UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by the Registrant ý
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o
Check the appropriate box:
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Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
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Definitive Proxy Statement |
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Definitive Additional Materials |
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to § 240.14a-12 |
Phunware, Inc. |
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter) |
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(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant) |
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
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No fee required. |
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
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Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. |
1002 West Avenue
Austin, Texas 78701
March 21, 2025
Dear Stockholder:
You are cordially invited to attend the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Annual Meeting") of Phunware, Inc. to be held on May 6, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The Annual Meeting will be a virtual meeting of stockholders, which will be conducted via a live audio webcast. Instructions on how to attend the Annual Meeting are posted at www.proxydocs.com/PHUN. Prior registration to attend the Annual Meeting is required. Stockholders must register to attend the Annual Meeting at www.proxydocs.com/PHUN. Only stockholders who held shares at the close of business on the record date, March 10, 2025, may vote at the Annual Meeting, including any adjournment thereof.
The matters expected to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting are described in detail in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement.
You may cast your vote by proxy over the Internet or by telephone to ensure your shares will be represented. Your vote by proxy will ensure your representation at the Annual Meeting regardless of whether or not you attend in person. Returning the proxy does not deprive you of your right to attend the Annual Meeting and to vote your shares in person.
We look forward to your attendance at the Annual Meeting.
Sincerely yours,
/s/ Stephen Chen |
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/s/ Rahul Mewawalla |
Stephen Chen |
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Rahul Mewawalla |
Director and Interim Chief Executive Officer |
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Chairperson of the Board of Directors |
1002 West Avenue
Austin, Texas 78701
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
Virtual Meeting Only - No Physical Meeting Location
To Be Held On May 6, 2025
Dear Stockholder:
You are cordially invited to attend the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Annual Meeting") of Phunware, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), which will be held on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The Annual Meeting will be a virtual meeting of stockholders, which will be conducted via a live audio webcast. In order to attend the Annual Meeting, you must register in advance at www.proxydocs.com/PHUN.
At the Annual Meeting, stockholders will vote on the following matters:
These items of business are more fully described in the Proxy Statement accompanying this Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
The record date for the Annual Meeting is March 10, 2025. Only stockholders of record at the close of business on that date may vote at the meeting or any adjournment thereof.
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Stockholders' Meeting To Be Held On Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time.
The Proxy Statement and the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 are available online at www.proxydocs.com/PHUN.
You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting, conducted via a live audio webcast, by registering at www.proxydocs.com/PHUN. In order to attend, you must register in advance prior to the meeting.
YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT
Whether or not you expect to attend the Annual Meeting, please complete, date, sign and return the enclosed proxy card or vote over the telephone or the Internet as instructed in these materials, as promptly as possible in order to ensure your representation at the Annual Meeting. Even if you have voted by proxy, you may still vote if you attend the Annual Meeting. Please note, however, that if your shares are held of record by a broker, bank or other nominee and you wish to vote at the Annual Meeting, you must obtain a proxy issued in your name from that record holder. Even if you have voted by proxy, you may still vote if you attend the Annual Meeting.
The Board of Directors recommends you vote (1) FOR the director nominee, and (2) FOR the ratification of the appointment of Marcum LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Company for its fiscal year ending December 31, 2024.
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By Order of the Board of Directors, |
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/s/ Stephen Chen |
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Stephen Chen |
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Director and Interim Chief Executive Officer |
Austin, Texas
March 21, 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1002 West Avenue
Austin, Texas 78701
PROXY STATEMENT
FOR THE 2024 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
Virtual Meeting Only - No Physical Meeting Location
To Be Held On May 6, 2025
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THESE PROXY MATERIALS AND VOTING
We are providing you with these proxy materials because the Board of Directors of Phunware, Inc. (the “Board”) is soliciting your proxy to vote at Phunware’s 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”), including at any adjournments or postponements thereof, to be conducted via a live audio webcast on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The Annual Meeting can be accessed by visiting www.proxydocs.com/PHUN.
You are invited to attend the Annual Meeting to vote on the proposals described in this Proxy Statement. However, you do not need to attend the Annual Meeting to vote your shares. Instead, you may simply follow the instructions below to submit your proxy. The proxy materials, including this Proxy Statement and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, are being distributed and made available on or about March 21, 2025. As used in this Proxy Statement, references to “we,” “us,” “our,” “Phunware” and the “Company” refer to Phunware, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
Why did I receive a notice regarding the availability of proxy materials on the internet?
Pursuant to rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), we have elected to provide access to our proxy materials over the Internet. Accordingly, we have sent you a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”) because the Board is soliciting your proxy to vote at the Annual Meeting, including at any adjournments or postponements of the meeting. All stockholders will have the ability to access the proxy materials on the website referred to in the Notice or request to receive a printed set of the proxy materials. Instructions on how to access the proxy materials over the Internet or to request a printed copy may be found in the Notice.
We will begin distributing the Notices on or about March 21, 2025 to all stockholders of record entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.
What proxy materials are available on the Internet?
This Proxy Statement and the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 are available at www.proxydocs.com/PHUN.
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How do I attend the Annual Meeting?
The 2024 Annual Meeting will be held entirely online via a live audio webcast which will begin promptly at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Stockholders may vote while connected to the Annual Meeting.
In order to attend the Annual Meeting, you must register in advance at www.proxydocs.com/PHUN. Upon completing your registration, you will receive further instructions via email, including your unique link that will allow you access to the Annual Meeting. Please be sure to follow the instructions found on your proxy card and subsequent instructions that will be delivered to your email one (1) hour prior to the start of the Annual Meeting.
Who can vote at the Annual Meeting?
If you are a stockholder of record as of the record date, March 10, 2025, you may vote your shares by following the instructions provided on the Notice to log in to www.proxydocs.com/PHUN. You will be asked to provide the control number from your Notice.
If you are a beneficial owner of shares registered in the name of your broker, bank or other agent, you must obtain a valid proxy from your broker, bank or other agent to vote online during the Annual Meeting. Follow the instructions from your broker or bank included with these proxy materials or contact your broker or bank to request a proxy form.
Vote by Proxy
Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we urge you to vote by proxy to ensure your vote is counted. You may still attend and vote at the Annual Meeting even if you have already voted by proxy.
If you are a stockholder of record, you may vote by proxy over the telephone or through the Internet:
We are providing Internet voting to provide expanded access and to allow you to vote your shares online, with procedures designed to ensure the authenticity and correctness of your voting instructions. However, please be aware that you must bear any costs associated with your Internet access, such as usage charges from Internet access providers and telephone companies.
Stockholder of Record: Shares Registered in Your Name
If on the record date, March 10, 2025, your shares were registered directly in your name with Phunware’s transfer agent, Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, then you are a stockholder of record. As a stockholder of record, you may vote at the Annual Meeting or vote by proxy. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we urge you to vote by proxy to ensure your vote is counted.
Beneficial Owner: Shares Registered in the Name of a Broker or Bank
If on the record date, March 10, 2025, your shares were held not in your name, but rather in an account at a brokerage firm, bank, dealer or other similar organization, then you are the beneficial owner of shares held in “street name” and the Notice
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is being forwarded to you by that organization. The organization holding your account is considered to be the stockholder of record for purposes of voting at the Annual Meeting. As a beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker or other agent regarding how to vote the shares in your account. You are also invited to attend the Annual Meeting. However, since you are not the stockholder of record, you may not vote your shares at the meeting unless you request and obtain a valid proxy from your broker or other agent.
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What am I voting on?
There are currently two matters scheduled for a vote:
What if another matter is properly brought before the meeting?
The Board knows of no other matters that will be presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting. If any other matters are properly brought before the meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying proxy to vote on those matters in accordance with their best judgment.
How many votes do I have?
Stockholders of Record: Shares Registered in Your Name
On each matter to be voted upon, you have one vote for each share of common stock you own as of the record date, March 10, 2025. On the record date, there were 20,170,745 shares of common stock outstanding and entitled to vote.
What happens if I do not vote?
Stockholder of Record: Shares Registered in Your Name
If you are a stockholder of record and do not vote by proxy over the telephone, through the Internet, or at the Annual Meeting, your shares will not be voted.
Beneficial Owner: Shares Registered in the Name of Broker or Bank
If you are a beneficial owner of shares registered in the name of your broker, bank or other nominee, and you do not provide the broker or other nominee that holds your shares with voting instructions, the broker or other nominee will determine if it has the discretionary authority to vote on the particular matter.
What if I vote but do not make specific choices?
If you vote without marking voting selections, the shares represented by your proxy will be voted as recommended by the Board. If any other matter is properly presented at the Annual Meeting, your proxyholder will vote your shares using his or her best judgment.
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Who is paying for this proxy solicitation?
We will pay for the entire cost of soliciting proxies. In addition to these proxy materials, our directors and employees may also solicit proxies online, by telephone or by other means of communication. Directors and employees will not be paid any additional compensation for soliciting proxies. We may also reimburse brokerage firms, banks and other agents for the cost of forwarding proxy materials to beneficial owners.
What does it mean if I receive more than one Notice?
If you receive more than one Notice, your shares may be registered in more than one name or in different accounts. Please follow the voting instructions on the Notices to ensure that all of your shares are voted.
Can I change my vote after submitting my proxy?
Stockholder of Record: Shares Registered in Your Name
Yes, you can revoke your proxy at any time before the final vote at the Annual Meeting. If you are the record holder of your shares, you may revoke your proxy in any one of the following ways:
Your most current telephone or Internet proxy is the one that is counted.
Beneficial Owner: Shares Registered in the Name of Broker or Bank
If your shares are held by your broker or bank as a nominee or agent, you should follow the instructions provided by your broker or bank.
When are stockholder proposals and director nominations due for next year’s annual meeting?
Stockholder Proposals under Rule 14a-8
To be considered for inclusion in next year’s proxy materials within the processes of Rule 14a-8 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), your proposal must be submitted in writing not later than November 21, 2025 to Phunware’s Secretary at 1002 West Avenue, Austin, Texas 78701 and comply with all applicable requirements of Rule 14a-8.
Stockholder Proposals and Nominations for Director Candidates
Proposals of stockholders of the Company that are intended to be presented by such stockholders at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (other than shareholder proposals in accordance with Rule 14a-8), as well as nominations of persons for election as directors of the Company at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, must be submitted in writing not earlier than January 5, 2026 and not later than February 4, 2026 to Phunware’s Secretary at 1002 West Avenue, Austin, Texas 78701 and comply with the requirements in the Company’s Amended and Restated Bylaws. However, if our 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is held before April 6, 2026 or after July 5, 2026, then the deadline is not earlier than the close of business on the
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120th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of (i) the 90th day prior to such annual meeting, or (ii) the tenth day following the day on which Public Announcement (as defined in our Amended and Restated Bylaws) of the date of such annual meeting is first made.
You are also advised to review our Amended and Restated Bylaws, which contain additional requirements about advance notice of stockholder proposals and director nominations. The Company suggests that any such proposal be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested.
In addition to satisfying the foregoing requirements under our Amended and Restated Bylaws, to comply with the universal proxy rules, stockholders who intend to solicit proxies in support of director nominees other than the Company's nominees for our 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders must provide notice that sets forth the information required by Rule 14a-19 under the Exchange Act no later than March 7, 2026.
How are votes counted?
Votes will be counted by the inspector of election appointed for the Annual Meeting, who will separately count, with respect to Proposal 1, votes “For,” “Withhold” and broker non-votes, and, with respect to Proposal 2, votes “For,” “Against,” abstentions and, if applicable, broker non-votes.
What are “broker non-votes”?
If you are a beneficial owner whose shares are held of record by a broker, you must instruct the broker how to vote your shares. If you do not provide voting instructions, your shares will not be voted on any proposal on which the broker does not have discretionary authority to vote. This is called a “broker non-vote.” In these cases, the broker can register your shares as being present at the Annual Meeting for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum but will not be able to vote on those matters for which specific authorization is required.
If you are a beneficial owner whose shares are held of record by a broker, your broker has discretionary voting authority to vote your shares on Proposal No. 2, the ratification of Marcum LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Company for its fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, even if the broker does not receive voting instructions from you. However, your broker does not have discretionary authority to vote on Proposal No. 1, the election of a Class III director.
How many votes are needed to approve each proposal?
Proposal |
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Vote Required |
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Broker Discretionary Voting Allowed |
1. Election of Class III director |
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Plurality of votes cast |
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No |
2. Ratification of Marcum LLP |
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Majority of votes cast |
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Yes |
For Proposal 1, the election of a Class III director, the nominee receiving the most “For” votes from the holders of shares present at the Annual Meeting or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on the election of directors will be elected. Only votes “For” will affect the outcome. There is no "Against" option and votes that are "withheld" or not cast, including broker non-votes, are not counted as votes "For" or "Against."
To be approved, Proposal 2 must receive “For” votes from the holders of a majority of shares present at the Annual Meeting or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on the matter. If you “Abstain” from voting, it will have the same effect as
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an “Against” vote. Broker non-votes will have no effect and will not be counted in determining the number of shares necessary for approval.
Dissenters' rights are not applicable to any of the matters being voted upon at the Annual Meeting.
What is the quorum requirement?
A quorum of stockholders is necessary to hold a valid meeting. A quorum will be present if stockholders holding at least one-third of the outstanding shares entitled to vote are present at the Annual Meeting or represented by proxy. On the record date, March 10, 2025, there were 20,170,745 shares outstanding and entitled to vote. Thus, the holders of 6,723,582 shares must be present during the Annual Meeting or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting to have a quorum.
Your shares will be counted towards the quorum only if you submit a valid proxy (or one is submitted on your behalf by your broker, bank or other nominee) or if you attend the Annual Meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted towards the quorum requirement. If there is no quorum, the Annual Meeting's chairperson or holders of a majority of shares represented at the Annual Meeting may adjourn the meeting to another date.
How can I find out the results of the voting at the Annual Meeting?
Preliminary voting results will be announced at the Annual Meeting. In addition, final voting results will be published in a Current Report on Form 8-K that we expect to file within four business days after the Annual Meeting. If final voting results are not available to us in time to file a Current Report on Form 8-K within four business days after the meeting, we intend to file a Current Report on Form 8-K to publish preliminary results and, within four business days after the final results are known to us, file an additional Current Report on Form 8-K to publish the final results.
What Interest Do Officers and Directors Have in Matters to Be Acted Upon?
None of the members of the Board and none of the executive officers of the Company have any interest in any proposal that is not shared by all other stockholders of the Company except for Proposal No. 1 regarding the election of a Class III director, in which the Class III director nominee has an interest.
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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The following table sets forth the names, ages and positions of our executive officers, director nominees and directors whose terms will continue after the Annual Meeting:
Name |
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Age |
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Position |
Executive Officers |
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Stephen Chen |
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41 |
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Interim Chief Executive Officer and Class I Director |
Chris Olive |
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55 |
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Chief Legal Officer |
Jeremy Krol |
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47 |
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Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer |
Non-Employee Directors |
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Rahul Mewawalla (1)(2)(3) |
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46 |
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Class I Director and Chairperson |
Elliot Han (1)(2)(3) |
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48 |
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Class II Director |
Quyen Du (1)(2)(3)(4) |
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48 |
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Class III Director |
Executive Officers
Each of our executive officers serves at the discretion of the Board and will hold office until his successor is duly appointed and qualified or until his earlier resignation or removal. The following biographical descriptions set forth certain information with respect to our executive officers based on information furnished to us by each such officer.
Stephen Chen was elected to serve as a non-employee Class I director of Phunware in November 2022. In October 2024, Mr. Chen was appointed to serve as our Interim Chief Executive Officer. Prior to his appointment as Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Mr. Chen also served as chairperson of the Company’s board of directors and as a member of the Company’s Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Mr. Chen stepped down as Chairperson of the board and as member of the Company’s Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee upon his appointment as Interim Chief Executive Officer since he no longer qualified as an independent director, however, he remains a Class I director. Since July 2016, Mr. Chen has served as chief financial officer of Kent Moore Capital, an investment and advisory firm focused on specialty finance, where he also currently sits on the board of directors. Also, since 2016, he has served as chief financial officer of BioIntegrate, a regenerative medicine company. Mr. Chen has been involved in blockchain related projects since 2018, and, in 2021, he co-founded IHBit Global, a diversified blockchain holding company with assets including a crypto exchange, token project, electronic sports team and basketball team. From 2012 to 2016, Mr. Chen was a director for Hudson International, a global private investment firm. From 2008 to 2012, he led the emerging markets investment banking team at Oppenheimer Investments North America. Prior to joining Oppenheimer, Mr. Chen was a Vice President at J.P. Morgan. Mr. Chen has a B.S. degree from Brown University
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Chris Olive joined Phunware in April 2022 as Chief Legal Officer. Prior to his tenure at Phunware, Mr. Olive was a partner at Bracewell LLP in Dallas, Texas, from 2006 to 2022. Mr. Olive brings to Phunware diverse transactional and regulatory experience, in which he has previously represented clients in various capacities in, among other things, complex, bespoke and customized credit facilities, structured financings, swaps and derivatives, insurance finance, corporate acquisitions, financial instrument and commodity purchase and sale and repurchase transactions and related banking, financial and other regulatory matters. He has also served as an associate at Jones Day and served in the United States Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps. Mr. Olive has a BBA in Finance with honors from the University of Miami, a JD from the Southern Methodist University School of Law and an LLM in Banking & Finance Law with distinction from the University of London.
Jeremy Krol joined Phunware January 2025 as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Krol has served as a sub-contractor to Switch Advisory Group since June 2024, in which he provided consulting services to the Company, including but not limited to fractional Chief Operating Officer services. From 2019 to 2024, Mr. Krol served as a startup advisor for Platform Calgary, which is a technology accelerator hub for technology startups. Mr. Krol holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Aerospace) degree from Carleton University and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Calgary.
Non-Employee Directors and Nominee
The following biographical descriptions set forth certain information with respect our non-employee directors and the current nominee for election to serve as a non-employee director based on information furnished to us by each such director or nominee.
Rahul Mewawalla was appointed to serve as a non-employee Class I director of Phunware in September 2021 and as chairperson of the Company’s board of directors in October 2024. Mr. Mewawalla is a technology, digital, product, and business leader with extensive strategic and operational leadership experience with enterprise and consumer companies across technology, internet, artificial intelligence, computing, telecom, financial services, and digital markets. He has held several executive leadership roles, and currently serves as Chief Executive Officer and President of a NASDAQ-listed publicly traded technology and digital infrastructure company, Mawson Infrastructure Group Inc. He previously served as Chief Executive Officer and President of Xpanse Inc., a technology, software, and fintech company from 2020 to 2021, as Chief Digital Officer and Executive Vice President, Platforms and Technology Businesses at Freedom Mortgage Corporation, a financial services company from 2020 to 2021, as Chief Executive Officer and President at Zenplace Inc., a technology platforms and software company from 2014 to 2020, as Vice President at Nokia Corporation, a global technology and telecommunications company from 2010 to 2012, as Vice President at General Electric Company’s NBCUniversal, a global media, platforms, and diversified company from 2008 to 2010, and as Senior Director at Yahoo! Inc., a global internet and technology company from 2005 to 2008. Mr. Mewawalla has served as a board director with numerous NASDAQ-listed public companies, including as Chairman of the Board, Board Committee Chairman, Chairman of the Audit Committee, Chairman of the Compensation Committee, Nominating and Governance Committee Member, Special Committee Member, Strategic Transactions Committee Member and Board Director at publicly traded companies, including at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Inc (Nasdaq: RMCF), Lion Group Holding (Nasdaq: LGHL), Aquarius II Acquisition Corporation (Nasdaq: AQUB), Four Leaf Acquisition Corporation (Nasdaq: FORL) and Mawson Infrastructure Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: MIGI). Mr. Mewawalla also served as an independent board director at SOS Children’s Villages USA. He has also served as Senior Advisor to the San Francisco Mayor’s Office on Innovation, as Advisor to Stanford University's Persuasive Technology Lab, and as Committee Chair of the VC TaskForce SIG on Systems and Services. Mr. Mewawalla earned an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and a BBS from the University of Delhi.
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We believe Mr. Mewawalla’s extensive technology, products, and platforms expertise as well as his executive strategic and operational leadership experience including having served as a public company CEO, public company Chairman, and as a public company board director at numerous NASDAQ-listed companies, qualify him to serve as a director of the Company.
Elliot Han was appointed to serve as a Class II non-employee director in January 2024. Mr. Han is a Partner at PGP Capital Advisors, a boutique investment/merchant bank where he focuses on mergers & acquisitions and corporate finance both in the domestic and international arena. Mr. Han has extensive knowledge and expertise in corporate finance; corporate development & strategy; corporate law; start-up operations; investments; and digital asset finance (blockchain/cryptocurrencies). Mr. Han has held leadership positions at a variety of organizations, including Cantor Fitzgerald (Head of FinTech/Blockchain, Crypto & Digital Assets Investment Banking & Head of Technology Equity Capital Markets); the New York Stock Exchange (Head of FinTech & Consumer Tech Capital Markets); Jefferies (Head of West Coast Technology Equity Capital Markets); Goldman Sachs (Executive Director, Business Unit Manager and Operating Officer for UK and Emerging Markets Investment Banking). Mr. Han was also part of the management team at the Argon Group, a leading blockchain/crypto software technology & advisory start-up. He has also spent time as a corporate lawyer at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and began his career at Credit Suisse/CSFB. Mr. Han graduated with a BA from Columbia University, a Master’s degree from Oxford University, and law & MA degrees from Cambridge University. Mr. Han is also a board trustee, limited partner, and investor in various technology companies, funds, and educational institutions.
We believe Mr. Han’s extensive corporate finance, corporate development and strategy, corporate law and digital asset finance expertise qualify him to serve as a director of the Company.
Quyen Du was appointed to serve as a Class III non-employee director in March 2025. Ms. Du brings 25 years’ experience in strategy and corporate development to the Company. Based in Texas, she is a recognized leader in finance, media and entertainment, recently serving as Head of Corporate Strategy & Development, Innovations and Research for Condé Nast (NYC) from June 2022 to August 2024. Ms. Du adds a depth of experience working in a wide range of roles across corporate strategy, finance and investments, business development, distribution and partnerships. Her previous experience includes her work from September 2019 to May 2022 for Fandom, Inc., one of the world’s largest entertainment fan community platforms, where she led corporate development and was responsible for driving acquisitive growth opportunities. Ms. Du also held various executive positions at NBC Universal from September 2012 to December 2017, where she worked on transformative M&A deals, corporate digital strategy and new market entry initiatives, including across digital native, streaming, commerce, data, gaming and audio. She has also held a studio distribution planning position at Disney and a business development role at Showtime. Ms. Du earned bachelor degrees in Business Administration and Economics from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master’s in Business Administration from Columbia University.
We believe Ms. Du’s extensive corporate finance, corporate development and strategy, media and entertainment expertise qualify her to serve as a director of the Company.
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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Board Composition
Our business affairs are managed under the direction of the Board. The Board currently consists of four members, three of whom qualify as independent within the meaning of the independent director guidelines of the Nasdaq Stock Market ("Nasdaq"). Stephen Chen serves as an interim executive officer and is not considered independent.
The Board is divided into three staggered classes of directors. At each annual meeting of stockholders, a class of directors will be elected for a three-year term to succeed the same class whose term is then expiring, as follows:
Quyen Du is a Class III director nominee for election for a three-year term expiring at the 2027 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Mr. Snavely resigned as a Class III director effective October 22, 2024.
Our Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws provide that the number of directors shall consist of one or more members and may be increased or decreased from time to time by a resolution of the Board. Each director’s term continues until the election and qualification of his or her successor, or his or her earlier death, resignation or removal. Any increase or decrease in the number of directors will be distributed among the three classes so that, as nearly as possible, each class will consist of one-third of the total number of directors. This classification of the Board may have the effect of delaying or preventing changes in control of our Company.
Board Diversity Matrix
The following Board Diversity Matrix sets forth our Board diversity statistics in accordance with Nasdaq Rule 5606, based on information self-disclosed to us by each such director:
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Board Diversity Matrix (As of March 21, 2025) |
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Total Number of Directors |
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4 |
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Female |
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Male |
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Non-Binary |
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Did Not Disclose Gender |
Part I: Gender Identity |
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Directors |
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1 |
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3 |
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Part II: Demographic Background |
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African American or Black |
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Alaskan Native or Native American |
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Asian |
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1 |
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3 |
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Hispanic or Latinx |
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Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander |
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White |
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Two or More Races or Ethnicities |
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LGBTQ+ |
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Did Not Disclose Demographic Background |
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Meetings of the Board of Directors
Our Board met fourteen times during the 2023 fiscal year. Each incumbent Board member attended 75% or more of the aggregate number of meetings of the Board held during the period for which he or she was a Board member. The Company encourages, but does not require, directors to attend the Annual Meeting. Four Board members attended our 2023 annual meeting of stockholders.
Director Independence
Our common stock and certain warrants to purchase our common stock are listed on Nasdaq. Under the rules of Nasdaq, independent directors must comprise a majority of a listed company’s board of directors. In addition, the rules of Nasdaq require that, subject to specified exceptions, each member of a listed company’s audit, compensation and nominating and corporate governance committees be independent. Under the rules of Nasdaq, a director will only qualify as an “independent director” if, in the opinion of that company’s board of directors, that person does not have a relationship that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. Audit committee members must also satisfy the independence criteria set forth in Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. Compensation committee members must also satisfy the independence criteria set forth in Rule 10C-1 under the Exchange Act.
We have undertaken a review of the independence of each director and considered whether each director has a material relationship with us that could compromise his or her ability to exercise independent judgment in carrying out his or her responsibilities. As a result of this review, we determined that Mr. Mewawalla, Mr. Han and Ms. Du, representing three of our four directors, are considered “independent directors” as defined under the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and the listing requirements and rules of Nasdaq.
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Board Leadership Structure / Lead Independent Director
We believe that the structure of our Board and Board committees provides strong overall management. The Chair of our Board and our Chief Executive Officer roles are separate. Mr. Chen currently serves as our Interim Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Mewawalla serves as Chair of our Board. This structure enables each person to focus on different aspects of company leadership. Our Chief Executive Officer is responsible for setting the strategic direction of our company, the general management and operation of the business and the guidance and oversight of senior management. The Chair of our Board monitors the content, quality and timeliness of information sent to our Board and is available for consultation with our Board regarding the oversight of its business affairs. Our independent directors bring experience, oversight and expertise from outside of Phunware.
Corporate Governance Guidelines and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
Our Board has adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines that address items such as the qualifications and responsibilities of our directors and director candidates and corporate governance policies and standards applicable to us in general. In addition, our Board has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all of our employees, officers and directors, including our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and other executive and senior financial officers. The full text of our Corporate Governance Guidelines and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is posted on the Governance portion of the investor relations page of our website at https://investors.phunware.com. We will post amendments to our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics or waivers of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for directors and executive officers that are required to be disclosed by the rules of the SEC or Nasdaq on the same website.
Board Role in Risk Oversight
The Board recognizes the importance of effective risk oversight in running a successful business and in fulfilling its fiduciary responsibilities to Phunware and its stockholders. While the executive team is responsible for the day-to-day management of risk, one of the Board’s key functions is informed oversight of the Company’s risk management process. The Board does not have a standing risk management committee, but rather administers this oversight function directly through the Board as a whole, as well as through various Board standing committees that address risks inherent in their respective areas of oversight. In particular, our Board is responsible for monitoring and assessing strategic risk exposure, including a determination of the nature and level of risk appropriate for the Company. Our Audit Committee has the responsibility to consider and discuss our major financial risk exposures and the steps our management has taken to monitor and control these exposures, including guidelines and policies to govern the process by which risk assessment and management is undertaken.
The Audit Committee also reviews with management when appropriate any significant regulatory and legal developments that may have a material impact on Phunware’s financial statements, compliance programs and policies. Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee monitors the effectiveness of our corporate governance guidelines, including whether they are successful in preventing illegal or improper liability-creating conduct. Our Compensation Committee assesses and monitors whether any of our compensation policies and programs has the potential to encourage excessive risk-taking.
Both the Board as a whole and the various standing committees receive periodic reports from our management team that lead a variety of functions across the business, as well as input from external advisors, as appropriate. It is the responsibility of the committee chairs to report findings regarding material risk exposures to the Board as quickly as possible.
Committees of the Board of Directors
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The Board has the authority to appoint committees to perform certain management and administrative functions. The Board has an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee and a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, each of which has the composition and responsibilities described below. Members serve on these committees until their resignation or until otherwise determined by the Board.
Committee Meetings
Each incumbent Board member attended 75% or more of the aggregate number of meetings held by all committees of the Board on which he or she served during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 during the period for which he or she served.
Audit Committee
We have established a designated standing audit committee. Mr. Mewawalla, Mr. Han and Ms. Du, each of whom is a non-employee member of the Board, currently comprise our Audit Committee. Mr. Mewawalla is the Chairperson of our Audit Committee. We have determined that each of the members of our Audit Committee satisfies the requirements for independence and financial literacy under the rules of Nasdaq and the SEC. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, the committee met four times. The Audit Committee is responsible for, among other things:
The Board has adopted a written charter for the Audit Committee that satisfies the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and the listing standards of Nasdaq. Our Audit Committee charter can be found on the "Governance Documents" section of our Investor Relations website at https://investors.phunware.com/corporate-governance/governance-documents.
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Audit Committee Financial Expert
The Board determined Mr. Mewawalla is an independent director pursuant to Nasdaq's governance listing standards and meets the qualifications of an "audit committee financial expert," as defined under the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC. In making this determination, our Board has considered prior experience, business acumen and independence.
Audit Committee Report
The following Report of the Audit Committee of the Company shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates such information by reference in such filing.
The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 with management of the Company. The Audit Committee has discussed with the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, Marcum LLP the matters required to be discussed by Auditing Standard No. 1301, Communications with Audit Committees, as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”). The Audit Committee has also received the written disclosures and the letter from Marcum LLP required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding the independent accountants’ communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and has discussed with Marcum LLP the accounting firm’s independence.
Based on the foregoing, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 for filing with the SEC.
Audit Committee
Mr. Rahul Mewawalla, Chairperson
Mr. Elliot Han
Ms. Quyen Du
15
Compensation Committee
Mr. Mewawalla, Mr. Han and Ms. Du, each of whom is a non-employee member of the Board, currently comprise our Compensation Committee. We have determined that each member of our Compensation Committee meets the requirements for independence under the rules of Nasdaq and SEC rules and regulations. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, the Compensation Committee did not hold any meetings, but approved various matters, where appropriate, by unanimous written consent. The Compensation Committee is responsible for, among other things:
The Board has adopted a written charter for the Compensation Committee that satisfies the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and the listing standards of Nasdaq. Our Compensation Committee charter can be found on the "Governance Documents" section of our Investor Relations website at https://investors.phunware.com/corporate-governance/governance-documents.
Compensation Committee Processes and Procedures
Typically, our Compensation Committee meets quarterly and with greater frequency, if necessary. The agenda for each meeting will usually be developed by the Chairperson of the Compensation Committee, in consultation with the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer. Our Chief Executive Officer may not be present during voting or deliberations of the Compensation Committee regarding his compensation but may participate in the review or determination of the compensation of each of the other executive officers. The Compensation Committee meets regularly in executive session. However, from time to time, various members of management and other employees as well as outside advisors or consultants may be invited by the Compensation Committee to make presentations, to provide financial or other background information or advice or to otherwise participate in Compensation Committee meetings.
The Compensation Committee has the right, in its sole discretion, to retain or obtain the advice of compensation consultants, independent legal counsel and other advisors. The Compensation Committee is directly responsible for the appointment and oversight of the work of any compensation consultant, independent legal counsel and other advisor retained by the Committee. Such responsibility includes the sole authority to retain or terminate, and to determine the terms of engagement and the extent of funding necessary for payment of reasonable compensation to, compensation consultants, independent legal counsel and other advisors retained by the Committee. The Company will provide appropriate funding for the payment of compensation to its compensation consultants, outside legal counsel and other advisors retained by the Compensation Committee.
The Compensation Committee may delegate its authority to subcommittees or the Chairperson of the Compensation Committee when it deems it appropriate and in the best interests of the Company and when such delegation would not violate applicable law, regulation or Nasdaq or SEC requirements (collectively, “Applicable Legal Requirements”). Subject to Applicable Legal Requirements, the Compensation Committee may also delegate to one or more officers of the Company the authority to make equity grants to employees or consultants of the Company who are not directors of the Company or executive
16
officers of the Company under the Company’s equity plans as the Compensation Committee deems appropriate and in accordance with the terms of such plans and such guidelines as may be approved by the Compensation Committee.
In addition, should the Company cease to be a “smaller reporting company”, the Compensation Committee will review with management the Company’s Compensation Discussion and Analysis and consider whether to recommend that it be included in proxy statements and other filings.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
Mr. Mewawalla, Mr. Han and Ms. Du, each of whom is a non-employee member of our Board, currently comprise our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. We have determined that each member of our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee meets the requirements for independence under the rules of Nasdaq. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee did not hold any meetings, but approved various matters, where appropriate, by unanimous written consent. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for, among other things:
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee believes that candidates for director should have the highest personal values, integrity and ethics, along with certain minimum qualifications, including individuals who have exhibited achievements and excellence in one or more of the key professional, business, financial, legal or other fields that we may encounter. Furthermore, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also intends to consider such factors as possessing relevant expertise in the business environment in which we operate, ability to make independent analytical inquiries, willingness to devote sufficient time to Board duties, ability to serve on the Board for a sustained period and having the commitment to scrupulously represent the long-term interest of stockholders.
While the Board does not have a formal policy on diversity, the Nominating and Governance Committee endeavors to achieve an overall balance of diversity of experiences, skills, attributes and viewpoints among our directors. The Nominating and Governance Committee believes that appointing directors with a diverse range of expertise, backgrounds and skill sets fosters robust and insightful discussion amongst directors and provides our management with an invaluable opportunity to learn from a variety of unique perspectives and experiences. The Nominating and Governance Committee does not discriminate based upon race, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, citizenship or any other legally protected status.
In identifying potential director candidates, the Nominating and Governance Committee solicits recommendations from existing directors and senior management to be considered by the Nominating and Governance Committee along with any recommendations that have been received from stockholders as discussed in more detail below. The Nominating and Governance Committee may also, in its discretion, retain, and pay fees to, a search firm to provide additional candidates.
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For incumbent directors whose terms of office are set to expire, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviews these directors’ overall service to the Company during their terms, including the number of meetings attended, level of participation, quality of performance and any other relationships and transactions that might impair the directors’ independence.
Any stockholder of the Company who desires to submit director nomination in next year’s proxy materials outside of the processes of Rule 14a-8 must make such submission in writing not earlier than January 5, 2026 and not later than February 4, 2026 to Phunware’s Secretary at 1002 West Avenue, Austin, Texas 78701 and comply with the requirements in the Company’s Amended and Restated Bylaws. However, if our 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is held before April 6, 2026 or after July 5, 2026, then the deadline is not earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of (i) the 90th day prior to such annual meeting, or (ii) the tenth day following the day on which Public Announcement (as defined in our Amended and Restated Bylaws) of the date of such annual meeting is first made. You are also advised to review our Amended and Restated Bylaws, which contain additional requirements about advance notice of stockholder proposals and director nominations.
Any stockholder of the Company who desires to submit director nomination in next year’s proxy materials within the processes of Rule 14a-8 must make such submission in writing not later than November 21, 2025 to Phunware’s Secretary at 1002 West Avenue, Austin, Texas 78701. Any such stockholder proposal must meet the requirements set forth in Rule 14a-8.
With respect to any director candidate nominated by a stockholder or group of stockholders, the following information must be provided to the Company with the written nomination:
The Company may require any proposed director candidate to furnish such other information as may reasonably be required by the Company to determine the eligibility of such proposed candidate to serve as an independent director of the Board or that could be material to a reasonable stockholder’s understanding of the independence, or lack thereof, of such candidate. The Company suggests that any such proposal be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested.
The Board has adopted a written charter for the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee that satisfies the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and the listing standards of Nasdaq. Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee charter can be found on the "Governance Documents" section of our Investor Relations website at https://investors.phunware.com/corporate-governance/governance-documents.
18
Non-Employee Director Compensation
Effective June 13, 2024 the Board adopted an Outside Director Compensation Policy under which the non-employee members of the Board of Directors (“Outside Directors”) are compensated.
The Outside Director Compensation Policy provides:
Annual Cash Retainer
Each Outside Director will be paid an annual cash retainer of $75,000. There are no per-meeting attendance fees for attending Board meetings.
Chairman / Committee Membership Annual Cash Retainer
Each Outside Director who serves as chairman of the Board or chairman or member of a committee of the Board will be paid additional annual fees as follows:
Chairman of the Board: $45,000
Chairman of Audit Committee: $25,000
Member of Audit Committee (other than the Chairman of
the Audit Committee): $12,500
Chairman of Compensation Committee: $20,000
Member of Compensation Committee (other than the Chairman of
the Compensation Committee): $10,000
Chairman of Nominating and Governance Committee: $15,000
Member of Nominating and Governance Committee (other than the
Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee): $7,500
Each annual cash retainer and additional annual fees are paid quarterly in advance on the first business day of each quarter.
Equity Compensation
Outside Directors are entitled to receive all types of Awards (each, a “Policy Grant”) under the Company’s Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) (or the applicable equity plan in place at the time of grant), including discretionary Awards.
Initial Award. Upon first becoming an Outside Director, an individual will be eligible to receive an award consisting of restricted stock units covering a number of shares of common stock having a grant date aggregate fair market value of $150,000 (the “Initial Award”). The Initial Award will be granted, vested, and settled on the first trading day within the Company’s second open permissible trading window available following the date on which such individual is first eligible to receive the Initial Award.
Annual Award. On the first trading day within the Company’s second open permissible trading window following the Company’s annual stockholder meeting held during any calendar year, each Outside Director will be automatically granted,
19
vested, and settled an award consisting of restricted stock units covering a number of shares of common stock having a grant date aggregate fair market value of $150,000 as consideration for such Outside Director’s service on the Board for the calendar year in which such grant is made (each, an “Annual Award”); provided, however, that an Outside Director who has received an Initial Award during a particular calendar year is not entitled to an Annual Award for such calendar year.
Performance-Based Compensation. Additional compensation may be awarded to all of the Outside Directors which may be tied to the achievement of specific performance-based criteria as previously established by the Compensation Committee and approved by two-thirds (2/3) of the Directors then serving on the Board. The Compensation Committee shall calculate annually any such additional performance-based compensation in accordance with the performance-based criteria previously approved by the Board in accordance with this Section.
We also reimburse our directors for reasonable travel expenses associated with attending board and committee meetings.
The Outside Director Compensation Policy also provides that the Company is to maintain directors and officers insurance satisfactory to the Board and an annual budget to be set by the Compensation Committed for continuing education and training of Outside Directors.
20
Director Compensation
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the compensation for our directors, excluding reasonable travel expenses, for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Name |
Fees Earned |
|
|
Total |
|
||
Stephen Chen |
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
Ryan Costello (1) |
|
135,000 |
|
|
|
135,000 |
|
Eric Manlunas (2) |
|
76,875 |
|
|
|
76,875 |
|
Kathy Tan Mayor(3) |
|
86,458 |
|
|
|
86,458 |
|
Rahul Mewawalla |
|
109,167 |
|
|
|
109,167 |
|
Outstanding Equity Awards as of Fiscal Year-End
There were no equity awards outstanding to our non-employee Outside Directors as of December 31, 2023.
Insider Trading Policy
We have adopted an Insider Trading Policy and Guidelines with Respect to Certain Transactions in Securities (the “Insider Trading Policy”) containing policies and procedures governing the purchase, sale and/or other dispositions of our securities by Insiders (including officers and directors as well as certain other employees identified pursuant to the Insider Trading Policy), or by us. Such policies and procedures are reasonably designed to promote compliance with insider trading laws, rules and regulations, and any listing standards applicable to us.
Employee, Officer and Director Hedging
Our Insider Trading Policy applicable to all directors, officers, employees and agents of the Company prohibits such parties from engaging in transactions in publicly-traded options, such as puts and calls, and other derivative securities with respect to the Company’s securities. This prohibition extends to any hedging or similar transaction designed to decrease the risks associated with holding Company securities. Stock options, stock appreciation rights and other securities issued pursuant to Company benefit plans or other compensatory arrangements with the Company are also subject to this prohibition; provided, however, such parties are not prohibited from exercising any stock options issued under any of the Company’s benefit plans or other compensatory arrangements in accordance with the terms of such plans or arrangements.
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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Phunware’s named executive officers ("NEOs"), which consist of the person or persons who served as our principal executive officer ("PEO") and the next two most highly compensated executive officers who served as executive officers during the year ended December 31, 2023, are:
Michael Snavely, Chief Executive Officer
Russell Buyse, Former Chief Executive Officer
Troy Reisner, Chief Financial Officer
Chris Olive, Chief Legal Officer
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth information regarding the total compensation of our NEOs for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
Name and Principal Position |
|
Fiscal Year |
|
Salary ($)(1) |
|
|
Bonus ($) |
|
|
Stock Awards ($)(2) |
|
|
All Other Compensation ($)(3) |
|
|
Total ($) |
|
|||||
Michael Snavely, Chief Executive Officer (4) |
|
2023 |
|
|
101,073 |
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
219,450 |
|
|
|
4,438 |
|
|
|
339,961 |
|
Rusell Buyse, Former Chief Executive Officer (5) |
|
2023 |
|
|
293,403 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
57,997 |
|
|
|
351,400 |
|
|
|
2022 |
|
|
3,693 |
|
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
43,693 |
|
Troy Reisner, Chief Financial Officer (6) |
|
2023 |
|
|
202,841 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
324,000 |
|
|
|
8,940 |
|
|
|
535,781 |
|
Chris Olive, Chief Legal Officer (7) |
|
2023 |
|
|
300,000 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
87,640 |
|
|
|
26,630 |
|
|
|
414,270 |
|
|
|
2022 |
|
|
225,000 |
|
|
|
34,907 |
|
|
|
925,000 |
|
|
|
19,270 |
|
|
|
1,204,177 |
|
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Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
The following table sets forth information regarding outstanding stock options and other equity awards held by each of our named executive officers as of December 31, 2023, after giving effect to the reverse stock split of the Company’s common stock at a ratio of one-for-fifty that occurred on February 23, 2024:
|
|
|
|
Options Awards |
|
Restricted Stock Unit Awards |
||||||||
|
|
Grant Date |
|
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options |
|
Option Exercise Price |
|
Option Expiration Date |
|
Number of shares or units of stock that have not vested (#) |
|
Market value of shares or units of stock that have not vested ($) |
||
Name |
|
|
Exercisable |
|
Unexercisable |
|
|
|
|
|||||
Michael Snavely |
|
11/10/2023 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
12,000 |
(1) |
49,200 |
|
|
11/10/2023 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
4,000 |
(1) |
16,400 |
Russell Buyse |
|
1/4/2023 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
(2) |
— |
Troy Reisner |
|
6/30/2023 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
12,000 |
(3) |
49,200 |
Chris Olive |
|
9/16/2022 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
10,000 |
(4) |
41,000 |
|
|
8/31/2023 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
6,260 |
(4) |
25,666 |
23
Executive Employment Agreements
We entered into employment agreements with the named executive officers noted above, of which only Chris Olive remains currently by employed the Company. The employment agreements with our NEOs generally provide for at-will employment and set forth each named executive officer's base salary, bonus target, severance eligibility and eligibility for other standard employee benefit plan participation.
Pursuant to the employment agreements, certain current and future significant employees, including the named executive officers identified above, are eligible for severance benefits under certain circumstances. The actual amounts that would be paid or distributed as a result of a termination of employment occurring in the future may be different than those presented below as many factors will affect the amount of any payments and benefits upon a termination of employment. For example, some of the factors that could affect the amounts payable include base salary and annual bonus target percentage. Although the Company has entered into a written agreement to provide severance payments and benefits in connection with a termination of employment under particular circumstances, the Company, or an acquirer, may mutually agree with an executive officer or significant employee to provide payments and benefits on terms that vary from those currently contemplated. In addition to the amounts presented below, each eligible executive officer or significant employee would also be able to exercise any previously-vested stock options that he or she held, in accordance with the terms of those grants and the respective plans pursuant to which they were granted. Finally, the eligible executive officer or significant employee may also receive any benefits accrued under our broad-based benefit plans, in accordance with those plans and policies.
Mr. Snavely’s Employment Agreement
We entered into an employment agreement, dated as of October 25, 2023, with Michael Snavely, who served as our Chief Executive Officer until October 22, 2024.
The employment agreement provided for an initial base salary of $350,000 per year, a sign-on bonus of $10,000, eligibility in the Company’s bonus programs established by the Board or any committee of the board and eligibility to participate in our employee benefit programs. Under the terms of his employment agreement, the Company provided Mr. Snavely an initial grant of 30,000 restricted stock units with various vesting dates and a separate grant of 15,000 restricted stock units on or before January 31, 2024 with vesting to commence on March 31, 2024.
Effective October 22, 2024, the Company entered into a Confidential Separation and General Release Agreement with Michael Snavely, the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer and director. The Separation Agreement provides that Mr. Snavely’s employment with the Company terminated effective October 22, 2024. The Separation Agreement provides for a general release of claims by Mr. Snavely. Pursuant to the Separation Agreement, Mr. Snavely received an amount equal to $262,500 which represents nine (9) months of earnings and continued coverage under the Company’s group health plan, including reimbursement for premiums for such coverage, through July 31, 2025.
Mr. Buyse's Employment Agreement
On November 11, 2022, we entered into an employment agreement with Russell Buyse to serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Company effective as of December 28, 2022. Mr. Buyse served as our Chief Executive Officer until Mr. Snavely was appointed as his successor on October 25, 2023.
The employment agreement provided for an initial base salary of $325,000, a target annual cash bonus to be between 50% and 200% of the base salary, with the actual award value to be determined by the compensation committee or the Board in its sole discretion based on factors including the strength of Mr. Buyse’s performance and the performance of the Company. Mr. Buyse was also eligible to participate in our employee benefit programs.
Mr. Buyse was paid a sign-on bonus of $40,000 pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement. Furthermore, within thirty (30) calendar days of the date of the Employment Agreement, the Company agreed to provide Mr. Buyse a one-time grant of restricted stock units with a grant date fair value of $1,500,000. The restricted stock units granted to Mr. Buyse were subject
24
to a separate award agreement, which outlined the specifics of such grant, including but not limited to, the vesting schedule, forfeiture for cause provisions, the Company’s buyback rights and other restrictions and terms.
On October 25, 2023, the Company entered into a Confidential Transition, Consulting and General Release Agreement with Russell Buyse. The transition agreement provided that Mr. Buyse's employment as chief executive officer terminated effective the same date. Furthermore, effective on October 26, 2023, Mr. Buyse freely and voluntarily resigned his position as a director of the Board. The Company and Mr. Buyse agreed that from the period of October 26, 2023 and continuing through November 10, 2023, Mr. Buyse would serve as a consultant to the Company. The Company and Mr. Buyse both agreed to a mutual general release, which excludes certain specified types of claims. Mr. Buyse also agreed to certain restrictive covenants, including confidentiality, non-compete and non-solicitation provisions.
As compensation for his service as a consultant during the period noted above, Mr. Buyse received aggregate gross compensation of $40,000, less applicable withholdings, payable in four (4) bi-monthly installments of $10,000, beginning October 31, 2023 and concluding on December 15, 2023. The Company also reimbursed Mr. Buyse for continuation coverage under the Company's group health plan in accordance with COBRA through March 31, 2024.
During the course of his employment with the Company, Mr. Buyse was awarded a grant of restricted stock units. As of October 25, 2023, Mr. Buyse had approximately 29,412 unvested restricted stock units (adjusted for reverse stock split) pursuant to the grant with original vesting commencing on December 28, 2023 and concluding on December 28, 2025. As additional compensation under the transition agreement, the Company modified the vesting schedule with respect to the unvested portion of Mr. Buyse's restricted stock unit award, such that 10,000 restricted stock units vested on October 25, 2023 and 10,000 restricted stock units vested on November 30, 2023. The balance of 9,412 restricted stock units terminated.
Mr. Reisner’s Employment Agreement
We entered into an employment agreement, dated as of June 2, 2023, with Troy Reisner, who served as our Chief Financial Officer until his resignation effective November 30, 2024.
The employment agreement provided for an initial base salary of $350,000 per year, eligibility in the Company’s bonus programs established by the Board or any committee of the Board and eligibility to participate in our employee benefit programs. Under the terms of his employment agreement, the Company provided Mr. Reisner a one-time grant of 600,000 restricted stock units on June 2, 2023. The restricted stock units granted to Mr. Reisner are subject to a separate award agreement, which outlines the specifics of such grant, including but not limited to, the vesting schedule, forfeiture for cause provisions, the Company’s buyback rights and other restrictions and terms.
Mr. Olive's Employment Agreement
We entered into an employment agreement, as amended and restated in September 2022, with Chris Olive, who serves as our Chief Legal Officer. The agreement has an initial term of four years from his April 2022 hire date and automatically renews for additional one year terms, unless either party provides ninety (90) day notice. If a change in control, as defined in the agreements, occurs when there are fewer than twelve (12) months remaining during the initial term or an additional term, the term of the employment agreement will extend automatically through the date that is twelve (12) months following the effective date of the change in control.
The employment agreement provides for an initial base salary of $300,000 per year, eligibility in the Company's bonus programs established by the Board or any committee of the Board, and eligibility to participate in our employee benefit programs. Under the terms of his employment agreement, the Company provided Mr. Olive a one-time grant of 10,000 restricted stock units (adjusted for reverse stock split) on September 16, 2022. The restricted stock units granted to Mr. Olive are subject to a separate
25
award agreement, which outlines the specifics of such grant, including but not limited to, the vesting schedule, forfeiture for cause provisions, the Company’s buyback rights and other restrictions and terms.
Termination without Cause or Resignation for Good Reason Outside the Change in Control Period
Mr. Olive is eligible to receive the following payments and benefits in connection with a termination not in connection with a Change in Control, as defined in the agreements:
Termination Without Cause or Resignation for Good Reason During the Change in Control Period
In the case of a Change in Control, if Mr. Olive is terminated without cause, either during the three months before or in the year after a Change in Control, then he will be entitled to receive the following payments and benefits:
Equity Award Timing Policies.
We do not have a formal policy or obligation that requires us to award equity or equity-based compensation on specific dates. Our Compensation Committee and Board have adopted a policy with respect to the grant of stock options and other equity incentive awards that generally prohibits the grant of stock options or other equity awards to executive officers during closed quarterly trading windows (as determined in accordance with our insider trading policy). Our Insider Trading Policy also prohibits directors, officers and employees from trading in our common stock while in possession of or on the basis of material non-public information about us. Neither our Board nor our Compensation Committee takes material non-public information into account when determining the timing of equity awards, nor do we time the disclosure of material non-public information for the purpose of impacting the value of executive compensation. We generally issue equity awards to our executive officers on a limited and infrequent basis, and not in accordance with any fixed schedule.
During the last fiscal year, there were no stock options granted to any named executive officers within four business days preceding the filing of any report of Forms 10-K, 10-Q, or 8-K that discloses material nonpublic information.
26
Pay Versus Performance
In accordance with disclosure requirements of the SEC regarding pay versus performance, this section presents the SEC-defined "Compensation Actually Paid." Compensation decisions made by our Compensation Committee and Board are made independently of disclosure requirements. Compensation Actually Paid should be viewed is a supplemental measure, not a replacement, of other performance measures as it relates to our compensation-setting strategy.
The following table sets forth information regarding our pay versus performance analysis for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation Actually Paid to PEO |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
Year |
|
Summary Compensation Table Total for PEO |
|
|
Alan Knitowski |
|
|
Russell Buyse |
|
|
Michael Snavely |
|
|
Average Summary Compensation Table Total for Non-PEO NEOs |
|
|
Average Compensation Actually Paid to Non-PEO NEOs |
|
|
Value of Initial Fixed $100 Investment Based On |
|
|
Net Loss (in thousands) |
|
||||||||
2023(1) |
|
$ |
691,361 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
495,700 |
|
|
$ |
282,551 |
|
|
$ |
475,026 |
|
|
$ |
113,331 |
|
|
$ |
6.51 |
|
|
$ |
(52,785 |
) |
2022(2) |
|
$ |
619,387 |
|
|
$ |
(753,170 |
) |
|
$ |
43,693 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
1,020,883 |
|
|
$ |
637,383 |
|
|
$ |
61.35 |
|
|
$ |
(50,894 |
) |
2021(3) |
|
$ |
2,458,954 |
|
|
$ |
3,090,659 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
1,285,071 |
|
|
$ |
1,691,284 |
|
|
$ |
208.73 |
|
|
$ |
(53,522 |
) |
27
The following table provides a reconciliation of total compensation per our Summary Compensation Table to Compensation Actually Paid as disclosed above:
|
|
PEO |
|
|
Average Non-PEO NEO |
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2022 |
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2022 |
|
|
2021 |
|
|
||||||
Summary compensation table total |
|
$ |
691,361 |
|
|
$ |
619,387 |
|
|
$ |
2,458,954 |
|
|
$ |
475,026 |
|
|
$ |
1,020,883 |
|
|
$ |
1,285,071 |
|
|
Less: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Stock awards reported in summary compensation table |
|
|
(219,450 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(1,613,570 |
) |
|
|
(205,820 |
) |
|
|
(770,000 |
) |
|
|
(694,761 |
) |
|
Further adjusted for: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Fair value of awards as of December 31 granted in current year, outstanding and unvested |
|
|
65,600 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
1,964,670 |
|
|
|
37,433 |
|
|
|
386,500 |
|
|
|
845,936 |
|
|
Change in fair value of awards granted in prior fiscal year, outstanding and unvested |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(878,849 |
) |
|
|
205,500 |
|
|
|
(172,750 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
201,219 |
|
|
Fair value of awards, granted and vested in same year |
|
|
240,740 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
10,645 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
Change in fair value of awards granted in prior years, but vested in current year |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(450,015 |
) |
|
|
75,105 |
|
|
|
(31,202 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
53,820 |
|
|
Compensation actually paid |
|
$ |
778,251 |
|
|
$ |
(709,477 |
) |
|
$ |
3,090,659 |
|
|
$ |
113,331 |
|
|
$ |
637,383 |
|
|
$ |
1,691,284 |
|
|
28
The following graph reflects the relationship among the compensation actually paid to our PEO(s), the average compensation paid to our non-PEO NEOs and the Company's cumulative total shareholder return (assuming an initial fixed investment of $100 on December 31, 2021) for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
The following graph reflects the relationship among the compensation actually paid to our PEO(s), the average compensation paid to our non-PEO NEOs and the Company's net income for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
29
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of March 21, 2025, for:
We have determined beneficial ownership in accordance with the rules of the SEC and the information is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose. Unless otherwise indicated below, to our knowledge, the persons and entities named in the table have sole voting and sole investment power with respect to all shares that they beneficially own, subject to community property laws where applicable.
Applicable percentage ownership is based on 20,170,745 shares of our common stock outstanding as of March 21, 2025 for our named executive officers currently employed and our directors currently serving on our Board. In computing the number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by a person and the percentage ownership of that person, we included outstanding shares of our common stock subject to options or restricted stock units held by that person that are currently exercisable or releasable or that will become exercisable or releasable within 60 days of March 21, 2025. We did not include these shares as outstanding, however, for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person. Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each beneficial owner listed on the table below is c/o Phunware, Inc., 1002 West Avenue, Austin, Texas 78701.
Name of Beneficial Owner(1) |
|
Shares |
|
|
Percentage |
|
||
Named Executive Officers, Executive Officers and Directors: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Stephen Chen |
|
|
27,114 |
|
|
|
0.1 |
% |
Jeremy Kidd |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
% |
Chris Olive |
|
|
8,116 |
|
|
|
0.0 |
% |
Quyen Du |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
% |
Elliot Han |
|
|
25,019 |
|
|
|
0.1 |
% |
Rahul Mewawalla |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
% |
All executive officers and directors as a group (6 persons) |
|
|
62,344 |
|
|
|
0.3 |
% |
30
Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company’s directors, executive officers and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of the Company’s common stock (collectively, “Reporting Persons”) to file with the SEC reports regarding their ownership and changes in our ownership of our securities. We believe that, during 2023, our directors, executive officers and 10% stockholders complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements, except for a late Form 4 filing by Troy Reisner on July 7, 2023 to report acquisition of restricted stock units of our common stock, which occurred on June 30, 2023, a late Form 4 filing by Randall Crowder on August 28, 2023 to report a sale of our common stock which occurred on August 21, 2023, a late Form 4 filing by Randall Crowder on November 14, 2023 to report an acquisition of our common stock which occurred on June 1, 2023, a late Form 4 filing by Chris Olive on November 14, 2023 to report an acquisition of our common stock which occurred on June 1, 2023, and a late Form 4 filing by Michael Snavely on November 22, 2023 to report an acquisition of our common stock which occurred on November 15, 2023.
31
Policy for Related Person Transactions
We have adopted a formal written policy providing that our executive officers, directors, nominees for election as directors, beneficial owners of more than 5% of any class of our capital stock, any member of the immediate family of any of the foregoing persons and any firm, corporation or other entity in which any of the foregoing persons is employed or is a general partner or principal or in a similar position or in which such person has a 5% or greater beneficial ownership interest, are not permitted to enter into a related party transaction with us without the approval of our Audit Committee, subject to the exceptions described below.
A related person transaction is a transaction, arrangement or relationship, or any series of similar transactions, arrangements or relationships, in which we and any related person are, were or will be participants in which the amount involves exceeds $120,000. Transactions involving compensation for services provided the Company as an employee or director are not covered by this policy.
The Board has determined that certain transactions will not require the approval of the Audit Committee, including certain employment arrangements of executive officers, director compensation, transactions with another company at which a related party’s only relationship is as a director, non-executive employee or beneficial owner of less than 10% of that company’s outstanding capital stock, transactions where a related party’s interest arises solely from the ownership of our common stock and all holders of our common stock received the same benefit on a pro rata basis and transactions available to all employees generally.
Related Person Transactions
The following is a summary of related party transactions since January 1, 2023.
Confidential Separation and General Release Agreement with Michael Snavely. Effective October 22, 2024, the Company entered into a Confidential Separation and General Release Agreement (the "Separation Agreement") with Michael Snavely, the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer and director. The Separation Agreement provides that Mr. Snavely’s employment with the Company terminated effective October 22, 2024. The Separation Agreement provides for a general release of claims by Mr. Snavely. Pursuant to the Separation Agreement, Mr. Snavely will receive an amount equal to $262,500 which represents nine (9) months of earnings and continued coverage under the Company’s group health plan, including reimbursement for premiums for such coverage, through July 31, 2025.
Confidential Transition, Consulting and General Release Agreement with Russell Buyse. On October 25, 2023, the Company entered into a Confidential Transition, Consulting and General Release Agreement with Russell Buyse. The transition agreement provided that Mr. Buyse's employment as chief executive officer terminated effective the same date. Furthermore, effective on October 26, 2023, Mr. Buyse freely and voluntarily resigned his position as a director of the Board. The Company and Mr. Buyse agreed that from the period of October 26, 2023 and continuing through November 10, 2023, Mr. Buyse would serve as a consultant to the Company. The Company and Mr. Buyse both agreed to a mutual general release, which excludes certain specified types of claims. Mr. Buyse also agreed to certain restrictive covenants, including confidentiality, non-compete and non-solicitation provisions.
As compensation for his service as a consultant during the period noted above, Mr. Buyse received aggregate gross
32
compensation of $40,000, less applicable withholdings, payable in four (4) bi-monthly installments of $10,000, beginning October 31, 2023 and concluding on December 15, 2023. The Company also reimbursed Mr. Buyse for continuation coverage under the Company's group health plan in accordance with COBRA through March 31, 2024.
During the course of his employment with the Company, Mr. Buyse was awarded a grant of restricted stock units. As of October 25, 2023, Mr. Buyse had approximately 29,412 unvested restricted stock units (adjusted for reverse stock split) pursuant to the grant with original vesting commencing on December 28, 2023 and concluding on December 28, 2025. As additional compensation under the transition agreement, the Company modified the vesting schedule with respect to the unvested portion of Mr. Buyse's restricted stock unit award, such that 10,000 restricted stock units vested on October 25, 2023 and 10,000 restricted stock units vested on November 30, 2023. The balance of 9,412 restricted stock units terminated.
Confidential Transition, Consulting and General Release Agreement with Matt Aune. On June 2, 2023, the Company entered into a Confidential Transition, Consulting and General Release Agreement with Matt Aune. The separation agreement with Mr. Aune provided that he would cease as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer as of June 2, 2023 and his employment terminated with the Company effective June 30, 2023. The Company and Mr. Aune agreed that from the period of the July 1, 2023 and continuing through December 31, 2023, Mr. Aune would provide certain additional transitional services to the Company.
In exchange for Mr. Aune's performance of obligations to the Company under the terms of the separation agreement, including a general release of claims which excludes certain specified types of claims, Mr. Aune received severance consisting of (i) six months of his continued base salary (in the aggregate amount of $175,000), which commenced on July 1, 2023 and concluded on December 31, 2023, in bi-monthly installments and in accordance with the Company’s general payroll policies, less applicable taxes and withholdings, (ii) the Company paid continuation coverage under the Company’s group health plan in accordance with COBRA for Mr. Aune, his spouse and his dependents, through December 31, 2023, and (iii) accelerated vesting of 2,647 restricted stock units (adjusted for reverse stock split), which vested on June 30, 2023.
In exchange for Mr. Aune’s continued service as an advisor through December 31, 2023, Mr. Aune received accelerated vesting of any then-remaining unvested restricted stock units on December 31, 2023.
Confidential Separation and General Release Agreement with Matt Lull. On May 30, 2023, the Company entered into a Confidential Separation and General Release Agreement with Matt Lull. The separation agreement provides that Mr. Lull's employment with the Company terminated effective May 29, 2023. The Company and Mr. Lull agreed that from the period of May 29, 2023 and continuing through August 31, 2023, Mr. Lull would serve as a special advisor to the Company. The Company and Mr. Lull both agreed to a mutual general release, which excludes certain specified types of claims. Mr. Lull also agreed to certain restrictive covenants, including confidentiality, non-compete and non-solicitation provisions.
As compensation for his service as a special advisor, Mr. Lull received aggregate gross cash compensation of $105,000, less applicable withholdings, of which $50,000 was paid on June 15, 2023, $12,500 was paid on each of July 15, 2023 and August 15, 2023 and $7,500 was payable in monthly installments beginning on September 15, 2023 and concluding on December 15, 2023. The Company also reimbursed Mr. Lull for continuation coverage under the Company's group health plan in accordance with COBRA through December 31, 2023. As additional compensation under the separation agreement, the Company accelerated the vesting of 4,375 restricted stock units (adjusted for reverse stock split), which vested on June 1, 2023, and 2,917 unvested restricted stock units (adjusted for reverse stock split), terminated in accordance with the Company's 2018 Equity Incentive Plan.
33
Limitation on Liability and Indemnification Matters
As permitted under Delaware law, our Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws provide that we will indemnify our directors and officers and may indemnify our employees and other agents, to the fullest extent not prohibited under Delaware or applicable law. The Company has also entered into indemnification agreements with the Board, officers and certain employees. These agreements provide for the indemnification of our directors, officers and some employees for certain expenses and liabilities incurred in connection with any action, suit, proceeding or alternative dispute resolution mechanism, or hearing, inquiry or investigation that may lead to the foregoing, to which they are a party, or are threatened to be made a party, by reason of the fact that they are or were a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of our Company, or any of our subsidiaries, by reason of any action or inaction by them while serving as a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary, or by reason of the fact that they were serving at our request as a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of another entity. In the case of an action or proceeding by or in the right of our Company or any of our subsidiaries, no indemnification will be provided for any claim where a court determines that the indemnified party is prohibited from receiving indemnification. We believe that these charter and bylaw provisions and indemnification agreements are necessary to attract and retain qualified persons as directors and officers.
34
PROPOSAL 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Our Board is divided into three classes, Class I, Class II and Class III. Currently, there is currently one director in Class III, Quyen Du, whose term expires at this Annual Meeting. Quyen Du is the nominee for election to our Board at the Annual Meeting.
Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares of our common stock present at the Annual Meeting or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. Proxies cannot be voted for more than one person. If elected, Quyen Du will serve until the 2027 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until her successor has been elected and qualified, or until his earlier death, resignation, or removal. In the event that the nominee for any reason is unable to serve, or for good cause will not serve, the proxies will be voted for such substitute nominee as the Board may determine. The nominee has agreed to be named in this proxy statement and to serve as a director if elected.
A director elected by the Board to fill a vacancy, including vacancies created by an increase in the number of directors, shall serve for the remainder of the full term and until the director’s successor is duly elected and qualified. Unless otherwise provided by law, any vacancy on the Board, including a vacancy created by an increase in the authorized number of directors, may be filled by the stockholders, by a majority of the directors then in office, even if less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director.
The relevant experience, qualifications, attributes and skills of Quyen Du that led the Board to recommend her as a nominee for director are described in the section entitled “Executive Officers, Directors and Corporate Governance.”
The Board recommends a vote FOR the election of the named nominee.
35
PROPOSAL 2
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Audit Committee has selected Marcum LLP (“Marcum”) to be our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, and recommends that the stockholders vote for ratification of such appointment. Marcum LLP was engaged as our independent registered public accounting firm since 2017. The ratification of the appointment of Marcum as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024 will be determined by the holders of a majority of shares present at the Annual Meeting or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on the matter. If you "Abstain" from voting, it will have the same effect as an "Against" vote. Broker non-votes will have no effect and will not be counted in determining the number of shares necessary for approval. In the event of a negative vote on such ratification, the Audit Committee will reconsider its appointment. We expect representatives of Marcum will be present at the Annual Meeting, will have the opportunity to make a statement at the Annual Meeting if they desire to do so and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The following table sets forth aggregate fees billed to the Company for professional services by our independent registered public accounting firm, Marcum LLP for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
|
December 31, |
|
|||||
|
2023 |
|
|
2022 |
|
||
Audit Fees(1) |
$ |
321,672 |
|
|
$ |
338,815 |
|
Audit-related Fees(2) |
|
39,140 |
|
|
|
102,485 |
|
Tax Fees(3) |
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
All Other Fees(4) |
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Total Fees |
$ |
360,812 |
|
|
$ |
441,300 |
|
Audit Committee Pre-Approval
Our Audit Committee pre-approves all auditing services and permitted non-audit services to be performed for us by our independent auditor, including the fees and terms thereof. All of the services described above were approved by our Audit Committee.
The Board recommends a vote FOR the ratification of the appointment of Marcum LLP as the independent registered accounting firm of the Company for its fiscal year ending December 31, 2024.
36
OTHER MATTERS
Note About Forward-Looking Statements
This proxy statement includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. These forward-looking statements are intended to be covered by the safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this proxy statement, including statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, business strategy and plans, and our objectives for future operations, are forward-looking statements. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes are intended to identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking.
We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, short-term and long-term business operations and objectives and financial needs. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and other filings we make with the SEC from time to time. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for our management to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements we may make. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the future events and trends discussed in this proxy statement may not occur and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.
Information Referenced in this Proxy Statement
The content of the websites referred to in this proxy statement are not incorporated into this proxy statement. Our references to the URLs for any websites presented are intended to be inactive textual references only.
Stockholder Engagement and Communications
Stockholders may contact the Board about bona fide issues or questions about Phunware by sending a letter to the following address: Phunware, Inc., 1002 West Avenue, Austin, Texas 78701, Attention: Secretary. Each communication should specify the applicable addressee or addressees to be contacted, the general topic of the communication, and the number of shares of our stock that are owned of record (if a record holder) or beneficially. If
37
a stockholder wishes to contact the independent members of the Board, the stockholder should address such communication to the attention of the Chairman of the Board at the address above.
Our Secretary monitors these communications and will provide a summary of all received messages to the Board at each regularly-scheduled meeting of the Board. The Board generally meets on a quarterly basis. Where the nature of a communication warrants, our Secretary may determine, in his or her judgment, to obtain the more immediate attention of the appropriate committee of the Board or non-management director, of independent advisors or of Company management, as our Secretary considers appropriate. Our Secretary may decide in the exercise of his or her judgment whether a response to any stockholder or interested party communication is necessary. In addition, material that is unduly hostile, threatening, illegal, or similarly unsuitable will be excluded, with the provision that any communication that is filtered out must be made available to any non-management director upon request. More information about investor relations is available on our website at https://investors.phunware.com.
Householding of Proxy Materials
The SEC has adopted rules that permit companies and intermediaries (e.g., brokers) to satisfy the delivery requirements for Notices of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or other Annual Meeting materials with respect to two or more stockholders sharing the same address by delivering a single Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or other Annual Meeting materials addressed to those stockholders. This process, which is commonly referred to as “householding,” potentially means extra convenience for stockholders and cost savings for companies.
A single Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials will be delivered to multiple stockholders sharing an address unless contrary instructions have been received from the affected stockholders. Once you have received notice from your broker that they will be “householding” communications to your address, “householding” will continue until you are notified otherwise or until you revoke your consent. If, at any time, you no longer wish to participate in “householding” and would prefer to receive a separate Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, please notify your broker or Phunware, Inc. Direct your written request to Investor Relations, Phunware, Inc., 1002 West Avenue, Austin, Texas 78701; Telephone: (512) 394-6837; Email: investorrelations@phunware.com. Upon written or oral request, the Company will provide a separate copy of the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials. Stockholders who currently receive multiple copies of the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials at their addresses and would like to request “householding” of their communications should contact their brokers or the Company at the address stated above.
Other Business
The Board knows of no other business that will be presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting. If any other business is properly brought before the meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying proxy to vote on such matters in accordance with their best judgment.
38
|
By Order of the Board of Directors, |
|
|
|
/s/ Stephen Chen |
|
Stephen Chen |
|
Director and Interim Chief Executive Officer |
March 21, 2025
A copy of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 is available without charge upon written request to: Phunware, Inc., 1002 West Avenue, Austin, TX 78701, Attention: Secretary. Stockholders may also request a copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, by sending an e-mail to investorrelations@phunware.com.
39
40
41