Toast

Revision as of 21:24, 20 August 2022 by 95.149.241.133 (talk)
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Toast is on track to become one of the first premium, national cannabis brands.

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Summary[1]Edit

  • Forbes calls Toast the "Moët Hennessy of Cannabis"
  • Retail Sales since inception of $12M+ CAGR of 100%+
  • On track to become the FIRST national cannabis brand,10-15 mkts. by 2023
  • Toast distro. partners are highly coveted (Columbia Care, TILT, Erewhon)
  • Asset light, scalable, 60-80% Gross Margins, EBITDA Margin target of 30%+
  • Raised $10M+ from Venture Capital, Family Offices and Angels
  • Diverse management, with 60+ years of experience; The chairman of the company was the former Global CMO of AB InBev.

Opportunity[1]Edit

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Concept[1]Edit

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Toast was born in Aspen, CO. Toast is a brand centred around enhancing experiences and making celebratory moments powered by the cannabis plant.  Cannabis is a 24/7 experience. From birthdays to anniversaries, and quiet moments in between – there’s always a Toast for that.

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TO TOAST, IS TO CELEBRATE LIFE IN FULL SPECTRUM.

Product[1]Edit

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...and Toast has selectively extended the offering into new categories (e.g. hemp CBD) with brand partners that bring significant distribution opportunities. These curated products grow its sales funnel and expand its brand beyond the dispensary.

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Traction[1]Edit

Toast at 7,908 feet*

*Altitude of Aspen, CO

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Toast has highly profitable and capital efficient economics that scale.Edit

  • Toast uses a ‘Rule of 40’ (aka ‘Golden 40’)  approach to maximize shareholder value; Toast targets >50% sum of Growth (Revenue Y/Y %) + Profitability (EBITDA Margin %) as the company grows and the industry matures.
  • Toast has a major opportunity to expand its gross margin (by 20-30%) as the company scales and procure inventory at higher quantities.  

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Toast generates buzz worldwideEdit

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Business model[1]Edit

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Toast has an award winning, in-house team that specializes in premiumization by significantly increasing the retail sales multiple when compared to commoditized raw material.

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Toast developed its own in-house cannabis creative capability to build national campaigns that resonate with its audience while abiding by strict regulations.

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Market[1]Edit

The cannabis industry rivals some of the largest and oldest CPG categories, with industry leaders yet to be named. Cannabis is one of the most versatile of any CPG category.Edit

Cannabis also appears to be stealing market share from alcohol which Toast views as a positive trend that will persist.

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Cannabis is an investor-friendly industry with ideal market dynamics for a private brand like Toast to achieve outsized returns near-term.Edit

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Pre-Rolls are one of the fastest growing categories.Edit

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Competition[1]Edit

Toast cuts through the noise and is one of a handful of breakaway national brandsEdit

  • The bottom line is that there are no Cokes or Pepsis in cannabis – no 800-pound gorillas or category killers at a national or even regional level.
  • Toast is one of the only companies to achieve multi-state distribution, and is uniquely positioned to achieve outsized returns and market share.

It is not a zero-sum game for brands todayEdit

There is a small group of brands that has managed to build meaningful identity and a multi-state footprint presences in the US to date. Since there are only a few of us, we can all grow substantially and win – it is not a zero sum game today. In several cases, we collaborate. For example, Toast is sold in cookies stores in Oklahoma.

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Vision and strategy[1]Edit

Toast is on track to become one of the first National Cannabis BrandsEdit

driven primarily by rapid expansion and scaling of Cannabis (THC) markets

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2-pronged growth strategyEdit

  1. Grow organically with a "land and expand model" in new markets (~15 markets in the next 24 months) by selecting a partner in each market, then earning a licensing fee by executing its go-to-market playbook for expansion.
  2. Grow its sales funnel via selective and prestigious brand collaborations, which generate significant media, acquire new customers (many of who have never visited a dispensary), and distribute Toast products outside the regulated dispensary channel – thus growing brand awareness and equity.

Reason to invest in ToastEdit

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Funding[1]Edit

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Founders[1]Edit

Many companies have already risen and fallen in the early years of the legal US cannabis industry. Its team is battle tested, having built a company that has not only survived, but thrived by navigating the early booms and busts of the industry and the volatility of the global pandemic.  Its Toastmasters are best in class in the industry.

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Executive Chairman Chris Burggraeve

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CEO Punit Seth and COO Shovahn Rincón

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Toast Team[1]Edit

Chris Burggraeve

Co-Founder and Executive Chairman

Former CMO AB InBev, Coca-Cola, P&G

Punit Seth

Co-Founder, CEO and Board Member

Bridgewater Associates, Accenture, NYU Stern

Shovahn Rincón

Co-Founder, COO and Board Member

Associate Partner at Accenture, Northwestern

Craig Mogan

Executive Vice President

Rialto Capital, GLG, George Washington University

Will Clayton

Director, Corporate Development

Macquarie, Digital Bridge, SIG, Towson University

Brooke Scher

Advisor: PR & Comms

Partner Alison Brod Public Communications

Dia Simms

Advisor

Former President Combs Enterprises (P. Diddy), CEO Lobos 1707

David Freylikhman

Outside General Counsel

Partner at Greenberg Traurig

Gabrielle Rein

Creative Advisor

Diana Luistro

Lead Designer

Mary Louise Foss

Creative Advisor

Cat Davis

Creative

Jeff Kennedy

Sales Manager

Risks[1]Edit

Toast may not have enough authorized capital stock to issue shares of common stock to investors upon the conversion of any security convertible into shares of its common stock, including the Securities.

Currently, its authorized capital stock consists of 41,800,000 shares of common stock, $0.005 par value per share, of which 12,020,298 shares of common stock are issued and outstanding and 20,945,205 shares of preferred stock, $0.005 par value per share, of which (i) 8,859,000 are designated as Series A Preferred Stock, $0.005 par value per share of which 8,438,938 shares are issued and outstanding and (ii) 12,086,205 are designated as Series A-1 Preferred Stock, $0.005 par value per share of which 10,327,270 shares are issued and outstanding. Unless Toast increases its authorized capital stock, Toast may not have enough authorized common stock to be able to obtain funding by issuing shares of its common stock or securities convertible into shares of its common stock. Toast may also not have enough authorized capital stock to issue shares of common stock to investors upon the conversion of any security convertible into shares of its common stock, including the Securities.

The cannabis industry is highly competitive and evolving.

The market for businesses in the cannabis industry is highly competitive and evolving. There may be no material aspect of its business that is protected by patents, copyrights, trademarks or trade names, and Toast may face strong competition from larger companies, including in its search for an initial business combination and those that may offer similar products and services to ours following its initial business combination. Its potential competitors may have longer operating histories, significantly greater financial, marketing or other resources and larger client bases than Toast will, and there can be no assurance that Toast will be able to successfully compete against these or other competitors. Additionally, because the cannabis industry is at an early stage, a potential target cannabis company may face additional competition from new entrants, including as a result of an increased number of licenses granted under any applicable regulatory regime.

If the number of users of medical cannabis increases, and/or if the national demand for recreational cannabis increases, the demand for products will increase and Toast expects that competition will become more intense, as current and future competitors begin to offer an increasing number of diversified products. To remain competitive, a target business may require a continued high level of investment in research and development, marketing, sales and client support. However, a potential target business may not have sufficient resources to maintain research and development, marketing, sales and client support efforts on a competitive basis, which could materially and adversely affect its business, financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, as new technologies related to the cultivation, processing, manufacturing and research and development of cannabis are being explored, there is potential for third party competitors to be in possession of superior technology that would reduce any relative competitiveness a potential business target may have.

As the legal landscape for cannabis continues to evolve, it is possible that the cannabis industry will undergo consolidation, creating larger companies with greater financial resources, manufacturing and marketing capabilities and product offerings. Given the rapid changes affecting the global, national, and regional economies generally and the cannabis industry, in particular, Toast may not be able to create and maintain a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Its success will depend on its ability to keep pace with any changes in its markets, particularly, legal and regulatory changes. For example, it is likely that we, and its competitors, will seek to introduce new products in the future. Its success will also depend on its ability to respond to, among other things, changes in the economy, market conditions, and competitive pressures. Any failure by the company to anticipate or respond adequately to such changes could have a material adverse effect on its financial condition and results of operations.

Confusion between legal Cannabis and illegal Cannabis.

There is risk that confusion or uncertainty surrounding its products with regulated cannabis could occur on the state or federal level and impact us. Toast may have difficulty with establishing banking relationships, working with investment banks and brokers who would be willing to offer and sell its securities or accept deposits from shareholders. Any of these additional factors, should they occur, could also affect its business, prospects, assets or results of operation could have a material adverse effect on the business, prospects, results of operations or financial condition of the Company.

The cannabis industry could face strong opposition from other industries.

Toast believes that established businesses in other industries may have a strong economic interest in opposing the development of the cannabis industry. Cannabis may be seen by companies in other industries as an attractive alternative to their products, including recreational marijuana as an alternative to alcohol, and medical marijuana as an alternative to various commercial pharmaceuticals. Many industries that could view the emerging cannabis industry as an economic threat are well established, with vast economic and United States federal and state lobbying resources. It is possible that companies within these industries could use their resources to attempt to slow or reverse legislation legalizing cannabis. Any inroads these companies make in halting or impeding legislative initiatives that would be beneficial to the cannabis industry could have a detrimental impact on its clients and, in turn, on its operations.

Many cannabis activities, products, and services still violate law.

The legal patchwork to which cannabis companies are subject is still evolving and frequently uncertain. While Toast believes that anti-cannabis laws are softening and that the trend is toward the legalization of cannabis products, many states and the U.S. government still view some or all cannabis activity as illegal. Notwithstanding this uncertainty, Toast intends to do its best to engage in activities that are unambiguously legal and to use what influence Toast has with its affiliates for them to do the same. But Toast will not always have control over those companies with whom Toast does business, and there is a risk that Toast could suffer a substantial and material loss due to routine legal prosecution. Similarly, many jurisdictions have adopted so-called “zero tolerance” drug laws and laws prohibiting the sale of what is considered drug paraphernalia. If its or its affiliates’ activities related to cannabis activities, products, and services are deemed to violate one or more federal or state laws, Toast may be subject to civil and criminal penalties, including fines, impounding of cannabis products, and seizure of its assets.

Limited standardized research on the effect of cannabis.

To date, there is limited standardization in the research of the effects of cannabis, and future clinical research studies may lead to conclusions that dispute or conflict with its understanding and belief regarding the medical benefits, viability, safety, efficacy, dosing and social acceptance of cannabis. Research in Canada, the United States and internationally regarding the medical benefits, viability, safety, efficacy and dosing of cannabis or isolated cannabinoids (such as CBD and THC) remains in relatively early stages. Future research and clinical trials may draw opposing conclusions to statements in this prospectus or could reach different or negative conclusions regarding the medical benefits, viability, safety, efficacy, dosing or other facts and perceptions related to cannabis, which could adversely affect social acceptance of cannabis and the demand for its products.

Many cannabis businesses are dependent on key personnel with sufficient experience in the cannabis industry.

The success of businesses in the cannabis industry is largely dependent on the performance of their respective management teams and key employees and their continuing ability to attract, develop, motivate and retain highly qualified and skilled employees. Qualified individuals are in high demand, and significant costs may be incurred to attract and retain them. The loss of the services of any key personnel, or an inability to attract other suitably qualified persons when needed, could prevent a business from executing on its business plan and strategy, and the business may be unable to find adequate replacements on a timely basis, or at all.

Because cannabis is illegal under U.S. federal law, cannabis businesses may be subject to civil asset forfeiture.

Because the cannabis industry remains illegal under U.S. federal law, any property owned by participants in the cannabis industry which are either used in the course of conducting such business, or are the proceeds of such business, could be subject to seizure by law enforcement and subsequent civil asset forfeiture. Even if the owner of the property were never charged with a crime, the property in question could still be seized and subject to an administrative proceeding by which, with minimal due process, it could be subject to forfeiture. Even if such insurance is otherwise available, Toast may not obtain such insurance, it may be more expensive that traditional insurance, and it may nonetheless exclude claims for certain matters, including matters illegal under U.S. federal law.

Toast may be subject to constraints on and differences in marketing its products under varying state laws.

There may be restrictions on sales and marketing activities imposed by government regulatory bodies that could hinder the development of its business and operating results. Restrictions may include regulations that specify what, where and to whom product information and descriptions may appear and/or be advertised. Marketing, advertising, packaging and labeling regulations also vary from state to state, potentially limiting the consistency and scale of consumer branding communication and product education efforts. The regulatory environment in the U.S. limits its ability to compete for market share in a manner similar to other industries. If Toast is unable to effectively market its products and compete for market share, or if the costs of compliance with government legislation and regulation cannot be absorbed through increased selling prices for its products, its sales and operating results could be adversely affected.

The results of future clinical research may be unfavourable to cannabis which may have a material adverse effect on the demand for its products.

Research regarding the medical benefits, viability, safety, efficacy and dosing of cannabis or isolated cannabinoids (such as CBD and THC) remains in early stages. There have been relatively few clinical trials on the benefits of cannabis or isolated cannabinoids (such as CBD and THC). Although Toast believes that various articles, reports and studies support its beliefs regarding the medical benefits, viability, safety, efficacy and dosing of cannabis, future research and clinical trials may prove such statements to be incorrect, or could raise concerns regarding cannabis. Further, the cannabis industry is highly dependent upon consumer perception regarding the safety, efficacy and quality of the cannabis produced. Consumer perception can be significantly influenced by scientific research or findings regarding the consumption of cannabis products. There can be no assurance that future scientific research or findings will be favorable to the cannabis market or any particular product, or consistent with earlier research or findings. Future research studies and clinical trials may draw opposing conclusions to those stated in current research or reach negative conclusions regarding the medical benefits, viability, safety, efficacy, dosing, or other facts related to cannabis, which could have a material adverse effect on the demand for its products, and therefore on its business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition.

Inconsistent public opinion and perception of the medical and adult-use cannabis industry hinders market growth and state adoption.

Public opinion and support for medical and adult-use cannabis has traditionally been inconsistent and varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. While public opinion and support appears to be rising generally for legalizing medical and adult-use cannabis, it remains a controversial issue subject to differing opinions surrounding the level of legalization (for example, medical cannabis as opposed to legalization in general). Inconsistent public opinion and perception of the medical and adult-use cannabis may hinder growth and state adoption which could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition or results of operations.

Its investors and its directors, officers and employees who are not U.S. citizens may be denied entry into the United States.

Because cannabis remains illegal under United States federal law, those individuals who are not U.S. citizens employed at or investing in legal and licensed U.S. cannabis companies could face detention, denial of entry or lifetime bans from the United States for their business associations with U.S. cannabis businesses. Entry happens at the sole discretion of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) officers on duty, and these officers have wide latitude to ask questions to determine the admissibility of a foreign national. The government of Canada has started warning travellers on its website that previous use of cannabis, or any substance prohibited by United States federal laws, could mean denial of entry to the United States. Business or financial involvement in the legal cannabis industry in Canada or in the United States could also be reason enough for United States border guards to deny entry. On September 21, 2018, CBP released a statement outlining its current position with respect to enforcement of the laws of the United States. It stated that Canada’s legalization of cannabis will not change CBP enforcement of United States laws regarding controlled substances and, because cannabis continues to be a controlled substance under United States law, working in or facilitating the proliferation of the legal cannabis industry in U.S. states where it is deemed legal or Canada may affect admissibility to the United States. As a result, CBP has affirmed that, employees, directors, officers, managers and investors of companies involved in business activities related to cannabis in the United States or Canada (such as us), who are not United States citizens face the risk of being barred from entry into the United States for life. On October 9, 2018, CBP released an additional statement regarding the admissibility of Canadian citizens working in the legal cannabis industry. CBP stated that a Canadian citizen working in or facilitating the proliferation of the legal cannabis industry in Canada coming into the United States for reasons unrelated to the cannabis industry will generally be admissible to the United States; however, if such person is found to be coming into the United States for reasons related to the cannabis industry, such person may be deemed inadmissible.

Toast is subject to a number of risks because cannabis is illegal under federal law.

Cannabis is illegal under federal law. Federal law and enforcement may adversely affect the implementation of medical cannabis and/or adult-use cannabis laws, and may negatively impact its revenues and profits.

Under the Controlled Substances Act (“CSA”), the U.S. Government lists cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance (i.e., deemed to have no medical value), and accordingly the manufacturing (cultivation), sale, or possession of cannabis is federally illegal. It is also federally illegal to advertise the sale of cannabis or to sell paraphernalia designed or intended primarily for use with cannabis, unless the paraphernalia is authorized by federal, state, or local law. The United States Supreme Court has ruled in United States v. Oakland Cannabis Buyers’ Coop. and Gonzales v. Raich, 532 U.S. 483 (2001), that the federal government has the right to regulate and criminalize cannabis, even for medical purposes. The illegality of cannabis under federal law preempts state laws that legalize its use. Therefore, strict enforcement of federal law regarding cannabis would likely adversely affect its revenues and results of operations.

Other laws that directly impact the cannabis growers that are end users of certain of its products include:

  • Businesses trafficking in cannabis may not take tax deductions for costs beyond costs of goods sold under Code Section 280E. There is no way to predict how the federal government may treat cannabis business from a taxation standpoint in the future and no assurance can be given to what extent Code Section 280E, or other tax-related laws and regulations, may be applied to cannabis businesses in the future.
  • Because the manufacturing (cultivation), sale, possession and use of cannabis is illegal under federal law, cannabis businesses may have restricted intellectual property and proprietary rights, particularly with respect to obtaining and enforcing patents and trademarks. In addition, cannabis businesses may face court action by third parties under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (“RICO”). Intellectual property and proprietary rights could be impaired as a result of cannabis business, and cannabis businesses could be named as a defendant in an action asserting a RICO violation.
  • Federal bankruptcy courts cannot provide relief for parties who engage in cannabis or cannabis businesses. Recent bankruptcy rulings have denied bankruptcies for cannabis dispensaries upon the justification that businesses cannot violate federal law and then claim the benefits of federal bankruptcy for the same activity and upon the justification that courts cannot ask a bankruptcy trustee to take possession of, and distribute cannabis assets as such action would violate the CSA. Therefore, cannabis businesses may not be able to seek the protection of the bankruptcy courts and this could materially affect their financial performance and/or their ability to obtain or maintain credit.
  • Since cannabis is illegal under federal law, there is a strong argument that banks cannot accept for deposit any funds from businesses involved in the cannabis industry. Consequently, businesses involved in the cannabis industry often have difficulty finding a bank willing to accept their business. Any such inability to open or maintain bank accounts may make it difficult for cannabis businesses to operate. Under the Bank Secrecy Act (“BSA”), banks must report to the federal government any suspected illegal activity, which includes any transaction associated with a cannabis business. These reports must be filed even though the business is operating legitimately under state law.
  • Insurance that is otherwise readily available, such as general liability and directors and officer’s insurance, may be more difficult to find, and more expensive.

The former administration, or any new administration or attorney general, could change federal enforcement policy or execution and decide to enforce the federal cannabis laws more strongly. On January 4, 2018, former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued a memorandum rescinding previous guidance (directing U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorneys’ offices to focus their cannabis enforcement efforts under federal law only in identified priority areas, such as sale to minors, criminal enterprises, and interstate sales). Under the Sessions memorandum, local U.S. Attorneys’ offices retain discretion regarding the prosecution of cannabis activity authorized under state laws and regulations. While former U.S. Attorney General William Barr expressed support for the National Organization to Reform Marijuana Laws (“NORML”) during his Senate testimony on April 10, 2019, further change in the federal approach towards enforcement could negatively affect the industry, potentially ending it entirely. Any such change in the federal government’s enforcement of current federal laws could cause significant financial damage to us. The legal uncertainty and possible future changes in law could negatively affect its growth, revenues, results of operations and success generally.

Federal authorities may decide to change their current posture and begin to enforce current federal cannabis law and, if they decide to ignore the principles in the Cole Memorandum issued in 2013 (the “Cole Memorandum”) and begin to aggressively enforce such laws, it is possible that they could allege that Toast violated federal laws by selling products used in the cannabis industry. As a result, active enforcement of the current federal regulatory position on cannabis may thus directly or indirectly adversely affect its revenues and profits.

Violations of any U.S. federal laws and regulations could result in significant fines, penalties, administrative sanctions, convictions or settlements arising from civil proceedings conducted by either the U.S. federal government or private citizens, or criminal charges, including, but not limited to, disgorgement of profits, cessation of business activities or divestiture. This could have a material adverse effect on its business, including its reputation and ability to conduct business, the listing of its securities on any stock exchanges, the settlement of trades of its securities, its ability to obtain banking services, its financial position, operating results, profitability or liquidity or the market price of its publicly traded shares. In addition, it is difficult for the company to estimate the time or resources that would be needed for the investigation of any such matters or their final resolution because, in part, the time and resources that may be needed are dependent on the nature and extent of any information requested by the applicable authorities involved, and such time or resources could be substantial.

Successful litigation by non-cannabis states affected by cannabis legalization could have significant adverse effects on its business.

Due to variations in state law among states sharing borders, certain states which have not approved any legal sale of cannabis may seek to overturn laws legalizing cannabis use in neighboring states. For example, in December 2014, the attorney general of each of Nebraska and Oklahoma filed a complaint with the U.S. Supreme Court against the state of Colorado arguing that the Supremacy Clause (Article VI of the U.S. Constitution) prohibits Colorado from passing laws that conflict with federal anti-drug laws and that Colorado’s laws are increasing cannabis trafficking in neighboring states that maintain cannabis bans, thereby putting pressure on such neighboring states’ criminal justice systems. In March 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court, voting 6-2, declined to hear this case, but there is no assurance that it will do so in the future. Additionally, nothing prevents states’ attorneys general from using the same or similar cause of action for a lawsuit in a lower federal or other court.

Previously, the U.S. Supreme Court has held that drug prohibition is a valid exercise of federal authority under the commerce clause; however, it has also held that an individual state itself is not required to adopt or enforce federal laws with which it disagrees. If the U.S. Supreme Court rules that a legal cannabis state’s legislation is unconstitutional, that could result in legal action against other states with laws legalizing medical and/or recreational cannabis use. Successful prosecution of such legal actions by non-cannabis states could have significant adverse effects on its business.

There are risks related to the cannabis industry to which Toast may become subject.

Toast is subject to, and possibly adversely affected by, the following risks:

  • The cannabis industry is extremely speculative and its legality is uncertain, making it subject to inherent risk;
  • Use of cannabis that is not in compliance with the CSA is illegal under U.S. federal law, and therefore, strict enforcement of U.S. federal laws regarding the use, cultivation, manufacturing, processing, transportation, distribution, storage and/or sale of cannabis would likely result in its inability to execute a business plan in the cannabis industry;
  • Changes in the current policies of the Biden Administration and the U.S. Department of Justice resulting in heightened enforcement of U.S. federal cannabis laws may negatively impact its ability to pursue its prospective business operations and/or generate revenues;
  • U.S. federal courts may refuse to recognize the enforceability of contracts pertaining to any business operations that are deemed illegal under U.S. federal law and, as a result, cannabis-related contracts could prove unenforceable in such courts;
  • Consumer complaints and negative publicity regarding cannabis related products and services could lead to political pressure on states to implement new laws and regulations that are adverse to the cannabis industry, to not modify existing, restrictive laws and regulations or to reverse current favorable laws and regulations relating to cannabis;
  • Assets leased to cannabis businesses may be forfeited to the U.S. federal government in connection with government enforcement actions under U.S. federal law;
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulation of cannabis and the possible registration of facilities where cannabis is grown could negatively affect the cannabis industry, which could directly affect its financial condition;
  • Due to its involvement in the regulated cannabis industry, Toast may have a difficult time obtaining the various insurance policies that are needed to operate its business, which may expose the company to additional risks and financial liabilities;
  • The cannabis industry may face significant opposition from other industries that perceive cannabis products and services as competitive with their own, including but not limited to the pharmaceutical industry, adult beverage industry and tobacco industry, all of which have powerful lobbying and financial resources;
  • Many national and regional banks have been resistant to doing business with cannabis companies because of the uncertainties presented by federal law and, as a result, Toast may have difficulty accessing the service of banks, which may inhibit its ability to open bank accounts or otherwise utilize traditional banking services;
  • Due to its proposed involvement in the regulated cannabis industry, Toast may have a difficult time obtaining financing in connection with its initial business combination or thereafter;
  • Laws and regulations affecting the regulated cannabis industry are varied, broad in scope and subject to evolving interpretations, and may restrict the use of the properties Toast acquires or require certain additional regulatory approvals, which could materially adversely affect its operations;
  • National securities exchanges may not list companies engaged in the cannabis industry; and
  • Risks similar to those discussed above based on regulations of other jurisdictions in which a prospective target may operate or be organized in.

Any of the foregoing could have an adverse impact on its operations following a business combination.

There is uncertainty in pricing and demand for cannabis-based products.

The anticipated pricing of cannabis products may differ substantially from current levels given changes in the competitive and regulatory landscape. The potential target company’s business model may be susceptible to erosion of profitability should cannabis and cannabis-related products experience secular pricing changes. Potential sources of pricing changes include over-production, regulatory action, increased competition or the emergence of new competitors. Additionally, even if pricing of the broader cannabis and cannabis-related product market is sustained, there is no guarantee that a potential target cannabis company will be successful in creating and maintaining consumer demand and estimated pricing levels. To do this, the potential target company may be dependent upon, among other things, continually producing desirable and effective cannabis and cannabis-related products and the continued growth in the aggregate number of cannabis consumers. Campaigns designed to enhance the potential target company’s brand and attract consumers, subject to restrictions imposed by law, can be expensive and may not result in increased sales. If the potential target company is unable to attract new consumers, it may not be able to increase its sales.

Certain events or developments in the cannabis industry more generally may impact its reputation.

Damage to its reputation can result from the actual or perceived occurrence of any number of events, including any negative publicity, whether true or not. If Toast acquires a target business in the cannabis industry, because cannabis has been commonly associated with various other narcotics, violence and criminal activities, there is a risk that its business might attract negative publicity. There is also a risk that the actions of other companies, service providers and customers in the cannabis industry may negatively affect the reputation of the industry as a whole and thereby negatively impact its reputation. The increased usage of social media and other web-based tools used to generate, publish and discuss user-generated content and to connect with other users has made it increasingly easier for individuals and groups to communicate and share negative opinions and views in regards to its activities and the cannabis industry in general, whether true or not.

Toast does not ultimately have direct control over how it or the cannabis industry is perceived by others. Reputational issues may result in decreased investor confidence, increased challenges in developing and maintaining community relations and present an impediment to its overall ability to advance its business strategy and realize its growth prospects.

Many cannabis businesses are subject to significant environmental regulations and risks.

Participants in the cannabis industry are subject to various environmental regulations in the jurisdictions in which they operate. These regulations may mandate, among other things, the maintenance of air and water quality standards and land reclamation. These regulations may also set forth limitations on the generation, transportation, storage and disposal of solid and hazardous waste. Environmental legislation is evolving in a manner which will require stricter standards and enforcement, increased fines and penalties for non-compliance, more stringent environmental assessments of proposed projects and a heightened degree of responsibility for companies and their officers, directors and employees. There is no assurance that future changes in environmental regulation, if any, will not adversely affect a potential target business.

A drop in the retail price of cannabis products may negatively impact its business.

The fluctuations in economic and market conditions that impact the prices of commercially grown cannabis, such as increases in the supply of cannabis and decreases in demand for cannabis, could have a negative impact on its clients that are cannabis producers, and therefore could negatively impact its business

The legality of cannabis uses could be reversed in one or more states.

The voters or legislatures of states in which various marijuana uses have been legalized could potentially repeal applicable laws which permit the operation of both medical and retail marijuana and cannabis related businesses. These actions might force the company to cease aspects of its operations in one or more states entirely.

Changes in consumer preferences and acceptance of cannabis, or any negative trends, will adversely affect its business.

Its business is substantially dependent on market acceptance of cannabis. Market perception of cannabis can be significantly influenced by a number of social, political and economic factors that are beyond its control, including scientific research or findings, regulatory investigations, litigation, media attention and other publicity regarding such products and treatments. There can be no assurance that future scientific research, findings, regulatory proceedings, litigation, media attention or other research findings or publicity will be favorable to the market for any of its current or future cannabinoid-based therapies. Future research reports, findings, regulatory proceedings, litigation, media attention or other publicity that are perceived as less favorable than, or that question, earlier research reports, findings or publicity could have a material adverse effect on the demand for its products, as well as its business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Toast also believes that large, well-funded pharmaceutical and other related businesses and industries may have economic reasons to oppose cannabinoid-based therapies. The pharmaceutical industry is well-funded with a strong and experienced lobby presence at both the federal and state levels, as well as internationally, that surpasses financial resources of the current group of medical cannabis research and development companies. Any effort by the pharmaceutical lobby to halt or delay cannabinoid-based medical products and therapies could have a detrimental impact on its business.

The Federal Government’s attitude toward cannabis could materially harm its business.

Changes to the Federal Government’s administration and the manner in which the federal government regulates cannabis, including how it intends to enforce laws prohibiting medical marijuana and recreational cannabis use, could materially negatively affect its business.

If recreational or medical-use consumers elect to produce cannabis for their own purposes, it could reduce the addressable market for a potential target cannabis company’s products.

Cannabis regulations may permit the end user to produce cannabis for their own purposes. It is possible that the ability of an end user to produce cannabis for their own purposes could significantly reduce the addressable market for a potential target cannabis company’s products and could materially and adversely affect the business, financial condition and results of operations of a potential target cannabis company.

An initial surge in demand for cannabis may result in supply shortages in the short term, while in the longer term, supply of cannabis could exceed demand, which may cause a fluctuation in revenue.

Changes in the legal status of cannabis may result in an initial surge in demand. As a result of such initial surge, cannabis companies operating under such changed legal regime may not be able to produce enough cannabis to meet demand of the adult-use recreational and medical markets, as applicable. This may result in lower than expected sales and revenues and increased competition for sales and sources of supply.

However, in the future, cannabis producers may produce more cannabis than is needed to satisfy the collective demand of the adult-use recreational and medical markets, as applicable, and they may be unable to export that oversupply into other markets where cannabis use is fully legal under all applicable jurisdictional laws. As a result, the available supply of cannabis could exceed demand, resulting in a significant decline in the market price for cannabis. If such supply or price fluctuations were to occur, companies operating in the cannabis industry may see revenue and profitability fluctuate materially and their business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may be adversely affected.

Competition from synthetic products may adversely affect the business, financial condition or results of operations of a potential target cannabis company.

The pharmaceutical industry may attempt to dominate the cannabis industry, and in particular, legal cannabis, through the development and distribution of synthetic products which emulate the effects of cannabis. If they are successful, the widespread popularity of such synthetic products could change the demand, volume and profitability of the cannabis industry. This could adversely affect the ability of a potential target cannabis company to secure long-term profitability and success through the sustainable and profitable operation of the anticipated businesses and investment targets, and could have a material adverse effect on a potential target cannabis company’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

The cannabis industry is subject to transportation disruptions, including those related to an agricultural product.

As a business revolving mainly around the growth of an agricultural product, the ability to obtain speedy, cost-effective and efficient transport services will be essential to the prolonged operations of a potential target cannabis company’s business. Should such transportation become unavailable for prolonged periods of time, it could have a material adverse effect on the potential target company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. Due to the nature of a potential target cannabis company’s products, security of the product during transportation to and from its facilities may be important. A breach of security during transport or delivery could have a material adverse effect on a potential target company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. Any breach of the security measures during transport or delivery, including any failure to comply with recommendations or requirements of regulatory authorities, could also have an impact on the potential target company’s ability to continue operating under its license or the prospect of renewing its licenses.

To the extent Toast acquires cannabis businesses or assets, there may be a lack of access to U.S. bankruptcy protections.

Because cannabis is illegal under U.S. federal law, many courts have denied cannabis businesses bankruptcy protections, thus making it very difficult for lenders to recoup their investments in the cannabis industry in the event of a bankruptcy. If a company Toast acquires as part of a qualifying transaction were to experience a bankruptcy, there is no guarantee that U.S. federal bankruptcy protections would be available, which could have a material adverse effect on the financial condition and prospects of such business and on the rights of its lenders and security holders.

Any of the foregoing could have an adverse impact on its operations following a business combination. However, its efforts in identifying prospective target businesses are not restricted to the cannabis industry. Accordingly, if Toast acquires a target business in another industry, these risks will likely not affect the company and Toast will be subject to other risks attendant with the specific industry in which it operates or target business which it acquires, none of which can be presently ascertained.

Its success may be dependent on additional states legalizing recreational and/or medical cannabis use.

Continued development of the recreational and medical cannabis markets is dependent upon continued legislative authorization of cannabis at the state level for recreational and/or medical purposes. Any number of factors could slow or halt the progress. Furthermore, progress, while encouraging, is not assured, and the process normally encounters setbacks before achieving success. While there may be ample public support for legislative proposals, key support must be created in the relevant legislative committee or a bill may never advance to a vote. Numerous factors impact the legislative process. Any one of these factors could slow or halt the progress and adoption of cannabis for recreational and/or medical purposes, which would limit the overall available market for its products and services, which could adversely impact its business, revenue and earnings.

High tax rates on cannabis and compliance costs in many states may limit its customer base.

Many states impose excise tax on products sold at licensed cannabis dispensaries. Local jurisdictions typically impose additional taxes on cannabis products. In addition, its supply chain incurs significant costs complying with state and local laws and regulations. As a result, its products, which are sold through licensed dispensaries will likely cost more than similar products sold by unlicensed vendors and Toast may lose market share to those vendors.

New regulations caused licensing shortages and future regulations may create other limitations that decrease the demand for its products. State level regulations adopted in the future may adversely impact its business. The base of cannabis growers in the U.S. has grown over the past 20 years since the legalization of cannabis for medical uses in states such as California, Colorado, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon and Washington, with a large number of those growers depending on products similar to those Toast markets. The U.S. cannabis market is still in its infancy and early adopter states such as California, Colorado and Washington represent a large portion of historical industry revenues. If the U.S. cannabis cultivation market does not grow as expected, its business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely impacted.

Cannabis remains illegal under U.S. federal law, with cannabis listed as a Schedule I substance under the CSA. Notwithstanding laws in various states permitting certain cannabis activities, all cannabis activities, including possession, distribution, processing and manufacturing of cannabis and investment in, and financial services or transactions involving proceeds of, or promoting such activities remain illegal under various U.S. federal criminal and civil laws and regulations, including the CSA, as well as laws and regulations of several states that have not legalized some or any cannabis activities to date. Compliance with applicable state laws regarding cannabis activities does not protect the company from federal prosecution or other enforcement action, such as seizure or forfeiture remedies, nor does it provide any defense to such prosecution or action. Cannabis activities conducted in or related to conduct in multiple states may potentially face a higher level of scrutiny from federal authorities. Penalties for violating federal drug, conspiracy, aiding, abetting, bank fraud and/or money laundering laws may include prison, fines, and seizure/forfeiture of property used in connection with cannabis activities, including proceeds derived from such activities.

Disruptions to cultivation, manufacturing and distribution of cannabis in multiple states may negatively affect its access to products for sale at dispensaries with which Toast partners.

Local laws and regulations may require the company to purchase products only from licensed vendors and through licensed distributors. To date, a relatively small number of licenses have been issued in a few states to cultivate, manufacture and distribute cannabis products. In addition, its products are currently cultivated and manufactured by third parties. As a result, if an insufficient number of cultivators, manufacturers and distributors are able to obtain licenses its ability to purchase products and bring them to market through authorized and licensed dispensaries may be limited and may impact its sales.

Certain state law requires that all commercial cannabis businesses, including cultivators, dispensaries, delivery services, extractors, concentrate, edible and topical manufacturers, distributors, and testing laboratories hold a state license in order to operate. For example, the Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC) is the lead agency in regulating commercial cannabis licenses for medical and adult-use cannabis in California, which agency is responsible for licensing retailers, distributors, testing labs, and temporary cannabis events. Toast currently partners with third party cultivators, delivery services, extractors, manufacturers, distributors and similar businesses to bring its products to market. Where required, these third parties may operate under licenses that have been granted by state regulators, however, no assurance can be given that its current supply chain partners will be successful in keeping such licenses. In the event any state regulator rescinds or changes the status of their licenses, its operations would be impacted and potentially cease.

Toast has a limited operating history upon which you can evaluate its performance, and accordingly, its prospects must be considered in light of the risks that any new company encounters.

The Company is still in an early phase and Toast is just beginning to implement its business plan. There can be no assurance that Toast will ever operate profitably. The likelihood of its success should be considered in light of the problems, expenses, difficulties, complications and delays usually encountered by early stage companies. The Company may not be successful in attaining the objectives necessary for it to overcome these risks and uncertainties.

Global crises such as COVID-19 can have a significant effect on its business operations and revenue projections.

With shelter-in-place orders and non-essential business closings potentially happening throughout 2021, 2022 and into the future due to COVID-19, the Company’s revenue may be adversely affected.

The amount of capital the Company is attempting to raise in this Offering may not be enough to sustain the Company’s current business plan.

In order to achieve the Company’s near and long-term goals, the Company may need to procure funds in addition to the amount raised in the Offering. There is no guarantee the Company will be able to raise such funds on acceptable terms or at all. If Toast is not able to raise sufficient capital in the future, Toast may not be able to execute its business plan, its continued operations will be in jeopardy and Toast may be forced to cease operations and sell or otherwise transfer all or substantially all of its remaining assets, which could cause an Investor to lose all or a portion of their investment.

The company may face potential difficulties in obtaining capital.

The company may have difficulty raising needed capital in the future as a result of, among other factors, its lack of revenues from sales, as well as the inherent business risks associated with its Company and present and future market conditions. Toast will require additional funds to execute its business strategy and conduct its operations. If adequate funds are unavailable, Toast may be required to delay, reduce the scope of or eliminate one or more of its research, development or commercialization programs, product launches or marketing efforts, any of which may materially harm its business, financial condition and results of operations.

The company may implement new lines of business or offer new products and services within existing lines of business.

As an early-stage company, Toast may implement new lines of business at any time. There are substantial risks and uncertainties associated with these efforts, particularly in instances where the markets are not fully developed. In developing and marketing new lines of business and/or new products and services, Toast may invest significant time and resources. Initial timetables for the introduction and development of new lines of business and/or new products or services may not be achieved, and price and profitability targets may not prove feasible. Toast may not be successful in introducing new products and services in response to industry trends or developments in technology, or those new products may not achieve market acceptance. As a result, Toast could lose business, be forced to price products and services on less advantageous terms to retain or attract clients or be subject to cost increases. As a result, its business, financial condition or results of operations may be adversely affected.

Toast relies on other companies to provide components and services for its products.

Toast depends on suppliers and contractors to meet its contractual obligations to its customers and conduct its operations. Its ability to meet its obligations to its customers may be adversely affected if suppliers or contractors do not provide the agreed-upon supplies or perform the agreed-upon services in compliance with customer requirements and in a timely and cost-effective manner. Likewise, the quality of its products may be adversely impacted if companies to whom Toast delegates manufacture of major components or subsystems for its products, or from whom it acquires such items, do not provide components which meet required specifications and perform to its and its customers’ expectations. Its suppliers may be unable to quickly recover from natural disasters and other events beyond their control and may be subject to additional risks such as financial problems that limit their ability to conduct their operations. The risk of these adverse effects may be greater in circumstances where Toast relies on only one or two contractors or suppliers for a particular component. Its products may utilize custom components available from only one source. Continued availability of those components at acceptable prices, or at all, may be affected for any number of reasons, including if those suppliers decide to concentrate on the production of common components instead of components customized to meet its requirements. The supply of components for a new or existing product could be delayed or constrained, or a key manufacturing vendor could delay shipments of completed products to the company adversely affecting its business and results of operations.

Toast relies on various intellectual property rights, including trademarks, in order to operate its business.

The Company relies on certain intellectual property rights to operate its business. The Company’s intellectual property rights may not be sufficiently broad or otherwise may not provide the company a significant competitive advantage. In addition, the steps that Toast has taken to maintain and protect its intellectual property may not prevent it from being challenged, invalidated, circumvented or designed-around, particularly in countries where intellectual property rights are not highly developed or protected. In some circumstances, enforcement may not be available to the company because an infringer has a dominant intellectual property position or for other business reasons, or countries may require compulsory licensing of its intellectual property. Its failure to obtain or maintain intellectual property rights that convey competitive advantage, adequately protect its intellectual property or detect or prevent circumvention or unauthorized use of such property, could adversely impact its competitive position and results of operations. Toast also relies on nondisclosure and noncompetition agreements with employees, consultants and other parties to protect, in part, trade secrets and other proprietary rights. There can be no assurance that these agreements will adequately protect its trade secrets and other proprietary rights and will not be breached, that Toast will have adequate remedies for any breach, that others will not independently develop substantially equivalent proprietary information or that third parties will not otherwise gain access to its trade secrets or other proprietary rights. As Toast expands its business, protecting its intellectual property will become increasingly important. The protective steps Toast has taken may be inadequate to deter its competitors from using its proprietary information. In order to protect or enforce its patent rights, Toast may be required to initiate litigation against third parties, such as infringement lawsuits. Also, these third parties may assert claims against the company with or without provocation. These lawsuits could be expensive, take significant time and could divert management’s attention from other business concerns. The law relating to the scope and validity of claims in the technology field in which Toast operates is still evolving and, consequently, intellectual property positions in its industry are generally uncertain. Toast cannot assure you that it will prevail in any of these potential suits or that the damages or other remedies awarded, if any, would be commercially valuable.

The Company’s success depends on the experience and skill of the board of directors, its executive officers and key employees.

In particular, Toast is dependent on Punit Seth, its Chief Executive Officer and Director, Shovahn Rincon, its Chief Operations Officer and Director, Will Clayton, its Head of Corporate Development and Chris Burggraeve, its Executive Chairman. The loss of Punit Seth, Shovahn Rincon, Will Clayton and Chris Burggraeve, or any member of the board of directors or executive officer could harm the Company’s business, financial condition, cash flow and results of operations.

Although dependent on certain key personnel, the Company does not have any key person life insurance policies on any such people.

Toast is dependent on certain key personnel in order to conduct its operations and execute its business plan, however, the Company has not purchased any insurance policies with respect to those individuals in the event of their death or disability. Therefore, if any of these personnel die or become disabled, the Company will not receive any compensation to assist with such person’s absence. The loss of such person could negatively affect the Company and its operations. Toast has no way to guarantee key personnel will stay with the Company, as many states do not enforce non-competition agreements, and therefore acquiring key man insurance will not ameliorate all of the risk of relying on key personnel.

Damage to its reputation could negatively impact its business, financial condition and results of operations.

Its reputation and the quality of its brand are critical to its business and success in existing markets, and will be critical to its success as Toast enters new markets. Any incident that erodes consumer loyalty for its brand could significantly reduce its value and damage its business. Toast may be adversely affected by any negative publicity, regardless of its accuracy. Also, there has been a marked increase in the use of social media platforms and similar devices, including blogs, social media websites and other forms of internet-based communications that provide individuals with access to a broad audience of consumers and other interested persons. The availability of information on social media platforms is virtually immediate as is its impact. Information posted may be adverse to its interests or may be inaccurate, each of which may harm its performance, prospects or business. The harm may be immediate and may disseminate rapidly and broadly, without affording the company an opportunity for redress or correction.

Its business could be negatively impacted by cyber security threats, attacks and other disruptions.

Toast continues to face advanced and persistent attacks on its information infrastructure where it manages and store various proprietary information and sensitive/confidential data relating to its operations. These attacks may include sophisticated malware (viruses, worms, and other malicious software programs) and phishing emails that attack its products or otherwise exploit any security vulnerabilities. These intrusions sometimes may be zero-day malware that are difficult to identify because they are not included in the signature set of commercially available antivirus scanning programs. Experienced computer programmers and hackers may be able to penetrate its network security and misappropriate or compromise its confidential information or that of its customers or other third-parties, create system disruptions, or cause shutdowns. Additionally, sophisticated software and applications that Toast produces or procures from third-parties may contain defects in design or manufacture, including “bugs” and other problems that could unexpectedly interfere with the operation of the information infrastructure. A disruption, infiltration or failure of its information infrastructure systems or any of its data centres as a result of software or hardware malfunctions, computer viruses, cyber-attacks, employee theft or misuse, power disruptions, natural disasters or accidents could cause breaches of data security, loss of critical data and performance delays, which in turn could adversely affect its business.

Security breaches of confidential customer information, in connection with its electronic processing of credit and debit card transactions, or confidential employee information may adversely affect its business.

Its business requires the collection, transmission and retention of personally identifiable information, in various information technology systems that Toast maintains and in those maintained by third parties with whom the company contracts to provide services. The integrity and protection of that data is critical to us. The information, security and privacy requirements imposed by governmental regulation are increasingly demanding. Its systems may not be able to satisfy these changing requirements and customer and employee expectations, or may require significant additional investments or time in order to do so. A breach in the security of its information technology systems or those of its service providers could lead to an interruption in the operation of its systems, resulting in operational inefficiencies and a loss of profits. Additionally, a significant theft, loss or misappropriation of, or access to, customers’ or other proprietary data or other breach of its information technology systems could result in fines, legal claims or proceedings.

The use of individually identifiable data by its business, its business associates and third parties is regulated at the state, federal and international levels.

The regulation of individual data is changing rapidly, and in unpredictable ways. A change in regulation could adversely affect its business, including causing its business model to no longer be viable. Costs associated with information security – such as investment in technology, the costs of compliance with consumer protection laws and costs resulting from consumer fraud – could cause its business and results of operations to suffer materially. Additionally, the success of its online operations depends upon the secure transmission of confidential information over public networks, including the use of cashless payments. The intentional or negligent actions of employees, business associates or third parties may undermine its security measures. As a result, unauthorized parties may obtain access to its data systems and misappropriate confidential data. There can be no assurance that advances in computer capabilities, new discoveries in the field of cryptography or other developments will prevent the compromise of its customer transaction processing capabilities and personal data. If any such compromise of its security or the security of information residing with its business associates or third parties were to occur, it could have a material adverse effect on its reputation, operating results and financial condition. Any compromise of its data security may materially increase the costs Toast incurs to protect against such breaches and could subject the company to additional legal risk.

The Company is not subject to Sarbanes-Oxley regulations and may lack the financial controls and procedures of public companies.

The Company may not have the internal control infrastructure that would meet the standards of a public company, including the requirements of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002. As a privately-held (non-public) Company, the Company is currently not subject to the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002, and its financial and disclosure controls and procedures reflect its status as a development stage, non-public company. There can be no guarantee that there are no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the quality of the Company's financial and disclosure controls and procedures. If it were necessary to implement such financial and disclosure controls and procedures, the cost to the Company of such compliance could be substantial and could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations.

Toast operates in a highly regulated environment, and if Toast is found to be in violation of any of the federal, state, or local laws or regulations applicable to us, its business could suffer.

Toast is also subject to a wide range of federal, state, and local laws and regulations, such as local licensing requirements, and retail financing, debt collection, consumer protection, environmental, health and safety, creditor, wage-hour, anti-discrimination, whistle-blower and other employment practices laws and regulations and Toast expects these costs to increase going forward. The violation of these or future requirements or laws and regulations could result in administrative, civil, or criminal sanctions against the company, which may include fines, a cease and desist order against the subject operations or even revocation or suspension of its license to operate the subject business. As a result, Toast has incurred and will continue to incur capital and operating expenditures and other costs to comply with these requirements and laws and regulations.

Toast is not authorized to conduct business in New York.

Although its primary business address is in New York, Toast has not filed an application for authority to conduct business as a foreign corporation with the New York State Department of State. Thus, to the extent Toast is required to file such application, Toast may be, or may become, subject to penalties, fees, fines or taxes for any business operations transacted in New York without the required filings. The cost to the Company for such compliance could be substantial and could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, and, as a result, could impair the value of the Company and the Securities.

State and federal securities laws are complex, and the Company could potentially be found to have not complied with all relevant state and federal securities law in prior offerings of securities.

The Company has conducted previous offerings of securities and may not have complied with all relevant state and federal securities laws. If a court or regulatory body with the required jurisdiction ever concluded that the Company may have violated state or federal securities laws, any such violation could result in the Company being required to offer rescission rights to investors in such offering. If such investors exercised their rescission rights, the Company would have to pay to such investors an amount of funds equal to the purchase price paid by such investors plus interest from the date of any such purchase. No assurances can be given the Company will, if it is required to offer such investors a rescission right, have sufficient funds to pay the prior investors the amounts required or that proceeds from this Offering would not be used to pay such amounts.

In addition, if the Company violated federal or state securities laws in connection with a prior offering and/or sale of its securities, federal or state regulators could bring an enforcement, regulatory and/or other legal action against the Company which, among other things, could result in the Company having to pay substantial fines and be prohibited from selling securities in the future.

The Company could potentially be found to have not complied with securities law in connection with this Offering related to “Testing the Waters.”

Prior to filing this Form C, the Company engaged in “testing the waters” permitted under Regulation Crowdfunding (17 CFR 227.206), which allows issuers to communicate to determine whether there is interest in the offering. All communication sent is deemed to be an offer of securities for purposes of the antifraud provisions of federal securities laws. Any Investor who expressed interest prior to the date of this Offering should read this Form C thoroughly and rely only on the information provided herein and not on any statement made prior to the Offering. The communications sent to Investors prior to the Offering are attached as Exhibit E. Some of these communications may not have included proper disclaimers required for “testing the waters”.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission does not pass upon the merits of the Securities or the terms of the Offering, nor does it pass upon the accuracy or completeness of any Offering document or literature.

You should not rely on the fact that its Form C is accessible through the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s EDGAR filing system as an approval, endorsement or guarantee of compliance as it relates to this Offering. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has not reviewed this Form C, nor any document or literature related to this Offering.

Neither the Offering nor the Securities have been registered under federal or state securities laws.

No governmental agency has reviewed or passed upon this Offering or the Securities. Neither the Offering nor the Securities have been registered under federal or state securities laws. Investors will not receive any of the benefits available in registered offerings, which may include access to quarterly and annual financial statements that have been audited by an independent accounting firm. Investors must therefore assess the adequacy of disclosure and the fairness of the terms of this Offering based on the information provided in this Form C and the accompanying exhibits.

The Company's management may have broad discretion in how the Company uses the net proceeds of the Offering.

Unless the Company has agreed to a specific use of the proceeds from the Offering, the Company’s management will have considerable discretion over the use of proceeds from the Offering. You may not have the opportunity, as part of your investment decision, to assess whether the proceeds are being used appropriately.

The Company has the right to limit individual Investor commitment amounts based on the Company’s determination of an Investor’s sophistication.

The Company may prevent any Investor from committing more than a certain amount in this Offering based on the Company’s determination of the Investor’s sophistication and ability to assume the risk of the investment. This means that your desired investment amount may be limited or lowered based solely on the Company’s determination and not in line with relevant investment limits set forth by the Regulation CF rules. This also means that other Investors may receive larger allocations of the Offering based solely on the Company’s determination.

The Company has the right to extend the Offering Deadline.

The Company may extend the Offering Deadline beyond what is currently stated herein. This means that your investment may continue to be held in escrow while the Company attempts to raise the Target Offering Amount even after the Offering Deadline stated herein is reached. While you have the right to cancel your investment in the event the Company extends the Offering Deadline, if you choose to reconfirm your investment, your investment will not be accruing interest during this time and will simply be held until such time as the new Offering Deadline is reached without the Company receiving the Target Offering Amount, at which time it will be returned to you without interest or deduction, or the Company receives the Target Offering Amount, at which time it will be released to the Company to be used as set forth herein. Upon or shortly after the release of such funds to the Company, the Securities will be issued and distributed to you.

The Company may also end the Offering early.

If the Target Offering Amount is met after 21 calendar days, but before the Offering Deadline, the Company can end the Offering by providing notice to Investors at least 5 business days prior to the end of the Offering. This means your failure to participate in the Offering in a timely manner, may prevent you from being able to invest in this Offering – it also means the Company may limit the amount of capital it can raise during the Offering by ending the Offering early.

The Company has the right to conduct multiple closings during the Offering.

If the Company meets certain terms and conditions, an intermediate close of the Offering can occur, which will allow the Company to draw down on half of the proceeds committed and captured in the Offering during the relevant period. The Company may choose to continue the Offering thereafter. Investors should be mindful that this means they can make multiple investment commitments in the Offering, which may be subject to different cancellation rights. For example, if an intermediate close occurs and later a material change occurs as the Offering continues, Investors whose investment commitments were previously closed upon will not have the right to re-confirm their investment as it will be deemed to have been completed prior to the material change.

The Securities will not be freely tradable under the Securities Act until one year from the initial purchase date. Although the Securities may be tradable under federal securities law, state securities regulations may apply, and each Investor should consult with their attorney.

You should be aware of the long-term nature of this investment. There is not now and likely will not ever be a public market for the Securities. Because the Securities have not been registered under the Securities Act or under the securities laws of any state or foreign jurisdiction, the Securities have transfer restrictions and cannot be resold in the United States except pursuant to Rule 501 of Regulation CF. It is not currently contemplated that registration under the Securities Act or other securities laws will be effected. Limitations on the transfer of the Securities may also adversely affect the price that you might be able to obtain for the Securities in a private sale. Investors should be aware of the long-term nature of their investment in the Company. Each Investor in this Offering will be required to represent that they are purchasing the Securities for their own account, for investment purposes and not with a view to resale or distribution thereof.

Investors will not have voting rights, even upon conversion of the Securities and will grant a third-party nominee broad power and authority to act on their behalf.

In connection with investing in this Offering to purchase a Crowd SAFE ((Simple Agreement for Future Equity) investors will designate Republic Investment Services LLC (f/k/a NextSeed Services, LLC) (“Nominee”) to act on their behalf as agent and proxy in all respects. The Nominee will be entitled, among other things, to exercise any voting rights (if any) conferred upon the holder of a Crowd SAFE or any securities acquired upon their conversion, to execute on behalf of an investor all transaction documents related to the transaction or other corporate event causing the conversion of the Crowd SAFE, and as part of the conversion process the Nominee has the authority to open an account in the name of a qualified custodian, of the Nominee’s sole discretion, to take custody of any securities acquired upon conversion of the Crowd SAFE. Thus, by participating in the Offering, investors will grant broad discretion to a third party (the Nominee and its agents) to take various actions on their behalf, and investors will essentially not be able to vote upon matters related to the governance and affairs of the Company nor take or effect actions that might otherwise be available to holders of the Crowd SAFE and any securities acquired upon their conversion. Investors should not participate in the Offering unless he, she or it is willing to waive or assign certain rights that might otherwise be afforded to a holder of the Crowd SAFE to the Nominee and grant broad authority to the Nominee to take certain actions on behalf of the investor, including changing title to the Security.

Investors will not become equity holders until the Company decides to convert the Securities into “CF Shadow Securities” (the type of equity securities issuable upon conversion of the Securities) or until there is a change of control or sale of substantially all of the Company’s assets.

Investors will not have an ownership claim to the Company or to any of its assets or revenues for an indefinite amount of time and depending on when and how the Securities are converted, the Investors may never become equity holders of the Company. Investors will not become equity holders of the Company unless the Company receives a future round of financing great enough to trigger a conversion and the Company elects to convert the Securities into CF Shadow Securities. The Company is under no obligation to convert the Securities into CF Shadow Securities. In certain instances, such as a sale of the Company or substantially all of its assets, an initial public offering or a dissolution or bankruptcy, the Investors may only have a right to receive cash, to the extent available, rather than equity in the Company. Further, the Investor may never become an equity holder, merely a beneficial owner of an equity interest, should the Company or the Nominee decide to move the Crowd SAFE or the securities issuable thereto into a custodial relationship.

Investors will not have voting rights, even upon conversion of the Securities into CF Shadow Securities.

Investors will not have the right to vote upon matters of the Company even if and when their Securities are converted into CF Shadow Securities (the occurrence of which cannot be guaranteed). Upon such conversion, the CF Shadow Securities will have no voting rights and, in circumstances where a statutory right to vote is provided by state law, the CF Shadow Security holders or the party holding the CF Shadow Securities on behalf of the Investors are required to enter into a proxy agreement with its designee to vote their CF Shadow Securities with the majority of the holder(s) of the securities issued in the round of equity financing that triggered the conversion right. For example, if the Securities are converted in connection with an offering of Series B Preferred Stock, Investors would directly or beneficially receive CF Shadow Securities in the form of shares of Series B-CF Shadow Preferred Stock and such shares would be required to be subject to a proxy that allows a designee to vote their shares of Series B-CF Shadow Preferred Stock consistent with the majority of the Series B Preferred Stockholders. Thus, Investors will essentially never be able to vote upon any matters of the Company unless otherwise provided for by the Company.

Investors will not be entitled to any inspection or information rights other than those required by law.

Investors will not have the right to inspect the books and records of the Company or to receive financial or other information from the Company, other than as required by law. Other security holders of the Company may have such rights. Regulation CF requires only the provision of an annual report on Form C and no additional information. Additionally, there are numerous methods by which the Company can terminate annual report obligations, resulting in no information rights, contractual, statutory or otherwise, owed to Investors. This lack of information could put Investors at a disadvantage in general and with respect to other security holders, including certain security holders who have rights to periodic financial statements and updates from the Company such as quarterly unaudited financials, annual projections and budgets, and monthly progress reports, among other things.

Investors will be unable to declare the Security in “default” and demand repayment.

Unlike convertible notes and some other securities, the Securities do not have any “default” provisions upon which Investors will be able to demand repayment of their investment. The Company has ultimate discretion as to whether or not to convert the Securities upon a future equity financing and Investors have no right to demand such conversion. Only in limited circumstances, such as a liquidity event, may Investors demand payment and even then, such payments will be limited to the amount of cash available to the Company.

The Company may never elect to convert the Securities or undergo a liquidity event and Investors may have to hold the Securities indefinitely.

The Company may never conduct a future equity financing or elect to convert the Securities if such future equity financing does occur. In addition, the Company may never undergo a liquidity event such as a sale of the Company or an initial public offering. If neither the conversion of the Securities nor a liquidity event occurs, Investors could be left holding the Securities in perpetuity. The Securities have numerous transfer restrictions and will likely be highly illiquid, with no secondary market on which to sell them. The Securities are not equity interests, have no ownership rights, have no rights to the Company’s assets or profits and have no voting rights or ability to direct the Company or its actions.

Equity securities acquired upon conversion of the Securities may be significantly diluted as a consequence of subsequent equity financings.

The Company’s equity securities will be subject to dilution. The Company intends to issue additional equity to employees and third-party financing sources in amounts that are uncertain at this time, and as a consequence holders of equity securities resulting from the conversion of the Securities will be subject to dilution in an unpredictable amount. Such dilution may reduce the Investor’s control and economic interests in the Company.

The amount of additional financing needed by the Company will depend upon several contingencies not foreseen at the time of this Offering. Generally, additional financing (whether in the form of loans or the issuance of other securities) will be intended to provide the Company with enough capital to reach the next major corporate milestone. If the funds received in any additional financing are not sufficient to meet the Company’s needs, the Company may have to raise additional capital at a price unfavorable to their existing investors, including the holders of the Securities. The availability of capital is at least partially a function of capital market conditions that are beyond the control of the Company. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to accurately predict the future capital requirements necessary for success or that additional funds will be available from any source. Failure to obtain financing on favorable terms could dilute or otherwise severely impair the value of the Securities.

In addition, the Company has certain equity grants and convertible securities outstanding. Should the Company enter into a financing that would trigger any conversion rights, the converting securities would further dilute the equity securities receivable by the holders of the Securities upon a qualifying financing.

Equity securities issued upon conversion of the Securities may be substantially different from other equity securities offered or issued by the Company at the time of conversion.

In the event the Company decides to exercise the conversion right, the Company will convert the Securities into equity securities that are materially different from the equity securities being issued to new investors at the time of conversion in many ways, including, but not limited to, liquidation preferences, dividend rights, or anti-dilution protection. Additionally, any equity securities issued at the First Equity Financing Price (as defined in the Crowd SAFE agreement) shall have only such preferences, rights, and protections in proportion to the First Equity Financing Price and not in proportion to the price per share paid by new investors receiving the equity securities. Upon conversion of the Securities, the Company may not provide the holders of such Securities with the same rights, preferences, protections, and other benefits or privileges provided to other investors of the Company.

The forgoing paragraph is only a summary of a portion of the conversion feature of the Securities; it is not intended to be complete, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Crowd SAFE agreement, which is attached as Exhibit C.

There is no present market for the Securities and Toast has arbitrarily set the price.

The Offering price was not established in a competitive market. Toast has arbitrarily set the price of the Securities with reference to the general status of the securities market and other relevant factors. The Offering price for the Securities should not be considered an indication of the actual value of the Securities and is not based on its asset value, net worth, revenues or other established criteria of value. Toast cannot guarantee that the Securities can be resold at the Offering price or at any other price.

In the event of the dissolution or bankruptcy of the Company, Investors will not be treated as debt holders and therefore are unlikely to recover any proceeds.

In the event of the dissolution or bankruptcy of the Company, the holders of the Securities that have not been converted will be entitled to distributions as described in the Securities. This means that such holders will only receive distributions once all of the creditors and more senior security holders, including any holders of preferred stock, have been paid in full. Neither holders of the Securities nor holders of CF Shadow Securities can be guaranteed any proceeds in the event of the dissolution or bankruptcy of the Company.

While the Securities provide mechanisms whereby holders of the Securities would be entitled to a return of their purchase amount upon the occurrence of certain events, if the Company does not have sufficient cash on hand, this obligation may not be fulfilled.

Upon the occurrence of certain events, as provided in the Securities, holders of the Securities may be entitled to a return of the principal amount invested. Despite the contractual provisions in the Securities, this right cannot be guaranteed if the Company does not have sufficient liquid assets on hand. Therefore, potential Investors should not assume a guaranteed return of their investment amount.

There is no guarantee of a return on an Investor’s investment.

There is no assurance that an Investor will realize a return on their investment or that they will not lose their entire investment. For this reason, each Investor should read this Form C and all exhibits carefully and should consult with their attorney and business advisor prior to making any investment decision.

References and notesEdit

  1. 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 Source: the company and Republic.