As filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on July 7,24, 2023

 

Registration No. 333-333-273174

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

AMENDMENT NO. 1

to

FORM S-1

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER THE

SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

INVO BIOSCIENCE, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Nevada 3841 20-4036208
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 (Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number)
 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

 

5582 Broadcast Court Sarasota, Florida, 34240

(978) 878-9505

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

 

Steve Shum

Chief Executive Officer

INVO Bioscience, Inc.

5582 Broadcast Court

Sarasota, Florida 34240

(978) 878-9505

(Name, address including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

 

With copies to:

 

Greg Carney

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP

333 South Hope Street, 43rd Floor

Los Angeles, CA 90071

(213) 620-1780

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after the effective date of this registration statement.

 

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box: ☒

 

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐

 

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐

 

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule l2b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer ☐ Accelerated filer ☐ Non-accelerated filer ☒ Smaller reporting company ☒ Emerging Growth Company ☐

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. D

 

The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 

 

 

  

 

 

The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. These securities may not be sold until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offeror sale is not permitted.

 

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUSSUBJECT TO COMPLETIONDATED JULY 7,24, 2023

 

 

INVO Bioscience, Inc.

 

Up to $15,000,0001,585,000 Units, each consisting of

One Shares of

Common Stock or

One Pre-Funded Warrant to Purchase One Share of Common Stock

and

Two Warrants, each to Purchase One Share Common Stock

 

This prospectus relates to the sale by INVO Bioscience, Inc. (the “Company”, “INVO”, “we”, “us” or “our”) of __________ sharesup to 1,585,000 units (“Units”), each consisting of one share of common stock, ofpar value $0.0001per share (the “Common Stock”) and warrants to purchase up to _________ shares of our common stock. Each share of our common stock is being sold with two warrants, each to purchase one share of our common stock,Common Stock at an assumed combined public offering price of $____ per share of common stock and accompanying warrants.Unit. The warrants are exercisable from and after the date of their issuance and expire on the th anniversary of such date, at an exercise price of $___ per share of common stock, which is equal to 100% of the combined public offering price per Unit in this offering.

We are also offering to each purchaser whose purchase of Units in this offering would otherwise result in the purchaser, together with its affiliates and certain related parties, beneficially owning more than 4.99% (or, at the election of the holder, 9.99%) of our outstanding shares of common stock immediately following the consummation of this offering, the opportunity to purchase, if the purchaser so chooses, Units each consisting of one pre-funded warrant to purchase one share of common stock (“Pre-Funded Warrants”) (in lieu of one share of common stock) and relatedtwo warrants. Each Pre-Funded Warrant will be exercisable for one share of common stock. The purchase price of a Unit that includes a Pre-Funded Warrant will equal the price per Unit that includes a share of common stock, minus $0.01, and the exercise price of each Pre-Funded Warrant will be $0.01 per share. For each Unit including a Pre-Funded Warrant purchased (without regard to any limitation on exercise set forth therein), the number of Units including a share of common stock we are offering will be decreased on a one-for-one basis. The Units have no stand-alone rights and will not be certificated or issued as stand-alone securities. The shares of common stock (or Pre-Funded Warrants) and the warrants comprising the Units are immediately separable and will be issued separately in this offering.offering

 

Our common stock is currently trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”) under the symbol “INVO” The last reported sale price for our common stock as reported on Nasdaq on July 6,21, 2023 was $0.18$0.1660 per share, which after giving effect to a 1-for-20 reverse split of our outstanding shares of common stock to be effected prior to or upon the effective date of our registration statement equates to $3.60$3.32 per share. We do not intend to apply to list the Pre-Funded Warrants or the warrants on Nasdaq or any other national securities exchange or other nationally recognized trading system. Without an active trading market, the liquidity of the Pre-Funded Warrants and the warrants will be limited.

 

The combined public offering price per share of our common stock and accompanying warrantUnit will be determined between us, _______________,Maxim Group LLC, our exclusive placement agent (the “Placement Agent”) and investors based on market conditions at the time of pricing, and may be at a discount to the current market price of our common stock. Therefore, the recent market price used throughout this prospectus may not be indicative of the actual combined public offering price.

 

There is no minimum number of shares of common stock and warrantsUnits or minimum aggregate amount of proceeds for this offering to close. We expect this offering to be completed not later than two business days following the commencement of this offering and we will deliver all securities to be issued in connection with this offering by delivery versus payment upon receipt of investor funds. Accordingly, neither we nor the Placement Agent have made any arrangements to place investor funds in an escrow account or trust account since the Placement Agent will not receive investor funds in connection with the sale of the shares of common stock and warrantsUnits offered hereunder.

 

We have engaged the Placement Agent as our exclusive placement agent to use its reasonable best efforts to solicit offers to purchase our securities in this offering. The Placement Agent is not purchasing or selling any of the securities we are offering and is not required to arrange for the purchase or sale of any specific number or dollar amount of the securities. Because there is no minimum offering amount required as a condition to closing in this offering, the actual offering amount, the Placement Agent’s fee and proceeds to us, if any, are not presently determinable and may be substantially less than the total maximum offering amounts described throughout this prospectus. We have agreed to pay the Placement Agent the Placement Agent fees set forth in the table below and to provide certain other compensation to the Placement Agent. See “Plan of Distribution” for more information regarding these arrangements.

 

Investing in our securities is highly speculative and involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described under the heading “Risk Factors” beginning on page 7 of this prospectus before making a decision to purchase our securities.

 

NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

 

  

Per Share and

related WarrantsUnit

  Per Unit that includes a Pre-Funded WarrantTotal 
Public offering price$ $              $          
Placement Agent Fees (1) $   

$

$  
Proceeds to us, before expenses (2) $   $$  

 

(1)See “Plan of Distribution” for a complete description of the compensation arrangements for the Placement Agent.
  
(2)We estimate the total expenses of this offering, excluding the Placement Agent fees and expenses, will be approximately $[●].

 

We expect to deliver the Common Stock, Pre-Funded Warrants and related warrants against payment on or about [●], 2023.

 

Sole Placement Agent

MAXIM GROUP LLC

 

The date of this prospectus is , 2023.

 

  

 

 

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

 

In this prospectus, unless the context suggests otherwise, references to “the Company,” “INVO Bioscience,” “INVO,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to INVO Bioscience, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

 

This prospectus describes the specific details regarding this offering, the terms and conditions of the common stock and warrantssecurities being offered hereby and the risks of investing in the Company’s common stock.securities. You should read this prospectus and the additional information about the Company described in the section entitled “Where You Can Find More Information” before making your investment decision.

 

Neither the Company, nor any of its officers, directors, agents, representatives or the Placement Agent make any representation to you about the legality of an investment in the Company’s common stock. You should not interpret the contents of this prospectus to be legal, business, investment or tax advice. You should consult with your own advisors for that type of advice and consult with them about the legal, tax, business, financial and other issues that you should consider before investing in the Company’s common stock.securities.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus and in any accompanying prospectus supplement. No one has been authorized to provide you with different or additional information. The shares of common stock and warrants are not being offered in any jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of such documents.

 

TRADEMARKS AND TRADE NAMES

 

This prospectus includes trademarks that are protected under applicable intellectual property laws and are the Company’s property or the property of one of the Company’s subsidiaries. This prospectus also contains trademarks, service marks, trade names and/or copyrights of other companies, which are the property of their respective owners. Solely for convenience, trademarks and trade names referred to in this prospectus may appear without the ® or TM symbols, but such references are not intended to indicate, in any way, that the Company will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, its rights or the right of the applicable licensor to these trademarks and trade names.

 

INDUSTRY AND MARKET DATA

 

Unless otherwise indicated, information contained in this prospectus concerning the Company’s industry and the markets in which it operates, including market position and market opportunity, is based on information from management’s estimates, as well as from industry publications and research, surveys and studies conducted by third parties. The third-party sources from which the Company has obtained information generally state that the information contained therein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but the Company cannot assure you that this information is accurate or complete. The Company has not independently verified any of the data from third-party sources nor has it verified the underlying economic assumptions relied upon by those third parties. Similarly, internal company surveys, industry forecasts and market research, which the Company believes to be reliable, based upon management’s knowledge of the industry, have not been verified by any independent sources. The Company’s internal surveys are based on data it has collected over the past several years, which it believes to be reliable. Management estimates are derived from publicly available information, its knowledge of the industry, and assumptions based on such information and knowledge, which management believes to be reasonable and appropriate. However, assumptions and estimates of the Company’s future performance, and the future performance of its industry, are subject to numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including those described under the heading “Risk Factors” in this prospectus and those described elsewhere in this prospectus, and the other documents the Company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, from time to time. These and other important factors could result in its estimates and assumptions being materially different from future results. You should read the information contained in this prospectus completely and with the understanding that future results may be materially different and worse from what the Company expects. See the information included under the heading “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

 

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This prospectus, any amendment and the information incorporated by reference into this prospectus contain various forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), which represent our expectations or beliefs concerning future events. Forward-looking statements include statements that are predictive in nature, which depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and/or which include words such as “believes,” “plans,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “expects,” “may,” “will” or similar expressions. In addition, any statements concerning future financial performance, ongoing strategies or prospects, and possible future actions including any potential strategic transaction involving us, which may be provided by our management, are also forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and projections about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions about our company, economic and market factors, and the industry in which we do business, among other things. These statements are not guarantees of future performance, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors. Factors that could cause our actual performance, future results and actions to differ materially from any forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in this prospectus and in any of our filings with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act incorporated by reference into this prospectus. The forward-looking statements in this prospectus, and the information incorporated by reference herein represent our views as of the date such statements are made. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any date subsequent to the date such statements are made.

 

  

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

  Page No.
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY 1
   
RISK FACTORS 7
   
USE OF PROCEEDS 15
   
DIVIDEND POLICY 15
   
CAPITALIZATION 16
   
DILUTION 17
   
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 18
   
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 32
   
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT 39
   
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE 40
   
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES 41
   
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION 43
   
LEGAL MATTERS 50
   
EXPERTS 50
   
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION 50
   

INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

 51

 

  

 

 

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

 

This summary highlights selected information contained elsewhere in this prospectus or incorporated by reference into this prospectus. This summary does not contain all of the information that you should consider before investing in our Common Stock. You should carefully read this entire prospectus, and our other filings with the SEC, including the following sections, which are either included herein and/or incorporated by reference herein, “Risk Factors”, “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements”, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the consolidated financial statements incorporated by reference herein, before making a decision about whether to invest in our securities. In this prospectus, unless context requires otherwise, references to “we,” “us,” “our,” “INVO” or “the Company” refer to INVO Bioscience, Inc. and its subsidiary.

 

We plan to effect a 1-for-20 reverse split of our outstanding shares of common stock (and corresponding proportionate reduction of our authorized shares of common stock) prior to effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. No fractional shares will be issued in connection with the reverse stock split and all such fractional interests at the record holder level will be rounded up to the nearest whole number of shares of common stock. The conversion and/or exercise prices of our issued and outstanding convertible securities, including shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options and warrants, and conversion of our outstanding convertible notes will be adjusted accordingly. All information presented in this prospectus assumes a 1-for20 reverse split of our outstanding shares of common stock (and corresponding proportionate reduction of our authorized shares of common stock), and unless otherwise indicated, all such amounts and corresponding conversion price and/or exercise price data set forth in this prospectus have been adjusted to give effect to the assumed reverse stock split.

 

Company Overview

 

We are a commercial-stage fertility company dedicated to expanding the assisted reproductive technology (“ART”) marketplace by making fertility care accessible and inclusive to people around the world. Our flagship product is INVOcell, a revolutionary medical device that allows fertilization and early embryo development to take place in vivo within the woman’s body. Our primary mission is to implement new medical technologies aimed at increasing the availability of affordable, high-quality, patient-centered fertility care. This treatment solution is the world’s first intravaginal culture technique for the incubation of oocytes and sperm during fertilization and early embryo development. This technique, designated as “IVC”, provides patients a more natural, intimate and more affordable experience in comparison to other ART treatments. The IVC procedure can deliver comparable results at a lower cost than traditional in vitro fertilization (“IVF”) and is a significantly more effective treatment than intrauterine insemination (“IUI”). Our commercialization strategy is focused on the opening of dedicated “INVO Centers” offering the INVOcell and IVC procedure (with three centers in North America now operational) and the acquisition of existing IVF clinics, in addition to continuing to sell our technology solution into existing fertility clinics.

 

Operations

 

We operate with a core internal team and outsource certain operational functions in order to help accelerate our efforts as well as reduce internal fixed overhead needs and in-house capital equipment requirements. Our most critical management and leadership functions are carried out by our core management team. We have contracted out the manufacturing, packaging/labeling and sterilization of the device to a contract medical manufacturing company that completes final product manufacturing as well as manages the gamma sterilization process at a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) registered contract sterilization facility.

 

Market Opportunity

 

The global ART marketplace is a large, multi-billion industry growing at a strong pace in many parts of the world as increased infertility rates, increased patient awareness, acceptance of treatment options, and improving financial incentives such as insurance and governmental assistance continue to drive demand. According to the European Society for Human Reproduction 2020 ART Fact Sheet, one in six couples worldwide experience infertility problems. Additionally, the worldwide market remains vastly underserved as a high percentage of patients in need of care continue to go untreated each year for many reasons, but key among them are capacity constraints and cost barriers. While there have been large increases in the use of IVF, there are still only approximately 2.6 million ART cycles, including IVF, IUI and other fertility treatments, performed globally each year, producing around 500,000 babies. This amounts to less than 3% of the infertile couples worldwide being treated and only 1% having a child though IVF. The industry remains capacity constrained which creates challenges in providing access to care to the volume of patients in need. A survey by “Resolve: The National Infertility Association,” indicates the two main reasons couples do not use IVF is cost and geographical availability (and/or capacity).

 

In the United States, infertility, according to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (2017), affects an estimated 10%-15% of the couples of childbearing-age. According to the Centers for Disease Control (“CDC”), there are approximately 6.7 million women with impaired fertility. Based on preliminary 2020 data from the CDC’s National ART Surveillance System, approximately 326,000 IVF cycles were performed at 449 IVF centers, leaving the U.S. with a large, underserved patient population, which is similar to most markets around the world.

 

-1-
 

 

Competitive Advantages

 

We believe that the INVOcell, and the IVC procedure it enables, have the following key advantages:

 

Lower cost than IVF with equivalent efficacy. The IVC procedure can be offered for less than IVF due to lower cost of supplies, labor, capital equipment and general overhead. The laboratory equipment needed to perform an IVF cycle is expensive and requires ongoing costs as compared to what is required for an IVC cycle. As a result, we also believe INVOcell and the IVC procedure enable a clinic and its laboratory to be more efficient as compared to conventional IVF.

 

The IVC procedure is currently being offered at practicing clinics at a range of $5,000 - $11,000 per cycle and from $4,500 to $7,000 at the existing INVO Centers, thereby making it more affordable than conventional IVF (which tends to average $12,000 to $17,000 per cycle or higher).

 

Improved efficiency providing for greater capacity and improved access to care and geographic availability. In many parts of the world, including the U.S., IVF clinics tend to be concentrated in higher population centers and are often capacity constrained in terms of how many patients a center can treat, with volume often limited by the number of capital-intensive incubators available in IVF clinic labs. With the significant number of untreated patients along with the growing interest and demand for services, the industry remains challenged to provide sufficient access to care and to do so at an economical price. We believe INVOcell, and the IVC procedure it enables, can play a significant role in helping to address these challenges. According to the 2020 CDC Report, there are approximately 449 IVF centers in the U.S. We estimate that by adopting the INVOcell, IVF clinics can increase fertility cycle volume by up to 30% without adding to personnel, space and/or equipment costs. Our own INVO Centers also address capacity constraints by adding to the overall ART cycle capacity and doing so with comparable efficacy to IVF outcomes as well as at a lower per cycle price. Moreover, we believe that we are uniquely positioned to drive more significant growth in fertility treatment capacity in the future by partnering with existing OB/GYN practices. In the U.S., there are an estimated 5,000 OB/GYN offices, many of which offer fertility services (usually limited to consultation and IUI, but not IVF). Since the IVC procedure requires a much smaller lab facility, less equipment, and fewer lab personnel (in comparison to conventional IVF), it could potentially be offered as an extended service in an OB/GYN office. With proper training and a lighter lab infrastructure, the INVOcell could expand the business for these physicians and allow them to treat patients that are unable to afford IVF and provide patients with a more readily accessible, convenient, and cost-effective solution. With our three-pronged strategy (IVF clinics, INVO Centers and OB/GYN practices), in addition to lowering costs, we believe INVOcell and the IVC procedure can address our industry’s key challenges, capacity and cost, by their ability to expand and decentralize treatment and increase the number of points of care for patients in need. This powerful combination of lower cost and added capacity has the potential to dramatically open up access to care for patients around the world.

 

Greater patient involvement. With the IVC procedure, the patient uses their own body for fertilization, incubation and early embryo development which creates a greater sense of involvement, comfort and participation. In some cases, this may also free people from barriers related to ethical or religious concerns, or fears of laboratory mix-ups.

 

Corporate History

 

We were formed on January 5, 2007 under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts under the name Bio X Cell, Inc. to acquire the assets of Medelle Corporation (“Medelle”). Dr. Claude Ranoux purchased all of the assets of Medelle, and then he contributed those assets, including four patents (which have since expired) relating to the INVOcell technology, to Bio X Cell, Inc. upon its formation in January 2007.

 

On December 5, 2008, Bio X Cell, Inc., doing business as INVO Bioscience, and each of the shareholders of INVO Bioscience entered into a share exchange agreement and consummated a share exchange with Emy’s Salsa AJI Distribution Company, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“Emy’s”). Upon the closing of the share exchange on December 5, 2008, the INVO Bioscience shareholders transferred all of their shares of common stock in INVO Bioscience to Emy’s. In connection with the share exchange, Emy’s changed its name to INVO Bioscience, Inc. and Bio X Cell, Inc. became a wholly owned subsidiary of Emy’s (re-named INVO Bioscience, Inc.).

 

-2-
 

 

On November 2, 2015 we were notified by the FDA that the INVOcell and INVO Procedure were granted clearance via the de novo classification (as a Class II device) allowing us to market the INVOcell in the United States. Following this approval, we began marketing and selling INVOcell in many locations across the U.S. We currently have approximately 140 trained clinics or satellite facilities in the U.S. where patients can receive guidance and treatment for the INVO Procedure.

 

Recent Developments

July 2023 Standard Merchant Cash Advance Agreement

On July 19, 2023, we entered into a Standard Merchant Cash Advance Agreement with Cedar Advance LLC under which Cedar Purchase $543,750 of our receivables for a gross purchase price of $375,000. We received net proceeds of $356,250. Until the purchase price has been repaid, we agreed to pay Cedar $19,419.64 per week. If we repay the purchase price within 30-days then the amount payable shall be reduced to $465,000. In addition, we granted Cedar a security interest in our accounts, including deposit accounts and accounts receivable. We intend to use the proceeds for working capital and general corporate purposes.

 

Amendment to Armistice SPA

 

On July 7, 2023, we entered into an Amendment to Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Armistice Amendment”) with Armistice Capital Markets Ltd. to delete Section 4.12(a) of our March 23, 2023 Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Armistice SPA”) with Armistice pursuant to which we agreed that from March 23, 2023 until 45 days after the effective date of the Resale Registration Statement (as defined below) we would not (i) issue, enter into any agreement to issue or announce the issuance or proposed issuance of any shares of Common Stock or Common Stock Equivalents or (ii) file any registration statement or any amendment or supplement thereto, other than the prospectus supplement filed in connection with that offering and the Resale Registration Statement (the “Subsequent Equity Financing Provision”). In consideration of Armistice’s agreement to enter into the Armistice Amendment and delete the Subsequent Equity Financing Provision from the Armistice SPA, we agreed to pay Armistice a fee a $1,000,000 (the “Armistice Amendment Fee”) within two days of the closing of this Offering. Additionally, we agreed to include a proposal in our proxy statement for our 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders for the purpose of obtaining the approval of the holders of a majority of our outstanding voting common stock, to effectuate the reduction of the exercise price set forth in Section 2(b) of the Common Stock Purchase Warrants issued to Armistice on March 27, 2023 (the “Existing Warrants”) to the per unit public offering price of this Offering, in accordance with Nasdaq Rule 5635(d) (the “Shareholder Approval”) with the recommendation of our board of directors that such proposal be approved. We also agreed to solicit proxies from our shareholders in connection therewith in the same manner as all other management proposals in such proxy statement and that all management-appointed proxyholders shall vote their proxies in favor of such proposal. Further, if we do not obtain Shareholder Approval at the first meeting, we will call a meeting every six (6) months thereafter to seek Shareholder Approval until the earlier of the date Shareholder Approval is obtained or the Existing Warrants are no longer outstanding. Until such approval is obtained, the exercise price of the Existing Warrants will remain unchanged.

 

Reverse Stock Split

 

On June 28, 2023, our board of directors approved a reverse stock split of our common stock at a ratio of 1-for-20 and also approved a proportionate decrease in our authorized common stock to 6,250,000 shares from 125,000,000. Pursuant to Nevada Revised Statutes, a company may effect a reverse split without stockholder approval if both the number of authorized shares of common stock and the number of outstanding shares of common stock are proportionally reduced as a result of the reverse split, the reverse split does not adversely affect any other class of stock of the company, and the company does not pay money or issue scrip to stockholders who would otherwise be entitled to receive a fractional share as a result of the reverse split, We intend to file a certificate of change with the Nevada Secretary of State pursuant to Nevada Revised Statutes 78.209 to (i) decrease the number of authorized shares of common stock from 125,000,000 to 6,250,000 shares and (ii) effectuate a 1-for-20 reverse stock split of the outstanding common stock prior to effectiveness of this registration statement.

 

510(k) FDA Clearance

 

On June 22, 2023, we received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance to expand the labeling on the INVOcell device and its indication for use to provide for a 5-day incubation period. The data supporting the expanded 5-day incubation clearance demonstrated improved patient outcomes.

 

March 2023 Registered Direct Offering

 

On March 23, 2023, INVO entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “March Purchase Agreement”) with a certain institutional investor, pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue and sell to such investor (i) in a registered direct offering (the “RD Offering”), 69,000 shares of Common Stock, and a pre-funded warrant (the “Pre-Funded Warrant”) to purchase up to 115,000 shares of Common Stock, at an exercise price of $0.20 per share, and (ii) in a concurrent private placement (the “March Warrant Placement”), a common stock purchase warrant (the “March Warrant”), exercisable for an aggregate of up to 276,000 shares of Common Stock, at an exercise price of $12.60 per share. The securities to be issued in the RD Offering (priced at the marked under Nasdaq rules) were offered pursuant to the Company’s shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File 333-255096), initially filed by the Company with the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), on April 7, 2021 and declared effective on April 16, 2021. The Pre-Funded Warrant is exercisable upon issuance and will remain exercisable until all of the shares underlying the Pre-Funded Warrant are exercised in full. All Pre-Funded Warrants were exercised by the investor in June 2023.

 

The March Warrant (and the shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of the Private Warrants) was not registered under the Securities Act and was offered pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act provided in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and Rule 506(b) promulgated thereunder. The March Warrant is immediately exercisable upon issuance, will expire eight years from the date of issuance, and in certain circumstances may be exercised on a cashless basis.

 

On March 27, 2023, the Company closed the RD Offering and March Warrant Placement, raising gross proceeds of approximately $3 million before deducting placement agent fees and other offering expenses payable by the Company. In the event the March Warrant is fully exercised for cash, the Company would receive additional gross proceeds of approximately $3.5 million. The Company used $383,879 in proceeds to repay a portion of the convertible debenture issued in February 2023 and the remainder of the proceeds are being used for working capital and general corporate purposes.

 

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Under the March Purchase Agreement, the Company is required within 30 days of the closing date of the March Warrant Placement to file a registration statement on Form S-1 (the “Resale Registration Statement”) registering the resale of the shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of the March Warrant. The Company is required to use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such registration to become effective within 75 days of the closing date of the offering (or 120 days if the registration statement is subject to a full review by the SEC), and to keep the Resale Registration Statement effective at all times until no shares of Common Stock remain exercisable under the March Warrant.

 

In addition, pursuant to certain “lock-up” agreements, our officers and directors have agreed, for a period of 180 days from the date of the RD Offering and March Warrant Placement, not to engage in any of the following, whether directly or indirectly, without the consent of the March Purchase Agreement investor: offer to sell, sell, contract to sell pledge, grant, lend, or otherwise transfer or dispose of our common stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock (the “Lock-Up Securities”); enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the Lock-Up Securities; make any demand for or exercise any right or cause to be filed a registration statement, including any amendments thereto, with respect to the registration of any Lock-Up Securities; enter into any transaction, swap, hedge, or other arrangement relating to any Lock-Up Securities subject to customary exceptions; or publicly disclose the intention to do any of the foregoing.

 

Execution of Definitive Agreements to Acquire the Wisconsin Fertility Institute

 

On March 16, 2023, INVO Bioscience Inc., a Nevada corporation (“INVO”), through Wood Violet Fertility LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Buyer”) and wholly owned subsidiary of INVO Centers LLC, a Delaware company wholly-owned by INVO, entered into binding purchase agreements to acquire Wisconsin Fertility Institute (the “Clinic”) for a combined purchase price of $10 million, including an asset purchase agreement with Wisconsin Fertility and Reproductive Surgery Associates, S.C., a Wisconsin professional service corporation d/b/a Wisconsin Fertility Institute (“WFRSA”) and The Elizabeth Pritts Revocable Living Trust and a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement with Fertility Labs of Wisconsin, LLC, a Wisconsin limited liability company (“FLOW”)., IVF Science, LLC owned by Wael Megid Ph.D. and Dr. Elizabeth Pritts as trustee for the Elizabeth Pritts Revocable Living Trust.

 

The purchase price is payable in four installments of $2.5 million each (which payments may be offset by assumption of certain Clinic liabilities, payable at closing and on each of the subsequent three anniversaries of closing. The sellers have the option to take all or a portion of the final three installments in shares of INVO common stock valued at $125.00, $181.80, and $285.80, for the second, third, and final installments, respectively. The additional $7.5 million in payments are secured by the Clinic having a lien on the assets purchased to acquire the Clinic.

 

The Clinic is comprised of (a) a medical practice, WFRSA, and (b) a laboratory services company, FLOW. WFRSA owns, operates and manages the Clinic’s fertility practice that provides direct treatment to patients focused on fertility, gynecology and obstetrics care and surgical procedures, and employs physicians and other healthcare providers to deliver such services and procedures. FLOW provides WFRSA with related laboratory services. The combined financial statements of WFRSA and FLOW are incorporated by reference into this prospectus as further described under “Experts” on page 50.

 

On July 7, 2023 Buyer entered into closing agreements with the Clinic under which Buyer agreed to complete the closing of the acquisition by July 31, 2023 which closing agreements further provide that unless a new closing date is agreed to in writing the acquisition agreements would automatically terminate if the closing does not occur on or before July 31, 2023

Notices from Nasdaq of Failure to Satisfy Continued Listing Rules.

 

Notice Regarding Non-Compliance with Minimum Stockholders’ Equity

 

On November 23, 2022, we received notice (the “Stockholders’ Equity Notice”) from The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) advising us that we were not in compliance with the minimum stockholders’ equity requirement for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market. Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(b)(1) requires companies listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market to maintain stockholders’ equity of at least $2,500,000 (the “Stockholders’ Equity Requirement). In our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2022, we reported stockholders’ equity of $1,287,224, which is below the Stockholders’ Equity Requirement for continued listing. Additionally, as of the date of the Notice, we did not meet either of the alternative Nasdaq continued listing standards under the Nasdaq Listing Rules, market value of listed securities of at least $35 million, or net income of $500,000 from continuing operations in the most recently completed fiscal year, or in two of the three most recently completed fiscal years.

 

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The Notice has no immediate effect on the listing of our common stock and our common stock continues to trade on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “INVO” subject to our compliance with the other continued listing requirements.

 

Pursuant to the Notice, Nasdaq gave us 45 calendar days, or until January 7, 2023, to submit to Nasdaq a plan to regain compliance. If our plan is accepted, Nasdaq may grant an extension of up to 180 calendar days from the date of the Notice to evidence compliance.

 

On January 18, 2023, we received a letter from Nasdaq under which it stated that based on our submission that Nasdaq has determined to grant us an extension of time to regain compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(b) until May 22, 2023. We must furnish to the SEC and Nasdaq a publicly available report (e.g. a Form 8-K) which report, among other things, includes a description of the completed transaction or event that enabled us to satisfy the stockholders’ equity requirement for continued listing After filing the publicly available report described above, if we fail to evidence compliance upon filing its periodic report for the June 30, 2023, with the SEC and Nasdaq, we may be subject to delisting. In the event we do not satisfy these terms, Nasdaq will provide written notification that its securities will be delisted. At that time, we may appeal Nasdaq’s determination to a hearings panel.

 

On May 23, 2023, we were notified by the Listing Qualifications department (the “Staff”) of Nasdaq that, based upon the Company’s non-compliance with the $2.5 million stockholders’ equity requirement for continued listing on The Nasdaq Global Market, as set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(b)(1) (the “Rule”), as of May 22, 2023, the Company’s common stock was subject to delisting from Nasdaq unless the Company timely requests a hearing before the Nasdaq Hearings Panel (the “Panel”).

 

We have requested a hearing before the Panel, which stays any further action by Nasdaq at least until the hearing process concludes and any extension that may be granted by the Panel has expired. At the hearing, we will present a plan to regain compliance with the Rule and request the continued listing of its common stock pending the Company’s compliance with the Rule. There can be no assurances however that the Panel will agree to our request or that we will be able to evidence compliance with all applicable Nasdaq listing criteria within any extension of time that may be granted by the Panel.

 

As previously disclosed, the Staff granted the Company an extension to evidence compliance with the Rule through May 22, 2023. We were unable to do so, which resulted in the issuance of the Staff’s determination.

 

On July 6, 2023, we had our hearing before the Panel at which time we provided the Panel of our plan to regain compliance under the Rule referred to above. We expect to receive a decision from the Panel within 30-days of the hearing. There will be no effect on the listing of our common stock and our common stock will continue to trade on The Nasdaq Capital Market until a decision based on the hearing is received.

Notice Regarding Failure to Maintain Minimum Bid Price

 

On January 11, 2023, we received a letter from the staff (the “Staff”) of Nasdaq listing qualifications group indicating that, based upon the closing bid price of our common stock for the last 30 consecutive business days, we were not in compliance with the requirement to maintain a minimum bid price of $1.00 per share for continued listing under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2).

 

The notice has no immediate effect on the listing of our common stock, and our common stock will continue to trade on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “INVO.”

 

In accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), we have been provided an initial period of 180 calendar days, or until July 10, 2023, to regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement. If at any time before July 10, 2023, the closing bid price of our common stock closes at or above $1.00 per share for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days, Nasdaq will provide written notification that we have achieved compliance with the minimum bid price requirement, and the matter would be resolved. If we do not regain compliance prior to July 10, 2023, then Nasdaq may grant us a second 180 calendar day period to regain compliance, provided we (i) meets the continued listing requirement for market value of publicly-held shares and all other initial listing standards for The Nasdaq Capital Market, other than the minimum closing bid price requirement, and (ii) notifies Nasdaq of its intent to cure the deficiency within such second 180 calendar day period, by effecting a reverse stock split, if necessary.

 

We will continue to monitor the closing bid price of our common stock and will consider implementing available options to regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement under the Nasdaq Listing Rules. If we do not regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement within the allotted compliance periods, we will receive a written notification from Nasdaq that its securities are subject to delisting. We would then be entitled to appeal that determination to a Nasdaq hearings panel. There can be no assurance that we will regain compliance during either compliance period, or maintain compliance with the other Nasdaq listing requirements.

 

We were unable to rggain compliance by July 10, 2023 and accordingly on July 11, 2023, we received a notice from Staff of Nasdaq that, based upon our non-compliance with the minimum bid price requirement set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) (the “Rule”). We presented our plan to regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement at our hearing with the Panel on July 6, 2023 which the Panel in its decision regarding our continued listing on Nasdaq. We expect to receive a decision from the Panel within 30-days of the hearing. There will be no effect on the listing of our common stock and our common stock will continue to trade on The Nasdaq Capital Market until a decision based on the hearing is received.

Available Information

 

Our principal executive offices 5582 Broadcast Court Sarasota, Florida 34240 and our telephone number is (978) 878-9505.

 

Our common stock trades on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “INVO”.

 

Our principal internet address is www.invobio.com. Information contained on, or that can be accessed through, our website, is not, and shall not be deemed to be, incorporated in this prospectus supplement or considered a part thereof. We make available free of charge on www.invobio.com our annual, quarterly and current reports, and amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at www.sec.gov.www.sec.gov.

 

Risk Factors Summary

 

An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks summarized below. These risks are discussed more fully in the “Risk Factors” section immediately following this Prospectus Summary. These risks include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

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THE OFFERING

 

Securities Offered Herebyby us 

Up to a maximum of $15,000,0001,585,000 Units, each consisting of one share of common stock and two warrants, each to purchase one share of common stock at an assumed public offering price of $__ per Unit.

The Units will not be certificated or issued in stand-alone form. The shares of common stock (or Pre-Funded Warrants) and the warrants comprising the Units are immediately separable upon issuance and will be issued separately in this offering.

Warrants offered by usWarrants, each to purchase one share of our common stock, which will be exercisable during the period commencing on the date of their issuance and ending years from such date at an exercise price per share of common stock equal to 100% of the public offering price per Unit in this offering. This prospectus also relates to the issuance of the shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of such warrants
Pre-funded warrants offered by us

We are also offering to investors in Units that would otherwise result in the investor’s beneficial ownership exceeding 4.99% of our outstanding common stock immediately following the consummation of this offering the opportunity to invest in Units consisting of one Pre-Funded Warrant to purchase one share of common stock in lieu of one share of common stock and two warrants. Subject to limited exceptions, a holder of Pre-Funded Warrants will not have the right to exercise any portion of its Pre-Funded Warrant if the holder, together with its affiliates, would beneficially own in excess of 4.99% (or, at the election of the holder, such limit may be increased to up to 9.99%) of the common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to such exercise. Each Pre-Funded Warrant will be exercisable for one share of common stock. The purchase price of each Unit including a Pre-Funded Warrant will be equal to the price per Unit including one share of common stock, minus $0.01, and the exercise price of each Pre-Funded Warrant will equal $0.01 per share. The Pre-Funded Warrants will be immediately exercisable (subject to the beneficial ownership cap) and may be exercised at any time in perpetuity until all of the Pre-Funded Warrants are exercised in full.

For each Unit we sell that includes a Pre-Funded Warrant we sell, the number of Units that include a shares of common stock we are offering will be decreased on a one-for-one basis.
This prospectus also relates to the issuance of the shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of the Pre-Funded Warrants. To better understand the terms of the Pre-Funded Warrants, you should carefully read the “Description of Securities” section of this prospectus. You should also read the form of Pre-Funded Warrant, which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of this prospectus forms a part.
   
Best Efforts Offering 

We have agreed to offer and sell the shares of common stock and warrantsUnits offered hereby directly to the purchasers. We have retained ______________Maxim Group LLC to act as our exclusive placement agent to use its reasonable best efforts to solicit offers to purchase the securities offered by this prospectus. The Placement Agent is not required to buy or sell any specific number or dollar amount of the securities offered hereby. See “Plan of Distribution” section beginning on page 43__ for more information.

   
Assumed public offering price $____]____ per share of common stock and accompanying two warrants,Unit, which is the assumed public offering price and the closing price of our common stock on Nasdaq on [●], 2023
   
Common stock offered by usUp to a maximum of               shares based on an assumed public offering price of $__ per share.
Warrants to purchase common stock offered by usWarrants to purchase up to               shares of our common stock, which will be exercisable during the period commencing on the date of their issuance and ending years from such date at an exercise price per share of common stock equal to 100% of the combined public offering price per share of common stock and accompanying warrants in this offering. This prospectus also relates to the offering of the shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of such warrants.
Common stock to be outstanding immediately after this offering _________2,411,879 shares assuming that the maximum number of shares of common stockUnits offered hereby are sold.sold (and assuming no sale of Units that include Pre-Funded Warrants).
   
Placement Agent Warrants Upon the closing of this offering, we shall grant

We have agreed to issue to the Placement Agent, common stock purchase warrants (the “Placement Agent Warrants”) coveringto purchase a number of shares of common stock equal to seven percent (7.0%)7.0% of the total number of securitiesUnits sold in thethis offering. The Placement Agent Warrants will have an exercise price equal to 110.0% of the offering price of the Units sold in this offering and may be non-exercisable forexercised on a cashless basis. The Placement Agent Warrants are exercisable commencing six (6) months afterfrom the effective date of the registration statement for this offering of which this prospectus formaforms a part and will expireterminate five (5) years after such date. The Placement Agent Warrants will be exercisableare not redeemable by us. We have agreed to one demand registration at a price equal to 110.0%our expense, an additional demand registration at the warrant holders’ expense, and unlimited “piggyback” registration rights of the public offering price per share of common stock and warrant inunderlying the Placement Agent Warrants at our expense for a period of five (5) years after the closing of this offering. The Placement Agent Warrants may not be transferred, assigned or hypothecated for a period of six (6) months followingand the closing of this offering, except that they may be assigned, in whole or in part, to any successor, officer, manager or member ofshares underlying the Placement Agent (orWarrants have been deemed compensation by FINRA and are therefore subject to officers, managers or membersa 180-day lock-up pursuant to Rule 5110(e)(1) of any such successor or member), ThisFINRA. The registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part also relates to the issuance of the shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of the Placement Agent Warrants. See “Plan of Distribution” for additional information regarding the Placement Agent Warrants.

   
Use of Proceeds 

We estimate that the net proceeds from this offering will be approximately $__ million, if the maximum number of shares of common stock and warrantsUnits being offered hereby are sold. after deducting the placement agent fees and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

We intend to utilize (i) up to $2,500,000 of the net proceeds to fund the initial installment of the purchase price required to consummate our acquisition of the Wisconsin Fertility Institute; (ii) $1,000,000 of the net proceeds of this offering to pay Armistice the Armistice Amendment Fee for agreeing to remove the Subsequent Equity Financing Provision from the Armistice SPA.SPA; (iii) up to $543,750 to repay our Standard Merchant Advance Agreement with Cedar Advance LLC; (iv) approximately $107,367 to repay that certain 8% Debenture with a maturity date of February 3, 2024 issued to Peak One Opportunity Fund LP and (v) approximately $42,811 to repay that certain 8% Debenture with a maturity date of February 17, 2024 issued to Firstfire Global Opportunities Fund, LLC.. We intend to use the remaining net proceeds from this offering for product development, marketing and working capital and general corporate purposes. Additionally, we may use a portion of the proceeds to us for acquisitions of complementary businesses, technologies, or other assets. However, we have no commitments to use the proceeds from this Offering for any such acquisitions or investments at this time. See “Use of Proceeds” for a more complete description of the intended use of proceeds from this offering.

   
Dividend Policy The Company has never declared any cash dividends on its common stock. The Company currently intends to use all available funds and any future earnings for use in financing the growth of its business and does not anticipate paying any cash dividends for the foreseeable future. See “Dividend Policy.”
   
Trading Symbol Our common stock is currently trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol of “INVO.” We do not intend to list the Pre-Funded Warrants or the warrants offered hereby on Nasdaq or any other national securities exchange.
   
Reverse Stock Split We plan to effect a 1-for-20 reverse split of our outstanding shares of common stock prior to effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. No fractional shares will be issued in connection with the reverse stock split and all such fractional interests at the record holder level will be rounded up to the nearest whole number of shares of common stock. The conversion and/or exercise prices of our issued and outstanding convertible securities, including shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options and warrants, and conversion of our outstanding convertible notes will be adjusted accordingly. All information presented in this prospectus assumes a 1-for-20 reverse split of our outstanding shares of common stock (and corresponding proportionate reduction of our authorized shares of common stock), and unless otherwise indicated, all such amounts and corresponding conversion price and/or exercise price data set forth in this prospectus have been adjusted to give effect to the assumed reverse stock split.
   
Risk Factors You should carefully consider the information set forth in this prospectus and, in particular, the specific factors set forth in the “Risk Factors” section beginning on page 7 of this prospectus before deciding whether or not to invest in the Company’s common stock.
   
Lock-up We and our directors, officers and holder of 5% of more of our common stock have agreed with the not to offer for sale, issue, sell, contract to sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of any of our common stock or securities convertible into common stock for a period of six months after the date of this prospectus. See “Plan of Distribution” section on page 44.

 

The number of shares of common stock to be outstanding immediately after this offering is based on 826,879 shares of common stock outstanding as of July 7,21, 2023 and excludes:

 

 54,619 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants with a weighted average exercise price of $10.59 per share;

 122,428 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding options with a weighted average exercise price of $42.00 per share;

 54,619 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of outstanding convertible notes with a weighted average exercise price of $10.59 per share;
   
 1,520 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under the 2019 Stock Option Plan;
   
  _______sharesup to 3,170,000 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of the warrants offered hereby; and
   
 ________sharesup to 332,850 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of the Placement Agent Warrants.

 

Except as otherwise indicated herein, all information in this prospectus reflects or assumes:

 

 a one-for-twenty reverse stock split of our common stock effected immediately prior to the consummation of this offering.

 no exercise of the outstanding options or warrants described above;
   
 no sale of any Pre-Funded Warrants
no exercise of the Placement Agent Warrants; and

 no exercise of the warrants offered by us in this offering.

 

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RISK FACTORS

 

An investment in the securities offered under this prospectus involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider and evaluate all of the information contained in this prospectus and in the documents that we incorporate by reference herein before you decide to invest in our securities. In particular, you should carefully consider and evaluate the risks and uncertainties described under the heading “Risk Factors” in this prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference herein. Investors are further advised that the risks described below may not be the only risks we face. Additional risks that we do not yet know of, or that we currently think are immaterial, may also negatively impact our business operations or financial results. Any of the risks and uncertainties set forth in this prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference herein, as updated by annual, quarterly and other reports and documents that we file with the SEC and incorporate by reference into this prospectus, could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition, which in turn could materially and adversely affect the value of our securities.

 

Risks Related to the Proposed Acquisition of the Wisconsin Fertility Institute

 

Our potential acquisition of the Wisconsin Fertility Institute may not close.

 

On March 16, 2023, we signed definitive acquisition agreement to acquire the Wisconsin Fertility Clinic (“WFI”). This transaction is subject to certain customary closing conditions, as well as an initial cash payment of approximately $2.5 million less certain assumed liabilities and a holdback. We have not currently secured sufficient funds to make the initial closing payment which may impact our ability to close the transaction. In the event that we are unable to consummate our acquisition of the Wisconsin Fertility Institute, it will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operation. In addition, on July 7, 2023 we entered into closing agreements with the Clinic under which we agreed to complete the closing of the acquisition by July 31, 2023 which closing agreements further provide that unless a new closing date is agreed to in writing the acquisition agreements would automatically terminate if the closing does not occur on or before July 31, 2023.

 

We may not be able to successfully integrate the Wisconsin Fertility Institute into INVO Bioscience and achieve the benefits expected to result from the acquisition.

 

The proposed acquisition of the Wisconsin Fertility Institute may present challenges to management, including the integration of the operations, and personnel of INVO Bioscience and the Wisconsin Fertility Institute and special risks, including possible unanticipated liabilities, unanticipated integration costs and diversion of management attention.

 

We cannot assure you that we will successfully integrate or profitably manage WFI’s business. Even if we are able to integrate and profitably manage WFI’s business, we cannot assure you that, following the transaction, our business will achieve sales levels, profitability, efficiencies or synergies that justify the acquisition or that the acquisition will result in increased earnings for us in any future period.

 

If we close our acquisition of the Wisconsin Fertility Institute and fail to make the required $7.5 million in additional payments, our business would be adversely affected.

 

Following closing of our pending acquisition of the Wisconsin Fertility Institute, if consummated, we would be required to make additional payments of approximately $7.5 million, which payments are secured the sellers having a lien on the assets purchased to acquire Wisconsin Fertility Institute. If we default on our additional payment obligations to the sellers of the Wisconsin Fertility Institute, such sellers could exercise their rights and remedies under acquisition agreements, which could include seizing the assets sold to us to acquire the Wisconsin Fertility Institute. Any such action would have a material adverse effect on our business and prospects.

 

We may incur debt financing to provide the cash proceeds necessary to acquire the Wisconsin Fertility Institute. If we were unable to service any such debt, our business would be adversely affected.

 

In order to finance our proposed acquisition of the Wisconsin Fertility Institute, we may look to secure debt financing. Any such debt financing would likely require us to pledge all or substantially all of our assets as collateral. If we were unable to any such debt obligation and fail to pay such debt obligations in a timely fashion, we would be in default under such debt financing agreement and such lender could exercise its rights and remedies under such debt financing agreements, which could include seizing all of our assets. Any such action would have a material adverse effect on our business and prospects.

 

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Risks Related to Our Need for Additional Capital

 

We will need to raise additional funding, which may not be available on acceptable terms, or at all. Failure to obtain this necessary capital when needed may force us to delay, limit or terminate operations.

 

We do not expect that our current cash position will be sufficient to fund our current operations for the next 12 months and we do not have sufficient funds to consummate our acquisition of the Wisconsin Fertility Institute. Our operating plan may change as a result of many factors currently unknown to us, and we may need to seek additional funds sooner than planned, through public or private equity or debt financings, government or other third-party funding or a combination of these approaches. Raising funds in the current economic environment may present additional challenges. Even if we believe we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans, we may seek additional capital if market conditions are favorable or if we have specific strategic considerations.

 

Any additional fundraising efforts may divert our management from their day-to-day activities, which may adversely affect our ability to develop and commercialize our product candidates. In addition, we cannot guarantee that future financing will be available in sufficient amounts or on terms acceptable to us, if at all. Moreover, the terms of any financing may adversely affect the holdings or the rights of our stockholders and the issuance of additional securities, whether equity or debt, by us, or the possibility of such issuance, may cause the market price of our shares to decline. The sale of additional equity or convertible securities may dilute our existing stockholders. The incurrence of indebtedness would result in increased fixed payment obligations and we may be required to agree to certain restrictive covenants, such as limitations on our ability to incur additional debt, limitations on our ability to acquire, sell or license intellectual property rights and other operating restrictions that could adversely impact our ability to conduct our business. We could also be required to seek funds through arrangements with collaborative partners or otherwise at an earlier stage than otherwise would be desirable and we may be required to relinquish rights to some of our technologies or product candidates or otherwise agree to terms unfavorable to us, any of which may have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and prospects.

 

If we are unable to obtain funding on a timely basis, we may be required to significantly curtail, delay or be unable to expand our operations or otherwise capitalize on our business opportunities, as desired, which could materially affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Even if we can raise additional funding, we may be required to do so on terms that are dilutive to you.

 

The capital markets have been unpredictable in the past for unprofitable companies such as ours. In addition, it is generally difficult for development stage companies to raise capital under current market conditions. The amount of capital that a company such as ours is able to raise often depends on variables that are beyond our control. As a result, we may not be able to secure financing on terms attractive to us, or at all. If we are able to consummate a financing arrangement, the amount raised may not be sufficient to meet our future needs. If adequate funds are not available on acceptable terms, or at all, our business, including our results of operations, financial condition and our continued viability will be materially adversely affected.

 

Risks Related to this Offering and Ownership of Shares of our Common Stock

 

This is a reasonable best efforts offering, in which no minimum number or dollar amount of securities is required to be sold, and we may not raise the amount of capital we believe is required for our business plans.

 

The Placement Agent has agreed to use its reasonable best efforts to solicit offers to purchase the securities in this offering. The Placement Agent has no obligation to buy any of the securities from us or to arrange for the purchase or sale of any specific number or dollar amount of the securities. There is no required minimum number of securities that must be sold as a condition to completion of this offering, and there can be no assurance that the offering contemplated hereby will ultimately be consummated. Even if we sell securities offered hereby, because there is no minimum offering amount required as a condition to the closing of this offering, the actual offering amount is not presently determinable and may be substantially less than the maximum amount set forth on the cover page. We may sell fewer than all of the securities offered hereby, which may significantly reduce the amount of proceeds received by us. Thus, we may not raise the amount of capital we believe is required for our operations in the short-term and may need to raise additional funds, which may not be available or available on terms acceptable to us.

 

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The securities sold in this Offering, as well as the resale of those securities in the future, will constitute a significant number of our shares of common stock in the public markets. The sales or the perception that such sales could occur, could depress the market price of our shares of common stock and/or increase the volatility of our trading.

Sales of a substantial number of our shares of common stock in the public markets pursuant to the terms of this Offering, or the perception that such sales could occur, could depress the market price of our shares of common stock and impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional equity securities. A substantial number of shares of common stock are being offered by this prospectus. In additional to depressing the market price of our common stock, such sales could also greatly increased the volatility associated with the trading of our stock. We cannot predict the number of these shares that might be sold nor the effect that future sales of our shares of common stock would have on the market price of our shares of common stock.

Our stock price may be highly volatile following this Offering.

Historically, following an offering of a substantial number of a company’s securities, the volatility related to the market price of such securities increases. An increase in the volatility or fluctuations in the market price for our shares may adversely affect the trading price of our common stock.

Due to the amount of securities being offered, it is possible that a change of control could occur.

Prior to this offering, we will have 826,879 shares of common stock outstanding. We are offering 1,585,000 Units, each consisting of one share of common stock and two warrants, each to purchase one share of common stock. While we have provided investors who would own more than 4.99% (or, at the election of the holder, 9.99%) of our outstanding shares of common stock immediately following the consummation of this offering, the opportunity to purchase, if the purchaser so chooses, Units consisting of one Pre-Funded Warrant to purchase one share of common stock, (in lieu of one share of common stock) and two warrants, each to purchase one share of common stock, and have also included blockers in the warrants to prevent a holder from exercising the warrant if such exercise would cause the investor to own more than 4.99% (or, at the election of the holder, 9.99%) of our outstanding shares of common stock immediately following exercise to prevent and/or limit a change of control, an investor could immediately exercise the Pre-Funded Warrants and/or waive the blocker provision. Accordingly, an investor could purchase a sufficient amount of securities to cause a change of control. Any such investor causing a change of control could take actions which could result in such stockholder having the ability to exercise a significant level of control over all matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors, amendment of our articles of incorporation and approval of significant corporate transactions. Such stockholder could have different views than current management on our business plan and strategy, which could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial position. Further, this control could have the effect of delaying or preventing changes in management and will make the approval of certain transactions difficult or impossible without the support of this stockholder.

Assuming that we are able to sell the maximum number of shares of common stockUnits in this offering, we expect that the consummation of this offering could cause the price of our Common Stocks to decline.

 

In this offering, are offering up to $15,000,000 of our common stock and warrants1,585,000 Units at a combinedan assumed price per share of common stock and warrant ofUnit $[●]. Assuming that we are able to sell the maximum number of sharesUnits offered hereby (and assuming the sale of Common Stock and warrants offered hereby,no Units that include Pre-Funded Warrants), immediately following the completion of the offering, based on the number of shares outstanding as of [●],July 21, 2023, we will have [●]2,411,879 shares of common stock outstanding. We cannot predict the effect, if any, that market sales of those shares of common stock or the availability of those shares of common stock for sale will have on the market price of our common stock.

 

The shares of common stock included in the Units offered in the offering may be resold in the public market immediately without restriction, unless purchased by our “affiliates” as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act, which may be resold only if registered under the Securities Act or in accordance with the requirements of Rule 144 or another applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. Shares of common stock held by our directors and executive officers will be subject to the lock-up agreements described in the “Plan of Distribution” section of this prospectus. If, after the period during which such lock-up agreements restrict sales of our common stock or if the Placement Agent waives the restrictions set forth therein (which may occur at any time), one or more of these securityholders sell substantial amounts of common stock in the public market, or the market perceives that such sales may occur, the market price of our common stock and our ability to raise capital through an issue of equity securities in the future could be adversely affected.

 

We will have broad discretion in the use of the net proceeds from this offering and may fail to apply these proceeds effectively.

 

Our management will have broad discretion in the application of the net proceeds of this offering, including using the proceeds to conduct operations, expand the Company’s business lines and for general working capital. The Company may also use the net proceeds of this offering to acquire or invest in complementary businesses, products, or technologies, or to obtain the right to use such complementary technologies. We have no commitments with respect to any acquisition or investment; however, we seek opportunities and transactions that management believes will be advantageous to the Company and its operations or prospects. We cannot specify with certainty the actual uses of the net proceeds of this offering. You may not agree with the manner in which our management chooses to allocate and spend the net proceeds. We may invest the net proceeds from this offering in a manner that does not produce income or that loses value. The failure by our management to apply these funds effectively could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

There is no public market for the warrants to purchase shares of our common stockor the Pre-Funded Warrants being offered in this offering.

 

There is no established public trading market for the warrants or the Pre-Funded Warrants being offered in this offering, and we do not expect a market to develop. In addition, we do not intend to apply to list the warrants or the Pre-Funded Warrants on any national securities exchange or other nationally recognized trading system, including The NASDAQ Capital Market. Without an active market, the liquidity of the warrants and the Pre-Funded Warrants will be limited.

 

Holders of our warrants and our Pre-Funded Warrants will have no rights as a common stockholder until they acquire our common stock.

 

Until you acquire shares of our common stock upon exercise of the warrants or Pre-Funded Warrants, you will have no rights with respect to shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of such warrants.warrants or Pre-Funded Warrants. Upon exercise of your warrants or Pre-Funded Warrants, you will be entitled to exercise the rights of a common stockholder only as to matters for which the record date occurs after the exercise date.

 

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The warrants are speculative in nature.

 

The warrants offered hereby merely represent the right to acquire shares of common stock at a fixed price. Specifically, commencing on the date of issuance, holders of the warrants may acquire the common stock issuable upon exercise of such warrants at an exercise price of $               per share. Moreover, following this offering, the market value of the warrants is uncertain and there can be no assurance that the market value of the warrants will equal or exceed their public offering price. There can be no assurance that the market price of the common stock will ever equal or exceed the exercise price of the warrants and consequently, whether it will ever be profitable for holders of the warrants to exercise the warrants.

 

The Pre-Funded Warrants are speculative in nature.

The Pre-Funded Warrants do not confer any rights of common stock ownership on their respective holders, such as voting rights or the right to receive dividends, but rather merely represent the right to acquire shares of common stock at a fixed price. Commencing on the date of issuance, holders of the Pre-Funded Warrants may exercise their right to acquire the common stock and pay the stated exercise price per share.

You will experience immediate and substantial dilution as a result of this offering and may experience additional dilution in the future.

 

If you purchase shares of common stockUnits in this offering, the value of yourthe shares of common stock included in the Units based on our actual book value will immediately be less than the price you paid. This reduction in the value of your equity is known as dilution. This dilution occurs in large part because our existing stockholders paid less than the assumed public offering price when they acquired their shares of common stock. Based upon the issuance and sale of shares of common stock1,585,000 Units by us in this offering at an assumed public offering price of $             per share,Unit, you will incur immediate dilution of $              in the net tangible book value per share of common stock. If the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option, or if outstanding options to purchase our common stock are exercised, investors will experience additional dilution. For more information, see “Dilution.”

 

The market price for our common stock is particularly volatile given our status as a relatively unknown company with a small and thinly traded public float, and lack of profits, which could lead to wide fluctuations in our share price.

 

The market for our common stock is characterized by significant price volatility when compared to the shares of larger, more established companies that have large public floats, and we expect that our share price will continue to be more volatile than the shares of such larger, more established companies for the indefinite future, although such fluctuations may not reflect a material change to our financial condition or operations during any such period. Such volatility can be attributable to a number of factors. First, as noted above, our common stock is, compared to the shares of such larger, more established companies, sporadically and thinly traded. The price for our common stock could, for example, decline precipitously in the event that a large number of our shares are sold on the market without commensurate demand. Secondly, we are a speculative or “risky” investment due to our lack of profits to date. As a consequence of this enhanced risk, more risk-adverse investors may, under the fear of losing all or most of their investment in the event of negative news or lack of progress, be more inclined to sell their shares on the market more quickly and at greater discounts than would be the case with the stock of a larger, more established company that has a large public float. Many of these factors are beyond our control and may decrease the market price of our common stock regardless of our operating performance.

 

In addition to being highly volatile, our common stock could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to a number of factors that are beyond our control, including, but not limited to:

 

variations in our revenues and operating expenses;
  
actual or anticipated changes in the estimates of our operating results or changes in stock market analyst recommendations regarding our common stock, other comparable companies or our industry generally;
  
market conditions in our industry, the industries of our customers and the economy as a whole;
  
actual or expected changes in our growth rates or our competitors’ growth rates;
  
developments in the financial markets and worldwide or regional economies;
  
announcements of innovations or new products or services by us or our competitors;

 

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announcements by the government relating to regulations that govern our industry;
  
sales of our common stock or other securities by us or in the open market;
  
changes in the market valuations of other comparable companies; and
  
other events or factors, many of which are beyond our control, including those resulting from such events, or the prospect of such events, including war, terrorism and other international conflicts, public health issues including health epidemics or pandemics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and natural disasters such as fire, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados or other adverse weather and climate conditions, whether occurring in the United States or elsewhere, could disrupt our operations, disrupt the operations of our suppliers or result in political or economic instability.

 

In addition, if the market for healthcare stocks or the stock market in general experiences loss of investor confidence, the trading price of our common stock could decline for reasons unrelated to our business, financial condition or operating results. The trading price of our shares might also decline in reaction to events that affect other companies in our industry, even if these events do not directly affect us. Each of these factors, among others, could harm the value of our common stock. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market, securities class-action litigation has often been instituted against companies. Such litigation, if instituted against us, could result in substantial costs and diversion of management’s attention and resources, which could materially and adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.

 

We have been notified by Nasdaq of our failure to comply with certain continued listing requirements and, if we are unable to regain compliance with all applicable continued listing requirements and standards of Nasdaq, our common stock could be delisted from Nasdaq. Additionally, if Nasdaq does not grant us an extension or if a favorable decision is not obtained from a hearings panel, or the Panel, after the hearing, our common stock would be delisted from Nasdaq.

 

Our common stock is currently listed on Nasdaq. In order to maintain that listing, we must satisfy minimum financial and other continued listing requirements and standards, including those regarding director independence and independent committee requirements, minimum stockholders’ equity, minimum share price, and certain corporate governance requirements.

 

On November 23, 2022, we received notice (the “Stockholders’ Equity Notice”) from The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) advising us that we were not in compliance with the minimum stockholders’ equity requirement for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market. Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(b)(1) requires companies listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market to maintain stockholders’ equity of at least $2,500,000 (the “Stockholders’ Equity Requirement). In our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2022, we reported stockholders’ equity of $1,287,224, which is below the Stockholders’ Equity Requirement for continued listing. Additionally, as of the date of the Notice, we did not meet either of the alternative Nasdaq continued listing standards under the Nasdaq Listing Rules, market value of listed securities of at least $35 million, or net income of $500,000 from continuing operations in the most recently completed fiscal year, or in two of the three most recently completed fiscal years.

 

The Notice has no immediate effect on the listing of our common stock and our common stock continues to trade on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “INVO” subject to our compliance with the other continued listing requirements.

 

Pursuant to the Stockholders’ Equity Notice, Nasdaq gave us 45 calendar days, or until January 7, 2023, to submit to Nasdaq a plan to regain compliance. If our plan is accepted, Nasdaq may grant an extension of up to 180 calendar days from the date of the Notice to evidence compliance.

 

On January 18, 2023, we received a letter from Nasdaq under which it stated that based on our submission that Nasdaq has determined to grant us an extension of time to regain compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(b) until May 22, 2023. We must furnish to the SEC and Nasdaq a publicly available report (e.g. a Form 8-K) which report, among other things, includes a description of the completed transaction or event that enabled us to satisfy the stockholders’ equity requirement for continued listing After filing the publicly available report described above, if we fail to evidence compliance upon filing its periodic report for the June 30, 2023, with the SEC and Nasdaq, the Company may be subject to delisting. In the event we do not satisfy these terms, Nasdaq will provide written notification that its securities will be delisted. At that time, the Company may appeal Nasdaq’s determination to a Hearings Panel.

 

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On May 23, 2023, we were notified by the Listing Qualifications department (the “Staff”) of Nasdaq that, based upon the Company’s non-compliance with the $2.5 million stockholders’ equity requirement for continued listing on The Nasdaq Global Market, as set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(b)(1) (the “Rule”), as of May 22, 2023, the Company’s common stock was subject to delisting from Nasdaq unless the Company timely requests a hearing before the Nasdaq Hearings Panel (the “Panel”).

 

We have requested a hearing before the Panel, which stays any further action by Nasdaq at least until the hearing process concludes and any extension that may be granted by the Panel has expired. At the hearing, we will present a plan to regain compliance with the Rule and request the continued listing of its common stock pending the Company’s compliance with the Rule. There can be no assurances however that the Panel will hear our request or that we will be able to evidence compliance with all applicable Nasdaq listing criteria within any extension of time that may be granted by the Panel.

 

As previously disclosed, the Staff granted the Company an extension to evidence compliance with the Rule through May 22, 2023. We were unable to do so, which resulted in the issuance of the Staff’s determination.

 

On July 6, 2023, we had our hearing before the Panel at which time we provided the Panel of our plan to regain compliance under the Rule referred to above. We expect to receive a decision from the Panel within 30-days of the hearing. There will be no effect on the listing of our common stock and our common stock will continue to trade on The Nasdaq Capital Market until a decision based on the hearing is received.

In addition, on January 11, 2023, we received a letter from the staff (the “Staff”) of Nasdaq listing qualifications group indicating that, based upon the closing bid price of our common stock for the last 30 consecutive business days, we were not in compliance with the requirement to maintain a minimum bid price of $1.00 per share for continued listing under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2).

 

In accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), we have been provided an initial period of 180 calendar days, or until July 10, 2023, to regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement. If at any time before July 10, 2023, the closing bid price of our common stock closes at or above $1.00 per share for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days, Nasdaq will provide written notification that we have achieved compliance with the minimum bid price requirement, and the matter would be resolved. If we do not regain compliance prior to July 10, 2023, then Nasdaq may grant us a second 180 calendar day period to regain compliance, provided we (i) meets the continued listing requirement for market value of publicly-held shares and all other initial listing standards for The Nasdaq Capital Market, other than the minimum closing bid price requirement, and (ii) notifies Nasdaq of its intent to cure the deficiency within such second 180 calendar day period, by effecting a reverse stock split, if necessary.

 

We will continue to monitor the closing bid price of our common stock and will consider implementing available options to regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement under the Nasdaq Listing Rules. If we do not regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement within the allotted compliance periods, we will receive a written notification from Nasdaq that its securities are subject to delisting. We would then be entitled to appeal that determination to a Nasdaq hearings panel. There can be no assurance that we will regain compliance during either compliance period or maintain compliance with the other Nasdaq listing requirements.

We were unable to regain compliance by July 10, 2023 and accordingly on July 11, 2023, we received a notice from Staff of Nasdaq that, based upon our non-compliance with the minimum bid price requirement set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) (the “Rule”). We presented our plan to regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement at our hearing with the Panel on July 6, 2023 which the Panel in its decision regarding our continued listing on Nasdaq. We expect to receive a decision from the Panel within 30-days of the hearing. There will be no effect on the listing of our common stock and our common stock will continue to trade on The Nasdaq Capital Market until a decision based on the hearing is received.

 

In the event that our common stock is delisted from Nasdaq, as a result of our failure to comply with either the Stockholders’ Equity Requirement or the Minimum Bid Price Requirement, or as a result of Nasdaq not granting us an extension or the Panel not granting us a favorable decision, or due to our failure to continue to comply with any other requirement for continued listing on Nasdaq, and is not eligible for listing on another exchange, trading in the shares of our common stock could be conducted in the over-the-counter market or on an electronic bulletin board established for unlisted securities such as the Pink Sheets or the OTC Bulletin Board. In such event, it could become more difficult to dispose of, or obtain accurate price quotations for, our common stock, and it would likely be more difficult to obtain coverage by securities analysts and the news media, which could cause the price of our common stock to decline further. Also, it may be difficult for us to raise additional capital if we are not listed on a national exchange.

 

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In the event that our Common Stock is delisted from Nasdaq, U.S. broker-dealers may be discouraged from effecting transactions in shares of our Common Stock because they may be considered penny stocks and thus be subject to the penny stock rules.

 

The SEC has adopted a number of rules to regulate “penny stock” that restricts transactions involving stock which is deemed to be penny stock. Such rules include Rules 3a51-l, 15g-l, 15g-2, 15g-3, 15g-4, 15g-5, 15g-6, 15g-7, and 15g-9 under the Exchange Act. These rules may have the effect of reducing the liquidity of penny stocks. “Penny stocks” generally are equity securities with a price of less than $5.00 per share (other than securities registered on certain national securities exchanges or quoted on Nasdaq if current price and volume information with respect to transactions in such securities is provided by the exchange or system). Our shares have in the past constituted, and may again in the future constitute, “penny stock” within the meaning of the rules. The additional sales practice and disclosure requirements imposed upon U.S. broker-dealers for sales of penny stocks may discourage such broker-dealers from effecting transactions in shares of our Common Stock, which could severely limit the market liquidity of such shares and impede their sale in the secondary market.

 

A U.S. broker-dealer selling penny stock to anyone other than an established customer or “accredited investor” (generally, an individual with a net worth in excess of $1,000,000 or an annual income exceeding $200,000, or $300,000 together with his or her spouse) must make a special suitability determination for the purchaser and must receive the purchaser’s written consent to the transaction prior to sale, unless the broker-dealer or the transaction is otherwise exempt. In addition, the “penny stock” regulations require the U.S. broker-dealer to deliver, prior to any transaction involving a “penny stock”, a disclosure schedule prepared in accordance with SEC standards relating to the “penny stock” market, unless the broker-dealer or the transaction is otherwise exempt. A U.S. broker-dealer is also required to disclose commissions payable to the U.S. broker-dealer and the registered representative and current quotations for the securities. Finally, a U.S. broker-dealer is required to submit monthly statements disclosing recent price information with respect to the “penny stock” held in a customer’s account and information with respect to the limited market in “penny stocks”.

 

Stockholders should be aware that, according to the SEC, the market for “penny stocks” has suffered in recent years from patterns of fraud and abuse. Such patterns include: (i) control of the market for the security by one or a few broker-dealers that are often related to the promoter or issuer; (ii) manipulation of prices through prearranged matching of purchases and sales and false and misleading press releases; (iii) “boiler room” practices involving high-pressure sales tactics and unrealistic price projections by inexperienced sales persons; (iv) excessive and undisclosed bid-ask differentials and markups by selling broker-dealers; and (v) the wholesale dumping of the same securities by promoters and broker-dealers after prices have been manipulated to a desired level, resulting in investor losses. Our management is aware of the abuses that have occurred historically in the penny stock market. Although we do not expect to be in a position to dictate the behavior of the market or of broker-dealers who participate in the market, management will strive within the confines of practical limitations to prevent the described patterns from being established with respect to our securities.

 

You may experience future dilution as a result of future equity offerings and other issuances of our common stock or other securities. In addition, this offering and future equity offerings and other issuances of our common stock or other securities may adversely affect our common stock price.

 

In order to raise additional capital, we may in the future offer additional shares of our common stock or other securities convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock at prices that may not be the same as the price per share in this offering. We may not be able to sell shares or other securities in any other offering at a price per share that is equal to or greater than the price per share paid by the investor in this offering, and investors purchasing shares or other securities in the future could have rights superior to existing stockholders. The price per share at which we sell additional shares of our common stock or securities convertible into common stock in future transactions may be higher or lower than the price per share in this offering. You will incur dilution upon exercise of any outstanding stock options, warrants or upon the issuance of shares of common stock under our stock incentive programs. In addition, the sale of shares in this offering and any future sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market, or the perception that such sales may occur, could adversely affect the price of our common stock. We cannot predict the effect, if any, that market sales of those shares of common stock or the availability of those shares for sale will have on the market price of our common stock.

 

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Future sales, or the perception of future sales, by us or our stockholders in the public market could cause the market price of our common stock to decline, and any issuance of additional common stock, or securities convertible into common stock, could dilute common stockholders. We may issue additional common stock, or securities convertible into common stock, pursuant to our shelf registration statement (including our at-the-market facility), upon exercise of outstanding warrants, for additional financing purposes, in connection with strategic transactions such as acquisitions or collaboration agreements, or otherwise, any of which could result in dilution to existing stockholders.

 

The sale of shares of our common stock in the public market, or the perception that such sales could occur, could harm the prevailing market price of shares of our common stock. These sales, or the possibility that these sales may occur, also might make it more difficult for us to sell equity securities in the future at a time and at a price that we deem appropriate.

 

Shares of our common stock held by certain other of our stockholders are eligible for resale, subject to volume, manner of sale and other limitations under Rule 144 under the Securities Act (“Rule 144”). By exercising their registration rights and selling a large number of shares, these stockholders could cause the prevailing market price of our common stock to decline.

 

As restrictions on resale end or if these stockholders exercise their registration rights, the market price of shares of our common stock could drop significantly if the holders of these shares sell them or are perceived by the market as intending to sell them. These factors could also make it more difficult for us to raise additional funds through future offerings of shares of our common stock or other securities.

 

In addition, the shares of our common stock reserved for future issuance under our equity incentive plans will become eligible for sale in the public market once those shares are issued, subject to provisions relating to various vesting agreements, lock-up agreements and, in some cases, limitations on volume and manner of sale applicable to affiliates under Rule 144, as applicable. We have filed registration statements on Form S-8 under the Securities Act to register shares of our common stock issuable pursuant to our equity incentive plan and our employee stock purchase plan and may in the future file one or more additional registration statements on FormS-8 for the same or similar purposes. Any such Form S-8 registration statements will automatically become effective upon filing. Accordingly, shares registered under such registration statements will be available for sale in the open market.

 

Substantial future sales of shares of our common stock could cause the market price of our common stock to decline.

 

We expect that significant additional capital will be needed in the near future to continue our planned operations. Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market, or the perception that these sales might occur, could depress the market price of our common stock and could impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional equity securities. We are unable to predict the effect that such sales may have on the prevailing market price of our shares.

 

We have financed our operations, and we expect to continue to finance our operations, acquisitions, if any, and the development of strategic relationships by issuing equity, warrants and/or convertible securities, which could significantly reduce the percentage ownership of our existing stockholders. Further, any additional financing that we secure may require the granting of rights, preferences or privileges senior to, or pari passu with, those of our common stock. Additionally, we may finance strategic alliances and/or acquisitions by issuing our equity or equity-linked securities, which may result in additional dilution. Any issuances by us of equity securities may be at or below the prevailing market price of our common stock and in any event may have a dilutive impact on your ownership interest, which could cause the market price of our common stock to decline. We may also raise additional funds through the incurrence of debt or the issuance or sale of other securities or instruments senior to our shares of common stock. The holders of any securities or instruments we may issue may have rights superior to the rights of our holders of our common stock. If we experience dilution from issuance of additional securities and we grant superior rights to new securities over common stockholders, it may negatively impact the trading price of our shares of common stock.

 

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We could issue “blank check” preferred stock without stockholder approval with the effect of diluting then current stockholder interests and impairing their voting rights; and provisions in our charter documents could discourage a takeover that stockholders may consider favorable.

 

Our Articles of Incorporation authorizes the issuance of “blank check” preferred stock with designations, rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by the Board. The Board is empowered, without stockholder approval, to issue a series of preferred stock with dividend, liquidation, conversion, voting or other rights which could dilute the interest of, or impair the voting power of, our common stockholders. The issuance of a series of preferred stock could be used as a method of discouraging, delaying or preventing a change in control. For example, it would be possible for the Board to issue preferred stock with voting or other rights or preferences that could impede the success of any attempt to change control of our Company.

 

We do not intend to pay dividends on shares of our Common Stock for the foreseeable future.

 

We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on shares of our Common Stock and do not intend to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. We anticipate that we will retain all of our future earnings for use in the development of our business and for general corporate purposes. Any determination to pay dividends in the future will be at the discretion of our Board. Accordingly, investors must rely on sales of their Common Stock after price appreciation, which may never occur, as the only way to realize any future gains on their investments.

 

USE OF PROCEEDS

 

We estimate that we will receive net proceeds of approximately $[●] million if the maximum number of shares of common stock and warrantsUnits being offered are sold, after deducting the Placement Agent fees and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

 

We intend to utilize (i) up to $2,500,000 of the net proceeds to fund the initial installment of the purchase price required to consummate our acquisition of the Wisconsin Fertility Institute; (ii) $1,000,000 of the net proceeds of this offering to pay Armistice the Armistice Amendment Fee for agreeing to remove the Subsequent Equity Financing Provision from the Armistice SPA.SPA; (iii) up to $.543,750 to repay our Standard Merchant Advance Agreement with Cedar Advance LLC; (iv) approximately $107,367 to repay that certain 8% Debenture with a maturity date of February 3, 2024 issued to Peak One Opportunity Fund LP and (v) approximately $42,811 to repay that certain 8% Debenture with a maturity date of February 17, 2024 issued to Firstfire Global Opportunities Fund, LLC.. We intend to use the remaining net proceeds of this offering for general corporate purposes, which could include future acquisitions, capital expenditures and working capital. Pending these uses, we may invest the net proceeds in short-and intermediate-term interest-bearing obligations, investment-grade instruments, certificates of deposit or direct or guaranteed obligations of the United States government.

 

The expected use of net proceeds from this offering represents our intentions based upon our current plans and business conditions, which could change in the future as our plans and business conditions evolve and change. As a result, our management will retain broad discretion over the allocation of the net proceeds from this offering. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to this Offering and the Ownership of Our Common Stock— We will have broad discretion in the use of the net proceeds from this offering and may fail to apply these proceeds effectively.”

 

DIVIDEND POLICY

 

We have never declared or paid any dividends on our Common Stock. We currently intend to retain all available funds and any future earnings for the operation and expansion of our business and, therefore, we do not anticipate declaring or paying dividends in the foreseeable future. The payment of dividends will be at the discretion of our Board and will depend on our results of operations, capital requirements, financial condition, prospects, contractual arrangements, any limitations on payment of dividends present in our future debt agreements, and other factors that our Board may deem relevant.

 

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CAPITALIZATION

 

The following table sets forth our capitalization:

 

 on an actual basis as of March 31, 2023;
 on a pro forma basis to give effect to: (a) the issuance of 115,000 shares of common stock upon the exercise of prefunded warrants at an exercise price of $0.01; (b) repayment of $200,000 of convertible notes and (c) 13,316 shares of common stock in consideration for services rendered; and
 on a pro forma as adjusted basis to give effect to: (a) the issuance and sale by us of _________ shares of common stock1,585,000 Units at an offering price of $_____ ______ pre-funded warrant shares at an offering price of $___ and a warrant to purchase _______ shares of common stock with a strike price of $____;per Unit (assuming that no Units that include Pre-Funded Warrants are sold), and (b) the receipt of approximately $____ million in net proceeds after deducting the placement agent fees and estimated offering costs payable by us.

 

You should read the following table in conjunction with “Use of Proceeds,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Description of Securities” and other financial information contained in this prospectus, including the financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

 As of March 31, 2023  As of March 31, 2023 
Capitalization in U.S. Dollars Actual  Pro Forma  
Pro Forma As Adjusted (1)
  Actual  Pro Forma  
Pro Forma As Adjusted (1)
 
Current Debt                                                                    
Related party demand notes $770,000  $770,000  $  $770,000  $770,000  $ 
Convertible notes  749,849   549,849       749,849   549,849     
Total Debt  1,519,849   1,319,849       1,519,849   1,319,849     
Shareholders’ Equity                        
Common stock, $.0001 par value, 6,250,000 authorized, 698,565, _____,and ________ shares issued and outstanding on an actual, pro forma and pro forma as adjusted basis, respectively  1,397   1,654     
Common stock, $.0001 par value, 6,250,000 authorized, 698,565, 826,881, and ________ shares issued and outstanding on an actual, pro forma and pro forma as adjusted basis, respectively  70   83     
Additional paid-in capital  52,421,481   52,538,500       52,422,808   52,536,929     
Accumulated deficit  (52,334,412)  (52,334,412)      (52,334,412)  (52,334,412)    
                        
Total shareholders’ equity  88,466   204,742       88,466   204,742     
                        
Total capitalization $1,598,466  $1,514,742  $  $1,598,466  $1,514,742  $ 

 

(1)The as adjusted number of shares of our common stock to be outstanding after this offering includesis based on 826,879 shares of our common stock outstanding as of July 21, 2023, excludes the following:

 

698,565 shares of common stock outstanding as of March 31, 2023; and
___________ shares of common stock to be issued at the closing of this offering;
and excludes the following:
 59,771 shares of common stock reserved as of March 31, 2023 for future issuance under our 2019 Equity Incentive Plan;
   
 70,628 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding options as of March 31, 2023 with a weighted average exercise price of $62.80 per share;
   
 348,127 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants as of March 31, 2023 with a weighted average exercise price of $15.11 per share;
   
 73,679 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of outstanding convertible notes with a weighted average exercise price of $10.54 per share;
   
 up to 332,850 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of the Placement Agent Warrants; and
   
 up to 3,170,000 shares of common stock underlying the warrants issued in this offering.

 

-16-
 

 

DILUTION

 

If you invest in our common stock and warrantsUnits in this offering, your ownership interest will be diluted to the extent of the difference between the assumed offering price per share of itsour common stock and the as adjusted net tangible book value per share of its common stock immediately after the offering. Historical net tangible book value per share represents the amount of the Company’s total tangible assets less total liabilities, divided by the number of shares of its common stock outstanding.

 

The historical net tangible book value (deficit) of our common stock as of March 31, 2023 was approximately $(2.8) million or $3.43 per share based upon shares of common stock outstanding on such date. Historical net tangible book value (deficit) per share represents the amount of its total tangible assets reduced by the amount of its total liabilities, divided by the total number of shares of common stock outstanding. After giving effect to the Company’s sale of all of the ___________ shares1,585,000 Units offered in this offering (assuming that no units that include Pre-Funded Warrants are sold) at an assumed public offering price of $___ per shareUnit after deducting estimated placement agent fees and the Company’s estimated offering expenses, the Company’s pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value as of March 31, 2023 would have been $________ or $___ per share. This represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value of $__ per share to the Company’s existing stockholders, and an immediate dilution in net tangible book value of $___ per share to new investors. The following table illustrates this per share dilution:

 

Assumed public offering price per share     $  
Pro forma net tangible book value per share as of March 31, 2023 $     
Increase in net tangible book value per share attributable to new investors in this offering        
         
Pro forma, as adjusted net tangible book value, after this offering        
         
Dilution per share to new investors in this offering     $  

 

The information discussed above is illustrative only, and the dilution information following this offering will be adjusted based on the actual public offering price and other terms of this offering determined at pricing. A $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed public offering price of $___ per shareUnit would increase (decrease) the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value by $___ per share and increase (decrease) the dilution to new investors by $___ per share, assuming the number of sharesUnits offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, and after deducting the estimated Placement Agent fees and estimated expenses payable by us. We may also increase or decrease the number of shares it is offering. An increase of 100,000 sharesUnits offered by it would increase the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value by $___ per share and decrease the dilution to new investors by $___ per share, assuming the assumed public offering price of $___ per shareUnit remains the same and after deducting the estimated Placement Agent fees and estimated expenses payable by the Company. Similarly, a decrease of 100,000 sharesUnits offered by the Company would decrease the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value by $___ per share and increase the dilution to new investors by $___ per share, assuming the assumed public offering price of $___ per shareUnit remains the same and after deducting the estimated Placement Agent fees and estimated expenses payable by us.

 

The number of shares of common stock outstanding isabove discussion and table are based on 826,879 shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of March 31,July 21, 2023, and excludes the following:

 

 348,127 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants with a weighted average exercise price of $15.11 per share;

 

 122,428 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding options with a weighted average exercise price of $42.00 per share.

 

 

348,127 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of outstanding convertible notes with a weighted average exercise price of $15.11 per share;

 

 1,470 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under the 2019 Stock Option Plan.
   
 _________up to 3,170,000 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of the warrants offered in this offering[offering and
   
 ___________up to 332,850 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of the Placement Agent Warrants

 

Except as otherwise indicated herein, all information in this prospectus reflects or assumes:

 

 a one-for-twenty reverse stock split of our common stock effected immediately prior to the consummation of this offering;

 no exercise of the outstanding options or warrants described above;
no sale of any pre-funded warrants;
   
 no exercise of the Placement Agent Warrants; and
   
 no exercise of the warrants offered by us in this offering.

 

-17-
 

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

You should read the following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with financial statements and notes thereto, as well as the “Risk Factors” and “Description of Business” sections included elsewhere or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates and beliefs. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include those discussed below and elsewhere or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, particularly in “Risk Factors.”

 

Overview

 

We are a commercial-stage fertility company dedicated to expanding the assisted reproductive technology (“ART”) marketplace by making fertility care accessible and inclusive to people around the world. Our primary mission is to implement new medical technologies aimed at increasing the availability of affordable, high-quality, patient-centered fertility care. Our flagship product is INVOcell, a revolutionary medical device that allows fertilization and early embryo development to take place in vivo within the woman’s body. This treatment solution is the world’s first intravaginal culture technique for the incubation of oocytes and sperm during fertilization and early embryo development. This technique, designated as “IVC”, provides patients a more connected and intimate experience at a more affordable cost in comparison to in vitro fertilization (“IVF”), the other advanced ART treatment. The IVC procedure can deliver comparable results to IVF and is a significantly more effective treatment than intrauterine insemination.

 

While the INVOcell remains central to our efforts, our commercialization and corporate development strategy was expanded to focus primarily on providing ART services to the significantly underserved patient population seeking access to affordable fertility treatment. The Company is now largely focused on the opening of dedicated “INVO Centers” offering the INVOcell and IVC procedure (with three centers in North America now operational) and the acquisition of existing IVF clinics, in addition to continuing to distribute and sell our technology solution into existing IVF clinics.

 

Unlike IVF where the oocytes and sperm develop into embryos in an expensive laboratory incubator, the INVOcell allows fertilization and early embryo development to take place in the woman’s body. This allows for many benefits in the IVC procedure, including:

 

 Eliminates expensive and time-consuming lab procedures, allowing clinics and doctors to increase patient capacity and reduce costs;
 Provides a natural, stable incubation environment;
 Offers a more personal, intimate experience in creating a baby; and
 Reduces the risk of errors and wrong embryo transfers.

 

In both current utilization of the INVOcell, and in clinical studies, the IVC procedure has demonstrated equivalent pregnancy success and live birth rates as IVF when comparing similar incubation periods and patient demographics.

 

Operations

 

We operate with a core internal team and outsource certain operational functions in order to help advance our efforts as well as reduce fixed internal overhead needs and costs and in-house capital equipment requirements. Our most critical management and leadership functions are carried out by our core management team. We have contracted out the manufacturing, assembly, packaging, labeling, and sterilization of the INVOcell device to a medical manufacturing company and a sterilization specialist to perform the gamma sterilization process.

 

To date, we have completed a series of important steps in the successful development and manufacturing of the INVOcell:

 

Manufacturing: we are ISO 13485:2016 certified and manage all aspects of production and manufacturing with qualified suppliers. Our key suppliers have been steadfast partners since our company first began and can provide us with virtually an unlimited capability to support our growth objectives, with all manufacturing performed in the New England region of the U.S..

 

-18-
 

 

Raw Materials: all raw materials utilized for the INVOcell are medical grade and commonly used in medical devices (e.g., medical grade silicone, medical grade plastic). Our principal molded component suppliers are well-established companies in the molding industry and are either ISO 13485 or ISO 9001 certified. The molded components are supplied to our contract manufacturer for assembly and packaging of the INVOcell system. The contract manufacturer is ISO 13485 certified, and U.S. Food & Drug Administration (“FDA”) registered.
CE Mark: INVO Bioscience received the CE Mark in October 2019. The CE Mark permits the sale of devices in Europe, Australia and other countries that recognize the CE Mark, subject to local registration requirements.
US Marketing Clearance: the safety and efficacy of the INVOcell has been demonstrated and cleared for marketing and use by the FDA in November 2015.
Clinical: we are actively seeking to expand the labeling on our device, the indication for use, to cover a day 5 incubation period, in addition to the currently approved use of day 3 incubation. This may be accomplished with a prospective clinical study, which we previously designed and had the Institutional Review Board (“IRB”) approve to evaluate the modified INVOcell system for effectiveness of achieving fertilization, implantation, embryo development, clinical pregnancy, and live birth after day 5 continuous vaginal incubation (clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT04246268). The objective of this study would be to assess the efficacy, safety, comfort and retention of the INVOcell with the retention device and demonstrate superior efficacy following day 5 vaginal incubation as compared to the current day 3 vaginal incubation indication. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we elected to place the trial on hold, but expect to move it forward with some improved design parameters this year. In the meantime, and as a result of available retrospective, real-market usage (day 5) data, we initiated an effort to pursue a 510(k) filing utilizing retrospective data as a separate effort to achieve our label enhancement. On June 22, 2023, we received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance to expand the labeling on the INVOcell device and its indication for use to provide for a 5-day incubation period. The data supporting the expanded 5-day incubation clearance demonstrated improved patient outcomes.

 

Market Opportunity

 

The global ART marketplace is a large, multi-billion industry growing at a strong pace in many parts of the world as increased infertility rates, increased patient awareness, acceptance of treatment options, and improving financial incentives such as insurance and governmental assistance continue to drive demand. According to the European Society for Human Reproduction 2020 ART Fact Sheet, one in six couples worldwide experience infertility problems. Additionally, the worldwide market remains vastly underserved as a high percentage of patients in need of care continue to go untreated each year for many reasons, but key among them are capacity constraints and cost barriers. While there have been large increases in the use of IVF, there are still only approximately 2.6 million ART cycles, including IVF, IUI and other fertility treatments, performed globally each year, producing around 500,000 babies. This amounts to less than 3% of the infertile couples worldwide being treated and only 1% having a child though IVF. The industry remains capacity constrained which creates challenges in providing access to care to the volume of patients in need. A survey by “Resolve: The National Infertility Association,” indicates the two main reasons couples do not use IVF is cost and geographical availability (and/or capacity).

 

In the United States, infertility, according to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (2017), affects an estimated 10%-15% of the couples of childbearing-age. According to the Centers for Disease Control (“CDC”), there are approximately 6.7 million women with impaired fertility. Based on preliminary 2020 data from CDC’s National ART Surveillance System, approximately 326,000 IVF cycles were performed at 449 IVF centers, leaving the U.S. with a large, underserved patient population, similar to most markets around the world.

 

We estimate that approximately 200 of the United States IVF clinics are single-location, owner operated, and of these that approximately 80 to 100 clinics represent suitable acquisitions for the Company.

 

-19-
 

 

Competitive Advantages

 

We believe that the INVOcell, and the IVC procedure it enables, have the following key advantages:

 

Lower cost than IVF with equivalent efficacy. The IVC procedure can be offered for less than IVF due to lower cost of supplies, labor, capital equipment and general overhead. The laboratory equipment needed to perform an IVF cycle is expensive and requires ongoing costs as compared to what is required for an IVC cycle. As a result, we also believe INVOcell and the IVC procedure enable a clinic and its laboratory to be more efficient as compared to conventional IVF.

 

The IVC procedure is currently being offered at several IVF clinics at a price range of $5,000 - $11,000 per cycle and from $4,500 to $7,000 at the existing INVO Centers, thereby making it more affordable than IVF (which tends to average $12,000 to $17,000 per cycle or higher).

 

Improved efficiency providing for greater capacity and improved access to care and geographic availability. In many parts of the world, including the U.S., IVF clinics tend to be concentrated in higher population centers and are often capacity constrained in terms of how many patients a center can treat, since volume is limited by the number of capital-intensive incubators available in IVF clinic labs. With the significant number of untreated patients along with the growing interest and demand for services, the industry remains challenged to provide sufficient access to care and to do so at an economical price. We believe INVOcell and the IVC procedure it enables can play a significant role in helping to address these challenges. According to the 2020 CDC Report, there are approximately 449 IVF centers in the U.S. We estimate that by adopting the INVOcell, IVF clinics can increase fertility cycle volume by up to 30% without adding to personnel, space and/or equipment costs. Our own INVO Centers also address capacity constraints by adding to the overall ART cycle capacity and doing so with comparable efficacy to IVF outcomes as well as at a lower per cycle price. Moreover, we believe that we are uniquely positioned to drive more significant growth in fertility treatment capacity in the future by partnering with existing OB/GYN practices. In the U.S., there are an estimated 5,000 OB/GYN offices, many of which offer fertility services (usually limited to consultation and IUI, but not IVF). Since the IVC procedure requires a much smaller lab facility, less equipment and fewer lab personnel (in comparison to conventional IVF), it could potentially be offered as an extended service in an OB/GYN office. With proper training and a lighter lab infrastructure, the INVOcell could expand the business for these physicians and allow them to treat patients that are unable to afford IVF and provide patients with a more readily accessible, convenient, and cost-effective solution. With our three-pronged strategy (IVF clinics, INVO Centers and OB/GYN practices), in addition to lowering costs, we believe INVOcell and the IVC procedure can address our industry’s key challenges, capacity and cost, by their ability to expand and decentralize treatment and increase the number of points of care for patients in need. This powerful combination of lower cost and added capacity has the potential to open up access to care for underserved patients around the world.

 

Greater patient involvement. With the IVC procedure, the patient uses their own body for fertilization, incubation, and early embryo development which creates a greater sense of involvement, comfort, and participation. In some cases, this may also free people from barriers related to due to ethical or religious concerns, or fears of laboratory mix-ups.

 

INVOcell Sales and Marketing

 

Our approach to market is focused on identifying partners within targeted geographic regions that we believe can best promote support our efforts to expand access to advanced fertility treatment for the large number of underserved infertile people hoping to have a baby. We believe that the INVOcell-based IVC procedure is an effective and affordable treatment option that greatly reduces the need for more expensive IVF lab facilities and allows providers to pass on related savings to patients without compromising efficacy. We have been cleared to sell the INVOcell in the United States since November 2015 after receiving de novo class II clearance from the FDA. Our primary focus over the past two years has been on establishing INVO Centers in the U.S. and abroad to promote the INVOcell and the IVC procedure and acquiring existing U.S.-based IVF clinics where we can integrate the INVOcell. While we continue selling the INVOcell directly to IVF clinics and via distributors and other partners around the world, we have transitioned INVO from being a medical device company to one that is mostly focused on providing fertility services.

 

International Distribution Agreements

 

We have entered into exclusive distribution agreements for a number of international markets. These agreements usually have an initial term with renewal options and require the distributors to meet minimum annual purchases, which vary depending on the market. We are also required to register the product in each market before the distributor can begin importing, a process and timeline that can vary widely depending on the market.

 

-20-
 

 

The following table sets forth a list of our current international distribution agreements:

 

        

INVOcell

Registration

Market Distribution Partner Date Initial Term Status in Country
         
Mexico (a) Positib Fertility, S.A. de C.V. Sept 2020 TBD** Completed
Malaysia iDS Medical Systems Nov 2020 3-year Completed
Pakistan Galaxy Pharma Dec 2020 1-year In process
Thailand IVF Envimed Co., Ltd. April 2021 1-year Completed
Sudan Quality Medicines, Cosmetics & Medical Equipment Import Sept 2020 1-year In process
Ethiopia Quality Medicines, Cosmetics & Medical Equipment Import Sept 2020 1-year In process
Uganda Quality Medicines, Cosmetics & Medical Equipment Import Sept 2020 1-year Not required
Nigeria G-Systems Limited Sept 2020 5-year Completed
Iran Tasnim Behboud Dec 2020 1-year Completed
Sri Lanka Alsonic Limited July 2021 1-year In process
China Onesky Holdings Limited May 2022 5-year In process

 

 (a)Our Mexico JV. Please note that the registration is temporarily in the name of Proveedora de Equipos y Productos, S.A. de C.V. and will be transferred to Positib Fertility as soon as practicable.

 

Investment in Joint Ventures and Partnerships

 

As part of our commercialization strategy, we entered into a number of joint ventures and partnerships designed to establish new INVO Centers.

 

The following table sets forth a list of our current joint venture arrangements:

 

Affiliate Name Country  

Percent (%)

Ownership

 
       
HRCFG INVO, LLC  United States   50%
Bloom Invo, LLC  United States   40%
Positib Fertility, S.A. de C.V.  Mexico   33%

 

Alabama JV Agreement

 

On March 10, 2021, our wholly owned subsidiary, INVO Centers, LLC (“INVO CTR”), entered into a limited liability company agreement with HRCFG, LLC (“HRCFG”) to form a joint venture for the purpose of establishing an INVO Center in Birmingham, Alabama. The name of the joint venture LLC is HRCFG INVO, LLC (the “Alabama JV”). The responsibilities of HRCFG’s principals include providing clinical practice expertise, performing recruitment functions, providing all necessary training, and providing day-to-day management of the clinic. The responsibilities of INVO CTR include providing certain funding to the Alabama JV and providing access to and being the exclusive provider of the INVOcell to the Alabama JV. INVO CTR will also perform all required, industry specific compliance and accreditation functions, and product documentation for product registration.

 

The Alabama JV opened to patients on August 9, 2021.

 

The Alabama JV is accounted for using the equity method in our financial statements. As of March 31, 2023 we invested $1.6 million in the Alabama JV in the form of a note. For the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, the Alabama JV recorded net losses of $37 thousand and $110 thousand, respectively, of which we recognized losses from equity method investments of $18 thousand and $55 thousand, respectively.

 

-21-
 

 

Georgia JV Agreement

 

On June 28, 2021, INVO CTR entered into a limited liability company agreement (the “Bloom Agreement”) with Bloom Fertility, LLC (“Bloom”) to establish a joint venture entity, formed as “Bloom INVO LLC” (the “Georgia JV”), for the purposes of commercializing INVOcell, and the related IVC procedure, through the establishment of an INVO Center, (the “Atlanta Clinic”) in the Atlanta, Georgia metropolitan area.

 

In consideration for INVO’s commitment to contribute up to $800,000 within the 24-month period following execution of the Bloom Agreement to support the start-up operations of the Georgia JV, the Georgia JV issued 800 of its units to INVO CTR and in consideration for Bloom’s commitment to contribute physician services having an anticipated value of up to $1,200,000 over the course of a 24-month vesting period, the Georgia JV issued 1,200 of its units to Bloom.

 

The responsibilities of Bloom include providing all medical services required for the operation of the Atlanta Clinic. The responsibilities of INVO CTR include providing certain funding to the Georgia JV, lab services quality management, and providing access to and being the exclusive provider of the INVOcell to the Georgia JV. INVO CTR will also perform all required, industry specific compliance and accreditation functions, and product documentation for product registration.

 

The Georgia JV opened to patients on September 7, 2021.

 

The results of the Georgia JV are consolidated in our financial statements. As of March 31, 2023, INVO invested $0.9 million in the Georgia JV in the form of capital contributions as well as $0.5 million in the form of a note. For the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, the Georgia JV recorded net losses of $32 thousand and $0.2 million respectively. Noncontrolling interest in the Georgia JV was $0. See Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional information on the Georgia JV.

 

Mexico JV Agreement

 

Effective September 24, 2020, INVO CTR entered into a Pre-Incorporation and Shareholders Agreement with Francisco Arredondo, MD PLLC (“Arredondo”) and Security Health LLC, a Texas limited liability company (“Ramirez”, and together with INVO CTR and Arredondo, the “Shareholders”) under which the Shareholders will commercialize the IVC procedure and offer related medical treatments in Mexico. Each party owns one-third of the Mexican incorporated company, Positib Fertility, S.A. de C.V. (the “Mexico JV”).

 

The Mexico JV will operate in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico and any other cities and places in Mexico as approved by the Mexico JV’s board of directors and Shareholders. In addition, the Shareholders agreed that the Mexico JV will be our exclusive distributor in Mexico. The Shareholders also agreed not to compete directly or indirectly with the Mexico JV in Mexico.

 

The Mexico JV opened to patients on November 1, 2021.

 

The Mexico JV is accounted for using the equity method in our financial statements. As of March 31, 2023, INVO invested $0.1 million in the Mexico JV. For the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Mexico JV recorded net losses of $27 thousand and $49 thousand, respectively, of which we recognized a loss from equity method investments of $9 thousand and $16 thousand, respectively.

 

-22-
 

 

Terminated JV Agreements

 

As of May 15, 2023, the Company’s JV agreements to establish INVO Centers in the Republic of North Macedonia and in the Bay Area of California were terminated due to lack of progress.

 

Recent Developments

 

July 2023 Standard Merchant Cash Advance Agreement

On July 19, 2023, we entered into a Standard Merchant Cash Advance Agreement with Cedar Advance LLC under which Cedar Purchase $543,750 of our receivables for a gross purchase price of $375,000. We received net proceeds of $356,250. If we repay the purchase price within 30-days then the amount payable shall be reduced to $465,000. Until the purchase price has been repaid, we agreed to pay Cedar $19,419.64 per week. In addition, we granted Cedar a security interest in our accounts, including deposit accounts and accounts receivable. We intend to use the proceeds for working capital and general corporate purposes.

Amendment to Armistice SPA

On July 7, 2023, we entered into an Amendment to Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Armistice Amendment”) with Armistice Capital Markets Ltd. to delete Section 4.12(a) of our March 23, 2023 Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Armistice SPA”) with Armistice pursuant to which we agreed that from March 23, 2023 until 45 days after the effective date of the Resale Registration Statement (as defined below) we would not (i) issue, enter into any agreement to issue or announce the issuance or proposed issuance of any shares of Common Stock or Common Stock Equivalents or (ii) file any registration statement or any amendment or supplement thereto, other than the prospectus supplement filed in connection with that offering and the Resale Registration Statement (the “Subsequent Equity Financing Provision”). In consideration of Armistice’s agreement to enter into the Armistice Amendment and delete the Subsequent Equity Financing Provision from the Armistice SPA, we agreed to pay Armistice a fee a $1,000,000 (the “Armistice Amendment Fee”) within two days of the closing of this Offering. Additionally, we agreed to include a proposal in our proxy statement for our 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders for the purpose of obtaining the approval of the holders of a majority of our outstanding voting common stock, to effectuate the reduction of the exercise price set forth in Section 2(b) of the Common Stock Purchase Warrants issued to Armistice on March 27, 2023 (the “Existing Warrants”) to the per unit public offering price of this Offering, in accordance with Nasdaq Rule 5635(d) (the “Shareholder Approval”) with the recommendation of our board of directors that such proposal be approved. We also agreed to solicit proxies from our shareholders in connection therewith in the same manner as all other management proposals in such proxy statement and that all management-appointed proxyholders shall vote their proxies in favor of such proposal. Further, if we do not obtain Shareholder Approval at the first meeting, we will call a meeting every six (6) months thereafter to seek Shareholder Approval until the earlier of the date Shareholder Approval is obtained or the Existing Warrants are no longer outstanding. Until such approval is obtained, the exercise price of the Existing Warrants will remain unchanged.

Reverse Stock Split

 

On June 28, 2023, our board of directors approved a reverse stock split of our common stock at a ratio of 1-for-20 and also approved a proportionate decrease in our authorized common stock to 6,250,000 shares from 125,000,000. Pursuant to Nevada Revised Statutes, a company may effect a reverse split without stockholder approval if both the number of authorized shares of common stock and the number of outstanding shares of common stock are proportionally reduced as a result of the reverse split, the reverse split does not adversely affect any other class of stock of the company, and the company does not pay money or issue scrip to stockholders who would otherwise be entitled to receive a fractional share as a result of the reverse split, We intend to file a certificate of change with the Nevada Secretary of State pursuant to Nevada Revised Statutes 78.209 to (i) decrease the number of authorized shares of common stock from 125,000,000 to 6,250,000 shares and (ii) effectuate a 1-for-20 reverse stock split of the outstanding common stock prior to effectiveness of this registration statement.

 

510(k) FDA Clearance

 

On June 22, 2023, we received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance to expand the labeling on the INVOcell device and its indication for use to provide for a 5-day incubation period. The data supporting the expanded 5-day incubation clearance demonstrated improved patient outcomes.

 

March 2023 Registered Direct Offering

 

On March 23, 2023, INVO entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “March Purchase Agreement”) with a certain institutional investor, pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue and sell to such investor (i) in a registered direct offering (the “RD Offering”), 69,000 shares of Common Stock, and a pre-funded warrant (the “Pre-Funded Warrant”) to purchase up to 115,000 shares of Common Stock, at an exercise price of $0.20 per share, and (ii) in a concurrent private placement (the “March Warrant Placement”), a common stock purchase warrant (the “March Warrant”), exercisable for an aggregate of up to 276,000 shares of Common Stock, at an exercise price of $12.60 per share. The securities to be issued in the RD Offering (priced at the marked under Nasdaq rules) were offered pursuant to the Company’s shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File 333-255096), initially filed by the Company with the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), on April 7, 2021 and declared effective on April 16, 2021. The Pre-Funded Warrant is exercisable upon issuance and will remain exercisable until all of the shares underlying the Pre-Funded Warrant are exercised in full. All Pre-Funded Warrants were exercised by the investor in June 2023.

 

-23-
 

 

The March Warrant (and the shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of the Private Warrants) was not registered under the Securities Act and was offered pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act provided in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and Rule 506(b) promulgated thereunder. The March Warrant is immediately exercisable upon issuance, will expire eight years from the date of issuance, and in certain circumstances may be exercised on a cashless basis.

 

On March 27, 2023, the Company closed the RD Offering and March Warrant Placement, raising gross proceeds of approximately $3 million before deducting placement agent fees and other offering expenses payable by the Company. In the event the March Warrant is fully exercised for cash, the Company would receive additional gross proceeds of approximately $3.5 million. The Company used $383,879 in proceeds to repay a portion of the convertible debenture issued in February 2023 and the remainder of the proceeds are being used for working capital and general corporate purposes.

 

Under the March Purchase Agreement, the Company is required within 30 days of the closing date of the March Warrant Placement to file a registration statement on Form S-1 (the “Resale Registration Statement”) registering the resale of the shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of the March Warrant. The Company is required to use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such registration to become effective within 75 days of the closing date of the offering (or 120 days if the registration statement is subject to a full review by the SEC), and to keep the Resale Registration Statement effective at all times until no shares of Common Stock remain exercisable under the March Warrant.

 

In addition, pursuant to certain “lock-up” agreements, our officers and directors have agreed, for a period of 180 days from the date of the RD Offering and March Warrant Placement, not to engage in any of the following, whether directly or indirectly, without the consent of the March Purchase Agreement investor: offer to sell, sell, contract to sell pledge, grant, lend, or otherwise transfer or dispose of our common stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock (the “Lock-Up Securities”); enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the Lock-Up Securities; make any demand for or exercise any right or cause to be filed a registration statement, including any amendments thereto, with respect to the registration of any Lock-Up Securities; enter into any transaction, swap, hedge, or other arrangement relating to any Lock-Up Securities subject to customary exceptions; or publicly disclose the intention to do any of the foregoing.

 

Execution of Definitive Agreements to Acquire the Wisconsin Fertility Institute

 

On March 16, 2023, INVO, through Wood Violet Fertility LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Wood Violet”) and wholly owned subsidiary of INVO Centers LLC, a Delaware company (“INVO CTR”) wholly owned by INVO, entered into binding purchase agreements to acquire Wisconsin Fertility Institute (“Wisconsin Fertility”) for a combined purchase price of $10 million.

 

The purchase price is payable in four installments of $2.5 million each (which payments may be offset by assumption of certain Wisconsin Fertility liabilities, payable at closing and on each of the subsequent three anniversaries of closing. The sellers have the option to take all or a portion of the final three installments in shares of INVO common stock par value $0.0001 per share (“Common Stock”) valued at $125.00, $181.80, and $285.80, for the second, third, and final installments, respectively.

 

On July 7, 2023 Buyer entered into closing agreements with the Clinic under which Wood Violet agreed to complete the closing of the acquisition by July 31, 2023 which closing agreements further provide that unless a new closing date is agreed to in writing the acquisition agreements would automatically terminate if the closing does not occur on or before July 31, 2023

Wisconsin Fertility is comprised of (a) a medical practice, Wisconsin Fertility and Reproductive Surgery Associates, S.C., a Wisconsin professional service corporation d/b/a Wisconsin Fertility Institute (“WFRSA”), and (b) a laboratory services company, Fertility Labs of Wisconsin, LLC, a Wisconsin limited liability company (“FLOW”). WFRSA owns, operates and manages the Clinic’s fertility practice that provides direct treatment to patients focused on fertility, gynecology and obstetrics care and surgical procedures, and employs physicians and other healthcare providers to deliver such services and procedures. FLOW provides WFRSA with related laboratory services.

 

Notices from Nasdaq of Failure to Satisfy Continued Listing Rules.

 

Notice Regarding Non-Compliance with Minimum Stockholders’ Equity

 

On November 23, 2022, we received notice (the “Stockholders’ Equity Notice”) from The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) advising us that we were not in compliance with the minimum stockholders’ equity requirement for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market. Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(b)(1) requires companies listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market to maintain stockholders’ equity of at least $2,500,000 (the “Stockholders’ Equity Requirement). In this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we reported stockholders’ deficit of $16,090, which, although improved from the $977,612 deficit recorded as of December 31, 2022, is below the Stockholders’ Equity Requirement for continued listing. Additionally, we do not meet either of the alternative Nasdaq continued listing standards under the Nasdaq Listing Rules, market value of listed securities of at least $35 million, or net income of $500,000 from continuing operations in the most recently completed fiscal year, or in two of the three most recently completed fiscal years.

 

The Stockholders’ Equity Notice has no immediate effect on the listing of our Common Stock and our Common Stock continues to trade on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “INVO” subject to our compliance with the other continued listing requirements.

 

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Pursuant to the Stockholders’ Equity Notice, Nasdaq gave us 45 calendar days, or until January 7, 2023, to submit to Nasdaq a plan to regain compliance, which, if accepted by Nasdaq, may grant the Company an extension of up to 180 calendar days from the date of the Stockholders’ Equity Notice to evidence compliance.

 

On January 18, 2023, we received a letter from Nasdaq under which it stated that based on our submission that Nasdaq has determined to grant us an extension of time to regain compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(b) until May 22, 2023. We must furnish to the SEC and Nasdaq a publicly available report (e.g., a Form 8-K) which report, among other things, includes a description of the completed transaction or event that enabled us to satisfy the stockholders’ equity requirement for continued listing. After filing the publicly available report described above, if we fail to evidence compliance upon filing our periodic report for the June 30, 2023, with the SEC and Nasdaq, we may be subject to delisting. In the event we do not satisfy these terms, Nasdaq will provide written notification that our securities would be delisted. At that time, we may appeal Nasdaq’s determination to a hearings panel.

 

On May 23, 2023, we were notified by the Listing Qualifications department (the “Staff”) of Nasdaq that, based upon the Company’s non-compliance with the $2.5 million stockholders’ equity requirement for continued listing on The Nasdaq Global Market, as set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(b)(1) (the “Rule”), as of May 22, 2023, the Company’s common stock was subject to delisting from Nasdaq unless the Company timely requests a hearing before the Nasdaq Hearings Panel (the “Panel”).

 

We have requested a hearing before the Panel, which stays any further action by Nasdaq at least until the hearing process concludes and any extension that may be granted by the Panel has expired. At the hearing, we will present a plan to regain compliance with the Rule and request the continued listing of its common stock pending the Company’s compliance with the Rule. There can be no assurances however that the Panel will agree to our request or that we will be able to evidence compliance with all applicable Nasdaq listing criteria within any extension of time that may be granted by the Panel.

 

As previously disclosed, the Staff granted the Company an extension to evidence compliance with the Rule through May 22, 2023. We were unable to do so, which resulted in the issuance of the Staff’s determination.

 

On July 7, 2023 Buyer entered into closing agreements with the Clinic under which Buyer agreed to complete the closing of the acquisition by July 31, 2023 which closing agreements further provide that unless a new closing date is agreed to in writing the acquisition agreements would automatically terminate if the closing does not occur on or before July 31, 2023

Notice Regarding Failure to Maintain Minimum Bid Price

 

On January 11, 2023, we received a letter from the staff (the “Staff”) of Nasdaq’s listing qualifications group indicating that, based upon the closing bid price of our Common Stock for the previous 30 consecutive business days, we were not in compliance with the requirement to maintain a minimum bid price of $1.00 per share for continued listing under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2).

 

The notice has no immediate effect on the listing of our Common Stock, and our Common Stock will continue to trade on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “INVO.”

 

In accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), we have been provided an initial period of 180 calendar days, or until July 10, 2023, to regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement. If at any time before July 10, 2023, the closing bid price of our Common Stock closes at or above $1.00 per share for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days, Nasdaq will provide written notification that we have achieved compliance with the minimum bid price requirement, and the matter would be resolved. If we do not regain compliance prior to July 10, 2023, then Nasdaq may grant us a second 180 calendar day period to regain compliance, provided we (i) meet the continued listing requirement for market value of publicly-held shares and all other initial listing standards for The Nasdaq Capital Market, other than the minimum closing bid price requirement, and (ii) notify Nasdaq of its intent to cure the deficiency within such second 180 calendar day period, by effecting a reverse stock split, if necessary.

 

We will continue to monitor the closing bid price of our Common Stock and will consider implementing available options to regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement under the Nasdaq Listing Rules. If we do not regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement within the allotted compliance periods, we will receive a written notification from Nasdaq that our securities are subject to delisting. We would then be entitled to appeal that determination to a Nasdaq hearings panel. There can be no assurance that we will regain compliance during either compliance period or maintain compliance with the other Nasdaq listing requirements.

We were unable to regain compliance by July 10, 2023 and accordingly on July 11, 2023, we received a notice from Staff of Nasdaq that, based upon our non-compliance with the minimum bid price requirement set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) (the “Rule”). We presented our plan to regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement at our hearing with the Panel on July 6, 2023 which the Panel in its decision regarding our continued listing on Nasdaq. We expect to receive a decision from the Panel within 30-days of the hearing. There will be no effect on the listing of our common stock and our common stock will continue to trade on The Nasdaq Capital Market until a decision based on the hearing is received.

 

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Results of Operations

 

During the first quarter of 2023, we achieved several important developments. Our existing three INVO Centers made steady progress producing record quarterly revenue on a combined basis. We also made important progress toward opening our planned Tampa INVO Center. With respect to our previously announced acquisition strategy, we reached a major milestone by signing binding agreements to acquire Wisconsin Fertility Institute (“WFI”). WFI is a well-established and profitable clinic that would substantially increase the size and scope of our operations. We expect to close the acquisition during July 2023.

 

Looking ahead, we anticipate opening additional INVO Centers in key domestic, and select international, markets, and pursuing additional acquisitions. With respect to INVO Centers, we have selected an initial list or about 20 markets in the U.S. that we believe are excellent potential locations, and we believe the universe of suitable acquisition targets for INVO exceeds 80 clinics in the U.S. We also continue to work on the expansion of INVOcell distribution into existing fertility clinics.

 

From a market strategy perspective, our commercialization efforts will continue to focus on the substantial, underserved patient population and on expanding access to advanced fertility treatments. We believe our solutions can help address the key challenges of affordability and capacity to provide care to the vast number of patients that go untreated every year. This represents the major opportunity for INVOcell and the IVC procedure it enables. Despite the COVID pandemic, the fertility industry continues to expand, and we believe our growing volume of partners (both distributors and JV INVO Centers) affords us strong forward-looking opportunities. We believe our INVO Center approach and our plans to implement IVC procedures in acquired clinics can help to add much needed capacity and affordability and aligns with our key mission to open access to care to the underserved patient population.

 

The ART market also continues to benefit from a number of industry tailwinds, including 1) the large under-served potential patient population, 2) increasing infertility rates around the world 3) growing awareness and education of fertility treatment options, 4) a growing acceptance of fertility treatment, 5) improvements in procedure techniques and hence improvements in pregnancy success rates and 6) generally improving insurance (private and public) reimbursement trends.

 

Comparison of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023, and 2022

 

Revenue

 

Revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2023, was approximately $348 thousand compared to approximately $163 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2022. Of the $348 thousand in revenue for the first three months of 2023, approximately $297 thousand was related to clinic revenue from the consolidated Georgia JV. The increase of approximately $185 thousand, or approximately 114%, was primarily related to increased revenue from the Georgia JV.

 

Gross Profit

 

Gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2023, was approximately $275 thousand compared to approximately $98 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2022. Gross margins were approximately 79% and 60% for the three months ended March 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively. The gross margin improvement is primarily due to increased efficiencies at the Georgia JV.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2023, were approximately $2.5 million compared to approximately $2.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022. The decrease of approximately $0.2 million, or approximately 7%, was primarily the result of decreased non-cash, stock-based compensation expense, which was $0.5 million in the period, compared to $0.7 million for the same period in the prior year.

 

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Research and Development Expenses

 

We began to fund additional research and development (“R&D”) efforts in 2020 as part of our 5-day label expansion efforts. R&D expenses were approximately $74 thousand and $104 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2023, and March 31, 2022, respectively.

 

Loss from equity investment

 

Loss from equity investments for the three months ended March 31, 2023, was approximately $27 thousand compared to $71 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2022. The decrease in loss is due to an increase in revenue in the equity method JV’s and a decrease in expenses associated with one-time startup costs.

 

Interest Expense and Financing Fees

 

Interest expense and financing fees were approximately $217 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to approximately $0.1 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2022. The expense in 2023 was primarily non-cash and due to the debt discount, debt issuance cost and interest from convertible notes.

 

Comparison of the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021

 

Revenues

 

Revenue for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $0.8 million and $4.2 million, respectively, representing a decrease of $3.4 million, or 80% in the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease was due to the termination of our agreement with Ferring, which resulted in the full recognition, in 2021, of the remaining $3.6 million in deferred revenue related to the Ferring agreement and was partially offset by an increase in 2022 clinic revenue. Excluding Ferring, revenue was $0.6 million last year compared to $0.8 million this year.

 

Gross Profit

 

Gross profit for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $0.5 million and $4.0 million, respectively. Gross margin was 60% and 97% for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The decrease in gross margin was attributable to the change in revenue mix as we no longer have license revenue in 2022, as well as increase in clinic revenue which has lower percentage margins, but much higher revenue on a per procedure basis and the potential for higher margins on an absolute dollar basis.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 were $10.6 million and $9.0 million, respectively, of which $2.2 million and $2.7 million, respectively, was for non-cash, stock-based compensation expense. The increase of approximately $1.6 million or 17% was primarily the result of approximately $1.0 million in increased personnel expense, approximately $0.7 million in increased expenses related to the full-year operations of the consolidated Georgia JV, approximately $0.4 million in increased marketing spend and was partially offset by an approximate $0.3 million decrease in legal and startup costs related to new and potential INVO Centers and an approximate $0.6 million decrease in professional fees.

 

Research and Development Expenses

 

We began to fund additional research and development (“R&D”) efforts in 2020 as part of our 5-day label expansion efforts. R&D expenses were $0.5 million and $0.2 million, for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The increase of approximately $0.3 million was primarily related to our FDA response efforts on the 5-day label expansion.

 

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Loss from equity investment

 

Loss from equity investments for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, was $0.2 million and $0.3, respectively. The decrease in loss is due to the Alabama JV and Mexico JV being in start-up mode and operational for only a portion of 2021.

 

Other Income

 

Other income for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, was nil and $0.2 million, respectively. The decrease of $0.2 million was the result of our Paycheck Protection Program note and related interest being forgiven in 2021.

 

Interest Expense and Financing Fees

 

Interest expense and financing fees were for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 were $0.1 million and $1.3 million, respectively. The decrease of approximately $1.2 million, or approximately 96%, was primarily due to a decrease in non-cash amortization of discount, debt issuance cost and interest on convertible notes.

 

Income Taxes

 

As of December 31, 2022, we had unused federal net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) of $32.8 million. These losses expire in various amounts at varying times beginning in 2027 with a portion carrying on indefinitely. Unless expiration occurs, these NOLs may be used to offset future taxable income and thereby reduce our income taxes.

 

We recorded a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets at December 31, 2022 and 2021 totaling $9.3 million and $6.8 million, respectively.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2023, and 2022, we had net losses of approximately $2.6 million and $2.8 million, respectively, and an accumulated deficit of approximately $52.3 million as of March 31, 2023. Approximately $0.9 million of the net loss was related to non-cash expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to $0.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022. We had negative working capital of approximately $1.6 million as of March 31, 2023, compared to negative working capital of approximately $2.8 million as of December 31, 2022. As of March 31, 2023, we had stockholder’s equity of approximately $88 thousand compared to negative stockholder’s equity of approximately $1.0 million as of December 31, 2022.

 

For the years ending December 31, 2022, and 2021, we had net losses of approximately $10.9 million and $6.7 million, respectively. The increase in net loss primarily was due to the increase in operating loss resulting from the absence of license revenue in 2022 and an increase in operating expenses. Approximately $3.0 million of the net loss was related to non-cash expenses for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to $4.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. We had negative working capital of approximately $2.8 million as of December 31, 2022, compared to positive working capital of approximately $5.1 million as of December 31, 2021. As of December 31, 2022, we had negative stockholder’s equity of approximately $1.0 million compared to positive stockholder’s equity of approximately $7.3 million as of December 31, 2021. Cash used in operations for the year of 2022 was approximately $6.6 million, compared to approximately $6.0 million for the year of 2021.

 

We have been dependent on raising capital from debt and equity financings to meet our needs for cash required to fund our operating expenses and investing activities. During the first three months of 2023, we received proceeds of approximately $2.7 million for the sale of our Common Stock and $0.7 million in proceeds from the sale of convertible notes. During the first three months of 2022, we received approximately $0.3 million for the sale of Common Stock. Over the next 12 months, our plan includes opening additional INVO Centers, completing the acquisition of Wisconsin Fertility Institute and pursuing additional IVF clinic acquisitions. Until we can generate positive cash from operations, we will need to raise additional funding to meet our liquidity needs and to execute our business strategy. As in the past, we will seek debt and/or equity financing, which may not be available on reasonable terms, if at all.

 

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Although our audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022 were prepared under the assumption that we would continue operations as a going concern, the report of our independent registered public accounting firm that accompanies our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022 contains a going concern qualification in which such firm expressed substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern, based on the financial statements at that time. Specifically, as noted above, we have incurred significant operating losses and we expect to continue to incur significant expenses and operating losses as we continue to ramp up the commercialization of INVOcell and develop new INVO Centers. These prior losses and expected future losses have had, and will continue to have, an adverse effect on our financial condition. If we cannot continue as a going concern, our stockholders would likely lose most or all of their investment in us.

 

Cash Flows

 

The following table shows a summary of our cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022:

 

  2023  2022 
Cash (used in) provided by:        
Operating activities  (1,148,461)  (2,078,119)
Investing activities  (8,447)  (81,890)
Financing activities  3,255,018   315,000 

 

The following table shows a summary of our cash flows for the year ended December 31:

 

  2022  2021 
Cash (used in) provided by:        
Operating activities  (6,603,319)  (6,029,914)
Investing activities  (81,217)  (2,153,512)
Financing activities  1,089,800   3,770,537 

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

 

As of March 31, 2023, we had approximately $2.2 million in cash compared to approximately $3.8 million as of March 31, 2022. Net cash used in operating activities for the first three months of 2023 was approximately $1.1 million, compared to approximately $2.1 million for the same period in 2022. The decrease in net cash used in operating activities was primarily due to the increase in accounts payable and accrued compensation. As of December 31, 2022, we had approximately $0.09 million in cash compared to approximately $5.7 million as of December 31, 2021. Net cash used in operating activities in 2022, was approximately $6.6 million, compared to approximately $6.0 million for the same period in 2021. The increase in net cash used in operations was primarily due to the increase in operating expenses.

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2023, cash used in investing activities of $8 thousand was primarily related to a loss on equity method for the JVs. During the three months ended March 31, 2022, cash used in investing activities of approximately $0.1 million was primarily related to a loss on equity method for the JVs, payments to acquire property, plant, and equipment, as well as investment in trademarks. During the year ended December 31, 2022, cash used in investing activities of approximately $0.1 million was primarily related to investments in support of our INVO Center joint ventures. During the year ended December 31, 2021, cash used in investing activities of approximately $2.2 million was primarily related to payments to acquire equipment for and to investments for the start-up and initial operation of our INVO Center joint ventures.

 

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Cash Flows from Financing Activities

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2023 cash provided by financing activities of approximately $3.3 million was primarily related to the sale of Common Stock and convertible notes. During the three months ended March 31, 2022, cash provided by financing activities of approximately $0.3 million primarily related to the sale of Common Stock, net of offering costs. During the year ended December 31, 2022, cash provided by financing activities of approximately $1.1 million was related to proceeds from demand notes and from the sale of common stock. During the year ended December 31, 2021, cash provided by financing activities of approximately $3.8 million was primarily related to proceeds from the sale of common stock and the exercise of unit purchase options and warrants.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition presented in this section is based upon our audited consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. During the preparation of the financial statements, we are required to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate, based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, our results, which allows us to form a basis for making judgments on the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates based on variance with our assumptions and conditions. A summary of significant accounting policies is included below. Management believes that the application of these policies on a consistent basis enables us to provide useful and reliable financial information about our operating results and financial condition.

 

See Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the period ended March 31, 2023 for a summary of significant accounting policies and the effect on our financial statements.

 

Stock Based Compensation

 

We account for stock-based compensation under the provisions of ASC 718-10 Share-Based Payment (formerly SFAS 123R). This statement requires us to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award. That cost is recognized over the period in which the employee is required to provide service or performance goals in exchange for the award, which is usually immediate but sometimes over a vesting period. Warrants granted to non-employees are recorded as an expense over the requisite service period based on the grant date and the estimated fair value of the grant, which is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

We recognize revenue on arrangements in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The core principle of ASC 606 is to recognize revenues when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled for those goods or services ASC 606 requires companies to assess their contracts to determine the timing and amount of revenue to recognize under the new revenue standard. The model has a five-step approach:

 

1.Identify the contract with the customer.
  
2.Identify the performance obligations in the contract.
  
3.Determine the total transaction price.
  
4.Allocate the total transaction price to each performance obligation in the contract.
  
5.Recognize as revenue when (or as) each performance obligation is satisfied.

 

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Variable Interest Entities

 

The Company’s consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities (“VIE”), where the Company is the primary beneficiary under the provisions of ASC 810, Consolidation (“ASC 810”). A VIE must be consolidated by its primary beneficiary when, along with its affiliates and agents, the primary beneficiary has both: (i) the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance; and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive the benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The Company reconsiders whether an entity is still a VIE only upon certain triggering events and continually assesses its consolidated VIEs to determine if it continues to be the primary beneficiary.

 

Equity Method Investments

 

Investments in unconsolidated affiliates in which we exert significant influence but do not control or otherwise consolidate are accounted for using the equity method. Equity method investments are initially recorded at cost. These investments are included in investment in joint ventures in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Our share of the profits and losses from these investments is reported in loss from equity method investment in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Management monitors its investments for other-than-temporary impairment by considering factors such as current economic and market conditions and the operating performance of the investees and records reductions in carrying values when necessary.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Effective or Adopted

 

Management does not believe that any recently issued, but not yet effective accounting pronouncements, if adopted, would have a material impact on the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

The following Summary Compensation Table sets forth, for the years indicated, all cash compensation paid, distributed or accrued for services, including salary and bonus amounts, rendered in all capacities by the Company’s “named executive officers” for SEC reporting purposes.

 

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

 

Name and Principal Position Year  Salary ($)  Bonus ($)  Stock Awards ($)  Option Awards ($)  

All other

Compensation ($)

  Total ($) 
                      
Steven Shum  2022   260,000(2)  -   72,601(3)  169,400(4)  -   502,001 
Chief Executive Officer (1)  2021   260,000   37,500   -   -   -   297,500 
                             
Andrea Goren  2022   215,000(5)  -   19,353(6)  361,468(7)  -   595,821 
Chief Financial Officer  2021   171,458(8)  76,275(9)  36,875(10)  -   -   284,608 
                             
Michael Campbell  2022   220,000(11)  -   55,002(12)  55,002(13)  -   330,004 
Chief Operating Officer  2021   220,000   110,000   -   -   -   330,000 
Vice President, Business Development                            

 

(1)Mr. Shum did not receive any additional compensation for being a member of the board.
(2)As of December 31, 2022, Mr. Shum deferred $49,771 of his salary, which the Company expects to pay before the end of 2023.
(3)Amounts reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of the 1,006 shares of common stock. This amount does not reflect the actual economic value realized by Mr. Shum. The restricted stock grant issued to Mr. Shum provides for 50% vesting at 6 months and 50% vesting at 12 months based on continued employment during that time.
(4)Amounts reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of the 2,851 shares of common stock underlying the stock option on the date of grant without regards to forfeitures, computed in accordance with ASC 718. This amount does not reflect the actual economic value realized by Mr. Shum. The options issued to Mr. Shum provide for equal monthly vesting over a 3-year period based on continued employment during that time.
(5)As of December 31, 2022, Mr. Goren deferred $40,502 of his salary, which the Company expects to pay before the end of 2023.
(6)Amounts reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of the 269 shares of common stock. This amount does not reflect the actual economic value realized by Mr. Goren. The restricted stock grant issued to Mr. Goren provides for 50% vesting at 6 months and 50% vesting at 12 months based on continued employment during that time.
(7)Amounts reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of the 4,385 shares of common stock underlying the stock option on the date of grant without regards to forfeitures, computed in accordance with ASC 718. This amount does not reflect the actual economic value realized by Mr. Goren. The options issued to Mr. Goren provide for equal monthly vesting over a 3-year period based on continued employment during that time.
(8)Mr. Goren received $50,000 in salary as advisor to CEO and $121,458 salary as CFO.
(9)Mr. Goren received $25,000 bonus as advisor to the CEO and $61,275 bonus as CFO.
(10)Amounts reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of the 250 shares of common stock. This amount does not reflect the actual economic value realized by Mr. Goren. The restricted stock grant issued to Mr. Goren provide for equal monthly vesting over a 12-month period based on continued employment during that time.
(11)As of December 31, 2022, Mr. Campbell deferred $15,369 of his salary, which the Company expects to pay before the end of 2023.
(12)Amounts reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of the 762 shares of common stock. The restricted stock grant issued to Mr. Campbell provide for 50% vesting at 6 months and 50% vesting at 12 months based on continued employment during that time.
(13)Amounts reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of the 926 shares of common stock underlying the stock option on the date of grant without regards to forfeitures, computed in accordance with ASC 718. This amount does not reflect the actual economic value realized by Mr. Campbell. The options issued to Mr. Campbell provide for equal monthly vesting over a 3-year period based on continued employment during that time.

 

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Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table

 

Except as otherwise described below, there are no compensatory plans or arrangements, including payments to be received from the Company with respect to any named executive officer, that would result in payments to such person because of his resignation, retirement or other termination of employment with the Company, or our subsidiaries, any change in control, or a change in the person’s responsibilities following a change in control of the Company.

 

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT END OF 2022

 

The following table provides information about outstanding stock options issued by the Company held by each of our NEOs as of December 31, 2022. None of our NEOs held any other equity awards from the Company as of December 31, 2022.

 

  Option Awards Stock Awards 
Name Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable
  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable
  Option
Exercise
Price
($)
  Option
Expiration
Date
 

Number of

Shares of

Stock That

Has Not

Yet Vested

  

Market Value

of Stock

that has not

Yet Vested

 
Steve Shum  7,027   4,980   72.2-161.4  12/05/30-01/14/32  503   4,262 
                       
Andrea Goren  7,550   4,961   61.4-161.4  08/10/30-01/14/32  135   1,136 
                       
Michael Campbell  12,188   3,393   61.4-161.4  01/17/30-01/14/32  381   3,228 

 

Employment Agreements

 

Steven Shum

 

On October 16, 2019, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Steven Shum (the “Shum Employment Agreement”), pursuant to which Mr. Shum serves as chief executive officer on an at-will basis at an annual base salary of $260,000. The Shum Employment Agreement provided for a performance bonus of $75,000 upon a successful up-listing to the Nasdaq Stock Market, with all other bonuses to be determined by the Board in its sole discretion. In addition to his base salary and performance bonus, Mr. Shum was granted: (i) 625 shares of our common stock and (ii) a three-year option to purchase 10,130 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $163.20 per share. This option vested monthly over its 3-year term. Pursuant to the Shum Employment Agreement, Mr. Shum is also entitled to customary benefits, including health insurance and participation in employee benefit plans. The Shum Employment Agreement provides that if Mr. Shum is terminated without cause (as defined in the Shum Employment Agreement) or he resigns his employment due to a constructive termination (as defined in the Shum Employment Agreement) then he will be entitled to receive, as severance, (a) 12 month’s base salary continuation, (b) 6 months reimbursement of payments for continuing health coverage, pursuant to COBRA, and (c) continued vesting of his shares for a period of 6 months following such employment termination.

 

-33-
 

 

Andrea Goren

 

On June 14, 2021, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Andrea Goren (the “Goren Employment Agreement”), pursuant to which Mr. Goren was hired as the Company’s chief financial officer. The Goren Employment Agreement provides for an annual base salary of $215,000 and a target annual incentive bonus of up to 50% of base salary if the Company achieves goals and objectives determined by the Board. In connection with the Goren Employment Agreement, on June 14, 2021 the Company granted Mr. Goren a stock option under the 2019 Plan to purchase 3,625 shares of the Company common stock (the “Goren Option”). The Goren Option vests in equal monthly installments over a 3-year period, has a term of 10 years and can be exercised at a price of $104.10 per share. Also, in connection with the Goren Employment Agreement, as of July 1, 2021, Mr. Goren was granted a restricted stock award for 250 share of Company common stock (the “Goren RSA”). The Goren RSA vested in equal monthly installments over a 12-month period. Mr. Goren is also entitled to customary benefits, including health insurance and participation in employee benefit plans. The Goren Employment Agreement provides that if Mr. Goren terminates the Goren Employment Agreement for “cause” (as defined in the Goren Employment Agreement) or the Company terminates the Goren Employment Agreement without “cause,” then he will continue to receive his base salary for three months after termination and certain insurance benefits for twelve months after termination. The Company may terminate the Goren Employment Agreement without “cause” on 30 days’ notice.

 

Michael Campbell

 

On January 15, 2020, the Company entered into an employment agreement (the “Campbell Employment Agreement”) with Michael Campbell to serve as the Company’s chief operating officer and vice president of business development. The Campbell Employment Agreement provides for an annual base salary of $220,000, and a target annual incentive bonus of up to 50% of base salary if the Company achieves goals and objectives determined by the Board. In connection with the Campbell Employment Agreement, on January 17, 2020, the Company granted Mr. Campbell 1,563 shares of Company common stock, and an option to purchase 6,250 shares of Company common stock (the “Campbell Option”) at an exercise price of $136.82 per share. One quarter of the Campbell Option vested upon grant, and the remainder vested in monthly increments over a period of two years from the date of grant. Mr. Campbell is also entitled to customary benefits, including health insurance and participation in employee benefit plans. The Campbell Employment Agreement provides that if Mr. Campbell terminates the Campbell Employment Agreement for “cause” (as defined in the Campbell Employment Agreement) or the Company terminates the Campbell Employment Agreement without “cause,” then he will continue to receive his base salary and certain insurance benefits for three months after termination. The Company may terminate the Campbell Employment Agreement without “cause” on 60 days’ notice.

 

POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE IN CONTROL

 

If Mr. Shum is involuntarily terminated without cause or constructively terminated (in each case, as defined in the Shum Employment Agreement), then he is entitled to 12 months’ severance and continued vesting of his shares for a period of 6-months following termination.

 

If (i) Mr. Goren terminates his employment agreement for cause, (ii) the Company provides notice not to renew his employment agreement on any anniversary date, or (iii) the Company terminates his employment agreement without cause, then he is entitled to three months’ severance and insurance benefits.

 

If (i) Mr. Campbell terminates his employment agreement for cause, (ii) the Company provides notice not to renew his employment agreement on any anniversary date, or (iii) the Company terminates his employment agreement without cause, then he is entitled to three months’ severance and insurance benefits.

 

The following table sets forth quantitative information with respect to potential payments to be made to either Mr. Shum, Mr. Goren and Mr. Campbell upon termination in various circumstances. The potential payments are based on the terms of each of the employment agreements discussed above. For a more detailed description of the employment agreements, see the “Employment Agreements” section above.

 

Name Potential Payment Upon
Termination
 
  ($)  Option
Awards (#)
 
Steven Shum $260,000(1)  4,980(2)
Andrea Goren $53,750(3)  4,962(4)
Michael Campbell $55,000(5)  3,393(6)

 

(1)Mr. Shum is entitled to twelve months’ severance at the then applicable base salary rate. Mr. Shum’s current base salary is $260,000 per annum.
(2)Represents the number of unvested options at December 31, 2022. Mr. Shum’s options vest equally over a 36-month period. At December 31, 2022, there were 12 to 24 months remaining in his vesting schedule. The potential payment of shares subject to Mr. Shum’s unvested options will reduce every month as his options vest and the value of his unvested options will be based on our market price at such time.
(3)Mr. Goren is entitled to three months’ severance at the then applicable base salary rate. Mr. Goren’s current base salary is $215,000 per annum.
(4)Represents the number of unvested options at December 31, 2022. Mr. Goren’s options vest equally over a 36-month period. At December 31, 2022, there were 7 to 24 months remaining in his vesting schedule. The potential payment of shares subject to Mr. Goren’s unvested options will reduce every month as his options vest and the value of his unvested options will be based on our market price at such time.
(5)Mr. Campbell is entitled to three months’ severance at the then applicable base salary rate. Mr. Campbell’s current base salary is $220,000 per annum.
(6)Represents the number of unvested options at December 31, 2022. Mr. Campbell’s options vest equally over a 36-month period. At December 31, 2022, there were 12 to 24 months remaining in his vesting schedule. The potential payment of shares subject to Mr. Campbell’s unvested options will reduce every month as his options vest and the value of his unvested options will be based on our market price at such time.

 

-34-
 

  

Disclosure of Equity Awards Based on Material Nonpublic Information: None

 

Pay Versus Performance

 

As required by Section 953(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 and Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K, we are providing the following information about the relationship between executive compensation and certain financial performance metrics. The disclosure included in this section is prescribed by SEC rules and does not necessarily align with how we or the compensation committee view the link between financial performance and the compensation actually received or realized by our named executive officers. All information provided above under the “Pay Versus Performance” heading will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language in any such filing, except to the extent the Company specifically incorporates such information by reference.

 

The table below presents information on the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer and other named executive officers in comparison to certain performance metrics for 2022 and 2021. These metrics are not those that the compensation committee uses when setting executive compensation. The use of the term Compensation Actually Paid (CAP) is required by the rules and regulations of the SEC, and under such rules, CAP was calculated by adjusting the Summary Compensation Table (“SCT”) Total values for the applicable year as described in the footnotes to the table.

 

Year Summary Compensation Table Total for PEO (1)(2)  Compensation Actually Paid to PEO (3)  Average Summary Compensation Table Total for Non-PEO NEOs (1)(2)  Average Compensation Actually Paid to Non-PEO NEOs (3)  Value of Initial Fixed $100 Investment Based On Total Shareholder Return  Net Income 
(a)  (b)   (c)   (d)   (e)   (f)   (g) 
2022  502,001   53,054   462,913   (22,301)  14   (10,892,511)
2021  297,500   381,828   307,304   414,742   110   (6,654,940)

 

(1)The Principal Executive Officer (“PEO”) information reflected in columns (a) and (b) relates to our CEO, Steven Shum. The non-Principal Executive Officer (“non-PEO”) NEOs information reflected in columns (c) and (d) above relates to our CFO Andrea Goren and our COO Michael Campbell.
(2)The amounts shown in this column are the amounts of total compensation reported for Steven Shum or the average total compensation reported for the non-PEO NEOs, as applicable, for each corresponding year in the “Total” column of the Summary Compensation. Please refer to “Executive Compensation—Compensation Tables—Summary Compensation Table.”
(3)The amounts shown have been calculated in accordance with Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K and do not reflect compensation actually realized or received by the Company’s PEO and non-PEO NEOs. In accordance with the requirements of Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K, adjustments were made to Mr. Shum’s total compensation, or the average total compensation of the non-PEO NEOs, as applicable, as described in the tables below.

 

PEO SCT Total to CAP Reconciliation

 

Year Summary Compensation Total  

Less Stock

Awards

  

Less Option

Awards

  

Fair Value

Adjustments

to SCT

Total

  CAP 
2022 $502,001  $72,601  $169,400  $(206,946) $53,054 
2021  297,500   -   -   84,328   381,828 

 

Average Non-PEO NEOs SCT Total to CAP Reconciliation

 

Year Summary Compensation Total  

Less Stock

Awards

  

Less Option

Awards

  

Fair Value

Adjustments

to SCT

Total

  CAP 
2022 $462,913  $37,178  $208,235  $(239,801) $(22,301)
2021  307,304   18,438   -   125,876   414,472 

 

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PEO Equity Component of CAP

 

Year 

Fair Value of

Current Year

Equity Awards at

December 31,

  

Change in

Fair Value of

Prior Years’

Awards

Unvested at

December 31,

  

Change in Fair

Value of Prior

Years’ Awards

Vested through the

Year Ended

December 31,

  

Change in Fair

Value of Prior

Years’ Awards

Failed to Vest

through the Year

Ended
December 31,

  

Equity Value

Included in CAP

 
  (a)  (b)  (c)  (d)  

(e) =

(a)+(b)+(c)+(d)

 
2022 $14,953  $(159,116) $31,772  $(94,556) $(206,946)
2021  -   42,470   -   41,858   84,328 

 

Average Non-PEO NEOs Equity Component of CAP

 

Year 

Fair Value of

Current Year

Equity Awards at

December 31,

  

Change in

Fair Value of

Prior Years’

Awards

Unvested at

December 31,

  

Change in Fair

Value of Prior

Years’ Awards

Vested through the

Year Ended

December 31,

  

Change in Fair

Value of Prior

Years’ Awards

Failed to Vest

through the Year

Ended
December 31,

  

Equity Value

Included in

CAP

 
  (a)  (b)  (c)  (d)  (e) = (a)+(b)+(c)+(d) 
2022 $12,550  $(191,259) $38,928  $(100,021) $(239,801)
2021  4,856   41,360   3,802   75,858   125,876 

 

-36-
 

 

Compensation of Directors

 

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION TABLE

 

Name Year  

Fees earned or paid in cash

($)

  Stock awards ($)  Option awards ($)  All other compensation ($)  Total ($) 
                   
Trent Davis  2022   42,500(1)  32,000   31,613      -   106,113 
   2021   42,500   32,000   32,000   -   106,000 
                         
Barbara Ryan  2022   41,250(2)  31,000   30,267   -   102,877 
   2021   40,000   31,002   31,000   -   102,002 
                         
Matthew Szot  2022   55,000(3)  37,000   36,552   -   128,552 
   2021   55,000   37,002   37,002   -   129,004 
                         
Rebecca Messina  2022   41,250(4)  30,000   29,638   -   100,888 
   2021   22,417   20,666   22,897   -   65,980 
                         
Jeffrey Segal  2022   37,500(5)  29,000   28,651   -   95,151 
Former Director  2021   30,000   27,000   27,001   -   84,001 
                         
Kevin Doody  2022   25,978   27,000   26,673   -   79,651 
Former Director  2021   25,000   25,002   25,000   -   75,002 

 

(1)As of December 31, 2022, Mr. Davis deferred $10,625 of fees earned, which the Company expects to pay before the end of 2023.
(2)As of December 31, 2022, Ms. Ryan deferred $11,250 of fees earned, which the Company expects to pay before the end of 2023.
(3)As of December 31, 2022, Mr. Szot deferred $13,750 of fees earned, which the Company expects to pay before the end of 2023.
(4)As of December 31, 2022, Ms. Messina deferred $9,375 of fees earned, which the Company expects to pay before the end of 2023.
(5)As of December 31, 2022, Mr. Segal deferred $8,750 of fees earned, which the Company expects to pay before the end of 2023.

 

Director Compensation Program

 

Our current director compensation program is designed to align our director compensation program with the long-term interests of our stockholders by implementing a program comprised of cash and equity compensation.

 

In setting director compensation, we consider the amount of time that directors expend in fulfilling their duties to the Company as well as the skill level and experience required by our board of directors. We also consider board compensation practices at similarly situated companies, while keeping in mind the compensation philosophy of us and the stockholders’ interests. The directors also receive reimbursement for expenses, including reasonable travel expenses to attend board and committee meetings, reasonable outside seminar expenses, and other special board related expenses.

 

-37-
 

 

SECURITIES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS

 

The following table shows information regarding our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2022.

 

Plan Category 

Number of

securities to be

issued upon exercise of

outstanding options,

warrants and rights (a)

  

Weighted average

exercise price

of outstanding options,

warrants and rights (b)

  

Number of securities

remaining available

for future issuance

under equity

compensation plans

(excluding securities

reflected in column (c)

 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (1)  64,851(2) $68.00   33,117 
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders  -   -   - 
Total  64,851  $68.00   33,117 

 

(1) 2019 Stock Incentive Plan. On October 3, 2019, our Board adopted the 2019 Stock Incentive Plan (as amended, the “Plan”). The purpose of our Plan is to advance the best interests of the company by providing those persons who have a substantial responsibility for our management and growth with additional incentive and by increasing their proprietary interest in the success of the company, thereby encouraging them to maintain their relationships with us. Further, the availability and offering of stock options and common stock under the plan supports and increases our ability to attract and retain individuals of exceptional talent upon whom, in large measure, the sustained progress, growth and profitability which we depend. The total number of shares available for the grant of either stock options or compensation stock under the plan, including 20,641 shares approved at our shareholders meeting on October 12, 2022, is 125,000 shares, subject to annual increases of six percent (6%) of the total number of shares of outstanding Common Stock on December 31st of the preceding calendar year.

 

(2) We granted 10,206 shares subject to restricted stock grants under the Plan in the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

Our Board administers our plan and has full power to grant stock options and common stock, construe and interpret the plan, establish rules and regulations and perform all other acts, including the delegation of administrative responsibilities, it believes reasonable and proper. Any decision made, or action taken, by our Board arising out of or in connection with the interpretation and administration of the plan is final and conclusive.

 

The Board, in its absolute discretion, may award common stock to employees of, consultants to, and directors of the company, and such other persons as the Board or compensation committee may select, and permit holders of common stock options to exercise such options prior to full vesting therein and hold the common stock issued upon exercise of the option as common stock. Stock options may also be granted by our Board or compensation committee to non-employee directors of the company or other persons who are performing or who have been engaged to perform services of special importance to the management, operation or development of the company.

 

In the event that our outstanding common stock is changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind of shares or other securities of the company by reason of merger, consolidation, other reorganization, recapitalization, combination of shares, stock split-up or stock dividend, prompt, proportionate, equitable, lawful and adequate adjustment shall be made of the aggregate number and kind of shares subject to stock options which may be granted under the plan.

 

Our Board may at any time, and from time to time, suspend or terminate the plan in whole or in part or amend it from time to time in such respects as our Board may deem appropriate and in our best interest.

 

-38-
 

 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

 

The following table and notes set forth the beneficial ownership of the common stock of the Company as of June __,July 21, 2023, by each person who was known by the Company to beneficially own more than 5% of the common stock, by each director and named executive officer, and by all directors and executive officers as a group. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and includes voting or dispositive power with respect to the securities. Unless otherwise indicated below, to our knowledge, all persons listed below have sole voting and dispositive power with respect to their shares of our common stock, except to the extent authority is shared by spouses under applicable law. Unless otherwise noted, the address of all of the individuals and entities named below is c/o INVO Bioscience, Inc., 5582 Broadcast Court Sarasota, Florida, 34240.

 

The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of June __,July 21, 2023 for:

 

 each person, or group of affiliated persons, who is known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our common shares;
   
 each of our named executive officers;
   
 each of our directors; and
   
 all of our current executive officers and directors as a group.

 

The percentage ownership information is based upon 826,879 shares of common stock outstanding as of July 7,21, 2023. The percentage ownership information shown in the table after this offering is based upon _________1,585,000 Units offered in this offering (and 2,411,879 shares of common stock offered in this offering.outstanding after the offering). 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. Unless otherwise indicated the address for persons listed in the table is c/o INVO Bioscience, Inc., 5582 Broadcast Court, Sarasota, FL 34240.

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner (1) 

Number

of Shares

  Percentage of Common Stock  Percentage of Common Stock Beneficially Owned After this Offering  

Number

of Shares

  Percentage of Common Stock  Percentage of Common Stock Beneficially Owned After this Offering 
5% Stockholders:                        
None  -   -   -   -   -   - 
                                    
Officers and Directors                        
Andrea Goren  18,860(3)  2.25%   %  18,860(2)  2.25%  

0.78

%
Michael Campbell  18,097(4)  2.15%   %  18,097(3)  2.15%  0.75%
Steve Shum  16,162(5)  1.93%   %  16,162(4)  1.93%  0.67%
Matthew Szot  5,634(6)  0.68%   %  5,634(5)  0.68%  0.23%
Trent Davis  5,201(7)  0.63%   %  5,201(6)  0.63%  0.22%
Barbara Ryan  5,021(8)  0.60%   %  5,021(7)  0.60%  0.21%
Rebecca Messina  4,092(9)  0.49%   %  4,092(8)  0.49%  0.17%
All directors and executive officers as a group (7 persons)  73,067   8.73%   %  73,067   8.73%  

3.02

%

 

(1)Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each current director or executive officer is INVO Bioscience, Inc. 5582 Broadcast Court Sarasota, Florida 34240.
(2)The address is 88 Chestnut Street, Winchester, MA 01889.
(3)Includes: 11,400 shares of common stock under options (either presently exercisable or within 60 days of July 7,21, 2023).

 

-39-
 

 

(4)(3)Includes: 14,690 shares of common stock under options (either presently exercisable or within 60 days of July 7,21, 2023).
(5)(4)Includes: 10,243 shares of common stock under options (either presently exercisable or within 60 days of July 7,21, 2023).
(6)(5)Includes: 3,675 shares of common stock under options (either presently exercisable or within 60 days of July 7,21, 2023).
(7)(6)Includes: 3,520 shares of common stock under options (either presently exercisable or within 60 days of July 7,21, 2023).
(8)(7)Includes: 3,442 shares of common stock under options (either presently exercisable or within 60 days of July 7,21, 2023).
(9)(8)Includes: 2,942 shares of common stock under options (either presently exercisable or within 60 days of July 7,21, 2023).

 

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Related Party Transactions Policy and Procedures

 

We have adopted a written policy with respect to the review, approval, and ratification of related party transactions. Under the policy, any transactions where the amount involved exceeds the lesser of $120,000 or one percent (1%) of the average of our total assets at year-end for the last two completed fiscal years and in which any related person has or will have a direct or indirect material interest, other than equity and other compensation, termination and other arrangements which are described under the headings “Compensation of Directors” and “Executive and Director Compensation,” is defined as a related party transaction. Any such related party transactions are reviewed and must be approved by the Company’s board of directors.

 

Certain Related Party Transactions

 

In October 2021, Paulson Investment Company served as a placement agent for the Company’s registered direct offering and received fees and commissions for such role in the amount of $323,584. Trent Davis, one of the Company’s directors, is President of Paulson Investment Company. Mr. Davis did not receive any compensation related to the fees and commissions received by Paulson. Steve Shum and Andrea Goren, the CEO and CFO of the Company, respectively, each purchased 1,534 shares in the registered direct offering for gross proceeds of $199,994.

 

In the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company received $700,000 through the issuance of demand notes from related parties, as follows: (a) $500,000 from JAG; (b) $100,000 from our chief executive officer, Steve Shum; and (c) $100,000 from our chief financial officer, Andrea Goren. The Company’s CFO is a beneficiary of JAG but does not have any control over JAG’s investment decisions with respect to the Company. See Note 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

 

As of December 31, 2022 the Company owed accounts payable to related parties totaling $76,948, primarily related to unpaid employee expense reimbursements and unpaid board fees.

 

-40-
 

 

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES

 

The following description of the Company’s capital stock and provisions of its Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws are summaries and are qualified by reference to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.

 

General

 

Our Articles of Incorporation authorizes the issuance of 106,250,000 shares of capital stock, 6,250,000 shares of which are designated as common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and 100,000,000 of which are designated as preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share. As of July 7,21, 2023, we have 826,879 shares of common stock issued and outstanding and no shares of preferred stock issued or outstanding.

 

Common Stock

 

Each stockholder of our common stock is entitled to a pro rata share of cash distributions made to stockholders, including dividend payments. The holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote for each share of record on all matters to be voted on by stockholders. There is no cumulative voting with respect to the election of our directors or any other matter. Therefore, the holders of more than 50% of the shares voted for the election of those directors can elect all of the directors. The holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends when and if declared by our board of directors from funds legally available therefore. Cash dividends are at the sole discretion of our board of directors. In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of common stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining available for distribution to them after payment of our liabilities and after provision has been made for each class of stock, if any, having any preference in relation to our common stockholders of shares of our common stock have no conversion, preemptive or other subscription rights, and there are no redemption provisions applicable to our common stock.

 

Preferred Stock

 

The board of directors is authorized, subject to any limitations prescribed by law, without stockholder approval, to issue up to an aggregate of 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series and to fix the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions granted to or imposed upon the preferred stock, including voting rights, dividend rights, conversion rights, redemption privileges and liquidation preferences. The rights of the holders of common stock will be subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of holders of any preferred stock that may be issued in the future. Issuance of preferred stock, while providing flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of INVO Bioscience. We have no present plans to issue any shares of preferred stock.

 

Options

 

As of July 7,21, 2023, we have options to purchase up to 122,428 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding at a weighted average exercise price of $42.00 per share.

 

Unit Purchase Options

 

As of July 7,21, 2023, we have unit purchase options to purchase up to 4,645 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $64.00 per share.

 

Warrants

 

As of July 7,21, 2023, we have warrants to purchase up to 343,482 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding at an exercise price between $10.00 and $192.00 per share.

 

-41-
 

 

Warrants Offered in this Offering

 

The following summary of certain terms and provisions of the warrants to purchase common stock that are being offered hereby (not including the Placement Agent Warrants, as described in the section of this prospectus titled “Plan of Distribution”) is not complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the provisions of the warrants, the form of which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. Prospective investors should carefully review the terms and provisions of the form of warrant for a complete description of the terms and conditions of the warrants. The warrants will be issued in certificated form.

 

Duration and Exercise Price

 

The warrants are exercisable from and after the date of their issuance and expire on the anniversary of such date, at an exercise price per share of common stock equal to 100% of the combined public offering price per share of common stock and accompanying warrantUnit in this offering. The holder of a warrant will not be deemed a holder of our underlying common stock until the warrant is exercised. No fractional shares of common stock will be issued in connection with the exercise of warrant. Instead, for any such fractional share that would have otherwise been issued upon exercise of a warrant, we will round such fraction down to the next whole share.

 

Exercisability

 

The warrants will be exercisable, at the option of each holder, in whole or in part, by delivering to us a duly executed exercise notice accompanied by payment in full for the number of shares of our common stock purchased upon such exercise (except in the case of a cashless exercise as discussed below). A holder (together with its affiliates) may not exercise any portion of the warrant to the extent that the holder would own more than 4.99% of the outstanding common stock immediately after exercise, except that upon at least 61 days’ prior notice from the holder to us, the holder may increase the amount of beneficial ownership of outstanding stock after exercising the holder’s warrants up to 9.99% of the number of shares of our common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the exercise, as such percentage ownership is determined in accordance with the terms of the warrants and Delaware law. Purchasers of warrants in this offering may also elect prior to the issuance of the warrants to have the initial exercise limitation set at 9.99% of our outstanding common stock.

 

Cashless Exercise

 

If, at the time a holder exercises its warrants, a registration statement registering the issuance of the shares of common stock underlying the warrants under the Securities Act is not then effective or available for the issuance of such shares, then in lieu of making the cash payment otherwise contemplated to be made to us upon such exercise in payment of the aggregate exercise price, the holder may elect instead to receive upon such exercise (either in whole or in part) the net number of shares of common stock determined according to a formula set forth in the warrants.

 

Transferability

 

Subject to applicable laws, a warrant may be transferred at the option of the holder upon surrender of the warrant to us together with the appropriate instruments of transfer.

 

Fractional Shares

 

No fractional shares of common stock will be issued upon the exercise of warrant. Rather, the number of shares of common stock to be issued will be rounded to the nearest whole number.

 

Trading Market

 

There is no established public trading market for the warrants, and we do not expect a market to develop. In addition, we do not intend to apply to list the warrants on any national securities exchange or other nationally recognized trading system. Without an active trading market, the liquidity of the warrants will be limited.

 

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Right as a Stockholder

 

Except as otherwise provided in the warrants or by virtue of such holder’s ownership of shares of our common stock, the holders of the warrants do not have the rights or privileges of holders of our common stock with respect to the shares of common stock underlying the warrants, including any voting rights, until they exercise their warrants. The warrants will provide that holders have the right to participate in distributions or dividends paid on our common stock.

 

Fundamental Transaction

 

In the event of a fundamental transaction, as described in the warrants and generally including any reorganization, recapitalization or reclassification of our common stock, the sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of our properties or assets, our consolidation or merger with or into another person, the acquisition of more than 50% of our outstanding common stock, or any person or group becoming the beneficial owner of 50% of the voting power represented by our outstanding common stock, the holders of the warrants will be entitled to receive upon exercise of the warrants the kind and amount of securities, cash or other property that the holders would have received had they exercised the warrants immediately prior to such fundamental transaction.

 

Pre-Funded Warrants Issued in this Offering

The following summary of certain terms and provisions of the pre-funded warrants that are being offered hereby in lieu of a share of common stock is not complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the provisions of the pre-funded warrant, the form of which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

Duration and Exercise Price.

Each pre-funded warrant offered hereby will have an initial exercise price per share equal to $0.01. The pre-funded warrants will be immediately exercisable and may be exercised at any time until the pre-funded warrants are exercised in full. The exercise price and number of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise is subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of stock dividends, stock splits, reorganizations or similar events affecting our common stock and the exercise price.

Exercisability.

The pre-funded warrants will be exercisable, at the option of each holder, in whole or in part, by delivering to us a duly executed exercise notice accompanied by payment in full for the number of shares of our common stock purchased upon such exercise (except in the case of a cashless exercise as discussed below). There is no expiration date for the pre-funded warrants. A holder (together with its affiliates) may not exercise any portion of the pre-funded warrant to the extent that the holder would own more than 4.99% (or at the election of the holder prior to the issuance of any pre-funded warrants, 9.99%) of the outstanding shares of common stock immediately after exercise. Any holder may increase such percentage to any percentage not in excess of 9.99% upon at least 61 days’ prior notice to us. No fractional shares of common stock will be issued in connection with the exercise of a pre-funded warrant. In lieu of fractional shares of common stock, we will pay the holder an amount in cash equal to the fractional amount multiplied by the exercise price of such pre-funded warrant or round up to the next whole share.

Cashless Exercise.

In lieu of making the cash payment otherwise contemplated to be made to us upon such exercise in payment of the aggregate exercise price, the holder may elect instead to receive upon such exercise (either in whole or in part) the net number of shares of common stock determined according to a formula set forth in the pre-funded warrants.

Fundamental Transaction.

In the event of a fundamental transaction, as described in the pre-funded warrants and generally including any reorganization, recapitalization or reclassification of our common stock, the sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of our properties or assets, our consolidation or merger with or into another person, the acquisition of more than 50% of our outstanding shares of common stock, or 50% or more of the voting power of our common equity , the holders of the pre-funded warrants will be entitled to receive upon exercise of the pre-funded warrants the kind and amount of securities, cash or other property that the holders would have received had they exercised the pre-funded warrants immediately prior to such fundamental transaction.

Transferability.

Subject to applicable laws, a pre-funded warrant may be transferred at the option of the holder upon surrender of the pre-funded warrant to us together with the appropriate instruments of transfer.

Exchange Listing.

We do not intend to list the pre-funded warrants on any securities exchange or nationally recognized trading system.

Rights as a Stockholder.

Except as otherwise provided in the pre-funded warrants or by virtue of such holder’s ownership of shares of our common stock, the holders of the pre-funded warrants do not have the rights or privileges of holders of our common stock, including any voting rights, until they exercise their pre-funded warrants

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

 

Pursuant to a placement agency agreement, we have engaged ____________Maxim Group LLC to act as our exclusive placement agent to solicit offers to purchase the securities offered by this prospectus. The Placement Agent is not purchasing or selling any securities, nor is it required to arrange for the purchase and sale of any specific number or dollar amount of securities, other than to use its “reasonable best efforts” to arrange for the sale of the securities by us. Therefore, we may not sell the entire amount of securities being offered. The placement agency agreement also provides that the Placement Agent’s obligations are subject to conditions contained in the placement agency agreement. We will enter into a securities purchase agreement directly with the investors, at the investor’s option, who purchase our securities in this offering. Investors who do not enter into a securities purchase agreement shall rely solely on this prospectus in connection with the purchase of our securities in this offering. The Placement Agent may engage one or more subagents or selected dealers in connection with this offering.

 

We are offering up to a maximum of $15.0 million of our common stock and warrants1,585,000 Units in this offering. There will be no minimum amount of proceeds as a condition to closing of this offering. The actual amount of gross proceeds, if any, in this offering could vary substantially from the gross proceeds from the sale of the maximum amount of securities being offered in this prospectus.

 

In connection with this offering, the Placement Agent may distribute prospectuses electronically.

 

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Placement Agent, Commissions and Expenses

 

Upon the closing of this offering, we will pay the Placement Agent a cash transaction fee equal to seven percent (7.0%) of the aggregate gross cash proceeds to us from the sale of the securities in the offering. In addition, we will reimburse the Placement Agent for its out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with this offering, including the fees and expenses of the counsel for the Placement Agent of up to $90,000.

 

The following table shows the public offering price, Placement Agent fees and proceeds, before expenses, to us.

 

  

Per Share and

Accompanying

Warrants

  Per Pre-Funded WarrantTotal 
Public offering price$ $                     $             
Placement Agent’s fee $  $$ 
Proceeds, before expenses, to us $  $$ 

 

We estimate that the total expenses of the offering, including registration, filing and listing fees, printing fees and legal and accounting expenses, but excluding Placement Agent fees and the Placement Agent’s accountable expense, will be approximately $[●], all of which are payable by us.

 

Placement Agent Warrants

 

Upon the closing of this offering, we shall grantWe have also agreed to issue to the Placement Agent, common stock purchase warrants (the Placement“Placement Agent WarrantsWarrants”) coveringto purchase a number of shares of Common Stockcommon stock equal to seven percent (7.0%)7.0% of the total number of securitiesUnits sold in thethis offering. The Placement Agent Warrants will have an exercise price equal to 110.0% of the offering price of the Units sold in this offering and may be non-exercisable forexercised on a cashless basis. The Placement Agent Warrants are exercisable commencing six (6) months afterfrom the effective date of the Registration Statementregistration statement for this offering of which this prospectus forms a part and will expireterminate five (5) years after such date. The Placement Agent Warrants will provide for anti-dilution protection. Theare not redeemable by us. We have agreed to one demand registration at our expense, an additional demand registration at the warrant holders’ expense, and unlimited “piggyback” registration rights of the common stock underlying the Placement Agent Warrants will be exercisable at our expense for a price equal to 110.0%period of five (5) years after the public offering price per shareclosing of common stock and warrant in this offering. The Placement Agent Warrants shalland the shares underlying the Placement Agent Warrants have been deemed compensation by FINRA and are therefore subject to a 180-day lock-up pursuant to Rule 5110(e)(1) of FINRA. The Placement Agent (or permitted assignees under the Rule) may not sell, transfer, assign, pledge or hypothecate the warrants or the shares underlying the warrants, nor will they be redeemable.the subject of any hedging, short sale, derivative, put or call transaction that would result in the effective economic disposition of the warrants or the underlying shares for a period of 180 days from the effective date of the registration statement for this offering, except to any FINRA member participating in the offering and their bona fide officers or partners or as otherwise permitted under FINRA Rule 5110(e)(2). The Placement Agent Warrants may not be transferred, assigned or hypothecated for a period of six (6) months following the closing of this offering, except that they may be assigned, in whole or in part, to any successor, officer, manager or member of the Placement Agent (or to officers, managers or members of any such successor or member), The Placement Agent Warrants may be exercised as to all or a lesser number of shares of Common Stock, will provide for cashless exerciseadjustment in the number and will contain provisions for one certain demand and piggyback registration rights with respectprice of such warrants (and the shares underlying such warrants) in the event of recapitalization, merger or other structural transaction to prevent mechanical dilution or in the saleevent of the underlying shares of Common Stock.a future financing undertaken by us.

 

Lock-Up Agreements

 

We, all of our directors and officers, and the holders of 5% or more of our outstanding Common Stock (and all holders of securities exercisable for or convertible into shares of common stock), have agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not to offer, issue, sell, contract to sell, encumber, grant any option for the sale of or otherwise dispose of any of our Common Stock or other securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for our Common Stock for a period of six (6) months after this offering is completed without the prior written consent of the Placement Agent.

 

The Placement Agent may in its sole discretion and at any time without notice release some or all of the shares subject to lock-up agreements prior to the expiration of the lock-up period. When determining whether or not to release shares from the lock-up agreements, the Placement Agent will consider, among other factors, the security holder’s reasons for requesting the release, the number of shares for which the release is being requested and market conditions at the time.

 

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Right if First Refusal

 

Upon the closing of this offering, until December 27, 2024, we shall grant the Placement Agent the right of first refusal to act as sole managing underwriter and sole book runner, sole placement agent, or sole sales agent, for any and all future public or private equity, equity-linked or debt (excluding commercial bank debt) offerings for which the Company retains the service of an underwriter, agent, advisor, finder or other person or entity in connection with such offering during such period of the Company, or any successor to or any subsidiary of the Company. The Company shall not offer to retain any entity or person in connection with any such offering on terms more favorable than terms on which it offers to retain the Placement Agent. Such offer shall be made in writing in order to be effective. The Placement Agent shall notify the Company within ten (10) business days of its receipt of the written offer contemplated above as to whether or not it agrees to accept such retention. If the Placement Agent should decline such retention, the Company shall have no further obligations to the Placement Agent with respect to the offering for which it has offered to retain the Placement Agent.

 

Indemnification

 

We have agreed to indemnify the Placement Agent against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and to contribute to payments that the Placement Agent may be required to make for these liabilities.

 

Tail

 

If there is a closing of this offering, or if our agreement with the Placement Agent is terminated prior to closing of this offering, then if within twelve (12) months following such time, the Company completes any financing of equity, equity-linked, convertible or debt or other capital raising activity with, or receives any proceeds from, any of the investors contacted or introduced by the Placement Agent during the term of the engagement agreement, then the Company will pay the Placement Agent upon the closing of such financing or receipt of such proceeds a cash transaction fee equal to seven percent (7.0%) of the aggregate gross cash proceeds of such transaction, Placement Agent Warrants in an amount equal to 7% of the number of securities sold in that financing plus accountable expenses not to exceed $90,000.

 

Regulation M

 

The Placement Agent may be deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of Section 2(a)(11) of the Securities Act, and any commissions received by it and any profit realized on the resale of the securities sold by it while acting as principal might be deemed to be underwriting discounts or commissions under the Securities Act. As an underwriter, the Placement Agent would be required to comply with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, including, without limitation, Rule 10b-5 and Regulation M under the Exchange Act. These rules and regulations may limit the timing of purchases and sales of our securities by the placement agent acting as principal. Under these rules and regulations, the Placement Agent (i) may not engage in any stabilization activity in connection with our securities and (ii) may not bid for or purchase any of our securities or attempt to induce any person to purchase any of our securities, other than as permitted under the Exchange Act, until it has completed its participation in the distribution.

 

Determination of Offering Price

 

The actual offering price of the securities were negotiated between us, the Placement Agent and the investors in the offering based on the trading of our Common Stock prior to the offering, among other things. Other factors considered in determining the public offering price of the securities we are offering, include our history and prospects, the stage of development of our business, our business plans for the future and the extent to which they have been implemented, an assessment of our management, the general conditions of the securities markets at the time of the offering and such other factors as were deemed relevant.

 

Electronic Distribution

 

A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on a website maintained by the Placement Agent. In connection with the offering, the Placement Agent or selected dealers may distribute prospectuses electronically. No forms of electronic prospectus other than prospectuses that are printable as Adobe® PDF will be used in connection with this offering.

 

Other than the prospectus in electronic format, the information on the Placement Agent’s website and any information contained in any other website maintained by the Placement Agent is not part of the prospectus or the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, has not been approved and/or endorsed by us or the Placement Agent in its capacity as placement agent and should not be relied upon by investors.

 

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Certain Relationships

 

The Placement Agent and its affiliates have and may in the future provide, from time to time, investment banking and financial advisory services to us in the ordinary course of business, for which they may receive customary fees and commissions.

 

Selling Restrictions

 

Other than in the United States of America, no action has been taken by us or the Placement Agent that would permit a public offering of the securities offered by this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. The securities offered by this prospectus may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, nor may this prospectus or any other offering material or advertisements in connection with the offer and sale of any such securities be distributed or published in any jurisdiction, except under circumstances that will result in compliance with the applicable rules and regulations of that jurisdiction. Persons into whose possession this prospectus comes are advised to inform themselves about and to observe any restrictions relating to the offering and the distribution of this prospectus. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities offered by this prospectus in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or a solicitation is unlawful.

 

European Economic Area

 

In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area (each, a Member State), no Common Shares have been offered or will be offered pursuant to this offering to the public in that Member State prior to the publication of a prospectus in relation to our Common Shares which has been approved by the competent authority in that Member State or, where appropriate, approved in another Member State and notified to the competent authority in that Member State, all in accordance with the Prospectus Regulation, except that offers of shares may be made to the public in that Member State at any time under the following exemptions under the Prospectus Regulation:

 

 (a)to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined in the Prospectus Regulation;

 

 (b)by the placement agent to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined in the Prospectus Regulation), subject to obtaining the prior written consent of the representatives for any such offer; or

 

 (c)in any other circumstances falling within Article 1(4) of the Prospectus Regulation,

 

provided that no such offer of our Common Shares shall result in a requirement for us or any underwriter to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Regulation or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 23 of the Prospectus Regulation.

 

Each person in a Member State who initially acquires any of our Common Shares or to whom any offer is made will be deemed to have represented, acknowledged, and agreed with us and the representatives that it is a qualified investor within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation.

 

In the case of any of our Common Shares are being offered to a financial intermediary as that term is used in Article 5(1) of the Prospectus Regulation, each such financial intermediary will be deemed to have represented, acknowledged and agreed that the Common Shares acquired by it in the offer have not been acquired on a non-discretionary basis on behalf of, nor have they been acquired with a view to their offer or resale to, persons in circumstances which may give rise to an offer to the public other than their offer or resale in a Member State to qualified investors, in circumstances in which the prior written consent of the representatives has been obtained to each such proposed offer or resale.

 

We, the placement agent, and their affiliates will rely upon the truth and accuracy of the foregoing representations, acknowledgments, and agreements.

 

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For the purposes of this provision, the expression an “offer to the public” in relation to any of our Common Shares in any Member State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and any of our Common Shares to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for our Common Shares, and the expression “Prospectus Regulation” means Regulation (EU) 2017/1129.

 

United Kingdom

 

No shares have been offered or will be offered pursuant to this offering to the public in the United Kingdom prior to the publication of a prospectus in relation to the shares which has been approved by the Financial Conduct Authority, except that the shares may be offered to the public in the United Kingdom at any time:

 

 (a)to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined under Article 2 of the UK Prospectus Regulation;

 

 (b)to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined under Article 2 of the UK Prospectus Regulation), subject to obtaining the prior consent of the representatives for any such offer; or

 

 (c)in any other circumstances falling within Section 86 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, or FSMA;

 

provided that no such offer of the shares shall require the us or any placement agent to publish a prospectus pursuant to Section 85 of the FSMA or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 23 of the UK Prospectus Regulation. For the purposes of this provision, the expression an “offer to the public” in relation to the shares in the United Kingdom means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and any shares to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for any shares and the expression “UK Prospectus Regulation” means Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018.

 

Canada

 

The securities may be sold in Canada only to purchasers purchasing, or deemed to be purchasing, as principal that are accredited investors, as defined in National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions or subsection 73.3(1) of the Securities Act (Ontario), and are permitted clients, as defined in National Instrument 31 103 Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations. Any resale of the securities must be made in accordance with an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the prospectus requirements of applicable securities laws.

 

Securities legislation in certain provinces or territories of Canada may provide a purchaser with remedies for rescission or damages if this prospectus supplement (including any amendment thereto) contains a misrepresentation, provided that the remedies for rescission or damages are exercised by the purchaser within the time limit prescribed by the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory. The purchaser should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory for particulars of these rights or consult with a legal advisor.

 

Pursuant to section 3A.3 of National Instrument 33 105 Underwriting Conflicts (NI 33 105), the placement agent are not required to comply with the disclosure requirements of NI 33-105 regarding placement agent conflicts of interest in connection with this offering.

 

Israel

 

This document does not constitute a prospectus under the Israeli Securities Law, 5728-1968, or the Securities Law, and has not been filed with or approved by the Israel Securities Authority. In the State of Israel, this document is being distributed only to, and is directed only at, and any offer of the shares is directed only at, investors listed in the first addendum, or the Addendum, to the Israeli Securities Law, consisting primarily of joint investment in trust funds, provident funds, insurance companies, banks, portfolio managers, investment advisors, members of the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, placement agent, venture capital funds, entities with equity in excess of NIS 50 million and “qualified individuals,” each as defined in the Addendum (as it may be amended from time to time), collectively referred to as qualified investors (in each case purchasing for their own account or, where permitted under the Addendum, for the accounts of their clients who are investors listed in the Addendum). Qualified investors will be required to submit written confirmation that they fall within the scope of the Addendum, are aware of the meaning of same and agree to it.

 

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Hong Kong

 

Our Common Shares may not be offered or sold in Hong Kong by means of any document other than (1) in circumstances which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of the Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (Cap. 32 of the Laws of Hong Kong) (“Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance”) or which do not constitute an invitation to the public within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571 of the Laws of Hong Kong), or the Securities and Futures Ordinance, or (2) to “professional investors” as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance and any rules made thereunder, or (3) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a “prospectus” as defined in the Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance, and no advertisement, invitation or document relating to our Common Shares may be issued or may be in the possession of any person for the purpose of issue (in each case whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere), which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public in Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to shares which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to “professional investors” in Hong Kong as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance and any rules made thereunder.

 

Singapore

 

This prospectus has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, this prospectus and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of our Common Shares may not be circulated or distributed, nor may our Common Shares be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than (1) to an institutional investor (as defined under Section 4A of the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore, or the SFA) under Section 274 of the SFA, (2) to a relevant person (as defined in Section 275(2) of the SFA) pursuant to Section 275(1) of the SFA, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A) of the SFA, and in accordance with the conditions specified in Section 275 of the SFA or (3) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA, in each case subject to conditions set forth in the SFA.

 

Where our Common Shares are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 of the SFA by a relevant person which is a corporation (which is not an accredited investor (as defined in Section 4A of the SFA)) the sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor, the securities (as defined in Section 239(1) of the SFA) of that corporation shall not be transferable for six months after that corporation has acquired our Common Shares under Section 275 of the SFA except: (1) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the SFA or to a relevant person (as defined in Section 275(2) of the SFA), (2) where such transfer arises from an offer in that corporation’s securities pursuant to Section 275(1A) of the SFA, (3) where no consideration is or will be given for the transfer, (4) where the transfer is by operation of law, (5) as specified in Section 276(7) of the SFA, or (6) as specified in Regulation 32 of the Securities and Futures (Offers of Investments) (Shares and Debentures) Regulations 2005 of Singapore, or Regulation 32.

 

Where our Common Shares are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 of the SFA by a relevant person which is a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor (as defined in Section 4A of the SFA)) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary of the trust is an accredited investor, the beneficiaries’ rights and interest (howsoever described) in that trust shall not be transferable for six months after that trust has acquired our Common Shares under Section 275 of the SFA except: (1) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the SFA or to a relevant person (as defined in Section 275(2) of the SFA), (2) where such transfer arises from an offer that is made on terms that such rights or interest are acquired at a consideration of not less than $200,000 (or its equivalent in a foreign currency) for each transaction (whether such amount is to be paid for in cash or by exchange of securities or other assets), (3) where no consideration is or will be given for the transfer, (4) where the transfer is by operation of law, (5) as specified in Section 276(7) of the SFA, or (6) as specified in Regulation 32.

 

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Japan

 

The securities have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act of Japan (Act No. 25 of 1948, as amended), or the FIEA. The securities may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to or for the benefit of any resident of Japan (including any person resident in Japan or any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan) or to others for reoffering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to or for the benefit of any resident of Japan, except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the FIEA and otherwise in compliance with any relevant laws and regulations of Japan.

 

Dubai International Financial Centre

 

This prospectus relates to an “Exempt Offer” in accordance with the Offered Securities Rules of the Dubai Financial Services Authority, or the DFSA. This prospectus is intended for distribution only to persons of a type specified in the Offered Securities Rules of the DFSA. It must not be delivered to, or relied on by, any other person. The DFSA has no responsibility for reviewing or verifying any documents in connection with Exempt Offers. The DFSA has not approved this prospectus nor taken steps to verify the information set forth herein and has no responsibility for the prospectus. Our Common Shares to which this prospectus relates may be illiquid and/or subject to restrictions on their resale. Prospective purchasers of our Common Shares should conduct their own due diligence on such shares. If you do not understand the contents of this prospectus, you should consult an authorized financial advisor.

 

Switzerland

 

Our Common Shares may not be publicly offered in Switzerland and will not be listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, or the SIX, or on any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. This document does not constitute a prospectus within the meaning of, and has been prepared without regard to the disclosure standards for issuance prospectuses under art. 652a or art. 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations or the disclosure standards for listing prospectuses under art. 27 ff. of the SIX Listing Rules or the listing rules of any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to our Common Shares or this offering may be publicly distributed or otherwise made publicly available in Switzerland.

 

Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to this offering, our company or our Common Shares have been or will be filed with or approved by any Swiss regulatory authority. In particular, this document will not be filed with, and the offer of our Common Shares will not be supervised by, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority and the offer of our Common Shares have not been and will not be authorized under the Swiss Federal Act on Collective Investment Schemes, or the CISA. The investor protection afforded to acquirers of interests in collective investment schemes under the CISA does not extend to acquirers of our Common Shares.

 

Australia

 

No placement document, prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document has been lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, or ASIC, in relation to this offering. This prospectus does not constitute a prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document under the Corporations Act 2001, or the “Corporations Act”, and does not purport to include the information required for a prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document under the Corporations Act.

 

Any offer in Australia of our Common Shares may only be made to persons, or “Exempt Investors”, who are “sophisticated investors” (within the meaning of section 708(8) of the Corporations Act), “professional investors” (within the meaning of section 708(11) of the Corporations Act) or otherwise pursuant to one or more exemptions contained in section 708 of the Corporations Act so that it is lawful to offer our Common Shares without disclosure to investors under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act.

 

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Our Common Shares applied for by Exempt Investors in Australia must not be offered for sale in Australia in the period of 12 months after the date of allotment under this offering, except in circumstances where disclosure to investors under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act would not be required pursuant to an exemption under section 708 of the Corporations Act or otherwise or where the offer is pursuant to a disclosure document which complies with Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act. Any person acquiring our Common Shares must observe such Australian on-sale restrictions.

 

This prospectus contains general information only and does not take account of the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any particular person. It does not contain any securities recommendations or financial product advice. Before making an investment decision, investors need to consider whether the information in this prospectus is appropriate to their needs, objectives, and circumstances, and, if necessary, seek expert advice on those matters.

 

We have not engaged counsel outside of the United States to review any other country’s securities laws and therefore, notwithstanding the above, neither we nor the placement agent can assure you that the summary of the laws above are accurate as of the date of this prospectus.

 

LEGAL MATTERS

 

The validity of the securities offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP of New York, New York. ____________________Loeb & Loeb LLP, New York, New York is acting as counsel to the Placement Agent.

 

EXPERTS

 

The consolidated financial statements of INVO Bioscience, Inc. as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2022, incorporated into this prospectus and the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of which it forms a part by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, have been so incorporated in reliance on the report (which contains an explanatory paragraph relating to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern as described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements) of M&K CPAs, PLLC, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting. The combined financial statements of Wisconsin Fertility and Reproductive Surgery Associates, S.C. and Fertility Labs of Wisconsin, LLC as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2022 incorporated into this prospectus and the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of which it forms a part by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 21, 2023, have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of M&K CPAs, PLCC, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting .

 

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

 

This prospectus constitutes a part of a registration statement on Form S-1 filed under the Securities Act. As permitted by the SEC’s rules, this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, which form a part of the registration statement, do not contain all the information that is included in the registration statement. You will find additional information about us in the registration statement and its exhibits. Any statements made in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement concerning legal documents are not necessarily complete and you should read the documents that are filed as exhibits to the registration statement or otherwise filed with the SEC for a more complete understanding of the document or matter.

 

You can read our electronic SEC filings, including such registration statement, on the internet at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. We are subject to the information reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, and we file reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. These reports, proxy statements and other information will be available at the website of the SEC referred to above. We also maintain a website at www.invobio.com, at which you may access these materials free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. However, the information contained in or accessible through our website is not part of this prospectus or the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, and investors should not rely on such information in making a decision to purchase our securities in this offering.

 

-50-
 

 

INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

 

We incorporate by reference the filed documents listed below (excluding those portions of any Current Report on Form 8-K that are not deemed “filed” pursuant to the General Instructions of Form 8-K), except as superseded, supplemented or modified by this Prospectus Supplement or any subsequently filed document incorporated by reference herein as described below:

 

our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, filed with the SEC on April 17, 2023 and our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 filed with the SEC on April 27,2023;
  
our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on May 15, 2023;
  
our Current Reports on Forms 8-K filed with the SEC on January 5, 2023, January 5, 2023, January 12, 2023, January 23, 2023, February 9, 2023, February 23, 2023, March 20, 2023, March 20, 2023, March 23, 2023, March 28, 2023, March 30, 2023, April 4, 2023, May 30, 2023; June 21, 2023: June 30, 2023 July 7, 2023; July 13, 2023;July 21, 2023and July 7,24, 2023 (except for Item 2.02 and Item 7.01 of any Current Report on Form 8-K which are not deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act and are not incorporated by reference in this prospectus); and
  
the description of the Registrant’s securities, which is contained in the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the SEC on November 12, 2020 under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act, including any amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating such description, as amended and Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 filed on April 17, 2023.

 

We also incorporate by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus any future filings we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date hereof but before the completion or termination of this offering (excluding any information not deemed “filed” with the SEC).

 

Any statement contained in a document incorporated by reference herein or therein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for all purposes to the extent that a statement contained in this Prospectus Supplement and the Base Prospectus or in any other subsequently filed document which is also incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein or therein, modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus Supplement and the Base Prospectus. You may request a copy of these filings (other than an exhibit to a filing unless that exhibit is specifically incorporated by reference into that filing) at no cost by writing, telephoning or e-mailing us at the following address, telephone number or e-mail address:

 

INVO Bioscience, Inc.

5582 Broadcast Court

Sarasota, Florida 34240

(978) 878-9505

legal@invobio.com

 

Copies of these filings are also available through the “Investor Relations” section of our website at www.invobio.com. For other ways to obtain a copy of these filings, please refer to “Where You Can Find More Information” above.

 

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A picture containing text, font, logo, graphics

Description automatically generated

 

INVO Bioscience, Inc.

 

Up to $15,000,0001,585,00 Units each consisting of

Shares One Share of Common Stock

or One Pre-Funded Warrant to Purchase One Share of Common Stock

and Two Warrants , each to purchase One Share of Common Stock

 

PROSPECTUS

 

Sole Placement Agent

MAXIM GROUP LLC

 

The date of this prospectus is , 2023.

 

 
 

 

PART II - INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 

Item 13. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

 

The following table sets forth an estimate of the fees and expenses relating to the issuance and distribution of the securities being registered hereby, other than Placement Agent fees, all of which shall be borne by the registrant. All of such fees and expenses, except for the SEC registration fee, are estimated:

 

SEC registration fee $5,340.85 
Transfer agent and registrar fees and expenses $ 
Legal fees and expenses $ 
Printing fees and expenses $ 
Accounting fees and expenses $ 
Miscellaneous fees and expenses $ 
Total $ 

 

Item 14. Indemnification of Officers and Directors.

 

We are a Nevada corporation and generally governed by the Nevada Private Corporations Code, Title 78 of the Nevada Revised Statutes (the “NRS”).

 

Section 78.138 of the NRS provides that, unless the corporation’s articles of incorporation provide otherwise, a director or officer will not be individually liable unless it is proven that (i) the director’s or officer’s acts or omissions constituted a breach of his or her fiduciary duties, and (ii) such breach involved intentional misconduct, fraud, or a knowing violation of the law. Our articles of incorporation provide the personal liability of our directors is eliminated to the fullest extent permitted under the NRS.

 

Section 78.7502 of the NRS permits a company to indemnify its directors and officers against expenses, judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred in connection with a threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, or proceeding, if the officer or director (i) is not liable pursuant to NRS 78.138, or (ii) acted in good faith and in a manner the officer or director reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and, if a criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the conduct of the officer or director was unlawful. Section 78.7502 of the NRS requires a corporation to indemnify a director or officer that has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action or suit. Section 78.7502 of the NRS precludes indemnification by the corporation if the officer or director has been adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction, after exhaustion of all appeals, to be liable to the corporation or for amounts paid in settlement to the corporation, unless and only to the extent that the court determines that in view of all the circumstances, the person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses and requires a corporation to indemnify its officers and directors if they have been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any claim, issue, or matter resulting from their service as a director or officer.

 

Section 78.751 of the NRS permits a Nevada company to indemnify its officers and directors against expenses incurred by them in defending a civil or criminal action, suit, or proceeding as they are incurred and in advance of final disposition thereof, upon determination by the stockholders, the disinterested board members, or by independent legal counsel. If so provided in the corporation’s articles of incorporation, bylaws, or other agreement, Section 78.751 of the NRS requires a corporation to advance expenses as incurred upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the officer or director to repay the amount if it is ultimately determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that such officer or director is not entitled to be indemnified by the company. Section 78.751 of the NRS further permits the company to grant its directors and officers’ additional rights of indemnification under its articles of incorporation, bylaws, or other agreement.

 

Section 78.752 of the NRS provides that a Nevada company may purchase and maintain insurance or make other financial arrangements on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee, or agent of the company, or is or was serving at the request of the company as a director, officer, employee, or agent of another company, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, for any liability asserted against him and liability and expenses incurred by him in his capacity as a director, officer, employee, or agent, or arising out of his status as such, whether or not the company has the authority to indemnify him against such liability and expenses.

 

Our articles of incorporation provide for indemnification of our officers and directors to the fullest extent permissible under Nevada General Corporation Law, in accordance with the Company’s Bylaws. Our Bylaws provide for indemnification of our officers and directors to the fullest extent not prohibited by the Nevada; provided however, that the Company may modify the extent of such indemnification by individual contracts with its directors and officers; and provided, further, that the Company shall not be required to indemnify any director or officer in connection with any proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person unless (i) such indemnification is expressly required to be made by law; (ii) the proceeding was authorized by the board of directors; (iii) such indemnification is provided by the Company, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the corporation under the Nevada General Corporation Law or; (iv) such indemnification is a result of the enforcement of a contractual right.

 

II-1
 

 

See “Item 17. Undertakings” for a description of the SEC’s position regarding such indemnification provisions.

 

Item 15. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.

 

In November 2020, pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act, we issued 6 shares of common stock in consideration of consulting services rendered. We did not receive any proceeds from the issuance.

 

In November 2020, pursuant to Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act, we issued 22,685 shares of common stock with fair value of $1,366,249 are the result of the conversion of notes payables and accrued interest.

 

In November 2020, pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act, we issued 1,113 shares of common stock with a fair value of $70,562 in consideration of consulting services rendered. We did not receive any proceeds from the issuance.

 

In March 2021, we issued 555 shares of our common stock upon conversion of $35,513.60 of accrued interest under certain of our convertible notes. We did not receive any proceeds upon conversion. We relied on the exemption from registration provided by Section 3(a)(9) and/or Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

In March 2021, we issued 4,279 shares of our common stock upon exercise of outstanding unit purchase options. The unit purchase options were issued to purchase 6,556 shares and were exercised in full on a cashless basis and accordingly 2,278 shares were withheld by us at the market price of $184.00 per share less the exercise price of $64.00 per share to fund the exercise price. We relied on the exemption from registration provided by Section 3(a)(9) and/or Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

In March 2021, we issued 6,556 warrants upon the exercise in full of 6,556 unit purchase options. We did not receive any proceeds upon exercise. We relied on the exemption from registration provided by Section 3(a)(9) and/or Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

In March 2021, we issued 4,538 shares of our common stock upon exercise of outstanding warrants. The warrants were issued to purchase 6,953 shares and were exercised in full on a cashless basis and accordingly 2,416 shares were withheld by us at the market price of $184.00 per share less the exercise price of $64.00 per share to fund the exercise price. We relied on the exemption from registration provided by Section 3(a)(9) and/or Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

During 2021, we issued 4,875 shares of our common stock to consultants and employees in consideration of services rendered. These shares were issued pursuant to the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. We did not receive any proceeds from this issuance.

 

In November 2021, we issued 1,500 shares of our common stock in consideration for purchasing Effortless IVF with a fair value of $117,600. These shares were issued pursuant to the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. We did not receive any proceeds from this issuance.

 

In December 2021, we issued 3,907 shares of our common stock upon conversion of $250,000 of a convertible promissory note. We did not receive any proceeds upon conversion. We relied on the exemption from registration provided by Section 3(a)(9) and/or Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

In January 2022, the Company issued 4,732 shares of common stock to Paradigm Opportunities Fund, LP (“Paradigm”). The shares were issued pursuant to the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Company received $315,000 in proceeds from this issuance.

 

In February 2022, we issued 150 shares of common stock to consultants in consideration of services rendered. These shares were issued pursuant to the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. We did not receive any cash proceeds from this issuance.

 

In February 2023, we issued 11,667 shares of common stock to consultants in consideration of services rendered. These shares were issued pursuant to the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. We did not receive any cash proceeds from this issuance.

 

II-2
 

 

On March 27, 2023, we issued common stock purchase warrants to purchase 276,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $ $12.60 per share to certain institutional investors in a concurrent private placement along with a registered direct offering. The warrants were issued pursuant to the exemption from registration provided by Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. We did not receive any cash proceeds from this issuance.

 

On March 27, 2023, we issued common stock purchase warrants to purchase 7,360 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $ $17.93 per share to the placement agent for our registered direct offering and concurrent private placement as consideration for their services. The warrants were issued pursuant to the exemption from registration provided by Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. We did not receive any cash proceeds from this issuance.

 

In May 2023, we issued 6,115 shares of common stock to consultants in consideration of services rendered. These shares were issued pursuant to the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. We did not receive any cash proceeds from this issuance.

 

Item 16. Exhibits.

 

The list of exhibits in the Exhibit Index to this registration statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 17. Undertakings.

 

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

 

(1)To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

 

 (i)To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended;

 

 (ii)To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of this registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in this registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in the volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of the securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement; and

 

 (iii)To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in this registration statement or any material change to such information in this registration statement;

 

provided, however, that the undertakings set forth in paragraphs (1)(i), (1)(ii) and (1)(iii) above do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that are incorporated by reference in this registration statement or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of this registration statement;

 

(2)That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof;

 

(3)To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering;

 

(4)That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, to any purchaser:

 

 (i)Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424 (b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in this registration statement; and

 

 (ii)Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 (b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(l)(i), (vii) or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof; provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date;

 

II-3
 

 

 

(5)That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

 

 (i)Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

 

 (ii)Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

 

 (iii)The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

 

 (iv)Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser;

 

(6)That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof;

 

(7)Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

II-4
 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this Amendment No. 1 to registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Sarasota, State of Florida, on July 7,24, 2023.

 

 INVO BIOSCIENCE, INC.
   
 By:/s/ Steven Shum
  Steven Shum
  Chief Executive Officer

POWER OF ATTORNEY

 

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Steven Shum and Andrea Goren, and each of them, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent with full power of substitution and re-substitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign any or all amendments (including, without limitation, post-effective amendments) to this registration statement, any related registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and any or all pre- or post-effective amendments thereto, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully for all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or any substitute or substitutes for her, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated have signed this Amendment No.1 to registration statement below.

 

Signature Title Date
     
/s/ Steven Shum Chief Executive Officer and Director July 7,24, 2023
Steven Shum (principal executive officer)  
     
/s/ Andrea Goren Chief Financial Officer July 7,24, 2023
Andrea Goren (principal financial officer)  
     
/s/ Trent Davis* Director July 7,24, 2023
Trent Davis    
     
/s/ Matthew Szot* Director July 7,24, 2023
Matthew Szot    
     
/s/ Barbara Ryan* Director July 7,24, 2023
Barbara Ryan    
     
/s/ Rebecca Messina* Director July 7,24, 2023
Rebecca Messina    

*By:/s/ Steven Shum
Steven Shum, Attorney-in-Fact
Date:July 24, 2023

 

II-5
 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No. Exhibit
1.1*** Form of Placement Agency Agreement
3.1 Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 5, 2009.
3.2 Certificate of Change. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 22, 2020.
3.3 By-Laws of INVO Bioscience. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2007.
4.1 Description of Capital Stock, filed as an Exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference.
4.2 Form of Senior Secured Convertible Promissory Note, dated July 2009. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 17, 2009.
4.3 Form of Convertible Promissory Note Purchase Agreement, dated July 2009. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 17, 2009.
4.4 Form of Convertible Promissory Note, dated January 2018. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on April 16, 2019.
4.5 Form of Convertible Note Purchase Agreement, dated January 2018. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on April 16, 2019.
4.6 Form of Secured Convertible Note, dated May 2020. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 15, 2020.
4.7 Form of Unit Purchase Option, dated May 2020. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 15, 2020.
4.8 Form of Warrant, dated May 2020. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 15, 2020.
4.9 Form of Placement Agent Warrant to Purchase Common Stock, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report dated October 1, 2021 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 5, 2021 and incorporated herein by reference.
4.10 Demand Promissory Note between the registrant and JAG Multi Investments LLC, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities Exchange Commission on November 14, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference.
4.11 Form of Warrant, filed as Exhibit 4.5 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 5, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference.
4.12 Form of Debenture, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 9, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference.
4.13 Form of Warrant, filed as Exhibit 4.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 9, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference.
4.14 Form of Debenture, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 9, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference.
4.15 Form of Warrant, filed as Exhibit 4.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 9, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference.
4.17 Form of Convertible Promissory Note, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 23, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference.
4.18 Form of Warrant, filed as Exhibit 4.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 23, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference.
4.20 Form of Pre-funded Warrant, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference.
4.21 Form of Private Placement Warrant, filed as Exhibit 4.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference.
4.22 Form of Placement Agent Warrant, filed as Exhibit 4.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference.
4.23*4.23Demand Promissory Note dated July 10, 2023 issued by the registrant in favor of JAG Multi Investments LLC in the amount of $100,000, filed as Exhibit 4.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 13, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference.
4.24*** Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant
4.25***Form of Pre-Funded Warrant
5.1*** Opinion of Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP
10.1 Short Term Note, dated March 5, 2009 between the registrant and Kathleen Karloff. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 15, 2009.
10.2 Short Term Note, dated May 19, 2019 between the registrant and Kathleen Karloff. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 14, 2009.
10.3 Promissory Note, dated August 9, 2016, between the registrant and Kavanaugh Rosenthal Peisch & Ford, LLP. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 16, 2019.

 

II-6
 

 

10.4 Distribution Agreement, dated November 12, 2018, between the Registrant and Ferring International Center S.A,. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 16, 2019.
10.5 Supply Agreement, dated November 12, 2018, between the registrant and Ferring International Center S.A. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 16, 2019.
10.6 Joint Venture Agreement, dated January 13, 2020, between the registrant and Medesole Healthcare and Trading Private Limited, India. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 16, 2020.
10.7 Employment Agreement, dated October 16, 2019, between the registrant and Steven Shum. Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 15, 2019.
10.8 Employment Agreement, dated January 15, 2020, between the registrant and Michael Campbell. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 21, 2020.
10.9 Commercial Lease Agreement, dated May 1, 2019 between the registrant and PJ LLC. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 2020.
10.10 2019 Stock Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 16, 2019.
10.11 Pre-Incorporation and Shareholders Agreement between INVO Centers, LLC, Francisco Arredondo, M.D. PLLC and Ramiro Ramirez Guiterrez. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 30, 2020.
10.12 Distribution Agreement, dated November 23, 2020, between the registrant and IDS Medical Systems (M) Sdn Bhda. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 25, 2020.
10.13 Joint Venture Agreement, dated November 23, 2020, between the registrant and SNS Nurni SDN BHD. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 25, 2020.
10.14 Joint Venture Agreement, dated November 23, 2020, between the registrant and Ginekaliks Dooel. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 25, 2020.
10.15 Distribution Agreement, dated December 2, 2020, between the registrant and Tasnim Behboud Arman. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 8, 2020.
10.16 Form of Securities Purchase Agreement, dated May 2020. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 15, 2020.
10.17 Form of Security Agreement, dated May 2020. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 15, 2020.
10.18 Form of Registration Rights Agreement, dated May 2020. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 15, 2020.
10.19 Amendment No. 1 to Distribution Agreement, between the registrant and Ferring International Center S.A. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 8, 2021.
10.20 HRCFG INVO LLC Limited Liability Company Agreement, dated March 10, 2021, between the registrant and HRCFG, LLC. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2021.
10.21 Note, dated March 10, 2021, between the registrant and HRCFG, LLC. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2021.
10.22 Lease, dated March 2021, with Trustmark National Bank filed as Exhibit 10.22 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.23 Partnership Agreement dated April 9, 2021 between the registrant and Lyfe Medical, LLC, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 9, 2021 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 13, 2021 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.24 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Andrea Goren dated June 14, 2021, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 14, 2021 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 15, 2021 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.25 Joint Venture Agreement dated June 28, 2021 between INVO Centers, LLC and Bloom Fertility, LLC, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 28, 2021 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 30, 2021 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

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10.26 Limited Liability Company Agreement of Bloom INVO, LLC dated June 28, 2021, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 28, 2021 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 30, 2021 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.27 Management Services Agreement dated June 28, 2021 between Bloom INVO LLC, Bloom Fertility LLC and Sue Ellen Carpenter, filed as Exhibit 10.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 28, 2021 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 30, 2021 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.28 INVOcell Supply Agreement dated June 28, 2021 between the registrant and Bloom INVO LLC, filed as Exhibit 10.4 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 28, 2021 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 30, 2021 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.29 Intellectual Property License Agreement dated June 28, 2021 between Bloom INVO LLC and the registrant, filed as Exhibit 10.5 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 28, 2021 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 30, 2021 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.30 Intellectual Property License Agreement dated June 28, 2021 between Bloom INVO LLC, Bio X Cell Inc. and the registrant, filed as Exhibit 10.6 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 28, 2021 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 30, 2021 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.31 Sublease Agreement dated June 29, 201 between Assure Fertility Partners of Atlanta II, LLC and Bloom INVO LLC, filed as Exhibit 10.7 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 28, 2021 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 30, 2021 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.32 Guarantee of Sublease made by the registrant in favor of Assure Fertility Partners of Atlanta II, LLC and Bloom INVO, LLC, filed as Exhibit 10.8 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 28, 2021 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 30, 2021 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.33 Share Purchase Agreement dated September 1, 2021 among Ernest Broome, Lyle Oberg, Richard Ross, Dr. Seang Lin Tan, the registrant and Effortless IVF Canada Inc., filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report dated September 1, 2021 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 7, 2021 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.34 Stock Purchase Agreement dated September 30, 2021 between the registrant and Paradigm Opportunities Fund, LP, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report dated October 1, 2021 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 4, 2021 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.35 Placement Agent Agreement dated October 1, 2021 between the registrant and Paulson Investment Company, LLC, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report dated October 1, 2021 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 5, 2021 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.36 Form of Stock Purchase Agreement dated October 1, 2021 between the registrant and the purchasers set forth therein, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report dated October 1, 2021 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 5, 2021 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.37 Termination Notice from Ferring International Center S.A. dated November 2, 2021, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 2, 2021 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 8, 2021 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.38 Amendment No. 1 to Stock Purchase Agreement dated November 29, 2021 between the registrant and Paradigm Opportunities Fund LP, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 29, 2021 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 2, 2021 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.39 Amendment No. 2 to Stock Purchase Agreement dated November 29, 2021 between the registrant and Paradigm Opportunities Fund LP, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 31, 2021 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 6, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.41 Exclusive Distribution Agreement between the registrant and Onesky Holding Limited dated May 13, 2022, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 16, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.42 Lease Agreement with INVO Centers, LLC dated May 23, 2022, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 26, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.43 Second Amended and Restated 2019 Stock Option Plan, filed as Appendix A to our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 25, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.44 Distribution Agreement by and between the registrant and Ming Mei Technology Co. Ltd. dated January 3, 2023, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 5, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.45 Form of Convertible Promissory Note, filed as Exhibit 4.4 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 5, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.46 Securities Purchase Agreement dated January 4, 2023, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 5, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.47 Registration Rights Agreement dated January 4, 2023, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 5, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

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10.48 Securities Purchase Agreement dated February 3, 2023, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 9, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.49 Registration Rights Agreement to Debenture and Warrant dated February 3, 2023, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 9, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.50 Equity Purchase Agreement dated February 3, 2023, filed as Exhibit 10.4 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 9, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.51 Registration Rights Agreement to Equity Purchase Agreement dated February 3, 2023, filed as Exhibit 10.5 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 9, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.52 Asset Purchase Agreement between the registrant, WFRSA and The Elizabeth Pritts Revocable Living Trust dated March 16, 2023, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 20, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.53 Membership Interest Purchase Agreement by and between the registrant and FLOW, IVF Science, LLC dated March 16, 2023, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 20, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.54 Securities Purchase Agreement dated March 17, 2023, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 23, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.55 Registration Rights Agreement dated March 17, 2023, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 23, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.56 Placement Agency Agreement by and between the registrant and Maxim Group, LLC dated March 23, 2023, filed as Exhibit 1.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.57 Amendment to Securities Purchase Agreement dated July 7, 2023 between the registrant and Armistice Capital Master Fund Ltd., filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 7, 2023 and iucorporatedincorporated herein by referernce.reference.
10.58 Payoff Commitment Agreement Andand Confession Ofof Judgment dated July 7, 2023 between the registrant and Armistice Capital Master Fund Ltd., filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 7, 2023 and iucorporatedincorporated herein by refererncereference.
10.59Asset Purchase Agreement dated March 16, 2023, by and among Wood Violet Fertility LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, Wisconsin Fertility and Reproductive Surgery Associates, S.C., a Wisconsin professional service corporation d/b/t Wisconsin Fertility Institute (and The Elizabeth Pritts Revocable Living Trust filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 20, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.59*10.60Membership Interest Purchase Agreement dated March 16, 2023 by and among Wood Violet Fertility LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, Fertility Labs of Wisconsin, LLC, a Wisconsin limited liability company, IVF Science, LLC, a Wisconsin limited liability company owned by Wael Megid, Ph.D. and Dr. Elizabeth Pritts as trustee for the Elizabeth Pritts Revocable List Trust, a Trust created under the laws of the State of Wisconsin, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 20, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.61Closing Agreement dated July 7, 2023 for the Asset Purchase Agreement referred to in Exhibit 10.59 above, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 13, 2023.
10.62Closing Agreement dated July 7, 2023 for the Membership Interest Purchase Agreement referred to in Exhibit 10.59 above, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 13, 2023.
10.63Letter Agreement dated July 10, 2023 with JAG Multi Investments LLC, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 13, 2023.
10.64Amended and Restated Letter Agreement dated July 21, 2023 with JAG Multi Investments LLC filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 21, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.65Standard Merchant Cash Advance Agreement, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 21, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.66*** Form of Securities Purchase Agreement
21.1 Subsidiaries filed as an Exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference.
23.1* Consents of M&K CPAs, PLLC
23.2*** Consent of Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP (included as Exhibit 5.1).
24.1**** Power of Attorney (included on signature page)
107* Filing Fee Table
101.INS* Inline XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH* Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL* Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF* Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB* Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE * Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104* Cover Page Interactive Data File – the cover page of the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 is formatted in Inline XBRL

 

* Filed herewith

** Furnished herewith

***To be filed by amendment.amendment

****Previously filed

 

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