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

(Amendment No.    )

Filed by the Registrant  ☒

Filed by a party other than the Registrant  ☐

Check the appropriate box:

Filed by the Registrant  x
Filed by a party other than the Registrant  
Check the appropriate box:

Preliminary Proxy Statement

Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a‑6(e)14a-6(e)(2))

x

Definitive Proxy Statement

Definitive Additional Materials

Soliciting Material under §240.14a‑12§240.14a-12

AquaBounty Technologies, Inc.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check all boxes that apply):

AquaBounty Technologies, Inc.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
x

No fee required.

Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a‑6(i)(1) and 0‑11.
(1)Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
(2)Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
(3)Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0‑11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
(4)Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
(5)Total fee paid:

Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided

Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rule 0‑11(a)(2)Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

(1)Amount Previously Paid:
(2)Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
(3)Filing Party:
(4)Date Filed:
0-11.





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LOGO

NOTICE OF ANNUALSPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
MAY 1, 2018

The 2018 annual

OCTOBER 12, 2023

A special meeting of stockholders (the “Special Meeting”) of AquaBounty Technologies, Inc. (“AquaBounty”we,” “our,” “AquaBounty” or the “Company”) will be held on May 1, 2018,October 12, 2023, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time, at the Bostonian Hotel, 26 North Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109,2 Mill & Main Place, Suite 395, Maynard, MA 01754, for the following purposes:

to elect seven directors to serve on our Board of Directors for a one-year term of office until the next annual meeting of stockholders, with each director to hold office until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier resignation or removal;
to ratify the appointment of Wolf & Company, P.C. as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018;
to

To approve an amendment to our Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, to approve a reverse stock split (the “Charter”“Reverse Stock Split”), to reduce the number of authorized shares of our common stock, $0.001 par value $0.001 per share (“Common Stock”), from 200,000,000 to 50,000,000 and an associated reduction in the number of authorized shares of our preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share (“Preferred Stock”Common Stock we are authorized to issue (the “Authorized Capital Change”), from 40,000,000150,000,000 to 5,000,000;75,000,000 (the “Reverse Stock Split Proposal”); and

To approve an adjournment of the Special Meeting, if necessary, to transact such other business as may properly come beforesolicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes in favor of the annual meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.Reverse Stock Split Proposal (the “Adjournment Proposal”).

After careful consideration, the board of directors of the Company recommends a vote “FOR” the Reverse Stock Split Proposal and “FOR” the Adjournment Proposal.

Only stockholders of record at the close of business on March 14, 2018,August 21, 2023, the record date, are entitled to notice of and to vote at the annual meeting.

Special Meeting or at any postponement(s) or adjournment(s) thereof. A complete list of the stockholders of the Company entitled to vote at the Special Meeting will be open to the examination of any stockholder during ordinary business hours for a period of ten days prior to the Special Meeting for any purpose germane to the meeting at the Company’s principal place of business at 2 Mill & Main Place, Suite 395, Maynard, Massachusetts 01754.

Your vote is very important. Whether or not you plan to attend the annual meeting,Special Meeting, we hope you will vote as soon as possible. Please vote before the annual meetingSpecial Meeting using the internet; telephone;Internet, telephone, or by signing, dating, and mailing the proxy card in the pre-paid envelope, to ensure that your vote will be counted. Please review the instructions on each of your voting options described in the accompanying proxy statement. Your proxy may be revoked before the vote at the annual meetingSpecial Meeting by following the procedures outlined in the accompanying proxy statement.

Sincerely,

Sylvia Wulf

Chief Executive Officer and Board Chair

Maynard, Massachusetts

September 1, 2023


Forward-Looking Statements

This proxy statement contains “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, that involve significant risks and uncertainties about AquaBounty. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements and AquaBounty may use words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “aim,” “believe,” “seek,” “estimate,” “can,” “focus,” “will,” and “may,” similar expressions and the negative forms of such expressions to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements include, but are not limited to, our expectations regarding the market price of our Common Stock, our ability to regain and maintain compliance with the continued listing standards of the Nasdaq Capital Market, risks and benefits of approving or not approving the Reverse Stock Split Proposal, including with respect to making our Common Stock more attractive to a broader range of institutional and other investors, facilitating higher levels of institutional stock ownership and better enabling us to raise funds to help finance operations, our expectations regarding our actions to try to meet the Nasdaq Capital Market’s initial listing standards and submitting an application for our Common Stock to be listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market, our ability to meet our obligations under outstanding options and restricted stock units and our expectations regarding utilizing the relative increase in our authorized shares as a result of the Authorized Capital Change and Reverse Stock Split to raise additional capital, including with respect to financing the development and construction of additional farms, including the Ohio farm. Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements are risks relating to, among other things, our ability to continue as a going concern; the potential for delays and increased costs related to construction of our new farms and renovations to existing farms; a failure to raise additional capital to finance our activities on acceptable terms; an inability to produce and sell our products in sufficient volume and at acceptable cost and prices; any inability to protect our intellectual property and other proprietary rights and technologies; the effects of changes in applicable laws, regulations and policies; our ability to secure any necessary regulatory approvals; the degree of market acceptance of our products our failure to retain and recruit key personnel; the price and volatility of our common stock; our ability to regain compliance or otherwise maintain compliance with the listing requirements of, and remain listed on, the Nasdaq Capital Market; market, our business and financial condition, and the impact of general economic, public health, industry or political conditions in the United States or internationally. For additional disclosure regarding these and other risks faced by us, see disclosures contained in our public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and our Current Reports on Form 8-K. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included in this proxy statement and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof, and we undertake no obligation to update such statements as a result of new information, except as required by law.

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LOGO

PROXY STATEMENT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 Sincerely,Page

About the Special Meeting

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Ronald L. Stotish
President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director
Maynard, Massachusetts
April 3, 2018

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2018 PROXY STATEMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page

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A-1

Proxy Card





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LOGO

2 Mill & Main Place, Suite 395

Maynard, Massachusetts 01754

PROXY STATEMENT

FOR THE ANNUALSPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

TO BE HELD ON MAY 1, 2018

General
OCTOBER 12, 2023

ABOUT THE SPECIAL MEETING

This Proxy Statement and the accompanying form of proxy statement isare being furnished to our stockholders in connection with the solicitation of proxies by ourthe Board of Directors (the “Board”) of AquaBounty Technologies, Inc. (“we,” “us,” “our,” “AquaBounty” or the “Company”) for use at our annualspecial meeting of stockholders (the “Special Meeting”) to be held on May 1, 2018,October 12, 2023, at 8:30 a.m., Eastern Time, at 2 Mill & Main Place, Suite 395, Maynard, MA 01754, and any adjournments, continuations or postponements thereof.

What is the Bostonian Hotel, 26 North Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109,purpose of the Special Meeting?

The purpose of the Special Meeting is to act upon the following matters outlined in the notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials for the following purposes:

Special Meeting (the “Notice”):

to elect seven directors to serve on our Board of Directors for a one-year term of office until the next annual meeting of stockholders, with each director to hold office until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier resignation or removal;
to ratify the appointment of Wolf & Company, P.C. as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018;
to

To approve an amendment to the Charterour Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (the “Charter”), to reduceapprove a reverse stock split (the “Reverse Stock Split”) of our common stock, par value $0.001 per share (“Common Stock”), and an associated reduction in the number of shares of Common Stock we are authorized sharesto issue (the “Authorized Capital Change”), from 150,000,000 to 75,000,000 (the “Reverse Stock Split Proposal”); and

To approve an adjournment of the Special Meeting, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes in favor of the Reverse Stock Split Proposal (the “Adjournment Proposal”).

After careful consideration, the Board recommends a vote “FOR” the Reverse Stock Split Proposal (Proposal 1); and “FOR” the Adjournment Proposal (Proposal 2).

As described in this Proxy Statement, our Board believes that it is in the best interest of the Company and its stockholders that the Board has the ability to effect, in its discretion, the Reverse Stock Split and the Authorized Capital Change to improve the price level of our Common Stock so that we are able to maintain continued compliance with the minimum bid price requirement and minimize the risk of delisting from 200,000,000 to 50,000,000 andthe Nasdaq Capital Market.

What are the consequences if the Reverse Stock Split Proposal (Proposal 1) is not approved by stockholders?

If Proposal 1 is not approved by stockholders, our Common Stock may be delisted from the Nasdaq Capital Market. Any delisting from the Nasdaq Capital Market would likely result in further reductions in the market prices of our Common Stock, substantially limit the liquidity of our Common Stock, not only in the number of authorized shares that could be bought and sold at a given price, which might be depressed by the relative illiquidity, but also through delays in the timing of transactions and reduction in media and securities analyst coverage, and materially adversely affect our ability to raise capital or pursue strategic restructuring, refinancing or other transactions on acceptable terms, or at all. Delisting from the Nasdaq Capital Market could also have other negative results, including the potential loss of institutional investor interest, fewer business development

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opportunities, and the inability to raise additional required capital. In addition, the SEC has adopted rules governing “penny stocks” that impose additional burdens on broker-dealers trading in stock priced at or below $5.00 per share, unless listed on certain securities exchanges. In the event of a delisting, we would attempt to take actions to restore our compliance with the Nasdaq Capital Market’s listing requirements, but we can provide no assurance that any such action taken by us would allow our Common Stock to become listed again, stabilize the market price or improve the liquidity of our PreferredCommon Stock, prevent our Common Stock from 40,000,000 to 5,000,000; and

to transact such other business as may properly come beforedropping below the annual meetingminimum bid price requirement or any adjournment or postponement thereof.
NASDAQ Listing and Intrexon Distribution
On January 18, 2017, we sold 2,421,073 shares of our common stock to Intrexon Corporation (“Intrexon”), a U.S. company listed on NYSE and our largest stockholder, for proceeds of approximately $25 million. Following the closing of that sale, Intrexon distributed 1,776,557 shares of our common stock that it held prior to that sale via a share dividend to its stockholders (the “Distribution”). Intrexon currently holds approximately 53% of our outstanding common stock. In connectionprevent future non-compliance with the DistributionNasdaq Capital Market’s listing requirements.

Where can I obtain proxy-related materials and/or what should I do if I received more than one copy of the Notice and the sale of common stock, on January 19, 2017, our common stock began “regular way” trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market.

Proxy Materials
proxy materials?

A copy of our proxy materials is available, free of charge, on www.proxyvote.com,www.envisionreports.com/AQB, the SECSecurities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) website at www.sec.gov,, and our corporate website at www.aquabounty.com.www.aquabounty.com. By referring to our website, we do not incorporate our website or any portion of that website by reference into this Proxy Statement. We have elected to provide access to our proxy statement.

materials over the Internet. Accordingly, on or about September 1, 2023, we expect to send the Notice to all stockholders of record as of the record date entitled to vote at the Special Meeting. The Notice will provide instructions on how to access our proxy statement, along with how to vote via the Internet or by telephone. Instructions on how to request a printed copy of the proxy materials will also be provided in the Notice. We encourage stockholders to take advantage of the availability of the proxy materials on the Internet to help minimize our costs associated with printing and distributing our proxy materials and lessen the environmental impact of the Special Meeting.

If your shares are held in more than one account at a brokerage firm, bank, broker-dealer, or other similar organization (a “broker and/or other nominee”), you may receive more than one copy of the proxy materials. Please follow the voting instructions on the proxy cards or voting instruction forms, as applicable, and vote all proxy cards or voting instruction forms, as applicable, to ensure that all of your shares are voted. We encourage you to have all accounts registered in the same name and address whenever possible. If you are a registered holder, you can accomplish this by contacting our transfer agent, Computershare, at (800) 736-3001 or in writing to Computershare Investor Services, PO. Box 30170, College Station, Texas 77842.43006, Providence, Rhode Island 02940- 3006. If your shares are held in an account at a brokerage firm, bank, broker-dealer, broker and/or other similar organization,nominee, you can accomplish this by contacting that organization.

Householding

Why did multiple stockholders at my address receive only one copy of Proxy Materials

the Notice and proxy materials?

Some banks, brokers, andbroker and/or other nominee record holdersnominees may be participating in the practice of “householding” proxy statements and annual reports. This means that only one copy of the Proxy Statement and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, as applicable,Notice or set of proxy materials is being delivered to multiple shareholdersstockholders sharing an address unless we have received contrary instructions. We will promptly deliver a separate copy of any of these documents to you if you write to us at 2 Mill & Main Place, Suite 395, Maynard, MA 01754, Attention: Corporate Secretary, or call us at (978) 648-6000. If you want to receive separate copies of the Proxy StatementNotice, proxy materials or Annual ReportReports on Form 10-K in the future, or if you are receiving multiple copies and would like to



receive only one copy for your household, you should contact your bank, broker and/or other nominee, record holder, or you may contact us at the above address or telephone number.
Voting; Quorum

What is the quorum requirement to hold the Special Meeting?

Our outstanding common stock constitutesCommon Stock is the only class of securities entitled to vote at the annual meeting.Special Meeting, and each issued and outstanding share is entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote of our stockholders. Common stockholders of record at the close of business on March 14, 2018,August 21, 2023, the record date for the annual meeting,Special Meeting, are entitled to notice of and to vote at the annual meeting. On the record date, 12,598,552 shares of our common stock were issued and outstanding. Each share of common stock is entitled to one vote.Special Meeting. The presence at the annual meeting,Special Meeting, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the shares of common stockCommon Stock issued and outstanding on March 14, 2018,as of August 21, 2023 will constitute a quorum.

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All votes will be tabulated by

For purposes of determining the Inspectorpresence or absence of Elections appointed for the annual meeting, who will separately tabulate affirmative and negative votes,a quorum, abstentions and broker non-votes. Broker non-votes, occur when a nominee, such as a brokerage firm or financial institution, that holds shares on behalf of a beneficial owner does not receive voting instructions from such owner regarding a matter for which such nominee does not have discretion to vote without such instructions. The rules applicable to brokerage firms and financial institutions permit nominees to vote in their discretion on routine matters in the absence of voting instructions from the beneficial holder. The ratification of the appointment of Wolf & Company, P.C. as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018, is a routine matter. On non-routine matters, nominees cannot vote unless they receive instructions from the beneficial owner. The election of seven directors to serve on our Board of Directors and the approval of the amendment of the Charter to reduce the number of authorized shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock are non-routine matters. Abstentions and broker non-votes are counted as present for purposes of determining whether there is a quorum for the transaction of business. Broker non-votes will not be counted for purposes of determining whether a proposal has been approved. See “Voting Procedure—Beneficial Owners of Shares Held in Street Name” below.

The election of directors will be by plurality vote of our outstanding shares of common stock represented in person or by proxy at the annual meeting and entitled to vote, and the seven nominees receiving the highest number of affirmative votes will be elected. Votes marked “withhold” and broker non-votes will not affect the outcome of the election, although they if any, will be counted as present. If a quorum is not present, the meeting may be adjourned until a quorum is obtained.

What is the vote required for purposes of determining whether there is a quorum.

Ratificationeach of the appointmentproposals?

Approval of Wolf & Company, P.C. requiresProposal 1, the Reverse Stock Split Proposal, will require the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the shares of our common stock represented in person or by proxy at the annual meeting and entitled to vote on the matter. Abstentions with respect to this proposal will count as votes against this proposal.

Approval of the amendment of the Charter to reduce the number of authorized shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock requires the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock. Common Stock entitled to vote thereon. The approval of Proposal 2, the Adjournment Proposal, will require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock present in person or represented by proxy at the Special Meeting and entitled to vote on the Adjournment Proposal and which have actually been voted.

Abstentions. Abstentions will have the same effect as a vote against Proposal 1, the Reverse Stock Split Proposal. Abstentions will have no effect on the outcome of the Adjournment Proposal (Proposal 2), as abstentions do not constitute shares that have actually been voted.

Broker Non-Votes.If you are a beneficial owner of shares held by a broker and/or other nominee and you do not instruct your broker and/or other nominee how to vote your shares, your broker and/or other nominee may still be able to vote your shares in its discretion. Under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), which are also applicable to Nasdaq-listed companies, brokers and/or other nominees that are subject to NYSE rules may use their discretion to vote your “uninstructed” shares on matters considered to be “routine” under NYSE rules but not with respect to this proposal“non-routine” matters. A broker non-vote occurs when a broker and/or other nominee has not received voting instructions from the beneficial owner of the shares and the broker and/or other nominee cannot vote the shares at its discretion because the matter is considered “non-routine” under NYSE rules or did not vote the shares on a “routine” matter. Each of Proposals 1 and 2 is considered to be a “routine” matter under NYSE rules; thus if you do not return voting instructions to your broker and/or other nominee by its deadline, or you provide a proxy without giving specific voting instructions, your shares may be voted by your broker and/or other nominee in its discretion on each of Proposals 1 and 2. In the event that any broker non-votes are received, they will counthave the same effect as votesa vote against this proposal.

Voting Procedure
Proposal 1, the Reverse Stock Split Proposal, and will have no effect on the outcome of Proposal 2, the Adjournment Proposal.

What are the procedures for voting?

Your vote is very important. Whether or not you plan to attend the Special Meeting, please vote by proxy in accordance with the instructions on your proxy card or voting instruction card (from your broker and/or other nominee).

Stockholders of Record.  

If your shares are registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, Computershare, you are a stockholder of record and you received the proxy materials by mail with instructions regarding how to view our proxy materials on the internet,Internet, how to receive a paper or email copy of the proxy materials, and how to vote by proxy. You can vote in person at the annual meetingSpecial Meeting or by proxy. There are three ways stockholders of record can vote by proxy: (1) by telephone (by following the instructions on the proxy card, or by following the instructions on the internet)card); (2) by internetInternet (by following the instructions provided on the proxy card); or (3) by mail, (by completing and returning the proxy card enclosed in the proxy materials prior to the annual meeting) or submitting a signed proxy card at the annual meeting.Special Meeting). Unless there are different instructions on the proxy card, all shares represented by valid proxies (and not revoked before they are voted) will be voted as follows at the annual meeting:

Special Meeting:

FOR the election of each of the director nominees listedReverse Stock Split Proposal in Proposal One (unless the authority to vote for the election of any such director nominee is withheld);1; and

FOR the ratification of the appointment of Wolf & Company, P.C. as our independent registered public accounting firm as describedAdjournment Proposal in Proposal Two;2.

If you provide specific voting instructions, your shares will be voted as instructed. Telephone and

FOR Internet voting facilities for stockholders of record will be available 24 hours a day until the approval of an amendment to the Charter to reduce the number of authorized shares of our Common Stock and Preferred Stock as described in Proposal Three.polls close at 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on October 11, 2023.

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Beneficial Owners of Shares Held in Street Name.  

If your shares are held in an account at a brokerage firm, bank, broker-dealer, broker and/or other similar organization,nominee, then you are the beneficial owner of shares held in “street name,” and such organization forwarded to you the proxy materials by mail.materials. There are two ways beneficial owners of shares held in street name can vote by proxy:proxy in accordance with the instructions provided to you by your broker and/or other nominee: (1) by mail by(by following the instructions on the voting instruction form;form); or (2) by internet, byInternet (by following the instructions provided herein. The organization holding your account is consideredon the voting instruction form). As a beneficial owner, you are also invited to attend the Special Meeting, but since you are not a stockholder of record, for purposes of voting at the annual meeting. If you domay not provide such organization with specific voting instructions, under the rules of the various national and regional securities exchanges, the organization that holds your shares may generally vote on routine matters but cannot vote on non-routine matters. If such organization does not receive instructions from you on how to vote your shares onin person at the Special Meeting unless you request and obtain a non-routine matter,valid “legal proxy” from your broker, which is a written document that will give you the organization will



inform our Inspector of Elections that it does not have the authoritylegal right to vote on this matter with respect to your shares. This is generally referred to as a “broker non-vote.” A broker non-vote will have the effects described above under “Voting; Quorum.”
shares at the Special Meeting. You must also satisfy the Special Meeting admission criteria set out below.

Although we do not know of any business to be considered at the annual meetingSpecial Meeting other than the proposals described in thisthe proxy statement, if any other business is presented at the annual meeting,Special Meeting, your signed proxy or your authenticated internetInternet or telephone proxy will give authority to each of Sylvia Wulf, David A. Frank and Christopher MartinAngela M. Olsen to vote on such matters at his or her discretion.

Depository Interests.  If you hold interests in shares of AquaBounty common stock through depository interests outside of the United States, you may instruct Computershare Company Nominees Limited to vote your interests in the manner described in the enclosed form of instruction.

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. PLEASE VOTE WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUALSPECIAL MEETING IN PERSON.

How do I attend the meeting?

You are entitled to attend the Special Meeting only if you were a stockholder of record as of the record date, or if you are a “beneficial owner” of shares held in “street name” as of the record date and you hold a valid legal proxy, executed in your favor by your broker and/or other nominee, for the Special Meeting. Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the date of the Special Meeting and seating will begin immediately after. Since seating is limited, admission to the Special Meeting will be on a first-come, first-served basis. If you attend, please note that you should be prepared to present government-issued photo identification for admittance, such as a passport or driver’s license. If you are the “beneficial owner” of your shares, you will also need proof of ownership as of the record date, such as your most recent account statement prior to the record date, a copy of the voting instruction card provided by your broker, or similar evidence of ownership. If you do not have proof of ownership of our stock and a valid picture identification, you may be denied admission to the Special Meeting. If you do not comply with each of the foregoing requirements, you may not be admitted to the Special Meeting.

How do I revoke a proxy?

If you are a stockholder of record, you may revoke your proxy at any time before it is actually voted at the annual meetingSpecial Meeting by:

delivering written notice of revocation to our Corporate Secretary at 2 Mill & Main Place, Suite 395, Maynard, Massachusetts 01754;01754, which must be received by our Corporate Secretary prior to the start of the Special Meeting;

submitting a later dated proxy;later-dated proxy prior to the applicable cutoff times, as described above; or

by attending the annual meetingSpecial Meeting and voting in person.

Your attendance at the annual meetingSpecial Meeting will not, by itself, constitute a revocation of your proxy. You may also be represented by another person present atattending the annual meetingSpecial Meeting by executing aan acceptable form of proxy designating that person to act on your behalf.

Shares may only be voted by or on behalf of the record holder of shares as of the record date, as indicated in our stock transfer records. If you are a beneficial owner of our shares, but thoseyour shares are held of record by another person such as a brokerage firm or bank,in “street name,” then you must provide voting instructions to the broker and/or other nominee, as the appropriate record holder, so that such person can vote the shares.shares in

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accordance with your preferences. In the absence of such voting instructions from you, the record holder may notwill be entitled to vote those shares.

Solicitation
your shares on “routine” matters. Please contact your broker and/or other nominee if you would like directions on how you may change or revoke your voting instructions.

Who is making this solicitation?

This solicitation is made on behalf of our Board, of Directors, and we will pay the costs of solicitation. Copies of solicitation materials will be furnished to banks, brokerage firms, andbrokers and/or other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries holding shares in their names that are beneficially owned by others so that they may forward the solicitation material to such beneficial owners upon request. We will reimburse banks, brokerage firms, andbrokers and/or other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for reasonable expenses incurred by them in sending proxy materials to our stockholders. In addition to the solicitation of proxies by mail, our directors, officers, and employees may solicit proxies by telephone, facsimile, or personal interview. No additional compensation will be paid to these individuals for any such services. If you chooseWe have engaged a third-party solicitor, Georgeson LLC, who may solicit proxies by telephone or by other means of communication on our behalf. The cost for this service is estimated at $25,000, including expenses. In addition, we have agreed to access the proxy materialsindemnify Georgeson LLC against certain claims, liabilities, losses, damages and expenses arising out of or vote over the Internet, you are responsible for any Internet access charges that you may incur.

Stockholder Proposals for 2019 Annual Meeting
Stockholder proposals that are intended to be presented at our 2019 annual meeting of stockholders and included in our proxy statement relating to the 2019 annual meeting must be received by us no later than December 4, 2018, which is 120 calendar days before the anniversary of the date on which this proxy statement was first distributed to our stockholders. If the date of the 2019 annual meeting is moved more than 30 days prior to, or more than 30 days after, May 1, 2019, the deadline for inclusion of proposals in our proxy statement for the 2019 annual meeting instead will be a reasonable time before we begin to print and mail our proxy materials. All stockholder proposals must be in compliance with applicable laws and regulations in order to be considered for possible inclusion in the proxy statement and form of proxy for the 2019 annual meeting.
If a stockholder wishes to present a proposal at our 2019 annual meeting of stockholders and the proposal is not intended to be included in our proxy statement relating to the 2019 annual meeting, the stockholder must give advance notice to us prior to the deadline (the “Bylaw Deadline”) for the annual meeting determined in accordance with our Amended and Restated Bylaws (“bylaws”) and comply with certain other requirements specified in our bylaws. Under our bylaws, in order to be deemed properly presented, the notice of a proposal must be delivered to our Corporate Secretary no later than February 17, 2019, which is 45 calendar days prior to the first anniversary of the date on which we mailed the proxy materials for the 2018 annual meeting.
However, if we change the date of the 2019 annual meeting so that it occurs more than 30 days prior to, or more than 30 days after, May 1, 2019, stockholder proposals intended for presentation at the 2019 annual meeting, but not intended to be included in our proxy statement relating to the 2019 annual meeting, must be delivered to or mailed and received by our Corporate Secretary at 2 Mill & Main Place, Suite 395, Maynard, Massachusetts 01754 no later than the close of business on the ninetieth calendar day prior to the 2019 annual meeting or the twentieth calendar day following the day on which public disclosure on the date of the 2019 annual meeting is first made (the “Alternate Date”). If a stockholder gives notice of such proposal after the Bylaw Deadline (or the Alternate Date, if applicable), the stockholder will not be permitted to present the proposal to the stockholders for a vote at the 2019 annual meeting.


All notices of stockholder proposals submitted pursuant to our bylaws must include the following: (i) a description in reasonable detail of the business desired to be brought before the annual meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the annual meeting; (ii) the name and address of the stockholder proposing such business and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made; (iii) the class or series and number of shares of the common stock of the Company that are owned by the stockholder proposing the business to be brought before the annual meeting; (iv) a description of all arrangements or understandings among the stockholder submitting the proposal, the beneficial owner on whose behalf the proposal is made, and any other person or persons in connection with these services.

How can I find the proposal and any material interest of such stockholder in the proposal; and (v) a representation that the stockholder submitting the proposal intendsvoting results?

We plan to appear in person or by proxyannounce preliminary voting results at the annual meeting and will publish final results in a Current Report on Form 8-Kto bring suchbe filed with the SEC within four business beforedays following the annual meeting.Special Meeting.

5


We have not been notified by any stockholder of his or her intent to present a stockholder proposal from the floor at this year’s annual meeting. The enclosed proxy grants the proxy holders discretionary authority to vote on any matter properly brought before the annual meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.



MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED AT ANNUALTHE SPECIAL MEETING

PROPOSAL ONE:1:

REVERSE STOCK SPLIT PROPOSAL

OUR BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT PROPOSAL.

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Introduction

Our Board of Directors is comprised of seven directors who are elected for a one-year term to hold office until the next annual meeting of our stockholders or until removed from office in accordance with our bylaws. The nominees named below have agreed to serve if elected,has unanimously approved and we have no reason to believe that they will be unavailable to serve. If, however, the nominees named below are unable to serve or decline to serve at the time of the annual meeting, the proxies will be voted for any nominee who may be designated by our Board of Directors. Unless a stockholder specifies otherwise, a returned, signed proxy will be voted FOR the election of each of the nominees listed below.

The following table sets forth information with respect to the persons nominated for re-election at the annual meeting:
NameAgeDirector SincePosition(s)
Richard J. Clothier722006Chairman of the Board of Directors
Jack A. Bobo522015Director
Richard L. Huber812006Director
Christine St.Clare672014Director
Rick Sterling542013Director
Ronald L. Stotish682008Director, Chief Executive Officer, and President
James C. Turk, Jr.612013Director
Richard J. Clothier. Mr. Clothier has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of AquaBounty since April 2006. He also serves as the Chairman of Robinson Plc and has done so since 2004. Previously he was Chairman of Spearhead International Ltd from 2005 to 2015, and of Exosect Ltd from 2013 to 2015. Mr. Clothier retired as Group Chief Executive of PGI Group Plc,declared advisable an international agricultural products producer, following 20 years with Dalgety Plc, where he was chief executive officer of the genetics firm Pig Improvement Company until 1992 and then Group Chief Executive Officer until 1997. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Natal University and attended the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. Mr. Clothier’s extensive experience, both as an executive in the food industry and as a director of public and private companies, provides considerable operating, strategic, and policy knowledgeamendment to our Board of Directors.
Jack A. Bobo. Mr. Bobo joined the Board of Directors of AquaBounty in November 2015. He has significant expertise in the analysis and communication of global trends in biotechnology, food, and agriculture to audiences around the world and is currently Senior Vice-President and Chief Communications Officer of Intrexon Corporation,Charter (the “Amendment”), which would effect a position he has held since July 2015. He was previously at the U.S. Department of State, where he worked for 13 years, most recently as Senior Advisor for Food Policy following his position as Senior Advisor for Biotechnology. Mr. Bobo was an attorney at Crowell & Moring, LLP. He received his Juris Doctor from Indiana University School of Law and a Masters in environmental science from Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Mr. Bobo’s knowledge of our industry and public policy and his executive leadership experience make him well qualified to serve as a director.
Richard L. Huber. Mr. Huber joined the Board of Directors of AquaBounty after our public offering in 2006. Mr. Huber is the former Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Aetna, a major U.S. health insurer, and is currently an independent investor in a number of companies operating in a wide range of businesses, mainly in South America. Following a 40-year career in the financial services industry, Mr. Huber now serves as a director of Invina, SA, a non-public wine producer in Chile. Previously he served on the boards of Gafisa, the largest integrated residential housing developer in Brazil, and Antarctic Shipping, SA of Chile. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from Harvard University. Mr. Huber brings unique knowledge and experience in strategic planning, organizational leadership, accounting, and legal and governmental affairs to our Board of Directors.
Christine St.Clare. Ms. St.Clare joined the Board of Directors of AquaBounty in May 2014. She retired as a partner of KPMG LLP in 2010, where she worked for a total of 35 years. While at KPMG, Ms. St.Clare worked as an Audit Partner serving publicly held companies until 2005, when she transferred to the Advisory Practice, serving in the Internal Audit, Risk and Compliance practice until her retirement. She currently serves on the board of Fibrocell Science, Inc., a company that specializes in the development of personalized biologics, and formerly served on the board of Polymer Group, Inc., a global manufacturer of engineered materials. Ms. St.Clare has a Bachelor of Science from California State University at Long Beach and has been a licensed Certified Public Accountant in California, Texas, and Georgia. Ms. St.Clare’s background in accounting and support of publicly held companies, as well as her experience with biotechnology, makes her well suited for service on our Board of Directors.
Rick Sterling. Mr. Sterling joined the Board of Directors of AquaBounty in September 2013. He is the Chief Financial Officer of Intrexon Corporation, a position he has held since 2007. Prior to joining Intrexon, he was with KPMG LLP, where he worked in the


audit practice for over 17 years, with a client base primarily in the healthcare, technology, and manufacturing industries. Mr. Sterling’s experience includes serving clients in both the private and public sector, including significant experience with SEC filings and compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. He has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance from Virginia Tech and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant. Mr. Sterling’s background in audit and finance, as well as his experience with technology companies, make him well suited for service on our Board of Directors.
Ronald L. Stotish, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer and President. Dr. Stotish was appointed Executive Director, President, and Chief Executive Officer of AquaBounty in May 2008. He joined AquaBounty in 2006 as Vice-President for Regulatory Affairs and, most recently, was Senior Vice-President for R&D and Regulatory Affairs. Prior to joining AquaBounty, Dr. Stotish was Executive Vice-President for R&D at MetaMorphix, Inc. He has served as Vice-President for Pharmaceutical R&D at Fort Dodge Animal Health and held a variety of positions at American Cyanamid. He began his career in research at Merck & Co. Dr. Stotish has degrees in biochemistry and over 40 years’ experience in the discovery, development, and commercialization of new animal health products. Dr. Stotish has a Bachelor of Science degree from Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Science and a Ph.D. from Rutgers University.
James C. Turk. Jr. Mr. Turk joined the Board of Directors of AquaBounty in February 2013. Mr. Turk has served as a partner in the law firm Harrison & Turk , P.C. since 1987, having practiced two years before that with other firms. He has previously served as a member of the board of directors for multiple companies and foundations including Intrexon Corporation, the New River Community College Education Foundation, the Virginia Student Assistance Authorities and Synchrony Inc. before it was acquired by Dresser-Rand in January, 2012. He presently serves as a member of Roanoke/New River Valley Advisory Council of SunTrust Bank, a director of the Virginia Tech Athletic Foundation and a member of the Roanoke College President’s advisory board. Mr. Turk received a Bachelor of Arts from Roanoke College and a Juris Doctor from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University. Mr. Turk’s legal background and his experience on multiple boards make him well qualified for service on our Board of Directors.
Corporate Governance Principles
We are committed to having sound corporate governance principles. Having such principles is essential to maintaining our integrity in the marketplace. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and the charters for each of the Audit, Compensation, and Nominating and Corporate Governance (“NCG”) Committees are available on the investor relations section of our corporate website (www.aquabounty.com). A copy of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and the committee charters may also be obtained upon request to Corporate Secretary, AquaBounty Technologies, Inc., 2 Mill & Main Place, Suite 395, Maynard, Massachusetts 01754.
Code of Ethics
Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applies to all of our outside directors, officers, and employees, including, but not limited to, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics constitutes our “code of ethics” within the meaning of Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and is our “code of conduct” within the meaning of the NASDAQ listing standards.
Stockholder Communications with Directors
Stockholders may communicate with our directors by sending communications to the attention of the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Chairperson of a committee of the Board of Directors, or an individual director via U.S. Mail or Expedited Delivery Services to our address at AquaBounty Technologies, Inc., 2 Mill & Main Place, Suite 395, Maynard, Massachusetts 01754. The Company will forward by U.S. Mail any such communication to the mailing address most recently provided by the Board member identified in the “Attention” line of the communication. All communications must be accompanied by the following information:
A statement of the type and amount of the securities of the Company that the submitting individual holds, if any;
Any special interest, other than in the capacity of security holder, of the submitting individual in the subject matter of the communication; and
The address, telephone number, and email address of the submitting individual.
Board Independence
As required by the NASDAQ listing rules, our Board of Directors evaluates the independence of its members at least once annually and at other appropriate times when a change in circumstances could potentially impact the independence or effectiveness of one of our directors.
In February 2018, our Board of Directors undertook a review of the composition of our Board of Directors and its committees and the independence of each director. Based upon information requested from and provided by each director concerning his or her background, employment, and affiliations, including family relationships, our Board of Directors has determined each of Messrs. Clothier, Huber, and Turk and Ms. St.Clare is an “independent director” as defined under NASDAQ Listing Rule 5605(a)(2). The remaining members of our Board of Directors may not satisfy these “independence” definitions because they are employed by AquaBounty or have been chosen by and/or are affiliated with our controlling stockholder, Intrexon, in a non-independent capacity.


Our Board of Directors has three standing committees: the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, and the NCG Committee. As discussed below, each member of the Audit Committee satisfies the special independence standards for such committee established by the SEC and NASDAQ. Because we are eligible to be a “controlled company” within the meaning of NASDAQ Listing Rule 5615(c), and our Board of Directors has chosen to rely on this exception, we are exempt from certain NASDAQ listing rules that would otherwise require us to have a majority independent board and fully independent standing nominating and compensation committees. We determined that we are such a “controlled company” because Intrexon holds more than 50% of the voting power for the election of our directors. If Intrexon’s voting power were to fall below this level, however, we would cease to be permitted to rely on the controlled company exception and would be required to have a majority independent board and fully independent standing nominating and compensation committees.
Board Leadership Structure and Role in Risk Oversight
Our Board of Directors understands that board structures vary greatly among U.S. public corporations, and our Board of Directors does not believe that any one leadership structure is more effective at creating long-term stockholder value. Our Board of Directors believes that an effective leadership structure could be achieved either by combining or separating the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer positions, so long as the structure encourages the free and open dialogue of competing views and provides for strong checks and balances. Specifically, the Board of Directors believes that, to be effective, the governance structure must balance the powers of the Chief Executive Officer and the independent directors and ensure that the independent directors are fully informed, able to discuss and debate the issues that they deem important, and able to provide effective oversight of management.
Currently, Dr. Stotish serves as our Chief Executive Officer and President, and Mr. Clothier serves as our Chairman of the Board of Directors. Our Board of Directors believes that this leadership structure, which separates the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer roles, is appropriate for the company at this time because it allows Dr. Stotish to focus on operating and managing the company following our transition to becoming a public company. At the same time, Mr. Clothier can focus on leadership of the Board of Directors, including calling and presiding over Board meetings and executive sessions of the independent directors, preparing meeting agendas in collaboration with the Chief Executive Officer, serving as a liaison and supplemental channel of communication between independent directors and the Chief Executive Officer, and serving as a sounding board and advisor to the Chief Executive Officer. Nevertheless, the Board of Directors believes that “one size” does not fit all, and the decision of whether to combine or separate the positions of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer will vary from company to company and depend upon a company’s particular circumstances at a given point in time. Accordingly, the Board of Directors will continue to consider from time to time whether the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer positions should be combined based on what the Board of Directors believes is best for our company and stockholders.
Our Board of Directors is primarily responsible for assessing risks associated with our business. However, our Board of Directors delegates certain of such responsibilities to other groups. The Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing with management our company’s policies and procedures with respect to risk assessment and risk management, including reviewing certain risks associated with our financial and accounting systems, accounting policies, investment strategies, regulatory compliance, insurance programs, and other matters. In addition, under the direction of our Board of Directors and certain of its committees, our legal department assists in the oversight of corporate compliance activities. The Compensation Committee also reviews certain risks associated with our overall compensation program for employees to help ensure that the program does not encourage employees to take excessive risks.
Board Committees and Meetings
Our Board of Directors has determined that a board consisting of between six and ten members is appropriate and has currently set the number at seven members. Our Board of Directors will evaluate the appropriate size of our Board of Directors from time to time. Our Board of Directors has three standing committees: the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, and the NCG Committee, each of which operate pursuant to a written charter adopted by our Board of Directors.
During 2017, each director attended or participated in 75% or more of the aggregate of (i) the total number of meetings of the Board of Directors and (ii) the total number of meetings held by all committees of the Board of Directors on which such director served. Members of the Board of Directors and its committees also consulted informally with management from time to time. Additionally, non-management Board members met in executive sessions without the presence of management periodically during 2017. We do not have a formal policy regarding board members’ attendance at our annual meetings of stockholders, but encourage them to do so; all did in 2017.
Audit Committee.  Messrs. Huber and Turk and Ms. St.Clare serve as members of our Audit Committee, and Ms. St.Clare serves as its chair. Each member of the Audit Committee satisfies the special independence standards for such committee established by the SEC and NASDAQ, as applicable. Ms. St.Clare is an “audit committee financial expert,” as that term is defined by the SEC in Item 407(d) of Regulation S-K. Stockholders should understand that this designation is an SEC disclosure requirement relating to Ms. St.Clare’s experience and understanding of certain accounting and auditing matters, which the SEC has stated does not impose on the director so designated any additional duty, obligation, or liability than otherwise is imposed generally by virtue of serving on the Audit


Committee and/or our Board of Directors. Our Audit Committee is responsible for, among other things, oversight of our independent auditors and the integrity of our financial statements. Our Audit Committee held six meetings in 2017.
Compensation Committee.  Messrs. Huber and Sterling serve as members of our Compensation Committee, and Mr. Huber serves as its chair. As discussed above, because we are eligible to be a “controlled company” within the meaning of NASDAQ Listing Rule 5615(c), and our Board of Directors has chosen to rely on this exception, we are exempt from certain NASDAQ listing rules that would otherwise require us to have a fully independent Compensation Committee. Our Compensation Committee is responsible for, among other things, establishing and administering our policies, programs, and procedures for compensating our executive officers and board of directors. The Compensation Committee may only delegate its authority to subcommittees of its members. Our Compensation Committee held one meeting in 2017.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation.  None of our executive officers serves, or in the past has served, as a member of our Board of Directors or Compensation Committee, or other committee serving an equivalent function, of any entity that has one or more executive officers who serve as members of our Board of Directors or our Compensation Committee. None of the members of our Compensation Committee is also an officer or employee of AquaBounty, nor have any of them ever been an officer or employee of AquaBounty.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.  Mr. Clothier is the sole permanent member of our NCG Committee and serves as its chair, inviting other directors to participate in meetings of the Committee as necessary. As discussed above, because we are eligible to be a “controlled company” within the meaning of NASDAQ Listing Rule 5615(c), and our Board of Directors has chosen to rely on this exception, we are exempt from certain NASDAQ listing rules that would otherwise require us to have a fully independent NCG Committee. Our NCG Committee is responsible for, among other things, evaluating new director candidates and incumbent directors and recommending directors to serve as members of our Board committees. Our NCG Committee held one meeting in 2017.
Director Nominees.  Our Board of Directors believes that the Board should be composed of individuals with varied, complementary backgrounds who have exhibited proven leadership capabilities within their chosen fields. Directors should have the ability to quickly grasp complex principles of business and finance, particularly those related to our industry. Directors should possess the highest personal and professional ethics, integrity, and values and should be committed to representing the long-term interests of our stockholders. When considering a candidate for director, the NCG Committee will take into account a number of factors, including, without limitation, the following: depth of understanding of our industry; education and professional background; judgment, skill, integrity, and reputation; existing commitments to other businesses as a director, executive, or owner; personal conflicts of interest, if any; diversity; and the size and composition of the existing Board. Although the Board of Directors does not have a policy with respect to consideration of diversity in identifying director nominees, among the many other factors considered by the NCG Committee are the benefits of diversity in board composition, including with respect to age, gender, race, and specialized background. When seeking candidates for director, the NCG Committee may solicit suggestions from incumbent directors, management, stockholders, and others. Additionally, the NCG Committee may use the services of third-party search firms to assist in the identification of appropriate candidates; no fees were paid for such services in 2017. The NCG Committee will also evaluate the qualificationsreverse stock split of all candidates properly nominated by stockholders, in the same mannerissued and using the same criteria. A stockholder desiring to nominate a person for election to the Board of Directors must comply with the advance notice procedures of our Amended and Restated Bylaws.
Director Compensation
Through December 31, 2017, the Chairman of our Board of Directors received annual compensation of £50,000 (approximately $67,455 using the pound sterling to U.S. Dollar spot exchange rate of 1.3491 published in The Wall Street Journal as of December 31, 2017)), payable in one annual installment. He also received an annual grant of restricted common shares equal to £20,000 (approximately $24,858) (based on the fair market value on the date of grant), with vesting over three years.
Through December 31, 2017, all non-employee directors, except for directors who are employees of Intrexon per the Relationship Agreement described under “Related Party Transactions, Policies and Procedures—Other Agreements with Intrexon—Relationship Agreement” received annual compensation of $40,000, payable in one annual installment. The Chair of the Audit Committee received $20,000 per annum, the Chair of the Compensation Committee received $15,000 per annum, and members of a board committee, except for directors employed and appointed by Intrexon per the Relationship Agreement, received $5,000 per annum, all payable annually. All non-employee directors, except for directors employed and appointed by Intrexon per the Relationship Agreement, received an annual grant of options to purchase 2,500outstanding shares of our common stock (with an exercise price equal to the fair market value on the date of grant),Common Stock (along with vesting over one year.


The following table discloses all compensation provided to the non-employee directors for the most recently completed fiscal year ending December 31, 2017:
Director Summary Compensation Table
Name 
Fees earned or paid in cash
($)
 
Stock Awards
($)
 
Option Awards
($) (1)
 
Total
($)
R. Clothier 67,455
 24,858(2)  92,313
J. Bobo (3) 
     
C. St.Clare 60,000
   11,385(4)71,385
R. Huber 60,000
   11,385(5)71,385
R. Sterling (3) 
     
J. Turk 45,000
   11,385(6)56,385
Total 232,455
 24,858 34,155 291,468
(1)The Option Awards included for each individual consists of stock option awards granted under our 2016 Equity Compensation Plan (the “2016 Plan”). The value for each of these awards is its grant date fair value calculated by multiplying the number of shares subject to the award by the fair value of the stock option award on the date such award was granted, computed in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718. Each grant was made on April 21, 2017, for 2,500 shares, with a per-share fair value of $4.55. The fair value of the stock option grants was measured as of the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes calculation. The assumptions included an expected stock price volatility of 78%, a risk-free interest rate of 1.8%, a dividend yield of 0%, and an expected life of five years.
(2)As of December 31, 2017, Mr. Clothier held 2,697 shares of unvested restricted stock.
(3)Messrs. Bobo and Sterling are employees of Intrexon and do not receive any compensation from AquaBounty at this time.
(4)As of December 31, 2017, Ms. St.Clare held unexercised options to purchase 8,300 shares.
(5)As of December 31, 2017, Mr. Huber held unexercised options to purchase 13,900 shares.
(6)As of December 31, 2017, Mr. Turk held unexercised options to purchase 9,100 shares.
Vote Required
The vote of a plurality of our outstanding shares of common stock represented in person or by proxy at the annual meeting and entitled to vote is required to elect the seven director nominees to serve on our Board of Directors for a one-year term, to hold office until the next annual meeting of our stockholders or until removed from office in accordance with our bylaws. The nominees receiving the highest number of affirmative votes will be elected.
Recommendation of the Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors recommends that the stockholders vote FOR the election of the director nominees listed above.


PROPOSAL TWO:
RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT
REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has appointed the firm of Wolf & Company, P.C. (“Wolf”) to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018, and is asking the stockholders to ratify this appointment. A representative of Wolf is expected to be present at the annual meeting, will have the opportunity to make a statement if he or she desires to do so, and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.
In the event the stockholders fail to ratify the appointment of Wolf as our independent registered public accounting firm, the Audit Committee may reconsider its selection.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Wolf has served as our independent registered public accounting firm since 2011. The aggregate fees billed by Wolf for the professional services described below for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, are set forth in the table below.
 Year Ended December 31,
 20172016
Audit Fees(1)
$157,000

$121,000
Tax Fees(2)10,500
11,000
All Other Fees(3)46,710
16,883
Total
$214,210

$148,883
(1)For 2017 and 2016, represents fees incurred for the audit of our consolidated financial statements, as well as fees incurred for audit services that are normally provided by Wolf in connection with other statutory or regulatory filings or engagements.
(2)For 2017 and 2016, represents fees incurred for tax preparation and tax-related compliance services.
(3)For 2017, represents fees for services related to the filing of our Form S-1, Form S-8, and Form 10 registration statements with the SEC, and, for 2016, represents the balance of the fees for services related to the filing of our Form 10 registration statement with the SEC.
Determination of Independence
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has determined that the provision by Wolf of the services covered under the heading “All Other Fees” above was compatible with maintaining Wolf’s independence for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.
Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services
Under its charter, the Audit Committee must pre-approve all engagements of our independent registered public accounting firm, unless an exception to such pre-approval exists under the Exchange Act or the rules of the SEC. The Audit Committee maintains a policy requiring the pre-approval of all services to be provided by our independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee has delegated to its Chair the authority to evaluate and approve service engagements on behalf of the full Audit Committee in the event a need arises for specific pre approval between Audit Committee meetings. All of the audit, audit-related, tax services, and all other services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm for the 2017 fiscal year were approved by the Audit Committee in accordance with the foregoing procedures.
Vote Required
The affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the shares of our common stock represented in person or by proxy at the annual meeting and entitled to vote on the matter is required to ratify the appointment of Wolf to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018.
Recommendation of the Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors recommends that the stockholders vote FOR the ratification of the appointment of Wolf to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018.


PROPOSAL THREE:
APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO OUR THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION, AS AMENDED, TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
Our Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (the “Charter”) currently authorizes us to issue a total of 200,000,000 shares of Common Stock held by the Company in treasury), at a ratio ranging from 1-for-15 to 1-for-20, inclusive, and 40,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock. Our Board has approved, and is seeking stockholder approval of, an amendment to the Charter (the “Authorized Shares Amendment”) to implement aassociated reduction in the number of shares of Common Stock we are authorized to issue, from 150,000,000 to 75,000,000, should such Amendment be approved by the stockholders pursuant to this Proposal 1 and if the Board determines to effect the Reverse Stock Split. The decision whether or not to effect a Reverse Stock Split and the ratio of any Reverse Stock Split will be determined by the Board following the Special Meeting and prior to December 31, 2023. Our Board has recommended that the proposed Amendment be presented to our stockholders for approval.

Our stockholders are being asked to approve the Reverse Stock Split and the Authorized Capital Change pursuant to this Proposal 1 and to grant authorization to the Board to determine, at its option, whether to implement a Reverse Stock Split, including its specific timing and ratio, and the Authorized Capital Change. Should we receive the required stockholder approvals for Proposal 1, the Board will have the sole authority to elect, at any time on or prior to December 31, 2023, and without the need for any further action on the part of our stockholders, whether to effect a Reverse Stock Split and the number of whole shares of our Common Stock, between and including fifteen (15) and twenty (20), that will be combined into one share of our Common Stock (along with the Authorized Capital Change).

By approving Proposal 1, our stockholders will: (a) approve the Amendment pursuant to which any whole number of issued shares of Common Stock between and including fifteen (15) and twenty (20), as determined by our Board, could be combined into one share of Common Stock; (b) approve the Amendment pursuant to which the number of shares of Common Stock we are authorized to issue could be reduced from 150,000,000 to 75,000,000; and (c) authorize the Company to file the Amendment with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, in each case as determined by the Board at its sole option. The Board may also elect not to undertake any Reverse Stock Split and the Authorized Capital Change and therefore abandon the Amendment. No further action on the part of stockholders will be required to either implement or abandon the Reverse Stock Split or the Authorized Capital Change. If the Amendment has not been filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware by the close of business on December 31, 2023, our Board will abandon the Reverse Stock Split and the Authorized Capital Change, and stockholder approval would again be required prior to implementing a reverse stock split of our Common Stock or reduction of our authorized share capital.

The form of the proposed Amendment to effect the Reverse Stock Split and the Authorized Capital Change is as set forth in Appendix A (subject to the Board’s selection of the applicable reverse stock split ratio). The Reverse Stock Split, if effected, would affect all of our holders of Common Stock uniformly, except with respect to the treatment of fractional shares. The following description of the proposed Amendment, Reverse Stock Split and Authorized Capital Change is a summary and is subject to the full text of the proposed Amendment.

Background — Reverse Stock Split

On October 31, 2022, we received a letter (the “Letter”) from The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) notifying us that, because the closing bid price for our Common Stock had been below $1.00 per share for the

6


previous 30 consecutive business days, it no longer complied with the minimum bid price requirement for continued listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market. The Letter had no immediate effect on our listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market or on the trading of our Common Stock. The Letter provided us with a compliance period of 180 calendar days, or until May 1, 2023, to regain compliance. We were unable to regain compliance with the bid price requirement by May 1, 2023. However, on May 2, 2023, we received a notice from Nasdaq granting us an additional 180 calendar days, or until October 30, 2023, to regain compliance with the minimum $1.00 bid price per share requirement for continued listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market. Nasdaq determined that we were eligible for the second compliance period due to us meeting the continued listing requirement for market value of publicly held shares and all other applicable requirements for initial listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market, with the exception of the bid price requirement, and our written notice of our intention to cure the deficiency during the second compliance period by effecting a reverse stock split, if necessary. To regain compliance, the closing bid price of our Common Stock must be at least $1.00 per share for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days during the second compliance period.

We have been monitoring the closing bid price of the Common Stock, but as of August 21, 2023, our closing bid price has not met the minimum threshold of $1.00 per share for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days. There can be no assurance that we will regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement by the end of the second 180-day compliance period on October 30, 2023 or otherwise maintain compliance with the other listing requirements.

If we do not meet the minimum bid price requirement by the end of the second 180-day compliance period, our shares will be subject to delisting by Nasdaq. If an issuer’s equity security is delisted from the Nasdaq Capital Market, it may be forced to seek to have its equity security traded or quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board or in the “pink sheets.” Such alternatives are generally considered to be less efficient markets and not as broad as the Nasdaq Capital Market, and therefore less desirable. Accordingly, the delisting, or even the potential delisting, of our Common Stock could have a negative impact on the liquidity and market price of our Common Stock.

As such, our Board believes that it is in the best interest of the Company and its stockholders that the Board has the ability to effect, in its discretion, the Reverse Stock Split to improve the price level of our Common Stock so that we are able to regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement and minimize the risk of delisting from the Nasdaq Capital Market.

Any delisting from the Nasdaq Capital Market would likely result in further reductions in the market prices of our Common Stock, substantially limit the liquidity of our Common Stock, not only in the number of shares that could be bought and sold at a given price, which might be depressed by the relative illiquidity, but also through delays in the timing of transactions and reduction in media and analyst coverage, and materially adversely affect our ability to raise capital or pursue strategic restructuring, refinancing or other transactions on acceptable terms, or at all. Delisting from the Nasdaq Capital Market could also have other negative results, including the potential loss of institutional investor interest, fewer business development opportunities, and the inability to raise additional required capital. In addition, the SEC has adopted rules governing “penny stocks” that impose additional burdens on broker-dealers trading in stock priced at below $5.00 per share, unless listed on certain securities exchanges. In the event of a delisting, we anticipate taking actions to try to meet the Nasdaq Capital Market’s initial listing standards and submitting an application for our Common Stock to be listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market, but we can provide no assurance that any such action taken by us would allow our Common Stock to become listed again, stabilize the market price or improve the liquidity of our Common Stock, prevent our Common Stock from 200,000,000dropping below the minimum bid price requirement or prevent future non-compliance with the Nasdaq Capital Market’s listing requirements, whether as to minimum bid price or otherwise.

In addition to regaining compliance with the Nasdaq Capital Market’s minimum bid price listing requirements, we also believe that the Reverse Stock Split and an increase in our stock price may make our Common Stock more attractive to a broader range of institutional and other investors (including funds that are prohibited from

7


buying stocks whose price is below a certain threshold) and facilitate higher levels of institutional stock ownership, where investment policies generally prohibit investments in lower-priced securities, as well as better enable us to raise funds to help finance operations. We understand that many brokerage firms and institutional investors have internal policies and practices that either prohibit them from investing in low-priced stocks or tend to discourage individual brokers from recommending low-priced stocks to their customers, which reduces the number of potential purchasers of our Common Stock. In addition, some of those policies and practices may function to make the processing of trades in low-priced stocks economically less attractive to brokers. Investors may also be dissuaded from purchasing lower-priced stocks because the brokerage commissions, as a percentage of the total transaction, tend to be higher for such stocks. Moreover, we believe the analysts at many brokerage firms do not monitor the trading activity or otherwise provide coverage of lower-priced stocks. Further, lower-priced stocks have a perception in the investment community as being more risky and speculative, which may negatively impact not only the price of our Common Stock, but also our market liquidity.

Background — Authorized Capital Change

As a matter of Delaware law, the implementation of the Reverse Stock Split does not require a reduction in the total number of authorized shares of Common Stock. However, the Amendment will also effect the Authorized Capital Change. The Authorized Capital Change will not be proportional to 50,000,000, andthe ratio of the Reverse Stock Split. Accordingly, while the Authorized Capital Change will reduce the number of shares authorized for issuance on an absolute basis, it will have the effect of increasing the number of shares of Common Stock authorized for issuance relative to the number of shares outstanding (although such relative increase will be smaller than if we did not effect the Authorized Capital Change). The Board believes the relative increase in the number of shares of Common Stock authorized for issuance is in the best interest of the Company and its stockholders.

As we have disclosed in our other SEC filings, since inception, we have incurred cumulative net operating losses and negative cash flows from operations and we expect this to continue for the foreseeable future. As of June 30, 2023, we have $43.8 million in cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash, a significant portion of which is required to fund our current liabilities and other contractual obligations. Our ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon our ability to raise additional capital, and there can be no assurance that such capital will be available in sufficient amounts on terms acceptable to us, or at all. This raises substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern over the next 12 months. Until such time, if ever, as we can generate positive operating cash flows, we may be required to finance our cash needs through a combination of equity offerings, debt financings, government or other third-party funding, strategic alliances, and licensing arrangements. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the ownership interests of holders of our common stock will be diluted, and the terms of these securities may include liquidation or other preferences that adversely affect the rights of holders of our common stock. There can be no guarantee that we will be successful in raising additional funds in the future through financings, sales of our products, government grants, loans, or from other sources or transactions, and if we are unable to raise such funds, we will exhaust our resources and will be unable to maintain our currently planned operations. If we cannot continue as a going concern, our stockholders would likely lose most or all of their investment in us.

The relative increase is designed to enable us to raise additional capital in the future via equity and convertible debt financings, as well as to meet our obligations under outstanding options, restricted stock units and convertible securities, and our equity compensation plans, while retaining flexibility to respond to other future business needs and opportunities. The additional authorized shares would enable us to issue shares in the future in a timely manner and under circumstances we consider favorable without incurring the risk, delay and potential expense incident to obtaining stockholder approval for a particular issuance. For example, the shares may be used for: capital raising transactions involving equity or convertible debt securities; financing the development and construction of additional farms, including the Ohio farm; providing equity incentives to employees, directors, consultants or advisors under equity incentive plans or otherwise; establishing strategic relationships with other companies and other potential strategic transactions; expanding our business through the acquisition of other

8


businesses, technologies or products; stockholder right plans; stock splits or stock dividends; other corporate purposes.

We have engaged an exclusive financial advisor and sole placement agent to explore a wide range of transactions, including, without limitation, a transaction involving a co-investment by us with one or more non-affiliated entities and a private placement of our equity or equity-linked securities to a limited number of sophisticated investors, that could result in the issuance of Common Stock, as they arise or as our needs require, which could occur promptly following the effectiveness of the Amendment. However, we have no current agreement or commitment to issue additional shares of Common Stock, except for issuances of Common Stock as described below under the heading “Fractional Shares” and upon the exercise of its outstanding options and conversion of restricted stock units and other equity securities.

Reverse Stock Split

The Reverse Stock Split would affect all stockholders uniformly and would not affect any stockholder’s percentage ownership interest in the Company, except to the extent that the Reverse Stock Split results in any stockholders owning a fractional share, the treatment of which is described below.

Our current authorized share capital is 150,000,000 shares of Common Stock, and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Preferred Stock”). As of August 21, 2023, 71,358,249 shares of Common Stock and no shares of Preferred Stock were outstanding. Accordingly, our current authorized but unissued share capital is 78,641,751 shares of Common Stock and 5,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock.

Therefore, as a result of the Reverse Stock Split, the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock would decrease by a specified amount. The determination of the specific ratio for the Reverse Stock Split will not affect the number of shares of Common Stock the Company is authorized to issue after the Reverse Stock Split. Regardless of the ratio, as a result of the Authorized Capital Change, the Company will be authorized to issue 75,000,000 shares of Common Stock after the Reverse Stock Split. Assuming 71,358,249 shares remain outstanding at the time of the Reverse Stock Split, after giving effect to the Authorized Capital Change and the Reverse Stock Split that would result from 40,000,000the listed hypothetical Reverse Stock Split ratios, without giving effect to 5,000,000.the treatment of fractional shares, our authorized but unissued Common Stock would be as follows:

      

Post Reverse Split

Shares
Authorized (2)

 

Current Shares
Outstanding (3)

 

Reverse Split
Ratio (1)

 

Shares
Outstanding

 

Unissued
Shares

75,000,000

 71,358,249 15 4,757,217 70,242,783

75,000,000

 71,358,249 16 4,459,891 70,540,109

75,000,000

 71,358,249 17 4,197,545 70,802,455

75,000,000

 71,358,249 18 3,964,348��71,035,652

75,000,000

 71,358,249 19 3,755,698 71,244,302

75,000,000

 71,358,249 20 3,567,913 71,432,087

(1)

Proposed ratios ranging from 1-for-15 to 1-for-20, inclusive.

(2)

Total authorized shares of Common Stock giving effect to the Authorized Capital Change.

(3)

Does not include shares reserved for future issuance pursuant to outstanding options, restricted stock units and future awards under the Company’s 2016 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (the “2016 Plan”) and the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (the “2006 Plan”). Please note that between the date of this Proxy Statement and the date of the Special Meeting, we could engage in transactions involving the issuance of securities that would increase the number of issued or issuable shares from the numbers reflected in the above tables.

The actual number of shares outstanding after giving effect to the Reverse Stock Split, if implemented, will depend on the reverse stock split ratio that is ultimately determined by the Board. No shares of our preferred

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On February 27, 2018,

stock are outstanding and the total number of authorized shares of preferred stock will not be affected by the Reverse Stock Split.

The Reverse Stock Split would not change the par value of the Common Stock. If any stockholder would otherwise receive a fractional share of Common Stock as a result of the Reverse Stock Split, our Board unanimously determinedwill issue an additional fraction of a share of Common Stock to such holder, which fraction, when combined with the fraction resulting from the Reverse Stock Split, will equal a whole share of Common Stock, such that no holder will continue to hold fractional shares following the Reverse Stock Split.

Criteria to be Used for Determining Reverse Stock Split Ratio

The purpose of a range for the Reverse Stock Split is to give the Board the flexibility to meet business needs as they arise, to take advantage of favorable opportunities and to respond to a changing investment environment, such as stock price fluctuations, higher inflation, higher interest rates and related factors. In determining which reverse stock split ratio to implement, if any, following receipt of stockholder approval of the Amendment to effect the Reverse Stock Split, the Board may consider, among other things, various factors, such as:

the historical and expected trading prices and trading volumes of our Common Stock;

The Nasdaq Capital Market Continued Listing Standards requirements;

the number of shares of our Common Stock outstanding;

the then-prevailing trading prices and trading volumes of our Common Stock and the expected impact of the Reverse Stock Split and the Authorized SharesCapital Change on the trading market for our Common Stock in the short- and long-term;

overall trends in the stock market;

the anticipated impact of a particular ratio on our ability to reduce administrative and transactional costs;

business developments and our actual and projected financial performance; and

prevailing general market and economic conditions.

Our Board reserves the right to abandon the Reverse Stock Split and the Authorized Capital Change without further action by our stockholders at any time before the effectiveness of the filing with the Secretary of the State of Delaware of the Amendment, even if the authority to effect a Reverse Stock Split has been approved by our stockholders at the Special Meeting. If the Reverse Stock Split Proposal is advisableapproved, we could effect the Reverse Stock Split and the Authorized Capital Change at any time after the Special Meeting until December 31, 2023. By voting in favor of the Reverse Stock Split Proposal, you are expressly also authorizing the Board to delay, not to proceed with, and abandon, the Reverse Stock Split and the Authorized Capital Change if it should so decide, in its sole discretion, that such action is in the best interests of the stockholders.

Effectiveness of Reverse Stock Split and Authorized Capital Change

The Reverse Stock Split and Authorized Capital Change would become effective at the effective time set forth in the Amendment (the “Effective Time”).

Procedure for Implementing the Reverse Stock Split and Authorized Capital Change

If Proposal 1 is approved by our stockholders, our Board retains the discretion to effect the Reverse Stock Split and the Authorized Capital Change at any time prior to December 31, 2023 or not at all. Our Board will determine whether such an action is in the best interests of the Company and our stockholders, taking into consideration the factors discussed above and recommended that our stockholders approve any other factors it considers relevant. The Reverse Stock Split and

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the Authorized Shares Amendment. In accordanceCapital Change would be implemented by filing the Amendment with the General Corporation LawSecretary of the State of Delaware, we are hereby seeking approvalsetting forth the ratio used in the Reverse Stock Split

If the Reverse Stock Split is effected, then after the Effective Time, our Common Stock will have a new Committee on Uniform Securities Identification Procedures (“CUSIP”) number, which is a number used to identify our equity securities, and stock certificates with the older CUSIP number will need to be exchanged for stock certificates with the new CUSIP number by following the procedures described below. Our Common Stock will continue to be listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “AQB” subject to any future change of listing of our securities.

Principal Effects of the Authorized Shares Amendment

Reverse Stock Split — General

The Reverse Stock Split, if implemented by our stockholders.

No other changes to the Charter are being proposed, andBoard, will reduce the Authorized Shares Amendment will not modify thetotal number of outstanding shares of Common Stock based on the split ratio determined by the Board in its discretion, and it will apply automatically to all shares of our Common Stock, including shares held by the Company in treasury, shares issuable upon the exercise or the rightsconversion of existing stockholders.
outstanding stock options, restricted share units, and other equity securities. The full text of the proposed Authorized Shares Amendment is attached to this proxy statement as Appendix A.
ReasonsReverse Stock Split would be effected simultaneously for the Authorized Shares Amendment
The Board is proposing the Authorized Shares Amendment to reduce the number of authorizedall shares of our Common Stock, and the split ratio would be the same for all shares of Common Stock. The Reverse Stock Split would affect all of our stockholders uniformly and would not affect any stockholder’s percentage ownership interests in the Company, except with respect to the treatment of fractional shares. The principal effect of the Reverse Stock Split will be to proportionately decrease the number of outstanding shares of our Common Stock based on the split ratio selected by our Board.

Voting rights and other rights of the holders of our Common Stock will not be affected by the Reverse Stock Split, other than as a result of the treatment of fractional shares. The number of stockholders of record will not be affected by the Reverse Stock Split. If approved and implemented, the Reverse Stock Split may result in some stockholders owning “odd lots” of less than 100 shares of our Common Stock. Odd lot shares may be more difficult to sell, and brokerage commissions and other costs of transactions in odd lots are generally somewhat higher than the costs of transactions in “round lots” of even multiples of 100 shares. Our Board believes, however, that these potential effects are outweighed by the benefits of the Reverse Stock Split.

Our Common Stock is currently registered under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and we are subject to the periodic reporting and other requirements of the Exchange Act. After the Reverse Stock Split, we will continue to be subject to the periodic reporting and other requirements of the Exchange Act. The Reverse Stock Split would not affect our securities law reporting and disclosure obligations, and we would continue to be subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange Act.

You are urged to consult your own tax advisors to determine the tax consequences to you of the Reverse Stock Split.

Under Delaware law, our stockholders will not be entitled to exercise dissenter’s or appraisal rights with respect to the Reverse Stock Split.

Authorized Shares; Number of Shares of Common Stock Available for Future Issuance

The Reverse Stock Split will result in a reduction of the total outstanding shares of Common Stock and shares reserved for issuance under outstanding stock options, restricted share units, and other equity securities. The Authorized Capital Change will not be proportional to the ratio of the Reverse Stock Split. Accordingly, while the Authorized Capital Change will reduce the number of shares authorized for issuance on an absolute basis, it will have the effect of increasing the number of shares of Common Stock authorized for issuance relative to the

11


number of shares outstanding (although such relative increase will be smaller than if we did not effect the Authorized Capital Change).

As discussed above, we expect to need to raise additional capital to fund our operations. The relative increase is designed to enable us to raise additional capital in the future via equity and convertible debt financings, as well as to meet our obligations under outstanding options, restricted stock units and convertible securities, and our equity compensation plans, while retaining flexibility to respond to other future business needs and opportunities. In the event that our Board determines to issue additional shares of Common Stock (or securities convertible therefor), it intends, in accordance with its fiduciary duties, to issue any such shares on terms that it considers to be in the best interests of the Company and our stockholders. Such shares could be issued directly, or could be reserved for issuance and then issued pursuant to the exercise of options, warrants, restricted stock units, or other equity securities that we may issue in the future. The additional authorized shares would enable us to issue shares in the future in a timely manner and under circumstances we consider favourable without incurring the risk, delay and potential expense incident to obtaining stockholder approval for a particular issuance. For example, the shares may be used for: capital raising transactions involving equity or convertible debt securities; financing the development and construction of additional farms, including the Ohio farm; providing equity incentives to employees, directors, consultants or advisors under equity incentive plans or otherwise; establishing strategic relationships with other companies and other potential strategic transactions; expanding our business through the acquisition of other businesses, technologies or products; stockholder right plans; stock splits or stock dividends; other corporate purposes.

If this Proposal 1 is approved, we may issue additional shares of Common Stock or securities convertible into or exercisable for shares of Common Stock from time to time in the future, including pursuant to our registration statements previously filed with the SEC or new registration statements that we may file in the future, and to the extent that we do so, the shareholdings of our existing stockholders will be diluted by such issuances and the share price of our common stock may be depressed. We currently cannot estimate the number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued in the future in any such fundraising transaction, as the number of shares would depend on a number of factors including the trading price of the Common Stock at the time of any such financing, the amount of capital the Company is able to raise, the Company’s need for capital, the terms of any such transaction, and general market conditions. Except for a stock split or stock dividend, future issuances of shares of our Common Stock will dilute the voting power and ownership of our existing stockholders and, depending on the amount of consideration received in connection with the issuance, could also reduce stockholders’ equity on a per share basis. If the Board authorizes the issuance of additional shares after the Reverse Stock Split, the dilution to the ownership interest of our existing stockholders may be greater than would occur had the Reverse Stock Split not been effected.

We have engaged an exclusive financial advisor and sole placement agent to explore a wide range of transactions, including, without limitation, a transaction involving a co-investment by us with one or more non-affiliated entities and a private placement of our equity or equity-linked securities to a limited number of sophisticated investors, that could result in the issuance of Common Stock, as they arise or as our needs require, which could occur promptly following the effectiveness of the Amendment. However, we have no current agreement or commitment to issue additional shares of Common Stock, except for issuances of Common Stock as described below under the heading “Fractional Shares” and upon the exercise of its outstanding options and conversion of restricted stock units and other equity securities.

Effect of the Reverse Stock Split on Employee Plans, Stock Options, Restricted Stock Units, and Other Equity Securities

Based upon the split ratio determined by the Board, proportionate adjustments are generally required to be made to the per share exercise price and the number of shares issuable upon the exercise or conversion of all outstanding stock options, restricted stock units, and other equity securities entitling the holders to acquire, purchase, exchange for, or convert into, shares of Common Stock, including, without limitation, any awards

12


previously granted under our 2016 Plan and 2006 Plan. Additionally, the exercise prices of outstanding stock options would increase, likewise in proportion to the reverse stock split ratio. This would result in approximately the same aggregate price being required to be paid under such stock options upon such exercise, immediately following the Reverse Stock Split as was the case immediately preceding the Reverse Stock Split. The number of shares deliverable upon settlement or vesting of restricted stock units or other equity securities will be similarly adjusted, subject in all cases to our treatment of fractional shares. In addition, the number of shares available for issuance upon stock options and other awards granted under our equity incentive plans would be proportionately decreased.

Effect on Preferred Stock

As of the date of this Proxy Statement, there were no issued or outstanding shares of our Preferred Stock and no outstanding options or warrants to purchase shares of our Preferred Stock. The Reverse Stock Split would not impact the number of authorized or outstanding shares of our Preferred Stock.

Effect on Record and Beneficial Holders

If this Proposal 1 is approved by our stockholders and our Board elects to implement a Reverse Stock Split, stockholders of record holding all of their shares of Common Stock electronically in orderbook-entry form under the direct registration system for securities will be exchanged by the exchange agent and will receive a transaction statement at their address of record indicating the number of new post-split shares of Common Stock they hold after the Reverse Stock Split. Non-registered stockholders holding Common Stock through a broker and/or other nominee should note that such brokers and/or other nominees may have different procedures for processing the Reverse Stock Split than those that would be put in place by us for registered stockholders. If you hold your shares with such a broker and/or other nominee and if you have questions in this regard, you are encouraged to reflectcontact your broker and/or other nominee.

If this Proposal 1 is approved by our stockholders and our Board elects to implement a Reverse Stock Split, stockholders of record holding some or all of their shares in certificate form will receive a letter of transmittal from the Company or its exchange agent, as soon as reasonably practicable after the effective date of the Reverse Stock Split. Our transfer agent is expected to act as “exchange agent” for the purpose of implementing the exchange of stock certificates. Holders of pre-Reverse Stock Split shares will be asked to surrender to the exchange agent certificates representing pre-Reverse Stock Split shares in exchange for post-Reverse Stock Split shares in accordance with the procedures to be set forth in the letter of transmittal. No new post- Reverse Stock Split share certificates will be issued to a stockholder until such stockholder has surrendered such stockholder’s outstanding certificate(s) together with the properly completed and executed letter of transmittal to the exchange agent.

STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD NOT DESTROY ANY PRE-SPLIT STOCK CERTIFICATE AND SHOULD NOT SUBMIT ANY CERTIFICATES UNTIL THEY ARE REQUESTED TO DO SO.

Fractional Shares

If any stockholder would otherwise receive a fraction of a share of Common Stock as a result of the Reverse Stock Split, our Board will issue an additional fraction of a share of Common Stock to such holder, which fraction, when combined with the fraction resulting from the Reverse Stock Split, will equal a whole share of Common Stock, such that no holder will continue to hold fractional shares following the Reverse Stock Split.

YOU SHOULD NOT SEND YOUR OLD CERTIFICATES NOW. YOU SHOULD SEND THEM ONLY AFTER YOU RECEIVE THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL FROM OUR TRANSFER AGENT.

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Accounting Matters

The proposed amendment to the Company’s Charter will not affect the par value of our Common Stock per share, which will remain $0.001 par value per share. As a result of the Reverse Stock Split, upon the Effective Time, the stated capital on our balance sheet attributable to our Common Stock, which consists of the par value per share of our Common Stock multiplied by the aggregate number of shares of our Common Stock issued and outstanding, will be reduced in proportion to the size of the Reverse Stock Split and the reduction in the shares of Common Stock outstanding, subject to a minor adjustment in respect of the treatment of fractional shares resulting from the Reverse Stock Split and the issuance of additional fractions sufficient to result in only whole shares remaining outstanding following the Reverse Stock Split, and the additional paid-in capital account will be credited with the amount by which the stated capital is reduced. Our stockholders’ equity, in the aggregate, will remain unchanged.

Additionally, net income or loss per share for all periods would increase proportionately as a result of a Reverse Stock Split since there would be a lower number of shares outstanding. We do not anticipate that any other material accounting consequences would arise as a result of a Reverse Stock Split. If we effect the Reverse Stock Split, in future financial statements we will restate net income or loss per share and other per share amounts for periods ending before the Reverse Stock Split to give retroactive effect to the Reverse Stock Split.

Certain Risks Associated with a Reverse Stock Split and Authorized Capital Change

There are certain risks associated with a reverse stock split, and we cannot accurately predict or assure that the Reverse Stock Split will produce or maintain the desired results. However, our Board believes that the benefits to the Company and our stockholders outweigh the risks and recommends that you vote in favor of the Reverse Stock Split Proposal.

We cannot assure you that the proposed Reverse Stock Split, if effected, will increase our stock price. There can be no assurance that the total market capitalization of our Common Stock (the aggregate value of all of our outstanding Common Stock at the then market price after the Reverse Stock Split will be equal to or greater than the total market capitalization before the Reverse Stock Split, or that the per share market price of our Common Stock following the Reverse Stock Split will either equal or exceed the current per share market price.

At August 21, 2023, the closing sale price of our Common Stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market was $0.23 per share. Reducing the number of outstanding shares of our Common Stock through the Reverse Stock Split, if our Board decides to proceed with the Reverse Stock Split, is intended to increase the per share trading price of our Common Stock to exceed the minimum bid price requirement for continued listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market for at least the required period of time. However, we cannot assure you that the market price per share of our Common Stock after the Reverse Stock Split will rise or remain constant in proportion to the reduction in the number of issued common shares that was implemented in January 2017 through a reverse stock split. The Board believes that this change will provide a better balance between authorized and issued shares. In addition, the Company should realize a substantial reduction in franchise taxes, which would benefit all stockholders.

Of the 200,000,000 shares of Common Stock that are currently authorized to be issued underoutstanding before the Charter, as of March 16, 2018, 12,598,552 shares are issued and outstanding, 624,703 are reserved for issuance under our equity plans, and 4,246,153 are issuable uponReverse Stock Split. Even if we implement the exerciseReverse Stock Split, the per share trading price of our Common Stock may decrease due to factors unrelated to the Reverse Stock Split. The effect of the Reverse Stock Split on the per share trading price of our Common Stock cannot be predicted with any certainty, and the history of reverse stock splits for other companies is varied, particularly since some investors may view a reverse stock split negatively. In many cases, the market price of a company’s shares declines after a reverse stock split, or the market price of a company’s shares immediately after a reverse stock split does not reflect a proportionate or mathematical adjustment to the market price based on the ratio of the reverse stock split. Other factors, such as our financial results, market conditions and the market perception of our business, may adversely affect the per share trading price of our Common Stock.

Accordingly, the total market capitalization of our Common Stock and the Company after the Reverse Stock Split may be lower than the total market capitalization before the Reverse Stock Split, and it is possible that the Reverse Stock Split may not result in a per share trading price that would attract investors who do not trade in

14


lower priced stocks. As a result, there can be no assurance that the Reverse Stock Split, if completed, will result in the benefits that we anticipate or that the per share trading price of our Common Stock will not decrease in the future.

The proposed Reverse Stock Split may decrease the liquidity of our Common Stock and result in higher transaction costs.

The liquidity of our Common Stock may be negatively impacted by the Reverse Stock Split, given the reduced number of shares that would be outstanding warrants. Ofafter the 40,000,000Reverse Stock Split, particularly if the per share trading price does not increase proportionately as a result of the Reverse Stock Split. In addition, if the Reverse Stock Split is implemented, it will increase the number of our stockholders who own “odd lots” of fewer than 100 shares of PreferredCommon Stock. Brokerage commission and other costs of transactions in odd lots are generally higher than the costs of transactions of more than 100 shares of Common Stock. In addition, although we believe the Reverse Stock Split may enhance the marketability of our Common Stock to certain potential investors, we cannot assure you that, are currently authorizedif implemented, our Common Stock will be more attractive to be issued under the Charter, none are issued and outstanding, and there are currently no outstanding rights to acquire any Preferred Stock. Theinvestors. While our Board believes that a higher stock price may help generate the interest of new investors, the Reverse Stock Split may not result in a per-share price that will attract certain types of investors, such as institutional investors or investment funds, and such share price may not satisfy the investing guidelines of institutional investors or investment funds. As a result, the trading liquidity of our Common Stock may not improve as a result of the Reverse Stock Split and could be adversely affected by a higher per share price. Accordingly, the Reverse Stock Split may not achieve the desired results of increasing marketability of our Common Stock as described above.

The proposed Reverse Stock Split may result in future dilution to our stockholders.

The Reverse Stock Split will reduce the number of outstanding shares of our Common Stock without a proportionate reduction in the number of authorized shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock will leave sufficient reserves of authorized but unissued shares (i.e., 32,530,592 shares of Common Stock and 5,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock) for the purposes of fundraising and equity grants under the 2016 Plan for the foreseeable future.

Effectiveness of the Authorized Shares Amendment
If the Authorized Shares Amendment is approved byin our stockholders, itCharter, which will become effective upon the acceptance by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware of the filing of the Authorized Shares Amendment. Such filing is expected to occur promptly after stockholder approval of this proposal. If this proposal is not approved, the Charter would remain unchanged, and thegive us a larger number of authorized shares available to be issued in the future without further stockholder action, except as may be required by applicable laws or the rules of any stock exchange on which our Common Stock and Preferred Stock would remain 200,000,000 and 40,000,000, respectively. Other than as described herein, this proposed Authorized Shares Amendment effects no other changes to the Charter.
Vote Required
is listed. The voteissuance of a majority of our outstanding shares of common stock is required to amend the Charter to reduce the number of authorizedadditional shares of our Common Stock may have a dilutive effect on the ownership of existing stockholders and Preferred Stock to 50,000,000could also reduce stockholders’ equity on a per share basis. The issuance in the future of such additional authorized shares may have the effect of diluting the earnings per share and 5,000,000, respectively.
Recommendationbook value per share, as well as the stock ownership and voting rights, of the currently outstanding shares of Common Stock. In addition, the issuance or potential issuance of additional shares of Common Stock may have a depressive effect on the market price of our Common Stock. If Proposal 1 is adopted and approved and a Reverse Stock Split is effected, then depending on a number of factors, including without limitation the ratio of the Reverse Stock Split that is effected, our Board could, in its discretion, in the future consider submitting a proposal for consideration at a future meeting of Directors
Our Board of Directors recommends that the stockholders vote FOR the proposal to approve an amendment to the Charter to reduce the number of authorized shares of Common Stock in the Charter.

Even if the Reverse Stock Split is effected, we may not be able to satisfy all of the other requirements for continued listing of our Common Stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market or other stock exchange.

As discussed above, the Board is submitting the Reverse Stock Split proposed to our stockholders for approval with the primary intent of increasing the market price and Preferredminimum bid prices of our Common Stock to 50,000,000regain and 5,000,000, respectively.



OTHER MATTERS
maintain compliance with the listing requirements of the Nasdaq Capital Market and to make our Common Stock more attractive to a broader range of institutional and other investors. However, continued listing on such exchange requires compliance with a variety of other qualitative and quantitative listing standards. Even if we effect the Reverse Stock Split, we may not be able to satisfy or maintain listing requirements on the Nasdaq Capital Market or any other stock exchange. We docannot provide any assurances that we will be able to maintain a listing of the Common Stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market or any other stock exchange.

15


As we are not knowreducing the number of our authorized preferred shares and are not proportionally reducing our authorized common shares, the Reverse Stock Split could make a change of control more difficult because we will have the right to issue proportionally more shares.

The Reverse Stock Split will not change the number of authorized shares of our preferred shares, as designated by our Certificate of Incorporation. Our Certificate of Incorporation authorizes us to issue 1 or more series of preferred stock, which we are not changing in the Reverse Stock Split. Our Board has the authority to determine the preferences, limitations and relative rights of the shares of preferred stock and to fix the number of shares constituting any series and the designation of such series, without any further vote or action by our stockholders. Our preferred stock could be issued with voting, liquidation, dividend and other rights superior to the rights of our Common Stock. The potential issuance of preferred stock may delay or prevent a change in control of us, discouraging bids for our Common Stock at a premium to the market price, and materially and adversely affect the market price and the voting and other rights of the holders of our Common Stock.

The availability of proportionately more authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock may enable our Board to render it more difficult, or discourage an attempt to obtain control of the Company, which may adversely affect the market price of our Common Stock. If in the due exercise of its fiduciary obligations, for example, our Board were to determine that a takeover proposal were not in our best interests, such shares could be issued by the Board without stockholder approval in (i) one or more private placements or other transactions that might prevent, render more difficult or make more costly the completion of any mattersattempted takeover transaction by diluting voting or other rights of the proposed acquirer or insurgent stockholder group or creating a substantial voting bloc in institutional or other hands that might support the position of the incumbent Board or (ii) an acquisition that might complicate or preclude the takeover.

The Reverse Stock Split is not being recommended by our Board as part of an anti-takeover strategy, but rather its principal purpose is for our Company to maintain compliance with Nasdaq Capital Market’s listing standards to maintain the listing of our Common Stock and to make such shares more attractive to a broader group of investors.

Future issuances of Common Stock by the Company may have an adverse effect on the market price of the Common Stock.

While the Authorized Capital Change will reduce the number of shares authorized for issuance on an absolute basis, it will have the effect of increasing the number of shares of Common Stock authorized for issuance relative to the number of shares outstanding. We may issue a substantial number of these shares of the Common Stock under our outstanding options and other equity securities, as well as under our existing equity compensation plans. In addition, we may issue additional shares of Common Stock in future financings. Any of the foregoing issuances will dilute our existing stockholders. Furthermore, the trading price of the Common Stock could decline as a result of sales of such shares of Common Stock, or the perception that such sales could occur.

Certain Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations of a Reverse Stock Split

The following is a general summary of certain material U.S. federal income tax considerations relating to the Reverse Stock Split that may be relevant to holders of our Common Stock. This summary only addresses a U.S. Holder (as defined below) who holds Common Stock as a capital asset for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

For purposes of this summary, a “U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of Common Stock who is any of the following for U.S. federal income tax purposes: (i) a citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, or the District of Columbia, (iii) an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source, or (iv) a trust if (1) its administration is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all of its substantial decisions, or (2) it has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury Regulations to be presentedtreated as a U.S. person.

16


This summary is based upon provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, rulings and judicial decisions as of the date hereof, all of which may be change, perhaps retroactively, so as to result in U.S. federal income tax considerations different from those summarized below. This summary is general in nature and does not represent a detailed description of the U.S. federal income tax considerations to a stockholder in light of their particular circumstances. In addition, it does not represent a description of the U.S. federal income tax Considerations to a stockholder who is subject to special treatment under the U.S. federal income tax laws and does not address the tax considerations applicable to U.S. Holders who may be subject to special tax rules, such as:

Partnerships (or entities or arrangements treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes) and any beneficial owners thereof;

financial institutions or financial services entities;

insurance companies;

real estate investment trusts;

regulated investment companies;

grantor trusts;

tax-exempt organizations;

governments or agencies or instrumentalities thereof;

brokers, dealers or traders in securities or currencies;

stockholders who hold Common Stock as part of a position in a straddle or as part of a hedging, conversion or integrated transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

U.S. Holders that have a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar;

stockholders who actually or constructively own five percent or more of the Company’s voting stock;

U.S. expatriates; or

stockholders who acquire shares of our Common Stock in connection with employment or other performance of services.

Moreover, this description does not address any aspect of U.S. state or local tax, non-U.S. tax, the Medicare tax on net investment income, U.S. federal estate and gift tax, alternative minimum tax, or other U.S. federal income tax consideration or other tax consequences of the Reverse Stock Split.

If an entity classified as a partnership (or other entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds common stock, the tax treatment of an equity holders in such entity will generally depend on the status of such equity holder and the activities of such entity.

We have not sought, and will not seek, an opinion of counsel or a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Reverse Stock Split and there can be no assurance that the IRS will not challenge the statements and conclusions set forth below or a court would not sustain any such challenge.

EACH STOCKHOLDER SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS CONCERNING THE PARTICULAR U.S. FEDERAL TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT, AS WELL AS THE CONSEQUENCES ARISING UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY OTHER TAXING JURISDICTION, INCLUDING ANY U.S. STATE OR LOCAL OR NON-U.S. TAX CONSEQUENCES.

17


Tax Consequences to the Company

The Reverse Stock Split is intended to be treated as a tax deferred “recapitalization” for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If the Reverse Stock Split qualifies as a recapitalization, then the Company will not recognize gain or loss as a result of the Reverse Stock Split.

Tax Consequences to U.S. Holders of the Reverse Stock Split

If the Reverse Stock Split qualifies as a recapitalization, then a U.S. Holder generally will not recognize gain or loss on the Reverse Stock Split. In general, the aggregate tax basis of the post-split shares received will be equal to the aggregate tax basis of the pre-split shares exchanged therefor and the holding period of the post-split shares received will include the holding period of the pre-split shares exchanged. Treasury regulations promulgated under the Code provide rules for allocating the tax basis and holding period of the shares of our Common Stock surrendered to the shares of our Common Stock received pursuant to the Reverse Stock Split. U.S. Holders of shares of our Common Stock acquired on different dates and at different prices should consult their tax advisors regarding the allocation of the tax basis and holding period of such shares.

A U.S. Holder who would otherwise receive a fractional shares resulting from the Reverse Stock Split and who is issued an additional fraction of a share such that the fraction resulting from the Reverse Stock Split is effectively rounded up to the nearest whole share may recognize gain for U.S. federal income tax purposes equal to the value of the additional fractional share. The treatment of the issuance of a fractional share that effectively results in fractions resulting from the Reverse Stock Split being rounded up to a whole share is not clear under current law and a U.S. Holder may recognize gain for U.S. federal income tax purposes equal to the value of the additional fraction of a share of Common Stock received by such U.S. Holder.

Other Tax Considerations for U.S. Holders

The U.S. state and local tax consequences of the Reverse Stock Split may vary significantly as to each U.S. Holder depending upon the jurisdiction in which such holder resides. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the specific tax consequences to them of the Reverse Stock Split, including the applicable U.S. federal, state and local and non-U.S. tax consequences, if any.

TAX MATTERS ARE COMPLICATED, AND THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT DEPEND UPON THE PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES OF EACH U.S. HOLDER. ACCORDINGLY, EACH U.S. HOLDER IS ADVISED TO CONSULT THE HOLDER’S TAX ADVISOR WITH RESPECT TO ALL OF THE POTENTIAL TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THE U.S. HOLDER OF A REVERSE STOCK SPLIT.

Interests of Directors and Executive Officers

Our directors and executive officers have no substantial interests, directly or indirectly, in the matters set forth in this Proposal 1 that are not shared by all of our other stockholders, except to the extent of their ownership of shares of our Common Stock and other securities exercisable or exchangeable therefor. We have not proposed the Reverse Stock Split Proposal in response to any effort of which we are aware to accumulate our shares of our Common Stock or obtain control of our Company, nor is it a plan by management to recommend a series of similar actions to our Board or our stockholders. Notwithstanding the expected decrease in the number of outstanding shares of common stock following the Reverse Stock Split, our Board does not intend for this transaction to be the first step in a “going private transaction” within the meaning of Rule 13e-3 of the Exchange Act.

Vote Required

The approval of Proposal 1, the Reverse Stock Split Proposal, will require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock entitled to vote thereon.

18


PROPOSAL 2:

ADJOURNMENT PROPOSAL

OUR BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR

THE ADJOURNMENT PROPOSAL.

Stockholders are being asked to consider and vote upon an adjournment by stockholders of the Special Meeting from time to time, if necessary or advisable (as determined by the Company), to solicit additional proxies in the event there are not sufficient votes at the 2018 annual meeting of stockholders other than those mentioned in this proxy statement. If any other matters properly come before the annual meeting, it is the intentiontime of the persons namedSpecial Meeting to approve the Reverse Stock Split Proposal as described in Proposal 1.

Vote Required

The approval of Proposal 2, the enclosed formAdjournment Proposal, will require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock present in person or represented by proxy at the Special Meeting and entitled to vote on the shares they represent as our Board of Directors recommends.Adjournment Proposal and which have actually been voted.

19




OWNERSHIP OF SECURITIES

The following table sets forth certain information known to us with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stockCommon Stock as of March 16, 2018,August 21, 2023, by (i) each person who, to our knowledge, beneficially owns 5% or more of the outstanding shares of our common stock,Common Stock, (ii) each of our directors, and nominees for director, (iii) each named executive officer (as listed in the Summary Compensation Table which appears laterincluded in this proxy statement)the 2023 Annual Meeting Proxy Statement), and (iv) all current directors and executive officers as a group. Except for shares of our common stock held in brokerage accounts that may, from time to time, together with other securities held in those accounts, serve as collateral for margin loans made from such accounts, noneNone of the shares reported as beneficially owned by our directors or executive officers are currently pledged as security for any outstanding loan or indebtedness.

We have determined beneficial ownership in accordance with the rules of the SEC. These rules generally attribute beneficial ownership of securities to persons who possess sole or shared voting power or investment power with respect to those securities. Unless otherwise indicated, the persons or entities identified in this table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares shown as beneficially owned by them, subject to applicable community property laws. The table lists applicable percentage ownership based on 12,598,55271,358,249 shares of our common stockCommon Stock outstanding as of March 16, 2018.August 21, 2023. The number of shares beneficially owned includes shares of our common stockCommon Stock that each person has the right to acquire within 60 days of March 16, 2018,August 21, 2023, including upon the exercise of stock options or warrants.options. These stock options and warrants are deemed outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage of outstanding shares of our common stockCommon Stock owned by such person but are not deemed outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage of outstanding shares of our common stockCommon Stock owned by any other person.

Name and address of beneficial owner(1) Number of Shares Beneficially Owned Percent of Class
Randal J. Kirk(2)
The Governor Tyler
1881 Grove Avenue
Radford, Virginia 24141
 9,076,753
 64.2%
Abbott Laboratories(3)
200 Abbott Park Road
Abbott Park, IL 60064
 693,024
 5.5%
Ronald L. Stotish 104,961
 *
David A. Frank 39,824
 *
Alejandro Rojas 14,980
 *
Richard J. Clothier 49,901
 *
Jack A. Bobo 
 -
Christine St.Clare 8,821
 *
Richard L. Huber 34,932
 *
Rick Sterling 95
 *
James C. Turk 14,585
 *
Executive officers and directors as a group (10 persons) 272,052
 2.1%

Name and address of beneficial owner (1)

  Number of Shares
Beneficially Owned (2)
   Percent
of Class
 

Ricardo Alvarez

   15,512    * 

Erin Sharp

   134,929    * 

Gail Sharps Myers

   15,341    * 

Christine St.Clare

   31,729    * 

Rick Sterling

   9,224    * 

Michael Stern

   38,429    * 

Sylvia Wulf

   498,913    * 

David Frank

   199,198    * 

Angela Olsen

   132,204    * 

Executive officers and directors as a group (11 persons)

   1,399,999    1.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

*

Indicates beneficial ownership of less than one percent of the total outstanding shares of our common stock.Common Stock.

(1)

Unless otherwise indicated, the address for each beneficial owner is c/o AquaBounty Technologies, Inc., 2 Mill & Main Place, Suite 395, Maynard, MA 01754.

(2)Based solely on a Schedule 13D/A filed on January 19, 2018, by Randal J. Kirk, Intrexon, and Third Security, LLC (“Third Security”), Intrexon currently owns 6,700,738 shares of our common stock and has the right to acquire 1,538,461 additional shares upon exercise of warrants purchased by Intrexon on January 17, 2018, which are immediately exercisable. Intrexon therefore currently holds approximately 53% of our outstanding common stock and would own approximately 58% of our common stock upon exercise of the warrants. In addition, entities controlled by Randal J. Kirk, including Third Security and its affiliates other than Intrexon currently hold 837,554 shares of our common stock, or approximately 6% of our shares following exercise of the Intrexon warrants. Based on these holdings, Randal J. Kirk, Intrexon’s Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and controlling shareholder, and Third Security’s Chief Executive Officer and Senior Managing Director, has reported control over approximately 64% of our outstanding stock following exercise of the Intrexon warrants.

Beneficial ownership includes:

(3)Based solely on a Schedule 13G/A filed on February 14, 2018, by Abbott Laboratories and Abbott Laboratories (Chile) Holdco SpA, reporting beneficial ownership as of December 30, 2017. Represents (i) 682,626 shares held by Abbott Laboratories (Chile) Holdco SpA, as successor-in-interest to CFR International SpA, and (ii) 10,398 shares held by Western Pharmaceuticals SA, each an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Abbott Laboratories. Abbott Laboratories (Chile) Holdco SpA is located at Avenida Pedro de Valdivia No 295, Comuna de Providencia, Ciudad de Santiago Region Metropolitana, 7500524 Chile. Western Pharmaceuticals SA was subject to liquidation proceedings at the time of filing, with voting and dispositive control over its shares exercised by a liquidator appointed pursuant to Ecuadoran law.

Includes for Dr. Alvarez 5,512 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of stock options within 60 days of August 21, 2023.

Includes for Ms. Sharp 3,429 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of stock options within 60 days of August 21, 2023.

Includes for Ms. Sharps Myers 4,915 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of stock options within 60 days of August 21, 2023.

Includes for Ms. St.Clare 21,729 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of stock options within 60 days of August 21, 2023.

Includes for Mr. Sterling 7,929 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of stock options within 60 days of August 21, 2023.

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Includes for Mr. Stern 3,429 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of stock options within 60 days of August 21, 2023.

Includes for Ms. Wulf 226,902 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of stock options within 60 days of August 21, 2023.

Includes for Mr. Frank 92,921 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of stock options within 60 days of August 21, 2023.

Includes for Ms. Olsen 63,389 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of stock options within 60 days of August 21, 2023.

Includes for our directors and executive officers as a group 605,333 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of stock options within 60 days of August 21, 2023.

21




EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND OTHER INFORMATION
AquaBounty Technologies, Inc. is an “emerging growth company,” as defined underMATTERS

We do not know of any matters to be presented at the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012. As an emerging growth company, under SEC rules, we are not required to include a Compensation Discussion and Analysis sectionSpecial Meeting other than those mentioned in this proxy statement and have elected to comply withProxy Statement. If any other matters properly come before the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies. In preparing to become a public company, we conducted a thorough review of all elements of our executive and director compensation program, includingSpecial Meeting, it is the function and design of our equity incentive programs. We are evaluating the need for revisions to our executive compensation program to ensure our program is competitive with thoseintention of the companies with which we compete for executive talent and is appropriate for a public company.

Executive Officers
The tables and discussion below present compensation information for our chief executive officer and our two other most highly compensated officers forpersons named in the year ended December 31, 2017, whom we referenclosed form of proxy to collectivelyvote the shares they represent as our named executive officers. These officers are:
Board recommends.

NameAgePositions
Ronald L. Stotish68Chief Executive Officer and President
David A. Frank57Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Alejandro Rojas56Chief Operating Officer, AquaBounty Farms
Summary Compensation Table
The following table provides certain summary information concerning the compensation earned by our named executive officers in the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.
Name and PositionYear
Salary
($) (1)
Bonus
($) (2)
Option Awards
($) (3)
All other Compensation
($) (4)
Total
($)
R. Stotish2017363,090
91,000
3,299457,389
CEO and President2016350,659116,424

7,505474,588
D. Frank2017273,833
45,500
4,770324,103
CFO and Treasurer2016263,17266,250

8,109337,531
A. Rojas2017227,083
27,300
4,840259,223
COO, AquaBounty Farms2016215,0005,000

4,965224,965
(1)Represents salaries before any employee contributions under our 401(k) plan.
(2)Represents discretionary cash incentive awards paid for performance during the 2016 fiscal year.
(3)The Option Awards included for each individual consists of stock option awards granted under the 2016 Plan. The value for each of these awards is its grant date fair value calculated by multiplying the number of shares subject to the award by the fair value of the stock option award on the date such award was granted, computed in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718. The following table summarizes the number of stock option awards granted, the grant date, and the fair value of the stock option award to calculate the total grant date fair value for the option awards reported. The fair value of the stock option grants was measured as of the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes calculation. The assumptions included an expected stock price volatility of 78%, a risk-free interest rate of 1.8%, a dividend yield of 0%, and an expected life of five years.
Name Number of Stock Option Awards Grant Date Per Share Fair Value Total Grant Date Fair Value
R. Stotish 20,000 April 21, 2017 $4.55
 $91,000
D. Frank 10,000 April 21, 2017 $4.55
 $45,500
A. Rojas 5,000 April 21, 2017 $4.55
 $27,300
(4)Amounts represent our contributions under our 401(k) plan and other benefits.
In 2017, we paid base salaries to Dr. Stotish, Mr. Frank, and Dr. Rojas of $363,090, $273,833, and $227,083, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, the base salaries of Dr. Stotish, Mr. Frank, and Dr. Rojas were $350,659, $263,172, and $215,000, respectively. Base salaries are used to recognize the experience, skills, knowledge, and responsibilities required of all of our employees, including our named executive officers, and are set by our Compensation Committee, taking into consideration recommendations from management based on each employee’s annual performance. Certain of our named executive officers are currently party to an


employment agreement that provides for the continuation of certain compensation upon termination of employment. See “—Employment Agreements.”
Our Board of Directors may, at its discretion, award bonuses to our named executive officers from time to time. We typically establish bonus targets for our named executive officers and evaluate their performance based on the achievement of specified goals and objectives by each individual employee. Our management may propose bonus awards to the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors primarily based on such achievements. Our Board of Directors makes the final determination of the eligibility requirements for and the amounts of such bonus awards. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, the bonus award for Dr. Stotish was $116,424, which represented 33% of his base salary, awarded for his achievements in progressing the approval process for AquAdvantage Salmon with the FDA. For that same fiscal year, Mr. Frank received a bonus award of $66,250 in recognition of his work in obtaining SEC registration of the Company’s stock, and Dr. Rojas received a bonus award of $5,000 for his achievements in progressing the planning of our North American operations strategy. No bonus awards were made to any named executive officer for 2017.
Although we do not have a formal policy with respect to the grant of equity incentive awards to our executive officers, or any formal equity ownership guidelines applicable to them, we believe that equity grants provide our executives with a strong link to our long-term performance, create an ownership culture, and help to align the ownership interests of our executives and our stockholders. In addition, we believe that equity grants with a time-based vesting feature promote executive retention because this feature incentivizes our executive officers to remain in our employment during the vesting period.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End
The following table provides certain summary information concerning outstanding equity awards held by our named executive officers as of December 31, 2017.
  Option Awards
  Number of securities underlying unexercised options    
Name and Position Exercisable Unexercisable Option Exercise PriceOption Expiration Date
R. Stotish 62,334
 
(1)$3.30
 June 30, 2019
CEO and President 16,667
 
(2)$6.90
 January 10, 2021
  6,667
 
(3)$23.40
 January 20, 2024
  5,506
 14,494
(4)$14.20
 April 21, 2027
D. Frank 15,000
 
(1)$3.30
 June 30, 2019
CFO and Treasurer 5,000
 
(2)$6.90
 January 10, 2021
  6,667
 
(5)$7.50
 April 27, 2023
  6,667
 
(3)$23.40
 January 20, 2024
  2,753
 7,247
(4)$14.20
 April 21, 2027
A. Rojas 6,667
 
(3)$23.40
 January 20, 2024
COO, AquaBounty Farms 1,652
 4,348
(4)$14.20
 April 21, 2027
(1)This option grant was fully vested on July 1, 2012.
(2)This option grant was fully vested on January 11, 2014.
(3)This option grant was fully vested on January 20, 2017.
(4)This option grant vests on a daily basis in three equal annual portions, with the first annual portion having vested as of February 27, 2018, and the grant being fully vested on February 27, 2020.
(5)This option grant was fully vested on April 27, 2016.
Employment Agreements
We have formal employment agreements with Dr. Stotish, Dr. Rojas, Mr. Frank, and Christopher Martin, our General Counsel. Each agreement provides for the payment of a base salary, an annual bonus determined at the discretion of our Board of Directors based on achievement of financial targets, and other performance criteria and, for Dr. Stotish, a one-time grant of 3,000 stock options.
Each agreement will remain in effect unless and until terminated in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the agreement. Mr. Frank’s agreement provides that employment may be terminated by either us or the employee after giving the other not less than twelve months’ notice. Mr. Martin’s agreement provides that employment may be terminated by either us or the employee after giving the other not less than nine months’ notice. Dr. Rojas’ agreement provides that employment may be terminated by us after


giving to Dr. Rojas not less than twelve months’ notice, and by Dr. Rojas after giving to us not less than one month’s notice. During these respective notice periods, we have the right to terminate employment prior to expiration of the notice period by paying the employee a sum equal to his basic salary and benefits during the notice period. Dr. Stotish’s agreement does not contain termination notice requirements applicable to his current employment.
In addition, under each agreement, we may terminate the employee’s employment without notice or payment at any time for cause. For these purposes, “cause” means any of the following:
performance by the employee of his duties in a manner that is deemed consistently materially unsatisfactory by our Board of Directors in its sole and exclusive discretion;
willful and material failure or refusal by the employee to perform his duties under the employment agreement (other than by reason of the employee’s death or disability);
certain breaches or nonobservance by the employee of the provisions of the employment agreement or directions of our Board of Directors or of rules issued by a stock exchange on which our securities are listed;
any intentional act of dishonesty, fraud, or embezzlement by the employee or the admission or conviction of, or entering of a plea of nolo contendere by, the employee of any felony or any lesser crime involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, fraud, embezzlement, or theft;
any negligence, willful misconduct, or personal dishonesty of the employee resulting in a good faith determination by our Board of Directors of a loss to us or a damage to our reputation;
any failure by the employee to comply with our policies or procedures to a material extent;
the employee commits any act of deliberate unlawful discrimination or harassment;
in the case of Dr. Stotish, the employee is adjudged bankrupt or enters into any composition or arrangement with or for the benefit of his creditors;
the employee becomes of unsound mind or a patient for the purposes of any law relating to mental health; or
the employee becomes prohibited by law from being an employee.
Each agreement also contains confidentiality and noncompetition provisions that we believe are typical for agreements of this type.
401(k) Plan
We provide an employee retirement plan under Section 401(k) of the Code (the “401(k) plan”), to all U.S. employees who are eligible employees as defined in the 401(k) plan. Subject to annual limits set by the Internal Revenue Service, we match 50% of eligible employee contributions up to a maximum of 3% of an employee’s salary, and vesting in our match is immediate. We made contributions in connection with the 401(k) plan during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, of $31,308 and $33,422, respectively.
Registered Retirement Savings Plan
We also have a Registered Retirement Savings Plan for our Canadian employees. Subject to annual limits set by the Canadian government, we match 50% of eligible employee contributions up to a maximum of 3% of an employee’s salary, and vesting in our match is immediate. We made contributions in connection with this plan during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, of $26,578 and $21,777, respectively.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires that our executive officers and directors, and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities, file reports of ownership and changes in ownership (Forms 3, 4, and 5) with the SEC. Executive officers, directors, and greater than 10% beneficial owners are required to furnish us with copies of all of the forms that they file.
Based solely on our review of these reports or written representations from certain reporting persons, we believe that during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, our officers, directors, greater than 10% beneficial owners, and other persons subject to Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act filed on a timely basis all reports required of them under Section 16(a) so that there were no late filings of any Form 3 or Form 5 reports or late Form 4 filings with respect to transactions relating to our common stock.


Compensation Committee Report
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the section captioned “Executive Compensation and Other Information” with management. Based on such review and discussion, the Compensation Committee has recommended to the Board of Directors that the “Executive Compensation and Other Information” section be included in this proxy statement.
Submitted by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors:
Richard Huber (Chair)
Rick Sterling
RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS, POLICIES, AND PROCEDURES
Agreements with Intrexon
Stock Purchase Agreement
On November 7, 2016, we entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with Intrexon, pursuant to which we sold to Intrexon 2,421,073 shares of our common stock for proceeds of approximately $25 million. This sale of shares under the Stock Purchase Agreement closed on January 18, 2017, in connection with the Distribution (see “NASDAQ Listing and Intrexon Distribution,” above).
Exclusive Channel Collaboration Agreement
In February 2013, we entered into an Exclusive Channel Collaboration Agreement with Intrexon (the “ECC”), pursuant to which we are permitted to use certain technology platforms of Intrexon to develop and commercialize additional genetically modified traits in finfish for human consumption. The ECC grants us a worldwide license to use certain patents and other intellectual property of Intrexon in connection with the research, development, use, importing, manufacture, sale, and offer for sale of products involving DNA administered to finfish for human consumption. This license is exclusive with respect to any development, selling, offering for sale, or other commercialization of developed products but otherwise is non-exclusive.
Under the ECC and subject to certain exceptions, we are responsible for, among other things, the performance of the program, including development, commercialization, and certain aspects of manufacturing developed products. Among other things, Intrexon is responsible for the costs of establishing manufacturing capabilities and facilities for the bulk manufacture of certain products developed under the program; certain other aspects of manufacturing; costs of discovery-stage research with respect to platform improvements; and costs of filing, prosecution, and maintenance of Intrexon’s patents.
We agreed to pay Intrexon, on a quarterly basis, 16.66% of the gross profits calculated for each developed product. We also agreed to pay Intrexon 50% of the quarterly revenue obtained from a sublicensee in the event of a sublicensing arrangement. In addition, we agreed to reimburse Intrexon for the costs of certain services provided by Intrexon. The total Intrexon service costs incurred under the ECC during 2017 were approximately $562,039, of which approximately $135,301 was reflected as an account payable in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017.
The ECC may be terminated by either party in the event of a material breach by the other. Intrexon may terminate the ECC (a) if we elect not to pursue the development of a “superior animal product” identified by Intrexon or (b) under certain circumstances if we assign our rights under the ECC without Intrexon’s consent. We may voluntarily terminate the ECC at any time upon 90 days’ written notice to Intrexon. Upon termination of the ECC, we may continue to develop and commercialize any collaboration product that, at the time of termination, (x) is being sold by us, (y) has received regulatory approval, or (z) is the subject of an application for regulatory approval. Our obligation to pay 16.66% of the gross profits and 50% of the quarterly revenue obtained from a sublicensee with respect to these “retained” products will survive termination of the ECC.
Relationship Agreement
In December 2012, we entered into a Relationship Agreement with Intrexon (the “Relationship Agreement”), which sets forth certain matters relating to Intrexon’s relationship with us as a major stockholder. The Relationship Agreement was entered into in connection with the acquisition in October 2012 by Intrexon of shares of our common stock constituting 47.56% of our outstanding share capital from Linnaeus Capital Partners B.V. and Tethys Aquaculture Canada, Inc. (doing business as the Center for Aquaculture Technology Canada), our former major stockholders.
Pursuant to the Relationship Agreement, we agreed to increase the size of our Board of Directors from three members to six members and to appoint three nominees of Intrexon (“Intrexon Nominees”) as directors with terms expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders held on July 10, 2013. Intrexon nominated Messrs. Thomas Barton, Thomas Kasser, and James Turk to serve as directors. Each was appointed to our Board of Directors on February 14, 2013. In addition, we agreed that, so long as the Relationship Agreement remains in effect and Intrexon and its affiliates together control 25% or more of the voting rights exercisable at meetings of our stockholders, we will (a) nominate such number of Intrexon Nominees as may be designated by Intrexon for election to our Board


of Directors at each annual meeting of our stockholders so that Intrexon will have representation on our Board of Directors proportional to Intrexon’s percentage shareholding, rounded up to the nearest whole person, and (b) recommend that stockholders vote to elect such Intrexon Nominees at the next annual meeting of stockholders occurring after the date of nomination. Subsequent to entering into the Relationship Agreement, we increased the size of our Board of Directors from six members to seven members, and Intrexon nominated Mr. Sterling to fill the Board vacancy. Mr. Sterling was appointed to our Board of Directors on September 13, 2013. On May 30, 2014, Mr. Barton resigned as a director, and Intrexon nominated Ms. St.Clare to serve as a director. Our Board of Directors approved and appointed Ms. St.Clare to the Board of Directors on May 30, 2014. On October 27, 2015, Mr. Kasser resigned as a director, and Intrexon nominated Mr. Bobo to serve as a director. Our Board of Directors approved and appointed Mr. Bobo to the Board of Directors on October 27, 2015.
In addition, we and Intrexon agreed that, so long as Intrexon and its affiliates control 10% or more of the voting rights exercisable at meetings of our stockholders, for any time period for which Intrexon has reasonably concluded that it is required to consolidate or include our financial statements with its own:
we will maintain at our principal place of business (i) a copy of our certificate of incorporation and any amendments thereto; (ii) a copy of the Relationship Agreement; (iii) copies of our federal, state, and local income tax returns and reports; and (iv) minutes of our Board of Director and stockholder meetings and actions by written consent in lieu thereof, redacted as necessary to exclude sensitive or confidential information;
we will keep our books and records consistent with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”);
Intrexon may examine any information that it may reasonably request; make copies of and abstracts from our financial and operating records and books of account; and discuss our affairs, finances, and accounts with us and our independent auditors;
as soon as available, but no later than ninety days after the end of each fiscal year, we will furnish to Intrexon an audited balance sheet, income statement, and statements of cash flows and stockholders’ equity as of and for the fiscal year then ended, together with a report of our independent auditor that such financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and present fairly, in all material respects, our financial position, results of operation, and cash flows;
as soon as available, but no later than forty-five days after the end of each calendar quarter, we will furnish to Intrexon an unaudited balance sheet, income statement, and statements of cash flows and stockholders’ equity for such period, in each case prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP; and
as requested by Intrexon, but no more than quarterly, we will provide to Intrexon (i) a certificate of our Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer certifying as to the accuracy of our books and records and the adequacy of our internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures and (ii) any information requested by Intrexon for purposes of its compliance with applicable law.
The Relationship Agreement and related documents also provide for certain confidentiality obligations between the two parties. The Relationship Agreement will continue in full force and effect until Intrexon and its affiliates cease to control 10% or more of the voting rights exercisable at meetings of our stockholders.
Intrexon Participation in Public Offering
On January 17, 2018, we completed a public offering of 3,692,307 shares of our common stock and 4,246,153 warrants for net proceeds of approximately $10.6 million. Intrexon participated in this offering, purchasing 1,538,461 shares of our common stock and 1,538,461 warrants for a total of $5 million.
Policies and Procedures for Review of Related Person Transactions
Our Board of Directors has adopted a written policy with respect to related person transactions. This policy governs the review, approval, and ratification of covered related person transactions. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors manages this policy.
For purposes of this policy, a “related person transaction” is a transaction, arrangement, or relationship (or any series of similar transactions, arrangements, or relationships) in which we (or any of our subsidiaries) were, are, or will be a participant, and in which any related person had, has, or will have a direct or indirect interest. For purposes of determining whether a transaction is a related person transaction, the Audit Committee relies upon Item 404 of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Exchange Act.
A “related person” is defined as:
any person who is, or at any time since the beginning of our last fiscal year was, one of our directors or executive officers or a nominee to become one of our directors;
any person who is known to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of any class of our voting securities;


any immediate family member of any of the foregoing persons, which means any child, stepchild, parent, stepparent, spouse, sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law of the director, executive officer, nominee, or more-than-five-percent beneficial owner and any person (other than a tenant or employee) sharing the household of such director, executive officer, nominee, or more-than-five-percent beneficial owner; 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 10% or greater beneficial ownership interest.
The policy generally provides that we may enter into a related person transaction only if:
the Audit Committee pre-approves such transaction in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the policy;
the transaction is on terms comparable to those that could be obtained in arm’s-length dealings with an unrelated third party, and the Audit Committee (or the chairperson of the Audit Committee) approves or ratifies such transaction in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the policy;
the transaction is approved by the disinterested members of the Board of Directors; or
the transaction involves compensation approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.
If a related person transaction is not pre-approved by the Audit Committee, and our management determines to recommend such related person transaction to the Audit Committee, such transaction must be reviewed by the Audit Committee. After review, the Audit Committee will approve or disapprove such transaction.
In addition, the Audit Committee reviews the policy at least annually and recommends amendments to the policy to the Board of Directors from time to time.
The policy provides that all related person transactions will be disclosed to the Audit Committee and all material related person transactions will be disclosed to the Board of Directors. Additionally, all related person transactions requiring public disclosure will be properly disclosed in our public filings.
The Audit Committee will review all relevant information available to it about the related person transaction. The policy provides that the Audit Committee may approve or ratify the related person transaction only if the Audit Committee determines that, under all of the circumstances, the transaction is in, or is not inconsistent with, our best interests. The policy provides that the Audit Committee may, in its sole discretion, impose such conditions as it deems appropriate on us or the related person in connection with approval of the related person transaction.


AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
The following is the report of the Audit Committee with respect to our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for that period.
Composition and Charter.  The Audit Committee of our Board of Directors currently consists of three independent directors, as that term is defined in Rule 5605(a)(2) of the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules: Ms. St.Clare, who serves as Chair of the Audit Committee, and Messrs. Huber and Turk. The Audit Committee operates under a written charter adopted by our Board of Directors and is available on our corporate website (www.aquabounty.com) under “Investor Relations.” The Board of Directors and the Audit Committee review and assess the adequacy of the charter of the Audit Committee on an annual basis.
Responsibilities.  The Audit Committee assists our Board of Directors in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities by reviewing the financial information that will be provided to our stockholders and others; reviewing our systems of internal control over financial reporting, disclosure controls and procedures, and our financial reporting process that management has established and the Board oversees; and endeavoring to maintain free and open lines of communication among the Audit Committee, our independent registered public accounting firm, and management. The Audit Committee is also responsible for the review of all critical accounting policies and practices to be used by us; the review and approval or disapproval of all proposed transactions or courses of dealings that are required to be disclosed by Item 404 of Regulation S-K that are not otherwise approved by a comparable committee or the entire Board of Directors; and establishing procedures for the receipt, retention, and treatment of complaints received by us regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, and the confidential, anonymous submission by our employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters. The Audit Committee also has the authority to secure independent expert advice to the extent the Audit Committee determines it to be appropriate, including retaining independent counsel, accountants, consultants, or others, to assist the Audit Committee in fulfilling its duties and responsibilities.
It is not the duty of the Audit Committee to plan or conduct audits or to prepare our consolidated financial statements. Management is responsible for preparing our consolidated financial statements and has the primary responsibility for assuring their accuracy and completeness, and the independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for auditing those consolidated financial statements and expressing its opinion as to their presenting fairly in accordance with GAAP our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. However, the Audit Committee does consult with management and our independent registered public accounting firm prior to the presentation of consolidated financial statements to stockholders and, as appropriate, initiates inquiries into various aspects of our financial affairs. In addition, the Audit Committee is responsible for the oversight of the independent registered public accounting firm; considering and approving the appointment of and approving all engagements of, and fee arrangements with, our independent registered public accounting firm; and the evaluation of the independence of our independent registered public accounting firm.
In the absence of their possession of information that would give them a reason to believe that such reliance is unwarranted, the members of the Audit Committee rely without independent verification on the information provided to them, and on the representations made, by our management and our independent registered public accounting firm. Accordingly, the Audit Committee’s oversight does not provide an independent basis to determine that management has maintained appropriate accounting and financial reporting principles or appropriate internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures designed to assure compliance with accounting standards and applicable laws and regulations. The Audit Committee’s authority and oversight responsibilities do not independently assure that the audits of our consolidated financial statements are conducted in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States, or that our consolidated financial statements are presented in accordance with GAAP.
Review with Management and Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.  The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the quality, not just the acceptability, of our accounting principles; the reasonableness of significant judgments; and the clarity of disclosures in the financial statements with our management and our independent registered public accounting firm, Wolf. In addition, the Audit Committee has consulted with management and Wolf prior to the presentation of our consolidated financial statements to stockholders. The Audit Committee has discussed with Wolf the matters required to be discussed by PCAOB Auditing Standard No. 16, Communications with Audit Committees. The Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from Wolf required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent accountant’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence and has discussed with Wolf its independence from us, including whether its provision of non-audit services has compromised such independence.
Conclusion and Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.  Based on the reviews and discussions referred to above in this report, the Audit Committee recommended to our Board of Directors that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, for filing with the SEC.
Submitted by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors:
Christine St.Clare (Chair)
Richard Huber
James Turk


Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any of our previous or future filings under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act that might incorporate this proxy statement or future filings made by us under those statutes, the Audit Committee report and reference to the independence of the Audit Committee members are not deemed filed with the SEC and shall not be deemed incorporated by reference into any of those prior filings or into any future filings made by us under those statutes.


ANNUAL REPORT; AVAILABLE INFORMATION
A copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, filed with the SEC on March 8, 2018, is available over the internet on our corporate website (www.aquabounty.com). The Annual Report on Form 10-K is not incorporated into this proxy statement and is not considered proxy solicitation material.
Stockholders may request a paper or email copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, free of charge, by following the instructions in the proxy materials. All reports and documents we file with the SEC are also available, free of charge, on our corporate website (www.aquabounty.com) under “Investor Relations.”
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF AQUABOUNTY TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
rlssignature.jpg

/s/ Sylvia Wulf

Ronald L. Stotish
President, Sylvia Wulf
Chief Executive Officer and DirectorBoard Chair

Maynard, Massachusetts

September 1, 2023

22


April 3, 2018



Appendix A

CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT

TO THE

THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

AQUABOUNTY TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

AquaBounty Technologies, Inc. (the “Corporation”), a corporation organized and existing under and by virtue of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “Corporation”DGCL), does hereby certify:

FIRST: That, at a meeting

1. Pursuant to Section 242 of the BoardDGCL, this Certificate of Directors of the Corporation on February 27, 2018, a resolution was duly adopted setting forth a proposed amendmentAmendment to the Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (this “Certificate of Amendment”) amends the Corporation, as amended, in the form set forth below (the “Amendment”), declaring the Amendment to be advisable and calling for consideration of said proposed Amendment by the stockholders of the Corporation.

“RESOLVED, that, having determined that a reduction in the Corporation’s authorized common stock and preferred stock to 50,000,000 shares and 5,000,000 shares, respectively, is in the best interest of the Corporation and its stockholders, subject to the consideration and approval of the Corporation's stockholders, Article 4provisions of the Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, as amended be,(the “Charter”).

2. This Certificate of Amendment has been approved and itduly adopted by the Corporation’s Board of Directors and stockholders in accordance with the provisions of Section 242 of the DGCL.

3. Upon this Certificate of Amendment becoming effective, the Charter is hereby amended as follows:

Subsection 4(a) of the Charter is hereby amended to replace subsection (a) thereofand restated in its entirety with the following:

to read as follows:

4. (a) The Corporation is authorized to issue two classes of stock to be designated Common Stock and Preferred Stock. The Corporation is authorized to issue 50,000,00075,000,000 shares of Common Stock, with a par value of $0.001 of per share, and 5,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, with a par value of $0.01 per share.

Upon the effectiveness of the filing of this Certificate of Amendment (the “2023 Split Effective Time

SECOND: That thereafter, pursuant), every fifteen (15) to resolutiontwenty (20) shares of itsCommon Stock issued and outstanding or held by the Corporation as treasury shares as of the 2023 Split Effective Time (with the exact number within such range being determined by the Board of Directors an annual meetingprior to the filing of this Certificate of Amendment and set forth in a public announcement issued by the Corporation prior to the date of the 2023 Split Effective Time) shall automatically, and without any further action on the part of the stockholders, be reclassified as one (1) validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable share of Common Stock, without effecting a change to the par value per share of Common Stock (the “2023 Reverse Split”). If, as a result of the 2023 Reverse Split, any stockholder would receive a fraction of a share of Common Stock, the Board of Directors shall cause to be issued to such stockholder an additional fraction of a share of Common Stock that, together with the fraction resulting from the 2023 Reverse Split, would result in such stockholder having a whole share of Common Stock rather than the fraction otherwise resulting from the 2023 Reverse Split. As of the 2023 Split Effective Time, a certificate(s) representing shares of Common Stock prior to the 2023 Reverse Split shall be deemed to represent the number of post-2023 Reverse Split shares into which the pre-2023 Reverse Split shares were reclassified and combined, together with the additional fraction, if any, issued to result in each holder having a whole number of shares, until surrendered to the Corporation for transfer or exchange. The 2023 Reverse Split shall also apply to any outstanding securities or rights convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for, Common Stock of the Corporation was duly called and held upon noticeall references to such Common Stock in accordance with Section 222agreements, arrangements, documents and plans relating thereto or any option or right to purchase or acquire shares of Common Stock shall be deemed to be references to the General Corporation LawCommon Stock or options or rights to purchase or acquire shares of Common Stock, as the Statecase may be, after giving effect to the 2023 Reverse Split.”

4. This Certificate of DelawareAmendment shall become effective at 12:01 a.m., Eastern Time, on                 May 1, 2018, at which meeting the necessary number of shares as required by statute were voted in favor the Amendment., 2023.

*  *  *  *


THIRD: That the Amendment was duly adopted in accordance with the provisions of Section 242 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned authorized officer of the Corporation has causedexecuted this Certificate of Amendment to the Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation as of            , 2023.

AQUABOUNTY TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
By:
Name:Sylvia Wulf
Title:Chief Executive Officer


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You may vote online or by phone instead of mailing this card.

LOGOVotes submitted electronically must be received by 11:59 pm, Eastern Time, on October 11, 2023.
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Go to www.envisionreports.com/AQB or scan the QR code – login details are located in the shaded bar below.
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Call toll free 1-800-652-VOTE (8683) within the USA, US territories and Canada

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  A 

Proposals – The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR Proposals 1 and 2.

  For    Against    Abstain      ForAgainstAbstain    

1. To approve an amendment to our Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to approve a reverse stock split of our common stock and an associated reduction in the number of shares of our authorized common stock.

2. To approve an adjournment of the Special Meeting, if necessary.

  B Authorized Signatures – This section must be completed for your vote to count. Please date and sign below.

Please sign exactly as name(s) appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, corporate officer, trustee, guardian, or custodian, please give full title.

Date (mm/dd/yyyy) – Please print date below.

Signature 1 – Please keep signature within the box.

Signature 2 – Please keep signature within the box.

       /       /    

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                                             03V21B


2023 Special Meeting Admission Ticket

2023 Special Meeting of AquaBounty Technology Shareholders

October 12, 2023, 8:30 am ET

2 Mill and Main Place, Suite 395

Maynard, MA 01754

Important notice regarding the Internet availability of proxy materials for the Special Meeting of Stockholders.

The material is available at: www.envisionreports.com/AQB

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delivery, sign up at www.envisionreports.com/AQB

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q   IF VOTING BY MAIL, SIGN, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.   q

  AquaBounty Technologies, Inc.

+

Notice of Special Meeting of Stockholders

Proxy Solicited by Board of Directors for the Special Meeting – October 12, 2023

Sylvia Wulf, David A. Frank, Angela M. Olsen, or any of them, each with the power of substitution, are hereby authorized to represent and vote the shares of the Corporation to be signed this _____ dayundersigned, with all the powers that the undersigned would possess if personally present, at the Special Meeting of __________, 2018.

Stockholders of AquaBounty Technologies, Inc.


By:
Authorized Officer

Title: President, which will be held on October 12, 2023, at 8:30 a.m. ET, or at any postponement or adjournment thereof.

Shares represented by this proxy will be voted by the stockholder. If no such directions are indicated, the Proxies will have authority to vote FOR items 1 and Chief Executive Officer2.

In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting.

(Items to be voted appear on reverse side)

  C Non-Voting Items

Change of Address – Please print new address below.

Comments – Please print your comments below.

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Name: Ronald L. Stotish


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