4. Stockholders' Deficit and Redeemable Convertible Series B and Series C Preferred Stock

Common Stock

In June 2014, the Company sold 1,800,000 shares of common stock with no par value and warrants for a purchase price of $900,000 (the "June 2014 Stock Purchase Agreement") to a group of private investors. See additional discussion on warrants below.

In August 2014, the Company sold 2,200,000 shares of common stock with no par value and warrants for a purchase price of $1,100,000 to a group of private investors. See additional discussion on warrants below.

In October 2014, the Company issued 1,110,000 shares of common stock with no par value to eighteen individual investors that had participated in a prior entity founded by Nemus' then current president. Such entity has been insolvent and not operating since the inception date of Nemus. The issuance of these shares was in exchange for the signing of a release of claims against the Company, its President, and the former entity. The Company recorded a general and administrative expense of $466,200 in the fourth quarter of 2014 to reflect the fair market value of the common stock issued in exchange for the release of claims. The fair market value of the common stock issued was determined via an independent third-party valuation conducted as of October 31, 2014.

In January 2015, the Company sold 241,663 shares of common stock with par value of $0.001 for a purchase price of $724,989 to a group of private investors.

In March 2015, the Company issued 24,000 shares of common stock with par value of $0.001 to a third party in exchange for services to be performed related to raising additional capital. The Company recorded a prepaid expense of $168,000 in the first quarter of 2015 to reflect the fair market value of the common stock issued and amortized this expense over the contract service period which was one year. The fair market value was determined utilizing the Company's closing stock price as of the commencement date of the contract service period. For year ended December 31, 2016, the Company amortized $12,194 to general and administrative expense which represented the completion of this agreement.

In August 2015, in conjunction with the Series B Preferred Stock sale (discussed below), the Company raised $5.0 million at $1,000 per share resulting in the automatic conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock to common stock. This resulted in the conversion of 580,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock at $2.50 per share to the equivalent of 1,812,500 shares of common stock.

In December 2015, a Series B Preferred stockholder converted 500 shares of its preferred stock to common stock as allowed under the Series B Preferred Stock Agreement (discussed below), resulting in the issuance of 625,000 shares of common stock at an effective price of $0.80 per share.

In March 2016, another Series B Preferred stockholder converted 8 shares of its preferred stock to common stock, resulting in the issuance of 10,000 shares of common stock at an effective price of $0.80 per share. In October 2016, as a result of the Series C Preferred Stock Agreement (discussed below), the conversion price of the Series B Preferred Stock was reset to $0.40. From October 2016 to December 31, 2016, Series B Stockholders converted 461 shares of its preferred stock to common, resulting in the issuance of 1,152,500 shares of common stock.

In October 2016, the Company entered into a technology license agreement with a third-party manufacturing company in order to biosynthetically manufacture cannabinoids. The terms of the agreement called for the issuance of 100,000 shares of common stock.

In December 2016, the Series C Preferred stockholder converted 39 shares of its preferred stock to common stock as allowed under the Series C Preferred Stock Agreement, resulting in the issuance of 97,500 shares of common stock at an effective price of $0.40 per share. On December 29, 2016, as a result of the signing of the Series D Preferred Stock Agreement (discussed in Note 8 below), the conversion price of the Series B and Series C Preferred Stock was reset to $0.25. From the date of this reset to December 31, 2016, the Series C Stockholder converted 75 shares of their preferred stock to common, resulting in the issuance of 300,000 shares of common stock.

Preferred Stock

The Company has authorized 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock with a par value of $0.001 per share.

Series A Preferred Stock: In April 2015, the Company sold 250,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock with par value of $0.001 and 50,000 warrants to purchase the Company's common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $625,000, or $2.50 per share to a group of private investors. The shares of preferred stock automatically convert to shares of common stock either at (i) a subsequent equity financing of at least $1,000,000 or (ii) October 1, 2015, whichever is earlier. The warrants are exercisable at a price of $5.00 per share and expire five years from the issuance date. In May 2015, the Company sold 150,000 shares and 30,000 warrants and in July 2015, the Company sold 180,000 shares and 36,000 warrants under the same terms and conditions.

The Series A Preferred Stock issued also has a "down-round" protection feature provided to the investors if the Company subsequently issues or sells any shares in a round of equity financing of at least $1,000,000 prior to October 1, 2015 in which the shares of common stock to be acquired are at a price less than $2.50 per share. The Company is required to issue additional shares of common stock to the investors in an amount such that the subscription price paid, when divided by the total number of shares issued will result in an actual price paid per share of common stock equal to such lower price. This conversion occurred as discussed above in conjunction with the Series B Preferred Stock financing totaling $5.0 million and resulted in the conversion of 580,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock at to 1,812,500 shares of common stock.

Redeemable Convertible Series B Preferred Stock: In August 2015, the Company sold 5,000 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock and warrants to purchase 6,250,000 shares of the Company's common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $1,000 per share resulting in gross proceeds of $5.0 million. Each share of preferred stock is convertible into 1,250 shares of common stock which results in an effective conversion price of $0.80 per common share and can be converted by the holder at any time. The Series B Preferred Stock issued also has a "down-round" protection feature provided to the investors if the Company subsequently issues or sell any shares of common stock, stock options, or convertible securities at a price less than the conversion price of $0.80 per common share. The conversion price is automatically adjusted down to the price of the instrument being issued. In October 2016, as a result of the Series C Preferred Stock Agreement (discussed below), the conversion price of the Series B Preferred Stock was reset to $0.40. On December 29, 2016, as a result of the Series D Preferred Stock Agreement (discussed in Note 8 below), the conversion price of the Series B Preferred Stock was reset to $0.25. The Series B shares have liquidation preference over other preferred shares and common stock and have voting rights equal to the number of common shares into which each holder's preferred stock is convertible as of the record date. The preferred stock has no dividend rights. If dividends are declared on the common stock, the holders of the preferred stock shall be entitled to participate in such dividends on an as-if converted basis. The warrants are exercisable at a price of $1.15 per share, subject to reset, and expire five years from the issuance date. See additional discussion regarding these warrants in Note 6 below.

In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, either voluntary or involuntary, Series B Preferred stockholders receive an amount per share equal to the conversion price of $0.80, subject to down-round adjustment, multiplied by the as-if converted share amount of 5,625,000 common shares, totaling $4.5 million. If upon the liquidation, the assets are insufficient to permit payments to the Series B holders, all assets legally available will be distributed in a pro rata basis among the Series B holders in proportion to the full amounts they would otherwise be entitled to receive. Any remaining assets are distributed pro rata among the common stockholders.

Subject to certain trigger events occurring, the Series B Preferred stock holders have the right to force the Company to redeem the shares of preferred stock at a price per preferred share equal to the greater of (A) 115% of the conversion amount and (B) the product of (1) the conversion rate in effect at such time and (2) the greatest closing sale price of the Common Stock during the period beginning on the date immediately preceding such triggering event and ending on the date such holder delivers the notice of redemption. Such triggering events include:

As certain of these triggering events are considered to be outside the control of the Company, the Series B Preferred Stock is considered to be contingently redeemable convertible and as a result, has been classified as mezzanine equity in the Company's balance sheet.

In December 2015, a Series B Preferred Stock holder converted 500 shares of its preferred stock to common stock at the conversion rate of 1,250:1 resulting in the issuance of 625,000 shares of common stock. In March 2016, another Series B Preferred stockholder converted 8 shares of its preferred stock to common stock at the same ratio resulting in the issuance of 10,000 shares of common stock. In October 2016, as a result of the Series C Preferred Stock Agreement (discussed below), the conversion price of the Series B Preferred Stock was reset to $0.40. From October 2016 to December 31, 2016, Series B Stockholders converted 461 shares of its preferred stock to common, at the conversion rate of 2,500:1 resulting in the issuance of 1,152,500 shares of common stock. As a result of these conversions, the liquidation preference for the Series B Preferred Stock has been reduced to $4.0 million as of December 31, 2016.

Convertible Series C Preferred Stock: In October 2016, the Company sold 500 shares of convertible preferred stock with a purchase price of $1,000 per share for gross proceeds of $500,000 to a healthcare investment fund under the Series C Preferred Stock Agreement. Each share of Preferred Stock is convertible into 2,500 shares of common stock which results in an effective conversion price of $0.40 per common share. This resulted in the reduction of the conversion price of the Series B Preferred Stock to $0.40 and a reduction in the exercise price of the Series B warrants to $0.40. As part of the terms of the Series C Preferred Stock Agreement, the Company entered into a Registration Rights Agreement with the purchaser to file a registration statement to register for resale the shares of common stock underlying the preferred shares within 30 days following the closing of the agreement. Each Preferred Stock is convertible into common stock at any time at the election of the investor. The terms of the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock are as follows:

The Company also considered the classification of the Series C Preferred Stock Agreement. Because the Most Favored Nation provision is a redemption feature that is outside the control of the Company, the Series C Preferred Stock is considered to be contingently redeemable convertible and as a result, has been classified as mezzanine equity in the Company's balance sheet.

At the date of the financing, because the effective conversion rate of the preferred stock was less than the market value of the Company’s common stock, a beneficial conversion feature of $325,000 has been recorded as a discount to the preferred stock and an increase to additional paid in capital. Because the preferred stock is perpetual, in October 2016, the Company fully amortized the discount related to the beneficial conversion feature on the deemed dividend in the consolidated statement of operations.

In December 2016, the Series C Preferred stockholder converted 39 shares of its preferred stock to common stock as allowed under the Series C Preferred Stock Agreement, resulting in the issuance of 97,500 shares of common stock at an effective price of $0.40 per share. On December 29, 2016, as a result of the signing of the Series D Preferred Stock Agreement (discussed in Note 8 below), the conversion price of the Series B and Series C Preferred Stock was reset to $0.25. From the date of this reset to December 31, 2016, the Series C Stockholder converted 75 shares of their preferred stock to common, resulting in the issuance of 300,000 shares of common stock.

Warrants

On July 17, 2012, the Company issued warrants to purchase up to 3,000,000 shares of our common stock to its founders and two advisors in consideration for services provided in the start-up of operations. The warrants are exercisable at a price of $1.00 per share and expire on June 20, 2023. The Company valued these warrants utilizing the Black-Scholes valuation model and they were determined to be of nominal value given the start-up nature of the Company's operations at the time of grant.

In conjunction with the June 2014 Stock Purchase Agreement, the Company issued warrants to purchase up to 450,000 shares of common stock to a group of private investors. The warrants are exercisable at a price of $1.00 per share and expire on June 12, 2020. The Company valued these warrants at $85,500. This amount was recorded as warrants and was reclassified from the total consideration received for both the common stock and warrants purchased.

In August 2014 as part of the June 2014 Stock Purchase Agreement, the Company issued warrants to purchase up to 550,000 shares of common stock with an exercise price of $1.00 per share that expire in August 2020. The Company valued these warrants at $104,500. This amount was recorded as warrants and was reclassified from the total consideration received for both the common stock and warrants purchased.

In March 2015, the Company entered into an agreement with a financial advisory and public relations consulting firm which included the issuance of warrants to purchase up to 90,000 shares of common stock with an exercise price of $2.50 per share with a term of five years and vest quarterly over one year. These warrants were in exchange for services performed beginning in the first quarter and were subsequently issued in April 2015. The Company estimated the vested warrant value to be $85,950 utilizing the Black Scholes option pricing model and amortized $5,145 for services provided for the year ended December 31, 2016 and $80,805 for the year ended December 31, 2015.

In April 2015, the Company entered into an agreement with one of its investors to provide advisory services on all matters including financing. In conjunction with this agreement, the Company issued warrants that vest immediately to purchase 100,000 shares of common stock with an exercise price of $5.00 per share with a term of ten years. The Company estimated the warrant value to be $326,000 utilizing the Black Scholes option pricing model and recorded this amount to general and administrative expense for the quarter due to the immediate vesting.

In April 2015, the Company issued to a former service provider in exchange for payment of its outstanding invoice warrants that vest immediately to purchase 6,000 shares of common stock with an exercise price of $2.50 per share. The Company estimated the warrant value to be $10,000 which represented the value of the trade debt extinguished.

In April 2015, the Company issued 50,000 warrants to purchase the Company's common stock in conjunction with its Series A Preferred Stock financing. The warrants are exercisable at a price of $5.00 per share and expire five years from the issuance date. In May 2015, the Company issued 30,000 warrants and in July 2015, 36,000 warrants under the same terms and conditions.

In June 2015, the Company issued to a service provider in exchange for consulting services warrants that vest immediately to purchase 10,000 shares of common stock with an exercise price of $5.00 per share with a term of five years. The Company estimated the warrant value to be $14,700 utilizing the Black Scholes option pricing model.

In August 2015, the Company issued 6,250,000 warrants to purchase common stock in conjunction with its Series B Preferred Stock financing. See further discussion in Note 6 below.

In August 2015, the Company issued 187,500 warrants to purchase common stock to its investment banker in exchange for services rendered in conjunction with the Series B Preferred Stock financing. The warrants vest immediately and have an exercise price of $1.15 per share. The Company estimated the value of the warrants to be $86,250 utilizing the Black Scholes option pricing model and recorded this amount to offering costs.

In November 2015, the Company entered into an agreement with a financial advisory and public relations consulting firm which included the issuance of warrants to purchase up to 120,000 shares of common stock with an exercise price of $1.15 per share with a term of five years. These warrants are in exchange for services to be performed from November 25, 2015 to May 25, 2016 and 60,000 shares vest immediately with the remainder in one quarter. The Company estimated the warrant value of vested warrants to be $42,000 utilizing the Black Scholes option pricing model and amortized $7,800 for the year ended December 31, 2015 and $34,200 for the year ended December 31, 2016.

In November 2016, the Company entered into an agreement with one of its investors to provide advisory services on all matters including financing. In conjunction with this agreement, the Company issued warrants that vest immediately to purchase 40,000 shares of common stock with an exercise price of $1.15 per share with a term of ten years. The Company estimated the warrant value to be $18,400 utilizing the Black Scholes option pricing model and recorded this amount to general and administrative expense for the quarter due to the immediate vesting.

In November 2016, the Company issued 125,000 warrants to purchase common stock to its investment banker in exchange for services rendered in conjunction with the Series C Preferred Stock financing. The warrants vest immediately and have an exercise price of $0.40 per share with a term of five years. The Company estimated the value of the warrants to be $37,500 utilizing the Black Scholes option pricing model and recorded this amount to offering costs.

The Company's board of directors considered various objective and subjective factors, along with input from management, to determine the fair value of the warrants, including:

There are significant judgments and estimates inherent in the determination of the fair value of the Company's warrants. These judgments and estimates included the assumptions regarding its future operating performance, the time to completing an IPO or other liquidity event and the determination of the appropriate valuation methods. If the Company had made different assumptions, its warrant valuation could have been significantly different.

Stock Option Plans: 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan

The 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the "2014 Plan") was adopted to provide a means by which officers, non-employee directors, and employees of and consultants to the Company and its affiliates could be given an opportunity to acquire an equity interest in the Company. All officers, non-employee directors, and employees of and consultants to the Company are eligible to participate in the 2014 Plan.

On October 31, 2014, after the closing of the Merger, our Board of Directors approved the 2014 Plan. The 2014 Plan reserved 3,200,000 shares for future grants. As of December 31, 2016, options (net of canceled or expired options) covering an aggregate of 1,142,500 shares of the Company's common stock had been granted under the 2014 Plan, and the Company had 1,142,500 options outstanding and 857,500 shares available for future grants under the 2014 Plan.

Options granted under the 2014 Plan expire no later than 10 years from the date of grant. Options granted under the 2014 Plan may be either incentive or non-qualified stock options. For incentive and non-qualified stock option grants, the option price shall be at least 100% of the fair value on the date of grants, as determined by the Company's Board of Directors. If at any time the Company grants an option, and the optionee directly or by attribution owns stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company, the option price shall be at least 110% of the fair value and shall not be exercisable more than five years after the date of grant.

Options granted under the 2014 Plan may be immediately exercisable if permitted in the specific grant approved by the Board of Directors and, if exercised early may be subject to repurchase provisions. The shares acquired generally vest over a period of five years from the date of grant. The Company granted options to purchase 1,142,500 shares net of cancellations through December 31, 2016, under the 2014 Plan.

The following is a summary of activity under the 2014 Plan as of December 31, 2016:  

The weighted-average remaining contractual term of options vested and exercisable at December 31, 2016 was approximately 7.9 years

Aggregate intrinsic value is the sum of the amounts by which the quoted market price of the Company's stock exceeded the exercise price of the stock options at December 31, 2016 for those stock options for which the quoted market price was in excess of the exercise price ("in-the-money options"). As of December 31, 2016, the aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding was $0. As of December 31, 2016, 436,000 options to purchase shares of common stock were exercisable.

Restricted Stock Awards

Restricted stock awards ("RSAs") are granted to our board of directors and members of senior management and are issued pursuant to the Company's 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan. On October 20, 2015, a total of 1,200,000 RSAs were granted to members of the Company's senior management and board of directors with a fair market value of approximately $900,000. These RSAs vest from one to three years from the grant date as services are rendered to the Company. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company recorded $356,250 and $62,500, respectively, in stock-based compensation expense related to these awards. (See discussion below). The total amount of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested RSAs was $481,250 as of December 31, 2016.

Stock Based Compensation Expense

The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense based on the fair value of that portion of stock options that are ultimately expected to vest during the period. Stock-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statements of operations includes compensation expense for stock-based awards based on the estimated grant date fair value over the requisite service period. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company recognized stock-based compensation expense of $706,368 and $414,343 (including compensation expense for RSAs discussed above) which was recorded as a general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of operations.

The total amount of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options was $1,023,418 as of December 31, 2016. This amount will be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.9 years.

Valuation Assumptions

The fair value of options was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Expected volatility is based on industry peers who are also in the early development stage given the limited market data available in the public arena. The expected term was estimated using the simplified method as permitted under SAB No. 110, since the Company has no recent exercise or forfeiture history that is representative of options granted during the year. The expected term represents the estimated period of time that stock options are expected to be outstanding, which is less than the contractual term which is generally ten years. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield. The expected dividend yield is zero, as the Company does not anticipate paying dividends in the near future. There were no options granted in the year ended December 31, 2016; the assumptions for options granted in the year ended December 31, 2015 are as follows: