduces the price at which shares may be issued or purchased under the 2024 Plan; (e) materially extends the term of the 2024 Plan; (f) materially expands the types of grants available for issuance under the 2024 Plan; or (g) as otherwise required by applicable law.

The 2024 Plan will terminate automatically on the tenth (10th) anniversary of the Plan Effective Date. No grant will be granted pursuant to the 2024 Plan after such date, but grants previously granted may extend beyond that date. The Administrator may suspend or terminate the 2024 Plan at any earlier date at any time. No grants may be granted under the 2024 Plan while the 2024 Plan is suspended or after it is terminated.

No amendment, suspension or termination of the 2024 Plan or any grant may materially impair a grantee’s rights under any outstanding grant, except with the written consent of the affected grantee or as otherwise expressly permitted in the 2024 Plan. Subject to the limitations of applicable law, if any, the Administrator may amend the terms of any one or more grants without the affected grantee’s consent (a) to maintain the qualified status of the grant as an ISO under Section 422 of the Code; (b) to change the terms of an ISO, if such change results in impairment of the grant solely because it impairs the qualified status of the grant as an ISO; (c) to clarify the manner of exemption from, or to bring the grant into compliance with, Section 409A of the Code; or (d) to facilitate compliance with other applicable laws.

Summary of U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences

The following summary is intended only as a general guide to the U.S. federal income tax consequences of participation in the 2024 Plan. The summary is based on existing U.S. laws and regulations, and there can be no assurance that those laws and regulations will not change. The summary is not complete and does not discuss the tax consequences upon a grantee’s death, or the income tax laws of any municipality, state or foreign country in which the grantee may reside. Tax consequences for any particular grantee may vary based on individual circumstances.

*Incentive Stock Options.*A grantee recognizes no taxable income for regular income tax purposes because of the grant or exercise of an option that qualifies as incentive stock option under Section 422 of the Code. If a grantee exercises the option and then later sells or otherwise disposes of the shares acquired through the exercise the option after both the two-year anniversary of the date the option was granted and the one-year anniversary of the exercise, the grantee will recognize a capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the sale price of the shares and the exercise price, and we will not be entitled to any deduction for federal income tax purposes.

However, if the grantee disposes of such shares either on or before the two-year anniversary of the date of grant or on or before the one-year anniversary of the date of exercise (a “disqualifying disposition”), any gain up to the excess of the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise over the exercise price generally will be taxed as ordinary income, unless the shares are disposed of in a transaction in which the grantee would not recognize a loss (such as a gift). Any gain in excess of that amount will be a capital gain. If a loss is recognized, there will be no ordinary income, and such loss will be a capital loss. Any ordinary income recognized by the grantee upon the disqualifying disposition of the shares generally should be deductible by the Company for federal income tax purposes, except to the extent such deduction is limited by applicable provisions of the Code.

For purposes of the alternative minimum tax, the difference between the option exercise price and the fair market value of the shares on the exercise date is treated as an adjustment item in computing the grantee’s alternative minimum taxable income in the year of exercise. In addition, special alternative minimum tax rules may apply to certain subsequent disqualifying dispositions of the shares or provide certain basis adjustments or tax credits for purposes.

*Nonstatutory Stock Options.*A grantee generally recognizes no taxable income as the result of the grant of such an option. However, upon exercising the option, the grantee normally recognizes ordinary income equal to the amount that the fair market value of the shares on such date exceeds the exercise price. If the grantee is an employee, such ordinary income generally is subject to withholding of income and employment taxes. Upon the sale of the shares acquired by exercising a nonstatutory stock option, any gain or loss (based on the difference between the sale price and the fair market value on the exercise date) will be taxed as capital gain or loss. Any ordinary income recognized by the grantee upon exercising a nonstatutory stock option generally should be deductible by the Company for federal income tax purposes, except to the extent such deduction is limited by applicable provisions of the Code. No tax deduction is available to the Company with respect to the grant of a nonstatutory stock option or the sale of the shares acquired through the exercise of the nonstatutory stock option.

*Stock Appreciation Rights.*In general, no taxable income is reportable when a stock appreciation right is granted to a grantee. Upon exercise, the grantee generally will recognize ordinary income equal to the fair market value of any shares received. Any additional gain or loss recognized upon any later disposition of the shares would be capital gain or loss.

*Restricted Stock Awards.*A grantee acquiring shares of restricted stock generally will recognize ordinary income equal to the fair market value of the shares on the vesting date, reduced by any amount paid by the grantee for such shares. If the grantee is an employee, such ordinary income generally is subject to withholding of income and employment taxes. The grantee may elect, under Section 83(b) of the Code to accelerate the ordinary income tax event to the date of acquisition by filing an election with the Internal Revenue Service no later than thirty (30) days after the date the shares are acquired. Upon the sale of shares acquired under a restricted stock award, any gain or loss, based on the difference between the sale price and the fair market value on the date the ordinary income tax event occurs, will be taxed as capital gain or loss.

*Restricted Stock Unit Awards.*There are no immediate tax consequences of receiving an award of restricted stock units. A grantee who is awarded restricted stock units generally will recognize ordinary income equal to the fair market value of shares issued to such grantee at the end of the applicable vesting period or, if later, the settlement date elected by the administrator or a grantee. Any additional gain or loss recognized upon any later disposition of any shares received would be capital gain or loss.

*Performance Shares and Performance Unit Awards.*A grantee generally will recognize no income upon the grant of a performance share or a performance unit award. Upon the settlement of such awards, grantees normally will recognize ordinary income in the year of receipt in an amount equal to the cash received and the fair market value of any cash or unrestricted shares received. If the grantee is an employee, such ordinary income generally is subject to withholding of income and employment taxes. Upon the sale of any shares received, any gain or loss, based on the difference between the sale price and the fair market value on the date the ordinary income tax event occurs, will be taxed as capital gain or loss.

*Section 409A.*Section 409A of the Code provides certain requirements for non-qualified deferred compensation arrangements with respect to an individual’s deferral and distribution elections and permissible distribution events. Awards granted under the 2024 Plan with a deferral feature will be subject to the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. If an award is subject to and fails to satisfy the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, the recipient of that award may recognize ordinary income on the amounts deferred under the award, to the extent vested, which may be before the compensation is actually or constructively received. Also, if an award subject to Section 409A of the Code violates the provisions of Section 409A of the Code, Section 409A of the Code imposes an additional 20% federal income tax on compensation recognized as ordinary income, and interest on such deferred compensation.

*Tax Effect for the Company.*We generally will be entitled to a tax deduction in connection with an award under the 2024 Plan equal to the ordinary income realized by a grantee when the grantee recognizes such income (for example, the exercise of a nonstatutory stock option) except to the extent such deduction is limited by applicable provisions of the Code. Special rules limit the deductibility of compensation paid to our chief executive officer, chief financial officer and other “covered employees” as determined under Section 162(m) of the Code and applicable guidance. Under Section 162(m) of the Code, the annual compensation paid to any of these specified executives will be deductible only to the extent that it does not exceed $1,000,000.

THE FOREGOING IS ONLY A SUMMARY OF THE EFFECT OF U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION UPON GRANTEES AND THE COMPANY WITH RESPECT TO AWARDS UNDER THE 2024 PLAN. IT DOES NOT PURPORT TO BE COMPLETE AND DOES NOT DISCUSS THE IMPACT OF EMPLOYMENT OR OTHER TAX REQUIREMENTS, THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF A GRANTEE’S DEATH, OR THE PROVISIONS OF THE INCOME TAX LAWS OF ANY MUNICIPALITY, STATE, OR FOREIGN COUNTRY IN WHICH THE GRANTEE MAY RESIDE.

Benefits and Perquisites

The Company is in the process of developing a benefits program for its named executive officers, which will include medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, as well as short- and long-term disability coverage. Additionally, flexible spending accounts, vacation time, paid holidays, and participation in a 401(k) plan are being considered as part of our benefits package.

Compensation of Directors

Director Compensation for Legacy Gryphon

The following table and accompanying narrative set forth information about the 2023 compensation provided to certain of members of the Legacy Gryphon Board and the Akerna Board, all of whom currently serve as members of the Board of Directors of the Company. These individuals are as follows:

Rob Chang is a Gryphon named executive officer who also served on the Gryphon Board of directors during 2022. The 2023 compensation information for Mr. Chang is presented in the Summary Compensation Table above and he was not entitled to any additional compensation for his service on the Gryphon Board during 2022 or 2023. Jessica Billingsley served as Chairperson of the Akerna Board and Akerna’s Chief Executive Officer.

Prior to the Closing, Gryphon did not have a formal compensation policy for non-employee directors and instead entered into Director Agreements with its directors. Gryphon is in the process of reviewing and evaluating its compensation framework as a result of becoming a publicly-traded company, and intends to adopt a new policy for compensation of non-employee directors.

Director Agreement with Ms. Kaiser

Ms. Kaiser and Gryphon entered into a Director Agreement on May 12, 2021, pursuant to which she agreed to serve Gryphon as a member of the Gryphon Board upon the terms and conditions set forth in Director Agreement, subject to any necessary approval by Gryphon’s stockholders after an initial one-year term on the Gryphon Board. The Director Agreement requires Ms. Kaiser to use her best efforts to promote the interests of Gryphon and to dedicate a minimum of 20 hours per week to Gryphon. Under the Director Agreement, Ms. Kaiser is entitled to a base fee of $200,000 per year, which may not be reduced without the written consent of Ms. Kaiser. During the term of Director Agreement, Gryphon will reimburse Ms. Kaiser for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Ms. Kaiser, subject to certain pre-approval requirements. In connection with the entry into the Director Agreement, Achayot Partners LLC received 700,000 shares of Gryphon’s common stock. Ms. Kaiser is the CEO and 50% owner of Achayot Partners LLC with Natalie Kaiser, the other 50% owner of Achayot Partners LLC. The term of the Director Agreement is the period commencing on the May 12, 2021 and terminating upon the earliest of (a) May 12, 2024; (b) the death of Ms. Kaiser; (c) the termination of Ms. Kaiser from her membership on the Gryphon Board by the mutual agreement of Gryphon and Ms. Kaiser; (d) the removal of Ms. Kaiser from the Gryphon Board by the majority stockholders of Gryphon or the stockholder who appointed Ms. Kaiser, as applicable; and (e) the resignation by Ms. Kaiser from the Gryphon Board. During her service as a member of the Gryphon Board and for a period of one year thereafter, Ms. Kaiser will not interfere with Gryphon’s relationship with, or endeavor to entice away from Gryphon, any person who, on the date of the termination of Ms. Kaiser’s service as a member of the Gryphon Board and/or at any time during the one year period prior to the termination of such service, was an employee or customer of Gryphon or otherwise had a material business relationship with Gryphon. Ms. Kaiser is also subject to a customary non-competition covenant in favor of Gryphon during her service as a member of the Gryphon Board and for a period of six months thereafter. Under the Director Agreement, Gryphon will indemnify Ms. Kaiser for her activities as a member of the Gryphon Board to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law and will use its best efforts to maintain Directors and Officers Insurance benefitting the Gryphon Board.

In connection with the closing of the Merger, the board of directors of the combined company is expected to adopt a new non-employee director compensation policy. The new policy will be designed to attract and retain high quality non-employee directors by providing competitive compensation and to align their interests with the interests of the combined company’s stockholders through equity awards.

Director Compensation for Akerna

The following table sets forth the compensation granted to directors of Akerna who were not also executive officers during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and who are not currently directors of the Company. Compensation to directors of Akerna that were not also executive officers is detailed above and is not included on this table.

Narrative Disclosure to Director Compensation Table for Akerna

Compensation granted to our directors who are not also executive officers or employees during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 was paid in cash including base annual compensation of $20,000 and annual committee fees of $21,750 for participation on each of the audit, compensation, corporate governance and nominating committees. Mr. Fishman’s compensation was prorated as he resigned as a director on November 15, 2023.

Compensation Policies and Practices and Risk Management

The Compensation Committee has reviewed the design and operation of Akerna’s compensation policies and practices for all employees, including executives, as they relate to risk management practices and risk-taking incentives. The Compensation Committee believes that Akerna’s compensation policies and practices do not encourage unnecessary or excessive risk taking and that any risks arising from Akerna’s compensation policies and practices for its employees are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on Akerna.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

No member of the Compensation Committee has ever been an officer or employee of Akerna. None of Akerna’s executive officers serve, or have served during the last fiscal year, as a member of the Board, compensation committee, or other board committee performing equivalent functions of any other entity that has one or more executive officers serving as one of Akerna’s directors or on the Compensation Committee.