Form S-4 Novus Capital Corp II

October 18, 2021 6:20 AM EDT

Exhibit 10.15

ENERGY VAULT, INC.

2017 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

1.

Purpose of the Plan.

The purpose of the Plan is to aid Energy Vault, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and its Affiliates in recruiting and retaining Service Providers of outstanding ability and to motivate such individuals to exert their best efforts on behalf of the Company and its Affiliates by providing incentives through the granting of Stock Awards. The Company expects that it will benefit from the added interest that such individuals will have in the welfare of the Company and its Affiliates as a result of their proprietary interest in the Company.

2.

Definitions.

(a)Affiliate. “Affiliate” means any Person directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Company. Solely with respect to the granting of any Incentive Stock Options, Affiliate of the Company means any parent corporation or subsidiary corporation of the Company, whether now or hereafter existing, as those terms are defined in Sections 424(e) and (f), respectively, of the Code.

(b)Beneficial Owner. The term “beneficial owner” shall have the meaning given to such term in Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act (or any successor rules thereto).

(c)Board. Board means the Board of Directors of the Company.

(d)Change in Control. Change in Control means the occurrence, in a single transaction or in a series of related transactions, of any one or more of the following events:

(i)the sale, exchange, lease or other disposition, in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all, of the assets of the Company to any “person” or “group” (as such terms are defined in Sections 3(a)(9) and 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act); or

(ii)any “person” or “group” (as such terms are defined in Sections 3(a)(9) and 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), is or becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the total voting power of the voting stock of the Company (or any Entity which controls the Company or which is a successor to all or substantially all of the assets of the Company), including by way of merger, consolidation, tender or exchange offer or otherwise; or

(iii)either a merger or consolidation in which the stockholders of the Company immediately prior to the merger or consolidation fail to possess direct or indirect beneficial Ownership of more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of the securities of the surviving corporation immediately following such transaction, provided however that (A) if the surviving corporation is a subsidiary of another Entity, then the required beneficial ownership shall be determined with respect to the securities of that Entity which controls the surviving corporation and is not itself a subsidiary of any other Entity and (B) any Person described in the following clause shall not be included in the group of stockholders of the Company immediately prior to such transaction: any Person who acquired securities of the Company prior to the occurrence of

1


a merger or consolidation in contemplation of such merger or consolidation and who immediately following such merger or consolidation possesses direct or indirect beneficial Ownership of at least ten percent (10%) of the securities of the surviving corporation (or if the Company or the surviving corporation is a subsidiary, then of the appropriate Entity as determined pursuant to clause (A) above).

(e)Code. Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

(f)Committee. Committee means a committee of one or more members of the Board appointed by the Board in accordance with Section 3(c).

(g)Common Stock. Common Stock means the Class A Common Stock of the Company, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 11.

(h)Company. Company means Energy Vault, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

(i)Consultant. Consultant means any person, including an advisor (but not including an employee), (i) engaged by the Company or an Affiliate to render consulting or advisory services and who is compensated for such services or (ii) who is a member of the Board of Directors of an Affiliate. However, the term “Consultant” shall not include Directors who are not compensated by the Company for their services as Directors, and the payment of a director’s fee by the Company for services as a Director shall not cause a Director to be considered a “Consultant” for purposes of the Plan.

(j)Continuous Service. Continuous Service means that the Participant’s service with the Company or an Affiliate, whether as an Employee, Director or Consultant, is not interrupted, changed or terminated. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, a change in the capacity in which the Participant renders service to the Company or an Affiliate as an Employee, Consultant or Director or a change in the Entity for which the Participant renders such service, even if there is no interruption or termination of the Participant’s service with the Company or an Affiliate, shall interrupt and terminate a Participant’s Continuous Service. For example, a change in status from being an Employee of the Company to a Consultant or a Director of the Company, or a change from being an Employee of the Company to an Employee of a Subsidiary of the Company, shall constitute an interruption of Continuous Service. In contrast, a change in position as an Employee of the Company or transfers between locations of the Company shall not constitute an interruption or termination of Continuous Service. Consistent with applicable employment laws, the Board, may determine whether Continuous Service shall be considered interrupted in the case of any leave of absence approved by that party, including sick leave, military leave or any other personal leave. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a leave of absence shall be treated as Continuous Service for purposes of vesting only to such extent as may be provided in the Company’s leave of absence policy or in the written terms of the Participant’s leave of absence. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if a Participant is both an Employee and a Director or Consultant, the interruption of Continuous Service shall refer to the interruption, change or termination of his or her status as an Employee.

(k)Director. Director means a member of the Board of Directors of the Company.

2


(l)Disability. Disability means the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months. A Participant shall not be deemed to have a Disability until proof of the existence thereof shall have been furnished to the Board in such form and manner, and at such times, as the Board may require. Any determination by the Board that a Participant does or does not have a Disability shall be final and binding upon the Company and a Participant.

(m)Employee. Employee means any individual employed by the Company or an Affiliate. Service as a Director or payment of a director’s fee by the Company or an Affiliate shall not be sufficient to constitute “employment” by the Company or an Affiliate; provided, however, that, unless otherwise determined by the Committee, an Employee shall cease to be an Employee in the event the Employee’s employment is transferred from the Company to any Subsidiary.

(n)Entity. Entity means a corporation, partnership or other entity.

(o)Exchange Act. Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

(p)Fair Market Value. Fair Market Value means, as of any date, the value of a share of Common Stock determined as follows:

(i)If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or traded on an over-the-counter market, the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock shall be the closing sales price for such stock (or the closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such exchange or market (or the exchange or market with the greatest volume of trading in the Common Stock) on the last market trading day prior to the day of determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Board deems reliable.

(ii)In the absence of such markets for the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value will be determined in good faith by the Board and in a manner consistent with Section 260.140.50 of Title 10 of the California Code of Regulations and Section 409A of the Code.

(q)Incentive Stock Option. Incentive Stock Option means an Option intended to qualify as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

(r)Initial Public Offering. Initial Public Offering means the initial underwritten public offering of the Common Stock of the Company pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act.

(s)Listing Date. Listing Date means the first date upon which any security of the Company is listed (or approved for listing) upon notice of issuance on any securities exchange or designated (or approved for designation) upon notice of issuance as a national market security on an interdealer quotation system if such securities exchange or interdealer quotation system has

3


been certified in accordance with the provisions of Section 25100(o) of the California Corporate Securities Law of 1968.

(t)Nonstatutory Stock Option. Nonstatutory Stock Option means an Option not intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.

(u)Officer. Officer means any individual designated by the Company as an officer.

(v)Option. Option means an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option granted pursuant to the Plan.

(w)Option Agreement. Option Agreement means a written agreement between the Company and an Option holder evidencing the terms and conditions of an individual Option grant. Each Option Agreement shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

(x)Option holder. Option holder means a Person to whom an Option is granted pursuant to the Plan or, if applicable, such other Person who holds an outstanding Option.

(y)Own, Owned, Owner, Ownership. A Person shall be deemed to “Own,” to have “Owned,” to be the “Owner” of, or to have acquired “Ownership” of securities if such Person, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, has or shares voting power, which includes the power to vote or to direct the voting, with respect to such securities.

(z)Participant. Participant means a Person to whom a Stock Award is granted pursuant to the Plan or, if applicable, such other Person who holds an outstanding Stock Award.

(aa)Permitted Transferee. Permitted Transferee means any Person to whom a Stock Award or share of Common Stock is transferred consistent with the provisions of Section 12 of this Plan.

(bb)Person. Person shall have the meaning ascribed to such term by Section 3(a)(9) and 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act (or any successor section thereto).

(cc)Plan. Plan means this Company Stock Incentive Plan.

(dd)Restricted Stock Award. Restricted Stock Award means a grant of shares of the Company’s Common Stock not requiring a Participant to pay any amount of monetary consideration in excess of the par value of such common stock, and subject to the provisions of Subsection 7(a) of the Plan.

(ee)Restricted Stock Unit. Restricted Stock Unit means the right to receive one (1) share of the Company’s Common Stock at the time the Restricted Stock Unit vests, with the further right to elect to defer receipt of shares of Common Stock otherwise deliverable upon the vesting of an award of Restricted Stock Units. These Restricted Stock Units are subject to the provisions of Subsection 7(b) of the Plan.

(ff)Securities Act. Securities Act means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

4


(gg)Service Provider. Service Provider means any Employee, Director or Consultant.

(hh)Stock Award. Stock Award means any right granted under the Plan, including, but not limited to: (i) Options, (ii) Restricted Stock Awards and (iii) Restricted Stock Units.

(ii)Stock Award Agreement. Stock Award Agreement means a written agreement between the Company and a holder of a Stock Award evidencing the terms and conditions of an individual Stock Award. Each Stock Award Agreement shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

(jj)Ten Percent Stockholder. Ten Percent Stockholder means a Person who Owns (or is deemed to Own pursuant to Section 424(d) of the Code) stock possessing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or of any of its Affiliates.

3.

Administration.

(a)Administration by Board. The Board shall administer the Plan unless and until the Board delegates administration to a Committee, as provided in Section 3(c).

(b)Powers of Board. The Board shall have the power, subject to, and within the limitations of, the express provisions of the Plan:

(i)To determine from time to time which of the Persons eligible under the Plan shall be granted Stock Awards; when and how each Stock Award shall be granted; what type or combination of types of Stock Award shall be granted; the provisions of each Stock Award granted (which need not be identical), including the time or times when a Person shall be permitted to receive Common Stock pursuant to a Stock Award; and the number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which a Stock Award shall be granted to each such person.

(ii)To construe and interpret the Plan and Stock Awards granted under it, and to establish, amend and revoke rules and regulations for its administration. The Board, in the exercise of this power, may correct any defect, omission or inconsistency in the Plan or in any Stock Award Agreement, in a manner and to the extent it shall deem necessary or expedient to make the Plan fully effective.

(iii)To amend the Plan or a Stock Award as provided in Section 14.

(iv)To terminate or suspend the Plan as provided in Section 15.

(v)Generally, to exercise such powers and to perform such acts as the Board deems necessary, desirable, convenient or expedient to promote the best interests of the Company that are not in conflict with the provisions of the Plan.

(c)Delegation to Committee. The Board may delegate administration of the Plan to a Committee or Committees of one (1) or more members of the Board, and the term “Committee” shall apply to any individuals to whom such authority has been delegated. If administration is delegated to a Committee, the Committee shall have, in connection with the administration of the

5


Plan, the powers theretofore possessed by the Board, including the power to delegate to a subcommittee any of the administrative powers the Committee is authorized to exercise (and references in this Plan to the Board shall thereafter be to the Committee or subcommittee), subject, however, to such resolutions, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, as may be adopted from time to time by the Board. The Board may abolish the Committee at any time and revest in the Board some or all of the administration of the Plan. The Board or the Committee may delegate to one or more Officers of the Company the authority to grant Stock Awards under this Plan to Participants who are not Officers in accordance with the requirements of applicable law.

(d)Effect of Board’s Decision. All determinations, interpretations and constructions made by the Board in good faith shall not be subject to review by any Person and shall be final, binding and conclusive on all persons.

4.

Shares Subject to the Plan.

(a)Share Reserve. Subject to the provisions of Section 11 relating to adjustments upon changes in Common Stock, the Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to Stock Awards shall not exceed in the aggregate 2,120,000 shares of Common Stock, reduced by the number of shares of Common Stock already issued under the Plan.

(b)Reversion of Shares to the Share Reserve. For purposes of Section 4(a), the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock issued under this Plan at any time shall equal only the number of shares actually issued upon exercise or settlement of a Stock Award, and shall not be reduced by (i) shares subject to Stock Awards that have been terminated, expired unexercised, forfeited or settled in cash, (ii) shares subject to Stock Awards that have been retained by the Company in payment or satisfaction of the exercise price, purchase price or tax withholding obligation of a Stock Award or (iii) shares subject to Stock Awards that otherwise do not result in the issuance of shares in connection with payment or settlement of an Award. In addition, shares of Common Stock that have been delivered (either actually or by attestation) to the Company in payment or satisfaction of the exercise price, purchase price or tax withholding obligation of a Stock Award shall be available for Stock Awards under this Plan.

(c)Source of Shares. The shares of Common Stock subject to the Plan may be unissued shares or reacquired shares.

5.

Eligibility.

(a)Eligibility for Specific Stock Awards. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to Employees. Stock Awards other than Incentive Stock Options may be granted to Employees, Directors and Consultants.

(b)Ten Percent Stockholders. A Ten Percent Stockholder shall not be granted an Incentive Stock Option unless the exercise price of such Option is at least one hundred ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock at the date of grant and the Option is not exercisable after the expiration of five (5) years from the date of grant.

6


6.

Option Provisions.

Each Option shall be in such form and shall contain such terms and conditions as the Board shall deem appropriate. All Options shall be separately designated Incentive Stock Options or Nonstatutory Stock Options at the time of grant, and, if certificates are issued, a separate certificate or certificates will be issued for shares of Common Stock purchased on exercise of each type of Option. The provisions of separate Options need not be identical, but each Option shall include (through incorporation of provisions hereof by reference in the Option or otherwise) the substance of each of the following provisions:

(a)Term. The term of an Option shall be set forth in the Option Agreement; provided, however, that, subject to the provisions of Section 5(b) regarding Ten Percent Stockholders, no Option granted under the Plan shall be exercisable after the expiration of ten (10) years from the date it was granted.

(b)Exercise Price of an Incentive Stock Option. Subject to the provisions of Section 5(b) regarding Ten Percent Stockholders (to the extent applicable), the exercise price of each Incentive Stock Option shall be not less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock subject to the Option on the date the Option is granted. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Incentive Stock Option may be granted with an exercise price lower than that set forth in the preceding sentence if such Option is granted pursuant to an assumption or substitution for another option in a manner satisfying the provisions of Section 424(a) of the Code.

(c)Exercise Price of a Nonstatutory Stock Option. Subject to the provisions of Section 5(b) regarding Ten Percent Stockholders (to the extent applicable), the exercise price of each Nonstatutory Stock Option shall be not less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock subject to the Option on the date the Option is granted. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Nonstatutory Stock Option may be granted with an exercise price lower than that set forth in the preceding sentence if such Option is granted pursuant to an assumption or substitution for another option in a manner satisfying the provisions of Section 424(a) of the Code.

(d)Consideration. The purchase price of Common Stock acquired pursuant to an Option shall be paid, to the extent permitted by applicable statutes and regulations, either (i) in cash or by check at the time the Option is exercised or (ii) at the discretion of the Board at the time of the grant of the Option or subsequently (but prior to the time of exercise) (1) by delivery to the Company of other Common Stock, (2) according to a deferred payment or other similar arrangement with the Option holder, (3) by authorizing the Company to withhold shares of Common Stock from the shares of Common Stock otherwise issuable to the Participant as a result of the exercise of the Option or (4) in any other form of legal consideration that may be acceptable to the Board, including, without limitation, a promissory note. In the absence of a provision to the contrary in the individual Option holder’s Option Agreement, payment for Common Stock pursuant to an Option may only be made in the form of cash or check.

7


In the case of any deferred payment arrangement, interest shall be compounded at least annually and shall be charged at the market rate of interest necessary to avoid a charge to earnings for financial accounting purposes.

(e)Vesting Generally. The total number of shares of Common Stock subject to an Option may, but need not, vest and therefore become exercisable in periodic installments that may, but need not, be equal. The Option may be subject to such other terms and conditions on the time or times when it may be exercised (which may be based on performance or other criteria) as the Board may deem appropriate. The vesting provisions of individual Options may vary. The provisions of this Section 6(e) are subject to any Option provisions governing the minimum number of shares of Common Stock as to which an Option may be exercised.

(f)Termination of Continuous Service. In the event an Option holder’s Continuous Service terminates (other than upon the Option holder’s Disability or death), subject to Section 6(k), the Option holder may exercise his or her Option (to the extent that the Option holder was entitled to exercise such Option as of the date of termination or as otherwise permitted by the Company) but only within such period of time ending on the earlier of (i) the date three (3) months following the termination of the Option holder’s Continuous Service (or such longer or shorter period specified in the Option Agreement), or (ii) the expiration of the term of the Option as set forth in the Option Agreement. If, after termination, the Option holder does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified in the Option Agreement, the Option shall terminate.

(g)Extension of Termination Date. An Option holder’s Option Agreement may also provide that if the exercise of the Option following the termination of the Option holder’s Continuous Service (other than upon the Option holder’s Disability or death) would be prohibited at any time solely because the issuance of shares of Common Stock would violate the registration requirements under the Securities Act, or similar requirements of applicable law of another jurisdiction to which the Option is subject, then the Option shall terminate on the earlier of (i) the expiration of the term of the Option as set forth in the Option Agreement or (ii) the expiration of a period of three (3) months after the termination of the Option holder’s Continuous Service during which the exercise of the Option would not be in violation of such registration requirements or similar requirements.

(h)Disability of Option holder. In the event that an Option holder’s Continuous Service terminates as a result of the Option holder’s Disability, the Option holder may exercise his or her Option (to the extent that the Option holder was entitled to exercise such Option as of the date of termination), but only within such period of time ending on the earlier of (i) the date twelve (12) months following such termination (or such longer or, following the Listing Date, shorter period specified in the Option Agreement) or (ii) the expiration of the term of the Option as set forth in the Option Agreement. If, after termination, the Option holder does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate.

(i)Death of Option holder. In the event (i) an Option holder’s Continuous Service terminates as a result of the Option holder’s death or (ii) the Option holder dies within the period (if any) specified in the Option Agreement after the termination of the Option holder’s Continuous Service for a reason other than death, then the Option may be exercised (to the extent

8


the Option holder was entitled to exercise such Option as of the date of death or as otherwise permitted by the Company) by the Option holder’s estate or by a Person who acquired the right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance, but only within the period ending on the earlier of (1) the date twelve (12) months following the date of death (or such longer or, following the Listing Date, shorter period specified in the Option Agreement) or (2) the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Option Agreement. If, after death, the Option is not exercised within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate.

(j)Termination for Cause. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, if the Option holder’s Continuous Service is terminated for “Cause” (as defined below), the Option shall terminate and cease to be exercisable immediately upon such termination of Continuous Service.

For the purposes of this Section 6(k), “Cause” shall mean any of the following: (i) the Option holder’s refusal or failure to act in accordance with any specific, lawful direction or order of the Company or any of its Affiliates; (ii) the Option holder’s unfitness or unavailability for service or unsatisfactory performance (other than as a result of the Option holder’s death or Disability); (iii) the Option holder’s performance of any act or failure to perform any act in bad faith and to the detriment of the Company or any of its Affiliates; (iv) the Option holder’s failure or inability to perform satisfactorily any reasonable assigned material duties of his or her position (other than as a result of the Option holder’s death or Disability); (v) the Option holder’s dishonesty, intentional misconduct or material breach of any agreement with the Company or any of its Affiliates; or (vi) the Option holder’s commission of a crime involving dishonesty, breach of trust, or physical or emotional harm to any person. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the definition of “Cause” in an individual written agreement between the Company or any of its Affiliates and the Option holder shall supersede the foregoing definition with respect to Stock Awards subject to such individual agreement (it being understood, however, that if no definition of the term Cause is set forth in such an individual written agreement, the foregoing definition shall apply).

(k)Repurchase. Subject to the “Repurchase Limitation” in Section 10(g), vested and/or unvested shares of Common Stock acquired under an Option may, but need not, be subject to a share repurchase option in favor of the Company.

7.

Provisions of Stock Awards Other Than Options.

(a)Restricted Stock Awards. Each Restricted Stock award agreement shall be in such form and shall contain such terms and conditions as the Board shall deem appropriate. The terms and conditions of Restricted Stock award agreements may change from time to time, and the terms and conditions of separate Restricted Stock award agreements need not be identical, but each Restricted Stock award agreement shall include (through incorporation of provisions hereof by reference in the agreement or otherwise) the substance of each of the following provisions:

(i)Consideration. A Restricted Stock Award may be awarded in consideration for past services actually rendered to the Company or an Affiliate for its benefit or any other lawful consideration.

9


(ii)Vesting Generally. The total number of shares of Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Award may, but need not, vest in periodic installments that may, but need not, be equal.

(iii)Repurchase. Subject to the “Repurchase Limitation” in Section 10(g), vested and/or unvested shares of Common Stock awarded under a Restricted Stock award agreement may, but need not, be subject to a share repurchase option in favor of the Company.

(iv)Termination of Participant’s Continuous Service. Subject to the “Repurchase Limitation” in Section 10(g), unless otherwise provided in the applicable Restricted Stock award agreement, in the event a Participant’s Continuous Service terminates, the Company shall automatically reacquire any or all of the shares of Common Stock held by the Participant which have not vested as of the date of termination under the terms of the Restricted Stock award agreement.

(b)Restricted Stock Units. The following terms and conditions shall govern the grant and redeemability of Restricted Stock Units:

(i)A Restricted Stock Unit is the right to receive one (1) share of the Company’s Common Stock at the time the Restricted Stock Unit vests. To the extent permitted by the Board, Participants may elect to defer receipt of shares of Common Stock otherwise deliverable upon the vesting of an award of Restricted Stock Units, so long as such deferral election complies with applicable law (including Section 409A of the Code) and any requirements imposed by the Board. Restricted Stock Units shall be paid by delivery of shares of Common Stock, in cash, or a combination thereof, as the Board in its sole discretion shall deem appropriate.

(ii)Each Restricted Stock Unit award agreement shall be in such form and shall contain such terms and conditions as the Board shall deem appropriate. The terms and conditions of Restricted Stock Unit award agreements may change from time to time, and the terms and conditions of separate Restricted Stock Unit award agreements need not be identical, but each Restricted Stock Unit award agreement shall include (through incorporation of provisions hereof by reference in the agreement or otherwise) the substance of each of the following provisions:

(A)Consideration. A Restricted Stock Unit may be awarded in consideration for past services actually rendered to the Company or an Affiliate for its benefit. The Board shall have the discretion to provide that the Participant pay for such Restricted Stock Unit with cash or other consideration permitted by law.

(B)Vesting. Vesting shall generally be based on the Participant’s Continuous Service and/or on the achievement of certain performance criteria, whether financial, transactional or otherwise, as determined by the Board.

(C)Termination of Participant’s Continuous Service. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Restricted Stock Unit award agreement, the unvested portion of any award of Restricted Stock Units held by a Participant shall expire immediately upon the termination of such Participant’s Continuous Service.

10


(D)Repurchase. Subject to the “Repurchase Limitation” in Section 10(g), vested and/or unvested shares of Common Stock awarded under a Restricted Stock Unit may, but need not, be subject to a share repurchase option in favor of the Company.

8.

Securities Law Compliance.

The grant of Stock Awards and the issuance of Common Stock pursuant to Stock Awards shall be subject to compliance with all applicable requirements of federal, state and foreign law with respect to such securities. Stock Awards may not be issued if the issuance of such Stock Awards would constitute a violation of any applicable federal, state or foreign securities laws or other law or regulations or the requirements of any stock exchange or market system upon which the Common Stock may then be listed. In addition, no Option may be exercised unless (a) a registration statement under the Securities Act shall at the time of exercise of the Option be in effect with respect to the shares issuable upon exercise of the Option or (b) in the opinion of legal counsel to the Company, the shares issuable upon exercise of the Option may be issued in accordance with the terms of an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. The inability of the Company to obtain from any regulatory body having jurisdiction the authority, if any, deemed by the Company’s legal counsel to be necessary for the lawful issuance and sale of any Stock Award or share of Common Stock hereunder shall relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such Stock Award or Common Stock. Nothing in this Section 8 shall be read to require the Company to register under the Securities Act the Plan, any Stock Award, or any Common Stock issued or issuable pursuant to any such Stock Award.

9.

Use of Proceeds from Stock.

Proceeds from the sale of Common Stock pursuant to Stock Awards shall constitute general funds of the Company.

10.

Miscellaneous.

(a)Acceleration of Exercisability and Vesting. The Board shall have the power to accelerate the time at which a Stock Award may first be exercised or the time during which a Stock Award or any part thereof will vest in accordance with the Plan, notwithstanding the provisions in the Stock Award stating the time at which it may first be exercised or the time during which it will vest.

(b)Stockholder Rights. No Participant shall be deemed to be the holder of, or to have any of the rights of a holder with respect to, any shares of Common Stock subject to a Stock Award unless and until such Participant has satisfied all requirements for issuance of the Common Stock pursuant to the terms of the Stock Award.

(c)No Employment or other Service Rights. Nothing in the Plan or any instrument executed or Stock Award granted pursuant thereto shall confer upon any Participant any right to continue to serve the Company or an Affiliate in the capacity in effect at the time the Stock Award was granted or shall affect the right of the Company or an Affiliate to terminate (i) the employment of an Employee for any reason, or no reason, with or without Cause and with or without notice, (ii) the service of a Consultant pursuant to the terms of such Consultant’s

11


agreement with the Company or an Affiliate or (iii) the service of a Director or a director of an Affiliate pursuant to the Bylaws of the Company or the Affiliate, as the case may be, and any applicable provisions of the corporate law of the state in which the Company or the Affiliate is incorporated, as the case may be.

(d)Incentive Stock Option $100,000 Limitation. To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined at the time of grant) of Common Stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by any Option holder during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company and its Affiliates) exceeds one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000), the Options or portions thereof which exceed such limit (according to the order in which they were granted) shall be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options.

(e)Investment Assurances. The Company may require a Participant, as a condition of exercising or acquiring Common Stock under any Stock Award, (i) to give written assurances satisfactory to the Company as to the Participant’s knowledge and experience in financial and business matters and/or to employ a purchaser representative reasonably satisfactory to the Company who is knowledgeable and experienced in financial and business matters and that he or she is capable of evaluating, alone or together with the purchaser representative, the merits and risks of exercising the Stock Award; (ii) to give written assurances satisfactory to the Company stating that the Participant is acquiring Common Stock subject to the Stock Award for the Participant’s own account and not with any present intention of selling or otherwise distributing the Common Stock and to give such other written assurances as the Company may determine are reasonable in order to comply with applicable law. The foregoing requirements, and any assurances given pursuant to such requirements, shall be inoperative if (i) the issuance of the shares of Common Stock upon the exercise or acquisition of Common Stock under the Stock Award has been registered under a then currently effective registration statement under the Securities Act or (ii) as to any particular requirement, a determination is made by counsel for the Company that such requirement need not be met in the circumstances under the then applicable securities laws. The Company may, upon advice of counsel to the Company, place legends on stock certificates issued under the Plan as such counsel deems necessary or appropriate in order to comply with applicable securities laws, including, but not limited to, legends restricting the transfer of the Common Stock.

(f)Withholding Obligations. To the extent provided by the terms of a Stock Award Agreement, the Participant may satisfy any federal, state or local tax withholding obligation triggered by an event causing recognition of taxation relating to Common Stock under a Stock Award by any of the following means (in addition to the Company’s right to withhold from any compensation paid to the Participant by the Company) or by a combination of such means: (i) tendering a cash payment; (ii) authorizing the Company to withhold shares of Common Stock from the shares of Common Stock otherwise issuable to the Participant as a result of the exercise or acquisition of Common Stock under the Stock Award, provided, however, that no shares of Common Stock are withheld with a value exceeding the minimum amount of tax required to be withheld by law; or (iii) delivering to the Company Owned and unencumbered shares of Common Stock.

12


(g)Repurchase Limitation.

(i)The terms of any repurchase option applicable to the unvested portion of a Stock Award or shares of Common Stock subject to the unvested portion of a Stock Award shall be at the original purchase price. With respect to Stock Awards granted to Participants that are subject to the requirements of Section 260.140.8 of Title 10 of the California Code of Regulations at the time the Stock Award is made, to the extent such Participants are not Officers, Directors or Consultants, any repurchase option applicable to the unvested portion of a Stock Award or share of Common Stock issued pursuant to a Stock Award granted prior to the Listing Date to such a Participant shall be upon the following terms: the right to repurchase at the original purchase price shall lapse at the rate of at least twenty percent (20%) of the shares of Common Stock per year over five (5) years from the date the Stock Award is granted (without respect to the date the Stock Award was exercised or became exercisable) and the right to repurchase shall be exercised for cash or cancellation of purchase money indebtedness for the shares of Common Stock within six (6) months of termination of Continuous Service (or in the case of shares of Common Stock issued upon exercise of Options after such date of termination, within six (6) months after the date of the exercise) or such longer period as may be agreed to by the Company and the Participant.

(ii)The terms of any repurchase option applicable to the vested portion of a Stock Award or shares of Common Stock subject to the vested portion of a Stock Award shall be at not less than Fair Market Value. With respect to Stock Awards granted to Participants that are subject to the requirements of Section 260.140.8 of Title 10 of the California Code of Regulations at the time the Stock Award is made, to the extent such Participants are not Officers, Directors or Consultants, any repurchase option applicable to the vested portion of a Stock Award or share of Common Stock issued pursuant to a Stock Award granted prior to the Listing Date to such a Participant shall be upon the following terms: the right to repurchase at Fair Market Value shall lapse following an Initial Public Offering and the right to repurchase at Fair Market Value shall be exercised for cash or cancellation of purchase money indebtedness for the shares of Common Stock within six (6) months of termination of Continuous Service (or in the case of shares of Common Stock issued upon exercise of Options after such date of termination, within six (6) months after the date of the exercise) or such longer period as may be agreed to by the Company and the Participant.

(h)Section 409A. Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, it is the intent of the Company that all Stock Awards granted under this Plan (including, but not limited to, Restricted Stock Units) shall not cause an imposition of the additional taxes provided for in Section 409A(a)(1)(B) of the Code; furthermore, it is the intent of the Company that the Plan shall be administered so that the additional taxes provided for in Section 409A(a)(1)(B) of the Code are not imposed.

11.

Adjustments Upon Changes in Stock.

(a)Capitalization Adjustments.

(i)In the event of any change in the outstanding Common Stock subject to the Plan, or subject to or underlying any Stock Award, by reason of any stock dividend,

13


distribution of cash or property (other than regular cash dividends), forward stock split or reverse stock split, reorganization, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, spin-off, combination, exchange of shares of Common Stock or other corporate exchange, or any transaction similar to the foregoing, then (A) the number of shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under this Plan, (B) the exercise price, base price or redemption price applicable to outstanding Stock Awards, and (C) the number of shares of Common Stock subject to outstanding Stock Awards shall be equitably adjusted in a manner determined by the Board, subject to compliance with applicable law. Fractions of a share of Common Stock will not be issued but will be paid in cash at the Fair Market Value of such fraction of a share or will be rounded down to the nearest whole share, as determined by the Board in its sole discretion.

(ii)Any determination, substitution or adjustment made by the Board under this Section 11(a) shall be final, binding and conclusive on all persons. The conversion of any convertible securities of the Company shall not be treated as a transaction that will cause the Board to make any determination, substitution or adjustment under this Section 11(a).

(b)Adjustments Upon A Change in Control.

(i)In the event of a Change in Control, any surviving Entity or acquiring Entity may assume or continue any Stock Awards outstanding under the Plan or may substitute awards with substantially equivalent economic value (including an award to acquire the same consideration paid to the stockholders in the transaction by which the Change in Control occurs) for those outstanding under the Plan. In the event any surviving Entity or acquiring Entity declines to assume or continue such Stock Awards or to substitute similar stock awards for those outstanding under the Plan, then the Board in its sole discretion and without liability to any Person may (1) provide for the payment of a cash amount in exchange for the cancellation of a Stock Award equal to its fair value (as determined in the good faith determination of the Board) which, in the case of certain Stock Awards (i.e., Incentive Stock Options and Nonstatutory Stock Options), shall equal the product of (x) the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value per share of Common Stock at such time over the exercise price, if any, times (y) the total number of shares then subject to such Stock Award, (2) continue the Stock Awards, or (3) provide for the cancellation of any outstanding and unexercised Stock Awards upon or following the closing of the transaction by which the Change in Control occurs. The Board shall not be obligated to treat all Stock Awards, even those that are of the same type, in the same manner.

(ii)Except as set forth in Section 11(b)(i), in the event of (A) a dissolution or liquidation of the Company, (B) a sale of all or substantially all of the assets or properties of the Company or (C) a reorganization, merger or consolidation of the Company (not constituting a Change in Control) as a result of which the outstanding securities of the class then subject to the Stock Awards are exchanged for or converted into cash, property and/or securities not issued by the Company, all outstanding Stock Awards shall terminate immediately prior to such event.

(c)Other Written Agreements. A Stock Award held by any Participant may be subject to additional acceleration of vesting and exercisability or other terms and conditions related to a Change in Control as set forth in the Stock Award Agreement for such Stock Award or as set forth in any other written agreement between the Company or any Affiliate and the Participant. In the event of any conflict between written documents relating to the treatment of a

14


Stock Award held by a Participant, such additional acceleration provisions and other terms and conditions shall be controlling.

12.

Limitations on Transfers.

(a)Transferability of Stock Awards. Subject to Section 12(d), no Stock Award issued under this Plan may be sold, exchanged, transferred (including, without limitation, any transfer to a nominee or agent of a Participant), assigned, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise disposed of, except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and, to the extent provided in the Stock Award Agreement. Any unauthorized transfer of a Stock Award shall be void.

(b)Special Rule Applicable to Incentive Stock Options. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 12(a), an Incentive Stock Option issued under this Plan shall not be transferable except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and shall be exercisable during the lifetime of an Option holder only by the Option holder.

(c)Transferability of Common Stock. Except as otherwise expressly permitted herein, prior to the first to occur of (i) the 181st day following an Initial Public Offering and (ii) a Change in Control pursuant to which the stockholders of the Company receive cash or marketable securities, no shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant to a Stock Award issued under this Plan may be sold, exchanged, transferred (including, without limitation, any transfer to a nominee or agent of a Participant), assigned, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise disposed of, including by operation of law, in any manner except as may be approved in writing by the Board or set forth in a separate written agreement to which the Company is a party (such as a stockholders’ agreement or a Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement). Any such attempted disposition not in accordance with this Section 12(c) shall be void. The Company shall not be required to transfer on its books any shares of Common Stock which will have been transferred in violation of any of the provisions of this Plan or to treat as owner of such shares or to accord the right to vote as such owner or to pay dividends to any transferee to whom such shares will have been so transferred.

(d)Limited Transfers for the Benefit of Family Members. Notwithstanding any other provision set forth in this Section 12, the Board, in its sole discretion, may permit a Stock Award or share of Common Stock issued under this Plan to be assigned or transferred to or for the benefit of family members subject to the applicable limitations, if any, set forth in Rule 701 under the Securities Act, and the General Instructions to Form S-8 Registration Statement under the Securities Act.

(e)Permitted Transferees. Any Permitted Transferee will be subject to all of the terms and conditions applicable to a Person transferring a Stock Award or share of Common Stock issued under this Plan, including, but not limited to, the terms and conditions set forth in this Plan and the applicable Stock Award Agreement.

(f)Repurchase Rights. Subject to the “Repurchase Limitation” in Section 10(g), shares of Common Stock issued under the Plan may be subject to a right of first refusal, one or more repurchase options, or other conditions and restrictions as determined by the Board in its discretion at the time a Stock Award is granted. The Company shall have the right to assign at

15


any time any repurchase right or right of first refusal it may have, whether or not such right is then exercisable, to one or more Persons as may be selected by the Company. Upon request by the Company, each Participant shall execute any agreement evidencing such transfer restrictions prior to the receipt of shares of Common Stock hereunder and shall promptly present to the Company any and all certificates (if any) representing shares of Stock acquired hereunder for the placement on such certificates (if any) of appropriate legends evidencing any such transfer restrictions and/or deposit of such certificates (if any) with an escrow agent pursuant to Section 15 of the Plan.

13.

Section 12 of the Exchange Act.

Prior to an Initial Public Offering, in the event that the Company, in its sole discretion, deems it necessary to ensure that the Company does not become subject to the registration requirements set forth in Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act, the Company shall be entitled to engage in the following actions (and any additional actions set forth in an individual’s Stock Award Agreement):

(a)Suspend Options. The Company may prevent the exercise of Options issued under this Plan, in which case, such Options shall remain outstanding and become exercisable at the time that the Company delivers a notice to affected Participants that such Options are again exercisable, whereupon either (i) such Options shall become exercisable according to their terms, or (ii) if an Option would no longer be exercisable according to its terms but previously was or would have been exercisable under those terms, such Option shall remain exercisable until the 30th day following the day that the Company delivers the notice described above. Notwithstanding the other provisions of this Section 13(a), no Option shall remain outstanding or exercisable after the expiration date of the Option as set forth in the Option Agreement documenting such Option.

(b)Require Contribution to a Trust. The Company may require Participants to contribute Stock Awards and any shares of Common Stock issued under this Plan to a trust designated by the Company under the terms and conditions of a trust agreement approved by the Company. The Company shall bear the expenses of maintaining the trust.

14.

Amendment of the Plan and Stock Awards.

(a)Amendment of Plan. The Board at any time, and from time to time, may amend the Plan. However, except as provided in Section 11 relating to adjustments upon changes in Common Stock, no amendment shall be effective unless approved by the stockholders of the Company to the extent stockholder approval is necessary to satisfy the requirements of Section 422 of the Code, any applicable state corporate or securities law requirements, or any securities exchange listing requirements.

(b)Stockholder Approval. The Board may, in its sole discretion, submit any other amendment to the Plan for stockholder approval.

(c)Contemplated Amendments. It is expressly contemplated that the Board may amend the Plan in any respect the Board deems necessary or advisable to provide eligible Employees with the maximum benefits provided or to be provided under the provisions of the

16


Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder relating to Incentive Stock Options and/or to bring the Plan and/or Incentive Stock Options granted under it into compliance therewith.

(d)No Material Impairment of Rights. Rights under any Stock Award granted before amendment of the Plan shall not be materially impaired by any amendment of the Plan unless (i) the Company requests the consent of the Participant and (ii) the Participant consents in writing.

(e)Amendment of Stock Awards. The Board at any time, and from time to time, may amend the terms of any one or more Stock Awards; provided, however, that subject to the provisions of Section 16, the rights under any Stock Award shall not be materially impaired by any such amendment unless (i) the Company requests the consent of the Participant and (ii) the Participant consents in writing.

15.

Escrow.

To ensure that the shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to Stock Awards are not transferred in contravention of the terms of the Plan and the individual Stock Award Agreements, to ensure that the Common Stock subject to a repurchase option, reacquisition right or right of first refusal will be available for repurchase or reacquisition, and to ensure compliance with other provisions of the Plan, the Board may in its sole discretion require Participants to deposit the certificates evidencing the shares of Common Stock issued under this Plan with an escrow agent designated by the Board.

16.

Termination or Suspension of the Plan.

(a)Plan Term. The Board may suspend or terminate the Plan at any time. Unless sooner terminated, the Plan shall terminate on the day before the tenth (10th) anniversary of the date the Plan is adopted by the Board or approved by the stockholders of the Company, whichever is earlier. No Stock Awards may be granted under the Plan while the Plan is suspended or after it is terminated.

(b)No Impairment of Rights. Suspension or termination of the Plan shall not impair rights and obligations under any Stock Award granted while the Plan is in effect except with the written consent of the Participant.

17.

Effective Date of Plan.

The Plan shall become effective immediately upon its adoption by the Board, but no Stock Awards may be granted unless and until the Plan has been approved by the stockholders of the Company, which approval shall be within twelve (12) months before or after the date the Plan is adopted by the Board.

18.

Choice of Law.

The law of the State of Delaware shall govern all questions concerning the construction, validity and interpretation of this Plan, without regard to such state’s conflict of laws rules.

17


19.

Dispute Resolution.

In the event of any controversy relating to the Plan, such controversy shall be settled by the Participant and the Company solely pursuant to final and binding arbitration before a single arbitrator in accordance with the then current employment arbitration rules of JAMS and governed by California law, and judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered by any court having jurisdiction thereof. Failure by the Participant to initiate arbitration within the one (1) year time period set forth above shall prevent the Participant from any pursuit of such claim by any means, whether through arbitration or otherwise. The arbitrator shall have no power to alter, add to, or subtract from any provision of the Plan. The arbitrator’s decision shall be final and binding on all parties, if warranted on the record and reasonably based on applicable law and the provisions of the Plan. Each party shall bear its own attorney’s fees, but the Company shall bear the costs and expenses of arbitration. The location of the arbitration shall be within fifty (50) miles of the last place of employment with the Company of the Participant with respect to whose potential benefit under the Plan the claim is brought. Service of legal process should be directed to the General Counsel of the Company.

18


Exhibit 10.16

ENERGY VAULT, INC.

2020 STOCK PLAN

ADOPTED ON DECEMBER 21, 2020


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

SECTION 1.

ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSE

1

SECTION 2.

ADMINISTRATION

1

(a)

Committees of the Board of Directors

1

(b)

Authority of the Board of Directors

1

SECTION 3.

ELIGIBILITY

2

(a)

General Rule

2

(b)

Ten-Percent Stockholders

2

SECTION 4.

STOCK SUBJECT TO PLAN

2

(a)

Basic Limitation

2

(b)

Additional Shares

2

SECTION 5.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF AWARDS OR SALES

3

(a)

Stock Grant or Purchase Agreement

3

(b)

Duration of Offers and Nontransferability of Rights

3

(c)

Purchase Price

3

SECTION 6.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF OPTIONS

3

(a)

Stock Option Agreement

3

(b)

Number of Shares

3

(c)

Exercise Price

3

(d)

Vesting and Exercisability

4

(e)

Basic Term

4

(f)

Termination of Service (Except by Death)

4

(g)

Leaves of Absence

5

(h)

Death of Optionee

5

(i)

Restrictions on Transfer of Options

5

(j)

No Rights as a Stockholder

5

(k)

Modification, Extension and Assumption of Options

5

(l)

Company’s Right to Cancel Certain Options

6

SECTION 7.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS

6

(a)

Restricted Stock Unit Agreement

6

(b)

Payment for Restricted Stock Units

6

(c)

Vesting Conditions

6

(d)

Forfeiture

6

(e)

Voting and Dividend Rights

6

(f)

Form and Time of Settlement of Restricted Stock Units

7

(g)

Death of Recipient

7

(h)

Creditors’ Rights

7

(i)

Modification, Extension and Assumption of Restricted Stock Units

7

(j)

Restrictions on Transfer of Restricted Stock Units

7


SECTION 8.

PAYMENT FOR SHARES

7

(a)

General Rule

7

(b)

Services Rendered

8

(c)

Promissory Note

8

(d)

Surrender of Stock

8

(e)

Cashless Exercise

8

(f)

Net Exercise

8

(g)

Other Forms of Payment

8

SECTION 9.

ADJUSTMENT OF SHARES

8

(a)

General

8

(b)

Corporate Transactions

9

(c)

Dissolution or Liquidation

10

(d)

Reservation of Rights

10

SECTION 10.

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

10

(a)

Securities Law Requirements

10

(b)

No Retention Rights

11

(c)

Treatment as Compensation

11

(d)

Governing Law

11

(e)

Conditions and Restrictions on Shares

11

(f)

Tax Matters

11

SECTION 11.

DURATION AND AMENDMENTS; STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL

12

(a)

Term of the Plan

12

(b)

Right to Amend or Terminate the Plan

12

(c)

Effect of Amendment or Termination

12

(d)

Stockholder Approval

13

SECTION 12.

DEFINITIONS

13


ENERGY VAULT, INC. 2020 STOCK PLAN

SECTION 1.ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSE.

The purpose of this Plan is to attract, incentivize and retain Employees, Outside Directors and Consultants through the grant of Awards.  The Plan provides for the direct award or sale of Shares, the grant of Options to purchase Shares and the grant of Restricted Stock Units to acquire Shares.  Options granted under the Plan may be ISOs intended to qualify under Code Section 422 or NSOs which are not intended to so qualify.

Capitalized terms are defined in Section 12.

SECTION 2.ADMINISTRATION.

(a)Committees of the Board of Directors.  The Plan may be administered by one or more Committees.  Each Committee shall consist, as required by applicable law, of one or more members of the Board of Directors who have been appointed by the Board of Directors.  Each Committee shall have such authority and be responsible for such functions as the Board of Directors has assigned to it.  If no Committee has been appointed, the entire Board of Directors shall administer the Plan.  Any reference to the Board of Directors in the Plan or an Award Agreement shall be construed as a reference to the Committee (if any) to whom the Board of Directors has assigned a particular function.

(b)Authority of the Board of Directors.  Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Board of Directors shall have full authority and discretion to take any actions it deems necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan, with respect to the terms and conditions of awards granted to Participants outside the United States, the Board of Directors may vary from the provisions of the Plan to the extent it determines it necessary and appropriate to do so; provided that it may not vary from those Plan terms requiring stockholder approval pursuant to Section 11(d) below.  All decisions, interpretations and other actions of the Board of Directors shall be final and binding on all Participants and all persons deriving their rights from a Participant.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan, the Company shall comply with the requirements set forth in that certain Amended and Restated Investors’ Rights Agreement dated July 17, 2019 by and among the Company’s and parties named therein (the “IRA”) and the Company shall not grant any Awards in contravention of the IRA.

1


SECTION 3.ELIGIBILITY.

(a)General Rule.  Employees, Outside Directors and Consultants shall be eligible for the grant of Awards under the Plan.1  However, only Employees shall be eligible for the grant of ISOs.

(b)Ten-Percent Stockholders.  A person who owns more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of outstanding stock of the Company, its Parent or any of its Subsidiaries shall not be eligible for the grant of an ISO unless (i) the Exercise Price is at least 110% of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the Date of Grant and (ii) such ISO by its terms is not exercisable after the expiration of five years from the Date of Grant.  For purposes of this Subsection (b), in determining stock ownership, the attribution rules of Code Section 424(d) shall be applied.

SECTION 4.STOCK SUBJECT TO PLAN.

(a)Basic Limitation.  The number of Shares that may be issued under the Plan, subject to Subsection (b) below and Section 9(a), shall not exceed the sum of (i) 1,836,140 shares of Common Stock, plus (ii) any shares of Common Stock subject to outstanding awards under the Company’s 2017 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Old Plan”) as of the date hereof that subsequently expire or lapse unexercised or unpurchased and shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to awards granted under the Old Plan that are outstanding as of the date hereof that are subsequently forfeited to or repurchased by the Company due to failure to vest; provided, however, that no more than 85,000 shares of Common Stock, in the aggregate, shall be added to the Plan pursuant to clause (ii) above. All of these Shares may be issued upon the exercise of ISOs.   The Company, during the term of the Plan, shall at all times reserve and keep available sufficient Shares to satisfy the requirements of the Plan.  Shares offered under the Plan may be authorized but unissued Shares or treasury Shares.

(b)Additional Shares.  In the event that Shares previously issued under the Plan are forfeited to or repurchased by the Company due to failure to vest, such Shares shall be added to the number of Shares then available for issuance under the Plan.  In the event that Shares that otherwise would have been issuable under the Plan are withheld by the Company in payment of the Purchase Price, Exercise Price or withholding taxes, such Shares shall remain available for issuance under the Plan.  In the event that an outstanding Option, Restricted Stock Unit or other right for any reason expires or is canceled, the Shares allocable to the unexercised or unsettled portion of such Option, Restricted Stock Unit or other right shall remain available for issuance under the Plan.  To the extent an Award is settled in cash, the cash settlement shall not reduce the number of Shares remaining available for issuance under the Plan.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of ISOs, this Subsection (b) shall be subject to any limitations imposed under Section 422 of the Code and the treasury regulations thereunder.


1

Note that special considerations apply if the Company proposes to grant awards to an Employee or Consultant of a Parent company.

2


SECTION 5.TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF AWARDS OR SALES.

(a)Stock Grant or Purchase Agreement.  Each award of Shares under the Plan shall be evidenced by a Stock Grant Agreement between the Grantee and the Company.  Each sale of Shares under the Plan (other than upon exercise of an Option) shall be evidenced by a Stock Purchase Agreement between the Purchaser and the Company.  Such award or sale shall be subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the Plan and may be subject to any other terms and conditions which are not inconsistent with the Plan and which the Board of Directors deems appropriate for inclusion in a Stock Grant Agreement or Stock Purchase Agreement.  The provisions of the various Stock Grant Agreements and Stock Purchase Agreements entered into under the Plan need not be identical.

(b)Duration of Offers and Nontransferability of Rights.  Any right to purchase Shares under the Plan (other than an Option) shall automatically expire if not exercised by the Purchaser within 30 days (or such other period as may be specified in the Award Agreement) after the grant of such right was communicated to the Purchaser by the Company.  Such right is not transferable and may be exercised only by the Purchaser to whom such right was granted.

(c)Purchase Price.  The Board of Directors shall determine the Purchase Price of Shares to be offered under the Plan at its sole discretion.  The Purchase Price shall be payable in a form described in Section 8.

SECTION 6.TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF OPTIONS.

(a)Stock Option Agreement.  Each grant of an Option under the Plan shall be evidenced by a Stock Option Agreement between the Optionee and the Company.  The Option shall be subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the Plan and may be subject to any other terms and conditions that are not inconsistent with the Plan and that the Board of Directors deems appropriate for inclusion in a Stock Option Agreement.  The provisions of the various Stock Option Agreements entered into under the Plan need not be identical.

(b)Number of Shares.  Each Stock Option Agreement shall specify the number of Shares that are subject to the Option and shall provide for the adjustment of such number in accordance with Section 9.  The Stock Option Agreement shall also specify whether the Option is an ISO or an NSO.

(c)Exercise Price.

(i)General.  Each Stock Option Agreement shall specify the Exercise Price, which shall be payable in a form described in Section 8.  Subject to the remaining provisions of this Subsection (c), the Exercise Price shall be determined by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion.

(ii)ISOs.  The Exercise Price of an ISO shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the Date of Grant, and a higher percentage may be required by Section 3(b).  This Subsection (c)(ii) shall not

3


apply to an ISO granted pursuant to an assumption of, or substitution for, another incentive stock option in a manner that complies with Code Section 424(a).

(iii)NSOs.  Except as specifically set forth in this Subsection (c)(iii), the Exercise Price of an NSO shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the Date of Grant.  This Subsection (c)(iii) shall not apply to an NSO granted to a person who is not a U.S. taxpayer on the Date of Grant or to an NSO that is intended either to be exempt from Code Section 409A as a “short-term deferral” or to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A.  In addition, this Subsection (c)(iii) shall not apply to an NSO granted pursuant to an assumption of, or substitution for, another stock option in a manner that complies with Code Section 409A.

(d)Vesting and Exercisability.  Each Stock Option Agreement shall specify the date when all or any installment of the Option is to become vested and exercisable.  No Option shall be exercisable unless the Optionee (i) has delivered an executed copy of the Stock Option Agreement to the Company or (ii) otherwise agrees to be bound by the terms of the Stock Option Agreement.  The Board of Directors shall determine the vesting and exercisability provisions of the Stock Option Agreement at its sole discretion.

(e)Basic Term.  The Stock Option Agreement shall specify the term of the Option.  The term shall not exceed 10 years from the Date of Grant, and in the case of an ISO, a shorter term may be required by Section 3(b).  Subject to the preceding sentence, the Board of Directors at its sole discretion shall determine when an Option is to expire.

(f)Termination of Service (Except by Death).  If an Optionee’s Service terminates for any reason other than the Optionee’s death, then the Optionee’s Options shall expire on the earliest of the following dates:

(i)The expiration date determined pursuant to Subsection (e) above;

(ii)The date three months after the termination of the Optionee’s Service for any reason other than Disability, or such earlier or later date as the Board of Directors may determine (but in no event earlier than 30 days after the termination of the Optionee’s Service); or

(iii)The date six months after the termination of the Optionee’s Service by reason of Disability, or such later date as the Board of Directors may determine.

The Optionee may exercise all or part of the Optionee’s Options at any time before the expiration of such Options under the preceding sentence, but only to the extent that such Options had become exercisable before the Optionee’s Service terminated (or became exercisable as a result of the termination) and the underlying Shares had vested before the Optionee’s Service terminated (or vested as a result of the termination).  In the event that the Optionee dies after the termination of the Optionee’s Service but before the expiration of the Optionee’s Options, all or part of such Options may be exercised (prior to expiration) by the executors or administrators of

4


the Optionee’s estate or by any person who has acquired such Options directly from the Optionee by beneficiary designation, bequest or inheritance, but only to the extent that such Options had become exercisable before the Optionee’s Service terminated (or became exercisable as a result of the termination) and the underlying Shares had vested before the Optionee’s Service terminated (or vested as a result of the termination).  In no event will an Option, or the Shares underlying an Option, become vested and/or exercisable after termination of the Optionee’s Service unless the Board of Directors takes affirmative action or unless expressly provided in a written agreement between the Company and the Optionee.

(g)Leaves of Absence.  For purposes of Subsection (f) above, Service shall be deemed to continue while the Optionee is on a bona fide leave of absence approved by the Company in writing.

(h)Death of Optionee.  If an Optionee dies while the Optionee is in Service, then the Optionee’s Options shall expire on the earlier of the following dates:

(i)The expiration date determined pursuant to Subsection (e) above; or

(ii)The date 12 months after the Optionee’s death, or such earlier or later date as the Board of Directors may determine (but in no event earlier than six months after the Optionee’s death).

All or part of the Optionee’s Options may be exercised at any time before the expiration of such Options under the preceding sentence by the executors or administrators of the Optionee’s estate or by any person who has acquired such Options directly from the Optionee by beneficiary designation, bequest or inheritance, but only to the extent that such Options had become exercisable before the Optionee’s death (or became exercisable as a result of the death) and the underlying Shares had vested before the Optionee’s death (or vested as a result of the Optionee’s death).  In no event will an Option, or the Shares underlying an Option, become vested and/or exercisable after the Optionee’s death unless the Board of Directors takes affirmative action or unless expressly provided in a written agreement between the Company and the Optionee.

(i)Restrictions on Transfer of Options.  An Option shall be transferable by the Optionee only by (i) a beneficiary designation, (ii) a will or (iii) the laws of descent and distribution, except as provided in the next sentence.  If the Board of Directors so provides, in a Stock Option Agreement or otherwise, an NSO may be transferable to the extent permitted by Rule 701 under the Securities Act.  An ISO may be exercised during the lifetime of the Optionee only by the Optionee or by the Optionee’s guardian or legal representative.

(j)No Rights as a Stockholder.  An Optionee, or a transferee of an Optionee, shall have no rights as a stockholder with respect to any Shares covered by the Optionee’s Option until such person submits a notice of exercise, pays the Exercise Price and satisfies all applicable withholding taxes pursuant to the terms of such Option.

(k)Modification, Extension and Assumption of Options.  Within the limitations of the Plan, the Board of Directors may modify, reprice, extend or assume outstanding Options or may accept the cancellation of outstanding options (whether granted by

5


the Company or another issuer) in return for the grant of new Options or a different type of award for the same or a different number of Shares and at the same or a different Exercise Price (if applicable).  The foregoing notwithstanding, no modification of an Option shall, without the consent of the Optionee, impair the Optionee’s rights or increase the Optionee’s obligations under such Option; provided, however, that a modification of an Option that is otherwise favorable to the Optionee (for example, providing the Optionee with additional time to exercise the Option after termination of employment or providing for additional forms of payment) but causes the Option to lose its tax-favored status (for example, as an ISO) shall not require the consent of the Optionee.

(l)Company’s Right to Cancel Certain Options.  Any other provision of the Plan or a Stock Option Agreement notwithstanding, the Company shall have the right at any time to cancel an Option that was not granted in compliance with Rule 701 under the Securities Act.  Prior to canceling such Option, the Company shall give the Optionee not less than 30 days’ notice in writing.  If the Company elects to cancel such Option, it shall deliver to the Optionee consideration with an aggregate value equal to the excess of (i) the Fair Market Value of the Shares subject to such Option as of the time of the cancellation over (ii) the Exercise Price of such Option.  The consideration may be delivered in the form of cash or cash equivalents, in the form of Shares, or a combination of both.  If the consideration would be a negative amount, such Option may be cancelled without the delivery of any consideration.

SECTION 7.TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS

(a)Restricted Stock Unit Agreement. Each grant of Restricted Stock Units under the Plan shall be evidenced by a Restricted Stock Unit Agreement between the recipient and the Company.  Such Restricted Stock Units shall be subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the Plan and may be subject to any other terms and conditions that are not inconsistent with the Plan and which the Board of Directors deems appropriate for inclusion in a Restricted Stock Unit Agreement.  The provisions of the various Restricted Stock Unit Agreements entered into under the Plan need not be identical.

(b)Payment for Restricted Stock Units.  No cash consideration shall be required of the recipient in connection with the grant of Restricted Stock Units.

(c)Vesting Conditions.  Each Restricted Stock Unit Agreement shall specify the vesting requirements applicable to the Restricted Stock Units subject thereto, which the Board of Directors shall determine in its sole discretion.

(d)Forfeiture.  Unless a Restricted Stock Unit Agreement provides otherwise, upon termination of the recipient’s Service and upon such other times specified in the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, any unvested Restricted Stock Units shall be forfeited to the Company.

(e)Voting and Dividend Rights.  The holders of Restricted Stock Units shall have no voting rights.  Prior to settlement or forfeiture, any Restricted Stock Unit granted under the Plan may, at the discretion of the Board of Directors, carry with it a right to dividend equivalents. Such right entitles the holder to be credited with an amount equal to all cash

6


dividends paid on one Share while the Restricted Stock Unit is outstanding.  Dividend equivalents may be converted into additional Restricted Stock Units.  Settlement of dividend equivalents may be made in the form of cash, in the form of Shares, or in a combination of both.  Prior to distribution, any dividend equivalents that are not paid shall be subject to the same conditions and restrictions as the Restricted Stock Units to which they attach.

(f)Form and Time of Settlement of Restricted Stock Units.  Settlement of vested Restricted Stock Units may be made in the form of (i) cash, (ii) Shares or (iii) any combination of both, as determined by the Board of Directors.  The actual number of Restricted Stock Units eligible for settlement may be larger or smaller than the number included in the original award, based on predetermined performance factors.  Vested Restricted Stock Units shall be settled in such manner and at such time(s) as specified in the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement.  Until Restricted Stock Units are settled, the number of Shares represented by such Restricted Stock Units shall be subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 9.

(g)Death of Recipient.  Any Restricted Stock Units that become distributable after the Participant’s death shall be distributed to the Participant’s estate or to any person who has acquired such Restricted Stock Units directly from the recipient by beneficiary designation, bequest or inheritance.

(h)Creditors’ Rights.  A holder of Restricted Stock Units shall have no rights other than those of a general creditor of the Company.  Restricted Stock Units represent an unfunded and unsecured obligation of the Company, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable Restricted Stock Unit Agreement.

(i)Modification, Extension and Assumption of Restricted Stock Units.  Within the limitations of the Plan, the Board of Directors may modify, extend or assume outstanding restricted stock units (whether granted by the Company or a different issuer).  The foregoing notwithstanding, no modification of a Restricted Stock Unit shall, without the consent of the Participant, impair the Participant’s rights or increase the Participant’s obligations under such Restricted Stock Unit.

(j)Restrictions on Transfer of Restricted Stock Units.  A Restricted Stock Unit shall be transferable by the Participant only by (i) a beneficiary designation, (ii) a will or (iii) the laws of descent and distribution, except as provided in the next sentence.  In addition, if the Board of Directors so provides, in a Restricted Stock Unit Agreement or otherwise, a Restricted Stock Unit shall also be transferable to the extent permitted by Rule 701 under the Securities Act.

SECTION 8.PAYMENT FOR SHARES.

(a)General Rule.  The entire Purchase Price or Exercise Price of Shares issued under the Plan shall be payable in cash or cash equivalents at the time when such Shares are purchased, except as otherwise provided in this Section 8.  In addition, the Board of Directors in its sole discretion may also permit payment through any of the methods described in (b) through (g) below.

7


(b)Services Rendered.  Shares may be awarded under the Plan in consideration of services rendered to the Company, a Parent or a Subsidiary prior to the award.

(c)Promissory Note.  All or a portion of the Purchase Price or Exercise Price (as the case may be) of Shares issued under the Plan may be paid with a promissory note.  The Shares shall be pledged as security for payment of the principal amount of the promissory note and interest thereon.  The interest rate payable under the terms of the promissory note shall not be less than the minimum rate (if any) required to avoid the imputation of additional interest under the Code.  Subject to the foregoing, the Board of Directors in its sole discretion shall specify the term, interest rate, recourse, amortization requirements (if any) and other provisions of such note.

(d)Surrender of Stock.  All or any part of the Exercise Price may be paid by surrendering, or attesting to the ownership of, Shares that are already owned by the Optionee.  Such Shares shall be surrendered to the Company in good form for transfer and shall be valued at their Fair Market Value as of the date when the Option is exercised.

(e)Cashless Exercise.  All or part of the Exercise Price and any withholding taxes may be paid pursuant to a cashless exercise arrangement (whether through a securities broker or otherwise) established by the Company whereby Shares subject to an Option are sold and all or part of the sale proceeds are delivered to the Company.

(f)Net Exercise.  An Option may permit exercise through a “net exercise” arrangement pursuant to which the Company will reduce the number of Shares issued upon exercise by the largest whole number of Shares having an aggregate Fair Market Value (determined by the Board of Directors as of the exercise date) that does not exceed the aggregate Exercise Price or the sum of the aggregate Exercise Price and any withholding taxes (with the Company accepting from the Optionee payment of cash or cash equivalents to satisfy any remaining balance of the aggregate Exercise Price and, if applicable, any additional withholding taxes not satisfied through such reduction in Shares); provided that to the extent Shares subject to an Option are withheld in this manner, the number of Shares subject to the Option following the net exercise will be reduced by the sum of the number of Shares withheld and the number of Shares delivered to the Optionee as a result of the exercise.

(g)Other Forms of Payment.  To the extent that an Award Agreement so provides, the Purchase Price or Exercise Price of Shares issued under the Plan may be paid in any other form permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended.

SECTION 9.ADJUSTMENT OF SHARES.

(a)General.  In the event of a subdivision of the outstanding Stock, a declaration of a dividend payable in Shares, a combination or consolidation of the outstanding Stock into a lesser number of Shares, a reclassification, or any other increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Stock effected without receipt of consideration by the Company, proportionate adjustments shall automatically be made, as applicable, in each of (i) the number and kind of Shares available under Section 4, (ii) the number and kind of Shares covered by each outstanding Option, Award of Restricted Stock Units and any outstanding and unexercised right

8


to purchase Shares that has not yet expired pursuant to Section 5(b),  (iii) the Exercise Price under each outstanding Option and the Purchase Price applicable to any unexercised stock purchase right described in clause (ii) above, and (iv) any repurchase price that applies to Shares granted under the Plan pursuant to the terms of a Company repurchase right under the applicable Award Agreement.  In the event of a declaration of an extraordinary dividend payable in a form other than Shares in an amount that has a material effect on the Fair Market Value of the Stock, a recapitalization, a spin-off, or a similar occurrence, the Board of Directors at its sole discretion may make appropriate adjustments in one or more of the items listed in clauses (i) through (iv) above; provided, however, that the Board of Directors shall in any event make such adjustments as may be required by Section 25102(o) of the California Corporations Code to the extent the Company is relying on the exemption afforded thereunder with respect to an Award.  No fractional Shares shall be issued under the Plan as a result of an adjustment under this Section 9(a), although the Board of Directors in its sole discretion may make a cash payment in lieu of fractional Shares.

(b)Corporate Transactions.  In the event that the Company is a party to a merger or consolidation, or in the event of a sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s stock or assets, all Shares acquired under the Plan and all Awards outstanding on the effective date of the transaction shall be treated in the manner described in the definitive transaction agreement (or, in the event the transaction does not entail a definitive agreement to which the Company is party, in the manner determined by the Board of Directors in its capacity as administrator of the Plan, with such determination having final and binding effect on all parties), which agreement or determination need not treat all Awards (or all portions of an Award) in an identical manner. The treatment specified in the transaction agreement or as determined by the Board of Directors may include (without limitation) one or more of the following with respect to each outstanding Award:

(i)The Company, the surviving corporation or a parent thereof may continue or assume the Award or substitute a comparable award for the Award (including, but not limited to, an award to acquire the same consideration paid to the holders of Shares in the transaction).  For avoidance of doubt, a comparable award need not be the same type of award as the Award for which it is substituted, and, in the case of an Option, need not have the same tax-status (e.g., an NSO may be substituted for an ISO).

(ii)The cancellation of the Award and a payment to the Participant with respect to each Share subject to the portion of the Award that is vested as of the transaction date equal to the excess of (A) the value, as determined by the Board of Directors in its absolute discretion, of the property (including cash) received by the holder of a share of Stock as a result of the transaction, over (if applicable) (B) the per-Share Exercise Price of the Award (such excess, the “Spread”).  Such payment shall be made in the form of cash, cash equivalents, or securities of the surviving corporation or its parent having a value equal to the Spread.  In addition, any escrow, indemnification, holdback, earn-out or similar provisions in the transaction agreement may apply to such payment to the same extent and in the same manner as such provisions apply to the holders of Stock.  Receipt of the payment described in this Subsection (b)(ii)

9


may be conditioned upon the Participant acknowledging such escrow, indemnification, holdback, earn-out or other provisions on a form prescribed by the Company.  If the Spread applicable to an Award is zero or a negative number, then the Award may be cancelled without making a payment to the Participant.

(iii)Even if the Spread applicable to an Option is a positive number, the Option may be cancelled without the payment of any consideration; provided that the Optionee shall be notified of such treatment and given an opportunity to exercise the Option (to the extent the Option is vested or becomes vested as of the effective date of the transaction) during a period of not less than five (5) business days preceding the effective date of the transaction, unless (A) a shorter period is required to permit a timely closing of the transaction and (B) such shorter period still offers the Optionee a reasonable opportunity to exercise the Option.

(iv)In the case of an Option: (A) suspension of the Optionee’s right to exercise the Option during a limited period of time preceding the closing of the transaction if such suspension is administratively necessary to facilitate the closing of the transaction and/or (B)  termination of any right the Optionee has to exercise the Option prior to vesting in the Shares subject to the Option (i.e., “early exercise”), such that following the closing of the transaction the Option may only be exercised to the extent it is vested.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Board of Directors has discretion to accelerate, in whole or part, the vesting and exercisability of an Award in connection with a corporate transaction covered by this Section 9(b).

(c)Dissolution or Liquidation.  To the extent not previously exercised or settled, Options, Restricted Stock Units and other rights to purchase Shares shall terminate immediately prior to the liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

(d)Reservation of Rights.  Except as provided in Section 7(e) or this Section 9, a Participant shall have no rights by reason of (i) any subdivision or consolidation of shares of stock of any class, (ii) the payment of any dividend or (iii) any other increase or decrease in the number of shares of stock of any class.  Any issuance by the Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, shall not affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number or Exercise Price of Shares subject to an Award.  The grant of an Award pursuant to the Plan shall not affect in any way the right or power of the Company to make adjustments, reclassifications, reorganizations or changes of its capital or business structure, to merge or consolidate or to dissolve, liquidate, sell or transfer all or any part of its business or assets.

SECTION 10.MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.

(a)Securities Law Requirements.  Shares shall not be issued under the Plan unless, in the opinion of counsel acceptable to the Board of Directors, the issuance and delivery of such Shares complies with (or is exempt from) all applicable requirements of law, including

10


(without limitation) the Securities Act, the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, state securities laws and regulations, and the regulations of any stock exchange or other securities market on which the Company’s securities may then be traded.  The Company shall not be liable for a failure to issue Shares as a result of such requirements. Without limiting the foregoing, the Company may suspend the exercise of some or all outstanding Options for a period of up to 60 days in order to facilitate compliance with Securities Act Rule 701(e).

(b)No Retention Rights.  Nothing in the Plan or in any right or Award granted under the Plan shall confer upon the Participant any right to continue in Service for any period of specific duration or interfere with or otherwise restrict in any way the rights of the Company (or any Parent or Subsidiary employing or retaining the Participant) or of the Participant, which rights are hereby expressly reserved by each, to terminate his or her Service at any time and for any reason, with or without cause.

(c)Treatment as Compensation.  Any compensation that an individual earns or is deemed to earn under this Plan shall not be considered a part of his or her compensation for purposes of calculating contributions, accruals or benefits under any other plan or program that is maintained or funded by the Company, a Parent or a Subsidiary.

(d)Governing Law.  The Plan and all awards, sales and grants under the Plan shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware (except its choice-of-law provisions), as such laws are applied to contracts entered into and performed in such State.

(e)Conditions and Restrictions on Shares.  Shares issued under the Plan shall be subject to such forfeiture conditions, rights of repurchase, rights of first refusal, other transfer restrictions and such other terms and conditions as the Board of Directors may determine.  Such conditions and restrictions shall be set forth in the applicable Award Agreement and shall apply in addition to any restrictions that may apply to holders of Shares generally.  In addition, Shares issued under the Plan shall be subject to conditions and restrictions imposed either by applicable law or by Company policy, as adopted from time to time, designed to ensure compliance with applicable law or laws with which the Company determines in its sole discretion to comply including in order to maintain any statutory, regulatory or tax advantage, which (for avoidance of doubt) need not be set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.

(f)Tax Matters.

(i)As a condition to the award, grant, issuance, vesting, purchase, exercise, settlement or transfer of any Award, or Shares issued pursuant to any Award, granted under this Plan, the Participant shall make such arrangements as the Board of Directors may require or permit for the satisfaction of any federal, state, local or foreign withholding tax obligations that may arise in connection with such event.

(ii)Unless otherwise expressly set forth in an Award Agreement, it is intended that Awards shall be exempt from Code Section 409A, and any ambiguity in the terms of an Award Agreement and the Plan shall be

11


interpreted consistently with this intent.   To the extent an Award is not exempt from Code Section 409A (any such award, a “409A Award”), any ambiguity in the terms of such Award and the Plan shall be interpreted in a manner that to the maximum extent permissible supports the Award’s compliance with the requirements of that statute.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary permitted under the Plan, in no event shall a modification of an Award not already subject to Code Section 409A, or any subsequent action taken with respect to such Award, be given effect if such modification or action would cause the Award to become subject to Code Section 409A unless the parties explicitly acknowledge and consent to the modification or action as one having that effect. A 409A Award shall be subject to such additional rules and requirements as specified by the Board of Directors from time to time in order for it to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A.  In this regard, if any amount under a 409A Award is payable upon a “separation from service” to an individual who is considered a “specified employee” (as each term is defined under Code Section 409A), then no such payment shall be made prior to the date that is the earlier of (i) six months and one day after the Participant’s separation from service or (ii) the Participant’s death, but only to the extent such delay is necessary to prevent such payment from being subject to Section 409A(a)(1).  In addition, if a transaction subject to Section 9(b) constitutes a payment event with respect to any 409A Award, then the transaction with respect to such award must also constitute a “change in control event” as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5) to the extent required by Code Section 409A.

(iii)Neither the Company nor any member of the Board of Directors shall have any liability to a Participant in the event an Award held by the Participant fails to achieve its intended characterization under applicable tax law.

SECTION 11.DURATION AND AMENDMENTS; STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL.

(a)Term of the Plan.  The Plan, as set forth herein, shall become effective on the date of its adoption by the Board of Directors, subject to approval of the Company’s stockholders under Subsection (d) below.  The Plan shall terminate automatically 10 years after the later of (i) the date when the Board of Directors adopted the Plan or (ii) the date when the Board of Directors approved the most recent increase in the number of Shares reserved under Section 4 that was also approved by the Company’s stockholders.  The Plan may be terminated on any earlier date pursuant to Subsection (b) below.

(b)Right to Amend or Terminate the Plan.  Subject to Subsection (d) below, the Board of Directors may amend, suspend or terminate the Plan at any time and for any reason.

(c)Effect of Amendment or Termination.  No Shares shall be issued or sold and no Award granted under the Plan after the termination thereof, except upon exercise or settlement of an Award granted under the Plan prior to such termination.  Except as expressly

12


provided in Section 6(k) above, the termination of the Plan, or any amendment thereof, shall not affect any Share previously issued or any Award previously granted under the Plan.

(d)Stockholder Approval.  To the extent required by applicable law, the Plan will be subject to approval of the Company’s stockholders within 12 months of its adoption date. An amendment of the Plan will be subject to the approval of the Company’s stockholders only to the extent required by applicable laws, regulations or rules.

SECTION 12.DEFINITIONS.

(a)Award” means any award granted under the Plan, including as an Option, an award of Restricted Stock Units or the grant or sale of Shares pursuant to Section 5 of the Plan.

(b)Award Agreement” means a Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, Stock Grant Agreement, Stock Option Agreement or Stock Purchase Agreement or such other agreement evidencing an Award under the Plan.

(c)Board of Directors” means the Board of Directors of the Company, as constituted from time to time.

(d)Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

(e)Committee” means a committee of the Board of Directors, as described in Section 2(a).

(f)Company” means Energy Vault, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

(g)Consultant” means a person, excluding Employees and Outside Directors, who performs bona fide services for the Company, a Parent2 or a Subsidiary as a consultant or advisor and who qualifies as a consultant or advisor under Rule 701(c)(1) of the Securities Act or under Instruction A.1.(a)(1) of Form S-8 under the Securities Act.

(h)Date of Grant” means the date of grant specified in the Award Agreement, which date shall be the later of (i) the date on which the Board of Directors resolved to grant the Award or (ii) the first day of the Participant’s Service.

(i)Disability” means that the Optionee is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment.


2

Note that special considerations apply if the Company proposes to grant awards to consultant or advisor of a Parent company.

13


(j)Employee” means any individual who is a common-law employee of the Company, a Parent3 or a Subsidiary.

(k)Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

(l)Exercise Price” means the amount for which one Share may be purchased upon exercise of an Option, as specified by the Board of Directors in the applicable Stock Option Agreement.

(m)Fair Market Value” means the fair market value of a Share, as determined by the Board of Directors in good faith.  Such determination shall be conclusive and binding on all persons.

(n)Grantee” means a person to whom the Board of Directors has awarded Shares under the Plan.

(o)ISO” means an Option that qualifies as an incentive stock option as described in Code Section 422(b).  Notwithstanding its designation as an ISO, an Option that does not qualify as an ISO under applicable law shall be treated for all purposes as an NSO.

(p)NSO” means an Option that does not qualify as an incentive stock option as described in Code Section 422(b) or 423(b).

(q)Option” means an ISO or NSO granted under the Plan and entitling the holder to purchase Shares.

(r)Optionee” means a person who holds an Option.

(s)Outside Director” means a member of the Board of Directors who is not an Employee.

(t)Parent” means any corporation (other than the Company) in an unbroken chain of corporations ending with the Company, if each of the corporations other than the Company owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain.  A corporation that attains the status of a Parent on a date after the adoption of the Plan shall be considered a Parent commencing as of such date.

(u)Participant” means the holder of an outstanding Award.

(v)Plan” means this Energy Vault, Inc. 2020 Stock Plan.

(w)Purchase Price” means the consideration for which one Share may be acquired under the Plan (other than upon exercise of an Option), as specified by the Board of Directors.


3

Note that special considerations apply if the Company proposes to grant awards to an Employee of a Parent company.

14


(x)Purchaser” means a person to whom the Board of Directors has offered the right to purchase Shares under the Plan (other than upon exercise of an Option).

(y)Restricted Stock Unit” means a bookkeeping entry representing the equivalent of one Share, as awarded under the Plan.

(z)Restricted Stock Unit Agreement” means the agreement between the Company and the recipient of a Restricted Stock Unit that contains the terms, conditions and restrictions pertaining to such Restricted Stock Unit.

(aa)Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

(bb)Service” means service as an Employee, Outside Director or Consultant.  In case of any dispute as to whether and when Service has terminated, the Board of Directors shall have sole discretion to determine whether such termination has occurred and the effective date of such termination.

(cc)Share” means one share of Stock, as adjusted in accordance with Section 9 (if applicable).

(dd)Stock” means the Common Stock of the Company.

(ee)Stock Grant Agreement” means the agreement between the Company and a Grantee who is awarded Shares under the Plan that contains the terms, conditions and restrictions pertaining to the award of such Shares.

(ff)Stock Option Agreement” means the agreement between the Company and an Optionee that contains the terms, conditions and restrictions pertaining to the Optionee’s Option.

(gg)Stock Purchase Agreement” means the agreement between the Company and a Purchaser who purchases Shares under the Plan that contains the terms, conditions and restrictions pertaining to the purchase of such Shares.

(hh)Subsidiary” means any corporation (other than the Company) in an unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the Company, if each of the corporations other than the last corporation in the unbroken chain owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain.  A corporation that attains the status of a Subsidiary on a date after the adoption of the Plan shall be considered a Subsidiary commencing as of such date.

15


EXHIBIT A

SCHEDULE OF SHARES RESERVED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER THE PLAN

Date of Board

    

Date of Stockholder

    

Number of

    

Cumulative Number

Approval

Approval

Shares Added

of Shares

12/21/2020

12/21/2020

Not Applicable

1,836,1404

08/27/2021

08/27/2021

242,980

2,079,120

SUMMARY OF MODIFICATIONS AND AMENDMENTS TO THE PLAN

The following is a summary of material modifications made to the Plan (including any material deviations from the Gunderson Dettmer precedent form used to create the Plan):


4

Initial shares poured over from 2017 Plan.

16


Exhibit 10.17

September 16, 2019

Robert Piconi

[***]

Dear Robert:

It gives me great pleasure to offer you employment as Chief Executive Officer for Energy Vault, Inc. (the “Company”). You will report to the Board of Directors of Energy Vault, Inc. You will begin your employment on September 16, 2019 and the following terms and conditions will apply to your employment:

1.

Salary. Your salary will be $2,307.69 payable on a bi-weekly basis (annualized to $60,000 per year) in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices. Your salary is subject to modification during your employment in accordance with the Company’s practices, policies, or procedures.

2.

Flexible Time Off. You will be able to use Flexible Time Off (FTO) with pay during current and subsequent years of employment in accordance with the Company’s FTO policy.

3.

Benefits (Health and Welfare Plans). In addition to your compensation, you will be eligible to receive the benefits that are generally offered to all Company employees effective the first of the month following your hire date. The program includes medical plans, dental plans, and a vision plan. These programs are subject to change at the discretion of the Company.

4.

Holidays. You will be paid for selected holidays in accordance with the Company’s holiday schedule. This schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the Company.

As a condition of your employment with the Company, you will furnish and will continue to furnish the Company all necessary documentation that will satisfy the requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

Your employment is expressly contingent upon the acceptable results of a background check. Any falsification of an applicant’s employment history or educational background will result in withdrawal of the offer and or termination of employment, if hired.

Your employment with the Company is at will. This means that either you or the Company may terminate your employment at any time, with or without cause and with or without notice. We both agree that any dispute arising with respect to your employment and the termination of that employment shall be conclusively settled by final and binding arbitration in accordance with the arbitration procedures described in the Employee Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement.

By signing this letter, you acknowledge that the terms described in this letter, together with the Employee Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement, sets forth the entire understanding between us and supersedes any prior representations or agreements, whether


written or oral; there are no terms, conditions, representations, warranties or covenants other than those contained herein. No term or provision of this letter may be amended waived, released, discharged or modified except in writing, signed by you and an authorized officer of Energy Vault, Inc. except that the Company may, in its sole discretion, adjust salaries, incentive compensation, benefits, job titles, locations, duties, responsibilities, and reporting relationships.

Our offer is contingent on your understanding and acceptance of the agreements and practices referred to in this letter. Please acknowledge your acceptance of this offer of employment on the terms indicated by signing the enclosed copy of this letter. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

/s/ Bill Gross

Bill Gross
Chairman of the Board
Energy Vault, Inc.

I accept the position of Chief Executive Officer, Energy Vault, Inc., on the terms described within this letter.

/s/ Robert Piconi

   

Robert Piconi – SIGNATURE

DATE

2


Exhibit 10.18

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

Between

Energy Vault SA, with offices at Via Pessina 13, Lugano, 6900 CH, hereinafter referred as “the Company”;

And

Mr. Robert Allen Piconi, a US citizen and Swiss Resident (Permesso C), residing at [***], hereinafter referred to as “the Employee”;

****

Beginning of the activity:

This contract begins on January 1, 2018 to coincide with the Company incorporation

Employee’s position:

Chief Executive Officer

Probation period:

One month; during this period, this agreement can be terminated by each party with one week notice.

Duration:

Unlimited; however each party may resign the agreement according to the Swiss Code of Obligations at any time.

Place of work:

At Company’s premises, at present located at Via Pessina 13, Lugano, 6900 CH.

Annual gross salary:

The Employee’s annual gross salary is CHF 225,000, payable in 12 equal instalments (CHF 18’750 gross a month). For the first month, Employee agrees to receive 50% of the annualized salary (CHF 9’375 gross) to take into account his transition from other work obligations. It is understood that Employee began work on 100% activity on February 1, 2018 and will receive an entry bonus to compensate some previous work preparation of CHF 18’750. Applicable social costs and withholding taxes will apply.

The Company must comply and will pay all Social Contributions that are required under Swiss law (1st and 2nd Pillar).

Healthcare Insurance:

The Company shall reimburse employee for the monthly cost of healthcare insurance, currently expected to be in the range of CHF 1,500 per month.

Reimbursable Expenses:

The Company shall reimburse all the expenses incurred by the Employee, which are directly related to the performance of his job. These expenses may be claimed while submitting the relevant receipts in line with the Company’s policy.


Working hours:

Normal working hours are 8 hours per day, from Monday to Friday, that is 40 hours per week.

Additional work at any time without extra salary may be required to meet business requirements or to ensure the satisfactory completion of the duties. Therefore, Employee will not be eligible for overtime compensation in any circumstance.

Vacation:

Total 20 days of paid vacation per year of service. The vacation days shall be calculated pro rata temporis for any period less than one year of service, and are subject to the Company’s policy as in effect from time to time.

Leave entitlements:

The Employee will be allowed these paid leaves:

Marriage of the employee 4 working days

Marriage of a close relative 1 working day

Removal1 working day

Death in family 3 working days

Death of a relative 1 working day

Medical visitthe time needed

Duties of service:

During the working time the Employee must dedicate all her activity to the assigned duties, fulfilling them with diligence and correctness. In particular, the Employee shall:

Comply with all reasonable and lawful instructions provided to her by the Company; perform her duties with all reasonable skill and diligence; conduct her duties in the best interests of the Company; deal with the Company in good faith in all aspects of the employment relationship; comply with all policies and procedures (including any Codes of Conduct) implemented by the Company from time to time.

Use of Internet and Email:

The Employee will have access to email and Internet in the course of his employment. The Employee shall ensure that at all times her use of the email and Internet facilities at work meets the ethical and social standards of the workplace. Whilst a reasonable level of personal use is acceptable to the Company, this must not interfere with the Employee’s employment duties or obligations, and must not be illegal or contrary to the interests of the Company. The Employee shall also comply with all email and Internet policies issued by the Company from time to time. It is hereby represented by the parties that the annual gross salary above mentioned includes a reasonable remuneration for this obligation.

Proprietary Information and Inventions agreement:

The Employee agrees that all inventions, trade secrets, and all other confidential business, technical, and financial information the Employee develops, learns, or obtains during the employment with the Company, that relate to the Company, or the business or demonstrably anticipated business of the Company, or that are received by or for the Company in confidence, constitute “Proprietary Information.” The Employee will hold in confidence and not disclose or, except within the scope of the employment with the Company, use any Proprietary Information. Upon termination of the employment


with the Company, the Employee will promptly return to the Company all items containing or embodying Proprietary Information.

Discretion - secrecy duties:

The Employee must keep the maximum discretion on all information, matters, facts, evidences, data she gets to know in connection with his employment at the Company. The Employee shall not, both during the currency of this agreement or after its termination for whatever reason, use, disclose or distribute to any person or entity, otherwise than as necessary for the proper performance of her duties and responsibilities under this agreement, or as required by law, any confidential information, matters, facts, evidences, data acquired by the Employee in the course of performing her services under this agreement.

Applicable law:

Applicable law:Swiss law. All disputes have to be submitted to the Court of Lugano, Switzerland. In addition, the term and conditions of the employment will be governed by the Company’s Employee Handbook, the terms of which the Employee will be required to acknowledge in writing within one month of the Employee Start date.

Place and date:

Lugano, CH

/s/ Marcia Goodstein

   

/s/ Robert Allen Piconi

Energy Vault SA

Mr. Robert Allen Piconi

Copy to:

Ms. Marcia Goodstein, Energy Vault Inc.

Ms. Debbie Chen, ldealab

Mr. Bill Gross, ldealab


Exhibit 10.19

Form of amendment agreements to the employment agreement entered into between Robert Piconi and the Company’s subsidiary Energy Vault, SA

Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement

dated as of 04 December 2020

by and between

Energy Vault SA

(the Company)

Via Pessina 13

6900 Lugano

Switzerland

and

Robert Piconi

(the Employee)

[***]

(The Company and the Employee are also referred to as Party or Parties)


Table of Contents

1.

Preamble

1

2.

Effective Date

1

3.

Group Structure

1

4.

Intellectual Property Rights

1

5.

Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation

3

5.1.

Definitions.

3

5.2.

Non-Competition

3

5.3.

Non-Solicitation

4

5.4.

Penalty

4

6.

Confidentiality

5

7.

Additional Agreements

5

8.

Miscellaneous

6

8.1.

Entire Agreement

6

8.2.

Severability

6

8.3.

Amendments

6

8.4.

Governing Law and Jurisdiction

6

8.5.

Execution

6


Employment Agreement

1.

Preamble

The Company and the Employee entered into an employment agreement dated 1 January 2018 (the Employment Agreement).

The Employee has access to very confidential and sensitive information of the Company.

Now therefore, the Parties wish to amend the Employment Agreement as outlined hereinafter (the Amendment). This Amendment constitutes integral part of the Agreement.

To the extent this Amendment does not contain any derogation to provisions of the Employment Agreement, the latter remains in force. In the event of conflicts between the Employment Agreement and this Amendment, this Amendment shall prevail.

2.

Effective Date

This Amendment shall become effective upon execution by both Parties.

3.

Group Structure

The Employee acknowledges that the Company is part of a group of companies ultimately controlled by Energy Vault, Inc. (USA) (each such company including the holding company a Group Company).

4.

Intellectual Property Rights

The Company is entitled to all work results and intellectual property (including, but not limited to, inventions, designs and copyrights) created by the Employee in the course of the Employee’s employment by any Group Company and in performance of his contractual obligations to any Group Company, as well as all work results and intellectual property, [with the exception of inventions and designs created in the course of or in connection with the Employee’s employment by any Group Company, but outside of the accomplishment of a contractual duty to any Group Company (notwithstanding whether individually or with the assistance of any other individuals/employees or legal entities)].


All such intellectual property and work results vest irrevocably in the Company. The transfer of these intellectual property rights includes, amongst others, especially the copyrights on the works created by the Employee and therewith all rights mentioned in the articles 9 until 11 of the Swiss Copyright Act. This transfer and assignment of work results and intellectual property is worldwide, unlimited in time, unrestricted in scope and encompasses all rights and exploitations, whether currently known or arising in the future.

If any rights related to the work results and/or to intellectual property are not transferred by law, the Employee is obliged to transfer and assign and hereby transfers and hereby assigns said rights to the Company. To the extent certain jurisdictions do not provide for the assignability of work results or intellectual property and related rights, the Employee hereby grants to the Company an exclusive, worldwide, transferable, unlimited in time, irrevocable, sublicensable, fully paid-up and unrestricted license to in particular, without limitation, reproduce, make and have made, sell and offer to sell, import, export, carry in transit, manufacture, store, place on market, modify, develop, transfer, distribute, display publicly, broadcast, retransmit, perform and exploit such work results, intellectual property and related rights.

Compensation for the transfer of said rights, in particular intellectual property rights or their licensing, respectively, is included in the base salary paid to the Employee. [The transfer of right, resp. the granting of rights of use] also comprises work results and intellectual property rights which will be created in the future and concerns also future and not yet known rights of use. The Company especially acquires the right to change, revise or translate. The Employee especially waives his right to exercise any moral rights, to be mentioned as inventor or originator or to object to any first publication, change, modification or translation.

If any invention or design is created in the course of or in connection with the employee’s employment with any Group Company, but outside of the accomplishment of a contractual duty, [the Employee shall promptly inform the Company in writing]. The Company hereby reserves title and ownership over such inventions and designs and commits to inform the Employee within six (6) months of its intent to acquire such ownership and title or to renounce to this prerogative. If the Company chooses to acquire the title and ownership over such invention or design, it shall compensate the Employee adequately. If the Company, at its sole discretion, expressly renounces its prerogatives hereunder, then the Employee shall own all rights, title and interest in and to such work results or intellectual property rights.

The Employee confirms that all intellectual property rights and work results created during his employment with any Group Company were created as part of his duties and that all such intellectual property rights and work results belong to the Company.


5.

Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation

5.1.

Definitions.

Competitive Activities” means any activity that relates to, is substantially similar to, or competes with any Group Company (or its demonstrably planned interests) at the time of Employee’s termination from the Company (including any activity relating to long duration utility scale energy storage accessible for at least four (4) hours). Competitive Activities do not include being a holder of less than one percent (1%) of the outstanding equity of a public company or service on the board of directors of Chronos Imaging LLC.

Business Partner” means any past (i.e., within the twelve (12) months preceding Employee’s termination from the Company), present or prospective (i.e., actively pursued by the Company within the twelve (12) months preceding Employee’s termination from the Company) customer, vendor, supplier, distributor or other business partner of the Company with whom Employee comes into contact during Employee’s employment with the Company or about whom Employee had knowledge by reason of Employee’s relationship with the Company.

Solicit”, with respect to Business Partners, means to (A) service, take orders from or solicit the business or patronage of any Business Partner, (B) divert, entice or otherwise take away from any Group Company the business or patronage of any Business Partner, or to attempt to do so, or (C) solicit, induce or encourage any Business Partner to terminate or reduce its relationship with any Group Company.

5.2.

Non-Competition

The Employee agrees that during his employment with any Group Company and for a period of one (1) year after termination of the Employment he will neither:

directly, indirectly, once, occasionally or professionally, under the Employee's name or under a third party name, engage in any Competitive Activities; nor

engage in any way in any enterprise engaging in any Competitive Activities, and the Employee also agrees not to found or assist any business that engages in any Competitive Activity.

[In case of any release from duty of work the period shall be reduced by the length of such release from work.]

This non-compete undertaking shall be effective for the territories and the markets in which the Company or any Group Company was active and in which the Employee was


involved in during Employee’s employment, but at least for the territories and market places of Switzerland, the European Union and the United States of America.

5.3.

Non-Solicitation

During the Employment and for a period of one year after termination of the Employment the Employee shall abstain from, directly or indirectly, (i) enticing away, soliciting or interfering with the employment of any personnel of the Company or another Group Company the Employee had contact with during the term of Employee's employment with the Company or (ii) Soliciting any Business Partner in relation to the primary activity of the Company that the Employee had contact with during the term of Employee's employment with the Group Companies.

5.4.

Penalty

In the event the Employee breaches any of the obligations pursuant to Section 5.1 a contractual penalty of $5,000 shall be owed by the Employee to the Company for any such breach.

In the event the Employee breaches any of the obligations pursuant to Section 5.3 (i) a contractual penalty of $2,500 shall be owed by the Employee to the Company for any such breach.

In the event the Employee breaches any of the obligations pursuant to Section 5.3 (ii) a contractual penalty of $7,500 shall be owed by the Employee to the Company for any such breach.

The penalty shall be increased by the amount of $1,000 for every month or part thereof in which the breach continues (the Continuous Breach).

Multiple breaches of the obligations pursuant to the Sections 5.1 and/or 5.3 trigger each separate penalties. Hence, multiple penalties within one month are possible. However, if single breaches occur within a Continuous Breach, they are covered by the penalty which has to be paid for the Continuous Breach.

However, the payment of the penalty does not release the Employee from further complying with the non-compete and/or non-solicitation obligation. The Company shall be entitled to seek injunctive measures or any other type of immediate relief to stop the violation of infringement as quickly as possible, regardless whether any fine or damage is offered or paid.


The Company is entitled to specifically prohibit taking up or continuing any employment or other activity that violated this non-competition and non-solicitation clause (Realexekution).

Further, the Company reserves the right to claim compensation for damages in addition to the penalty or penalties.

6.

Confidentiality

The Employee will have access to confidential and proprietary information relating to the business and operations of the Company, other Group Companies and its/their clients. Such confidential and proprietary information constitutes a unique and valuable asset of the Company and other Group Companies and their acquisition required great time and expense. The disclosure or any other use of such confidential or proprietary information, other than for the sole benefit of the Company or another Group Company, would be wrongful and would cause irreparable harm to the Company.

The Employee is under a strict duty to keep all confidential and proprietary information strictly and permanently confidential and, accordingly, shall not during the Employment or after termination of the Employment directly or indirectly for any purpose other than for the sole benefit of the Company or another Group Company, or disclose or permit to be disclosed to any third person or entity, any confidential or proprietary information without first obtaining the written consent of the responsible executive and the party concerned, if applicable, except if required to do so by law.

[The Employee may not make any statement to the media, as far as she/he is not authorized to do so by the responsible executive.]

7.

Additional Agreements

The Employee may be asked to enter into additional agreements with other Group Companies. Such additional agreement shall not overrule and/or amend the terms of this Amendment and/or the Employment Agreement, but shall always only provide additional protection for the respective Group Company entering into such additional agreements with the Employee.


8.

Miscellaneous

8.1.

Entire Agreement

This Amendment constitutes the complete agreement between the Parties regarding its subject matter and supersedes all prior oral and/or written agreements, representations and/or communications, concerning the subject matter hereof.

8.2.

Severability

Should any of the provisions of this Amendment be or become legally invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the validity of the remaining other provisions. Any gap resulting from such invalidity shall be filled by a provision consistent with the spirit and purpose of the Amendment. In the same way shall be proceeded if a contractual gap appears.

8.3.

Amendments

Any amendments or supplementation of this Amendment shall require written form. The written form may be dispensed only in writing.

8.4.

Governing Law and Jurisdiction

This Amendment shall be construed in accordance with and governed by Swiss law (without giving effect to the principles of conflicts of law).

Any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or in connection with this Amendment, including the validity, invalidity, breach or termination thereof, and including tort claims, shall be exclusively submitted to and determined by the ordinary courts at the seat of the Company, safe for any other courts which may be competent based on mandatory Swiss laws.

8.5.

Execution

The Parties have duly executed this Employment Agreement in two originals, each Party receiving one original.


Signatures

Energy Vault SA

/s/ Robert Piconi

Director

The Employee:

Lugano, CH 4/12/20

/s/ Robert Piconi

Place, date

Robert Piconi


Exhibit 10.20

Form of amendment agreements to the employment agreement entered into between Robert Piconi and the Company's subsidiary Energy Vault, SA

Amendment No. 2 to Employment Agreement

dated as of 04 December 2020

by and between

Energy Vault SA

(the Company)

Via Pessina 13

6900 Lugano

Switzerland

and

Robert Piconi

(the Employee)

Date of Birth: [***]

[***]

(The Company and the Employee are also referred to as Party or Parties)


Employment Agreement

Preamble

The Company and the Employee entered into an employment agreement dated 1 January 2018 (the Employment Agreement).

The Employee has access to very confidential and sensitive information of the Company and is considered a "key employee". Given additional undertakings for the non-competition and non­solicitation agreements, additional updates have been made to various severance and compensation elements in line with Swiss law.

Now therefore, the Parties wish to amend the Employment Agreement as outlined hereinafter (the Amendment).

Effective Date

This Amendment shall become effective at the date noted above upon execution by the Employee and approval of the Board of Directors.

Integration / modification to Employment Agreement.

1.Base Salary

Effective 1 December 2020, the Employee's annual gross base salary is CHF 395'000 paid in 12 instalments

2.Variable Incentive Bonus

The Employee shall be entitled to participate in a variable bonus program, whereby the annual bonus target is set 50% of the Employee's annual gross salary (subject to statutory deductions). The entitlement of the Target bonus will be based on the achievement of qualitative and quantitative objectives, as approved annually by the Board of Directors. The Employee shall not be eligible to receive any bonus if he is terminated from the Company for cause or disciplinary action.

3.Ancillary Benefits

The Company shall provide the Employee with a standard car allowance according to local norms (subject to statutory deductions). Reasonable expenses for foreign tax preparation and other expenses as they relate directly to the Employee's engagement with the Company may be submitted for reimbursement.

2


4.Notice Period and Severance

In the event this Agreement is unilaterally terminated by the Company with an ordinary notice of 90 days, a one-time severance payment equal to 12 months of the Employee's annual salary+ target bonus (subject to statutory deductions) will be made to the Employee. This severance payment shall be paid concurrent with and in addition to the final salary payment of the 90 day notice period. The severance payment shall not apply in the event the Employee chooses to resign from his position with the Company, or if the Employee is terminated from the Company for cause or disciplinary action.

3


Signatures

Energy Vault, Inc.

/s/ Robert Piconi

Director

The Employee:

Lugano, CH

/s/ Robert Piconi

Place, date

Robert Piconi


Exhibit 10.21

September 17, 2019

Marco Terruzzin

[***]

Dear Marco:

It gives me great pleasure to offer you employment as Chief Product Officer for Energy Vault, Inc. (the “Company”). You will report to me, Robert Piconi, Chief Executive Officer, Energy Vault, Inc. As we discussed you will begin your employment on October 4, 2019 (the “Effective Date”) and the following terms and conditions will apply to your employment:

1.

Salary. Your salary will be $11,538.46 payable on a bi-weekly basis (annualized to $300,000 per year) in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices. Your salary is subject to modification during your employment in accordance with the Company’s practices, policies, or procedures.

2.

Incentive Compensation. In addition to your salary, upon approval of the Company’s Board of Directors and subject to the implementation of a new Employee Stock Plan anticipated to occur within six months of the Effective Date, the Company will grant you an option or restricted stock units (“RSUs”), at the Company’s discretion, to purchase 45,000 shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to the terms provided on Attachment I (Stock Option Summary Sheet) and subject to the terms of the Company’s Stock Plan and an applicable stock option/RSU agreement between you and the Company. You understand that incentive compensation is not guaranteed.

3.

Signing Bonus. The Company will pay you a signing bonus of $200,000 (less applicable withholding) on March 13, 2020. If, before you complete twelve (12) months of continuous employment with the Company, your employment ends because you resign without Good Reason or due to a termination by the Company for Cause, then you must return the bonus on a pro-rata basis (on an after-tax basis) to the Company.

Good Reason” is defined as (i) you are assigned duties materially inconsistent with, or reflecting a materially adverse change in, your compensation, position, duties, or responsibilities with the Company or (ii) the Company’s principal executive offices are relocated to a location which would require you to commute at least thirty (30) miles more each way than your commute to the Company’s principal executive offices as of the date of this Agreement.

Cause” is defined as (i) any act of fraud, embezzlement or dishonesty taken by you in connection with your job responsibilities, (ii) your conviction of or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a felony, (iii) your willful misconduct which adversely affects or is likely to adversely affect the business and affairs of the Company, (iv) your continued willful refusal to perform your employment duties after you have received a written demand for performance from the Company which specifically sets forth the factual basis for the Company’s belief that you have willfully refused


to perform your duties or (v) your material breach of any provision of your offer letter or Employee Confidentiality Agreement or Non-Disclosure Agreement.

4.

Annual Performance Bonus. You will be eligible for an annual variable target bonus of up to 40% of your annual salary based on mutually established goals. You understand that this performance bonus is not guaranteed.

5.

Sales Commission. You will be eligible to receive sales commission based on the terms of the Company’s Sales Compensation Plan and an applicable sales compensation agreement between you and the Company. You understand that sales commission is not guaranteed.

6.

Flexible Time Off. You will be able to use Flexible Time Off (FTO) with pay during current and subsequent years of employment in accordance with the Company’s FTO policy.

7.

Relocation. The Company will provide reasonable relocation assistance for you to relocate from your current residence to the Los Angeles, California area in accordance with our standard relocation practices.

8.

Benefits (Health and Welfare Plans). In addition to your compensation, you will be eligible to receive the benefits that are generally offered to all Company employees effective the first of the month following your hire date. The program includes medical plans, dental plans, a vision plan. These programs are subject to change at the discretion of the Company.

9.

Holidays. You will be paid for selected holidays in accordance with the Company’s holiday schedule. This schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the Company.

As a condition of your employment with the Company, you will furnish and will continue to furnish the Company all necessary documentation that will satisfy the requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

Your employment is expressly contingent upon the acceptable results of a background check. Any falsification of an applicant’s employment history or educational background will result in withdrawal of the offer and or termination of employment, if hired.

Your employment with the Company is at will. This means that either you or the Company may terminate your employment at any time, with or without cause and with or without notice. We both agree that any dispute arising with respect to your employment and the termination of that employment shall be conclusively settled by final and binding arbitration in accordance with the arbitration procedures described in the Employee Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement.

By signing this letter, you acknowledge that the terms described in this letter, together with the Employee Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement, sets forth the entire understanding between us and supersedes any prior representations or agreements, whether written or oral; there are no terms, conditions, representations, warranties or covenants

2


other than those contained herein. No term or provision of this letter may be amended waived, released, discharged or modified except in writing, signed by you and an authorized officer of Energy Vault, Inc. except that the Company may, in its sole discretion, adjust salaries, incentive compensation, benefits, job titles, locations, duties, responsibilities, and reporting relationships.

Enclosed are the following:

1.Attachment I — Stock Option Summary Sheet

2.Employee Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement

Our offer is contingent on your understanding and acceptance of the agreements and practices referred to in this letter. Please acknowledge your acceptance of this offer of employment on the terms indicated by signing the enclosed copy of this letter, completing the Employee Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement and returning them to me as soon as possible. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Marco, I am personally pleased you have chosen to accept our offer and I look forward to working with you toward our mutual success.

Sincerely,

/s/ Robert Piconi

Robert Piconi
Chief Executive Officer
Energy Vault, Inc.

I accept the position of Chief Product Officer, Energy Vault, Inc., on the terms described within this letter.

/s/ Marco Terruzzin

   

Marco Terruzzin- SIGNATURE

DATE

3


Exhibit 10.22

October 12, 2020

Andrea Pedretti

[***]

Dear Andrea:

It gives me great pleasure to offer you employment as Chief Technology Officer for Energy Vault, Inc. (the “Company”). You will report to me, Robert Piconi, Chief Executive Officer, Energy Vault, Inc. As we discussed you will begin your employment on October 12, 2020 (the “Effective Date”) and the following terms and conditions will apply to your employment:

1.

Salary. Your salary will be $10,961.53 for 32 hours per week, payable on a bi-weekly basis (annualized to $285,000 per year) in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices. Your salary is subject to modification during your employment in accordance with the Company’s practices, policies, or procedures.

2.

Signing Bonus. The Company will pay you a signing bonus totaling $17,060.00 (less applicable withholding) payments will be made on a monthly basis ($5,686.66 per month).

3.

Annual Performance Bonus. You will be eligible for an annual variable target bonus of up to 40% of your annual salary based on mutually established goals. You understand that this performance bonus is not guaranteed.

4.

Flexible Time Off. You will be able to use Flexible Time Off (FTO) with pay during current and subsequent years of employment in accordance with the Company’s FTO policy.

5.

Benefits (Health and Welfare Plans). In addition to your compensation, you will be eligible to receive the benefits that are generally offered to all Company employees effective the first of the month following your hire date. The program includes medical plans, dental plans, a vision plan, flexible spending accounts, disability insurance, and life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. These programs are subject to change at the discretion of the Company.

6.

Holidays. You will be paid for selected holidays in accordance with the Company’s holiday schedule. This schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the Company.

As a condition of your employment with the Company, you will furnish and will continue to furnish the Company all necessary documentation that will satisfy the requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

Your employment is expressly contingent upon the acceptable results of a background check. Any falsification of an applicant’s employment history or educational background will result in withdrawal of the offer and or termination of employment, if hired.


Your employment with the Company is at will. This means that either you or the Company may terminate your employment at any time, with or without cause and with or without notice. We both agree that any dispute arising with respect to your employment and the termination of that employment shall be conclusively settled by final and binding arbitration in accordance with the arbitration procedures described in the Employee Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement.

By signing this letter, you acknowledge that the terms described in this letter, together with the Employee Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement, sets forth the entire understanding between us and supersedes any prior representations or agreements, whether written or oral; there are no terms, conditions, representations, warranties or covenants other than those contained herein. No term or provision of this letter may be amended waived, released, discharged or modified except in writing, signed by you and an authorized officer of Energy Vault, Inc. except that the Company may, in its sole discretion, adjust salaries, incentive compensation, benefits, job titles, locations, duties, responsibilities, and reporting relationships.

Enclosed is the Employee Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement

Our offer is contingent on your understanding and acceptance of the agreements and practices referred to in this letter. Please acknowledge your acceptance of this offer of employment on the terms indicated by signing the enclosed copy of this letter, completing the Employee Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement and returning them to me as soon as possible. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Andrea, I am personally pleased you have chosen to accept our offer and I look forward to working with you toward our mutual success.

Sincerely,

/s/ Robert Piconi

Robert Piconi
Chief Executive Officer
Energy Vault, Inc.

I accept the position of Chief Technology Officer, Energy Vault, Inc., on the terms described within this letter.

/s/ Andrea Pedretti

   

Andrea Pedretti- SIGNATURE

DATE

2


Exhibit 10.23

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

Between

Energy Vault SA, with offices at Via Pessina 13, Lugano, 6900 CH, hereinafter referred as the Company;

And

Mr. Andrea Pedretti, Swiss Citizen, residing at [***], hereinafter referred to as the Employee;

****

Beginning of the activity:

This contract begins on August 1, 2019

Duration:

Unlimited; however each party may resign the agreement according to the Swiss Code of Obligations at any time.

Employees position:

Chief Technical Officer (CTO)

Reporting:

Robert Piconi, Chief Executive Officer, Energy Vault SA

Duration:

Unlimited; however each party may resign the agreement according to the Swiss Code of Obligations at any time.

Place of work:

At Companys premises, at present located at Via Pessina 13, Lugano, 6900 CH.  It is understood that Employee may be required to work in Bellinzona or other designated Company affiliate location to execute Company tasks.

Annual gross salary:

The Employees annual base gross salary is CHF 350000 at 100% time, payable in 12 equal instalments. It is agreed that in August 2019, until differently specified in writing, the contractual working time is 70% and its related corresponded salary is CHF 245000 annual gross. Applicable social costs and withholding taxes will apply.

The Company must comply and will pay all Social Contributions that are required under Swiss law (1st and 2nd Pillar).

Reimbursable Expenses:

The Company shall reimburse all the expenses incurred by the Employee which are directly related to the performance of his job. These expenses may be claimed while submitting the relevant receipts in line with the Companys policy.

Working hours:

Contract at 70 % time. Monday to Friday, 28 hours per week.

Additional work at any time without extra salary may be required to meet business requirements or to ensure the satisfactory completion


of the duties. Therefore, Employee will not be eligible for overtime compensation in any circumstance.

Vacation:

Total 20 days of paid vacation per year of service.

Leave entitlements:

The Employee will be allowed these paid leaves:

Marriage of the employee 4 working days

Marriage of a close relative 1 working day

Removal1 working day

Death in family 3 working days

Death of a relative 1 working day

Medical visitthe time needed

Duties of service:

During the working time the Employee must dedicate all his activity to the assigned duties, fulfilling them with diligence and correctness. In particular, the Employee shall:

Comply with all reasonable and lawful instructions provided to her by the Company; perform her duties with all reasonable skill and diligence; conduct her duties in the best interests of the Company; deal with the Company in good faith in all aspects of the employment relationship; comply with all policies and procedures (including any Codes of Conduct} implemented by the Company from time to time.

Use of Internet and Email:

The Employee will have access to email and Internet in the course of his employment. The Employee shall ensure that at all times her use of the email and Internet facilities at work meets the ethical and social standards of the workplace. Whilst a reasonable level of personal use is acceptable to the Company, this must not interfere with the Employees employment duties or obligations, and must not be illegal or contrary to the interests of the Company. The Employee shall also comply with all email and Internet policies issued by the Company from time to time. It is hereby represented by the parties that the annual gross salary above mentioned includes a reasonable remuneration for this obligation

Proprietary Information and Inventions agreement:

The Employee agrees that all inventions, trade secrets, and all other confidential business, technical, and financial information the Employee develops, learns, or obtains during the employment with the Company, that relate to the Company, or the business or demonstrably anticipated business of the Company, or that are received by or for the Company in confidence, constitute Proprietary Information. The Employee will hold in confidence and not disclose or, except within the scope of the employment with the Company, use any Proprietary Information. Upon termination of the employment with the Company, the Employee will promptly return to the Company all items containing or embodying Proprietary Information.

Discretion - secrecy duties:

The Employee must keep the maximum discretion on all information, matters, facts, evidences, data she gets to know in connection with his employment at the Company. The Employee shall not, both during the currency of this agreement or after its termination for whatever reason, use, disclose or distribute to any person or entity, otherwise than as necessary for the proper performance of her duties and responsibilities under this agreement, or as required by law, any


confidential information, matters, facts, evidences, data acquired by the Employee in the course of performing her services under this agreement.

Applicable law:

Swiss law. All disputes have to be submitted to the Court of Lugano, Switzerland. In addition, the term and conditions of the employment will be governed by the Companys Employee Handbook, the terms of which the Employee will be required to acknowledge in writing within one month of the Employee Start date.

Place and date:

Lugano, ________________

/s/ Robert Piconi

    

/s/ Andrea Pedretti

Energy Vault SA

Mr. Andrea Pedretti

Robert Piconi

Chief Executive Officer


Exhibit 10.24

January 12, 2021

Richard Cooperstein

[***]

Dear Richard:

Please find your updated offer letter:

1.Effective Date: November 30, 2020

2.Title: Head of Corporate Development

3.Salary. Your salary will be $9,038.46 payable on a bi-weekly basis (annualized to $235,000 per year) in accordance with the Company's normal payroll practices. Your salary is subject to modification during your employment in accordance with the Company's practices, policies, or procedures.

4.Incentive Compensation. In addition to your salary, upon approval of the Company's Board of Directors, in lieu of and in substitution for any other option grants or restricted stock units ("RSUs") offered to you in your prior Offer Letter dated September 24, 2019, the Company will grant you an option to purchase 60,000 shares of the Company's common stock pursuant to the terms provided on Attachment I (Stock Option Summary Sheet) and subject to the terms of the Company's Stock Plan and an applicable stock option agreement between you and the Company. You understand that incentive compensation is not guaranteed.

5.Annual Performance Bonus. You will be eligible for an annual variable target bonus of up to 30% of your annual salary based on mutually established goals. You understand that this performance bonus is not guaranteed.

6.Flexible Time Off. You will be able to use Flexible Time Off (FTO) with pay during current and subsequent years of employment in accordance with the Company's FTO policy.

7.Benefits (Health and Welfare Plans). In addition to your compensation, you will be eligible to receive the benefits that are generally offered to all Company employees effective the first of the month following your hire date. The program includes medical plans, dental plans, a vision plan. These programs are subject to change at the discretion of the Company.

8.Holidays. You will be paid for selected holidays in accordance with the Company's holiday schedule. This schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the Company.

As a condition of your employment with the Company, you will furnish and will continue to furnish the Company all necessary documentation that will satisfy the requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

Your employment with the Company is at will. This means that either you or the Company may terminate your employment at any time, with or without cause and with or without notice. We both


agree that any dispute arising with respect to your employment and the termination of that employment shall be conclusively settled by final and binding arbitration in accordance with the arbitration procedures described in the Employee Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement.

By signing this letter, you acknowledge that the terms described in this letter, together with the Employee Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement, sets forth the entire understanding between us and supersedes any prior representations or agreements, whether written or oral; there are no terms, conditions, representations, warranties or covenants other than those contained herein. No term or provision of this letter may be amended waived, released, discharged or modified except in writing, signed by you and an authorized officer of Energy Vault, Inc. except that the Company may, in its sole discretion, adjust salaries, incentive compensation, benefits, job titles, locations, duties, responsibilities, and reporting relationships.

Enclosed is the Stock Option Summary Sheet

Our offer is contingent on your understanding and acceptance of the agreements and practices referred to in this letter. Please acknowledge your acceptance of this offer of employment on the terms indicated by signing the enclosed copy of this letter, completing the Employee Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement and returning them to me as soon as possible. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Richard, I am personally pleased you have chosen to accept our offer and I look forward to working with you toward our mutual success.

Sincerely,

/s/ Robert Piconi

Robert Piconi
Chief Executive Officer
Energy Vault, Inc.

I accept the position of Head of Corporate Development, Energy Vault, Inc., on the terms described within this letter.

/s/ Richard Cooperstein

    

Richard Cooperstein – SIGNATURE

DATE

2


Exhibit 10.25

Graphic

July 30, 2021

Richard Cooperstein

[***]

Re:Separation Agreement and Release

Dear Richard:

This letter documents an agreement and release between you and Energy Vault, Inc. (the “Company”) concerning the termination of your employment with the Company as Head of Corporate Development.

Your employment with the Company will terminate effective July 30, 2021 (the “Separation Date”). Whether or not you sign this agreement, you are entitled to receive and will receive all your already earned compensation, up to and including July 30, 2021. You also shall retain any Energy Vault, Inc. RSUs which you have been granted and which vested on or before July 30, 2021, and which shall remain governed by the terms of the Energy Vault, Inc. 2020 Stock Plan and your RSU agreement.

Nothing in this agreement – including, without limitation, your general release and your nondisclosure, return of materials, confidentiality, cooperation and nondisparagement covenants contained herein and in the attached exhibits – is intended to or shall (a) prevent, impede or interfere with your ability to file a charge or complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal, state or local government agency or commission (“Government Agencies”), or (b) limit your ability to communicate with any Government Agencies or otherwise participate in any investigation or proceeding conducted by any Government Agency, including providing documents or other information, without notice to or prior authorization from the Company.

Subject to your abiding by the terms and conditions of this agreement and the terms and conditions of your Employment, Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement (attached hereto as Exhibit A), including, but not limited to executing the Termination Certificate attached thereto as Exhibit C, entered into between you and the Company, the Company agrees to provide you with the following consideration provided that you (i) transition all work as requested in a timely, professional and complete manner as directed by the Company, (ii) return all company property and (iii) execute this agreement and return a signed copy to the Company within twenty-one (21) days from the date hereof:

Although the Company has no policy or procedure for providing separation pay benefits, the Company will pay you, as separation pay the gross amount of $117,499.98, less appropriate withholdings and deductions, which is the equivalent of your base salary for six (6) months.

You acknowledge and agree that the Company is not obligated to provide you with the above-referenced consideration and that no other monetary payments or benefits, including equity,


and attorneys’ fees, shall be accrued or made to you in consideration for entering into this agreement, and that the Company does not owe you any wages, salary, compensation, bonus pay, vacation pay, equity, business or other expenses, attorneys’ fees, benefits of any nature, or any other monies in any amount whatsoever except as explicitly provided herein. By entering into this Agreement, none of the Company or its parent corporation or any of their respective subsidiaries, stockholders, directors, officers, trustees, past and present employees, successors, predecessors, assigns, agents, attorneys or representatives admit any liability whatsoever.

In exchange for the consideration set forth in this agreement and other valuable consideration, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, you acknowledge complete satisfaction of, and do hereby forever release, waive and discharge the Company, including but not limited to its parent corporation and their respective subsidiaries, stockholders, directors, officers, trustees, past and present employees, successors, predecessors, assigns, agents, attorneys and representatives from any and all judgments, liens, indebtedness, damages, claims, liabilities, demands, and causes of action (hereinafter, the “Claims”) whether now known or unknown, arising on or before the Separation Date and/or arising out of or relating to your employment with the Company or its termination, including without limitation, any Claims connected to or arising out of your employee benefit plans (whether or not arising under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended); any discrimination, harassment, or retaliation claim whether or not arising under local, California or federal law or regulation or public policy, including but not limited to Title VII of the Civil Right Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. § 2000e et seq.; the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.; the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, as amended, California Government Code § 12900 et seq.; the Orders of the California Industrial Welfare Commission regulating wages, hours, and working conditions; all provisions of the California Labor Code; or any local, state or federal statute, common law, public policy, contract or tort principle in any way governing your employment terms, compensation, or termination, including but not limited to any breach of contract, any breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, fraud, intentional or negligent misrepresentation, intentional or negligent infliction of emotional distress, as well as any claim for severance pay, bonus or similar benefit, stock options, sick leave, retirement, life insurance, health or medical insurance, workers’ compensation or disability; provided, however, the foregoing release shall not include a release by you of any claims that you may have against the Company, its parent corporation, and their respective subsidiaries, stockholders, officers, trustees, past and present employees, successors, predecessors, assigns, agents, attorneys and representatives with respect to the enforcement of this agreement. This release agreement does not extend to those rights, which as a matter of law cannot be waived, including but not limited to unwaivable rights you may have under the California Labor Code.

You acknowledge that you are waiving and releasing any rights you may have under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (“ADEA”) and that this waiver and release is knowing and voluntary. You and the Company agree that this waiver and release does not apply to any rights or claims that may arise under the ADEA after the Agreement Date. You further acknowledge that you have been advised by this writing that (i) you should consult with an attorney prior to executing this Agreement; (ii) you have had at least twenty-one (21) days within which to consider this Agreement; (iii) you have at least seven (7) days following the execution of this Agreement by the parties to revoke the agreement; and (iv) this Agreement shall not be effective until the revocation period has expired.

2


As part of this general release, and not by way of limitation, you hereby expressly waive and release any and all claims pursuant to Section 1542 of the California Civil Code or any analogous state, local or federal law, statute, rule or regulation. California Civil Code Section 1542 reads:

“A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS THAT THE CREDITOR OR RELEASING PARTY DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE AND THAT, IF KNOWN BY HIM OR HER, WOULD HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR HER SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR OR RELEASED PARTY..”

You agree that the Company and its parent corporation and their respective stockholders have a significant and valuable interest in the Company’s name, reputation, employees, products, and services and further agree that you will not engage in any conduct that may disparage, denigrate or otherwise cause harm to the name, reputation, employees, products or services of the Company, including but not limited to its parent corporation, and their respective stockholders, officers, trustees, past and present employees, successors, predecessors, assigns and agents.

You represent and confirm that you have no lawsuits, charges, administrative proceedings or claims currently on file or pending against the Company including but not limited to its parent corporation, stockholders, officers, trustees, past and present employees, successors, predecessors, assigns and agents, and if such lawsuits, charges, administrative proceedings or claims are outstanding, you agree to join in any request to such court or agency to withdraw, dismiss, or otherwise resolve the claim or matter. You further represent that you have not assigned any such lawsuits, charges, administrative proceedings or claims to any third party. In addition, while you understand that this Agreement does not affect your right to file a charge with or participate as a witness in an investigation or proceeding conducted by the EEOC or any similar state agency, by accepting the terms provided herein and the consideration provided to you as a result, you give up the right to receive any relief whatsoever, including but not limited to financial benefit or monetary recovery, from any lawsuit or settlement related to such rights and claims as you now give up, whether the lawsuit is filed or the settlement reached by the EEOC, another agency, or anyone else.

You acknowledge that you have read this agreement, fully understand it and its legal consequences, have had the opportunity to seek advice of counsel, and that you enter this agreement voluntarily. You agree that you have not, and will not, disclose the terms and conditions of this agreement, or the discussions between the Company’s and/or its parent corporation’s employees or agents and you concerning this agreement. This confidentiality representation does not apply to disclosures made to your spouse, your counsel (if any), tax advisors, or disclosures required by a court order or regulatory authority. You agree to take all reasonable steps necessary to ensure that the confidentiality of this Agreement is maintained by any of the individuals or entities referenced above to whom disclosure is authorized and you agree to accept responsibility for any breach of confidentiality by said individuals or entities to whom disclosure of the agreement is made.

3


The parties acknowledge and expressly agree that the obligations in this agreement are the sole and only consideration for it, and that no representations or inducements have been made by either party or that party’s officers, employees, managers, directors or agents, except as specifically set forth in this agreement. This agreement supersedes any previous oral agreement or understanding between the parties regarding any matter contained herein and represents the entire agreement between the two parties. The parties further agree that that the terms of this agreement are contractual and that both parties, their heirs, successors, and assigns are bound by it.

This agreement shall be governed by the internal substantive laws of the State of California, without any regard to its principles of conflict of laws. If any of the provisions of this agreement are determined to be invalid or unenforceable by a court or administrative agency of competent jurisdiction, the parties agree that such determination shall not affect the enforceability of the other provision contained herein.

If you understand and agree to the terms set forth herein, please indicate your acceptance of this agreement by signing and dating the two originals enclosed, and returning one signed copy to my office no later than August 20, 2021.

We wish you the best in your future endeavors.

Very truly yours,

/s/ Robert Piconi

Robert Piconi

Chief Executive Officer

This agreement contains a release of known and unknown claims. I have read and understand this agreement and consent to all of the terms and provisions contained herein voluntarily and without any reservation.

/s/ Richard Cooperstein

Richard Cooperstein

August 16, 2021

Date

4


Exhibit 10.26

February 11, 2021

Christopher Wiese

[***]

Dear Christopher:

It gives me great pleasure to offer you employment as Vice President of Engineering for Energy Vault, Inc. (the “Company”). You will report to me, Robert Piconi, Chief Executive Officer, Energy Vault, Inc. As we discussed you will begin your employment on March 1, 2021 (the “Effective Date”) and the following terms and conditions will apply to your employment:

1.

Salary. Your salary will be $8,076.92 payable on a bi-weekly basis (annualized to $210,000 per year) in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices. Your salary is subject to modification during your employment in accordance with the Company’s practices, policies, or procedures.

2.

Incentive Compensation. In addition to your salary, upon approval of the Company’s Board of Directors, the Company will grant you an option to purchase 25,000 shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to the terms provided on Attachment I (Stock Option Summary Sheet) and subject to the terms of the Company’s Stock Plan and an applicable stock option agreement between you and the Company. You understand that incentive compensation is not guaranteed.

3.

Signing Bonus. The Company will pay you a signing bonus of $8,077.00 (less applicable withholding). You understand that incentive compensation is not guaranteed.

4.

Annual Performance Bonus. You will be eligible for an annual variable target bonus of up to 40% of your annual salary based on mutually established goals. You understand that this target bonus is not guaranteed.

5.

Flexible Time Off. You will be able to use Flexible Time Off (FTO) with pay during current and subsequent years of employment in accordance with the Company’s FTO policy.

6.

Benefits (Health and Welfare Plans). In addition to your compensation, you will be eligible to receive the benefits that are generally offered to all Company employees effective the first of the month following your hire date. The program includes medical plans, dental plans, and a vision plan. These programs are subject to change at the discretion of the Company.

7.

Holidays. You will be paid for selected holidays in accordance with the Company’s holiday schedule. This schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the Company.


As a condition of your employment with the Company, you will furnish and will continue to furnish the Company all necessary documentation that will satisfy the requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

Your employment is expressly contingent upon the acceptable results of a background check. Any falsification of an applicant’s employment history or educational background will result in withdrawal of the offer and or termination of employment, if hired.

Your employment with the Company is at will. This means that either you or the Company may terminate your employment at any time, with or without cause and with or without notice. We both agree that any dispute arising with respect to your employment and the termination of that employment shall be conclusively settled by final and binding arbitration in accordance with the arbitration procedures described in the Employee Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement.

By signing this letter, you acknowledge that the terms described in this letter, together with the Employee Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement, sets forth the entire understanding between us and supersedes any prior representations or agreements, whether written or oral; there are no terms, conditions, representations, warranties or covenants other than those contained herein. No term or provision of this letter may be amended waived, released, discharged or modified except in writing, signed by you and an authorized officer of Energy Vault, Inc. except that the Company may, in its sole discretion, adjust salaries, incentive compensation, benefits, job titles, locations, duties, responsibilities, and reporting relationships.

Enclosed are the following:

1.Employee Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement

2.Stock Option Summary Sheet

Our offer is contingent on your understanding and acceptance of the agreements and practices referred to in this letter. Please acknowledge your acceptance of this offer of employment on the terms indicated by signing the enclosed copy of this letter, completing the Employee Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement and returning them to me as soon as possible. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Christopher, I am personally pleased you have chosen to accept our offer and I look forward to working with you toward our mutual success.

Sincerely,

/s/ Robert Piconi

Robert Piconi
Chief Executive Officer
Energy Vault, Inc.

2


I accept the position of Vice President of Engineering, Energy Vault, Inc., on the terms describe with this letter.

/s/ Christopher Wiese

   

February 17, 2021

Christopher Wiese – SIGNATURE

DATE

3


Exhibit 10.27

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This agreement is made on the 1”' of August 2019, between

Energy Vault SA, with Offices at Via Pessina 13, Lugano, 6900 CH, hereinafter referred as the Company;

and

lain Merrick Kerr, UK citizen, born on [***] residing at [***], hereinafter referred as the Employee.

This document sets out the terms and conditions of employment which are required to be given to the Employee and which apply at the date hereof.

1)

COMMENCEMENT AND JOB TITLE

i)

The Company agrees to employ the employee in the capacity of Chief Commercial Officer. The duties will initially be carried on from the employee's home address, but the employee will be required to attend multiple customer/prospective customer sites in mainland Europe; Africa, USA and Asia as well as required from Company HQ in Switzerland.

ii)

Employee will undertake such travel outside the UK as may reasonably be required for the proper performance of his duties including, as required by the Company to fulfil the role.

iii)

The first three months of your employment will be a probationary period; upon successfully passing the probationary period the contract will become permanent. In the probationary period, subject to the clauses noted in this agreement (clause 11), the notice period required for the termination of the contract by either party is one week.

2)

SALARY

i)

Starting from 1 August 2019, the Company shall pay the employee a gross salary of £ 300,000 per year, by monthly instalments in arrears, on the day 27 of each calendar month.

ii)

Where less than a full calendar month's salary is payable to an employee, a pro-rata payment will be made according to the number of days worked in that month.

iii)

Salary will be reviewed by the Company on an annual basis, and at times on an exception basis for any change is scope of the role of the Employee or change in scope or performance of the Company.  While the Employee has not contractual entitlement to any increase in salary, the Board will evaluate factors such as job scope, performance and scale of the Company to determine if any changes to salary are warranted.

iv)

Employee will be granted an option to acquire shares of Common Stock in Energy Vault, Inc. at the discretion of its board. Any grant of stock options will be pursuant to the terms provided on Attachment I (Stock Option Summary Sheet) and :subject to the terms of the Plan and an applicable stock option agreement between you and Energy Vault, Inc.

v)

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the salary shall be inclusive of any fees or remuneration payable to the Employee by reason of his/her employment or holding of any other office in the Company and/or associated companies.


EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

vi)

The Company shall be entitled pursuant at any time during the Employment and upon its termination (howsoever arising} to deduct from the salary and/or the bonus (if any) payable to the Employee and/m any other sums due to the Employee under this Agreement any sums owed by the Employee to the Company including any fees or remuneration paid to the Employee by reason of his/her employment or holding of any other office in the Company and/or any associated companies.

3)

HOURS OF EMPLOYMENT

i)

The Employee’s normal hours of employment shall be 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday, with one hour break for lunch. These hours will be your normal hours of work. The Employee may from time to time be required to work such additional hours as is reasonable to meet the requirements of the Employer's business at no additional payment.

ii)

The Employee agrees that the statutory maximum average working time of 48 hours a week shall not apply to your employment and that the average working time may exceed 48 hours a week.

4)

HOLIDAYS

i)

The Company’s holiday year is from 1 January to 31 December. In addition to paid UK bank holidays, you will be entitled ‘to 25 days' holiday in each holiday year throughout which you are employed by the Company. You will accrue holiday at an even rate per calendar month from your first day of employment with the Company.

ii)

The Company encourages you to take your annual holiday. Your annual holiday entitlement over and above that provided for may not be carried over into the next calendar year.

iii)

Holiday entitlement in the calendar year in which your employment terminates will be proportionate to the period of service during that calendar year. If, on termination, you have taken more holiday than you have accrued in that holiday year, you will be required to reimburse the Company in respect of such unearned annual leave and the Company shall be entitled as a result of your agreement to the terms of this contract to deduct the value of the unearned holiday from any final payment of salary made to you.

5)

INCAPACITY

i)

If on any day the employee is absent by reason of incapacity, they must notify the Company on the first day of absence of the nature of the incapacity and of the likely duration of their absence.

ii)

Payment of salary during any period of incapacity will at all times be at the discretion of the Company. Normally the Company will not make payment of full salary for more than six separate days of absence in any one calendar year. Any salary paid shall include any entitlement of the Employee to statutory sick pay.

iii)

The Employee shall submit to medical examination at such time or times and by such registered medical practitioner as the Company may select and shall permit disclosure of the outcome of such medical examination to the Employer provided always that the Company shall meet any costs and/or expenses incurred by the Employee in respect of any such examination.


EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

6)

BENEFITS IN KIND AND EXPENSES

i)

The Company will reimburse the Employee reasonable travelling, hotel and other out­ of-pocket expenses wholly exclusively and necessarily incurred ln connection with the Employment. The Employee will prepare and present to the Employer monthly statements of such expenses together with the appropriate invoices or receipts and such other information or proof of expenditure as the Company may from time to time require.

7)

PENSION

ii)

The Company complies with its obligations pursuant to the Pensions Act 2008.

iii)

The Employee may join such registered pension schemes set up by the Company subject to the Employee satisfying certain eligibility criteria and subject to the scheme rules as amended from time to time.

8)

DURATION

i)

The Employer and the Employee may terminate this Agreement by giving written notice of one month during the first 12 months of service, and 2 months' notice thereafter.

ii)

During the first three months, the employee’s employment with the company will be probationary and may be terminated at any time with one-week notice.

9)

TERMINATION

i)

The Company may summarily terminate the Employment by written notice having immediate effect if the employee;

(1)

Commits or is reasonably believed by the Company to have committed any act of dishonesty, any serious misconduct or any other act which may serious affect their ability to discharge their duties as Model agent.

(2)

Is guilty of any persistent neglect in the discharge of his duties or fails to observe and perform in all material respects the terms and provisions of this Agreement and fails to remedy any such non-observance or non-performance (where capable of remedy) within fourteen (14) days after prior written notice from the Company requiring the Employee to do so; or

(3)

Commits any act or so conducts themselves in a manner which in the reasonable opinion of the Company is detrimental to the interests of the Company or Associated companies or which might or does bring the reputation of the Company or Associated companies into question or disrepute; or

(4)

Is convicted of any criminal offence (other than an offence under road traffic legislation in the UK or elsewhere for which a penalty other than imprisonment is imposed); or

ii)

The proper exercise by the Company of its right of termination will be without prejudice to any rights or remedies which the Company or Associated companies may have or be entitled to exercise against the Employee and will not entitle the Employee to any damages or compensation by reason of such termination.


EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

10)

DUTIES ON TERMINATION

i)

Upon the termination of the employment for whatever reason, the employee will immediately resign from all offices and appointments held by them in or on behalf of the Company and any associated company.

ii)

Employee shall return all company property and destroy or delete all company documents within Employee’s possession.

iii)

The employee hereby irrevocably appoints the company to be their attorney in their name and on their behalf to do and execute such resignation or resignations from office.

11)

CONFIDENTIALITY, NON-COMPETE, AND NON-SOLICIT CONDITIONS

i)

Without prejudice to the obligations of the employee arising my law, the Employee will not, during the Employment or at any time thereafter except with the prior written authority of the employer or as required by law use for their own purposes or disclose to any unauthorized third party, and will use their best endeavours to prevent the publication or disclosure of any trade secrets or information relating to the business or the company and/or associated company or their clients, customers, suppliers, agents or distributors including information concerning prospective business, technical processes, finances, price lists or lists of customers, suppliers, agents or distributors or any confidential or secret information relating to Property or connected with the services or products manufactured, marketed or under development by the company or any associated company which comes into their procession by virtue of the Employment, and which the company or any associated company regards, or could reasonably be expected to regard, as confidential.

ii)

All plans, programs, designs, drawings, formulae, correspondence, specifications, price lists, list of customers and suppliers and all other documents, papers and property belonging to the Employer which may have been made or prepared by, or at the request of, the Employee or have come. into their possession or under their control in the course of the Employment or which relate in any way to the business (including prospective business) or affairs of the Company or any Associated companies or any customer, supplier, agent, distributor, or sub-contractor of the Company or any Associated companies, will as between the employer and the employee, be deemed to be the property in the possession or under the control of the employee and belonging to the Company or any Associated companies, be delivered by the employee to 'the company or as the company may direct immediately upon termination of the Employment: (or at any earlier time on demand) and the Employee shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company retain any copies thereof.

iii)

On cessation of employment the Employee is specifically prohibited from approaching customers and contacts of the employer with a view to bidding for their business and encouraging them to sever their relationship with the employer.

iv)

On cessation of Employment due either for employee resignation or termination for cause only, the Employee agrees that he will not enter an employment or contractual relationship for a period of 24 months after termination, either directly or indirectly, to provide services to any company or entity engaged in any way in a business that competes directly or indirectly with the Company without the prior written consent from Company. Businesses that compete with the Company specifically include, but are not limited to, the following entities and each of their subsidiaries affiliates, assigns, or successors in interest:


EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

-

Renewable Energy Storage Solution

v)

On cessation of employment the Employee agrees that he will not directly or indirectly solicit any person who is a client or an employee of the Company to terminate his or her relationship with the Company without prior written approval from the General Manager of the Company-

Contemporaneously herewith, the Employee agrees to execute the Employee Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement with Energy Vault, Inc.

12)

NOTICES

i)

All communications including notices required to be given under this Agreement shall be sent either by personal service or first-class post to the Parties' respective addressed.

13)

SEVERABILITY

i)

If any provision of this Agreement should be held to be invalid it shall to that extent be severed and the remaining provisions shall continue to have full force and effect.

14)

ENTIRE AGREEMENT

i)

This Agreement contains the entire Agreement between the Parties and supersedes all prior arrangements and understandings whether written or oral with respect to the subject matter hereof and may not he varied except in writing signed by both the Parties hereto.

15)

GOVERNING LAW

i)

This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the UK and shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.

In witness of which the parties hereto have signed this agreement, the day and year first above written.

Date and Signature

/s/ Robert Piconi

(Signed by the Employer)

Robert Piconi, Chief Executive Officer
Energy Vault SA

/s/ Iain Merrick Kerr

(Signed by the Employee)

Iain Merrick Kerr


Exhibit 10.28

March 29, 2021

Andrea Elisabeth Wuttke
[***]

Dear Andrea:

It gives me great pleasure to offer you employment as Chief Financial Officer for Energy Vault, Inc. (the “Company”). You will report to me, Robert Piconi, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Energy Vault, Inc. As we discussed you will begin your employment on April 26, 2021 and the following terms and conditions will apply to your employment:

1.

Salary. Your salary will be $10,961.54 payable on a bi-weekly basis (annualized to $285,000 per year) in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices. Your salary is subject to modification during your employment in accordance with the Company’s practices, policies, or procedures.

2.

Incentive Compensation. In addition to your salary, upon approval of the Company’s Board of Directors, the Company will grant you an option to purchase 48,400 shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to the terms provided on Attachment IE (Stock Option Summary Sheet) and subject to the terms of the Company’s Stock Plan and an applicable stock option agreement between you and the Company. You understand that incentive compensation is not guaranteed.

3.

Signing Bonus. The Company will pay you a signing bonus of $15,000.00 (less applicable withholding). You understand that incentive compensation is not guaranteed.

4.

Annual Performance Bonus. You will be eligible for an annual variable target bonus of up to 50% of your annual salary based on mutually established goals. You understand that this performance bonus is not guaranteed.

5.

Flexible Time Off. You will be able to use Flexible Time Off (FTO) with pay during current and subsequent years of employment in accordance with the Company’s FTO policy.

6.

Benefits (Health and Welfare Plans). In addition to your compensation, you will be eligible to receive the benefits that are generally offered to all Company employees effective on the first of the month following your hire date. Establishment of such benefit programs is at the discretion of the Company and may include programs such as medical plans, dental plans, a vision plan. These programs are also subject to change at the discretion of the Company.

7.

Holidays. You will be paid for selected holidays in accordance with the Company’s holiday schedule. This schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the Company.

As a condition of your employment with the Company, you will furnish and will continue to furnish the Company all necessary documentation that will satisfy the requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

Your employment is expressly contingent upon the acceptable results of a background check. Any falsification of an applicant’s employment history or educational background will result in withdrawal of the offer and or termination of employment, if hired.


Your employment with the Company is at will. This means that either you or the Company may terminate your employment at any time, with or without cause and with or without notice. We both agree that any dispute arising with respect to your employment and the termination of that employment shall be conclusively settled by final and binding arbitration in accordance with the arbitration procedures described in the Employee Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement.

By signing this letter, you acknowledge that the terms described in this letter, together with the Employee Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement, sets forth the entire understanding between us and supersedes any prior representations or agreements, whether written or oral; there are no terms, conditions, representations, warranties or covenants other than those contained herein. No term or provision of this letter may be amended waived, released, discharged or modified except in writing, signed by you and an authorized officer of Energy Vault, Inc. except that the Company may, in its sole discretion, adjust salaries, incentive compensation, benefits, job titles, locations, duties, responsibilities, and reporting relationships.

Enclosed are the following:

1.Attachment IE – Stock Option Summary Sheet

2.Employee Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement

Our offer is contingent on your understanding and acceptance of the agreements and practices referred to in this letter. Please acknowledge your acceptance of this offer of employment on the terms indicated by signing the enclosed copy of this letter, completing the Employee Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement and returning them to me as soon as possible. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Andrea, I am personally pleased you have chosen to accept our offer and I look forward to working with you toward our mutual success.

Sincerely,

/s/ Robert Piconi

Robert Piconi
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Energy Vault, Inc.

I accept the position of Chief Financial Officer, Energy Vault, Inc., on the terms described within this letter.

/s/ Andrea Elizabeth Wuttke

    

March 29, 2021

Andrea Elisabeth Wuttke - SIGNATURE

DATE


Exhibit 10.29

August 27, 2021

Richard Espy

[***]

Dear Richard:

It gives me great pleasure to offer you employment as Chief Information Officer and Vice President, Software Enablement for Energy Vault, Inc. (the “Company”). You will report to Chris Wiese, Chief Operating Officer, Energy Vault, Inc. As we discussed you will begin your employment on September 7, 2021, and the following terms and conditions will apply to your employment:

1.

Salary. Your salary will be $9,615.38 payable on a bi-weekly basis (annualized to $250,000 per year) in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices. Your salary is subject to modification during your employment in accordance with the Company’s practices, policies, or procedures.

2.

Incentive Compensation. In addition to your salary, upon approval of the Company’s Board of Directors, the Company will grant you a RSU for 20,000 shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to the terms provided on Attachment IE (RSU Summary Sheet) and subject to the terms of the Company’s Stock Plan and an applicable RSU agreement between you and the Company. You understand that incentive compensation is not guaranteed.

3.

Signing Bonus. The Company will pay you a signing bonus of $14,425.00 (less applicable withholding). You understand that incentive compensation is not guaranteed.

4.

Annual Performance Bonus. You will be eligible for an annual variable target bonus of up to 40% of your annual salary based on mutually established goals. You understand that this performance bonus is not guaranteed.

5.

Flexible Time Off. You will be able to use Flexible Time Off (FTO) with pay during current and subsequent years of employment in accordance with the Company’s FTO policy.

6.

Benefits (Health and Welfare Plans). Benefits (Health and Welfare Plans). In addition to your compensation, you will be eligible to receive the benefits that are generally offered to all Company employees effective the first of the month following your hire date. The program includes medical plans, dental plans, and a vision plan. These programs are subject to change at the discretion of the Company.

7.

Holidays. You will be paid for selected holidays in accordance with the Company’s holiday schedule. This schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the Company.


As a condition of your employment with the Company, you will furnish and will continue to furnish the Company all necessary documentation that will satisfy the requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

Your employment is expressly contingent upon the acceptable results of a background check. Any falsification of an applicant’s employment history or educational background will result in withdrawal of the offer and or termination of employment, if hired.

Your employment with the Company is at will. This means that either you or the Company may terminate your employment at any time, with or without cause and with or without notice. We both agree that any dispute arising with respect to your employment and the termination of that employment shall be conclusively settled by final and binding arbitration in accordance with the arbitration procedures described in the Employee Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement.

By signing this letter, you acknowledge that the terms described in this letter, together with the Employee Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement, sets forth the entire understanding between us and supersedes any prior representations or agreements, whether written or oral; there are no terms, conditions, representations, warranties or covenants other than those contained herein. No term or provision of this letter may be amended waived, released, discharged or modified except in writing, signed by you and an authorized officer of Energy Vault, Inc. except that the Company may, in its sole discretion, adjust salaries, incentive compensation, benefits, job titles, locations, duties, responsibilities, and reporting relationships.

Enclosed are the following:

1.Attachment IE — RSU Summary Sheet

2.Employee Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement

Our offer is contingent on your understanding and acceptance of the agreements and practices referred to in this letter. Please acknowledge your acceptance of this offer of employment on the terms indicated by signing the enclosed copy of this letter, completing the Employee Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement and returning them to me as soon as possible. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Richard, I am personally pleased you have chosen to accept our offer and I look forward to working with you toward our mutual success.

Sincerely,

/s/ Robert Piconi

Robert Piconi
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Energy Vault, Inc.

2


I accept the position of Chief Information Officer and Vice President, Software Enablement, Energy Vault, Inc., on the terms described within this letter.

/s/ Richard Espy

September 1, 2021

Richard Espy- SIGNATURE

DATE

3


Exhibit 10.30

August 30, 2021

Gonca Icoren

[***]

Dear Gonca:

It gives me great pleasure to offer you employment as Chief People Officer for Energy Vault, Inc. (the “Company”). You will report to me, Robert Piconi, Chief Executive Officer, Energy Vault, Inc. As we discussed you will begin your employment on September 7, 2021, and the following terms and conditions will apply to your employment:

1.

Salary. Your salary will be $9,615.38 payable on a bi-weekly basis (annualized to $250,000 per year) in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices. Your salary is subject to modification during your employment in accordance with the Company’s practices, policies, or procedures.

2.

Incentive Compensation. In addition to your salary, upon approval of the Company’s Board of Directors, the Company will grant you a RSU for 20,000 shares of the Company's common stock pursuant to the terms provided on Attachment IE (RSU Summary Sheet) and subject to the terms of the Company’s Stock Plan and an applicable RSU agreement between you and the Company. You understand that incentive compensation is not guaranteed.

3.

Signing Bonus. The Company will pay you a signing bonus of $87,000 (less applicable withholding). $27,000 of the bonus will be paid with your first paycheck, $60,000 will be paid on March 31, 2022. If, before March 31, 2022, your employment ends because you resign without Good Reason or due to a termination by the Company for Cause, the $60,000 will not be paid.

Good Reason” is defined as (i) you are assigned duties materially inconsistent with, or reflecting a materially adverse change in, your compensation, position, duties, or responsibilities with the Company or (ii) the Company’s principal executive offices are relocated to a location which would require you to commute at least thirty (30) miles more each way than your commute to the Company’s principal executive offices as of the date of this Agreement.

Cause” is defined as (i) any act of fraud, embezzlement or dishonesty taken by you in connection with your job responsibilities, (ii) your conviction of or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a felony, (iii) your willful misconduct which adversely affects or is likely to adversely affect the business and affairs of the Company, (iv) your continued willful refusal to perform your employment duties after you have received a written demand for performance from the Company which specifically sets forth the factual basis for the Company's belief that you have willfully refused to perform your duties or (v) your material breach of any provision of your offer letter or Employee Confidentiality Agreement or Non-Disclosure Agreement.


4.

Annual Performance Bonus. You will be eligible for an annual variable target bonus of up to 40% of your annual salary based on mutually established goals. You understand that this performance bonus is not guaranteed.

5.

Flexible Time Off. You will be able to use Flexible Time Off (FTO) with pay during current and subsequent years of employment in accordance with the Company’s FTO policy.

6.

Benefits (Health and Welfare Plans). Benefits (Health and Welfare Plans). In addition to your compensation, you will be eligible to receive the benefits that are generally offered to all Company employees effective the first of the month following your hire date. The program includes medical plans, dental plans, and a vision plan. These programs are subject to change at the discretion of the Company.

7.

Holidays. You will be paid for selected holidays in accordance with the Company's holiday schedule. This schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the Company.

As a condition of your employment with the Company, you will furnish and will continue to furnish the Company all necessary documentation that will satisfy the requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

Your employment is expressly contingent upon the acceptable results of a background check. Any falsification of an applicant's employment history or educational background will result in withdrawal of the offer and or termination of employment, if hired.

Your employment with the Company is at will. This means that either you or the Company may terminate your employment at any time, with or without cause and with or without notice. We both agree that any dispute arising with respect to your employment and the termination of that employment shall be conclusively settled by final and binding arbitration in accordance with the arbitration procedures described in the Employee Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement.

By signing this letter, you acknowledge that the terms described in this letter, together with the Employee Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement, sets forth the entire understanding between us and supersedes any prior representations or agreements, whether written or oral; there are no terms, conditions, representations, warranties or covenants other than those contained herein. No term or provision of this letter may be amended waived, released, discharged or modified except in writing, signed by you and an authorized officer of Energy Vault, Inc. except that the Company may, in its sole discretion, adjust salaries, incentive compensation, benefits, job titles, locations, duties, responsibilities, and reporting relationships.

Enclosed are the following:

1.Attachment IE — RSU Summary Sheet

2.Employee Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement

2


Our offer is contingent on your understanding and acceptance of the agreements and practices referred to in this letter. Please acknowledge your acceptance of this offer of employment on the terms indicated by signing the enclosed copy of this letter, completing the Employee Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement and returning them to me as soon as possible. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Gonca, I am personally pleased you have chosen to accept our offer and I look forward to working with you toward our mutual success.

Sincerely,

/s/ Robert Piconi

Robert Piconi
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Energy Vault, Inc.

I accept the position of Chief People Officer, Energy Vault, Inc., on the terms described within this letter.

/s/ Gonca Icoren

   

August 31, 2021

Gonca Icoren- SIGNATURE

DATE

3


Exhibit 10.31

Execution Version

ENERGY VAULT, INC.

SERIES B-1 PREFERRED

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT

This Series B-1 Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made as of December 22, 2020 by and among Energy Vault, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the purchasers identified on Exhibit A hereto who are signatories of this Agreement (“Purchasers”).  The parties hereto agree as follows:

SECTION 1

AUTHORIZATION AND SALE OF STOCK

1.1Authorization of Series B-1 Preferred Stock.  The Company has duly authorized the sale and issuance to the Purchasers of up to 4,853,110 shares of Series B-1 Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the “Series B-1 Preferred Stock”), with such class of stock having the powers, rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions as set forth in the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B (the “Certificate”).  The Company shall adopt and file with the Secretary of State of Delaware on or before the Initial Closing, the Certificate.

1.2Sale and Issuance of Series B-1 Preferred Stock.  Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, each Purchaser agrees to purchase at the Closings, and the Company agrees to sell and issue to each Purchaser at the Closings, the number of shares of Series B-1 Preferred Stock set forth opposite such Purchaser’s name on Exhibit A, at a purchase price of $14.50675 per share.  The shares of Series B-1 Preferred Stock issued to the Purchasers pursuant to this Agreement are referred to herein as “Shares” (including any shares issued at the Closings, as defined below).

1.3Use of Proceeds.  In accordance with the directions of the Company’s Board of Directors, as it shall be constituted in accordance with the Voting Agreement, the Company will use the proceeds from the sale of the Shares for (i) working capital needs for commercial launch in calendar year 2021, (ii) research and development of the Company’s EVx system, and (iii) for general corporate purposes.

SECTION 2

CLOSING DATE; DELIVERY

2.1Closing.  The initial purchase and sale of the Shares, to certain of the Purchasers listed on Exhibit A (the “Initial Closing”) shall take place at such time and place as the Company and the Purchasers mutually agree upon, orally or in writing. In the event there is more than one closing, the term “Closing” shall apply to each closing unless otherwise specified. The Closings shall be effected remotely, by the electronic exchange of documents and signatures. At each Closing, the Company shall deliver to each Purchaser a certificate representing the Shares being purchased by such Purchaser against payment of the purchase price therefor by wire transfer as set forth on Exhibit A.  The Company shall deliver to the Purchaser a certificate representing the purchased Shares at the Closing.  The date on which the Initial Closing occurs is sometimes referred to herein as the “Closing Date.”

2.2Conversion of Convertible Securities.


(a)To the extent the Company issued to certain of the Purchasers convertible promissory notes, Simple Agreements for Future Equity, Keep It Simple Securities and/or Convertible Security Agreements (each a “Convertible Security” and together, the “Convertible Securities”), each such Convertible Security is as set forth across from each such Purchaser’s name on Exhibit A along with the aggregate principal amount, and, if applicable, with accrued and unpaid interest thereon.

(b)Each Purchaser holding a Convertible Security (each, a “Converting Purchaser”, and collectively, the “Converting Purchasers”) agrees that, at the Initial Closing, its respective Convertible Security(ies) will be converted into the number and type of Shares as set forth across from such Purchaser’s name on Exhibit A.  Each Converting Purchaser hereby agrees that upon the conversion of such Convertible Security(ies), such Converting Purchaser shall not be entitled to any other consideration in respect of such Convertible Security(ies) other than those Shares set forth opposite such Purchaser’s name on Exhibit A.  Each Converting Purchaser hereby represents and warrants that the Purchaser has not transferred, pledged or otherwise disposed of, or encumbered any interest in, their Convertible Securities.

(c)Each Converting Purchaser and the Company hereby agree that as of the Initial Closing all notices required by the terms of, and all rights of such Converting Purchasers set forth in, such Convertible Security(ies), any related Note Purchase Agreement or any other agreement between such converting Purchaser and the Company with respect to such Convertible Security(ies) (collectively, the “Lender Rights”) shall be terminated and of no further force or effect, and all such Lender Rights are hereby waived by each such Converting Purchaser in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.

(d)Notwithstanding the terms of the Convertible Securities, each of the Converting Purchasers hereby acknowledges and agrees that as of the Initial Closing the aggregate outstanding principal amount of each Convertible Security, together with all accrued and unpaid interest thereon (if applicable), held by such Converting Purchaser shall automatically be converted into Shares in the amount and type as set forth across from such Purchaser’s name on Exhibit A without the requirement of any further action on the part of such Converting Purchaser.  Each Converting Purchaser agrees that the principal and accrued interest, if applicable, for each such Converting Purchaser’s Convertible Security(ies) shall be calculated as of December 17, 2020 and to the extent that additional interest accrues so that the total amount otherwise due to a Converting Purchaser under a Convertible Security is in excess of the amount set forth on Exhibit A, each such Converting Purchaser hereby irrevocably waives any such additional interest and the Company and such Purchaser agrees to treat such excess amount as a capital contribution to the Company by such Purchaser.

(e)Upon conversion of the Convertible Securities, the Company shall have no further obligations under the Convertible Securities and the Convertible Securities shall be cancelled, terminated and no longer of any force or effect.  Each Converting Purchaser hereby waives any right to a fraction of a Share upon conversion of the Converting Purchaser’s Convertible Security(ies).  Each Converting Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that all instruments documenting the Convertible Securities (collectively, the “Convertible Security Documents”) are null and void effective as of the Initial Closing.  In the event of any conflict with the terms and conditions of such documents, the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall supersede such conflicting terms, and for the avoidance of doubt, each Converting Purchaser hereby agrees that such Convertible Security Documents are hereby amended to give effect to the foregoing. The Converting Purchasers shall be treated for all purposes as the record holders of such Shares effective immediately as of Initial Closing.

(f)Other than each Converting Purchaser’s right to receive the Shares set forth opposite such Converting Purchaser’s name on Exhibit A and the rights provided for in this Agreement and the Investment Agreements (as defined below) as a holder of Shares, each Converting Purchaser hereby waives (on behalf of himself, herself or itself, as applicable) any and all demands, claims, suits, actions,


causes of actions, proceedings, assessments and rights in respect of each of the Convertible Security Documents, including, without limitation, past or present actual, deemed or alleged default or event of default under such Convertible Security Documents.

2.3Subsequent Sale of Series B-1 Preferred Stock.

(a)At any time on or before May 15, 2021, the Company may sell (i) up to 3,102,004 Shares plus (ii) after January 16, 2021, such number of Shares equal to 670,032 less the number of Shares purchased by Helena and/or its affiliates on or prior to January 16, 2021 pursuant to Section 2.3(b) below, to such persons as may be approved by the Company, provided that such persons are not Restricted Persons (as defined in the Amended and Restated Voting Agreement entered into between among others the Company and its shareholders on or about the date of this Agreement).

(b)At any time on or before January 16, 2021, Helena and/or its affiliates shall have the right, but not the obligation, to purchase up to 670,032 Shares from the Company.

(c)All such purchases of Shares under this Clause 2.3 shall be made on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, including, without limitation, satisfaction of the representations and warranties by the Purchasers as set forth in Section 4 and purchase price as set out in Clause 1.2.  Such purchases of Shares shall be made by each subsequent purchaser by executing counterpart signature pages to this Agreement and the Investment Agreements (as defined below), making such purchaser a party and bound by the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Investment Agreements.  Any Shares sold pursuant to this Section 2.3 shall be deemed to be “Shares” for all purposes under this Agreement and any purchasers thereof shall be deemed to be “Purchasers” under this Agreement and each of the Investment Agreements.  Each sale of additional Shares pursuant to this Section 2.3 shall be deemed a “Subsequent Closing.”  Exhibit A to this Agreement shall be updated to reflect the number of Shares purchased at each Subsequent Closing and the parties purchasing such Shares.

SECTION 3

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

The Company represents and warrants to the Purchasers that, except as specifically set forth in respect of a particular representation or warranty on the Schedule of Exceptions attached as Exhibit C (the “Schedule of Exceptions”) to this Agreement, which exceptions shall be deemed to be part of the representations and warranties made hereunder, the following representations are true and complete as of the Initial Closing:

3.1Organization and Standing; Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws.  The Company is a corporation duly organized, validly existing under, and by virtue of, the laws of the State of Delaware and is in good standing under such laws.  The Company has requisite corporate power and authority to own and operate its properties and assets and to carry on its business as presently conducted.  The Company has furnished the Purchasers with copies of its Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws.  Said copies are true, correct and complete and reflect all amendments now in effect.  The Company is duly qualified to transact business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the failure to so qualify would have a material adverse effect on its business or properties.

3.2Corporate Power.  The Company has all requisite corporate power and authority (a) to execute and deliver this Agreement, the Amended and Restated Investor Rights Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D (the “Investor Rights Agreement”), the Amended and Restated Voting


Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit E (the “Voting Agreement”), and the Amended and Restated Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit F (the “ROFR Agreement” and, together with the Investor Rights Agreement, the Voting Agreement and this Agreement, the “Investment Agreements”), (b) to file the Certificate with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, (c) to sell and issue the Shares hereunder, (d) to issue the shares of Common Stock of the Company (the “Common Stock”), into which the Shares are convertible, (the “Conversion Stock”) in accordance with the provisions of the Certificate, and (e) to carry out and perform its obligations under the terms of the Investment Agreements.

3.3Authorization.  All corporate action on the part of the Company, its officers, directors and stockholders necessary for the authorization, execution and delivery of this Agreement, the filing of the Certificate, the authorization, sale, issuance and delivery of the Shares and the Conversion Stock and the performance of the Company’s obligations hereunder has been taken or will be taken prior to the Initial Closing. The Investment Agreements, when executed and delivered by the Company, shall constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject to laws of general application relating to bankruptcy, insolvency and the relief of debtors and rules of law governing specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies; provided, however, that the Company makes no representation as to the enforceability of the indemnification provisions contained in the Investor Rights Agreement to the extent such provisions may be limited by applicable federal or state securities laws.

3.4Valid Issuance.  The Shares, when issued in compliance with the provisions of this Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and will have the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions described in the Certificate.  The Conversion Stock has been duly and validly reserved and, when issued in compliance with the provisions of the Certificate, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.  When issued, the Shares and the Conversion Stock will be free of any liens or encumbrances other than any liens or encumbrances created by or imposed upon the Purchasers hereunder or under the Investment Agreements; provided, however, that the Shares and the Conversion Stock may be subject to restrictions on transfer under state or federal securities laws. The Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Shares has been duly reserved for issuance, and upon issuance in accordance with the terms of the Certificate, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and free of restrictions on transfer other than restrictions on transfer under the Investment Agreements, applicable federal and state securities laws and liens or encumbrances created by or imposed by the Purchasers. Based in part upon the representations of the Purchasers in Section 4 of this Agreement and in the Voting Agreement, the Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Shares will be issued in compliance with all applicable federal and state securities laws.

3.5Subsidiaries.

(a)Except as disclosed on Schedule 3.5 of the Schedule of Exceptions (each, a “Company Subsidiary” and together, the “Company Subsidiaries”), the Company has no subsidiaries or affiliated companies and does not otherwise own or control, directly or indirectly, any equity interest in any corporation, limited liability company, trust, partnership, association or other business entity.  The Company and the Company Subsidiaries shall collectively be referred to herein as the “Company Group” and each entity, a “Company Group Entity”.

(b)The Company directly or indirectly owns, legally and beneficially, free from liens or encumbrances, all of the issued capital stock of each Company Subsidiary and all such capital stock is fully paid and nonassessable.  Each Company Subsidiary is an entity validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization.  Each Company Subsidiary has requisite corporate power and authority to own and operate its properties and assets and to carry on its


business as presently conducted.  Each Company Subsidiary has furnished the Purchasers with copies of its Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws (or similar governing documentation).  Said copies are true, correct and complete and reflect all amendments now in effect.  Each Company Subsidiary is duly qualified and/or licensed to transact business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the failure to so qualify would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on its business or properties.

3.6Capitalization.

(a)The authorized capital stock of the Company consists, as of the Initial Closing, of (i) 13,191,776 shares of Preferred Stock, 2,120,000 shares of which are designated “Series FR Preferred Stock,” all of which are outstanding; 1,652,083 shares of which are designated “Series Seed 1 Preferred Stock,” all of which are outstanding; 626,994 shares of which are designated “Series Seed 2 Preferred Stock,” all of which are outstanding; 1,025,646 shares of which are designated “Series A-1 Preferred Stock,” all of which are outstanding; 750,510 shares of which are designated “Series A-2 Preferred Stock,” all of which are outstanding; 2,163,433 shares of which are designated “Series B Preferred Stock,” all of which are outstanding; 4,853,110 shares of which are designated “Series B-1 Preferred Stock,” none of which are outstanding and (ii) 17,800,000 shares of Common Stock, 2,148,210 shares of which are outstanding.  The outstanding shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock are all duly and validly authorized and issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and were issued in accordance with the registration or qualification provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and any relevant state securities laws, or pursuant to valid exemptions therefrom.

(b)The Company has reserved 2,120,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance upon conversion of Series FR Preferred Stock, 1,652,083 shares of Common Stock for issuance upon conversion of Series Seed 1 Preferred Stock, 626,994 shares of Common Stock for issuance upon conversion of Series Seed 2 Preferred Stock, 1,025,646 shares of Common Stock for issuance upon conversion of Series A-1 Preferred Stock, 750,510 shares of Common Stock for issuance upon conversion of Series A- 2 Preferred Stock,  2,163,433 shares of Common Stock for issuance upon conversion of Series B Preferred Stock, and 4,853,110 shares of Common Stock for issuance upon conversion of Series B-1 Preferred Stock.

(c)The Company has reserved 2,180,950 shares of Common Stock for issuance to officers, directors, employees and consultants of the Company pursuant to its 2017 Stock Plan duly adopted by the Board of Directors and approved by the Company stockholders (the “2017 Stock Plan”) and its 2020 Stock Plan duly adopted by the Board of Directors and approved by the Company stockholders (the “2020 Stock Plan” and together the “Stock Plans”).  Of such reserved shares of Common Stock, 259,810 shares of Common Stock have been issued upon exercise of stock options pursuant to the Stock Plans, 140,000 shares have been granted and are outstanding pursuant to the options or RSUs under the Stock Plans, and 1,781,140 of such shares of Common Stock remain available for issuance to officers, directors, employees and consultants pursuant to the Stock Plans.  Except as set forth herein, there are no options, warrants or other rights to purchase or acquire any of the Company’s capital stock.

(d)Except for (A) the conversion privileges of the Shares to be issued under this Agreement, (B) the rights provided in the Investor Rights Agreement, and (C) the securities and rights described in Subsection 3.6(a), 3.6(b), and 3.6(c) of this Agreement, there are no outstanding options, warrants, rights (including conversion or preemptive rights and rights of first refusal or similar rights) or agreements, orally or in writing, to purchase or acquire from the Company any shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock, or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock. All outstanding shares of the Company’s Common Stock and all shares of the Company’s Common Stock underlying outstanding options are subject to (i) a right of first refusal in favor of the Company upon any proposed transfer (other than transfers for estate planning purposes); and (ii) a lock-up or market


standoff agreement of not less than one hundred eighty (180) days following the Company’s initial public offering pursuant to a registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act.

(e)No stock plan, stock purchase, stock option or other agreement or understanding between the Company and any holder of any securities or rights exercisable or convertible for securities provides for acceleration or other changes in the vesting provisions or other terms of such agreement or understanding as the result of the occurrence of any event. The Company has never adjusted or amended the exercise price of any stock options previously awarded, whether through amendment, cancellation, replacement grant, repricing, or any other means. Except as set forth in the Certificate, the Company has no obligation (contingent or otherwise) to purchase or redeem any of its capital stock.

(f)All outstanding securities of the Company, including, without limitation, all outstanding shares of the capital stock of the Company, all shares of the capital stock of the Company issuable upon the conversion or exercise of all convertible or exercisable securities and all other securities that the Company is obligated to issue, are subject to a one hundred eighty (180) day “market stand-off” restriction (subject to increase as requested by the Company for compliance with applicable FINRA, marketplace or exchange rules) upon an initial public offering of the Company’s securities pursuant to a registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Act in a form substantially similar to Section 7 of the Investor Rights Agreement

3.7Agreements and Actions.

(a)There are no agreements, understandings, instruments, contracts, proposed transactions, judgments, orders, writs or decrees to which any Company Group Entity is a party or by which it is bound that may involve (i) obligations (contingent or otherwise) of, or payments to, such Company Group Entity in excess of, $25,000, or (ii) the license of any patent, copyright, trademark, trade secret or other proprietary right to or from any Company Group Entity (other than (A) the nonexclusive license of the Company’s software and products in object code form in the ordinary course of business pursuant to standard end-user agreements the forms of which have been provided to counsel for the Investors, (B) the nonexclusive license to the Company of standard, generally commercially available, “off-the-shelf” third party products and services or (C) Open Source Licenses ((A)-(C) are “Standard Licenses”), or (iii) provisions restricting or affecting in any material respect the development, manufacture or distribution of any Company Group Entity’s products or services, or (iv) indemnification by any Company Group Entity with respect to infringements of proprietary rights.

(b)No Company Group Entity has (i) declared or paid any dividends, or authorized or made any distribution upon or with respect to any class or series of its capital stock, (ii) incurred any indebtedness for money borrowed or incurred any other liabilities individually in excess of $25,000 or in excess of $50,000 in the aggregate, (iii) made any loans or advances to any person or entity, other than ordinary advances for travel expenses, or (iv) sold, exchanged or otherwise disposed of any of its assets or rights, other than the sale of its inventory in the ordinary course of business.  For the purposes of (a) and (b) of this Subsection 3.7, all indebtedness, liabilities, agreements, understandings, instruments, contracts and proposed transactions involving the same person or entity (including persons or entities the Company Group Entity has reason to believe are affiliated with each other) shall be aggregated for the purpose of meeting the individual minimum dollar amounts of such subsection. No Company Group Entity is a guarantor or indemnitor of any indebtedness of any other person.

3.8Governmental Consents and Filings.  Assuming the accuracy of the representations made by the Purchasers in Section 4 of this Agreement, no consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration, qualification, designation, declaration or filing with, any federal, state or local governmental


authority is required on the part of any Company Group Entity in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except for (i) the filing of the Certificate, which will have been filed as of the Initial Closing, and (ii) filings pursuant to Regulation D of the Securities Act, and applicable state securities laws, which have been made or will be made in a timely manner.

3.9Related Party Transactions.  Other than (i) standard employee benefits generally made available to all employees, (ii) standard director and officer indemnification agreements approved by the board of directors; (iii) agreements relating to the purchase of shares of the Company’s stock or providing for rights as an investor in, or holder of, the Company’s capital stock; or (iv) the services agreement and related arrangements between the Company and Idealab Holdings, L.L.C., there are no, and have never been any, agreements, understandings, transactions or proposed transactions between any Company Group Entity and any of its officers, directors or key employees, or any affiliate thereof.

3.10Title to Assets.  The property and assets that a Company Group Entity owns (if any) are free and clear of all mortgages, deeds of trust, liens, loans and encumbrances, except for statutory liens for the payment of current taxes that are not yet delinquent and encumbrances and liens that arise in the ordinary course of business and do not materially impair such Company Group Entity’s ownership or use of such property or assets.  With respect to the property and assets it leases (if any), the Company Group Entities are in compliance with such leases and holds a valid leasehold interest free of any liens, claims or encumbrances other than those of the lessors of such property or assets. No Company Group Entity owns any real property.

3.11Financial Statements. The Company has made available to the Purchasers its consolidated unaudited financial statements (including balance sheet and statements of income and cash flows) as of and for the twelve months ending each of December 31, 2019, and the ten (10) months ended October 31, 2020 (the “Financial Statements”).  The Financial Statements have been prepared on a consistent basis throughout the periods indicated.  The Financial Statements fairly present in all material respects the financial condition and operating results of the Company Group as of the dates, and for the periods, indicated therein.  Except as set forth in the Financial Statements, the Company Group has no material liabilities or obligations, contingent or otherwise, other than (i) liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business subsequent to October 31, 2020;  (ii) obligations under contracts and commitments incurred in the ordinary course of business; and (iii) liabilities and obligations of a type or nature not required under generally accepted accounting principles to be reflected in the Financial Statements, which, in all such cases, individually and in the aggregate would not have a material adverse effect on the business, assets (including intangible assets), liabilities, financial condition, property or results of operations of the Company Group (a “Material Adverse Effect”).

3.12Changes.  Since October 31, 2020, there has not been any change in the assets, liabilities, financial condition, property or operating results of the Company Group from that reflected in the Financial Statements, except changes in the ordinary course of business that have not caused, in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

3.13Litigation.  There is no, and has never been any, claim, action, suit, proceeding, arbitration, complaint, charge or investigation pending or, to the actual or constructive knowledge of Robert Piconi, Andrea Pedretti and Merrick Kerr after due inquiry and reasonable investigation (which shall include reasonable inquiries of direct reports) (the “Company’s Knowledge” or “Known to the Company”), threatened in writing against any Company Group Entity or any officer, director or Key Employee of the Company Group arising out of their employment or board relationship with the Company Group or that questions the validity of the Investment Agreements or the right of the Company to enter into them, or to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Investment Agreements.  No Company Group Entity is party to or subject to the provisions of any order, writ, injunction, judgment or decree of any court or


government agency or instrumentality.  There is no action, suit, proceeding or investigation by any Company Group Entity pending or which a Company Group Entity intends to initiate.  The foregoing includes, without limitation, actions, suits, proceedings or investigations pending or threatened in writing involving the prior employment of any of the Company Group’s employees, their use in connection with the Company Group’s business of any information or techniques allegedly proprietary to any of their former employers, or their obligations under any agreements with prior employers.

3.14Intellectual Property.  The Company Group owns or possesses sufficient rights or licenses to use all patents, patent applications, trademarks, trademark applications, service marks, trade names, copyrights, trade secrets, domain names, mask works, information and proprietary rights, and any other intellectual property rights, and processes or similar or equivalent rights or forms of protection anywhere in the world as are necessary for the conduct of the Company Group’s business as now conducted (or proposed to be conducted) (the “Company Intellectual Property”) without any conflict with or infringement of the rights of others.  To the Company’s Knowledge with respect to patents, trademarks, services marks, and trade names and any other intellectual property rights (but without having conducted any special investigation or patent or trademark search), neither the use by the Company of the Company Intellectual Property nor any product or service marketed or sold (or proposed to be marketed or sold) by the Company Group violates any license or infringes any intellectual property rights of any other party.  Other than with respect to Standard Licenses and commercially available software products under standard end-user object code license and support/maintenance agreements, there are no outstanding options, licenses, agreements, claims, encumbrances or shared ownership interests of any kind relating to the Company Intellectual Property, nor is the Company Group bound by or a party to any options, licenses or agreements of any kind with respect to the patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights, trade secrets, licenses, information, proprietary rights and processes of any other person.  The Company Group has not received any written communications alleging that the Company Group has violated or, by conducting its business, would violate any of the patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights, trade secrets, mask works or other proprietary rights or processes of any other person or entity. Except for intellectual property that may not be assigned pursuant to applicable law, each current or former employee and consultant has assigned to the Company Group all intellectual property rights he or she owns that (i) were conceived, developed or reduced to practice by such employee or consultant in the course of performing services for the Company Group, and (ii) are related to the Company Group’s business as now conducted and as presently proposed to be conducted. To the Company’s Knowledge, it will not be necessary to use any inventions of any of its current or former employees or consultants (or persons it currently intends to hire) made prior to their employment by the Company Group.  To the extent the Company Group embeds or includes any “open source” or “copyleft” software in its products or services  (each license under which the Company Group uses such software, an “Open Source License”), the Company Group is in compliance with the terms of any such licenses, and the Company Group is not required under any such Open Source License to (a) make or permit any disclosure or to make available any source code for its (or any of its licensors’) proprietary software or (b) distribute or make available any of the Company Group’s proprietary software or intellectual property (or to permit any such distribution or availability).

3.15Employees.  There are no employees of, or consultants to, any Company Group Entity other than the employees and consultants included in the list of employees of and consultants to, the Company Group provided by the Company to the Purchasers in writing.  There is no labor union organizing activity pending or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened with respect to the Company Group.  None of the Company Group’s employees belongs to any union or collective bargaining unit.  The Company Group has complied in all material respects with all applicable state and federal equal opportunity and other laws related to employment.  To the Company’s Knowledge, no employee of the Company Group, nor any consultant with whom the Company Group has contracted, is or will be in violation of any judgment, decree or order, or any term of any employment contract, proprietary information agreement, patent disclosure


agreement, or other contract or agreement relating to the relationship of any such employee with the Company Group or any other party because of the nature of the business conducted by the Company Group or to the use by the employee of his or her best efforts with respect to such business.  The Company Group has not received any written notice alleging that any such violation has occurred.  Subject to (i) general principles related to wrongful termination of employees, (ii) the requirement under the laws of certain jurisdictions that employment be terminated only after a period of notice and (iii) the notice periods contained in the contracts of employment of certain employees of the Company Group, copies of which contracts have been provided to the Purchasers, the employment of each officer and employee of the Company Group is terminable at the will of the Company Group.  To the Company’s Knowledge, no officer or key employee, or any group of employees, intends to terminate their employment with the Company Group; nor does the Company Group have a present intention to terminate the employment of the foregoing.  There are no actions pending, or to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened, by any former or current employee concerning such person’s employment by the Company Group.  No Company Group Entity is a party to or bound by any currently effective employment contract, deferred compensation arrangement, bonus plan, incentive plan, profit sharing plan, or retirement agreement or other employee compensation plan or agreement, other than as disclosed in writing to the Purchasers.  No employee of the Company Group has been granted the right to continued employment by the Company Group or to any material compensation following termination of employment with the Company Group.  The Company Group does not have any “employee benefit plan” as defined in the Employment Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.  Except as set forth on Schedule 3.15 of the Schedule of Exceptions, each former Key Employee whose employment was terminated by the Company has entered into an agreement with the Company Group providing for the full release of any claims against the Company Group or any related party arising out of such employment.

3.16Employee Agreements. Each current employee, consultant and officer of the Company Group has executed an agreement with the Company Group regarding confidentiality and proprietary information substantially in the form or forms delivered to the counsel for the Purchasers (the “Confidential Information Agreements”). To the Company’s Knowledge, no current Key Employee has excluded works or inventions from his or her assignment of inventions pursuant to such Key Employee’s Confidential Information Agreement. To the extent enforceable in the jurisdiction in which such person is employed, each current Key Employee has executed non-competition and non-solicitation agreement substantially in the form or forms delivered to counsel for the Purchasers To the Company’s Knowledge, none of the Company Group’s Key Employees is in violation of any agreement covered by this Section 3.16. “Key Employee” means any executive-level employee (including division director and vice president-level positions) as well as any employee or consultant who either alone or in concert with others develops, invents, programs or designs any Company Intellectual Property.

3.17Compliance with Other Instruments.  The Company Group is not in violation or default of any provision of its Certificate or Bylaws or of any provision of any note, mortgage, indenture, lease agreement, instrument or contract to which it is a party or by which it is bound or of any federal or state judgment, order, writ, decree, statute, rule or regulation applicable to the Company Group in each case the violation of which or default under would have a Material Adverse Effect.  The execution, delivery and performance of the Transaction Documents and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not result in any such violation or be in conflict with or constitute, with or without the passage of time or giving of notice, either a default under any such provision or an event that results in the creation of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any assets of the Company Group or the suspension, revocation, impairment, forfeiture or nonrenewal of any material permit, license, authorization or approval applicable to the Company Group, its business or operations, or any of its assets or properties.

3.18Governmental Consent, etc.  No consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration, qualification, designation, declaration or filing with, any governmental authority on the part of


the Company Group is required in connection with the valid execution and delivery of the Investment Agreements, or the offer, sale or issuance of the Shares or the Conversion Stock, or the consummation of any other transaction contemplated hereby, except the qualification (or taking of such action as may be necessary to secure an exemption from qualification, if available) of the offer and sale of the Shares and the Conversion Stock under applicable Blue Sky or other state securities laws and a Form D filing under federal securities laws, which filings and qualifications, if required, will be accomplished in a timely manner. No Company Group Entity is a pilot program US business as defined in 31 C.F.R. Part 801.

3.19Permits.  The Company Group has all franchises, permits, licenses, and any similar authority necessary for the conduct of its business as currently conducted, the lack of which could materially and adversely affect the business, properties, or financial condition of the Company Group. No Company Group Entity is in default in any material respect under any of such franchises, permits, licenses or other similar authority.

3.20Offering.  Subject in part to the truth and accuracy of the Purchasers’ representations set forth in this Agreement, the offer, sale and issuance of the Shares and the Conversion Stock as contemplated by this Agreement are exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, and will have been registered or qualified (or are exempt from registration and qualification) under the registration, permit or qualification requirements of all applicable state securities laws, and neither the Company Group nor any authorized agent acting on its behalf will take any action hereafter that would cause the loss of such exemption.

3.21Taxes.  There are no federal, state, county, local or foreign taxes due and payable by the Company Group which have not been timely paid.  There are no accrued and unpaid federal, state, country, local or foreign taxes of the Company Group which are due, whether or not assessed or disputed.  There have been no examinations or audits of any tax returns or reports by any applicable federal, state, local or foreign governmental agency.  The Company Group has duly and timely filed all federal, state, county, local and foreign tax returns required to have been filed by it and there are in effect no waivers of applicable statutes of limitations with respect to taxes for any year.

3.22No “Bad Actor” Disqualification. No “bad actor” disqualifying event (a “Disqualification Event”) described in Rule 506(d)(1)(i)-(viii) of the Securities Act is applicable to the Company or, to the Company’s Knowledge, any Company Covered Person, except for a Disqualification Event as to which Rule 506(d)(2) or (d)(3) is applicable.  “Company Covered Person” means, with respect to the Company as an “issuer” for purposes of Rule 506 promulgated under the Securities Act, any person or entity listed in the first paragraph of Rule 506(d)(1).

3.23Compliance with Applicable ABAC, AML and Trade Laws.

(a)Neither any Company Group Entity nor, to the Company’s Knowledge, any Associated Person of any Company Group Entity has violated any of the Applicable ABAC Laws, Applicable AML Laws or Applicable Trade Laws.

(b)Neither any Company Group Entity nor, to the Company’s Knowledge, any Associated Person of any Company Group Entity has (i) been fined or otherwise penalised under any of the Applicable ABAC Laws, Applicable AML Laws or Applicable Trade Laws, (ii) received an oral or written notice from a government authority concerning an actual or possible violation by any Company Group Entity or any Associated Person of any Company Group Entity of any of the Applicable ABAC Laws, Applicable AML Laws or Applicable Trade Laws or (iii) received any other report or discovered any evidence suggesting that any Company Group Entity or any Associated Person of any Company Group Entity has violated any of the Applicable ABAC Laws, Applicable AML Laws or Applicable Trade Laws.


(c)Neither any Company Group Entity nor, to the Company’s Knowledge, (i) any Associated Person of any Company Group Entity is a Blocked Person or (ii) has done anything that is likely to result in it or their becoming a Blocked Person.

(d)For the purposes of this Section 3.23:

(i)Applicable ABAC Laws” means: (1) the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, (2) the U.K. Bribery Act 2010, and (3) all laws and regulations applying to any Company Group Entity, any Associated Person of any Company Group Entity and/or a Purchaser prohibiting bribery or some other form of corruption, including but not limited to fraud and tax evasion.

(ii)Applicable AML Laws” means any laws and regulations prohibiting money laundering, including but not limited to attempting to conceal or disguise the identity of illegally obtained proceeds, applying to any Company Group Entity, any Associated Person of any Company Group Entity and/or a Purchaser; such laws including those of Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States of America.

(iii)Applicable Trade Laws” means all import and export laws and regulations, including but not limited to economic and financial sanctions, export controls, anti-boycott and customs laws and regulations applying to any Company Group Entity, any Associated Person of any Company Group Entity and/or a Purchaser; such laws and regulations including those imposed by the European Union, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United Nations and United States of America.

(iv)Associated Person” means, in relation to a Company Group Entity, an individual or entity (including a director, officer, employee, consultant, agent or other representative) who or that has acted or performed services for or on behalf of that Company Group Entity but only with respect to actions or the performance of services for or on behalf of that Company Group Entity.

(v)Blocked Person” means: (1) an individual or entity included in a restricted or prohibited list pursuant to one or more of the Applicable Trade Laws; (2) an entity in which one or more Blocked Persons has in the aggregate, whether directly or indirectly, a 50 percent or greater equity interest; or (3) an entity that is controlled by a Blocked Person.

(vi)Knowledge” means, in so far as any representation, warranty or covenant in Subsections (a), (b) or (c) in Section 3.23 of this Agreement is qualified as being “to the Company’s Knowledge” or any similar expression, that the representation or warranty is based on the actual knowledge or awareness of the Company after making due, diligent and careful inquiry into the relevant facts.

3.24Qualified Small Business Stock.  As of the Closing:  (a) the Company will be an eligible corporation as defined in Section 1202(e)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), (b) the Company will not have made any purchases of its own stock during the one-year period preceding the Closing having an aggregate value exceeding five percent (5%) of the aggregate value of all its stock as of the beginning of such period and (c) the Company’s aggregate gross assets, as defined by Code Section 1202(d)(2), at no time between October 19, 2017 and through the Closing have exceeded or will exceed $50 million, taking into account the assets of any corporations required to be aggregated with the Company in accordance with Code Section 1202(d)(3); provided, however, that in no event shall the Company be liable to the Purchasers for any damages arising from any subsequently proven or identified error in the Company's determination with respect to the applicability or interpretation of Section 1202 unless such determination shall have been given by the Company in a manner either negligent or fraudulent.


3.25Disclosure.  The Company has made available to the Purchasers all the information reasonably available to the Company Group that the Purchasers have requested. No representation or warranty of the Company contained in this Agreement, as qualified by the Schedule of Exceptions, and no certificate furnished or to be furnished to Purchasers at the Initial Closing contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements contained herein or therein not misleading in light of the circumstances under which they were made. It is understood that this representation is qualified by the fact that the Company has not delivered to the Purchasers, and has not been requested to deliver, a private placement or similar memorandum or any written disclosure of the types of information customarily furnished to purchasers of securities. The Company makes no representations or warranties other than those explicitly set forth in this Agreement.

3.26Environmental and Safety Laws.  Except as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect (a) the Company is and has been in compliance with all Environmental Laws; (b) there has been no release or threatened release of any pollutant, contaminant or toxic or hazardous material, substance or waste or petroleum or any fraction thereof (each a “Hazardous Substance”), on, upon, into or from any site currently or heretofore owned, leased or otherwise used by the Company; (c) there have been no Hazardous Substances generated by the Company that have been disposed of or come to rest at any site that has been included in any published U.S. federal, state or local “superfund” site list or any other similar list of hazardous or toxic waste sites published by any governmental authority in the United States; and (d) there are no underground storage tanks located on, no polychlorinated biphenyls (“PCBs”) or PCB-containing equipment used or stored on, and no hazardous waste as defined by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended, stored on, any site owned or operated by the Company, except for the storage of hazardous waste in compliance with Environmental Laws. The Company has made available to the Purchasers true and complete copies of all material environmental records, reports, notifications, certificates of need, permits, pending permit applications, correspondence, engineering studies and environmental studies or assessments.

For purposes of this Section 3.26, “Environmental Laws” means any law, regulation, or other applicable requirement relating to (a) releases or threatened release of Hazardous Substance; (b) pollution or protection of employee health or safety, public health or the environment; or (c) the manufacture, handling, transport, use, treatment, storage, or disposal of Hazardous Substances.

SECTION 4

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASERS

Each Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to the Company as follows:

4.1Preexisting Relationship with Company; Business and Financial Experience.  By reason of the Purchaser’s business or financial experience or the business or financial experience of the Purchaser’s professional advisors who are unaffiliated with the Company and who are not compensated by the Company, the Purchaser has the capacity to protect the Purchaser’s own interests in connection with the purchase of the Shares and the Conversion Stock.  The Purchaser is an “accredited investor” as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act.

4.2Investment Intent; Blue Sky.  The Purchaser is acquiring the Shares and the Conversion Stock for investment for its own account, not as a nominee or agent, and not with a view to, or for resale in connection with, any distribution thereof.  The Purchaser understands that the issuance of the Shares and the Conversion Stock has not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act due to a specific exemption from the registration provisions of the Securities Act, the availability of which depends upon,


among other things, the bona fide nature of the Purchaser’s investment intent and the accuracy of the Purchaser’s representations as expressed herein.  The Purchaser’s address set forth on the Schedule of Purchasers attached hereto as Exhibit A represents the Purchaser’s true and correct state of domicile, upon which the Company may rely for the purpose of complying with applicable “Blue Sky” laws.

4.3Rule 144.  Purchaser acknowledges that the Shares and the Conversion Stock must be held indefinitely unless subsequently registered under the Securities Act or unless an exemption from such registration is available.  Purchaser is aware of the provisions of Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act that permit limited resale of shares purchased in a private placement subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including, among other things, the existence of a public market for the Shares and/or the Conversion Stock, the availability of certain current public information about the Company, the resale occurring not less than one year after a party has purchased such shares, the sale being effected through a “broker’s transaction” or in a transaction directly with a “market maker,” and the number of shares being sold during any three-month period not exceeding specified limitations.

4.4No Public Market.  Purchaser understands that no public market now exists for any of the securities issued by the Company and that the Company has made no assurances that a public market will ever exist for the Company’s securities.

4.5Restrictions on Transfer; Restrictive Legends.  Purchaser understands that the transfer of the Shares and the Conversion Stock is restricted by applicable state and federal securities laws and by the provisions of the Investor Rights Agreement, and that the certificates representing the Shares and the Conversion Stock will be imprinted with legends restricting transfer except in compliance therewith.

4.6Access to Data.  Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that no representations or warranties, whether express or implied, were given to or are being given to the Purchaser by the Company, other than the representations and warranties as are set forth in Section 3 hereof. The foregoing, however, does not limit or modify the representations and warranties of the Company in Section 3 of this Agreement or the right of the Purchaser to rely thereon.

4.7Authorization.  All action on the part of Purchaser’s partners, officers, board of directors, and stockholders, as applicable, necessary for the authorization, execution, delivery and performance of the Investment Agreements by the Purchaser, the purchase of and payment for the Shares and the performance of all of the Purchaser’s obligations under the Investment Agreements has been taken or will be taken prior to the Closing.  The Investment Agreements, when executed and delivered by the Purchaser, shall constitute valid and binding obligations of Purchaser, enforceable against Purchaser in accordance with their terms, subject to laws of general application relating to bankruptcy, insolvency and the relief of debtors and rules of law governing specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies; provided, however, the Purchaser makes no representation as to the enforceability of the indemnification provisions contained in the Investor Rights Agreement to the extent such provisions may be limited by applicable federal and state securities laws.

SECTION 5

CONDITIONS TO CLOSING OF THE PURCHASERS

Each Purchaser’s obligation to purchase the amount of Shares set forth opposite its name on Exhibit A is, unless waived in writing by such Purchaser, subject to the fulfillment as of the Closing of the following conditions:


5.1Representations and Warranties Correct.  The representations and warranties made by the Company in Section 3 hereof shall be true and complete in all respects as of the Initial Closing (except as to any representations and warranties which are expressly made as of an earlier date, which representations and warranties shall be made as of such earlier date).

5.2Covenants.  All covenants, agreements and conditions contained in this Agreement to be performed or complied with by the Company on or prior to the Initial Closing shall have been performed or complied with.

5.3Compliance Certificate. The President of the Company shall deliver to the Purchasers at such Initial Closing a certificate certifying that the conditions specified in Subsections 5.1 and 5.2 have been fulfilled.

5.4Blue Sky.  The Company shall have obtained all necessary Blue Sky law permits and qualifications, or have the availability of exemptions therefrom, required by any state for the offer and sale of the Shares and the Conversion Stock.

5.5Qualifications. All authorizations, approvals or permits, if any, of any governmental authority or regulatory body of the United States or of any state that are required in connection with the lawful issuance and sale of the Shares pursuant to this Agreement shall be obtained and effective as of such Initial Closing.

5.6Certificate.  The Certificate shall have been filed in the office of the Delaware Secretary of State and shall continue to be in full force and effect as of the Initial Closing.

5.7Investment Agreements.  Each party to the Investment Agreements other than Purchasers shall have executed and delivered the Investment Agreements.

5.8Board of Directors.  As of the Initial Closing, the authorized size of the Board of Directors shall be five, and the Board shall be comprised of Robert Piconi, Bill Gross, Max Ohrstrand, Swaroop ‘Kittu’ Kolluri, and Henry Elkus.

5.9Secretary’s Certificate. The Secretary of the Company shall have delivered to the Purchasers at the Initial Closing a certificate certifying (i) the Bylaws of the Company, (ii) resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Company approving the Investment Agreements and the transactions contemplated under the Investment Agreements, and (iii) resolutions of the stockholders of the Company approving the Certificate.

5.10Proceedings and Documents. All corporate and other proceedings in connection with the transactions contemplated at the Initial Closing and all documents incident thereto shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Purchasers, and the Purchasers (or its counsel) shall have received all such counterpart original and certified or other copies of such documents as reasonably requested. Such documents may include good standing certificates.

5.11Opinion of Company Counsel.  The Purchasers shall have received from Gunderson Dettmer, counsel for the Company, an opinion, dated as of the Initial Closing, in the form of Exhibit G attached to this Agreement.

5.12Indemnification Agreement. The Company and the director designated by Helena shall have entered into an Indemnification Agreement entered into with other directors of the Company.


5.13Management Rights Letter.  A Management Rights Letter shall have been executed by the Company and delivered to each Purchaser to whom it is addressed.

SECTION 6

CONDITIONS TO CLOSING OF THE COMPANY

The Company’s obligation to sell and issue the Shares is, unless waived in writing by the Company, subject to the fulfillment as of each Closing of the following conditions:

6.1Representations and Warranties Correct.  The representations made in Section 4 hereof by each Purchaser shall be true and complete in all material respects as of the Closing.

6.2Covenants.  All covenants, agreements, and conditions contained in this Agreement to be performed or complied with by each Purchaser on or prior to the Closing shall have been performed or complied with.

6.3Investment Agreements.  Each Purchaser shall have executed and delivered the Investment Agreements.

SECTION 7

MISCELLANEOUS

7.1Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed in all respects by the internal laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to any law, rule or provision (including, without limitation, any choice of law or conflicts of law rules or provisions), whether of the State of Delaware or any other jurisdiction, that would cause the application of the laws, rules or provisions of any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware (including, without limitation, the application of any law, rule or provision which would cause the application of the statute of limitations under any state law, rule or provision other than the laws, rules or provisions of the State of Delaware).

7.2Entire Agreement.  This Agreement, including the exhibits hereto, the Certificate and the Investment Agreements constitute the full and entire understanding and agreement among the parties with regard to the subjects hereof and thereof, and no party shall be liable or bound to any other party in any manner by any warranties, representations or covenants except as specifically set forth herein or therein.

7.3Amendment and Waiver.  Any term of this Agreement may be amended and the observance of any term of this Agreement may be waived (either generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively), only with the written consent of the Company and the holders of a majority of the Common Stock issued or issuable upon conversion of the Shares.  Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the provisions hereof shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon the successors, assigns, heirs, executors and administrators of the parties hereto.

7.4Notices, etc.   All notices and other communications given or made pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed effectively given upon the earlier of actual receipt, or (a) personal delivery to the party to be notified, (b) when sent, if sent by electronic mail or facsimile during normal business hours of the recipient, and if not sent during normal business hours, then on the recipient’s next business day, (provided that no notification of failure to deliver was received), (c) five days after


having been sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or (d) one business day after deposit with a nationally recognized overnight courier, freight prepaid, specifying next business day delivery, with written verification of receipt. All communications shall be sent to the respective parties at their address as set forth on the signature page or Exhibit A, or to such e-mail address, facsimile number or address as subsequently modified by written notice given in accordance with this Section 7.4.

7.5No Finder’s Fees.  Each party represents that it neither is nor will be obligated for any finder’s fee or commission in connection with this transaction. Each Purchaser agrees to indemnify and to hold harmless the Company from any liability for any commission or compensation in the nature of a finder’s or broker’s fee arising out of this transaction (and the costs and expenses of defending against such liability or asserted liability) for which the Purchaser or any of its officers, employees, or representatives is responsible.  The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless a Purchaser from any liability for any commission or compensation in the nature of a finder’s or broker’s fee arising out of this transaction (and the costs and expenses of defending against such liability or asserted liability) for which the Company or any of its officers, employees or representatives is responsible.

7.6Delays or Omissions.  Except as expressly provided herein, no delay or omission to exercise any right, power or remedy accruing to any party, upon any breach or default of another party under this Agreement, shall impair any such right, power or remedy of such party nor shall it be construed to be a waiver of any such breach or default, or an acquiescence therein, or of or in any similar breach or default thereafter occurring; nor shall any waiver of any single breach or default be deemed a waiver of any other breach or default theretofore or thereafter occurring.  Any waiver, permit, consent or approval of any kind or character on the part of any party of any breach or default under this Agreement, or any waiver on the part of any party of any provisions or conditions of this Agreement, must be in writing and shall be effective only to the extent specifically set forth in such writing.  All remedies, either under this Agreement or by law or otherwise afforded to any party, shall be cumulative and not alternative.

7.7Expenses.  Each of the parties hereto shall bear its own legal, accountancy and other costs, charges and expenses connected with the negotiation, preparation and implementation of this Transaction Documents and any other agreement incidental to or referred to in the Transaction Documents. Notwithstanding this Section 7.7, following the Initial Closing, the Company shall pay, cause to be paid, and/or reimbursed to Helena Special Investments, LLC (“Helena”), the reasonable transaction fees and expenses incurred by Helena, not to exceed $125,000.

7.8Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in two (2) or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.  Counterparts may be delivered via facsimile, electronic mail (including pdf or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, e.g., www.docusign.com) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.

7.9Severability.  In the event that any provision of this Agreement becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable or void, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect without said provision, which shall be replaced with an enforceable provision closest in intent and economic effect as the severed provision; provided that no such severability shall be effective if it materially changes the economic benefit of this Agreement to any party.

7.10Titles and Subtitles.  The titles and subtitles used in this Agreement are used for convenience only and are not to be considered in construing or interpreting this Agreement.


7.11Survival of Warranties. The representations and warranties of the Company and the Purchasers contained in or made pursuant to this Agreement or any certificate delivered in connection herewith shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Initial Closing and shall in no way be affected by any investigation or knowledge of the subject matter thereof made by or on behalf of the Purchasers or the Company.

7.12Dispute Resolution.  The parties (a) hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submit to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the Chancery Court of the Delaware and any state appellate court therefrom within the State of Delaware (or, if the Chancery Court of the State of Delaware declines to accept jurisdiction over a particular matter, any state or federal court within the State of Delaware) for the purpose of any suit, action or other proceeding arising out of or based upon this Agreement, (b) agree not to commence any suit, action or other proceeding arising out of or based upon this Agreement except in the Chancery Court of the Delaware and any state appellate court therefrom within the State of Delaware (or, if the Chancery Court of the State of Delaware declines to accept jurisdiction over a particular matter, any state or federal court within the State of Delaware), and (c) hereby waive, and agree not to assert, by way of motion, as a defense, or otherwise, in any such suit, action or proceeding, any claim that it is not subject personally to the jurisdiction of the above-named courts, that its property is exempt or immune from attachment or execution, that the suit, action or proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum, that the venue of the suit, action or proceeding is improper or that this Agreement or the subject matter hereof may not be enforced in or by such court.

WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL: EACH PARTY HEREBY WAIVES ITS RIGHTS TO A JURY TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION BASED UPON OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT, THE OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS, THE SECURITIES OR THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF OR THEREOF. THE SCOPE OF THIS WAIVER IS INTENDED TO BE ALL-ENCOMPASSING OF ANY AND ALL DISPUTES THAT MAY BE FILED IN ANY COURT AND THAT RELATE TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS TRANSACTION, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, CONTRACT CLAIMS, TORT CLAIMS (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), BREACH OF DUTY CLAIMS, AND ALL OTHER COMMON LAW AND STATUTORY CLAIMS. THIS SECTION HAS BEEN FULLY DISCUSSED BY EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AND THESE PROVISIONS WILL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ANY EXCEPTIONS. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY FURTHER WARRANTS AND REPRESENTS THAT SUCH PARTY HAS REVIEWED THIS WAIVER WITH ITS LEGAL COUNSEL, AND THAT SUCH PARTY KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ITS JURY TRIAL RIGHTS FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL.

[signature page follows]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Series B-1 Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

COMPANY

ENERGY VAULT, INC.

a Delaware corporation

By:

/s/ Robert Piconi

Name:

Robert Piconi

Title:

CEO

Address:

130 W. Union Street

Pasadena, CA 91103

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Series B-1 Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

PURCHASER:

HSI ENERGY VAULT I LLC

By:

Helena Special Investments LLC, a Managing Member

By:

/s/ Samuel Feinburg

Name:

Samuel Feinburg

Title:

Chief Operating Officer

Address:

[***]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Series B-1 Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

PURCHASER:

HELENA ZEPAK EV LLC

By:

/s/ Matthew Bash

Name:

Matthew Bash

Title:

General Manager

Address:

[***]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Series B-1 Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

INVESTOR:

HSI Puma LLC

By:

Helena Special Investments LLC, a Managing Member

By:

/s/ Samuel Feinburg

Name:

Samuel Feinburg

Title:

Chief Operating Officer

Address:

[***]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Series B-1 Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

INVESTOR:

Energy Vault PML SPV 1 LP

By:

Prime Movers Lab GP II LLC

Its:

General Partner

By:

/s/ Dakin Sloss

Name:

Dakin Sloss

Title:

Authorized Person

Address:

[***]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Series B-1 Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

INVESTOR:

EV SPV 6, L.P.

By Idealabx GP, LLC, Its General Partner

By:

/s/ Allen Morgan

Allen Morgan,

Managing Member


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Series B-1 Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement as of the date first written above.

INVESTORS:

SAEV GUERNSEY HOLDINGS LIMITED

By:

/s/ Mahdi Aladel

Name:

Mahdi Aladel

Title:

CEO


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Series B-1 Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

PURCHASER:

HSI ENERGY VAULT II LLC

By:

Helena Special Investments LLC, a Managing Member

By:

/s/ Samuel Feinburg

Name:

Samuel Feinburg

Title:

Chief Operating Officer

Address:

[***]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Series B-1 Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement as of the date first written above.

INVESTORS:

SELECT X, L.P.

By Idealab GP, LLC, its General Partner

By:

/s/ Allen Morgan

Name:

Allen Morgan

Title:

Managing Member

Address:  [***]

Email address:  [***]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Series B-1 Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement as of the date first written above.

INVESTOR:

HSI EV BRASIL LLC

By:

/s/ Samuel Feinburg

Name:

Samuel Feinburg

Title:

Executive Director

Address:

[***]

Email:

[***]


Exhibit 10.32

Execution Version

ENERGY VAULT, INC.

SERIES C PREFERRED

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT

This Series C Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made as of August 30, 2021 by and among Energy Vault, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the purchasers identified on Exhibit A hereto who are signatories of this Agreement (“Purchasers”).  The parties hereto agree as follows:

SECTION 1

AUTHORIZATION AND SALE OF STOCK

1.1Authorization of Series C Preferred Stock.  The Company has duly authorized the sale and issuance to the Purchasers of up to  2,182,524 shares of Series C Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the “Series C Preferred Stock”), with such class of stock having the powers, rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions as set forth in the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B (the “Certificate”).  The Company shall adopt and file with the Secretary of State of Delaware on or before the Initial Closing, the Certificate.

1.2Sale and Issuance of Series C Preferred Stock.  Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, each Purchaser agrees to purchase at the Closings, and the Company agrees to sell and issue to each Purchaser at the Closings, the number of shares of Series C Preferred Stock set forth opposite such Purchaser’s name on Exhibit A, at a purchase price of $49.0258 per share.  The shares of Series C Preferred Stock issued to the Purchasers pursuant to this Agreement are referred to herein as “Shares” (including any shares issued at the Closings, as defined below).

1.3Use of Proceeds.  In accordance with the directions of the Company’s Board of Directors, as it shall be constituted in accordance with the Voting Agreement, the Company will use the proceeds from the sale of the Shares for general corporate purposes.

SECTION 2

CLOSING DATE; DELIVERY

2.1Closing.  The initial purchase and sale of the Shares, to certain of the Purchasers listed on Exhibit A (the “Initial Closing”) shall take place at such time and place as the Company and the Purchasers mutually agree upon, orally or in writing. In the event there is more than one closing, the term “Closing” shall apply to each closing unless otherwise specified. The Closings shall be effected remotely, by the electronic exchange of documents and signatures. At each Closing, the Company shall deliver to each Purchaser a certificate representing the Shares being purchased by such Purchaser against payment of the purchase price therefor by wire transfer as set forth on Exhibit A.  The Company shall deliver to the Purchaser a certificate representing the purchased Shares at the Closing.  The date on which the Initial Closing occurs is sometimes referred to herein as the “Closing Date.”

2.2Subsequent Sale of Series C Preferred Stock.

(a)At any time on or before September 30, 2021, the Company may sell up to the balance of authorized but unissued Shares, to such persons as may be approved by the Company and


Prime Movers Growth Fund I LP (“PML”), provided that such persons are not Restricted Persons (as defined in the Amended and Restated Voting Agreement entered into between among others the Company and its shareholders on or about the date of this Agreement).

(b)All such purchases of Shares under this Clause 2.2 shall be made on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, including, without limitation, satisfaction of the representations and warranties by the Purchasers as set forth in Section 4 and purchase price as set out in Clause 1.2.  Such purchases of Shares shall be made by each subsequent purchaser by executing counterpart signature pages to this Agreement and the Investment Agreements (as defined below), making such purchaser a party and bound by the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Investment Agreements.  Any Shares sold pursuant to this Section 2.2 shall be deemed to be “Shares” for all purposes under this Agreement and any purchasers thereof shall be deemed to be “Purchasers” under this Agreement and each of the Investment Agreements.  Each sale of additional Shares pursuant to this Section 2.2 shall be deemed a “Subsequent Closing.”  Exhibit A to this Agreement shall be updated to reflect the number of Shares purchased at each Subsequent Closing and the parties purchasing such Shares.

SECTION 3

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

The Company represents and warrants to the Purchasers that, except as specifically set forth in respect of a particular representation or warranty on the Schedule of Exceptions attached as Exhibit C (the “Schedule of Exceptions”) to this Agreement, which exceptions shall be deemed to be part of the representations and warranties made hereunder, the following representations are true and complete as of the Initial Closing:

3.1Organization and Standing; Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws.  The Company is a corporation duly organized, validly existing under, and by virtue of, the laws of the State of Delaware and is in good standing under such laws.  The Company has requisite corporate power and authority to own and operate its properties and assets and to carry on its business as presently conducted.  The Company has furnished the Purchasers with copies of its Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws.  Said copies are true, correct and complete and reflect all amendments now in effect.  The Company is duly qualified to transact business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the failure to so qualify would have a material adverse effect on its business or properties.

3.2Corporate Power.  The Company has all requisite corporate power and authority (a) to execute and deliver this Agreement, the Amended and Restated Investor Rights Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D (the “Investor Rights Agreement”), the Amended and Restated Voting Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit E (the “Voting Agreement”), and the Amended and Restated Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit F (the “ROFR Agreement” and, together with the Investor Rights Agreement, the Voting Agreement and this Agreement, the “Investment Agreements”), (b) to file the Certificate with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, (c) to sell and issue the Shares hereunder, (d) to issue the shares of Common Stock of the Company (the “Common Stock”), into which the Shares are convertible, (the “Conversion Stock”) in accordance with the provisions of the Certificate, and (e) to carry out and perform its obligations under the terms of the Investment Agreements.

3.3Authorization.  All corporate action on the part of the Company, its officers, directors and stockholders necessary for the authorization, execution and delivery of this Agreement, the filing of the Certificate, the authorization, sale, issuance and delivery of the Shares and the Conversion Stock and the


performance of the Company’s obligations hereunder has been taken or will be taken prior to the Initial Closing. The Investment Agreements, when executed and delivered by the Company, shall constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject to laws of general application relating to bankruptcy, insolvency and the relief of debtors and rules of law governing specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies; provided, however, that the Company makes no representation as to the enforceability of the indemnification provisions contained in the Investor Rights Agreement to the extent such provisions may be limited by applicable federal or state securities laws.

3.4Valid Issuance.  The Shares, when issued in compliance with the provisions of this Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and will have the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions described in the Certificate.  The Conversion Stock has been duly and validly reserved and, when issued in compliance with the provisions of the Certificate, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.  When issued, the Shares and the Conversion Stock will be free of any liens or encumbrances other than any liens or encumbrances created by or imposed upon the Purchasers hereunder or under the Investment Agreements; provided, however, that the Shares and the Conversion Stock may be subject to restrictions on transfer under state or federal securities laws. The Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Shares has been duly reserved for issuance, and upon issuance in accordance with the terms of the Certificate, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and free of restrictions on transfer other than restrictions on transfer under the Investment Agreements, applicable federal and state securities laws and liens or encumbrances created by or imposed by the Purchasers. Based in part upon the representations of the Purchasers in Section 4 of this Agreement and in the Voting Agreement, the Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Shares will be issued in compliance with all applicable federal and state securities laws.

3.5Subsidiaries.

(a)Except as disclosed on Schedule 3.5 of the Schedule of Exceptions (each, a “Company Subsidiary” and together, the “Company Subsidiaries”), the Company has no subsidiaries or affiliated companies and does not otherwise own or control, directly or indirectly, any equity interest in any corporation, limited liability company, trust, partnership, association or other business entity.  The Company and the Company Subsidiaries shall collectively be referred to herein as the “Company Group” and each entity, a “Company Group Entity”.

(b)The Company directly or indirectly owns, legally and beneficially, free from liens or encumbrances, all of the issued capital stock of each Company Subsidiary and all such capital stock is fully paid and nonassessable.  Each Company Subsidiary is an entity validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization.  Each Company Subsidiary has requisite corporate power and authority to own and operate its properties and assets and to carry on its business as presently conducted.  Each Company Subsidiary has furnished the Purchasers with copies of its Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws (or similar governing documentation).  Said copies are true, correct and complete and reflect all amendments now in effect.  Each Company Subsidiary is duly qualified and/or licensed to transact business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the failure to so qualify would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on its business or properties.

3.6Capitalization.

(a)The authorized capital stock of the Company consists, as of the Initial Closing, of (i) 12,658,321 shares of Preferred Stock, 2,120,000 shares of which are designated “Series FR Preferred Stock,” all of which are outstanding; 1,652,083 shares of which are designated “Series Seed 1 Preferred


Stock,” all of which are outstanding; 626,994 shares of which are designated “Series Seed 2 Preferred Stock,” all of which are outstanding; 1,025,646 shares of which are designated “Series A-1 Preferred Stock,” all of which are outstanding; 750,510 shares of which are designated “Series A-2 Preferred Stock,” all of which are outstanding; 2,163,433 shares of which are designated “Series B Preferred Stock,” all of which are outstanding; 2,137,131 shares of which are designated “Series B-1 Preferred Stock,” all of which are outstanding; and 2,182,524 shares of which are designated “Series C Preferred Stock,” none of which are outstanding and (ii) 17,800,000 shares of Common Stock, 3,038,093 shares of which are outstanding.  The outstanding shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock are all duly and validly authorized and issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and were issued in accordance with the registration or qualification provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and any relevant state securities laws, or pursuant to valid exemptions therefrom.

(b)The Company has reserved 2,120,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance upon conversion of Series FR Preferred Stock, 1,652,083 shares of Common Stock for issuance upon conversion of Series Seed 1 Preferred Stock, 626,994 shares of Common Stock for issuance upon conversion of Series Seed 2 Preferred Stock, 1,025,646 shares of Common Stock for issuance upon conversion of Series A-1 Preferred Stock, 750,510 shares of Common Stock for issuance upon conversion of Series A- 2 Preferred Stock, 2,163,433 shares of Common Stock for issuance upon conversion of Series B Preferred Stock, 2,137,131 shares of Common Stock for issuance upon conversion of Series B-1 Preferred Stock and 2,182,524 shares of Common Stock for issuance upon conversion of Series C Preferred Stock.

(c)The Company has reserved 2,407,186 shares of Common Stock for issuance to officers, directors, employees and consultants of the Company pursuant to its 2017 Stock Plan duly adopted by the Board of Directors and approved by the Company stockholders (the “2017 Stock Plan”) and its 2020 Stock Plan duly adopted by the Board of Directors and approved by the Company stockholders (the “2020 Stock Plan” and together the “Stock Plans”).  Of such reserved shares of Common Stock, 1,149,693 shares of Common Stock have been issued upon exercise of stock options pursuant to the Stock Plans, 765,117 shares have been granted and are outstanding pursuant to the options or RSUs under the Stock Plans, and 492,376 of such shares of Common Stock remain available for issuance to officers, directors, employees and consultants pursuant to the Stock Plans.  Except as set forth herein, there are no options, warrants or other rights to purchase or acquire any of the Company’s capital stock.

(d)Except for (A) the conversion privileges of the Shares to be issued under this Agreement, (B) the rights provided in the Investor Rights Agreement, and (C) the securities and rights described in Subsection 3.6(a), 3.6(b), and 3.6(c) of this Agreement, there are no outstanding options, warrants, rights (including conversion or preemptive rights and rights of first refusal or similar rights) or agreements, orally or in writing, to purchase or acquire from the Company any shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock, or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock. All outstanding shares of the Company’s Common Stock and all shares of the Company’s Common Stock underlying outstanding options are subject to (i) a right of first refusal in favor of the Company upon any proposed transfer (other than transfers for estate planning purposes); and (ii) a lock-up or market standoff agreement of not less than one hundred eighty (180) days following the Company’s initial public offering pursuant to a registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act.

(e)No stock plan, stock purchase, stock option or other agreement or understanding between the Company and any holder of any securities or rights exercisable or convertible for securities provides for acceleration or other changes in the vesting provisions or other terms of such agreement or understanding as the result of the occurrence of any event. The Company has never adjusted or amended the exercise price of any stock options previously awarded, whether through amendment, cancellation,


replacement grant, repricing, or any other means. Except as set forth in the Certificate, the Company has no obligation (contingent or otherwise) to purchase or redeem any of its capital stock.

(f)All outstanding securities of the Company, including, without limitation, all outstanding shares of the capital stock of the Company, all shares of the capital stock of the Company issuable upon the conversion or exercise of all convertible or exercisable securities and all other securities that the Company is obligated to issue, are subject to a one hundred eighty (180) day “market stand-off” restriction (subject to increase as requested by the Company for compliance with applicable FINRA, marketplace or exchange rules) upon an initial public offering of the Company’s securities pursuant to a registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Act in a form substantially similar to Section 7 of the Investor Rights Agreement

3.7Agreements and Actions.

(a)There are no agreements, understandings, instruments, contracts, proposed transactions, judgments, orders, writs or decrees to which any Company Group Entity is a party or by which it is bound that may involve (i) obligations (contingent or otherwise) of, or payments to, such Company Group Entity in excess of, $100,000, or (ii) the license of any patent, copyright, trademark, trade secret or other proprietary right to or from any Company Group Entity (other than (A) the nonexclusive license of the Company’s software and products in object code form in the ordinary course of business pursuant to standard end-user agreements the forms of which have been provided to counsel for the Investors, (B) the nonexclusive license to the Company of standard, generally commercially available, “off-the-shelf” third party products and services or (C) Open Source Licenses ((A)-(C) are “Standard Licenses”), or (iii) provisions restricting or affecting in any material respect the development, manufacture or distribution of any Company Group Entity’s products or services, or (iv) indemnification by any Company Group Entity with respect to infringements of proprietary rights.

(b)No Company Group Entity has (i) declared or paid any dividends, or authorized or made any distribution upon or with respect to any class or series of its capital stock, (ii) incurred any indebtedness for money borrowed or incurred any other liabilities individually in excess of $100,000 or in excess of $250,000 in the aggregate, (iii) made any loans or advances to any person or entity, other than ordinary advances for travel expenses, or (iv) sold, exchanged or otherwise disposed of any of its assets or rights, other than the sale of its inventory in the ordinary course of business.  For the purposes of (a) and (b) of this Subsection 3.7, all indebtedness, liabilities, agreements, understandings, instruments, contracts and proposed transactions involving the same person or entity (including persons or entities the Company Group Entity has reason to believe are affiliated with each other) shall be aggregated for the purpose of meeting the individual minimum dollar amounts of such subsection. No Company Group Entity is a guarantor or indemnitor of any indebtedness of any other person.

3.8Governmental Consents and Filings.  Assuming the accuracy of the representations made by the Purchasers in Section 4 of this Agreement, no consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration, qualification, designation, declaration or filing with, any federal, state or local governmental authority is required on the part of any Company Group Entity in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except for (i) the filing of the Certificate, which will have been filed as of the Initial Closing, and (ii) filings pursuant to Regulation D of the Securities Act, and applicable state securities laws, which have been made or will be made in a timely manner.

3.9Related Party Transactions.  Other than (i) standard employee benefits generally made available to all employees, (ii) standard director and officer indemnification agreements approved by the board of directors; (iii) agreements relating to the purchase of shares of the Company’s stock or providing for rights as an investor in, or holder of, the Company’s capital stock; or (iv) the services agreement and


related arrangements between the Company and Idealab Holdings, L.L.C., there are no, and have never been any, agreements, understandings, transactions or proposed transactions between any Company Group Entity and any of its officers, directors or key employees, or any affiliate thereof.

3.10Title to Assets.  The property and assets that a Company Group Entity owns (if any) are free and clear of all mortgages, deeds of trust, liens, loans and encumbrances, except for statutory liens for the payment of current taxes that are not yet delinquent and encumbrances and liens that arise in the ordinary course of business and do not materially impair such Company Group Entity’s ownership or use of such property or assets.  With respect to the property and assets it leases (if any), the Company Group Entities are in compliance with such leases and holds a valid leasehold interest free of any liens, claims or encumbrances other than those of the lessors of such property or assets. No Company Group Entity owns any real property.

3.11Financial Statements. The Company has made available to the Purchasers its consolidated audited financial statements (including balance sheet and statements of income and cash flows) as of and for the twelve months ended each of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, and the unaudited financial statements (including balance sheet and statements of income and cash flows) as of and for the six (6) months ended June 30, 2021 (the “Financial Statements”).  The Financial Statements have been prepared on a consistent basis throughout the periods indicated.  The Financial Statements fairly present in all material respects the financial condition and operating results of the Company Group as of the dates, and for the periods, indicated therein.  Except as set forth in the Financial Statements, the Company Group has no material liabilities or obligations, contingent or otherwise, other than (i) liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business subsequent to June 30, 2021; (ii) obligations under contracts and commitments incurred in the ordinary course of business; and (iii) liabilities and obligations of a type or nature not required under generally accepted accounting principles to be reflected in the Financial Statements, which, in all such cases, individually and in the aggregate would not have a material adverse effect on the business, assets (including intangible assets), liabilities, financial condition, property or results of operations of the Company Group (a “Material Adverse Effect”).

3.12Changes. Since June 30, 2021 there has not been:

(a)any change in the assets, liabilities, financial condition or operating results of the Company from that reflected in the Financial Statements, except changes in the ordinary course of business that have not caused, in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect;

(b)any damage, destruction or loss, whether or not covered by insurance, that would have a Material Adverse Effect;

(c)any waiver or compromise by the Company of a valuable right or of a material debt owed to it;

(d)any satisfaction or discharge of any lien, claim, or encumbrance or payment of any obligation by the Company, except in the ordinary course of business and the satisfaction or discharge of which would not have a Material Adverse Effect;

(e)any material change to a material contract or agreement by which the Company or any of its assets is bound or subject;

(f)any material change in any compensation arrangement or agreement with any employee, officer, director or stockholder;


(g)any resignation or termination of employment of any officer or Key Employee of the Company;

(h)any mortgage, pledge, transfer of a security interest in, or lien, created by the Company, with respect to any of its material properties or assets, except liens for taxes not yet due or payable and liens that arise in the ordinary course of business and do not materially impair the Company’s ownership or use of such property or assets;

(i)any loans or guarantees made by the Company to or for the benefit of its employees, officers or directors, or any members of their immediate families, other than travel advances and other advances made in the ordinary course of its business;

(j)any declaration, setting aside or payment or other distribution in respect of any of the Company’s capital stock, or any direct or indirect redemption, purchase, or other acquisition of any of such stock by the Company;

(k)any sale, assignment or transfer of any Company Intellectual Property that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;

(l)receipt of notice that there has been a loss of, or material order cancellation by, any major customer of the Company;

(m)to the Company’s knowledge, any other event or condition of any character, other than events affecting the economy or the Company’s industry generally, that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; or

(n)any arrangement or commitment by the Company to do any of the things described in this Section 3.12..

3.13Litigation.  There is no, and has never been any, claim, action, suit, proceeding, arbitration, complaint, charge or investigation pending or, to the actual or constructive knowledge of Robert Piconi, Andrea Pedretti and Merrick Kerr after due inquiry and reasonable investigation (which shall include reasonable inquiries of direct reports) (the “Company’s Knowledge” or “Known to the Company”), threatened in writing against any Company Group Entity or any officer, director or Key Employee of the Company Group arising out of their employment or board relationship with the Company Group or that questions the validity of the Investment Agreements or the right of the Company to enter into them, or to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Investment Agreements.  No Company Group Entity is party to or subject to the provisions of any order, writ, injunction, judgment or decree of any court or government agency or instrumentality.  There is no action, suit, proceeding or investigation by any Company Group Entity pending or which a Company Group Entity intends to initiate.  The foregoing includes, without limitation, actions, suits, proceedings or investigations pending or threatened in writing involving the prior employment of any of the Company Group’s employees, their use in connection with the Company Group’s business of any information or techniques allegedly proprietary to any of their former employers, or their obligations under any agreements with prior employers.

3.14Intellectual Property.  The Company Group owns or possesses sufficient rights or licenses to use all patents, patent applications, trademarks, trademark applications, service marks, trade names, copyrights, trade secrets, domain names, mask works, information and proprietary rights, and any other intellectual property rights, and processes or similar or equivalent rights or forms of protection anywhere in the world as are necessary for the conduct of the Company Group’s business as now conducted (or proposed to be conducted) (the “Company Intellectual Property”) without any conflict with or


infringement of the rights of others.  To the Company’s Knowledge with respect to patents, trademarks, services marks, and trade names and any other intellectual property rights (but without having conducted any special investigation or patent or trademark search), neither the use by the Company of the Company Intellectual Property nor any product or service marketed or sold (or proposed to be marketed or sold) by the Company Group violates any license or infringes any intellectual property rights of any other party.  Other than with respect to Standard Licenses and commercially available software products under standard end-user object code license and support/maintenance agreements, there are no outstanding options, licenses, agreements, claims, encumbrances or shared ownership interests of any kind relating to the Company Intellectual Property, nor is the Company Group bound by or a party to any options, licenses or agreements of any kind with respect to the patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights, trade secrets, licenses, information, proprietary rights and processes of any other person.  The Company Group has not received any written communications alleging that the Company Group has violated or, by conducting its business, would violate any of the patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights, trade secrets, mask works or other proprietary rights or processes of any other person or entity. Except for intellectual property that may not be assigned pursuant to applicable law, each current or former employee and consultant has assigned to the Company Group all intellectual property rights he or she owns that (i) were conceived, developed or reduced to practice by such employee or consultant in the course of performing services for the Company Group, and (ii) are related to the Company Group’s business as now conducted and as presently proposed to be conducted. To the Company’s Knowledge, it will not be necessary to use any inventions of any of its current or former employees or consultants (or persons it currently intends to hire) made prior to their employment by the Company Group.  To the extent the Company Group embeds or includes any “open source” or “copyleft” software in its products or services  (each license under which the Company Group uses such software, an “Open Source License”), the Company Group is in compliance with the terms of any such licenses, and the Company Group is not required under any such Open Source License to (a) make or permit any disclosure or to make available any source code for its (or any of its licensors’) proprietary software or (b) distribute or make available any of the Company Group’s proprietary software or intellectual property (or to permit any such distribution or availability).

3.15Employees.  There are no employees of, or consultants to, any Company Group Entity other than the employees and consultants included in the list of employees of and consultants to, the Company Group provided by the Company to the Purchasers in writing.  There is no labor union organizing activity pending or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened with respect to the Company Group.  None of the Company Group’s employees belongs to any union or collective bargaining unit.  The Company Group has complied in all material respects with all applicable state and federal equal opportunity and other laws related to employment.  To the Company’s Knowledge, no employee of the Company Group, nor any consultant with whom the Company Group has contracted, is or will be in violation of any judgment, decree or order, or any term of any employment contract, proprietary information agreement, patent disclosure agreement, or other contract or agreement relating to the relationship of any such employee with the Company Group or any other party because of the nature of the business conducted by the Company Group or to the use by the employee of his or her best efforts with respect to such business.  The Company Group has not received any written notice alleging that any such violation has occurred.  Subject to (i) general principles related to wrongful termination of employees, (ii) the requirement under the laws of certain jurisdictions that employment be terminated only after a period of notice and (iii) the notice periods contained in the contracts of employment of certain employees of the Company Group, copies of which contracts have been provided to the Purchasers, the employment of each officer and employee of the Company Group is terminable at the will of the Company Group.  To the Company’s Knowledge, no officer or key employee, or any group of employees, intends to terminate their employment with the Company Group; nor does the Company Group have a present intention to terminate the employment of the foregoing.  There are no actions pending, or to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened, by any former or current employee concerning such person’s employment by the Company Group.  No Company Group Entity is a


party to or bound by any currently effective employment contract, deferred compensation arrangement, bonus plan, incentive plan, profit sharing plan, or retirement agreement or other employee compensation plan or agreement, other than as disclosed in writing to the Purchasers.  No employee of the Company Group has been granted the right to continued employment by the Company Group or to any material compensation following termination of employment with the Company Group.  The Company Group does not have any “employee benefit plan” as defined in the Employment Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.  Except as set forth on Schedule 3.15 of the Schedule of Exceptions, each former Key Employee whose employment was terminated by the Company has entered into an agreement with the Company Group providing for the full release of any claims against the Company Group or any related party arising out of such employment.

3.16Employee Agreements. Each current employee, consultant and officer of the Company Group has executed an agreement with the Company Group regarding confidentiality and proprietary information substantially in the form or forms delivered to the counsel for the Purchasers (the “Confidential Information Agreements”). To the Company’s Knowledge, no current Key Employee has excluded works or inventions from his or her assignment of inventions pursuant to such Key Employee’s Confidential Information Agreement. To the extent enforceable in the jurisdiction in which such person is employed, each current Key Employee has executed non-competition and non-solicitation agreement substantially in the form or forms delivered to counsel for the Purchasers To the Company’s Knowledge, none of the Company Group’s Key Employees is in violation of any agreement covered by this Section 3.16. “Key Employee” means any executive-level employee (including division director and vice president-level positions) as well as any employee or consultant who either alone or in concert with others develops, invents, programs or designs any Company Intellectual Property.

3.17Compliance with Other Instruments.  The Company Group is not in violation or default of any provision of its Certificate or Bylaws or of any provision of any note, mortgage, indenture, lease agreement, instrument or contract to which it is a party or by which it is bound or of any federal or state judgment, order, writ, decree, statute, rule or regulation applicable to the Company Group in each case the violation of which or default under would have a Material Adverse Effect.  The execution, delivery and performance of the Transaction Documents and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not result in any such violation or be in conflict with or constitute, with or without the passage of time or giving of notice, either a default under any such provision or an event that results in the creation of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any assets of the Company Group or the suspension, revocation, impairment, forfeiture or nonrenewal of any material permit, license, authorization or approval applicable to the Company Group, its business or operations, or any of its assets or properties.

3.18Governmental Consent, etc.  No consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration, qualification, designation, declaration or filing with, any governmental authority on the part of the Company Group is required in connection with the valid execution and delivery of the Investment Agreements, or the offer, sale or issuance of the Shares or the Conversion Stock, or the consummation of any other transaction contemplated hereby, except the qualification (or taking of such action as may be necessary to secure an exemption from qualification, if available) of the offer and sale of the Shares and the Conversion Stock under applicable Blue Sky or other state securities laws and a Form D filing under federal securities laws, which filings and qualifications, if required, will be accomplished in a timely manner. No Company Group Entity is a pilot program US business as defined in 31 C.F.R. Part 801.

3.19Permits.  The Company Group has all franchises, permits, licenses, and any similar authority necessary for the conduct of its business as currently conducted, the lack of which could materially and adversely affect the business, properties, or financial condition of the Company Group. No Company Group Entity is in default in any material respect under any of such franchises, permits, licenses or other similar authority.


3.20Offering.  Subject in part to the truth and accuracy of the Purchasers’ representations set forth in this Agreement, the offer, sale and issuance of the Shares and the Conversion Stock as contemplated by this Agreement are exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, and will have been registered or qualified (or are exempt from registration and qualification) under the registration, permit or qualification requirements of all applicable state securities laws, and neither the Company Group nor any authorized agent acting on its behalf will take any action hereafter that would cause the loss of such exemption.

3.21Taxes.  There are no federal, state, county, local or foreign taxes due and payable by the Company Group which have not been timely paid.  There are no accrued and unpaid federal, state, country, local or foreign taxes of the Company Group which are due, whether or not assessed or disputed.  There have been no examinations or audits of any tax returns or reports by any applicable federal, state, local or foreign governmental agency.  The Company Group has duly and timely filed all federal, state, county, local and foreign tax returns required to have been filed by it and there are in effect no waivers of applicable statutes of limitations with respect to taxes for any year.

3.22No “Bad Actor” Disqualification. No “bad actor” disqualifying event (a “Disqualification Event”) described in Rule 506(d)(1)(i)-(viii) of the Securities Act is applicable to the Company or, to the Company’s Knowledge, any Company Covered Person, except for a Disqualification Event as to which Rule 506(d)(2) or (d)(3) is applicable.  “Company Covered Person” means, with respect to the Company as an “issuer” for purposes of Rule 506 promulgated under the Securities Act, any person or entity listed in the first paragraph of Rule 506(d)(1).

3.23Compliance with Applicable ABAC, AML and Trade Laws.

(a)Neither any Company Group Entity nor, to the Company’s Knowledge, any Associated Person of any Company Group Entity has violated any of the Applicable ABAC Laws, Applicable AML Laws or Applicable Trade Laws.

(b)Neither any Company Group Entity nor, to the Company’s Knowledge, any Associated Person of any Company Group Entity has (i) been fined or otherwise penalised under any of the Applicable ABAC Laws, Applicable AML Laws or Applicable Trade Laws, (ii) received an oral or written notice from a government authority concerning an actual or possible violation by any Company Group Entity or any Associated Person of any Company Group Entity of any of the Applicable ABAC Laws, Applicable AML Laws or Applicable Trade Laws or (iii) received any other report or discovered any evidence suggesting that any Company Group Entity or any Associated Person of any Company Group Entity has violated any of the Applicable ABAC Laws, Applicable AML Laws or Applicable Trade Laws.

(c)Neither any Company Group Entity nor, to the Company’s Knowledge, (i) any Associated Person of any Company Group Entity is a Blocked Person or (ii) has done anything that is likely to result in it or their becoming a Blocked Person.

(d)For the purposes of this Section 3.23:

(i)Applicable ABAC Laws” means: (1) the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, (2) the U.K. Bribery Act 2010, and (3) all laws and regulations applying to any Company Group Entity, any Associated Person of any Company Group Entity and/or a Purchaser prohibiting bribery or some other form of corruption, including but not limited to fraud and tax evasion.

(ii)Applicable AML Laws” means any laws and regulations prohibiting money laundering, including but not limited to attempting to conceal or disguise the identity of illegally


obtained proceeds, applying to any Company Group Entity, any Associated Person of any Company Group Entity and/or a Purchaser; such laws including those of Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States of America.

(iii)Applicable Trade Laws” means all import and export laws and regulations, including but not limited to economic and financial sanctions, export controls, anti-boycott and customs laws and regulations applying to any Company Group Entity, any Associated Person of any Company Group Entity and/or a Purchaser; such laws and regulations including those imposed by the European Union, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United Nations and United States of America.

(iv)Associated Person” means, in relation to a Company Group Entity, an individual or entity (including a director, officer, employee, consultant, agent or other representative) who or that has acted or performed services for or on behalf of that Company Group Entity but only with respect to actions or the performance of services for or on behalf of that Company Group Entity.

(v)Blocked Person” means: (1) an individual or entity included in a restricted or prohibited list pursuant to one or more of the Applicable Trade Laws; (2) an entity in which one or more Blocked Persons has in the aggregate, whether directly or indirectly, a 50 percent or greater equity interest; or (3) an entity that is controlled by a Blocked Person.

(vi)Knowledge” means, in so far as any representation, warranty or covenant in Subsections (a), (b) or (c) in Section 3.23 of this Agreement is qualified as being “to the Company’s Knowledge” or any similar expression, that the representation or warranty is based on the actual knowledge or awareness of the Company after making due, diligent and careful inquiry into the relevant facts.

3.24Disclosure.  The Company has made available to the Purchasers all the information reasonably available to the Company Group that the Purchasers have requested. No representation or warranty of the Company contained in this Agreement, as qualified by the Schedule of Exceptions, and no certificate furnished or to be furnished to Purchasers at the Initial Closing contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements contained herein or therein not misleading in light of the circumstances under which they were made. It is understood that this representation is qualified by the fact that the Company has not delivered to the Purchasers, and has not been requested to deliver, a private placement or similar memorandum or any written disclosure of the types of information customarily furnished to purchasers of securities. The Company makes no representations or warranties other than those explicitly set forth in this Agreement.

3.25Environmental and Safety Laws.  Except as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect (a) the Company is and has been in compliance with all Environmental Laws; (b) there has been no release or threatened release of any pollutant, contaminant or toxic or hazardous material, substance or waste or petroleum or any fraction thereof (each a “Hazardous Substance”), on, upon, into or from any site currently or heretofore owned, leased or otherwise used by the Company; (c) there have been no Hazardous Substances generated by the Company that have been disposed of or come to rest at any site that has been included in any published U.S. federal, state or local “superfund” site list or any other similar list of hazardous or toxic waste sites published by any governmental authority in the United States; and (d) there are no underground storage tanks located on, no polychlorinated biphenyls (“PCBs”) or PCB-containing equipment used or stored on, and no hazardous waste as defined by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended, stored on, any site owned or operated by the Company, except for the storage of hazardous waste in compliance with Environmental Laws. The Company has made available to the Purchasers true and complete copies of all material environmental records, reports, notifications,


certificates of need, permits, pending permit applications, correspondence, engineering studies and environmental studies or assessments.

For purposes of this Section 3.26, “Environmental Laws” means any law, regulation, or other applicable requirement relating to (a) releases or threatened release of Hazardous Substance; (b) pollution or protection of employee health or safety, public health or the environment; or (c) the manufacture, handling, transport, use, treatment, storage, or disposal of Hazardous Substances.

SECTION 4

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASERS

Each Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to the Company as follows:

4.1Preexisting Relationship with Company; Business and Financial Experience.  By reason of the Purchaser’s business or financial experience or the business or financial experience of the Purchaser’s professional advisors who are unaffiliated with the Company and who are not compensated by the Company, the Purchaser has the capacity to protect the Purchaser’s own interests in connection with the purchase of the Shares and the Conversion Stock.  The Purchaser is an “accredited investor” as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act.

4.2Investment Intent; Blue Sky.  The Purchaser is acquiring the Shares and the Conversion Stock for investment for its own account, not as a nominee or agent, and not with a view to, or for resale in connection with, any distribution thereof.  The Purchaser understands that the issuance of the Shares and the Conversion Stock has not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act due to a specific exemption from the registration provisions of the Securities Act, the availability of which depends upon, among other things, the bona fide nature of the Purchaser’s investment intent and the accuracy of the Purchaser’s representations as expressed herein.  The Purchaser’s address set forth on the Schedule of Purchasers attached hereto as Exhibit A represents the Purchaser’s true and correct state of domicile, upon which the Company may rely for the purpose of complying with applicable “Blue Sky” laws.

4.3Rule 144.  Purchaser acknowledges that the Shares and the Conversion Stock must be held indefinitely unless subsequently registered under the Securities Act or unless an exemption from such registration is available.  Purchaser is aware of the provisions of Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act that permit limited resale of shares purchased in a private placement subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including, among other things, the existence of a public market for the Shares and/or the Conversion Stock, the availability of certain current public information about the Company, the resale occurring not less than one year after a party has purchased such shares, the sale being effected through a “broker’s transaction” or in a transaction directly with a “market maker,” and the number of shares being sold during any three-month period not exceeding specified limitations.

4.4No Public Market.  Purchaser understands that no public market now exists for any of the securities issued by the Company and that the Company has made no assurances that a public market will ever exist for the Company’s securities.

4.5Restrictions on Transfer; Restrictive Legends.  Purchaser understands that the transfer of the Shares and the Conversion Stock is restricted by applicable state and federal securities laws and by the provisions of the Investor Rights Agreement, and that the certificates representing the Shares and the Conversion Stock will be imprinted with legends restricting transfer except in compliance therewith.


4.6Access to Data.  Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that no representations or warranties, whether express or implied, were given to or are being given to the Purchaser by the Company, other than the representations and warranties as are set forth in Section 3 hereof. The foregoing, however, does not limit or modify the representations and warranties of the Company in Section 3 of this Agreement or the right of the Purchaser to rely thereon.

4.7Authorization.  All action on the part of Purchaser’s partners, officers, board of directors, and stockholders, as applicable, necessary for the authorization, execution, delivery and performance of the Investment Agreements by the Purchaser, the purchase of and payment for the Shares and the performance of all of the Purchaser’s obligations under the Investment Agreements has been taken or will be taken prior to the Closing.  The Investment Agreements, when executed and delivered by the Purchaser, shall constitute valid and binding obligations of Purchaser, enforceable against Purchaser in accordance with their terms, subject to laws of general application relating to bankruptcy, insolvency and the relief of debtors and rules of law governing specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies; provided, however, the Purchaser makes no representation as to the enforceability of the indemnification provisions contained in the Investor Rights Agreement to the extent such provisions may be limited by applicable federal and state securities laws.

SECTION 5

CONDITIONS TO CLOSING OF THE PURCHASERS

Each Purchaser’s obligation to purchase the amount of Shares set forth opposite its name on Exhibit A is, unless waived in writing by such Purchaser, subject to the fulfillment as of the Closing of the following conditions:

5.1Representations and Warranties Correct.  The representations and warranties made by the Company in Section 3 hereof shall be true and complete in all respects as of the Initial Closing (except as to any representations and warranties which are expressly made as of an earlier date, which representations and warranties shall be made as of such earlier date).

5.2Covenants.  All covenants, agreements and conditions contained in this Agreement to be performed or complied with by the Company on or prior to the Initial Closing shall have been performed or complied with.

5.3Compliance Certificate. The President of the Company shall deliver to the Purchasers at such Initial Closing a certificate certifying that the conditions specified in Subsections 5.1 and 5.2 have been fulfilled.

5.4Blue Sky.  The Company shall have obtained all necessary Blue Sky law permits and qualifications, or have the availability of exemptions therefrom, required by any state for the offer and sale of the Shares and the Conversion Stock.

5.5Qualifications. All authorizations, approvals or permits, if any, of any governmental authority or regulatory body of the United States or of any state that are required in connection with the lawful issuance and sale of the Shares pursuant to this Agreement shall be obtained and effective as of such Initial Closing.

5.6Certificate.  The Certificate shall have been filed in the office of the Delaware Secretary of State and shall continue to be in full force and effect as of the Initial Closing.


5.7Investment Agreements.  Each party to the Investment Agreements other than Purchasers shall have executed and delivered the Investment Agreements.

5.8Board of Directors.  As of the Initial Closing, the authorized size of the Board of Directors shall be six, and the Board shall be comprised of Robert Piconi, Bill Gross, Max Ohrstrand, Swaroop ‘Kittu’ Kolluri, Henry Elkus and Zia Huque.

5.9Secretary’s Certificate. The Secretary of the Company shall have delivered to the Purchasers at the Initial Closing a certificate certifying (i) the Bylaws of the Company, (ii) resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Company approving the Investment Agreements and the transactions contemplated under the Investment Agreements, and (iii) resolutions of the stockholders of the Company approving the Certificate.

5.10Proceedings and Documents. All corporate and other proceedings in connection with the transactions contemplated at the Initial Closing and all documents incident thereto shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Purchasers, and the Purchasers (or its counsel) shall have received all such counterpart original and certified or other copies of such documents as reasonably requested. Such documents may include good standing certificates.

5.11Opinion of Company Counsel.  The Purchasers shall have received from Gunderson Dettmer, counsel for the Company, an opinion, dated as of the Initial Closing, in the form of Exhibit G attached to this Agreement.

5.12Indemnification Agreement. The Company and the director designated by PML shall have entered into an Indemnification Agreement entered into with other directors of the Company.

5.13Management Rights Letter.  A Management Rights Letter shall have been executed by the Company and delivered to each Purchaser to whom it is addressed.

SECTION 6

CONDITIONS TO CLOSING OF THE COMPANY

The Company’s obligation to sell and issue the Shares is, unless waived in writing by the Company, subject to the fulfillment as of each Closing of the following conditions:

6.1Representations and Warranties Correct.  The representations made in Section 4 hereof by each Purchaser shall be true and complete in all material respects as of the Closing.

6.2Covenants.  All covenants, agreements, and conditions contained in this Agreement to be performed or complied with by each Purchaser on or prior to the Closing shall have been performed or complied with.

6.3Investment Agreements.  Each Purchaser shall have executed and delivered the Investment Agreements.


SECTION 7

MISCELLANEOUS

7.1Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed in all respects by the internal laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to any law, rule or provision (including, without limitation, any choice of law or conflicts of law rules or provisions), whether of the State of Delaware or any other jurisdiction, that would cause the application of the laws, rules or provisions of any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware (including, without limitation, the application of any law, rule or provision which would cause the application of the statute of limitations under any state law, rule or provision other than the laws, rules or provisions of the State of Delaware).

7.2Entire Agreement.  This Agreement, including the exhibits hereto, the Certificate and the Investment Agreements constitute the full and entire understanding and agreement among the parties with regard to the subjects hereof and thereof, and no party shall be liable or bound to any other party in any manner by any warranties, representations or covenants except as specifically set forth herein or therein.

7.3Amendment and Waiver.  Any term of this Agreement may be amended and the observance of any term of this Agreement may be waived (either generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively), only with the written consent of the Company and the holders of a majority of the Common Stock issued or issuable upon conversion of the Shares.  Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the provisions hereof shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon the successors, assigns, heirs, executors and administrators of the parties hereto.

7.4Notices, etc.   All notices and other communications given or made pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed effectively given upon the earlier of actual receipt, or (a) personal delivery to the party to be notified, (b) when sent, if sent by electronic mail or facsimile during normal business hours of the recipient, and if not sent during normal business hours, then on the recipient’s next business day, (provided that no notification of failure to deliver was received), (c) five days after having been sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or (d) one business day after deposit with a nationally recognized overnight courier, freight prepaid, specifying next business day delivery, with written verification of receipt. All communications shall be sent to the respective parties at their address as set forth on the signature page or Exhibit A, or to such e-mail address, facsimile number or address as subsequently modified by written notice given in accordance with this Section 7.4.  If notice is given to the Purchasers, a copy (which copy shall not constitute notice) shall also be given to Hogan Lovells US LLP, 390 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10017, Attn: Michael Kuh.

7.5No Finder’s Fees.  Each party represents that it neither is nor will be obligated for any finder’s fee or commission in connection with this transaction. Each Purchaser agrees to indemnify and to hold harmless the Company from any liability for any commission or compensation in the nature of a finder’s or broker’s fee arising out of this transaction (and the costs and expenses of defending against such liability or asserted liability) for which the Purchaser or any of its officers, employees, or representatives is responsible.  The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless a Purchaser from any liability for any commission or compensation in the nature of a finder’s or broker’s fee arising out of this transaction (and the costs and expenses of defending against such liability or asserted liability) for which the Company or any of its officers, employees or representatives is responsible.

7.6Delays or Omissions.  Except as expressly provided herein, no delay or omission to exercise any right, power or remedy accruing to any party, upon any breach or default of another party under this Agreement, shall impair any such right, power or remedy of such party nor shall it be construed to be a waiver of any such breach or default, or an acquiescence therein, or of or in any similar breach or


default thereafter occurring; nor shall any waiver of any single breach or default be deemed a waiver of any other breach or default theretofore or thereafter occurring.  Any waiver, permit, consent or approval of any kind or character on the part of any party of any breach or default under this Agreement, or any waiver on the part of any party of any provisions or conditions of this Agreement, must be in writing and shall be effective only to the extent specifically set forth in such writing.  All remedies, either under this Agreement or by law or otherwise afforded to any party, shall be cumulative and not alternative.

7.7Expenses.  Each of the parties hereto shall bear its own legal, accountancy and other costs, charges and expenses connected with the negotiation, preparation and implementation of this Transaction Documents and any other agreement incidental to or referred to in the Transaction Documents. Notwithstanding this Section 7.7, following the Initial Closing, the Company shall pay, cause to be paid, and/or reimbursed to PML, the reasonable transaction fees and expenses incurred by PML, not to exceed $45,000.

7.8Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in two (2) or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.  Counterparts may be delivered via facsimile, electronic mail (including pdf or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, e.g., www.docusign.com) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.

7.9Severability.  In the event that any provision of this Agreement becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable or void, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect without said provision, which shall be replaced with an enforceable provision closest in intent and economic effect as the severed provision; provided that no such severability shall be effective if it materially changes the economic benefit of this Agreement to any party.

7.10Titles and Subtitles.  The titles and subtitles used in this Agreement are used for convenience only and are not to be considered in construing or interpreting this Agreement.

7.11Survival of Warranties. The representations and warranties of the Company and the Purchasers contained in or made pursuant to this Agreement or any certificate delivered in connection herewith shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Initial Closing and shall in no way be affected by any investigation or knowledge of the subject matter thereof made by or on behalf of the Purchasers or the Company.

7.12Dispute Resolution.  The parties (a) hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submit to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the Chancery Court of the Delaware and any state appellate court therefrom within the State of Delaware (or, if the Chancery Court of the State of Delaware declines to accept jurisdiction over a particular matter, any state or federal court within the State of Delaware) for the purpose of any suit, action or other proceeding arising out of or based upon this Agreement, (b) agree not to commence any suit, action or other proceeding arising out of or based upon this Agreement except in the Chancery Court of the Delaware and any state appellate court therefrom within the State of Delaware (or, if the Chancery Court of the State of Delaware declines to accept jurisdiction over a particular matter, any state or federal court within the State of Delaware), and (c) hereby waive, and agree not to assert, by way of motion, as a defense, or otherwise, in any such suit, action or proceeding, any claim that it is not subject personally to the jurisdiction of the above-named courts, that its property is exempt or immune from attachment or execution, that the suit, action or proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum, that the venue of the suit, action or proceeding is improper or that this Agreement or the subject matter hereof may not be enforced in or by such court.


WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL: EACH PARTY HEREBY WAIVES ITS RIGHTS TO A JURY TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION BASED UPON OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT, THE OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS, THE SECURITIES OR THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF OR THEREOF. THE SCOPE OF THIS WAIVER IS INTENDED TO BE ALL-ENCOMPASSING OF ANY AND ALL DISPUTES THAT MAY BE FILED IN ANY COURT AND THAT RELATE TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS TRANSACTION, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, CONTRACT CLAIMS, TORT CLAIMS (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), BREACH OF DUTY CLAIMS, AND ALL OTHER COMMON LAW AND STATUTORY CLAIMS. THIS SECTION HAS BEEN FULLY DISCUSSED BY EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AND THESE PROVISIONS WILL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ANY EXCEPTIONS. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY FURTHER WARRANTS AND REPRESENTS THAT SUCH PARTY HAS REVIEWED THIS WAIVER WITH ITS LEGAL COUNSEL, AND THAT SUCH PARTY KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ITS JURY TRIAL RIGHTS FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL.

[signature page follows]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Series C Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

COMPANY

ENERGY VAULT, INC.

a Delaware corporation

By:

/s/ Robert Piconi

Name:

Robert Piconi

Title:

CEO

Address:

4360 Park Terrace Drive, Suite 100

Westlake Village, CA 91361


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Series C Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

INVESTOR:

PRIME MOVERS GROWTH FUND I LP

By:

Prime Movers Growth GP I LLC

Its:

General Partner

By:

Prime Movers Lab LLC

Its:

Managing Member

By:

/s/ Jon Layman

Name:

Jon Layman

Title:

Authorized Person

With a copy to:

[***]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Series C Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

INVESTOR:

THE GORDON AND DONA CRAWFORD TRUST UTD 8/23/77

By:

/s/ Gordon Crawford

Gordon Crawford, Trustee

[***]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Series C Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

INDIVIDUAL INVESTOR:

ENTITY INVESTOR:

PEP ENERGY EQUITY

OPPORTUNITIES FUND LP

Name of Individual (Please Print)

Name of Entity (Please print)

/s/ Pravin Kanneganti

Signature

Signature

By:

Pravin Kanneganti

Address:

Title:

Authorized Signor

Address:

[***]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Series C Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

INDIVIDUAL INVESTOR:

ENTITY INVESTOR:

ALTERNATE VENTURES LLC

Name of Individual (Please Print)

Name of Entity (Please print)

/s/ Carlos Rodriguez-Pastor

Signature

Signature

By:

Manager

Address:

Title:

Authorized Signatory

Address:

[***]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Series C Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

INDIVIDUAL INVESTOR:

ENTITY INVESTOR:

Inteligio Bank Ltd.

Name of Individual (Please Print)

Name of Entity (Please print)

/s/ Victor Vinatea /s/ Jorge Monte

Signature

Signature

By:

Victor Vinatea / Jorge Montes

Address:

Title:

Executive VP / VP

Address:

[***]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Series C Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

INVESTOR:

GREEN STORAGE SOLUTIONS VENTURE I, LLC

By:

/s/ T. Larry Amick

Name:

T. Larry Amick

Title:

CEO

Address:

[***]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Series C Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

PURCHASERS:

SOFTBANK VISION FUND (AIV M2) L.P.
ACTING BY ITS MANAGER, SB
INVESTMENT ADVISERS (UK) LIMITED

By:

/s/ Saleh Romeih

Name:

Saleh Romeih

Title:

Director

Notice Address:

[***]

Email:

[***]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Series C Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

PURCHASER:

HELENA ZEPAK EV LLC

By:

/s/ Matthew Bash

Name:

Matthew Bash

Title:

General Manager

Address:

[***]

Email:

[***]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Series C Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

PURCHASER:

EN FUND I, A SERIES OF HELENA SPECIAL
INVESTMENTS AL VENTURES, LP

By:

Fund GP, LLC its General Partner

By:

Belltower Fund Group, Ltd. Manager of the
General Partner

By:

/s/ Brett Sagan

Name:

Brett Sagan

Title:

Authorized Person

Address:

[***]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Series C Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

INDIVIDUAL INVESTOR:

ENTITY INVESTOR:

SailingStone Global Natural Resources Fund LP

Name of Individual (Please Print)

Name of Entity (Please print)

/s/ Pravin Kanneganti

Signature

Signature

By:

Pravin Kanneganti

Address:

Title:

Authorized Signatory

Address:

[***]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Series C Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

INDIVIDUAL INVESTOR:

ENTITY INVESTOR:

Victory Global Energy Transition Fund

Name of Individual (Please Print)

Name of Entity (Please print)

/s/ Pravin Kanneganti

Signature

Signature

By:

Pravin Kanneganti

Address:

Title:

Authorized Signatory

Address:

[***]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Series C Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement as of the date first written above.

INVESTORS:

SAEV GUERNSEY HOLDINGS LIMITED

By:

/s/ Mahdi Aladel

Name:

Mahdi Aladel

Title:

29 Aug 2021


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Series C Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement as of the date first written above.

INDIVIDUAL INVESTOR:

ENTITY INVESTOR:

Uppsala LP

Name of Individual (Please Print)

Name of Entity (Please print)

/s/ Pravin Kanneganti

Signature

Signature

By:

Pravin Kanneganti

Address:

Title:

Authorized Signatory

Address:

[***]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Series C Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement as of the date first written above.

INDIVIDUAL INVESTOR:

ENTITY INVESTOR:

THE TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF
PENNSYLVANIA RETIREE MEDICAL AND
DEATH BENEFITS TRUST

Name of Individual (Please Print)

Name of Entity (Please print)

/s/ Pravin Kanneganti

Signature

Signature

By:

Pravin Kanneganti

Address:

Title:

Authorized Signatory

Address:

[***]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Series C Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement as of the date first written above.

INDIVIDUAL INVESTOR:

ENTITY INVESTOR:

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
MASTER RETIREMENT TRUST

Name of Individual (Please Print)

Name of Entity (Please print)

/s/ Pravin Kanneganti

Signature

Signature

By:

Pravin Kanneganti

Address:

Title:

Authorized Signatory

Address:

[***]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Series C Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement as of the date first written above.

INDIVIDUAL INVESTOR:

ENTITY INVESTOR:

THE TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF
PENNSYLVANIA

Name of Individual (Please Print)

Name of Entity (Please print)

/s/ Pravin Kanneganti

Signature

Signature

By:

Pravin Kanneganti

Address:

Title:

Authorized Signatory

Address:

[***]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Series C Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement as of the date first written above.

INVESTORS:

SELECT X, L.P.

By Idealab GP, LLC, its General Partner

By:

/s/ Allen Morgan

Name:

Allen Morgan

Title:

Managing Member


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Series C Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

INVESTOR:

A.T. GEKKO SPV3, LLC

By:

A.T. GEKKO, LLC

Its:

Manager

By:

/s/ Tommy Wang

Tommy Wang, Manager


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Series C Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

INVESTOR:

JJS ASSOCIATES, LP

By:

Jason Hirsch

Its:

Managing Partner

By:

/s/ Jason Hirsch

Name:

Jason Hirsch

Title:

Managing Partner


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Series C Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

INVESTOR:

SCHULER FAMILY 2009 TRUST

By:

/s/ Zack Schuler

Name:

Zack Schuler

Title:

Trustee


Exhibit 10.33

Execution Version

ENERGY VAULT, INC.

AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTOR RIGHTS AGREEMENT

THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTOR RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made as of August 30, 2021, by and among Energy Vault, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the investors who are listed on Schedule A hereto (the “Purchasers”).

RECITALS

A.In connection with the sale and issuance of its Series B-1 Preferred Stock, the Company entered into a certain Amended and Restated Investor Rights Agreement dated as of December 22, 2020 (the “Prior IRA Agreement”) with the purchasers of its Series B-1 Preferred Stock and certain other Purchasers.

B.Now, the Company and certain Purchasers are parties to the Series C Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement dated of even date herewith (the “Purchase Agreement”), whereby the Company will sell, and such Purchasers will buy, Series C Preferred Stock of the Company (the “Series C Preferred Stock”).

C.The obligations of the Company and the Purchasers under the Purchase Agreement are conditioned, among other things, upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company and the Purchasers.

D.Section 15 of the Prior IRA Agreement provides that the consent of the Company and at least a majority of the Registrable Securities then outstanding is required to amend the Prior IRA Agreement; provided, however, that any amendments to Section 8 of the Prior IRA Agreement will require the written consent of the Major Investors (as defined in the Prior IRA Agreement) holding at least a majority of the voting power held by all Major Investors, and provided further, that if the amendment, modification, or waiver specifically affects a specific existing Holder (as defined in the Prior IRA Agreement) both differently than the other Holders (except for any difference associated with or due to the different number of Registrable Securities (as defined in the Prior IRA Agreement) or shares of capital stock held by such Holder) and adversely, then such amendment, modification, or waiver shal require the consent of such Holder to amend the Prior IRA Agreement.

E.The Company desires to grant to the Purchasers, and the Purchasers desire to be granted, the rights created herein and agree to be bound by the terms herein.

AGREEMENT

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants set forth herein, the Company and the existing Purchasers hereby agree that the Prior IRA Agreement shall be amended and replaced in its entirety by this Agreement, and the parties hereto further agree as follows:

1.Certain Definitions.  As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following respective meanings:

Affiliate” means, with respect to any specified Person, any other Person who, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with such Person, including without


limitation any general partner, managing member, officer or director of such Person or any venture capital fund now or hereafter existing that is controlled by one or more general partners or managing members of, or shares the same management company with, such Person. For the avoidance of doubt, a Vision Fund Affiliate shall be deemed to be an “Affiliate” of the Vision Fund for all purposes of this Agreement.

Anti-Corruption Laws” means: (i) the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, (ii) the U.K. Bribery Act 2010, (iii) anti-bribery legislation promulgated by the European Union and implemented by its member states, (iv) legislation adopted in furtherance of the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions, and (v) similar legislation applicable to the Company Group Entities from time to time.

Applicable ABAC Laws” means: (i) the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, (ii) the U.K. Bribery Act 2010, and (iii) all laws and regulations applying to any Company Group Entity, any Associated Person of any Company Group Entity and/or any Purchaser prohibiting bribery or some other form of corruption, including but not limited to fraud and tax evasion.

Applicable AML Laws” means all laws and regulations prohibiting money laundering, including but not limited to attempting to conceal or disguise the identity of illegally obtained proceeds, applying to any Company Group Entity, any Associated Person of any Company Group Entity and/or any Purchaser; such laws including those of Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States of America.

Applicable Trade Laws” means all import and export laws and regulations, including but not limited to economic and financial sanctions, export controls, anti-boycott and customs laws and regulations applying to any Company Group Entity, any Associated Person of any Company Group Entity and/or any Purchaser; such laws and regulations including those imposed by the European Union, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United Nations and United States of America.

Associated Person” means, in relation to a Company Group Entity, an individual or entity (including a director, officer, employee, consultant, agent or other representative) who or that has acted or performed services for or on behalf of that Company Group Entity but only with respect to actions or the performance of services for or on behalf of that Company Group Entity.

Blocked Person” means: (i) an individual or entity included in a restricted or prohibited list pursuant to one or more of the Applicable Trade Laws; (ii) an entity in which one or more Blocked Persons has in the aggregate, whether directly or indirectly, a 50 percent or greater equity interest; or (iii) an entity that is controlled by a Blocked Person.

Business” means the business of the Company Group, as such business may be carried on by any Company Group Entity from time to time.

Co-investment Schememeans any scheme under which certain officers, employees, members or partners of an Investor or its investment adviser, general partner, manager, operator, nominee or any member of its Group are entitled or required (as individuals or through a Fund or any other vehicle) to directly or indirectly acquire securities issued by any member of the Company Group (or otherwise benefit from securities tracking their value).

Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

-2-


Commission” means the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal agency at the time administering the Securities Act.

“Common Stock” means the Company’s Common Stock.

Company Group” means the Company and its subsidiaries from time to time and “Company Group Entity” means any such company.

Conversion Stock” means the Company’s Common Stock issued or issuable pursuant to conversion of the Preferred Stock.

Direct Listing” shall have the meaning set forth in the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation.  For the avoidance of doubt, a Direct Listing shall not be deemed to be an underwritten public offering of the Company’s Common Stock registered under the Securities Act.  Any and all mentions of an underwritten offering or underwriters contained herein shall not apply to a Direct Listing.

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any similar federal statutes and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, all as the same shall be in effect at the time.

Fund” means any fund, bank, company, unit trust, investment trust, investment company, alternative investment vehicle, limited, general or other partnership, industrial provident or friendly society, any collective investment scheme (as defined by the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (“FSMA”)), any investment professional (as defined in article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion Order) 2005 (the “FPO”)), any high net worth company, unincorporated association or partnership (as defined in article 49(2)(a) and (b) of the FPO) or any high value trust (as defined in article 49(6) of the FPO), any pension fund or insurance company or any person who is an authorised person under the FSMA.

FOIA Party” means a Person that, in the reasonable determination of the Board of Directors, may be subject to, and thereby required to disclose non-public information furnished by or relating to the Company under, the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552 (“FOIA”), any state public records access law, any state or other jurisdiction’s laws similar in intent or effect to FOIA, or any other similar statutory or regulatory requirement.

Governmental Entity” means:

(i)any nation, state, county, city or other legal jurisdiction;

(ii)any federal, state, local, municipal, foreign or other government or political sub-division thereof;

(iii)any governmental, quasi-governmental authority or private body exercising any regulatory, taxing or other governmental or quasi-governmental authority, including the UK Prudential Regulation Authority and the UK Financial Conduct Authority and any successor body to either of them exercising regulatory authority in respect of any Company Group Entity; or

(iv)any body exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to the government;

-3-


(v)including with respect to any of (i) to (iv) above (inclusive), any instrumentality, sub-division, court, administrative agency, commission, official or other authority thereof.

Group” means, in relation to any party, any direct or indirect parent undertaking or any direct or indirect subsidiary undertaking of such company from time to time and references to “Group Company” and “member of the Group” shall be construed accordingly.

Helena” means HSI Energy Vault I LLC, HSI Puma LLC, Helena ZePak EV LLC and their respective Affiliates.

Holder” means (i) any Purchaser holding Registrable Securities and (ii) any person holding Registrable Securities to whom rights have been transferred under this Agreement, in accordance with Section 17 hereof.

Initiating Holders” means any Holder who holds (for its own account or together with its Affiliates) not less than 20% of the Registrable Securities then outstanding.

IPO” means, only if a Direct Listing has not occurred, the Company’s first underwritten public offering of its Common Stock under the Securities Act.

Listed Persons” means any Person listed on Schedule D and any other Person at least 25% of whose revenue is derived from long duration utility scale energy storage accessible for more than four (4) hours that the board of directors the Company determines should be a Listed Person and any other Person that the board of directors of the Company (acting with the written approval of at least one director appointed to the board by the holders of Series B Preferred Stock (acting reasonably)) determines should be a Listed Person.

Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, trust, limited liability company, association or other entity.

Preferred Stock” means the Company’s Series FR Preferred Stock, Series Seed 1 Preferred Stock, Series Seed 2 Preferred Stock, Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, Series B-1 Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock

Qualified Direct Listing” shall have the meaning given to it in the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation.

Qualified Initial Public Offering” shall have the meaning given to it in the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation.

Qualified SPAC Transaction” shall have the meaning given to it in the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation.

Qualified Transaction” shall have the meaning given to it in the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation.

Registrable Securities” means (i) the Conversion Stock and (ii) any Common Stock of the Company issued or issuable in respect of any of the foregoing upon any stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization or similar event; provided, however, that securities shall only be treated as Registrable

-4-


Securities if and so long as (x) they have not been registered or sold to or through a broker, dealer, market maker or underwriter in a public distribution or a public securities transaction and (y) the registration rights with respect to such securities have not terminated pursuant to Section 5.11; and provided, further, however that the foregoing definition shall exclude in all cases any Registrable Securities sold by a person in a transaction in which his or her rights and obligations under this Agreement are not assigned.

The terms “register,” “registered” and “registration” refer to a registration effected by preparing and filing a registration statement in compliance with the Securities Act, and the declaration or ordering of the effectiveness of such registration statement.

Registration Expenses” means all expenses, except as otherwise stated below, incurred by the Company in complying with Sections 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3 hereof, including without limitation, all federal and state registration, qualification, listing and filing fees, printing expenses, escrow fees, fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company, blue sky fees and expenses, the expense of any special audits incident to or required by any such registration (but excluding the compensation of regular employees of the Company which shall be paid in any event by the Company).  Registration Expenses shall also include the fees and disbursements for one special counsel to the selling stockholders selected by the holders of a majority of shares being offered for sale by such selling stockholders, not to exceed $50,000 per registration.

Restricted Securities” means the securities of the Company required to bear the legends set forth in Section 3 hereof.

RSU Plan” shall have the meaning given in Section 13.

Rule 144” and “Rule 145” mean Rules 144 and 145, respectively, promulgated under the Securities Act, or any similar federal rules thereunder, all as the same shall be in effect at the time.

Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any similar federal statutes and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, all as the same shall be in effect at the time.

Selling Expenses” means all underwriting discounts, selling commissions and stock transfer taxes applicable to the securities registered by the Holders and, except as set forth above, all fees and disbursements of counsel for the Holders.

Series A Preferred Stock” means the Series A-1 Preferred Stock and the Series A-2 Preferred Stock.

SPAC Transaction” shall have the meaning given to it in the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation.

Transaction Documents” means this Agreement, the amended and restated voting agreement, the amended and restated right of first refusal and co-sale agreement, the Purchase Agreement and the amended and restated certificate of incorporation each entered into between or approved by inter alia the Company and the Vision Fund into on or around the date hereof (as applicable).

Vision Fund” means SoftBank Vision Fund (AIV M2) L.P. acting by its manager, SB Investment Advisers (UK) Limited and any person to whom SoftBank Vision Fund (AIV M2) L.P. acting

-5-


by its manager, SB Investment Advisers (UK) Limited transfers Preferred Stock and who adheres to this Agreement in the capacity of the Vision Fund.

Vision Fund Affiliate” means, in relation to the Vision Fund:

(i)each Affiliate of the Vision Fund or SoftBank Group Corp.;

(ii)any general partner or limited partner or other partner of, or trustee, nominee, custodian, operator or manager of, or investment adviser to, SoftBank Vision Fund L.P. or any of its, or SoftBank Group Corp.’s, Affiliates;

(iii)any group undertaking of any general partner, trustee, nominee, custodian, operator or manager of, or investment adviser to, SoftBank Vision Fund L.P. or any of its, or SoftBank Group Corp.’s, Affiliates;

(iv)any Fund which has the same general partner, trustee, nominee, operator, manager, or investment adviser as SoftBank Vision Fund L.P. or any of its, or SoftBank Group Corp.’s, Affiliates;

(v)any Fund which is advised, or the assets of which (or some material part thereof) are managed (whether solely or jointly with others), by the Vision Fund or any Affiliate of SoftBank Vision Fund L.P. or SoftBank Group Corp.;

(vi)any Fund in respect of which the Vision Fund or any of its, or SoftBank Group Corp.’s, Affiliates is a general partner, manager or investment adviser; or

(vii)any Co-investment Scheme of the Vision Fund or any of its, or SoftBank Group Corp.’s, Affiliates, or its investment adviser, manager, operator or nominee.

2.Restrictions on Transferability.  The Preferred Stock, the Conversion Stock and any other securities issued in respect of such stock upon any stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, merger, or similar event, shall not be sold, assigned, transferred or pledged except upon the conditions specified in this Agreement, which conditions are intended to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Securities Act.  For the avoidance of doubt and notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Vision Fund may at any time transfer its Preferred Stock or any other securities in the Company held by it from time to time to any Vision Fund Affiliate. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no securities of the Company may be transferred to any of Listed Persons without the Company's prior written consent. Each Holder or transferee will cause any proposed purchaser, assignee, transferee, or pledgee of any such shares held by the Holder or transferee to agree to take and hold such securities subject to the restrictions and upon the conditions specified in this Agreement.

3.Restrictive Legends.  Each certificate representing the Preferred Stock, the Conversion Stock or any other securities issued in respect of such stock upon any stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, merger, or similar event, shall (unless otherwise permitted by the provisions of Section 4 below) be stamped or otherwise imprinted with legends in substantially the following form (in addition to any legends required by agreement or by applicable state securities laws):

-6-


THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “ACT”).  SUCH SECURITIES MAY NOT BE OFFERRED, SOLD, TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED OR HYPOTHECATED UNLESS A REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE ACT IS IN EFFECT AS TO SUCH OFFER, SALE, TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR HYPOTHECATION, OR UNLESS THE ISSUER RECEIVES AN OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE ISSUER THAT SUCH OFFER, SALE, TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR HYPOTHECATION MAY BE MADE PURSUANT TO RULE 144 OR IS OTHERWISE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE ACT.

THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO A LOCKUP PERIOD OF UP TO 180 DAYS FOLLOWING THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF A REGISTRATION STATEMENT OF THE ISSUER FILED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AS SET FORTH IN AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE ISSUER AND THE ORIGINAL HOLDER OF THESE SHARES, A COPY OF WHICH MAY BE OBTAINED AT THE PRINCIPAL OFFICE OF THE ISSUER.  SUCH LOCKUP PERIOD IS BINDING ON TRANSFEREES OF THESE SHARES.

Each Holder consents to the Company making a notation on its records and giving stop transfer instructions to any transfer agent of its capital stock in order to implement the restrictions on transfer established in this Agreement.

4.Notice of Proposed Transfers.  The holder of each certificate representing Restricted Securities by acceptance thereof agrees to comply in all respects with the provisions of this Section 4.  Without in any way limiting the immediately preceding sentence, no sale, assignment, transfer or pledge of Restricted Securities shall be made by any holder thereof to any person unless such person shall first agree in writing to be bound by the restrictions of this Agreement.  Prior to any proposed sale, assignment, transfer or pledge of any Restricted Securities, unless there is in effect a registration statement under the Securities Act covering the proposed transfer, the holder thereof shall give written notice to the Company of such holder’s intention to effect such transfer, sale, assignment or pledge.  Each such notice shall describe the manner and circumstances of the proposed transfer, sale, assignment or pledge in sufficient detail, and, if requested by the Company, the holder shall also provide, at such holder’s expense, either (i) a written opinion of legal counsel who shall be, and whose legal opinion shall be, reasonably satisfactory to the Company and addressed to the Company, to the effect that the proposed transfer of the Restricted Securities may be effected without registration under the Securities Act, or (ii) a “no action” letter from the Commission to the effect that the transfer of such securities without registration will not result in a recommendation by the staff of the Commission that action be taken with respect thereto, whereupon the holder of such Restricted Securities shall be entitled to transfer such Restricted Securities in accordance with the terms of the notice delivered by the holder to the Company; and provided, further, however neither an opinion of counsel nor a “no action” letter shall be required with respect to (a) a transfer not involving a change in beneficial ownership, (b) a transaction involving the distribution without consideration of Restricted Securities by the holder to any affiliate of the holder, (v) a transaction involving the transfer without consideration of Restricted Securities by an individual holder during such holder’s lifetime by way of gift or on death by will or intestacy,  (d) a transfer to a parent, subsidiary or successor entity of the holder or (e) a transaction in compliance with Rule 144.  For purposes of this Section 4, a parent, subsidiary or successor entity shall mean any corporation, limited liability company or partnership owning not less than 50% of the holder, or any such entity which is owned at least 50% by the holder, and that qualifies as an

-7-


“accredited investor” as that term is defined in Rule 501 promulgated under the Securities Act.  Each certificate evidencing the Restricted Securities transferred as above provided shall bear, the appropriate restrictive legend set forth in Section 3 above, except that such certificate shall not bear such restrictive legend if in the opinion of counsel for such holder and counsel for the Company such legend is not required in order to establish compliance with any provision of the Securities Act.

5.Registration.

5.1Requested Registration.

(a)Request for Registration.  In case the Company shall receive from Initiating Holders a written request that the Company effect any registration with respect to shares of Registrable Securities, the Company will:

(i)promptly give written notice of the proposed registration to all other Holders; and

(ii)unless otherwise requested by the Initiating Holders, as soon as practicable, use commercially reasonable efforts to effect such registration as part of a firm commitment underwritten public offering with underwriters reasonably acceptable to the Initiating Holders and the Company (including, without limitation, appropriate qualification under applicable state securities laws and appropriate compliance with applicable regulations issued under the Securities Act and any other governmental requirements or regulations) as may be so requested and, subject to Section 5.1(b), as would permit or facilitate the sale and distribution of all or such portion of such Registrable Securities as are specified in such request, together with all or such portion of the Registrable Securities of any Holder or Holders joining in such request by delivering a written notice to such effect to the Company within twenty days after the date of such written notice from the Company.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not be obligated to take any action to effect or complete any such registration pursuant to this Section 5.1:

(A)Prior to the earlier of 180 days after the (i) effective date of the IPO, (ii) the effective date of the Direct Listing, and (iii) the consummation of the merger effected in connection with the SPAC Transaction;

(B)Unless the requested registration would have an aggregate offering price of all Registrable Securities sought to be registered by all Holders, net of underwriting discounts and commissions, exceeding $5,000,000;

(C)Following the filing of, and for 180 days immediately following the effective date of, any registration statement pertaining to securities of the Company (other than a registration of securities in a Rule 145 transaction or with respect to an employee benefit plan), provided that the Company is actively employing in good faith commercially reasonable efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective;

(D)After the Company has effected two registrations pursuant to this Section 5.1(a) in which the Initiating Holders were able to sell at least 50% of the Registrable Securities sought to be included and such registrations have been declared or ordered effective;

-8-


(E)If the Initiating Holders are able to request a registration on Form S-3 pursuant to Section 5.3 hereof;

(F)Within twelve (12) months after the Company has effected such a registration pursuant to this Section 5.1(a), and such registration has been declared or ordered effective; or

(G)If the Company shall furnish to the Initiating Holders a certificate signed by the President of the Company (i) giving notice of its bona fide intention to effect the filing of a registration statement with the Commission within 120 days, or (ii) stating that in the good faith judgment of the Board of Directors it would be seriously detrimental to the Company or its stockholders for a registration statement to be filed in the near future.  In such case, the Company’s obligation to use its commercially reasonable efforts to register, qualify or comply under this Section 5.1(a) shall be deferred one or more times for a period not to exceed 180 days from the receipt of the request to file such registration by such Initiating Holder or Holders, provided that the Company may not exercise this deferral right more than once per twelve month period; or

Subject to the foregoing clauses (A) through (G), the Company shall file a registration statement covering the Registrable Securities so requested to be registered as soon as practicable after receipt of the request or requests of the Initiating Holders.

(b)Underwriting.  In the event of a registration pursuant to Section 5.1(a) relating to an underwritten public offering, the Company shall advise the Holders as part of the notice given pursuant to Section 5.1(a)(i) that the right of any Holder to registration pursuant to Section 5.1 shall be conditioned upon such Holder’s participation in the underwriting arrangements required by this Section 5.1(b), and the inclusion of such Holder’s Registrable Securities in the underwriting to the extent requested shall be limited to the extent provided herein.

In the event of an underwritten public offering, the Company shall, together with all Holders proposing to distribute their Registrable Securities through such underwriting, enter into an underwriting agreement in customary form with the managing underwriter selected for such underwriting by a majority in interest of the Initiating Holders, but subject to the Company’s reasonable approval.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 5.1, if the managing underwriter determines that marketing factors require a limitation of the number of shares to be underwritten, the managing underwriter may limit the Registrable Securities to be included in such registration to an amount that is not less than 33% of all shares requested to be included in such offering.  The Company shall so advise all Holders requesting to be included in the registration and underwriting, and the number of shares of Registrable Securities that may be included in the registration and underwriting shall be allocated among all Holders requesting to be included in the registration and underwriting in proportion, as nearly as practicable, to the respective amounts of Registrable Securities held by them at the time of filing the registration statement.  No Registrable Securities excluded from the underwriting by reason of the underwriter’s marketing limitation shall be included in such registration.  To facilitate the allocation of shares in accordance with the above provisions, the Company or the underwriters may round the number of shares allocated to any Holder to the nearest 100 shares.  If any Holder of Registrable Securities disapproves of the terms of the underwriting, such person may elect to withdraw therefrom by written notice to the Company.

-9-


5.2Company Registration.

(a)Notice of Registration.  If at any time or from time to time the Company shall determine to register any of its equity securities, either for its own account or the account of a Holder or other holders, other than (i) a registration relating solely to employee benefit plans, (ii) a registration relating solely to a Rule 145 transaction, or (iii) a registration in which the only equity security being registered is Common Stock issuable upon conversion of convertible debt securities which are also being registered, the Company will:

(i)promptly give to each Holder written notice thereof; and

(ii)include in such registration (and any related qualifications including compliance with Blue Sky laws), and in any underwriting involved therein, subject to Section 5.2(b) all the Registrable Securities specified in a written request or requests, made within ten days after the date of such written notice from the Company, by any Holder.

(b)Underwriting.  If the registration of which the Company gives notice is for a registered public offering involving an underwriting, the Company shall so advise the Holders as a part of the written notice given pursuant to Section 5.2(a)(i).  In such event, the right of any Holder to registration pursuant to Section 5.2(a) shall be conditioned upon such Holder’s participation in such underwriting and the inclusion of Registrable Securities in the underwriting shall be limited to the extent provided herein.

All Holders proposing to distribute their securities through such underwriting shall (together with the Company and the other Holders distributing their securities through such underwriting) enter into an underwriting agreement in customary form with the managing underwriter selected for such underwriting by the Company.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 5.2, if the managing underwriter determines that marketing factors require a limitation of the number of shares to be underwritten, the managing underwriter may limit the Registrable Securities to be included in such registration to zero.  The Company shall so advise all Holders requesting to be included in the registration and underwriting, and the number of shares of Registrable Securities that may be included in the registration and underwriting shall be allocated among all the Holders requesting to be included in the registration and underwriting in proportion, as nearly as practicable, to the respective amounts of Registrable Securities held by them at the time of filing the registration statement.  To facilitate the allocation of shares in accordance with the above provisions, the Company or the underwriters may round the number of shares allocated to any Holder to the nearest 100 shares.  If any Holder disapproves of the terms of any such underwriting, such person may elect to withdraw therefrom by written notice to the Company.

(c)Right to Terminate Registration.  The Company shall have the right to terminate or withdraw any registration initiated by it under this Section 5.2 prior to the effectiveness of such registration whether or not any Holder has elected to include securities in such registration.

5.3Registration on Form S-3.(a)In case the Company shall receive from Initiating Holders a written request that the Company file a registration statement on Form S-3 (or any successor form to Form S-3) for a public offering of shares of the Registrable Securities the aggregate price to the public of which, net of underwriting discounts and commissions, would exceed $1,000,000, and the Company is a registrant entitled to use Form S-3 to register the Registrable Securities for such an offering, the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Registrable Securities to be registered for the

-10-


offering on Form S-3 and to cause such Registrable Securities to be qualified in such jurisdictions as such Holder or Holders may reasonably request.  If such offer is to be an underwritten offer, the underwriters shall be selected by a majority in interest of the Initiating Holders, but subject to the Company’s reasonable approval.  The Company shall promptly inform the other Holders by written notice of the proposed registration and offer them the opportunity to participate.  In the event the registration is proposed to be part of a firm commitment underwritten public offering, the substantive provisions of Section 5.1(b) shall be applicable to each such registration initiated under this Section 5.3.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not be obligated to take any action pursuant to this Section 5.3:

(i)Following the filing of, and for 180 days immediately following the effective date of, any registration statement pertaining to securities of the Company (other than a registration of securities in a Rule 145 transaction or with respect to an employee benefit plan), provided that the Company is actively employing in good faith commercially reasonable efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective;

(ii)Within twelve (12) months after the Company has effected such a registration pursuant to this Section 5.3(a) and such registration has been declared or ordered effective; or

(iii)If the Company shall furnish to the Initiating Holders a certificate signed by the President of the Company (i) giving notice of its bona fide intention to effect the filing of a registration statement with the Commission within 120 days, or (ii) stating that, in the good faith judgment of the Board of Directors it would be seriously detrimental to the Company or its stockholders for a registration statement to be filed in the near future, then the Company’s obligation to use its commercially reasonable efforts to file a registration statement shall be deferred one or more times for a period not to exceed 180 days from the receipt of the request to file such registration by such Initiating Holder or Holders, provided that the Company may not exercise this deferral right more than once per twelve month period.

(b)The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to permit or facilitate the sale and distribution of all or such portion of such Registrable Securities as are specified in the request by the Initiating Holders pursuant to Section 5.3(a), together with all or such portion of the Registrable Securities of any Holder or Holders who, by delivery of a written notice to the Company within twenty days after the date of the written notice from the Company regarding the proposed registration pursuant to Section 5.3(a), request to join such proposed registration.

5.4Subsequent Registration Rights.

(a)Without the consent of any holder of Registrable Securities hereunder, the Company may grant to any holder of securities of the Company registration rights inferior to those granted hereunder.

(b)The Company shall not enter into any agreement granting any holder or prospective holder of any securities of the Company registration rights superior to or on a pari passu basis with the rights granted the Holders hereunder without the written consent of the holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities.  Superior or pari passu means registration rights that would allow such holder or prospective holder to include any of such securities in any registration filed under Section 5.1 or Section

-11-


5.3 of this Agreement, the inclusion of such securities would reduce the amount of the Registrable Securities of the Holders that are included.

5.5Expenses of Registration.  All Registration Expenses incurred in connection with (i) two registrations pursuant to Section 5.1, (ii) all registrations pursuant to Section 5.2, and (iii) all registrations pursuant to Section 5.3, shall be borne by the Company.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that Initiating Holders cause the Company to begin a registration pursuant to Section 5.1, and the request for such registration is subsequently withdrawn by the Initiating Holders or such registration is not completed due to failure to meet the net proceeds requirement set forth in such section or is otherwise not successfully completed due to no fault of the Company, all Holders shall be deemed to have forfeited their right to one registration under Section 5.1 unless the Initiating Holders pay for, or reimburse the Company for, the Registration Expenses incurred in connection with such withdrawn or incomplete registration.  Unless otherwise stated, all Selling Expenses relating to securities registered on behalf of the Holders shall be borne by the Holders of such securities pro rata on the basis of the number of shares so registered or proposed to be so registered.

5.6Registration Procedures.  In the case of each registration effected by the Company pursuant to this Agreement, the Company will keep each Holder advised in writing as to the initiation of such registration and as to the completion thereof.  The Company will:

(a)Prepare and file with the Commission a registration statement and such amendments and supplements thereto and the prospectus used in connection therewith as may be necessary and use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such registration statement to become and remain effective for at least 90 days or until the distribution described in the registration statement has been completed, whichever first occurs;

(b)Furnish to the Holders participating in such registration and to the underwriters of the securities being registered such reasonable number of copies of the registration statement, preliminary prospectus, final prospectus and such other documents as such underwriters may reasonably request in order to facilitate the public offering of such securities;

(c)Use its reasonable efforts to register and qualify the securities covered by such registration statement under such other securities or Blue Sky laws of such jurisdictions as shall be reasonably requested by the Holders, provided that the Company shall not be required in connection therewith or as a condition thereto to qualify to do business or to file a general consent to service of process in any such states or jurisdictions; and

(d)Use its reasonable efforts to cause all such Registrable Securities registered pursuant hereunder to be listed on each securities exchange and trading system (if any) on which similar securities issued by the Company are then listed.

5.7Indemnification.(a) To the extent permitted by law, the Company will indemnify and hold harmless, each Holder and each of its officers, directors, partners and members and each person controlling such Holder within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, with respect to which registration has been effected pursuant to this Agreement, against all expenses, claims, losses, damages and liabilities (or actions in respect thereof), including any of the foregoing incurred in settlement of any litigation, commenced or threatened, arising out of or based on any untrue statement (or alleged untrue statement) of a material fact contained in any registration statement, prospectus, offering circular or other

-12-


document, or any amendment or supplement thereto, incident to any such registration, or based on any omission (or alleged omission) to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading, or any violation (or alleged violation) of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, state securities laws or any rule or regulation promulgated under such laws in connection with any such registration (a “Violation”) by the Company, and the Company will reimburse each such Holder, each of its officers, directors, partners and members and each person controlling such Holder, for any legal and any other expenses reasonably incurred, as such expenses are incurred, in connection with investigating, preparing or defending any such claim, loss, damage, liability or action, provided that the Company will not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such claim, loss, damage, liability, expense arises out of or is based on any untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission, made, or a Violation occurs, in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by such Holder or controlling person, and stated to be specifically for use therein; provided, however, that the indemnity agreement contained in this subsection 5.7(a) shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any such loss, claim, damage, liability, or action if such settlement is effected without the consent of the Company, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

(b)To the extent permitted by law, each Holder will, if Registrable Securities held by such Holder are included in the securities as to which such registration is being effected, indemnify and hold harmless the Company, each of its directors and officers, other holders of the Company’s securities covered by such registration statement, each person who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, and each other Holder, each of its officers and directors and each person controlling such Holder within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, against all claims, losses, damages and liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arising out of or based on any untrue statement (or alleged untrue statement) of a material fact contained in any such registration statement, prospectus, offering circular or other document, or any omission (or alleged omission) to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading, or any Violation by the Holder, and will reimburse the Company, such other Holders, such directors, officers, persons, underwriters or control persons for any legal or any other expenses reasonably incurred, as such expenses are incurred, in connection with investigating or defending any such claim, loss, damage, liability or action, but in the case of the Company or the other Holders or their officers, directors or controlling persons, only to the extent that such untrue statement (or alleged untrue statement) or omission (or alleged omission) is made in such registration statement, prospectus, offering circular or other document, or a Violation occurs, in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished to the Company by such Holder, and stated to be specifically for use therein; provided, however, that the indemnity agreement contained in this Section 5.7(b) shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any such loss, claim, damage, liability, or action if such settlement is effected without the consent of the Holder, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the liability of each Holder under Section 5.7(b) shall be limited in an amount equal to the proceeds from the public offering of the Registrable Securities sold by such Holder, unless such liability arises out of or is based on willful misconduct or fraud by such Holder.

(c)Each party entitled to indemnification under this Section 5.7 (the “Indemnified Party”) shall give notice to the party required to provide indemnification (the “Indemnifying Party”) promptly after such Indemnified Party has actual knowledge of any claim as to which indemnity may be sought, and shall permit the Indemnifying Party to assume the defense of any such claim or any litigation resulting therefrom, provided that counsel for the Indemnifying Party, who shall conduct the defense of such claim or litigation, shall be approved by the Indemnified Party (whose approval shall not

-13-


unreasonably be withheld), and the Indemnified Party may participate in such defense at such party’s expense, and provided further that the failure of any Indemnified Party to give notice as provided herein shall relieve the Indemnifying Party of its obligations under this Agreement only to the extent that the failure to give such notice is materially prejudicial to an Indemnifying Party’s ability to defend such action and provided further, that the Indemnifying Party shall not assume the defense for matters as to which there is a conflict of interest or there are separate and different defenses, in which case, the Indemnifying Party shall pay for the reasonable costs and expenses of one separate counsel to be selected by the Indemnified Party.  No Indemnifying Party, in the defense of any such claim or litigation, shall, except with the consent of each Indemnified Party (whose consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement which does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such Indemnified Party of a release from all liability in respect to such claim or litigation.

(d)If the indemnification provided for in this Section 5.7 is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unavailable to an Indemnified Party with respect to any loss, liability, claim, damage, expense or Violation referred to therein, then the Indemnifying Party, in lieu of indemnifying such Indemnified Party hereunder, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Indemnified Party as a result of such loss, liability, claim, damage, expense or violation in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the Indemnifying Party on the one hand and of the Indemnified Party on the other in connection with the statements or omissions that resulted in such loss, liability, claim, damage, expense or Violation as well as any other relevant equitable considerations; provided, that in no event shall any contribution by a Holder under this Section 5.7(d) exceed an amount equal to the aggregate net proceeds of the Registrable Securities sold by such Holder, unless such liability arises out of or is based upon willful misconduct or fraud by such Holder.  The relative fault of the Indemnifying Party and of the Indemnified Party shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission to state a material fact or Violation relates to information supplied by the Indemnifying Party or by the indemnified party and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information, and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.

(e)Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that the provisions on indemnification and contribution contained in the underwriting agreement entered into in connection with the underwritten public offering are in conflict with the foregoing provisions, the provisions in the underwriting agreement shall control.

(f)Unless otherwise superseded by an underwriting agreement entered into in connection with the underwritten public offering, the obligations of the Company and Holders under this Section 5.7 shall survive the completion of any offering of Registrable Securities in a registration statement under this Section 5 and otherwise shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

5.8Information by Holder.  The Holder or Holders of Registrable Securities included in any registration shall furnish to the Company such information regarding such Holder or Holders, the Registrable Securities held by them and the distribution proposed by such Holder or Holders as the Company may request in writing and as shall be required in connection with any registration referred to in this Agreement.

5.9Rule 144 Reporting.  With a view to making available the benefits of certain rules and regulations of the Commission which may permit the sale of the Restricted Securities to the public

-14-


without registration at any time after a public market exists for the Common Stock, the Company agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to:

(a)Make and keep public information available, as those terms are understood and defined in Rule 144, at all times after the effective date that the Company becomes subject to the periodic reporting requirements under Section 15 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act;

(b)File with the Commission in a timely manner all reports and other documents required of the Company under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act (at any time after it has become subject to such reporting requirements); and

(c)So long as a Holder owns any Restricted Securities, to furnish to the Holder forthwith upon request a written statement by the Company as to its compliance with the reporting requirements of Rule 144 (at any time after 90 days after the effective date of the first registration statement filed by the Company for an offering of its securities to the general public), a copy of the most recent annual or quarterly report of the Company, and such other reports and documents of the Company and other information in the possession of or reasonably obtainable by the Company as the Holder may reasonably request in availing itself of any rule or regulation of the Commission allowing the Holder to sell any such securities without registration.

5.10Delay of Registration.  No Holder shall have any right to obtain or seek an injunction restraining or otherwise delaying any registration as the result of any controversy that might arise with respect to the interpretation or implementation of this Section 5.

5.11Termination of Registration Rights.  The rights granted pursuant to Sections 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3 of this Agreement shall terminate as to any Holder upon the earlier of (i) the date four years after the effective date of the IPO, Direct Listing or SPAC Transaction and (ii) the date such Holder is able to immediately sell all shares of Registrable Securities held or entitled to be held upon conversion by such Holder under Rule 144 during any 90-day period; provided, that in the event of a SPAC Transaction, the rights and obligations of the Company set forth in Section 5 shall be automatically (and the Company shall use its reasonable endeavours to procure that such rights and obligations are) assumed or substituted in full by the surviving or resulting corporation from such SPAC Transaction, and thereafter the Company shall have no further obligations under this Section 5; provided further, that the restrictions set forth in Sections 2, Section 3, Section 5 and Section 7; shall continue to apply to any Registrable Securities of the special purpose acquisition company acquired by the Holders in exchange for the securities of the Company held by the Holders immediately prior to the consummation of the SPAC Transaction.

6.Financial Information Rights.(a)The Company will provide the following documents to each other party hereto that continues to hold at least four percent (4%) of the issued and outstanding Preferred Stock (or an equivalent amount of Common Stock issued upon conversion thereof) (“Major Investor”); provided, however that Prime Movers Growth Fund I LP (together with its affiliates, “PML”) shall be deemed a Major Investor so long as it holds at least 229,211 shares of Series C Preferred Stock:

(i)As soon as practicable after the end of each fiscal year and in any event within 45 days after the end of each fiscal year, estimated consolidated balance sheets of the Company and its subsidiaries, if any, as of the end of each fiscal year, and estimated consolidated statements of operations and estimated consolidated statements of cash flows of the Company and its subsidiaries, if any, for such fiscal year, prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, subject to

-15-


changes resulting from year-end audit adjustments, and setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and signed by the principal financial or accounting officer of the Company, and an estimated capitalization table in reasonable detail as of the end of such fiscal year;

(ii)As soon as practicable after the end of each fiscal year and in any event within 180 days after the end of each fiscal year, (a) consolidated balance sheets of the Company and its subsidiaries, if any, as of the end of such fiscal year, and consolidated statements of operations and consolidated statements of cash flows and stockholders’ equity of the Company and its subsidiaries, if any, for such fiscal year, prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and audited by independent public accountants of national standing selected by the Company, and a capitalization table in reasonable detail for such fiscal year;

(iii)As soon as practicable after the end of the first, second and third quarterly accounting periods in each fiscal year of the Company and in any event within 45 days thereafter, a consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its subsidiaries, if any, as of the end of each such quarterly period, and consolidated statements of operations and consolidated statements of cash flows of the Company and its subsidiaries, if any, for such period and for the current fiscal year to date, prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (other than accompanying notes), subject to changes resulting from year-end audit adjustments, in reasonable detail and signed by the principal financial or accounting officer of the Company; and

(iv)As soon as practicable, but in any event at least thirty (30) days before the end of each fiscal year, a detailed operating budget for the next fiscal year (collectively, the “Budget”), forecasting the Company’s revenues, expenses and cash position on a quarterly basis, for each upcoming fiscal year;

(v)Such other documents generally distributed or made available to the Company’s stockholders; provided, however, that the Company shall not be obligated to provide information which it deems in good faith to be proprietary or confidential or the disclosure of which would adversely affect the attorney-client privilege between the Company and its counsel.

(b)For purposes of determining the minimum holdings pursuant to this Section 6, (i) any Purchaser which is a partnership or limited liability company shall be deemed to hold any Preferred Stock and/or Conversion Stock originally purchased by such Purchaser and subsequently distributed to constituent partners or members of such Purchaser, but which have not been resold by such partners or members, (ii) any Purchaser shall be deemed to hold any Preferred Stock and/or Conversion Stock originally purchased by such Purchaser and subsequently transferred to a family member, but which have not been resold by such family members, and (iii) any Purchaser shall be deemed to hold any Preferred Stock and/or Conversion Stock originally purchased by such Purchaser and subsequently transferred to an Affiliate (including in the case of the Vision Fund, a Vision Fund Affiliate), but which have not been resold by such Affiliate or Vision Fund Affiliate.  If the partnership or limited liability company is still in existence, the Company may satisfy any obligation to distribute reports to individual partners of the partnership or members of a limited liability company by delivering a single copy of each report to the partnership or limited liability company as agent for the constituent partners or members.

-16-


(c)For so long as Helena, Idealab Holdings, LLC, Idealab Studio, LLC, the Vision Fund, any Vision Fund Affiliate or PML holds any Preferred Stock and/or Conversion Stock in the Company, the Company shall provide to such Holder the information as set out in Section 6(a), and must procure that any director and observer of the Company nominated by such Holder receives from the Company, the following:

(i)unaudited monthly consolidated financial statements and key operating metrics, within thirty (30) days of the end of each month;

(ii)annual comprehensive operating budget, including but not limited to, a forecast of the Company’s revenues, expenses, and cash position on a month-to-month basis for the following fiscal year, within thirty (30) days prior to the end of each fiscal year;

(iii)as soon as practicable, but in any event within thirty (30) days, following the end of each quarter or changes to capital structure, a copy of the then-current capitalization table showing a breakdown of shares outstanding, by class of share, and a breakdown of the option pool issued and outstanding, including strike prices; and

(iv)upon the written request by such Holder, such other information as the Vision Fund shall reasonably request.

(d)Each Purchaser or transferee of rights under this Section 6 acknowledges and agrees that any information obtained pursuant to this Section 6 which may be considered nonpublic information will be maintained in confidence by such Purchaser or transferee and will not be utilized by such Purchaser or transferee in connection with purchases or sales of the Company’s securities except in compliance with applicable state and federal securities laws.

(e)The covenants of the Company set forth in this Section 6 shall terminate and be of no further force or effect upon the earliest to occur of

(i)the closing of a Qualified Initial Public Offering;

(ii)such time as the Company first becomes subject to the periodic reporting requirements of Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act;

(iii)the consummation of a Qualified Direct Listing;

(iv)the consummation of a Qualified SPAC Transaction; or

(v)the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and the distribution of substantially all of the proceeds thereof or the acquisition of the Company by another entity by means of merger or consolidation resulting in the exchange of the outstanding shares of the Company for securities or consideration issued, or caused to be issued, by the acquiring corporation or its subsidiary, unless the stockholders of the Company hold at least 50% of the voting power of the surviving corporation in approximately the same relative percentages after such acquisition as before such acquisition in such a transaction.

If, for any period, the Company has any subsidiary whose accounts are consolidated with those of the Company, then in respect of such period the financial statements delivered pursuant to the foregoing

-17-


sections shall be the consolidated and consolidating financial statements of the Company and all such consolidated subsidiaries.

7.Lockup Agreement.  Each Holder hereby agrees that it will not, without the prior written consent of the managing underwriter, during the period commencing on the date of the final prospectus relating to the registration by the Company of shares of its Common Stock or any other equity securities under the Securities Act on a registration statement on Form S-1 or Form S-3, and ending on the date specified by the Company and the managing underwriter (such period not to exceed one hundred eighty (180) days in the case of the IPO or a SPAC Transaction, or such other period as may be requested by the Company or an underwriter to accommodate regulatory restrictions on (1) the publication or other distribution of research reports, and (2) analyst recommendations and opinions, including, but not limited to, the restrictions contained in FINRA Rule 2241, or any successor provisions or amendments thereto, or ninety (90) days in the case of any registration other than the IPO, or such other period as may be requested by the Company or an underwriter to accommodate regulatory restrictions on (1) the publication or other distribution of research reports and (2) analyst recommendations and opinions, including, but not limited to, the restrictions contained in FINRA Rule 2241, or any successor provisions or amendments thereto), (i) lend; offer; pledge; sell; contract to sell; sell any option or contract to purchase; purchase any option or contract to sell; grant any option, right, or warrant to purchase; or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable (directly or indirectly) for Common Stock held immediately before the effective date of the registration statement for such offering or (ii) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of such securities, whether any such transaction described in clause (i) or (ii) above is to be settled by delivery of Common Stock or other securities, in cash, or otherwise.  The foregoing provisions of this Section 7 shall not apply to the sale of any shares to an underwriter pursuant to an underwriting agreement, or the transfer of any shares to any trust for the direct or indirect benefit of the Holder or the immediate family of the Holder, provided that the trustee of the trust agrees to be bound in writing by the restrictions set forth herein, and provided further that any such transfer shall not involve a disposition for value, and shall be applicable to the Holders only if all officers, directors and stockholders individually owning more than one percent (1%) of the Company’s outstanding Common Stock (after giving effect to conversion into Common Stock of all outstanding Preferred Stock) are subject to similar restrictions. The underwriters in connection with such registration are intended third party beneficiaries of this Section 7 and shall have the right, power and authority to enforce the provisions hereof as though they were a party hereto.  Each Holder further agrees to execute such agreements as may be reasonably requested by the underwriters in connection with such registration that are consistent with this Section 7 or that are necessary to give further effect thereto.  Any discretionary waiver or termination of the restrictions of any or all of such agreements by the Company or the underwriters shall apply pro rata to all Holders subject to such agreements, based on the number of shares subject to such agreements; provided further that in the event that the Company becomes aware that an underwriter has released any director or officer, or any stockholders owning more than one percent (1%) of the Company’s outstanding Common Stock from their lock-up agreements pursuant to this Section 7, the Company shall use its best efforts to cause the underwriters to release the Holders pro rata and the Company shall not consent to any release that is not pro rata without the approval of the Holders holding a majority of the Registrable Securities held by all selling Holders. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, including this Section 7, a Purchaser may, directly or indirectly, mortgage, pledge, charge, assign as security or otherwise encumber its Preferred Stock and Conversion Stock at any time.  The foregoing provisions of this Section 7 shall not apply to a registration relating solely to employee benefit plans on Form S-1 or Form S-8 (or any successor form to Form S-1 or S-8, as applicable), or a registration relating solely to a transaction on Form S-4 (or any successor form to Form S-4).

-18-


8.Right of First Refusal.

(a)The Company hereby grants to each Major Investor the right of first refusal to purchase its Pro Rata Share of New Securities (as defined in this Section 8) which the Company may, from time to time, propose to sell and issue.  A Major Investor shall be entitled to apportion the right of first refusal hereby granted to such Major Investor in such proportions as it deemed appropriate, among (i) such Major Investor and (ii) such Major Investor’s Affiliates; provided that each such Affiliate (x) is not a Listed Person or FOIA Party, unless such party’s purchase of New Securities is otherwise consented to by the Board of Directors, and (y) agrees to enter into this Agreement and each of the Amended and Restated Voting Agreement and Amended and Restated Right of First Refusal and Co-sale Agreement then in effect among the Company, the Investors and the other parties named therein, as a “Stockholder” or “Investor,” as applicable, under each such agreement (provided that any competitor or potential competitor or FOIA Party shall not be entitled to any rights as a Major Investor under Section 6 and Section 8(a) hereof).  A “Pro Rata Share,” for purposes of this right of first refusal, equals the proportion that the total number of shares of Preferred Stock then issued to and held by such Major Investor plus the number of shares of Conversion Stock then held by such Major Investor (without duplication) bears to the sum of the total number of shares of Common Stock then outstanding plus the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise or conversion of all then outstanding securities exercisable for or convertible into Common Stock.

(b)Except as set forth below, “New Securities” shall mean any shares of capital stock of the Company, including Common Stock and any series of preferred stock, whether now authorized or not, and rights, options or warrants to purchase said shares of Common Stock or preferred stock, and securities of any type whatsoever that are, or may become, convertible into or exchangeable for said shares of Common Stock or preferred stock.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, “New Securities” does not include stock issued and issuable:  (i) upon conversion of shares of Preferred Stock or other convertible securities; (ii) to employees, consultants or directors pursuant to stock option, stock grant, stock purchase or similar plans or arrangements approved by the Board of Directors, including without limitation upon the exercise of options, and to employee search firms; (iii) to lessors, banks, financial institutions or similar entities in a transaction approved by the Board of Directors, the principal purpose of which is other than the raising of capital; (iv) as a dividend or other distribution; (v) in the Company’s Qualified Initial Public Offering, Qualified SPAC Transaction or Qualified Direct Listing; (vi) in a bona fide merger or acquisition that is approved by the Board of Directors; (vii) pursuant to any transactions approved by the Board of Directors primarily for the purpose of (A) purchase of domain names and related trademarks and tradenames, (B) joint ventures, technology licensing or research and development activities, (C) distribution or manufacture of the Company’s products or services, (D) the purchase of advertising placement, or (E) any other transaction involving corporate partners or customers that is primarily for a purpose other than raising capital approved by the Board of Directors of the Company; (viii) if the Major Investors holding a majority of the Registrable Securities held by all Major Investors agree in writing that such shares shall not constitute New Securities; (ix) upon exercise or conversion of securities with respect to which the Major Investors previously had an opportunity to exercise the right of first refusal pursuant to this Section 8; (x) the issuance and sale of Series B-1 Preferred Stock pursuant to the Purchase Agreement; or (xi) pursuant to Section 17 below.

(c)In the event the Company proposes to undertake an issuance of New Securities, it shall give each Major Investor written notice of its intention, describing the amount and type of New Securities, and the price and terms upon which the Company proposes to issue the same.  Each

-19-


Major Investor shall have twenty (20) days from the date of receipt of any such notice to agree to purchase up to its respective Pro Rata Share of such New Securities, for the price and upon the terms specified in the notice by giving written notice to the Company and stating therein the quantity of New Securities to be purchased.  After the expiration of such 20 day period, the Company shall promptly, in writing, inform each Major Investor that purchases all the shares available to it (each, a “Fully-Exercising Investor”) of any other Major Investor’s failure to do likewise.  During the twenty (20) day period commencing after receipt of such information, each Fully-Exercising Investor shall be entitled to obtain that portion (the “Unpurchased Portion”) of the shares for which Major Investors were entitled to subscribe but which were not subscribed for by the Major Investors that is equal to the proportion that the number of shares of Common Stock issued and held, or issuable upon conversion and exercise of all convertible or exercisable securities then held, by such Fully-Exercising Investor bears to the total number of shares of Common Stock held by the other Fully-Exercising Investors who desire to purchase such Unpurchased Portion plus the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise or conversion of all securities exercisable for or convertible into Common Stock held by the other Fully-Exercising Investors who desire to purchase such Unpurchased Portion.

(d)Beginning twenty (20) days after the first notice given pursuant to Section 8(c) above, the Company shall have 180 days to sell the New Securities not elected or eligible to be purchased by Major Investors at the price and upon the terms no more favorable to the purchaser of such securities than specified in the Company’s notice.  In the event the Company has not sold all of the New Securities within said 180 day period, the right of first refusal in Section 8(c) shall be deemed to be revived and the Company shall not thereafter issue or sell any New Securities without first reoffering such securities in the manner provided above.

(e)The provisions of this Section 8 will terminate and be of no further force or effect upon the earlier to occur of:  (i) immediately prior to the closing of a Qualified Initial Public Offering, (ii) immediately prior to the effective date of the Qualified Direct Listing, (iii) immediately prior to the consummation of the merger effected in connection with the Qualified SPAC Transaction, or (iv) the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or the acquisition of the Company by another entity by means of merger or consolidation resulting in the exchange of the outstanding shares of the Company for securities or consideration issued, or caused to be issued, by the acquiring corporation or its subsidiary, unless the stockholders of the Company hold at least 50% of the voting power or similar rights of the surviving corporation in such a transaction in approximately the same relative percentages after such acquisition as before such acquisition.  In connection with entering into any agreement of reorganization, merger or consolidation following which the Company’s stockholders of record as constituted immediately prior to such reorganization, merger or consolidation, will, immediately after such transaction (by virtue of securities issued in exchange for securities of the Company) hold more than 50% of the voting power in approximately the same relative percentages after such acquisition as before such acquisition of the surviving entity, the Company shall require the surviving entity to expressly agree to assume the obligations of the Company under this Section 8.

9.Vision Fund Right to Invest

(a)

The Company and the Holders hereby acknowledge that the Vision Fund and the Vision Fund Affiliates invest and may invest in numerous companies, some of which may be in competition with the Company and its business, which includes nominating persons or employees as directors of such companies. The Company and the Holders confirm and

-20-


acknowledge that each of the Vision Fund and the Vision Fund Affiliates shall not be liable for any claim arising out of, or based upon:

(i)

the fact that any of them:

(A)

holds an investment in any Person that competes with the Company or any of its subsidiaries or the Business or whose interests may be in conflict with the interests of the Company or any of its subsidiaries; or

(B)

is a party to, or otherwise interested in any contract, transaction or arrangement with the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or in which any of them is otherwise interested;

(ii)

any action taken by any of their respective officers, directors, employees or agents to assist any such competitive Person or in connection with any such arrangement set out in Section 9(a)(i)(i)(B), whether or not such action was taken as a board member of such competitive Person, or otherwise and whether or not such action has a detrimental effect on the Company or its Business.

(b)

The Company and the Holders hereby unconditionally and irrevocably consent to each of the Vision Fund and/or any Vision Fund Affiliate at any time and from time to time investing in the equity, or nominating directors to the board of directors, of any Person, including such Persons who are engaged in the same or a similar business as the Business or entering into collaborations or other agreements or arrangements with any Person, including such Persons who are engaged in the same or a similar business as the business of the Company provided that such persons shall not serve as the Vision Fund’s nominated director on the Board or as an alternate for such director.

(c)

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, nothing shall relieve (x) any Investor, including the Vision Fund and the Vision Fund Affiliates, from liability associated with the unauthorized disclosure of the Company’s confidential information, or (y) any director or officer of the Company from any liability associated with his or her fiduciary duties to the Company.

10.Employment, Confidential Information and Invention Assignment and Consulting Agreements.

(a)The Company shall require each person now or hereafter employed by or consulting to it or any subsidiary with access to confidential information to enter into an Employment, Confidential Information and Invention Assignment Agreement or Consulting Agreement, as the case may be, substantially in a form approved by the Board of Directors.

(b)Each party to this Agreement shall treat as confidential all information obtained as a result of negotiating and entering into this Agreement or, in the case of a Holder, through its interest in the Company or any of its business or assets and which relates to:

(i)the provisions of the Transaction Document or the negotiations relating to the Transaction Document and any ancillary agreement or documents thereto,

(ii)the Company Group or its business or assets;

-21-


(iii)any Holder or its business or assets; or

(iv)information obtained as a result of operation of the Transaction Documents.

(c)Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, each of Helena and PML may disclose confidential information to (i) its attorneys, accountants, consultants, and other professionals to the extent reasonably necessary to obtain their services in connection with monitoring its investment in the Company; (ii) any prospective purchaser of any Registrable Securities from Helena or PML, as applicable, if such prospective purchaser agrees to be bound by the provisions of this Section 10; or (iii) any existing or prospective Affiliate, partner, member, stockholder, or wholly owned subsidiary of Helena or PML, as applicable, in the ordinary course of business, provided that Helena or PML, as applicable, informs such Person that such information is confidential and procures that such Person agrees to maintain the confidentiality of such information.

(d)Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Vision Fund shall be entitled to disclose confidential information to:

(i)any Vision Fund Affiliate and each of its and their respective advisors, insurers, auditors, depositaries, and representatives;

(ii)any current or prospective limited partner in any Fund managed by the Vision Fund or the Vision Fund Affiliates or any other person on whose behalf it or they are investing or propose to invest funds (and each of their respective advisors and representatives) (save that in the case of prospective limited partners and investors, such disclosure shall be strictly limited to the extent required for them to assess and diligence any proposed investment in the Company Group, the Vision Fund or any of the Vision Fund Affiliates);

(iii)any proposed purchaser of its or the Vision Fund Affiliates’ interests in the Company Group (any member of such purchaser’s Group or any affiliated fund of such purchaser) and its or their underwriters, sponsors, brokers, lenders, advisors, insurers and representatives, in each case advising, facilitating, consenting to or otherwise involved in such a purchase or reorganization; and

(iv)any potential debt or equity financing source of the Company Group, the Vision Fund and the Vision Fund Affiliates (and their respective advisors and representatives),

provided that in each case the Vision Fund procures that any such recipient of confidential information is made aware of the confidential nature of it and agrees to treat it accordingly.

(e)Each party shall also be entitled to disclose confidential information to any third party:

(i)with the prior written consent of the other parties to this Agreement;

(ii)to the extent the confidential information becomes publicly available (other than by breach of this Agreement by such party or the Vision Fund Affiliates); and

-22-


(iii)as may be required by (or to procure compliance with) the terms of the Transaction Documents, applicable law, judicial or arbitral proceedings, or by any competent judicial, governmental, tax, financial or regulatory authority or by any recognised investment exchange (including in respect of any potential offering, placing or sale of securities) or for tax or accounting purposes (provided that, so far as practicable and legally permitted, the disclosing party shall promptly notify the other parties prior to making such disclosure and consult with them in relation to the manner, timing and content of such disclosure, save that the Vision Fund shall not be required to consult with the other parties to the extent such disclosure is a routine disclosure made to its auditors, banks or regulators as part of a routine filing or inquiry not specifically targeting the Company Group, other investors in the Company Group or their employees).

(f)The Vision Fund and each member of its Group shall be entitled on its own website, in its press statements, presentations, reports, conferences, interviews and marketing materials to reference: (a) the Company Group’s name; (b) the Company Group’s company logo; (c) provide a brief description of the Company Group and its business based on publicly available sources published by the Company Group; and (d) the Vision Fund’s investment in the Company Group, in each case, without seeking the Company Group’s prior written consent.

(g)Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent any employee or officer of any member of the Company Group or the Vision Fund from disclosing information in the proper performance of his duties as an employee or officer of such member of the Company Group.

11.Applicable ABAC, AML and Trade Laws

(a)Each Holder undertakes to the other Holders and the Company that it will not, and will (insofar as it is reasonably able to do so) procure that each of its Affiliates will not engage in any activity, practice or conduct in connection with its interest in the Company or the operation of the Business which would give rise to an offense under or non-compliance with any Anti-Corruption Laws, provided that any action or omission undertaken without the knowledge or approval of any shareholder shall not constitute a breach of this Section 11 by or in relation to that Holder.

(b)The Company covenants that no Company Group Entity shall violate any of the Applicable ABAC Laws, Applicable AML Laws or Applicable Trade Laws and it shall use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure such compliance by any Associated Person of any Company Group Entity.

(c)The Company covenants that no Company Group Entity shall use any funds received from any Purchaser directly or indirectly for the benefit of any Blocked Person or in any other way that would violate any of the Applicable Trade Laws and it shall use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure such compliance by any Associated Person of any Company Group Entity.

(d)If it has not already done so, each Company Group Entity shall adopt and implement within ninety (90) days of executing this Agreement policies and procedures designed to prevent the Company Group as well as any Associated Person of any Company Group Entity from engaging in any activity, practice or conduct that would violate any of the Applicable ABAC Laws, Applicable AML Laws or Applicable Trade Laws.  Such policies and procedures shall be consistent with the guidance that has been provided by government authorities in any country in which the Company Group conducts Business,

-23-


United Kingdom and United States of America having authority to administer and prosecute violations of such laws and regulations.

(e)If it has not already done so, the Company shall within one year of executing this Agreement (1) appoint or designate a suitably qualified and appropriately resourced chief compliance officer reporting to the Company’s board of directors or to an appropriate committee of the board of directors; (2) appoint or designate suitably qualified and appropriately resourced subsidiary compliance officers for each of the Company Group Entities, who shall report on a day-to-day basis to the Company’s chief compliance officer; and (3) take such other steps as those having authority to prosecute violations of ay of the Applicable ABAC Laws, Applicable AML Laws, or Applicable Trade Laws have recommended to ensure that the compliance function of companies and entities subject to their jurisdiction is operating in an appropriate manner.

(f)Each Company Group Entity shall keep and maintain books and records reflecting accurately and in reasonable detail transactions involving the Company Group and, if they have not already done so, implement financial controls giving reasonable assurance that payments will be made by or on behalf of the Company Group only in accordance with management instructions.

(g)The Company shall confirm in writing to the Vision Fund upon its reasonable request (not to exceed once each year) that the Company Group has complied with the undertakings in this Section 11.

(h)If any Company Group Entity discovers any evidence that indicates that any Company Group Entity or any Associated Person of any Company Group Entity has violated any of the Applicable ABAC Laws, Applicable AML Laws and/or Applicable Trade Laws, it shall notify the board of directors of the Company, including the director(s) appointed to the board by the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock, promptly in writing.

(i)Notwithstanding anything else in this Agreement, the Company Group and their respective directors, officers and employees shall cooperate in good faith with the Vision Fund if the Vision Fund decides to seek to determine whether any Company Group Entity and/or any Associated Persons of any Company Group Entity have complied with the undertakings in this Section 11.  The cooperation required by the foregoing shall include permitting the Vision Fund or the authorised representative(s) of the Vision Fund to audit the books and records of any Company Group Entity as well as review and make copies of correspondence and other documents, however sent or received, possessed by any Company Group Entity pertaining to compliance with the undertakings in this Section 11.  A Company Group Entity shall not be obligated pursuant to this Sub-section (i) to provide access to any information the disclosure of which would adversely affect the attorney-client privilege between such Company Group Entity and its counsel, provided that the Company Group Entity shall use its best endeavours to provide access to the underlying substance of such information without loss of attorney-client privilege. If so requested by the Vision Fund, any Company Group Entity shall answer any questions put to them and comply with any requests made of them by the Vision Fund as well as its authorised representative(s) pertaining to compliance with the undertakings in this Section 11 and shall encourage their Associated Persons to do the same.

(j)The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless the Vision Fund from and against any and all liabilities, damages, costs and expenses (including reasonable legal expenses) caused by or attributable to a violation of any of the Applicable ABAC Laws, Applicable AML Laws or

-24-


Applicable Trade Laws by any Company Group Entity or any Associated Person of any Company Group Entity.

12.Vision Fund Tax Covenants.

(a)For so long as the Vision Fund owns equity in the Company, the Company shall not be liquidated, merged, converted into a limited liability company, or otherwise enter into a transaction pursuant to which the Company ceases to exist as an entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes (and state and local tax purposes, where applicable) without the Vision Fund’s prior written approval, such approval not to be unreasonably denied.

(b)The Company (and its applicable withholding agents and paying agents) shall only be entitled to deduct and withhold taxes on any payments on the Series B Preferred Stock to the extent required by applicable tax law; provided that, if the Company determines that an amount is required to be deducted and withheld, at least fifteen (15) business days prior to the date the applicable payment is scheduled to be made, the Company shall (i) provide the Vision Fund with written notice of the intent to deduct and withhold, which notice shall include the basis for the withholding and an estimate of the amount proposed to be deducted and withheld, and (ii) provide the Vision Fund with a reasonable opportunity to provide forms or other evidence that would exempt such amounts from withholding, and shall otherwise reasonably cooperate to minimize any such withholding. Upon request by the Company in writing, the Vision Fund shall provide the Company with a properly completed and duly executed Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) Form W-9 or applicable IRS Form W-8. To the extent that amounts are so deducted and withheld, and paid over to the appropriate governmental authority, such withheld amounts shall be treated as having been paid to the person in respect of which such deduction and withholding was made.

(c)The Company and the Vision Fund agree that (i) it is their intention that the Series B Preferred Stock shall be treated as stock that is not “preferred stock” within the meaning of Section 305 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations issued thereunder, and (ii) under current United States federal income tax law, the Vision Fund shall not be required to include in income as a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes any income or gain in respect of the Series B Preferred Stock on account of the accrual of dividends thereon (including any deemed dividends or as a result of any discount) unless and until such dividends are declared and paid in cash. The Company and the Vision Fund agree to take no positions or actions inconsistent with such treatment (including on any IRS Form 1099), unless otherwise required by a change in applicable law or a contrary determination (as defined in Section 1313(a) of the Code, in each case, after the Closing (as defined in the Purchase Agreements).

(d)The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Vision Fund to structure any redemption of the Series B Preferred Stock to be treated as a payment in exchange for stock pursuant to Section 302 of the Code.

(e)The Company shall notify the Vision Fund promptly following any “determination date” (as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.897-2(c)(1)) or otherwise within five (5) business days of becoming aware that the Company is, or is reasonably likely to be, a “United States real property holding corporation” within the meaning of Section 897(c)(2) of the Code. In addition, at any time upon the Vision Fund’s request, the Company shall issue a statement to the Vision Fund, in form and substance as described in Treasury Regulation Sections 1.897-2(h)(1) and 1.1445-2(c) (or any successor regulations) and signed under penalties of perjury, regarding whether any interest in the Company constitutes a “U.S. real property interest” within the meaning of Section 897(c) of the Code, together with

-25-


an executed notice to the IRS described in Treasury Regulations Section 1.897-2(h)(2) (or any successor regulation). Such statement shall be delivered within ten (10) days of the Vision Fund’s written request therefor.

13.RSU Plan. The Company has created and implemented a restricted stock unit plan in accordance with the terms set out in Schedule C hereto (the “RSU Plan”).

14.Employment Agreements. The Company shall (having taken appropriate legal advice in the relevant jurisdictions) procure that certain of its employment agreements or service provider agreements (as applicable) shall be amended as to include appropriate transfer provisions to transfer any intellectual property developed by the relevant employee or third party service provider (as applicable) in his or her employment or engagement with any Group Company (as applicable) as soon as possible following Closing (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) and in any event no later than the completion of the Second Tranche. Further, the Company shall procure that the employment agreement entered into between Robert Piconi and the Company’s subsidiary Energy Vault, SA, dated January 1, 2018, and the employee confidentiality and non-disclosure agreement entered into between Robert Piconi and the Company, are amended as soon as possible and in any event no later than 90 days following the date hereof by way of Robert Piconi, Energy Vault SA and the Company (as applicable) executing amendment agreements to these agreements substantially in the agreed form as set out in Schedule F hereto subject only to amendments necessary to comply with Swiss law. The Company shall procure that all amendments to key managers’ employment agreements and employee confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements (as applicable) shall be reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors of the Company prior to being executed.

15.Right to Conduct Activities. The Company hereby agrees and acknowledges that each of Helena and PML (the “Fund Investors”) is a professional investment organization, and as such reviews the business plans and related proprietary information of many enterprises, some of which may compete directly or indirectly with the Company’s business (as currently conducted or as currently propose to be conducted). Nothing in this Agreement shall preclude or in any way restrict the Investors from evaluating or purchasing securities, including publicly traded securities, of a particular enterprise, or investing or participating in any particular enterprise whether or not such enterprise has products or services which compete with those of the Company; and the Company hereby agrees that, to the extent permitted under applicable law, the Fund Investors shall not be liable to the Company for any claim arising out of, or based upon, (i) the investment by the Fund Investors in any entity competitive with the Company, or (ii) actions taken by any partner, officer, employee or other representative of the Fund Investors to assist any such competitive company, whether or not such action was taken as a member of the Board of Directors of such competitive company or otherwise, and whether or not such action has a detrimental effect on the Company; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not relieve (x) any of the Investors from liability associated with the unauthorized disclosure of the Company’s confidential information obtained pursuant to this Agreement, or (y) any director or officer of the Company from any liability associated with his or her fiduciary duties to the Company.

16.Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance. The Company has as of the date hereof or shall within ninety (90) days of the date hereof use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain from financially sound and reputable insurers directors and officers liability insurance and term “key person” insurance on Robert Piconi and Andrea Pedretti, each in an amount and on terms and conditions satisfactory to the Board of Directors, including at least one (1) of the Preferred Directors (as defined in the Certificate of Incorporation), and will use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause such insurance policies to be maintained until such time as the Board of Directors, including at least one (1) of the Preferred Directors

-26-


(as defined in the Certificate of Incorporation), determines that such insurance should be discontinued.  The key person policy shall name the Company as loss payee, and neither policy shall be cancelable by the Company without prior approval by the Board of Directors, including at least one (1) of the Preferred Directors.

17.Reserved.

18.Transfer of Rights. The rights granted under Sections 5 and 8 of this Agreement may be assigned to any transferee or assignee, other than a Listed Person in connection with any transfer or assignment of Registrable Securities by the Holder, provided that: (i) such transfer is otherwise effected in accordance with applicable securities laws and the terms of this Agreement; (ii) such assignee or transferee acquires at least 200,000 shares of Registrable Securities or all shares originally acquired by a Holder, in the case that such lesser number was originally acquired by the initial Holder (including Preferred Stock convertible into Registrable Securities), (iii) written notice is promptly given to the Company; and (iv) such transferee or assignee agrees to be bound by the provisions of this Agreement.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the rights granted to the Purchaser hereunder may be assigned without compliance with item (ii) above to any general partner or member of a Purchaser which is a partnership or limited liability company, or in the case of a corporation, a parent corporation that has a greater than 50% voting control or a subsidiary corporation in which such corporation has a greater than 30% voting control.

19.Reserved.

20.Amendment. Except as otherwise provided herein, additional parties may be added to this Agreement, any provision of this Agreement may be amended or the observance thereof may be waived (either generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively), only with the written consent of the Company and the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities then outstanding; provided, however, that any amendments to Section 8 will require the written consent of the Major Investors holding a majority of the voting power held by all Major Investors, and provided further, that if the amendment, modification, or waiver specifically affects a specific Holder both differently than the other Holders (except for any difference associated with or due to the different number of Registrable Securities or shares of capital stock held by such Holder) and adversely, then such amendment, modification, or waiver cannot be effective without the consent of such Holder. None of Sections 6(a)(i) with respect to PML, 6(c), 10(c), 15, or this sentence of Section 20 may be amended, modified or waived without the written consent of the Purchaser affected thereby.  Any amendment or waiver effected in accordance with this Section 20, as applicable, shall be binding upon each Purchaser, each Holder of Registrable Securities at the time outstanding, each future holder of any of such securities, and the Company.

21.Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed in all respects by the internal laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to any law, rule or provision (including, without limitation, any choice of law or conflicts of law rules or provisions), whether of the State of Delaware or any other jurisdiction, that would cause the application of the laws, rules or provisions of any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware (including, without limitation, the application of any law, rule or provision which would cause the application of the statute of limitations under any state law, rule or provision other than the laws, rules or provisions of the State of Delaware).

22.Additional Purchasers.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if the Company issues additional shares of the Company’s Preferred Stock after the date hereof, any holder of such shares of Preferred Stock may become a party to this Agreement by executing and delivering an

-27-


additional counterpart signature to this Agreement, and thereafter shall be deemed a “Purchaser” and “Holder” for all purposes hereunder. No action or consent by the Holders shall be required for such joinder to this Agreement by such additional Purchaser, so long as such additional Purchaser has agreed in writing to be bound by all of the obligations as a “Purchaser” and “Holder” hereunder.

23.Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the full and entire understanding and agreement among the parties with regard to the subject hereof.  Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the provisions hereof shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon the successors, assigns, heirs, executors and administrators of the parties hereto.

24.Attorney’s Fees. If any action at law or in equity (including arbitration) is necessary to enforce or interpret the terms of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to reasonable attorney’s fees, costs and necessary disbursements in addition to any other relief to which such party may be entitled.

25.Notices, etc. All notices and other communications given or made pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed effectively given upon the earlier of actual receipt or (i) personal delivery to the party to be notified; (ii) when sent, if sent by  electronic mail or facsimile during the recipient’s normal business hours, and if not sent during normal business hours, then on the recipient’s next business day (provided, in each case, that no notification of failure to deliver was received); (iii) five (5) days after having been sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid; or (iv) one (1) business day after the business day of deposit with a nationally recognized overnight courier, freight prepaid, specifying next-day delivery, with written verification of receipt.  All communications shall be sent to the respective parties at their addresses as set forth on the applicable signature pages hereto, or to the principal office of the Company and to the attention of the CEO, in the case of the Company, or to such email address, facsimile number, or address as subsequently modified by written notice given in accordance with this Section 25.

26.Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in two (2) or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.  Counterparts may be delivered via facsimile, electronic mail (including pdf or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, e.g., www.docusign.com) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.

27.Severability.  In the event that any provision of this Agreement becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable or void, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect without said provision, which shall be replaced with an enforceable provision closest in intent and economic effect as the severed provision; provided that no such severability shall be effective if it materially changes the economic benefit of this Agreement to any party.

28.Titles and Subtitles.  The titles and subtitles used in this Agreement are used for convenience only and are not to be considered in construing or interpreting this Agreement.

29.Effect on Prior Agreement.  Upon the effectiveness of this Agreement, the Original IRA Agreement shall be superseded and replaced in its entirety by this Agreement and shall be of no further force or effect.

-28-


30.Dispute Resolution.  The parties (a) hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submit to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the Chancery Court of the Delaware and any state appellate court therefrom within the State of Delaware (or, if the Chancery Court of the State of Delaware declines to accept jurisdiction over a particular matter, any state or federal court within the State of Delaware) for the purpose of any suit, action or other proceeding arising out of or based upon this Agreement, (b) agree not to commence any suit, action or other proceeding arising out of or based upon this Agreement except in the Chancery Court of the Delaware and any state appellate court therefrom within the State of Delaware (or, if the Chancery Court of the State of Delaware declines to accept jurisdiction over a particular matter, any state or federal court within the State of Delaware), and (c) hereby waive, and agree not to assert, by way of motion, as a defense, or otherwise, in any such suit, action or proceeding, any claim that it is not subject personally to the jurisdiction of the above-named courts, that its property is exempt or immune from attachment or execution, that the suit, action or proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum, that the venue of the suit, action or proceeding is improper or that this Agreement or the subject matter hereof may not be enforced in or by such court.

WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL: EACH PARTY HEREBY WAIVES ITS RIGHTS TO A JURY TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION BASED UPON OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT, THE OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS, THE SECURITIES OR THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF OR THEREOF.  THE SCOPE OF THIS WAIVER IS INTENDED TO BE ALL-ENCOMPASSING OF ANY AND ALL DISPUTES THAT MAY BE FILED IN ANY COURT AND THAT RELATE TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS TRANSACTION, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, CONTRACT CLAIMS, TORT CLAIMS (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), BREACH OF DUTY CLAIMS, AND ALL OTHER COMMON LAW AND STATUTORY CLAIMS.  THIS SECTION HAS BEEN FULLY DISCUSSED BY EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AND THESE PROVISIONS WILL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ANY EXCEPTIONS.  EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY FURTHER WARRANTS AND REPRESENTS THAT SUCH PARTY HAS REVIEWED THIS WAIVER WITH ITS LEGAL COUNSEL, AND THAT SUCH PARTY KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ITS JURY TRIAL RIGHTS FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL.

[Signature Page Follows]

-29-


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

COMPANY:

ENERGY VAULT, INC.

a Delaware corporation

By:

/s/ Robert Piconi

Robert Piconi, CEO

Notice Address:

130 West Union Street

Pasadena, CA 91103

Signature Page to Amended and Restated Investor Rights Agreement


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

INVESTOR:

PRIME MOVERS GROWTH FUND I LP

By: Prime Movers Growth GP I LLC

Its: General Partner

By: Primer Movers Lab LLC

Its: Managing Member

By:

/s/ Jon Layman

Name:

Jon Layman

Title:

Authorized Person

With a copy to:

[***]

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO THE AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTORS’ RIGHTS AGREEMENT]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

INVESTOR:

EV SPV 1, LLC

By:

/s/ Allen Morgan

Allen Morgan, Management Member

EV SPV 2, LLC

By:

/s/ Allen Morgan

Allen Morgan, Management Member

EV SPV 5, L.P.

By Idealabx GP, LLC, its General Partner

By:

/s/ Allen Morgan

Allen Morgan, Management Director

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO THE AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTORS’ RIGHTS AGREEMENT]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

INVESTOR:

EV SPV 6, L.P.

By Idealabx GP, LLC, Its General Partner

By:

/s/ Allen Morgan

Allen Morgan, Management Member

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO THE AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTORS’ RIGHTS AGREEMENT]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

INVESTOR:

IDEALABX1, L.P.

By Idealabx GP, LLC, its General Partner

By:

/s/ Allen Morgan

Allen Morgan, Managing Director

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO THE AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTORS’ RIGHTS AGREEMENT]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

INVESTOR:

SELECT X, L.P.

By Idealabx GP, LLC, its General Partner

By:

/s/ Allen Morgan

Name:

Allen Morgan

Title:

Managing Director

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO THE AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTORS’ RIGHTS AGREEMENT]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

PURCHASERS:

NEOTRIBE VENTURES I, L.P

for itself and as nominee for

NeoTribe Associates I, L.P.

By: NeoTribe Partners I, LLC

Its: General Partner

By:

/s/ Krishna Kolluri

Name:

Krishna Kolluri

Title:

Managing Member

Notice Address:

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO THE AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTORS’ RIGHTS AGREEMENT]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

INDIVIDUAL INVESTOR:

    

ENTITY INVESTOR:

THE TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA RETIREE MEDICAL AND DEATH BENEFITS TRUST

Name of Individual (Please Print)

Name of Entity (Please print)

/s/ Pravin Kanneganti

Signature

Signature

By:

Pravin Kanneganti

Address:

Title:

Authorized Signatory

Address: [***]

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO THE AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTORS’ RIGHTS AGREEMENT]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

INDIVIDUAL INVESTOR:

    

ENTITY INVESTOR:

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA MASTER RETIREMENT TRUST

Name of Individual (Please Print)

Name of Entity (Please print)

/s/ Pravin Kanneganti

Signature

Signature

Address:

By:

Pravin Kanneganti

Title:

Authorized Signatory

Address: [***]

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO THE AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTORS’ RIGHTS AGREEMENT]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

INDIVIDUAL INVESTOR:

    

ENTITY INVESTOR:

THE TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Name of Individual (Please Print)

Name of Entity (Please print)

/s/ Pravin Kanneganti

Signature

Signature

Address:

By:

Pravin Kanneganti

Title:

Authorized Signatory

Address: [***]

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO THE AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTORS’ RIGHTS AGREEMENT]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

INDIVIDUAL INVESTOR:

    

ENTITY INVESTOR:

Uppsala LP

Name of Individual (Please Print)

Name of Entity (Please print)

/s/ Pravin Kanneganti

Signature

Signature

Address:

By:

Pravin Kanneganti

Title:

Authorized Signatory

Address: [***]

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO THE AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTORS’ RIGHTS AGREEMENT]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

INVESTOR:

HELENA ZEPAK EV LLC

By:

/s/ Matthew Bash

Name:

Matthew Bash

Title:

General Manager

Address: [***]

Email:

[***]

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO THE AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTORS’ RIGHTS AGREEMENT]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

INVESTOR:

HSI ENERGY VAULT I LLC

By: Helena Special Investments LLC,

a Managing Member

By:

/s/ Samuel Feinburg

Name:

Samuel Feinburg

Title:

Chief Operating Officer

HSI ENERGY VAULT II LLC

By: Helena Special Investments LLC,

a Managing Member

By:

/s/ Samuel Feinburg

Name:

Samuel Feinburg

Title:

Chief Operating Officer

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO THE AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTORS’ RIGHTS AGREEMENT]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

INVESTOR:

HSI Puma LLC

By: Helena Special Investments LLC,

a Managing Member

By:

/s/ Samuel Feinburg

Name:

Samuel Feinburg

Title:

Chief Operating Officer

HSI EV BRASIL LLC

By:

/s/ Samuel Feinburg

Name:

Samuel Feinburg

Title:

Executive Director

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO THE AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTORS’ RIGHTS AGREEMENT]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

INDIVIDUAL INVESTOR:

    

ENTITY INVESTOR:

Victory Global Energy Transition Fund

Name of Individual (Please Print)

Name of Entity (Please print)

/s/ Pravin Kanneganti

Signature

Signature

Address:

By:

Pravin Kanneganti

Title:

Authorized Signatory

Address: [***]

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO THE AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTORS’ RIGHTS AGREEMENT]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

INDIVIDUAL INVESTOR:

    

ENTITY INVESTOR:

SailingStone Global Natural Resources Fund LP

Name of Individual (Please Print)

Name of Entity (Please print)

/s/ Pravin Kanneganti

Signature

Signature

Address:

By:

Pravin Kanneganti

Title:

Authorized Signatory

Address: [***]

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO THE AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTORS’ RIGHTS AGREEMENT]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

INVESTOR:

GREEN STORAGE SOLUTIONS VENTURE I, LLC

By:

/s/ T. Larry Amick

Name:

T. Larry Amick

Title:

CEO

Address: [***]

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO THE AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTORS’ RIGHTS AGREEMENT]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

PURCHASERS:

SOFTBANK VISION FUND (AIV M2) L.P. ACTING BY ITS MANAGER, SB INVESTMENT ADVISERS (UK) LIMITED

By:

/s/ Saleh Romein

Name:

Saleh Romein

Title:

Director

Notice Address:

[***]

Email: [***]

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO THE AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTORS’ RIGHTS AGREEMENT]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

INDIVIDUAL INVESTOR:

    

ENTITY INVESTOR:

ALTERNATE VENTURES LLC

Name of Individual (Please Print)

Name of Entity (Please print)

/s/ Carlos Rodriguez-Pastor

Signature

Signature

Address:

By:

Manager

Title:

Authorized Signatory

Address: [***]

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO THE AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTORS’ RIGHTS AGREEMENT]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

INDIVIDUAL INVESTOR:

    

ENTITY INVESTOR:

Inteligio Bank Ltd.

Name of Individual (Please Print)

Name of Entity (Please print)

/s/ Victor Vinatea /s/ Jorge Monte

Signature

Signature

Address:

By:

Victor Vinatea / Jorge Montes

Title:

Executive VP / VP

Address: [***]

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO THE AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTORS’ RIGHTS AGREEMENT]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

INDIVIDUAL INVESTOR:

    

ENTITY INVESTOR:

PEP ENERGY EQUITY

OPPORTUNITIES FUND LP

Name of Individual (Please Print)

Name of Entity (Please print)

/s/ Pravin Kanneganti

Signature

Signature

Address:

By:

Pravin Kanneganti

Title:

Authorized Signor

Address: [***]

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO THE AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTORS’ RIGHTS AGREEMENT]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

INDIVIDUAL INVESTOR:

    

ENTITY INVESTOR:

The Gordon and Dona Crawford Trust UTD 8/23/77

Name of Individual (Please Print)

Name of Entity (Please print)

/s/ Gordon Crawford

Signature

Signature

Address:

By:

Gordon Crawford

Title:

Trustee

Address: [***]

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO THE AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTORS’ RIGHTS AGREEMENT]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

INVESTORS:

SAEV GUERNSEY HOLDINGS

LIMITED

By:

/s/ Mahdi Aladel

Name:

Mahdi Aladel

Title:

29 Aug 2021

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO THE AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTORS’ RIGHTS AGREEMENT]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

INVESTOR:

EN FUND I, A SERIES OF HELENA SPECIAL INVESTMENTS AL VENTURES, LP

By Fund GP, LLC its General Painter

By: Belltower Fund Group, Ltd. Manager of the

General Partner

By:

/s/ Brett Sagan

Name:

Brett Sagan

Title:

Authorized Person

Address:

[***]

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO THE AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTORS’ RIGHTS AGREEMENT]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

INVESTOR:

JJS ASSOCIATES, LP

By: Jason Hirsch

Its: Manager Partner

By:

/s/ Jason Hirsch

Name:

Jason Hirsch

Title:

Managing Partner

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO THE AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTORS’ RIGHTS AGREEMENT]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

INVESTOR:

A.T. GEKKO SPV3, LLC

By: A.T. GEKKO, LLC

Its: Manager

By:

/s/ Tommy Wang

Tommy Wang, Manager

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO THE AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTORS’ RIGHTS AGREEMENT]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

INVESTOR:

SCHULER FAMILY 2009 TRUST

By:

/s/ Zack Schuler

Name:

Zack Schuler

Title:

Trustee

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO THE AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTORS’ RIGHTS AGREEMENT]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

PURCHASERS:

IDEALAB STUDIO, LLC

By:

/s/ Bill Gross

Name:

Bill Gross

Title:

CEO

Notice Address:

[***]

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO THE AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTORS’ RIGHTS AGREEMENT]


Schedule A

Idealab Studio, LLC

Idealab Holdings, LLC

Robert Piconi

Ben Rosen

Carl Sheldon

Sean Michael O’Day

MFCIF LLC

Arden Road Investments

Parksea Investments Limited

Aroles GmbH

Two Wins GmbH

Neotribe Ventures I, L.P. for itself and as nominee for NeoTribe Associates I, L.P.

Cemex Ventures B.V.

Peng Zhang

SoftBank Vision Fund (AIV M2) L.P. acting by its manager, SB Investment Advisers (UK) Limited

HSI Energy Vault I LLC

HSI Energy Vault II LLC

HSI Puma LLC

Energy Vault PML SPV 1 LP

EV SPV 6, L.P.

Helena ZePak EV LLC

SAEV Guernsey Holdings Limited

Select X, L.P.

HSI EV Brasil LLC

Prime Movers Growth Fund I, LP

The Gordon and Dona Crawford Trust UTD 8/23/77

PEP Energy Equity Opportunities Fund LP

Alternate Ventures LLC

Inteligo Bank Ltd.

Green Storage Solutions Venture I, LLC

EN Fund I, A Series of Helena Special Investments AL Ventures, LP

Uppsala LP

The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania

The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania Master Retirement Trust

The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania Retiree Medical and Death Benefits Trust

SailingStone Global Natural Resources Fund LP

Victory Global Energy Transition Fund

A.T. Gekko SPV3, LLC

JJS Associates, LP

Green Storage Solutions Venture I, LLC

Schuler Family 2009 Trust


Exhibit 10.34

4360 PARK TERRACE DRIVE

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CALIFORNIA 91361

LESSEE:

ENERGY VAULT, INC.

a Delaware corporation

Dated: October 15, 2019

(see Item 1 of Summary)


4360 PARK TERRACE DRIVE

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CALIFORNIA 91361

SUMMARY OF BASIC LEASE INFORMATION

This Summary of Basic Lease Information (the “Summary”) is hereby incorporated into and made a part of the attached Office Lease (“Office Lease”) (this Summary and the Office Lease to be known collectively as the “Lease”) which pertains to the “Project” (as that term is defined in the Office Lease) located at 4330-4360 Park Terrace Drive, Westlake Village, CA 91361. Each reference in the Office Lease to any term of this Summary shall have the meaning as set forth in this Summary for such term.  In the event of a conflict between the terms of this Summary and the Office Lease, the terms of the Office Lease  shall prevail.  Any  capitalized  terms  used  in this Summary and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning as set forth in the Office Lease.

TERMS OF LEASE

DESCRIPTION

1.Date:

October 15, 2019

2.Lessor:

Westlake Partners

3.Address of Lessor:

3.1Address for Notices:

Westlake Partners

17350 Sunset Blvd, Suite 303
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Attn: Dr. David York

3.2Address for Payment of Rent

Westlake Partners

17350 Sunset Blvd, Suite 303
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Attn: Dr. David York

4.Lessee:

Energy Vault, Inc.

a Delaware corporation

5.Address of Lessee:

130 W. Union St.,

Pasadena, CA 91103
Attn. Richard Cooperstein

6.Building; Premises (Article 1):

6.1Building:

45,464 rentable square feet of office space. 4360 Park Terrace Drive Westlake Village, CA 91361

6.2Premise:

7,766 Rentable Square Feet of space located on the first (1st) floor of the Project as set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto and commonly known as Suite 100.

6.3Lessee’s Right to Improve Premises:

Lessee shall have the right to alter Premises by: i) the installation of new carpet; ii) painting the interior of the Premises; and iii) installation of new light fixtures; each at Lessee’s sole expense.

6.4Lessee’s Right to Use Existing Furniture:

Lessee shall have the right to use the existing furniture within Premises. Prior to Lease Commencement, Lessor and Lessee shall agree in writing upon which


furniture Lessee will retain in the Premises for use during the Lease Term. The unwanted furniture shall be removed from the Premises by Lessor. Lessor shall retain ownership of the furniture during the Lease Term and after the expiration of the Lease.

7.Term (Article 3):

7.1Lease Term:

Twenty-four (24) months. If the Lease Commencement Date is other than the first day of a calendar month, then the partial calendar month shall be disregarded in computing the Lease Term and in determining the Lease Expiration Date. Month 1 of the Lease Term shall be the first full calendar month following the Lease Commencement Date. The Base Rent and any applicable Additional Rent shall not be payable for any partial month at the beginning of the Lease Term.

7.2Lease Commencement Date:

October 15, 2019.

7.3Lease Expiration Date:

October 31, 2021.

7.4Tenant Possession Date:

October 15, 2019.

7.5Extension Options:

If Lessee in not in default under this Lease, Lessee shall have two (2) options to extend the Lease Term for a period of twenty-four (24) months each (each an “Extension Period”) if Lessee provides written Notice to Lessor not less than 180 days, but not more than 270 days prior to the Lease Expiration Date of the then expiring Lease Term.

7.6Extension Period Base Rent:

The Base Rent for each Extension Period shall increase by three percent (3%) of the Base Rent rental rate paid for the last calendar month (even though paid six (6) months in advance) of the prior Lease Term and the Base Rent shall increase by three percent (3%) on the anniversary of the Lease Commencement Date.

8.Base Rent (Article 4):

Lease Years:

Monthly Rental

Rate per Rentable Square Foot:

6-Month

Installment of

Base Rent:

Annual Base Rent:

Months 1-6

$2.45

$114,160.20

$228,320.40

Months 7-12

$2.45

$114,160.20

$228,320.40

Months 13-18

$2.52

$117,585.01

$235,170.02

Months 19-24

$2.52

$117,585.01

$235,170.02

3


Base Rent shall be paid in advance on or before the first day of each six-month period specified under “Lease Year” in the table above and during any Extension Periods exercised by Lessee as provided in Paragraph 7 of this Summary.

As used in this Lease, “Lease Year” shall mean each consecutive twelve (12) calendar months (not calendar year) during the Lease Term, with the first Lease Year commencing as provided in Item 7.1 of this Summary.

9.Intentionally deleted.

10.Security Deposit (Article

$57,080.10.

11.4): Parking (Article 20)

28 unreserved parking spaces at no charge to Lessee for the Lease Term or any subsequent renewals or extensions.

12.

Lessor Agent:

CBRE.

Lessee Agent:

Westcord.

13.Permitted Use

(Article 3.2):

Class A Office Uses including general business offices and any other lawfully permitted use consistent with the character of the Building and consistent with the zoning for the Building and Premises.

4


EXHIBITS

A.OUTLINE OF FLOOR PLAN OF PREMISES AND FIRST OFFER SPACE

B.PROJECT LEGAL DESCRIPTION.

C.INTENTIONALLY   OMITTED

D.INTENTIONALLY   OMITTED

E.NOTICE OF LEASE TERM DATES

F.RULES, REGULATIONS AND DOG POLICY

G.

FORM OF LESSEE ESTOPPEL CERTIFICATE and SUBORDINATION, NONDISTURBANCE AND ATTORNMENT AGREEMENT

5


OFFICE LEASE

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

Page

DEFINED TERMS

LOCATION OF DEFINITION IN OFFICE LEASE

Additional Rent

Article 4.6

Alterations Base Rent

Article 7.1

Basic Services

Item 8 - Summary

Brokers

Article 5.1

Building

Item 12 - Summary

Building Common Area

Article 1.1

Calendar Year

Article 1.3(a)

Claims

Article 4.3(b)

Common Areas

Article 9.4(a)

Event of Default

Article 1.3

Force Majeure

Article 17.1

Future Mortgage

Article 21.23

Hazardous Substance

Article 16.2

Holidays

Article 3.4(C)

HVAC

Article 5.1(a)

Interest Rate

Article 5.1(a)

Lease Commencement Date

Article 4.8

Lease Expiration Date

Item 7.2 – Summary

Lease Term

Item 7.3 – Summary

Lessee

Item 7.1 – Summary

Lessee Improvements

Item 4 - Summary

Lessor

Article 2.1

Lessor Protected Parties

Item 2 – Summary

Letter of Credit

Article 9.4(a)

Notices

Article 4.9(b)

Premises

Article 21.26

Project Rent

Article 1.1

Rentable Area

Article 1.1

Rules, Regulations, and Dog Policy

Article 4.1

Security Deposit

Article 1.5

Subject Space Transfers

Article 3.3

Transfer Notice

Article 4.9

Transfer Premium

Article 13.1(b)

Transferee

Article 13.1


4360 PARK TERRACE DRIVE

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CALIFORNIA 91361

OFFICE LEASE

This Office Lease, which includes the preceding Summary of Basic Lease Information (the “Summary”) attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference (this Office Lease and Summary to be known, collectively, as the “Lease”), dated as of the Effective Date set forth in Item 1 of the Summary, is made by and between the parties (“Parties”) identified in the Summary as Lessor and as Lessee.

ARTICLE 1

PROJECT, BUILDING AND PREMISES

1.1Project, Building and Premises.

Upon and subject to the terms, covenants and conditions hereinafter set forth in this Lease, Lessor hereby leases to Lessee and Lessee hereby leases from Lessor the premises set forth in Item 6 of the Summary (the “Premises”), which Premises are located in the Project (as defined in this Article 1.1). The outline of the floor plan of the Premises is set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto and made a part hereof The Premises are a part of the office building located at 4330-4360 Park Terrace Drive, Westlake Village, CA 91361 (the “Building”). The land on which the office building is located is more particularly described in Exhibit B attached hereto and made a part hereof. The Building, land and other improvements surrounding the Building which are designated from time to time by Lessor as common areas appurtenant  to or servicing the Building  and the land upon which any of the foregoing are situated, are herein sometimes collectively referred to as the “Project.”

1.2Condition of the Premises.

Except as expressly set forth in this Lease, Lessor shall not be obligated to provide or pay for any improvement, remodeling or refurbishment work or services related to the improvement, remodeling or refurbishment of the Premises, and Lessee shall accept the Premises in its “AS IS, WHERE IS” condition on the Lease Commencement Date. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, Lessor shall deliver possession of the Premises to Lessee with all Building systems serving and located therein (including standard ceiling lighting and electrical outlets) in good operating condition and working order, with functionality and performance capabilities reasonably sufficient for the permitted uses of the Premises. Subject to the foregoing, Lessor makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, with respect to the condition of the Premises, the Building or the Project, the suitability  of the Premises, the Building or the Project  for  Lessee’s  particular  use, or any other conditions that may affect Lessee’s use and enjoyment of the Premises, the Building or the Project; with the exception of Lessor’s warranty that, to Lessor’s knowledge, the Building, existing improvements and systems, restrooms and common areas therein are in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and all other applicable building codes (including new Title 24 ADA and energy code compliancy) as of the Lease Commencement Date. Without limiting the foregoing, neither the Premises nor the Common Areas have undergone inspection by a Certified Access Specialist (CASp) within the meaning of California Civil Code Section 1938, and Lessor is not providing any representations or warranties regarding whether the Premises or the Common Areas (or any portions thereof) meets all applicable construction-related accessibility standards, provided that Lessor  agrees  to cause the Premises, Building  and Project  to comply  with all such applicable  laws to the extent such application is not triggered by the unique uses of the Premises by the Lessee beyond general office and administration space. Except as expressly set forth in this Lease, no construction conducted on, and/or development  of, any adjoining property, whether or not performed or developed under the direction of Lessor or other persons, including any attendant  noise  and dust associated  with such activity, shall affect  the obligations of Lessee under this Lease or constitute a constructive eviction or a breach of the covenant of quiet enjoyment.  No rights to any view or to light or air over any other portion of the Project or any other property, whether belonging to Lessor or any other person, are granted to Lessee by this Lease or are deemed an appurtenance to Lessee’s use and/or occupancy of the Premises, provided that if view, light and air from and to the Premises is materially and permanently adversely impacted and such impact materially and adversely impacts the conduct of


Lessee’s operations as then being conducted in the Premises, Lessee shall have the right to terminate this Lease, Lessor reserves from the shall have the right to terminate this Lease, Lessor reserves from the leasehold estate hereunder, in addition to all other rights reserved by Lessor under this Lease: (i) all exterior walls and windows bounding the Premises and rights to the use of the roof of the Building, provided that Lessee shall have the preferential right to use the rooftop for up to two (2) satellite dishes or antennae without charge and (ii) all space above the ceiling tiles (and commonly referred to as the “plenum”), provided that Lessee shall have the preferential right to use without charge the plenum for conduit, cabling, and similar installations  required for the Permitted Uses. Subject to the provisos in the preceding sentence, Lessor shall have the reasonable right to approve the location and placement of any installations on the rooftop.

1.3Common Areas.

Appurtenant to the occupancy of the Premises and subject to the Project Rules (as that term is defined in Article 3.3), Lessee is hereby granted the right to the nonexclusive use of the following common areas (“Common Areas”).

(a)Building Common Area. The common stairways, corridors and access-ways, vending and mail areas, lobbies and foyers, entrances, stairs, elevators, and common area restrooms of the Building.

(b)Land Common Area. The common walkways and sidewalks necessary for access to the Project, Building and Premises, together with any courtyards and landscaped areas.

(c)Parking. The right to use the parking facility of the Building (the “Parking Facility”) subject to and in accordance with the terms of Article 20.

1.4Lessor’s Reserved Rights in Premises and Common Areas.

Lessor reserves the right from time to time:

(a)Project Changes. To install, use, maintain, repair and replace pipes, ducts, conduits, wires and appurtenant meters and equipment for service to other parts of the Building above the ceiling surfaces, below the floor surfaces, within the walls and in the central core areas, and to relocate any pipes, ducts, conduits, wires and appurtenant meters and equipment in the Premises which are so located or located elsewhere outside the Premises,; to make alterations or additions to or to change the location of elements of the Project and the common areas thereof, including, without limitation, the location and size of any and all hallways, corridors, lobby areas and other common areas of the Building,; the manner of ingress and egress to and from the Project and/or the Building, and the location, size, shape and number of the Project’s driveways, entrances, parking facilities, walkways and other common areas of the Project; provided that no such changes described in the preceding paragraph materially and adversely impact the quality of the Project or Building or access to the Premises or diminish or otherwise adversely impact the Lessee’s express rights under this Lease.

(b)Boundary Changes. To change the lines of the parcel of land on which the Project stands and make other reasonable changes and grant others rights thereto, including without limitation the granting of easements, rights of way and rights of ingress and egress and similar rights for utilities, and/or for other  public or private uses consistent  with  the purposes of  the Project, provided that no such changes  described in the preceding paragraph materially and adversely impact the quality of the Project or Building or access to the Premises or diminish or otherwise adversely impact the Lessee’s express rights under this Lease.

1.5Rentable Area.

The parties hereby stipulate that the Premises and the Building contain the rentable square feet set forth in Items 6.1 and 6.2 of the Summary and such square footage amount is not subject to adjustment or remeasurement under this Lease. Base Rent has been determined for separate consideration independent of actual rentable square.

1.6Lessee’s Percentage Share. Intentionally Deleted.

8


ARTICLE 2

PLANS AND CONSTRUCTION

2.1Lessee Improvements. Intentionally Deleted.

2.2Early Access. Intentionally Deleted.

ARTICLE 3

TERM; USE; COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS

3.1Commencement of Term and Extension Option.

(a)Commencement. Subject to and upon the terms and conditions set forth herein, the term of this Lease shall be for a period specified in the Summary as “Lease Term,” commencing  upon the date specified in the Summary as the Lease Commencement Date. In the event of the inability of Lessor to deliver possession of  the  Premises at the time for the commencement  of the Lease Term for any reason  whatsoever, neither Lessor nor its agents shall be liable for any damage caused thereby, nor shall this Lease thereby become void or voidable, nor shall the Lease Term be in any way extended. Lessee shall not be liable for any Rent until such time as Lessor actually delivers possession of the Premises in the condition required by this Lease.

Upon commencement of the Lease, Lessee is hereby authorized, as to the Premises, to install new carpet, paint all interior walls and ceilings, and install new lighting fixtures, all at Lessee’s expense (“Lessee’s Work”). Prior to the commencement of Lessee’s Work, Lessee must provide written notice to Lessor not less than ten (10) days in advance of the performance of Lessee’s Work so that Lessor can post and record a Notice of Non-Responsibility for Lessee’s Work.

Promptly following the Lease Commencement Date, Lessor and Lessee shall execute a Notice of Lease Term Dates, substantially  in the form of Exhibit E attached  hereto and made a part hereof setting forth, among other things, the Lease Commencement Date and the Lease Expiration Date.

Provided Lessee is not in default under this Lease (after any applicable notice and lapse of applicable cure periods) Lessee shall have the right to extend the Lease Term by exercise of the Extension Option as set forth in the Summary.

3.2General Use.

Lessee shall only use the Premises for the Permitted Use provided in Item 13 of the Summary and for no other use. At Lessee’s sole cost and expense, Lessee shall comply with and faithfully observe all of the requirements of municipal, county, state, federal and other applicable governmental authorities, now in force, or which may hereafter be in force (“Laws”), pertaining to Lessee’s use and occupancy of the Premises, and shall secure any necessary permits pertaining to Lessee’s use and occupancy of the Premises. In Lessee’s use and occupancy of the Premises, Lessee shall not subject the Premises to any use that would cause any cancellation of any  insurance policy of Lessor covering the Project or any portion thereof, provided that Lessor acknowledges and agrees that normal uses within the scope of the Permitted Use shall not be deemed to cause any breach of this sentence merely because such Permitted Uses are permitted  to be conducted  in the Premises, and Lessee shall, at its sole cost and expense, comply with any and all reasonable requirements of Lessor’s insurers (provided that those requirements do not materially modify the Permitted Uses set forth in this Lease. Lessee shall not do or permit anything to be done in or about the Premises which shall in any way unreasonably obstruct or unreasonably interfere with the rights of other Lessees of the Project, nor shall Lessee or Lessee’s agents cause, maintain or permit any nuisance in, on or about the Premises or commit or permit others reasonably within its control to commit any waste in, on or about the Premises. The Building is a “no smoking” building and Lessee shall not permit any persons under the control of Lessee to smoke in the Building. Except for normal office equipment and furnishings, Lessee shall not bring into the Building, or keep or arrange in the Premises any furniture, equipment, materials or other objects which individually or collectively overload

9


the Premises or the Building or that would cause noise and/or vibration that may be transmitted  to the structure of the Building  or to any other Lessees in the Building. Lessor reserves the right to reasonably prescribe the weight and position of all safes, fixtures and heavy installations that Lessee desires to place in the Premises so as to distribute properly the weight, or to reasonably require plans prepared by a qualified structural engineer for such heavy objects at Lessee’s sole cost and expense. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Lessor shall have no liability for damage caused by the installation of such safes and heavy equipment.

3.3Rules and Regulations.

Lessee shall faithfully observe and comply with such rules and regulations adopted from time to time by Lessor for the safety, care and general conduct of business at the Project (“Rules and Regulations”), including rules implementing environmental sustainable practices in Building operations and management and energy efficiency and waste management. The current Rules and Regulations for the Project are attached to this Lease as Exhibit F and made  a part hereof (collectively, the “Project  Rules”). Lessor  reserves  the right  from  time to time in its sole discretion upon written notice to Lessee to make all reasonable additions  and  modifications  to the Project Rules. Any additions and modifications to the Project Rules shall be binding on Lessee when notice thereof is delivered  to Lessee, provided  that such additions  and modifications  do not conflict  with this Lease at the time of their adoption. Lessor shall not be liable to Lessee for violation of any such Project Rules, or for the breach of any covenant or condition in any lease by any other tenant in the Building; however, Lessor shall make a reasonable effort to encourage compliance therewith by all Building tenants in a non-discriminatory manner. In the event of any conflict between this Lease and the Project Rules, the terms of this Lease shall govern. A waiver by Lessor of any rule or regulation for any other tenant shall not constitute nor be deemed  a waiver of the rule or regulation for Lessee.

3.4Hazardous Substances.

(a)Restricted Use of Hazardous Substances. Except for general office supplies typically used in an office area in the ordinary course of business, such as copier toner, liquid paper, glue, ink, and cleaning solvents, for use in the manner for which they were designed, in such amounts as may be normal for the office business operations conducted by Lessee in the Premises, neither Lessee nor its agents, employees, contractors, licensees, sublessees, assignees, concessionaires or invitees shall use, handle, store or dispose of any Hazardous Substances in, on, under or about the Premises or the Project. Furthermore, Lessee shall immediately notify Lessor of any inquiry, test, investigation or enforcement proceeding naming or against Lessee or the Premises that concerns the use, generation, storage, release or disposition of any Hazardous Substance.

(b)Indemnification and Reimbursement of Release Related Costs and Expenses. If any Hazardous Substances are used, stored, generated, or disposed of on or in the Premises by Lessee (or its agents, contractors or invitees) including those customarily used in connection with general office uses, or if the Premises become affected by any release or discharge of a Hazardous Substance arising from such use, storage, generation or disposal, Lessee shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Lessor from and against any and all Claims  (including, without  limitation, a decrease in value of the  Premises, damages  caused  by loss or restriction of rentable or usable space, or any damages caused by adverse impact on marketing of the space, and any and all sums paid for settlement of claims, attorneys’ fees, consultant, and expert fees) arising during or after the Lease Term as a result of such use, storage, disposal, generation, release or discharge. This indemnification includes, without limitation, any and all costs incurred because of any investigation of the site or any clean-up, remediation, removal, or restoration  mandated by federal, state or local agency or political subdivision.   Without limitation  of the foregoing, if Lessee causes or permits the use, storage, generation, or disposal of any Hazardous Substances in or about the Premises and the same results in any release or discharge of Hazardous Substances, Lessee shall promptly, at its sole expense, take any and all necessary actions to return the Premises to the condition existing prior to the release, storage or discharge of any such Hazardous Substances. Lessee shall first obtain Lessor’s reasonable approval for any such remedial action. Lessee acknowledges that Lessor, at Lessor’s election, shall have the sole right, at Lessee’s expense, to negotiate, defend, approve and appeal any action taken or order issued by any governmental authority  with regard to any Hazardous Substance release or discharge for which Lessee is obligated hereunder.

(c)Lessor Representation. Lessor, to the best of its knowledge, represents, as of the date hereof, to Lessee that no toxic, explosive or other dangerous materials or hazardous substances are present in the Project, Building or Premises building or on the property or have been concealed within, buried beneath, released on

10


or from, or removed from the Project, Building or Premises. Lessor  represents that, as of the Date of this Lease, it has fully disclosed any and all reports, analyses, studies or other documents, including environmental and air quality studies that would identify contaminants on or about the Project. Lessor shall fully indemnify and hold harmless Lessee from all costs and expenses, including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees and costs, that Lessee may incur as a result of the presence of, release of or threatened release of Hazardous Substances on or from the Project or Building or the Premises or otherwise with respect to the Project (1) prior to the Commencement Date of this Lease, or (2) if caused by any party other than Lessee.

(d)Definition of Hazardous Substance. As used herein, “Hazardous Substance” means asbestos, any petroleum fuel, radioactive material, polychorobiphenyls (“PCBs”), biological pathogens, and any hazardous or toxic substance, material or waste which is or becomes regulated by any local governmental authority, the State of California or the United States government, including, but not limited to, any material or substance defined as a “hazardous waste,” “extremely hazardous waste,” “restricted hazardous waste,” “hazardous substance,” “hazardous material” or “toxic pollutant” under the California Health and Safety Code, under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C. section 9601, et. seq., the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. §6901 et seq.; and the Toxic Substances Control Act, 15 U.S.C. §2601 et seq.

ARTICLE 4

RENT

4.1Rent.

Lessee shall pay the following sums as Rent:

(a)Base Rent.

(i)The amounts specified in Item 8 of the Summary as the Base Rent for the applicable portions of the Lease Term indicated, commencing on the first day of the first full calendar month after the Lease Commencement Date.

(ii)Intentionally deleted.

(b)Additional Rent. All such other sums of money as shall become due and payable by Lessee to Lessor under this Lease (“Additional Rent”).

All of the foregoing are deemed to be obligations in the nature of rent  whether  or not such  obligations  are expressly so designated, and are collectively referred to herein as “Rent.”

4.2Rent Adjustment.

(a)Base Rent Adjustment. The Base Rent adjustments for the Term are the annual increases in Base Rent set forth in Item 8 of the Summary. Lessee shall not be responsible for any increases in Lessor’s operating expenses, taxes, insurance premiums and costs, utility charges, or maintenance costs separate from and in addition to the stated increases in Base Rent, it being understood that the stated increases in the Base Rent are intended to compensate Lessor for any such increased expenses.

(b)Intentionally deleted.

(c)Intentionally deleted.

(d)Taxes of Lessee’s Personal Property. Lessee shall be liable for and shall pay not less than ten (10) days before delinquency, all taxes assessed against and levied upon Lessee’s Property. If any of Lessee’s Property is taxed or assessed with the Project, Lessor may pay the taxing authority all amounts billed to Lessor as a

11


result thereof and Lessor may, but shall have no obligation to, determine the validity of any such assessment or otherwise object thereto. Lessee shall pay all such amounts to Lessor as Additional Rent within ten (10) days following Lessor’s invoice therefor. Lessee shall pay, prior to delinquency, any taxes assessed upon this transaction or any document to which Lessee is a party creating or transferring an interest or an estate in the Premises.

(e)Intentionally deleted.

4.3Semi-Annual Rent Payments.

Lessee’s obligation to pay Base Rent shall commence on the Lease Commencement Date, and shall thereafter be due and payable in advance in six (6)-month installments due on the first day of the month in which each six (6)-month period commences during the Lease Term and any extensions or renewals thereof, without demand or prior written  notice; provided, however, Lessee shall pay Base Rent for  the first six  (6)-month  period of the Lease Term for which Base Rent shall be due concurrently with Lessee’s execution of this Lease, and such payment of Base Rent shall be credited to Base Rent due and payable for the first six (6)-month period for which Base Rent is payable, provided, however, if said month is a partial calendar month (due to the fact that the Lease Commencement Date is other than the first day of a calendar month) any unapplied Base Rent shall be credited towards Base Rent due for the next following six (6)-month period.

4.4Additional Rent Payments.

Lessee shall pay to Lessor all amounts of Additional Rent within fifteen (15) days of Lessee’s receipt of a bill therefore.

4.5Payment of Rent.

Rent shall be paid to Lessor, without abatement, deduction or offset, in lawful money of the United States of America at Lessor’s address as set forth in the Summary or to such other person or at such place as Lessor may from time to time designate in writing. No payment by Lessee or receipt by Lessor of a lesser amount of Rent shall be other than on account of the earliest  rent  or  payment  due, nor shall  any endorsement  or statement on any check or letter accompanying any such check or payment constitute an accord and satisfaction, and Lessor may accept any such check or payment or pursue any other remedy under this Lease, at law or inequity.

4.6Late Payment and Interest.

If any installment of Rent is not paid within five (5) calendar days of the date when due, all such past due installments of Rent shall bear interest from the due date until paid at a rate (the “Interest Rate”) equal to the lesser of (a) six percent (6%) per annum, or (b) the maximum lawful rate. In addition, if any installment of Rent is not paid within five (5) days of the date when due, Lessee shall pay to Lessor a one time late charge for each late installment of Rent equal to five percent (5%) of the overdue amount of such installment. The parties agree that such late charge represents a reasonable estimate of the expenses that Lessor will incur because of any late payment of Rent, the exact amount of which are unascertainable and difficult to prove. The payment by Lessee and receipt by Lessor of late payment charges and interest is not a release or waiver by Lessor of a default by Lessee.

4.7Security Deposit.

(a)Nature of Deposit. Upon execution of this Lease, Lessee shall deposit the amount specified in the Summary as a security deposit (the “Security Deposit”) with Lessor. The Security Deposit shall secure Lessee’s obligations under this Lease to pay Rent and other monetary amounts, to maintain the Premises and repair damages thereto, to surrender the Premises to Lessor in clean condition and repair upon termination of this Lease and to discharge Lessee’s other obligations hereunder. If Lessee fails to perform Lessee’s obligations hereunder, Lessor may, but without any obligation to do so, apply all or any portion of the Security Deposit towards fulfillment of Lessee’s unperformed obligations. If Lessor does so apply any portion of the Security Deposit, Lessee, upon written demand by Lessor, shall immediately pay Lessor a sufficient amount in cash to restore the Security Deposit to the original amount. Lessee’s failure to forthwith remit to Lessor an amount in cash sufficient to restore the Security Deposit to

12


the original sum deposited within five (5) business days after receipt of such demand shall constitute an “Event of Default.” The Security Deposit shall be held by Lessor without liability for interest on the same. Lessor is entitled to commingle  the security deposits with its own funds and Lessor is not to be deemed a trustee or fiduciary for Lessee in respect of the security deposit. Upon termination of the original Lessor’s or any successor owner’s interest in the Premises or the Building, the original Lessor or such successor owner shall be released from further liability with respect to the Security Deposit upon the original Lessor’s or such successor owner’s complying with California  Civil Code Section 1950.7. Subject to the foregoing, Lessee hereby waives the provisions of Section 1950.7 of the California Civil Code, and all other provisions of law, now or hereafter in force, which provide that Lessor may claim from a security deposit only those sums reasonably necessary to remedy defaults in the payment of rent, to repair damage caused by Lessee or to clean the Premises, it being agreed that Lessor may, in addition, claim those sums reasonably necessary to compensate Lessor for any other loss or damage caused by the default of Lessee under this Lease.

(b)Return of Deposit.  Provided Lessee is not in default at the expiration or sooner termination of this Lease, and except to the extent necessary to cure any defaults or perform any continuing obligation of Lessee hereunder, the Security Deposit shall be returned, without payment of interest or other increment for its use, to Lessee (or, at Lessor’s option, to the last assignee, if any, of Lessee’s interest hereunder), within thirty (30) days following the later of the expiration of the Lease Term or Lessee’s surrender of the Premises in the condition required under  this Lease;  provided, however, Lessor  may retain a portion of the Security  Deposit, in an amount up to Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00), until the Reconciliation Statement pursuant to Article 4.2 shall have been completed for the Calendar Year in which the Lease Term Expiration occurs, and within ninety (90) days thereafter Lessor shall return to Lessee any remaining portion of the Security Deposit not applied to any amounts owed to Lessor  thereunder. Lessor’s  return  of the Security Deposit, or any part thereof, shall not be construed  as an admission that Lessee has performed all of its obligations under this Lease.

ARTICLE 5

SERVICES AND UTILITIES

5.1Basic Services.

Lessor shall provide the following services (“Basic Services”) to the Project on all days during the Lease Term, unless otherwise stated below.

(a)Subject to all governmental rules, regulations and guidelines applicable thereto, heating, air ventilation and air conditioning (“HVAC”) when necessary for normal comfort for normal office use in the Premises, from Monday through Friday, during the period from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (“Normal Business Hours”), except for the date of observation of New Year’s Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and other nationally recognized holidays (collectively the “Holidays”). Lessor also agrees to provide reasonable HVAC for the Premises on Saturdays from 9:00 am to I :00 pm.

(b)Lessor shall provide adequate electrical wiring and facilities and power for normal general office use as determined by Lessor. Lessor shall replace, as part of Basic Costs, lamps, starters and ballasts for Building standard lighting fixtures within the Premises. Lessee shall have the right to install for 24- hour use any specialized  supplemental  air conditioning/air handling equipment  or systems  via a separate electric or submeter as it relates to Lessee’s  use of electronics  laboratory  and server room needs. Such installations  shall be at Lessee’s sole cost with such usage charged directly to Lessee by the respective utility company.

(c)Lessor shall provide city water from the regular Building outlets for lavatory and plumbing requirements within the Premises.

(d)Lessor shall provide janitorial services, including, without limitation, those daily services which are customarily provided five (5) days per week for tenant spaces (except the date of observation of the Holidays), in and about the Premises, Building and Project and window  washing services, which janitorial and window washing services shall be in scope and manner consistent with such services provided by owners of comparable office buildings (“Comparable Buildings”) of comparable condition located in the Westlake Village area.

13


The scope of work for janitorial services for the Project, Building and Premises attached hereto as Exhibit J, describes the services that the Lessor and Lessee agree meet the standard set forth in the preceding sentence.

(e)Lessor shall provide nonexclusive automatic passenger elevator service at all times. Lessee and its invitees shall be allowed access to the Premises and parking facilities 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

(f)Lessor shall maintain a reasonable access control and supervision program for the Project, which may include, without limitation, unarmed personnel, cameras, roving patrols, a keyboard system and/or any other access control measures which Lessor deems appropriate. Such access control measures are intended solely for the protection of Lessor and its interest in the Building and the Project, and not for the protection of Lessee, Lessee’s interest in the Premises or any property of Lessee or any other party. Lessee shall be responsible for such security equipment, systems and procedures as may reasonably be required for the protection of Lessee, its employees, contractors, agents, invitees and property located in the Premises.

5.2Over Standard

(a)Lessee shall not, without  Lessor’s prior  written consent, use any apparatus,  equipment or device, including, without limitation, computers, servers, copiers, custom lighting, kitchen appliances or other machines, that use or consume electricity, water or other resources in excess of that determined by Lessor to be reasonably necessary for general office use during Normal Business Hours, nor shall any Lessee’s equipment, machines or devices unduly affect the temperature otherwise maintained in the Premises by Lessor for general office use. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, equipment that consumes more than 7 watts per square foot at rated capacity or requires voltage other than 120 volts, single phase, or that is operated for the conduct of Lessee’s business on a regular basis during hours other than Normal Business Hours, is deemed in excess of what is reasonably necessary for the Permitted Use and shall trigger the right of Lessor to directly charge Lessee for the utility costs which Lessor incurs for such excess use to the extent such costs exceed such costs in the Base Year plus any excess of the Base Year which is paid as part of Base Costs. Notwithstanding the foregoing  but subject to the right of Lessor set forth in the foregoing to charge for such excess use, Lessor and Lessee agree that Lessee shall have the right to use the  Premises  for the Permitted  Use as generally described  in the plans approved pursuant to the Work Letter even if such use entails such excess use of capacity or effect on temperature. Lessor shall have the right to separately meter electrical and water usage for the Premises and to measure electrical and water usage by survey or other commonly accepted methods in order to assess any excess utility usage by Lessee and the parties agree that Lessor may include such metering as part of the improvements under the Work Letter. If Lessor gives its consent to the use of any apparatus, equipment or device that makes excess use of water or electricity (or if any use by Lessee is reasonably determined by Lessor to be an excess use under the provisions  of this paragraph), Lessor  shall have the right  to install  supplementary air conditioning units or other facilities in the Premises, including supplementary or additional metering devices, to measure such usage. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Lessee shall have the right to install a specialized supplemental HVAC system via a separate meter or submeter to service Lessee’s laboratory and server rooms. Any costs related to the installation of a supplemental HVAC system, separate meter and/or subemeter, as well as the cost for usage of such equipment shall be borne by Lessee. Lessee shall also have the right to expand the existing electrical panel for the Premises at its sole cost and expense and subject to Lessor’s approval, as set forth above, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.

(b)If Lessee uses water, electricity or HVAC in excess of that provided in Article 5.1 (whether pursuant to the prior consent of Lessor or if any use by Lessee is determined by Lessor to be an excess use as provided in Article 5.1), Lessee shall pay to Lessor as Additional Rent, upon billing by Lessor, the cost of such excess consumption, including the cost of the installation, operation, and maintenance of equipment which is installed in order to supply such excess consumption, including supplementary or additional metering devices, and the cost of the increased wear and tear on existing equipment caused by such excess consumption. In no event shall Lessor be required to provide any utility service in excess of the capacity of the existing panels, circuits, conduits, pipes or lines serving the Premises (taking into account the anticipated needs of other existing and future Lessees served by such panels. In addition to, and without limitation of, the foregoing, if Lessee desires to use HVAC during hours other than those specified in Article 5.1 of this Lease, Lessee shall give Lessor such prior notice as Lessor shall from time to time establish as appropriate, of Lessee’s desired use and Lessor shall supply such after-hours HVAC to Lessee subject to Lessee’s payment to Lessor of Lessor’s actual cost for such services, with no additional mark-up for wear and tear, any electricity surcharge, or administrative fee, except for actual out of pocket costs realized by Lessor.

14


5.3Interruption of Use.

Lessee agrees that Lessor shall not be liable for damages by abatement of Rent or otherwise, for failure to furnish or delay in furnishing any service (including telephone and telecommunication services), or for any diminution in the quality or quantity thereof, when such failure or delay or diminution is occasioned, in whole or in part, by repairs, replacements, or improvements, by any strike, lockout or other labor trouble, by inability to secure electricity, gas, water or other fuel at the Project after reasonable effort to do so, by any accident or casualty whatsoever, by act or default of Lessee or other tenants, or by any other cause beyond Lessor’s reasonable control, and such failures or delays or diminution shall never be deemed to constitute an eviction or disturbance of Lessee’s use and possession of the Premises or relieve Lessee from paying Rent or performing any of its obligations under this Lease, unless such damages, eviction or disturbance arise out of the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Lessor. Furthermore, Lessor shall not be liable under any circumstances for a loss of, or injury to, property or for injury to, or interference with, Lessee’s business, including, without limitation, loss of profits, however occurring, through or in connection with or incidental to a failure to furnish any of the services or utilities, unless such failure arises out of the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Lessor.

Notwithstanding anything contained in the foregoing or in this Lease to the contrary, in addition to any other specific right to abate rent set forth in this Lease, if Lessee is prevented from using, and does not use, the Premises or any portion thereof, for three (3) consecutive business days or fifteen (15) business days in any twelve (12) month period (the “Eligibility Period”) for any reason beyond the control of Lessee and not arising out of the conduct of Lessee or its contractors or invitees, then Rent shall be abated or reduced, as the case may be, after expiration of the Eligibility Period for such time that Lessee continues to be so prevented from using, and does not use, the Premises or a portion thereof, in the proportion that the rentable area of the portion of the Premises that Lessee is prevented from using, and does not use, bears to the total rentable area of the Premises. However, in the event that Lessee is prevented from conducting, and does not conduct, its business in any portion of the Premises for a period of time in excess of the Eligibility Period, and the remaining portion of the Premises is not sufficient to allow Lessee to effectively conduct its business therein, and if Lessee does not conduct its business from such remaining portion, then for such time after expiration of the Eligibility Period during which Lessee is so prevented from effectively conducting its business therein, the Rent for the entire Premises shall be abated; provided, however, if Lessee reoccupies and conducts its business from any portion of the Premises during such period, the Rent allocable to such reoccupied portion, based on the proportion that the rentable area of such reoccupied portion of the Premises bears to the total rentable area of the Premises, shall be payable by Lessee from the date such business operations commence. If Lessee’s right to abatement occurs during a free rent period which arises after the Commencement Date, Lessee’s free rent period shall be extended for the number of days that the abatement period overlapped the free rent period (“Overlap Period”). If Lessee’s right to abatement occurs because of an eminent domain taking and/or because of damage or destruction to the Premises or the Building and/or Lessee’s property, Lessee’s abatement period shall continue until Lessee has been given sufficient time, and sufficient access to the Premises and/or the Building, to rebuild such portion it is required to rebuild, to install its property, furniture, fixtures, and equipment to the extent the same shall have been removed and/or damaged as a result of such damage or destruction and/or eminent domain taking and to move in over a weekend. To the extent Lessee is entitled to abatement without regard to the Eligibility Period, because of an event covered by Articles 10 and 12 of this Lease, then the Eligibility Period shall not be applicable. To the extent Lessee has prepaid rent (as it does semi-annually since Rent is due in advance every six (6) months) and Lessee is subsequently entitled to an abatement, such prepaid, and subsequently abated, Rent should be refunded to, and paid by Lessor to, Lessee within thirty (30) days after the end of the appropriate month.

5.4Additional Services.

Lessor shall also have the exclusive right, but not the obligation, to provide additional services concerning the upkeep and maintenance  of the Premises which may be requested by Lessee and which are typically  provided by a lessor of similar properties, including, without limitation, locksmithing, lamp replacement for non-Building standard lamps or fixtures, additional janitorial service, and additional repairs and maintenance, provided that costs for each such service including the administrative fee is reasonably comparable to a similar service provided by third party contractors at arm’s length and Lessee shall pay to Lessor upon billing, the actual cost to Lessor of providing such additional services, plus a reasonable administration fee (which in no event shall exceed five percent (5%) of the cost), and same shall be deemed  Additional  Rent  hereunder  and  shall  be  billed on a monthly basis.

15


5.5Keys and Locks.

Lessor shall furnish Lessee two (2) keys for each corridor door entering the Premises. Additional keys shall be furnished at a reasonable charge by Lessor on an order signed by Lessee. All such keys shall remain the property of Lessor. No additional locks shall be allowed on any door of the Premises without Lessor’s prior written permission, and Lessee shall not make or permit to be made any duplicate keys, except those furnished by Lessor. Upon termination of this Lease, Lessee shall surrender to Lessor all keys of the Premises, and give to Lessor the combination of all locks for safes, safe cabinets and vault doors, if any, remaining in the Premises.

ARTICLE 6

REPAIRS

6.1Lessor Obligations.

Subject to Lessee’s repair obligations set forth in Article 6.2, and the provisions of Article 4, Lessor shall operate and maintain the Project, including the structural and exterior components of the Project and the mechanical and electrical systems of the Building serving the Premises, and common areas and keep such areas, elements and systems in a first-class manner and condition and in compliance with all applicable laws.

6.2Lessee Obligations.

Lessee shall, at Lessee’s own expense, keep the Premises, including all improvements, fixtures and furnishings therein, in good order, repair and condition at all times during the Lease Term. In addition, and subject  to  the provisions  of Articles 10 and 12, Lessee shall, at Lessee’s  own expense but under the supervision and subject to the prior approval of Lessor, and within any reasonable period of time specified by Lessor, promptly and adequately repair all damage to the Premises and replace or repair all damaged or broken fixtures and appurtenances caused by the act or omission of Lessee or any of Lessee’s employees, contractors, agents, licensees and invitees; provided however, that-if Lessee fails to make such repairs, Lessor, after written notice to Lessee, may, but need not, make such repairs and replacements, and Lessee shall pay Lessor the cost thereof, together with an additional ten percent (10%) of the cost thereof, as reimbursement to Lessor for all overhead, general conditions, fees and other actual costs or expenses arising from Lessor’s management and coordination of repairs and replacements upon being billed for same.

6.3Compliance with Laws.

Without limiting the generality of the terms of Article 6.2, Lessee shall be responsible, at its sole cost and expense, for the making of all alterations, additions or improvements to or in the Premises as are required to comply with applicable laws, to the extent the compliance obligation relates to or is triggered by (i) Lessee’s particular use of the Premises (for other than general office use) or any of Lessee’s Property installed therein, or (ii) any Lessee Improvements (following delivery of the Premises as contemplated by this Lease) or Alterations, whether now in effect or enacted in the future and whether or not now foreseeable. It is the intent of the parties to allocate to Lessee the cost of compliance of any and all laws (to the extent compliance relates to any of the matters hereinabove provided), regardless of the existing condition of the Premises, the cost of compliance or the foreseeability of the enactment or application of the laws to the Premises. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Lessee shall not be required to make structural  changes or capital  improvements  to the Premises unless they arise or are required because of or in connection with Lessee’s specific use of the Premises (for other than general office use), the installation of any item of Lessee’s Property, or any Alterations or except to except to the extent such capital improvements are required of Lessee expressly by the terms of this Lease.

6.4Waiver of Statutory Provisions.

Lessee waives all rights to make repairs at the expense of Lessor or to terminate this Lease, as provided in California Civil Code§§1941 and 1942, and 1932(1), respectively, and any similar law.

16


ARTICLE 7

ADDITIONS AND ALTERATIONS

7.1Lessor’s Consent to Alterations.

Lessee shall not make any improvements, alterations, additions or changes to the Premises (collectively, the “Alterations”) without first procuring the prior written consent of Lessor to such Alterations, which consent shall be requested by Lessee not less than thirty (30) days prior to the commencement of making Alterations. Lessor’s consent shall not be unreasonably withheld with respect to proposed Alterations that (i) comply with all applicable laws, ordinances, rules and regulations, (ii) are compatible with the Building and its mechanical, electrical, and life safety systems; (iii) will not interfere with the use and occupancy of any other portion of the Building by any other Lessee or their invitees; (iv) do not affect the structural portions of the Building; and (v) do not and  will not, whether alone or taken together with other improvements, require the construction of any other improvements or alterations within the Building. Subject to the foregoing, Lessor’s consent to any other Alterations shall be in the sole discretion of Lessor.

7.2Manner of Construction.

Lessor may impose, as a condition of its consent to all Alterations or repairs in, of or about the Premises, such requirements as Lessor in its sole discretion may deem desirable, including, but not limited to, the requirement that upon Lessor’s request, Lessee shall, at Lessee’s expense, remove such Alterations upon the expiration or any early termination of the Lease Term if such Alteration would require unusual expense to demolish or remove such Alteration upon expiration or any early termination and repair any damage done by the removal of such Alterations, or the requirement that Lessee utilize for such purposes only contractors, materials, mechanics and management selected by Lessee and approved by Lessor (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld); provided, however, that Lessee shall utilize subcontractors of Lessor’s selection to perform all work that may affect the Project systems and equipment, structural aspects of the Project, or exterior appearance of the Project or Common Areas. Lessee shall construct such Alterations and perform such repairs in conformance  with any and all applicable  rules and regulations of any federal, state, county or municipal  code or ordinance and pursuant to a valid building permit, issued by the City of Los Angeles and in conformance with Lessor’s construction rules and regulations. Any Alterations shall be performed in conformance with plans, specifications and working drawings first approved by Lessor. Lessor’s approval of the plans, specifications and working drawings for Lessee’s Alterations shall create no responsibility or liability on the part of Lessor for their completeness, design sufficiency, or compliance with all laws, rules and regulations of governmental agencies or authorities. All work with respect to any Alterations must be done in a good and workmanlike manner and diligently prosecuted to completion to the end that the Premises shall at all times be a complete unit except during the period of work but Lessor’s approval thereof shall not be unreasonably withheld. In performing the work of any such Alterations, Lessee shall have the work performed in such manner as not to obstruct access to the Project for any other lessee of the Project, and as not to obstruct the business of Lessor or other lessees in the Project, or interfere with the labor force working in the Project. In the event that Lessee makes any Alterations, Lessee agrees to carry “Builder’s All Risk” insurance in an amount approved by Lessor covering the construction of such Alterations, and such other insurance as Lessor may require, it being understood and agreed that all of such Alterations shall be insured by Lessee pursuant to Article 9 immediately upon completion thereof. In addition, Lessor may, if reasonable and non-discriminatory and involves estimated costs in excess of at least Seventy Five Thousand dollars ($75,000.00), require Lessee to obtain a lien and completion bond or some alternate form of security satisfactory to Lessor in an amount sufficient to ensure the lien-free completion of such Alterations and naming Lessor as a co-obligee. Upon completion of any Alterations, Lessee agrees to cause a Notice of Completion  to be recorded in  the Office of the Recorder  of the County of Los Angeles in accordance with section 3093 of the Civil Code of the State of California  or any successor  statute and Lessee shall deliver  to the Building management office a reproducible copy of the “as built” drawings of such Alterations.

7.3Payment for Improvements.

The cost of all Alterations shall be paid by Lessee. In addition, Lessee shall pay to Lessor, as Additional Rent, within ten (10) days following Lessor’s invoice therefor, all fees and costs of Lessor’s architects, engineers or other consultants in connection with the review of plans and specifications in connection with any proposed Alteration,

17


whether or not approved, as well as a fee in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the cost of the Alterations for Lessor’s project management and supervision of the progress of the work where Lessor serves as the general contractor, and three percent (3%) where Lessee uses an outside general contractor, approved of by Lessor. Lessor may, in the exercise of its reasonable  discretion, require a deposit of fifty percent (50%) of its estimated fees in advance of performing any review.

7.4Lessee’s Property and Fixtures.

Except as provided in Article 7.1 and in this Article 7.4, all Alterations that are or become permanently affixed to or installed in the Premises shall become a part of the Building upon installation and construction. All of Lessee’s readily moveable furniture, furnishings, equipment and other personal property in the Premises (or elsewhere in or about the Building), and all Operations Equipment (as hereinafter defined) shall be and remain the property of Lessee and are referred to herein as “Lessee’s Property”. As used herein, the term “Operations Equipment” shall mean and refer to any and all trade fixtures that are affixed to the floors, walls or ceiling of the Premises (excluding permanently attached lighting fixtures), and all Building signage installed by Lessee pursuant to Article 19.  Upon the expiration  or sooner  termination  of this Lease, Lessee shall  remove  or cause to be removed, at  its sole expense, all of Lessee’s Property, including  Operations  Equipment, together  with any and all Alterations constructed and installed in the Premises that Lessor, at the time of its approval thereof and in accordance with the provisions  of  this Lease, conditioned  such approval  on the requirement  that Lessee remove the same upon the expiration or early termination of the Lease Term, and repair any damage to the Premises and Building caused by such removal. If Lessee fails to complete such removal and/or to repair any damage caused by such removal, Lessor may do so and may charge the cost thereof to Lessee, together with an additional ten percent (10%) of the cost of such work to cover overhead, general conditions, fees and other costs and expenses arising from Lessor’s involvement with such work. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any of Lessee’s Property not so removed by Lessee at the expiration  or sooner termination  of this Lease may be removed by Lessor for storage for the account of Lessee, and Lessee shall reimburse Lessor for the cost of storage, together with an additional ten percent (10%) of the cost of such work to cover overhead. All charges billed to Lessee hereunder shall be due and payable within ten (10) days after receipt of a statement therefor. Lessee’s obligations under this Article 7.4 shall survive the termination of this Lease.

7.5Telecommunications Wiring and Installations.

(a)Wiring and Access. Lessee shall not alter, modify, add to or disturb any telecommunications wiring or cabling in the Building other than that which is located exclusively in the Premises, without Lessor’s prior written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. Any and all telecommunications equipment, lines and cabling serving Lessee and the Premises (collectively, the “Telecommunications Equipment”) shall be located solely in the Premises, and Lessee shall only be permitted to access the main point of entry to the Building for telecommunications providers (the “MPOE”) and/or any intermediate distribution frame for telecommunications equipment and cabling located outside of the Premises with the prior written consent of Lessor (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld) and for purposes of providing Building approved telecommunications providers (each, a ‘TSP”) interconnection to Lessee. Lessor reserves the right to limit the number of TSPs having access to the Building’s riser system and infrastructure, to install a cable distribution/riser management system to which Lessee and all TSPs shall connect, and to charge TSPs for the use of Lessor’s telecommunications riser system and infrastructure provided, however, in all cases, Lessor will provide Building and riser access to at least one TSP for voice and data service to tenants of the Building chosen by Lessee and reasonably approved by Lessor, Lessor shall use reasonable efforts to obtain service in the Building from reputable TSP’s,. and shall not charge Lessee any access or other riser fee for access to said intra building network cabling. Lessee understands that wiring and installation of telecommunications on the Premises is Lessee’s responsibility and Lessee shall bear the cost of such installation, unless otherwise stipulated on the WorkLetter.

(b)Interference. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, no installation or use of Telecommunications Equipment by Lessee shall cause unreasonable interference with any Building systems or with any telecommunications equipment of other occupants of the Project being operated within the technical and frequency transmission and reception parameters specified by its manufacturer and any applicable governmental license or law. Lessee shall immediately remove, on demand by Lessor, any Telecommunications Equipment installed or used in violation of any provision of this Lease. No approval by Lessor of Lessee’s installation of any Telecommunications

18


Equipment shall constitute a representation that such Telecommunications Equipment will function effectively or in compliance with this Article 7.5.

(c)Removal of Wiring. Lessee’s installation of Telecommunications Equipment shall be deemed an Alteration. Upon the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease, Lessee shall remove, at its sole cost and expense, all of Lessee’s Telecommunications Equipment which is owned by Lessee and which is designated by Lessor for removal in accordance with the provisions of this Lease.

ARTICLE 8

COVENANT AGAINST LIENS

Lessee has no authority or power to cause or permit any lien or encumbrance of any kind whatsoever, whether created by act of Lessee, operation of law or otherwise, to attach to or be placed upon the Project or Premises or any part thereof, and any and all liens and encumbrances created by Lessee shall attach to Lessee’s interest only. Lessor shall have the right at all times to post and keep posted on the Premises any notice of non­ responsibility which it deems necessary for protection from such liens. Lessee covenants and agrees not to suffer or permit any lien of mechanics or material men or others to be placed against the Project or the Premises or any part thereof with respect to work or services claimed to have been performed for or materials claimed to have been furnished to Lessee or the Premises, and in case of any such lien attaching or notice of any lien, Lessee covenants and agrees to cause it to be immediately released and removed of record. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Lease, in the event that such lien is not released and removed on or before the date notice of such lien is delivered by Lessor to Lessee, Lessor, at its sole option, may immediately take all action necessary to release and remove such lien, without any duty to investigate the validity thereof, and all sums, costs and expenses, including attorneys’ fees and actual costs, incurred by Lessor in connection with such lien shall be deemed Additional Rent under this Lease and shall immediately be due and payable by Lessee.

ARTICLE 9

INSURANCE

9.1Lessor Coverage: All Risk.

During the Lease Term, Lessor shall procure and maintain in full force and effect with respect to the Project, a policy or policies of Cause of Loss or Special  Risk property insurance (including sprinkler, earthquake and flood coverage if reasonably required by Lessor and such coverage is typically required to be carried by tenants  of similar properties, and any other endorsements  reasonably required  by any  institutional  ground lessor or the institutional holder of any mortgage) and commercial general liability insurance, written on an occurrence basis, each in an amount customarily carried by owners of comparable office buildings (“Comparable Buildings”) of comparable construction and condition located in the Westlake Village area. Any or all of Lessor’s insurance may be provided by blanket coverage maintained by Lessor or any affiliate of Lessor’s (provided that such blanket coverage provides Lessor with the same level of coverage and protection Lessor would have received from a separate policy for the Project). If because of the nature of Lessee’s operations the premiums charged Lessor for such insurance exceed the standard premium rates or result in increased exposure, then Lessee, within fifteen (15) days of receipt of appropriate  premium invoices, shall reimburse  Lessor for such increased amount. The parties acknowledge and agree that Lessee’s operations, as currently proposed in the Premises, will not result in such increased amount.

9.2Lessee Coverage.

(a)Property Insurance. During the Lease Term and at its own cost and expense, Lessee shall maintain in full force and effect a policy or policies of all risk property insurance (including sprinkler, vandalism  and malicious  mischief coverage  and including  earthquake  and flood coverage  at Lessee’s option) in an amount adequate to cover damage to the Premises, including without limitation Lessee’s Improvements as defined in the Work Letter, merchandise, fixtures, trade fixtures, furniture, furnishings, equipment, goods, inventory and other personal property located on the Premises or in the Project, insuring the full replacement value of such items.

19


(b)General Liability. During the Lease Term and at its own cost and expense, Lessee shall maintain in full force and effect a policy or policies of commercial general liability insurance insuring Lessee’s activities with respect to the Premises, Building and/or Project against loss, damage or liability for personal injury or death of any person or loss or damage to property occurring in, upon or about the Premises, Building and/or Project with a combined single limit of Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000); such commercial general liability insurance shall include contractual liability insurance coverage which shall insure Lessee’s performance of the indemnity provisions in this Lease.

(c)Workers’ Compensation. During the Lease Term and at its own cost and expense, Lessee shall maintain in full force and effect the statutory amount of workers’ compensation insurance required by the State of California for the benefit of Lessee’s employees, and employer’s liability insurance with no less than $1,000,000 per employee per occurrence.

Lessee agrees that if Lessee does not procure and maintain such insurance continuously, Lessor may (but shall not be required to) procure such insurance on Lessee’s behalf and Lessee shall pay to Lessor the cost thereof, as Additional Rent, within fifteen (15) days of Lessee’s receipt of a bill therefore.

9.3General Insurance Requirements.

(a)Requirements. All insurance required under this Article 9 shall be issued by such good and reputable insurance companies qualified to do and doing business in California and having a rating of not less than “A-X” as rated in the most current copy of Best’s Insurance report in the form customary to the locality. All such Lessee insurance shall include (i) an endorsement, if available, expressly providing that such policies shall not be cancelable or subject to reduction of coverage or otherwise be subject to modification except after thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to the parties named as insured in this Article 9, (ii) an endorsement for the commercial general liability policy providing that Lessor, its successors, assigns, and nominees holding any interest in the Premises, including without limitation any ground lessor and the holder of any mortgage, shall be named as additional insureds under each such policy of insurance maintained by Lessee pursuant to this Lease, (iii)an endorsement providing that such insurance as is afforded under Lessee’s policy is primary as respects Lessor and that any other insurance maintained by Lessor is excess and non-contributing with other insurance required under this Article 9, (iv) an endorsement deleting any employee exclusion on personal injury covered, (v) an endorsement including employees as insureds or additional insureds, (vi) an endorsement deleting any liquor liability exclusion and (vii) an endorsement providing for coverage of employer’s automobile liability. Deductible amounts under all insurance policies required to be carried by Lessee under this Lease shall not exceed $10,000 per occurrence. All such insurance shall provide for severability of interests; shall provide that an act or omission of any insured shall not reduce or avoid coverage to any  of the other insureds; and shall afford coverage for all claims based on acts, omissions injury and damage which claims occurred or arose (or the onset of which occurred or arose) in full or in part during the policy period. Expiration of Lessee’s policy shall not limit recovery thereunder; “claims made” insurance policies are not acceptable to satisfy Lessee’s insurance requirements  under this Article 9. Lessee shall furnish to Lessor, upon the Commencement Date and thereafter at least ten (10) business days prior to the expiration of each such policy, a Certificate of insurance and endorsement(s) affording evidence of the above insurance requirements issued by the insurance carrier of each policy of insurance carried by Lessee pursuant  hereto.  If Lessee shall fail to procure any required  insurance, or to deliver such endorsements or certificates to Lessor as herein provided, Lessor may, at Lessor’s option and in addition to Lessor’s other remedies in the event of a default by Lessee under this Lease, after ten (10) business days notice, procure the same for the account of Lessee, and the cost thereof shall be paid to Lessor as Rent. In addition, if at any time during the Lease Term the amount or coverage  of insurance  which Lessee is required to carry under this Article 9 is, in Lessor’s reasonable judgment, materially less than the amount or type of insurance coverage typically carried by lessees of Comparable  Buildings, Lessor  shall  have the right to require  Lessee to increase  the amount or change the types of insurance coverage required under this Article 9.

(b)Lessee’s Use. Lessee will not keep, use, sell or offer for sale in, or upon the Premises any article which may be prohibited by any insurance policy periodically in force covering the Project. If Lessee’s  occupancy  or business  in or on the Premises,  whether  or not Lessor  has consented  to the same, results in any increase in premiums for the insurance periodically carried by Lessor with respect to the Project, Lessee shall pay any such increase in premiums as Additional Rent within ten (10) days after being billed therefore by Lessor. In determining whether increased premiums are a result of Lessee’s use of the Premises, a schedule issued by the

20


organization computing the insurance rate on the Project or the Lessee Improvements showing the various components of such rate, shall be evidence of the items which make up such rate. The parties acknowledge and agree that Lessee’s operations, as currently proposed in the Premises, will not result in such increased premiums.

(c)Waiver of Subrogation. Any policy or policies of property insurance, which either party obtains in connection with the Premises, or Lessee’s personal property therein, shall include a clause or endorsement denying the insurer any rights of subrogation against the other party to the extent rights have been waived by the insured prior to the occurrence of injury or loss. Lessor and Lessee hereby waive any rights of recovery against the other for injury or loss due to hazards covered by insurance containing such a waiver of subrogation clause or endorsements if the injury or loss is covered thereby (except for the deductible, provided that neither Lessee shall be liable hereunder for a deductible in excess of $20,000.00) and agree to obtain such a waiver from their respective insurance carriers and upon request deliver a copy thereof to the other party; each party shall provide written notice to the other party if such waiver is not obtained and shall indemnify, defend and hold the other harmless from all liabilities, penalties, losses, costs, expenses, demands, causes of action, claims, judgments or damages arising from the indemnifying party’s failure to obtain such a waiver from its insurance company unless such a waiver is not customarily available.

9.4Indemnification and Release.

(a)Indemnification. Except to the extent directly arising out of the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Lessor, Lessee shall defend, protect, indemnify and hold harmless Lessor and Lessor’s investment advisors and agents for asset and property management, and all of such parties’ respective partners, shareholders, members, managers, directors, officers, employees and agents (individually and collectively, “Lessor Protected Parties”) from and against any and all claims, demands, suits, actions, causes of action (whether in contract or in tort, at law or in equity, or otherwise), liabilities, injuries, losses, damages, judgments, liens, charges, cost and expenses (including attorney and expert witness fees and cost, including those incurred in connection with matters on appeal) (hereinafter, individually and collectively, “Claims”) from any cause, including, without limitation, except to the extent excluded herein, arising from (i) the use or occupancy, or manner of use or occupancy, of the Premises during the Lease Term (including any period following expiration or termination of this Lease but prior to Lessee’s vacating of the Premises); (ii) any negligent or willfully wrongful act or omission of Lessee, any other Lessee Party, or by anyone else acting at the direction, with the permission, or under the control of Lessee; (iii) any breach of or default under this Lease by Lessee; (iv) the conduct of Lessee’s business, including the use of the Premises or any part thereof for storage or shipment of goods not belonging to Lessee; and (v) any action or proceeding brought on account of any matter described above.  As used herein, the term “Lessee Party” shall mean Lessee, and any of the employees, agents, contractors and invitees of Lessee.

(b)Release. To the fullest extent permitted by law, and as a material part of the consideration to Lessor for this Lease, except to the extent-arising out of the negligence or willful misconduct of Lessor, Lessee hereby releases Lessor and all Lessor Protected Parties from responsibility for, waives as against Lessor and all Lessor Protected Parties, and assumes all risk of all Claims from any cause (including, without limitation, except to the extent excluded  herein, Claims based in whole or  in part on the negligence  of Lessor or any Lessor Protected Party) arising out of or relating (directly or indirectly) to: (i) damage to property or injury to persons (including  death) in the Premises from any cause whatsoever, and (ii) damage to property or injury to persons (including death) as a result of the actor omission of Lessor or any other Lessor Party occurring outside the Premises. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, except to the extent of any Lessor Protected Party’s liability for the acts and omissions of its own agents and employees acting within the scope of their agency or employment, no Lessor Protected Party shall be deemed to have assumed any liability for the acts or omissions of any other Lessor Protected Party. Any other provision of this Lease to the contrary notwithstanding, Lessor shall not be liable to Lessee or any third party for any loss, damage, death or injury to person or property caused by theft, fire, vandalism, assault, battery, act of God, breaches of security, acts of the public enemy, acts of terrorists or criminals, riot, strike, insurrection, war, court order, or order of governmental body or authority (and not caused by the gross negligence  or willful misconduct  of Lessor), whether or not the negligence of Lessor or any Lessor Protected Party was a cause of, or in any way contributed to, such loss, damage, death or injury. No defense, indemnification or hold harmless obligations hereunder shall relieve any insurance carrier of its obligations  under any insurance  policies carried by either party pursuant to this Lease.  The prevailing  party shall be entitled to recover its actual attorney fees and court costs incurred in enforcing such indemnification and release obligations.

21


(c)Limitation on Lessor’s Liability. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Lease, in no event and under no theory of allocation of risk or liability shall Lessor or any Lessor Protected Party be responsible for, and Lessee releases and waives as against Lessor  and  all Lessor  Protected  Parties from, any and all Claims for any consequential, indirect, special or punitive damages, whether arising out of any injury or damage to, or interference with, Lessee’s business, loss of rents or other revenues, loss of business opportunity, loss of goodwill or loss of use, except to the extent caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Lessor.

ARTICLE 10

DAMAGE AND DESTRUCTION

10.1Repair of Damage to Premises by Lessor.

Lessee shall promptly notify Lessor of any damage to the Premises resulting from fire or any other casualty. If the Premises or any Common Areas of the Project serving or providing access to the Premises shall be damaged by fire or other casualty, Lessor shall promptly and diligently, subject to reasonable delays for insurance adjustment or other matters beyond Lessor’s reasonable control, and subject to all other terms of this Article 10, restore the Premises and such Common Areas. Such restoration shall be to substantially the same condition of the Premises and common areas prior to the casualty, except for modifications required by zoning and building codes and other laws or by the holder of a mortgage on the Project, or any other modifications to the Common Areas deemed desirable by Lessor. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Lease, upon the occurrence of any damage to the Premises, Lessee shall assign to Lessor (or to any party designated by Lessor) all insurance proceeds payable to Lessee under Lessee’s insurance required under Article 9 of this Lease, (but expressly excluding any optional or additional coverage purchased by Lessee, for example, loss of use, business interruption, etc.), and Lessor shall repair any injury or damage to the Lessee Improvements installed in the Premises and shall return such Lessee Improvements to their original condition; provided that if the cost of such repair by Lessor exceeds the amount of insurance proceeds received by Lessor from Lessee’s insurance, the cost of such repairs shall be paid by Lessee to Lessor prior to Lessor’s repair of the damage. Any other restoration shall be performed by Lessee, at its sole cost and expense, as an Alteration in accordance with the terms of this Lease.  Except as expressly  provided  in this Lease, Lessor shall not be liable for any inconvenience  or annoyance to Lessee or its visitors, or injury to Lessee’s business resulting in any way from such damage or the repair thereof. However, if such fire or other casualty shall have damaged the Premises or Common Areas necessary to Lessee’s occupancy, Lessor shall allow Lessee a proportionate and equitable abatement of Rent for any portion of the Premises Lessee cannot and does not use, but only to the extent the Premises are materially damaged or unfit for use for the Permitted Use under this Lease, and not actually used by Lessee as a result thereof.

10.2Lessor’s Option to Repair.

Notwithstanding the terms of Article 10.1 of this Lease, Lessor or Lessee may elect not to rebuild and/or restore the Premises and/or Common Areas and instead terminate  this Lease  by notifying the other in writing of such termination within thirty (30) days after the date of damage, such notice to include a termination  date giving the other ninety (90) days before vacation  of the Premises, but Lessor or Lessee may  so elect only if the Project shall be damaged  by fire or other casualty or cause whether  or not the Premises  are affected, and one or more  of the following conditions is present: (a) repairs cannot reasonably be completed  within one hundred eighty (180) days of the date of damage using standard construction methods (when such repairs are made without the payment of overtime or other premiums), (b) the holder of any mortgage on the Building or ground or underlying lessor with respect to the Building shall require in accordance  with applicable law that the insurance proceeds  or any portion thereof be used to retire or pay down the mortgage debt, or shall terminate the ground or underlying lease, as the case may be; or (c) the damage is not fully covered, except for deductible amounts, by the electing party’s insurance policies and the estimated amount of damage not so covered exceeds $150,000.00.

In addition, in the event that the Premises or the Project are materially destroyed or damaged to any substantial extent during the last twelve (12) months of the Lease Term, either Lessor or Lessee shall have the option to terminate this Lease by giving written notice to the other of the exercise of such option within thirty (30) days after such damage  or destruction, in which event this Lease shall cease and terminate as of the date of such notice.

22


Upon any such termination of this Lease pursuant to this Article 10.2, Lessee shall pay Rent, properly apportioned up to such date of termination, and both parties hereto shall thereafter be freed and discharged of all further obligations  hereunder, except as provided for in provisions  of this Lease which by their terms  survive the expiration or earlier termination of the Lease Term.

10.3Waiver of Statutory Provisions.

The provisions of this Lease, including this Article 10, constitute an express agreement between Lessor and Lessee with respect to any and all damage to, or destruction of, all or any part of the Premises, the Project or any portion thereof, and any statute or regulation of the State of California, including, without limitation, sections 1932(2) and 1933(4) of the California Civil Code, with respect to any rights or obligations concerning damage or destruction in the absence of an express agreement between the parties, and any other statute or regulation, now or hereafter in effect, shall  have no  application  to this  Lease or any damage or destruction  to all or any part of the Premises, the Project or any portion thereof.

ARTICLE 11

NON-WAIVER

No waiver of any provision of this Lease shall be implied  by any failure of Lessor to enforce any remedy on account of the violation of such provision, even if such violation shall continue or be repeated subsequently, any waiver by Lessor of any provision of this Lease may only be in writing, and no express waiver shall affect any provision other than the one specified in such waiver and that one only for the time and in the manner specifically  stated. No receipt of monies  by Lessor from Lessee after the termination  of this Lease shall  in any way alter the length of the Lease Term or Lessee’s right of possession hereunder or after the giving of any notice shall reinstate, continue or extend the Lease Term or affect any notice given Lessee prior to the receipt of such monies, it being agreed that after the service of notice or the commencement of a suit or after final judgment for possession of the Premises, Lessor may receive and collect any Rent due, and the payment of said Rent shall not waive or affect said notice, suit or judgment.

ARTICLE 12

EMINENT DOMAIN

12.1Condemnation and Loss or Damage.

If the whole or any material part of the Premises or Project shall be taken by power of eminent domain or condemned by any competent authority for any public or quasi-public use or purpose, or if any adjacent property or street shall be so taken or condemned, or reconfigured or vacated by such authority in such manner as to require the use, reconstruction or remodeling of any part of the Premises or Project, or if Lessor shall grant a deed or other instrument in lieu of such taking by eminent domain or condemnation, Lessor shall have the option to terminate this Lease upon ninety (90) days’ notice, provided such notice is given no later than one hundred eighty (180) days after the date of such taking, condemnation, reconfiguration, vacation, deed or other instrument.  If more  than twenty  percent (20%) of the rentable square feet of the premises is taken, or if access to the Premises is substantially impaired, Lessee shall have the option to terminate this Lease upon ninety (90) days’ notice, provided such notice is given no later than one hundred eighty (180) days after the date of such taking. Lessor shall be entitled to receive the entire award or payment in connection therewith, except that Lessee shall have the right to file any separate claim available to Lessee for any taking of Lessee’s personal property and fixtures belonging to Lessee and removable by Lessee upon expiration of the Lease Term pursuant to the terms of this Lease, and for moving expenses or other claims permitted by applicable laws, so long as such claim does not diminish the award available to Lessor, its ground lessor with respect to the Project or its mortgagee, and such claim is payable separately to Lessee.  All Rent shall be apportioned  as of the date of such termination, or  the date of such taking, whichever shall first occur.

23


12.2Temporary Taking.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary  contained  in this Article 12, in the event of a temporary  taking of all or any portion of the Premises for a period of one hundred and eighty (180) days or less, then this Lease shall not  terminate  but Base Rent and  Additional  Rent shall be abated for the period of such taking in proportion to the ratio that the amount of rentable  square feet of the Premises  taken bears to the total rentable  square feet of the Premises, provided that if the remaining portion of the Premises is not reasonably suitable for the conduct of Lessee’s business or operations therein and Lessee does not conduct business in such remaining portion, then such abatement shall be for the entire Premises. Lessor shall be entitled to receive the entire award made in connection with any such temporary taking.

12.3Total Taking.

The provisions  of this Lease, including this Article 12, constitute an express agreement  between Lessor and Lessee with respect to any and all condemnation or taking of, all or any part of the Premises, the Project or any portion thereof, and any statute or regulation of the State of California, including, without limitation, Section 1265.130 of the California Code of Civil Procedure, with respect to any rights or obligations concerning condemnation or taking in the absence of an express agreement between the parties, and any other statue or regulation, now or hereafter in effect, shall have no application to this Lease or any condemnation or taking of all or any part of the Premises, the Project or any portion thereof.

ARTICLE 13

ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLETTING

13.1Transfers.

Lessee shall not, without the prior written consent of Lessor, assign, mortgage, pledge, hypothecate, encumber, or permit any lien to attach to or otherwise transfer, this Lease or any interest hereunder or permit any assignment or other such foregoing transfer of this Lease or any interest hereunder by operation of law, sublet the Premises or any part thereof, or permit the use of the Premises by any persons other than Lessee and its employees, agents and licensees (all of the foregoing are hereinafter sometimes referred to collectively as “Transfers” and any person to whom any Transfer is made or sought to be made is hereinafter  sometimes  referred to as a “Transferee”). If Lessee shall be required to obtain Lessor’s consent to any Transfer, Lessee shall notify Lessor in writing, which notice (the “Transfer Notice”) shall include:

(a)the proposed effective date of the Transfer, which shall not be less than thirty (30) days nor more than one hundred eighty (180) days after the date of delivery of the Transfer Notice;

(b)a description of the portion of the Premises to be transferred (the “Subject Space”); (i) all of the terms of the proposed Transfer and the consideration therefore, including a calculation of the “Transfer Premium,” as that term is defined in Article 13.4 below, in connection with such Transfer, the name and address of the proposed Transferee, and a copy of all existing and/or proposed documentation pertaining to the proposed Transfer, including all operative assignment or subletting documents to be executed to evidence such Transfer or the agreements incidental or related to such Transfer; and,

(c)current financial  statements of the proposed  Transferee  certified  by an officer, partner or owner thereof, and any other information reasonably required by Lessor, which will enable Lessor to determine the financial responsibility, character, and reputation of the proposed Transferee, nature of such Transferee’s business and proposed use of the Subject Space, and such other information as Lessor may reasonably require. Any Transfer made without Lessor’s prior written consent or not in compliance with this Article 13 shall, at Lessor’s option, be null, void and of no effect, and shall, at Lessor’s option, constitute a default by Lessee under this Lease.

24


Lessee shall, within thirty (30) days after written request by Lessor, reimburse Lessor for all reasonable costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred by Lessor in connection with its review of a proposed Transfer., provided that Lessee reimbursement obligation for such costs and expenses shall not exceed $5,000.00.

13.2Lessor’s Consent.

Lessor shall not unreasonably withhold its consent to any proposed Transfer of the Subject Space to the Transferee on the terms specified in the Transfer Notice. The parties hereby agree that it shall be reasonable under this Lease and under any applicable Laws for Lessor to withhold consent to any proposed Transfer where one or more of the following apply:

(i)The Transferee is of a character or reputation or engaged in a business which is not consistent with the quality of the Building;

(ii)The Transferee intends to use the Subject Space for other than one or more of uses included in the Permitted Use or for purposes which are not permitted hereunder;

(iii)The Transferee is either a governmental agency or instrumentality thereof and Lessor has not previously leased space in the Project to other similar tenants;

(iv)The Transfer will result in more than a reasonable and safe or legal number of occupants per within the Subject Space;

(v)The Transferee is not a party of reasonable financial worth and/or financial stability in light of the responsibilities involved under this Lease on the date consent is requested;

(vi)The proposed Transfer would cause Lessor to be in violation of another lease or agreement to which Lessor is a party, or would give an occupant of the Project aright to cancel its lease;

(vii)Either the proposed Transferee, or any person or entity which directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, the proposed Transferee, (i) occupies space in the Building at the time of the request for consent and Lessor has reasonably compatible space for such Transferee in the Project, (ii) is negotiating with Lessor to lease space in the Building at such time, or (iii) has negotiated with Lessor during the six (6) month period immediately preceding the Transfer Notice.

If Lessor consents to any Transfer pursuant to the terms of this Article 13.2, Lessee may within six (6) months after Lessor’s  consent, but  not later  than the expiration of said six-month  period, enter into such Transfer of the Premises or portion thereof, upon substantially the same terms and conditions as are set forth in the Transfer  Notice  furnished  by Lessee to Lessor pursuant  to Article 13.1 of this Lease, provided  that if  there are any changes in the terms and conditions for those specified in the Transfer Notice such that (i) Lessor would initially have been entitled to refuse its consent to such Transfer under this Article 13.2, or (ii) which would cause the proposed Transfer to be materially more favorable to the Transferee than the terms set forth in Lessee’s original Transfer  Notice, Lessee shall again submit the Transfer  to Lessor for its approval and other action under this Article 13 (including Lessor’s right of recapture under Article 13.3 of this Lease).

13.3Intentionally Deleted.

13.4Transfer Premium.

Subject to the provisions of this Section 14, except with respect to Permitted Transferees, if Lessor consents to (i) any Transfer of Lessee’s interest in this Lease by assignment or (ii) any Transfer by which Lessee subleases the Premises or any portion thereof, Lessee shall pay to Lessor fifty percent (50%) of any Transfer  Profits  (defined below).  “Transfer Profits” shall mean all rent, additional rent or other consideration paid to Lessee by or on behalf of such transferee in connection with the Transfer for the right to occupy the Subject Space covered by this Section 13.4 in excess of the monthly Base Rent and Additional Rent payable by Lessee under this Lease during the term of the

25


Transfer (on a per square foot of rentable area basis if less than all of the Premises is transferred) after first deducting all Transfer Costs (as defined below). Within twenty (20) days of written request by Lessor, Lessee shall provide Lessor with a detailed statement setting forth the calculation of any Transfer Profits Lessee either has or will derive from such Transfer. In addition, Lessor or its representative shall have the right, for a period of one hundred and eighty days (180) days after the date of the Lessee’s request for consent to the Transfer, at all reasonable times, to conduct a onetime audit of the books and records of Lessee with respect to the calculation of the Transfer Profits; provided, however, that Lessor’s review shall be limited to those documents encompassing the economics of the Transfer and shall specifically exclude any documents that Lessee is not permitted to disclose pursuant to applicable legal requirements. If such inspection reveals that the amount of Transfer Profits paid to Lessor was incorrect, then within ten (10) days of Lessee’s receipt of the results of such audit, Lessee shall pay Lessor the deficiency and, if the Transfer Profits actually paid to Lessor are less than 95% of the Transfer Profits payable to Lessor hereunder, the cost of Lessor’s audit. Alternatively, if such inspection reveals that Lessor has received more than its share of the Transfer Profits, then such excess shall be applied against and deducted from future payments of Transfer Profits. For purposes hereof, “Transfer Costs” shall mean and shall include expenses incurred by Lessee for the following: (i) any changes, alterations and improvements to the Premises in connection with the Transfer, (ii) any brokerage commissions incurred by Lessee in connection with the Transfer, (iii) attorneys’ fees incurred by Lessee in connection with the Transfer, (iv) out-of-pocket costs for advertising the space which is the subject of the Transfer, (v) the value of any services rendered by Lessee or any payment in excess of fair market value for services rendered by Lessee to Transferee in connection with the Transfer, (vi) all rents with respect to such Subject Space paid to Lessor by Lessee for all days the Subject Space was vacated from the date that Lessee first vacated the Transferred Space until the date the assignee or sub lessee was to pay rent thereunder; and (v) any incentives or consideration related to the Transfer, including but not limited to free rent, lump sum payments or takeover costs. For purposes of calculating the Transfer Profits on a monthly basis, the Transfer Costs shall be allocated to the earliest portion of the term of such Transfer until such Transfer Costs are exhausted. The determination  of the amount of Lessor’s applicable  share of the Transfer  Profits  shall be made on a monthly  basis as rent or other consideration is received by Lessee under the Transfer.

13.5Effect of Transfer.

If Lessor consents to a Transfer, (i) the terms and conditions of this Lease shall in no way be deemed to have been waived or modified, (ii) such consent shall not be deemed consent to any further Transfer by either Lessee or a Transferee, (iii) Lessee shall deliver to Lessor, promptly after execution, an original executed copy of all documentation pertaining to the Transfer, (iv) Lessee shall furnish upon Lessor’s request a complete statement, certified by an independent certified public accountant, or Lessee’s chief financial officer, setting forth in detail the computation of any Transfer Profit, (v) any assignee shall assume for the benefit of Lessor in writing all obligations and covenants of Lessee thereafter  to be performed  or observed  under this Lease, and  (vi) no Transfer relating to this Lease or agreement entered into with respect thereto, whether with or without Lessor’s consent, shall relieve Lessee or any guarantor of this Lease from liability under this Lease. Lessor or its authorized representatives shall have the one time right to audit the books, records and papers of Lessee relating to any Transfer as set forth in Section 13.4, and shall have the right to make copies thereof. If the Transfer Premium respecting any Transfer shall be found understated, Lessee shall, within thirty (30) days after demand, pay the deficiency and Lessor’s costs of such audit.

13.6Additional Transfers.

Unless Lessee is a publicly held company (“Exempt Lessee”) whose stock or other voting membership interests is  regularly  traded on a national  stock exchange, or is regularly  traded  in  the over-the-counter market and quoted on NASDAQ, any merger, consolidation or other reorganization (including, without limitation, liquidation or the sale of substantially all of the unencumbered assets) or the sale or other transfer of any of the voting  stock, partnership  or membership  interests, of Lessee or of any direct or indirect  parent company that owns a controlling  interest -in Lessee,  whether  in one  or  more transactions, that,  in the aggregate, results  in  a change in control of Lessee or in said parent company, or the dissolution by Lessee or any such parent company, shall be deemed to be an assignment and Transfer of this Lease. If any of the foregoing applies to an Exempt Lessee, such transfer shall not constitute a Transfer. The term “control” as used in this Article 13 shall mean the right to exercise, directly or indirectly, more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting or equity rights attributable to the interest of the controlled entity or the right or power to direct or cause the  direction of the management  or policies of the controlled person, if the controlling party exercises less than such amount of voting or equity rights.

26


If Lessee is a partnership, a transfer of the interest of any general partner or of any person that controls said general partner, a withdrawal of one or more general partner(s) from the partnership, or the dissolution of the partnership  or of  any person  that controls said  general  partner, shall be deemed to be an assignment  of  this Lease. If Lessee is currently a partnership (either general or limited),joint venture, co-tenancy, joint tenancy or an individual, the conversion  of the Lessee entity or person into any type of entity which possesses  the characteristics of limited liability such as, by way of example only, a corporation, a limited liability company, limited liability partnership, or limited liability limited partnership, shall be deemed an assignment for purposes of this Lease.

13.7Permitted Transfers.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained  in this Section 13, Lessee shall be permitted to assign or sublet, in whole or in part, or Transfer the Premises to a Permitted Transferee (as hereinafter defined) and to license incidental space to, or permit any or all  of the Premises  to be used by a Permitted  Transferee, all without the prior written consent of Lessor or the payment of any Transfer Profit, but upon ten (10) days prior written notice to Lessor (at which time Lessee shall provide Lessor with reasonable evidence showing compliance with the requirements of this Section 13.7). The foregoing notice requirement shall not apply to any transfer which does not constitute a Transfer under this Article, including, without limitation, transfers involving Exempt Lessees. As used herein, a “Permitted Transferee” shall mean (i) any corporation or other entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with Lessee; (ii) any corporation or other entity with which Lessee is merged or consolidated or which is merged or consolidated into Lessee; (iii) any corporation or other entity which acquires all or substantially all of the assets of Lessee; (iv) any successor to Lessee’s assets or business by reason of merger, consolidation, reorganization, purchase of assets, or action of governmental or regulatory authority; provided, however, that no Event of Default exists hereunder; and (v) any third party to whom Lessee leases or allows such party to occupy by license, occupancy agreement or otherwise, not more than ten (10) percent of the Premises. For purposes of the immediately preceding sentence, “control” shall be deemed to be ownership of more than fifty percent (50%) of the stock or other voting interest of the controlled corporation or other business entity.

13.8Reasonableness of Restrictions.

Lessee acknowledges and agrees that the restrictions, conditions  and limitations  imposed  by this Article 13 on Lessee’s ability to Transfer any interest under this Lease or in the Premises are, for the purposes of California Civil Code §§1951.4 and 1995.010 et seq. (as such laws may be amended from time  to time), and for all other  purposes, reasonable at the time that this Lease was entered into, and shall be deemed to be reasonable at the time that Lessee seeks the consent of Lessor to any proposed Transfer.

ARTICLE 14

SURRENDER OF PREMISES; OWNERSHIP AND REMOVAL OF TRADE FIXTURES

14.1Surrender of Premises.

No act or thing done by Lessor or any agent or employee of Lessor during the Lease Term shall be deemed to constitute an acceptance by Lessor of a surrender of the Premises unless such intent is specifically acknowledged in a writing signed by Lessor. The delivery of keys to the Premises to Lessor or any agent or employee of Lessor shall not constitute a surrender of the Premises or effect a termination of this Lease, whether or not the keys are thereafter retained by Lessor, and notwithstanding such delivery, Lessee shall be entitled to the return of such keys at any reasonable time upon request until this Lease shall have been properly terminated. The voluntary or other surrender of this Lease by Lessee, whether accepted by Lessor or not, or a mutual termination hereof, shall not work a merger, and at the option of Lessor shall operate as an assignment to Lessor of all subtenancies affecting the Premises.

14.2Removal of Lessee Property by Lessee.

Upon the expiration of the Lease Term, or upon any earlier termination of this Lease, Lessee shall quit and surrender possession of the Premises to Lessor in as good order and condition as when Lessee took possession and as thereafter improved by Lessor, reasonable wear and tear, and repairs which are specifically made the responsibility of

27


Lessor hereunder excepted and subject to the other express provisions of this Lease, including without limitation, Article 10 [Damage and Destruction] and Article 12[Eminent Domain]. Upon such expiration or termination, Lessee shall, without expense to Lessor, remove or cause to be removed from the Premises all debris and rubbish, and such items of furniture, equipment, free-standing cabinet work and other articles of personal property owned by Lessee or installed or placed by Lessee at its expense in the Premises, and such similar articles of any other persons claiming under Lessee, as Lessor may, in its sole discretion, require to be removed, and Lessee shall repair at its own expense all damage to the Premises and Project resulting from such removal. If Lessee does not timely remove such property, then Lessee shall be conclusively presumed to have, at Lessor’s election, (i) conveyed such property to Lessor without compensation or (ii) abandoned such property, and Lessor may dispose of  or store any part there of in any manner at Lessee’s sole cost, without waiving Lessor’s right to claim from Lessee all expenses arising out of Lessee’s failure to remove the property, and without liability to Lessee or any other person. Lessor shall have no duty to be a bailee of any such personal property. If Lessor elects to deem such property abandoned by Lessee, Lessee shall pay to Lessor, upon demand, any expenses incurred for disposition. Lessee expressly releasesLessorofandfromanyandallclaimsandliabilityfordarnagetoor destruction or loss of property left by Lessee upon the Premises at the expiration or other termination of this Lease, and to the extent permitted by then applicable law, Lessee shall protect, indemnify, defend and hold Lessor harmless from and against any and all claims and liability with respect thereto.

ARTICLE 15

HOLDING OVER

Lessee shall have the right to holdover and continue possession of the Leased Premises after expiration of the Original Term or the Option Term, by giving Lessor not less than 90 days prior written notice, for a period up to three months from such expiration, at a rate of 150% of Base Rent applicable during the last rental period of the Lease Term under this Lease. If Lessee holds over and continues in possession of the Leased Premises after such period expires, the Lessee will be deemed to be occupying the Premises on the basis of a month-to-month tenancy at a rate of 150% of the Base Rent applicable during the last rental period of the Lease Term under this Lease, but otherwise subject to all of the terms and conditions of this Lease. In the even to fan unauthorized or deemed holding over, and not withstanding any agreement of the parties with respect to consequential damages, should Lessor have leased all or any part of the Premises to any successor lessee (“Successor Lessee”) effective upon the termination of this Lease, then Lessee shall also indemnify Lessor against (i) all claims for damages by such Successor Lessee and (ii) all lost rents otherwise due from such Successor Lessee which are suffered by Lessor in excess of the rents paid by Lessee, both of which consequences are agreed by the parties to be actual, direct damages hereunder. Such month-to month tenancy shall be subject to every other term, covenant and agreement contained in this Lease. Nothing contained in this Lease shall be construed as consent by Lessor to any holding over by Lessee, and Lessor expressly reserves the right to require Lessee to surrender possession of the Premises to Lessor as provided in this Lease upon the expiration or other termination of this Lease. The provisions of this Lease shall not be deemed to limit or constitute a waiver of any other rights or remedies of Lessor provided herein or at law. If Lessee fails to surrender the Premises upon the termination or expiration of this Lease, in addition to any other liabilities to Lessor accruing therefrom, Lessee shall protect, defend, indemnify and hold Lessor harmless from all loss, costs (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) and liability resulting from such failure, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any claims made by any succeeding Lessee founded upon such failure to surrender, and any lost profits to Lessor resulting therefrom.

ARTICLE 16

ESTOPPEL, ATTORNMENT AND SUBORDINATION

16.1Estoppel Certificate.

At any time during the Lease Term within ten (10) business days after request therefore by Lessor, Lessee shall execute and deliver to Lessor an estoppel certificate which shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit H attached hereto and made a part hereof (or such other form as may be required by any mortgagee or prospective mortgagee or purchaser of the Project or any portion thereof) and which shall contain such other information reasonably requested by Lessor or any such mortgagee or purchaser. Lessee’s failure to deliver such statement in time shall constitute an acknowledgment by Lessee that the statements included in the estoppel certificate are true and correct, without

28


exception. Lessor shall execute and deliver from time to time to Lessee an estoppel certificate within the same time period from Lessee’s request as the time period set forth above, which certificate shall be comparable to Exhibit H in form and content and contain and such other information as may be reasonably requested by Lessee. Lessor’s failure to deliver such statement in time shall constitute an acknowledgment by Lessor that the statements included in the estoppel certificate are true and correct, without exception.

16.2Financial Statement.

Within ten (10) days following Lessor’s written request therefor, Lessee shall deliver to Lessor, the annual and quarterly financial statements of Lessee (and any Guarantors) for the most recent fiscal year and quarter to the extent then available to the public, which financial statements shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) (or in accordance with a method other than GAAP, provided that such financial statements fully and accurately reflect the financial condition of Lessee(or Guarantor, as the case may be), and the actual method of preparation is fully disclosed in writing), certified as to accuracy and completeness by Lessee’s chief financial officer (in the case of any Guarantor, certified by the Guarantor’s chief financial officer, or by Guarantor personally, if Guarantor is an individual).

16.3Subordination and Nondisturbance.

This Lease is subject and subordinate to all present and future ground or underlying leases of the Project or any portion thereof, and to the lien of any mortgages or trust deeds, now or hereafter inforce against the Project or any portion thereof, if any, and to all renewals, extensions, modifications, consolidations and replacements thereof, and to all advances made or hereafter to be made upon the security of such mortgages or trust deeds, unless the holders of such mortgages or trust deeds, or the lessors or underlying leases, require in writing that this Lease be superior thereto and provided that the holders of such leases, mortgages and trust deeds made after the date hereof and the then current Lessor offer to enter into and record a Subordination, Non-Disturbance and Attornment Agreement comparable to that attached hereto as Exhibit G or otherwise accepted as a reasonable standard form in the industry and substantially grants the benefits to Lessee, including without limitation, recognition of the Lease and non-disturbance following foreclosure or a deed in lieu of foreclosure, that a reset forth in Exhibit G. If requested by Lessor’s mortgagee or any future mortgagee at or about the time such future mortgagee is made, Lessee shall execute and deliver to Lessor a Subordination, Non-Disturbance and Attornment Agreement, substantially in the form of Exhibit G attached hereto and made apart hereof confirming the terms of the subordination of this Lease to the interest of the existing holder of mortgage or deed of trust encumbering the Project. Lessee covenants and agrees in the event any proceedings are brought for the foreclosure of any such mortgage or trust deed, to attorn, without any deductions or setoffs whatsoever, to the purchaser upon any such foreclosure sale upon any such termination if so requested to do so by such purchaser, and to recognize such purchaser, as the lessor under this Lease, provided  that there  is an  applicable  subordination, non-disturbance  and  attornment  agreement  executed by Lessee and enforceable by Lessee against  such purchaser  and meeting the requirements  of this paragraph. Lessee shall, within  ten  (10) business  days of request  by Lessor, execute  such further  instruments  or assurances as Lessor or any mortgagee may reasonably deem necessary to evidence or  confirm  the  subordination  or superiority of this Lease to any mortgages, trust deeds, ground leases or underlying lease in accordance with the provisions of this paragraph. Lessor shall use best efforts to deliver to Lessee, concurrently with the execution of this Lease by Lessor and Lessee, a Non Disturbance Agreement  from any and all ground lessors, mortgage holders or lien holders (“Lenders”) of Lessor then in existence, in form and substance reasonably comparable to the Subordination and Nondisturbance Agreement form attached as Exhibit G hereto. Lessor shall also deliver a comparable Non-Disturbance Agreement from any future Lender.

ARTICLE 17

DEFAULTS; REMEDIES

17.1Events of Default by Lessee.

The occurrence of any of the following events shall constitute an “Event of Default” on the part of Lessee without notice from Lessor unless otherwise provided:

29


(a)Abandonment. Abandonment of the Premises as abandonmentis defined in Section 1951.3 of the California Civil Code, and fails to pay Rent as and when due;

(b)Payment. Except as provided in subparagraph (f) below, failure to pay any installment of Base Rent, Expense Rent, Additional Rent or other monies due and payable hereunder as Rent upon the date when said payment is due, provided, however, there shall be no Event of Default unless such failure continues beyond a period of five (5) calendar days after delivery of written notice from Lessor.

(c)Performance. Default in the performance of any of Lessee’s covenants, agreements or obligations hereunder (except default in the payment of Rent), where such default continues for thirty (30) days after written notice thereof from Lessor; provided however, that if the nature of such default is such that the same cannot reasonably be cured within a thirty (30)-day period, Lessee shall not be deemed to be in default if it diligently commences such cure within such period and thereafter diligently proceeds to rectify and cure said default as soon as possible. Acts of maintenance or preservation or efforts to relet the Premises or the appointment of a receiver upon initiative of Lessor to protect Lessor’s interest under this Lease shall not constitute a termination of Lessee’s right to possession. At any time subsequent to vacation or abandonment of the Premises by Lessee, Lessor may give notice of termination and shall thereafter have all of the rights set forth in Article 17.2 (b) through (f) below.

(d)Assignment. A general assignment by Lessee for the benefit of creditors.

(e)Bankruptcy. The filing of a voluntary petition by Lessee, or the filing of an involuntary petition by any of Lessee’s creditors seeking the rehabilitation, liquidation or reorganization of Lessee under any law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or other relief of debtors and not removed within ninety (90) days of filing.

(f)Chronic Delinquency. Lessee’s failure to make any payment of Base Rent under this Lease as and when the same is required to be paid, if Lessee has received three (3) or more notices of default from Lessor with respect thereto at any time within the preceding twelve (12) month period, irrespective of whether any such default was cured prior to or after becoming an Event of Default.

(g)Intentionally deleted.

(h)Insolvency or Dissolution. Lessee shall become insolvent or unable to pay its debts, or shall fail generally to pay its debts as they become due; or any court shall enter a decree or order directing the winding up or liquidation of Lessee or of substantially all of its assets; or Lessee shall take any action toward the dissolution or winding up of its affairs or the cessation or suspension of its use of the Premises; and,

(i)Attachment. Attachment, execution or other judicial seizure of substantially all of Lessee’s assets or the Premises or any interest of Lessee under this Lease.

17.2Lessor’s Remedies.

If an Event of Default shall occur, at any time thereafter and without limiting Lessor in the exercise of any other right or remedy at law or in equity, Lessor may elect any of the following remedies:

(a)Continuation of Lease. Notwithstanding Lessee’s breach of this Lease and abandonment of the Premises, Lessor may continue this Lease in full force and effect and enforce all of the Lessor’s rights and remedies under this Lease, as provided by California Civil Code section 1951.4, including the right to recover rent as it becomes due, so long as Lessor does not terminate Lessee’s right to possession. The following provision from such California Civil Code Section is hereby repeated: “The lessor has the remedy described in California Civil Code Section 1951.4 (lessor may continue lease in effect after lessee’s breach and abandonment and recover rent as it becomes due, if lessee has right to sublet or assign, subject only to reasonable limitations).” Acts of maintenance or preservation or efforts to relet the Premises or the appointment of a receiver upon initiative of Lessor to protect Lessor’s interest under this Lease shall not constitute a termination of Lessee’s right to possession.  At any time subsequent to vacation or abandonment  of the Premises  by Lessee, Lessor may give notice of termination and shall thereafter have all of the rights set forth in Article 17.2 (b) below.

30


(b)Termination. So long as the default continues after the expiration of the applicable cure period, Lessor shall have the right to terminate this Lease by written notice to Lessee.

(c)Possession. Following termination of this Lease under Article l 7.2(b) and without prejudice to any other remedies Lessor may have by reason of Lessee’s default or of such termination, Lessor may then or at anytime thereafter: (i) peaceably re-enter the Premises, or any part thereof, upon voluntary surrender by Lessee or expel or remove Lessee therefrom and any other persons occupying them, using such legal proceedings as are then available; (ii) repossess and enjoy the Premises; or relet the Premises or any part thereof for such term or terms (which may be for a term extending beyond the Term) at such rental or rentals and upon such other terms and conditions as Lessor in its sole discretion shall determine, with the right to make reasonable alterations and repairs to the Premises; and (iii) remove all personal property therefrom, store such personal property at Lessee’s expense and sell such property and apply the proceeds therefrom pursuant to applicable California law, all as attorney-in-fact for Lessee.

(d)Recovery. Following termination under Article l 7.2(b) above, Lessor shall have all the rights and remedies to recover from Lessee damages as provided by California Civil Code Section 1951.2 (or any successor law) including without limitation: (i) the worth at the time of the award of the unpaid Rent and other amounts which had been earned at the time of termination; (ii) the worth at the time of the award of the amount by which the unpaid Rent which would have been earned after termination until the time of the award exceeds the amount of such Rent loss that Lessee proves could have been reasonably avoided; (iii) the worth at the time of the award of the amount by which the unpaid Rent for the balance of this Lease Term after the time of award exceeds the amount of such Rent loss Lessee proves could be reasonably avoided; (iv) any other amount necessary to compensate Lessor for all detriment proximately caused by Lessee’s failure to perform its obligations under this Lease or which in the ordinary course of things would be likely to result therefrom; and (v) at Lessor’s election, such other amounts in addition to or in lieu of the foregoing as may be permitted from time to time by applicable law. The “worth at the time of the award” of the amounts referred to in (i) and (ii) are computed by allowing interest at the Interest Rate applicable to the time of award. The “worth at the time of the award” of the amount referred to in (iii) above shall be computed by discounting such amount at the discount rate of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco at the time of award plus three percent (3%). Lessee waives California Civil Code Section 1945 pertaining to the renewal of a lease by acceptance of rent.

(e)Additional Remedies. In addition to the foregoing remedies, so long as this Lease is not terminated, Lessor shall have the right (after giving Lessee prior notice of its intent to do so in each case):to remedy any Event of Default of Lessee, to maintain or improve the Premises without terminating this Lease, to incur expenses on behalf of Lessee in seeking a new subtenant or to cause a receiver to be appointed to administer the Premises and new or existing subleases, and to add to the Rent payable hereunder all of Lessor’s reasonable costs in doing so, with interest at the maximum rate set by statute. Lessor may pursue any and all other remedies available to Lessor at law or in equity, by statute or otherwise.

(f)Other Breaches. If Lessee causes or threatens a breach of any of the covenants, agreements, terms or conditions contained in this Lease, Lessor shall be entitled to retain all sums held by Lessor for Lessee’s account or in any account provided for herein to enjoin such breach or threatened breach, and to invoke any right and remedy allowed at law or in equity or by statute or otherwise as though re-entry, summary proceedings and other remedies were not provided for in this Lease.

(g)Cumulative. Each right and remedy of Lessor provided for in this Lease shall be cumulative and shall be in addition to every other right or remedy provided for in this Lease or now or hereafter existing at law or inequity or by statute or otherwise. The exercise or beginning of the exercise by Lessor of any one or more of the rights or remedies provided for in this Lease, now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or by statute or otherwise, shall not preclude the simultaneous or later exercise by Lessor of any or all other rights or remedies provided for in this Lease or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or by statute or otherwise.

(h)No Waiver. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, no failure by Lessor to insist upon the strict performance of any term hereof or to exercise any right or remedy consequent upon a breach thereof, and no acceptance of full or partial payment of Rent during the continuance of any such breach shall constitute a waiver of any such breach or of any such term. Efforts by Lessor to mitigate the damages caused by Lessee’s breach of this Lease shall not be construed to be a waiver of Lessor’s right to recover damages under this

31


Article 17. Nothing in this Article 17 affects the right of Lessor to be indemnified and/or held harmless by Lessee in accordance with the provisions of this Lease for liability arising prior to the termination of this Lease.

17.3Lessor Default.

Lessor shall be in default in the performance of any obligation required to be performed by Lessor under this Lease if Lessor has failed to perform such obligation within thirty (30) days after the receipt of notice from Lessee specifying Lessor’s failure to perform; provided, however, if the nature of Lessor’s obligation is such that more than thirty (30) days are required for its performance, Lessor shall not be deemed in default if it shall commence such performance within thirty (30) days and thereafter diligently pursues the same to completion. Upon any such default by Lessor, Lessee may exercise any of its rights provided in law or at equity and shall have the right, but not the obligation, to cure any such default by Lessor and to seek such amount from Lessor but Lessee shall have no right of offset or deduction against amounts due and owing under the Lease

ARTICLE 18

LESSOR’S RIGHT TO CURE DEFAULT; PAYMENTS BY LESSEE.

18.1Lessor’s Cure.

All covenants and agreements to be kept or performed by Lessee under this Lease shall be performed by Lessee at Lessee’s sole cost and expense and without any reduction of Rent. If Lessee shall fail to perform any of its obligations under this Lease, Lessor (after prior written notice to Lessee of its specific intent to do so) may, but shall not be obligated to, make any such payment or perform any such act on Lessee’s part without waiving its right based upon any default of Lessee and without releasing Lessee from any obligations hereunder.

18.2Lessee’s Reimbursement.

Except as may be specifically provided to the contrary in this Lease, Lessee shall, within fifteen (15) days after delivery by Lessor to Lessee of statements therefore, pay to Lessor the following, as Additional Rent, together with interest at the Interest Rate: (i) sums equal to expenditures reasonably made and obligations incurred by Lessor in connection with the remedying by Lessor of Lessee’s defaults pursuant to the provisions of Article 19.1;(ii) sums equal to all losses, costs, liabilities, damages and expenses referred to in Article 9 of this Lease; and (iii) sums equal to all expenditures made and obligations incurred by Lessor in collecting or attempting to collect the Rent or in enforcing or attempting to enforce any rights of Lessor under this Lease or pursuant to law, including, without limitation, all legal fees and other amounts so expended. Lessee’s obligations under this Article 18.2 shall survive the expiration or sooner termination of the Lease Term.

ARTICLE 19

GRAPHICS

19.1General.

Lessor, at Lessor’s cost, shall provide identification of Lessee’s name and suite numerals at the main entrance door to the Premises. All graphics of Lessee visible in or from public corridors or the exterior of the Premises or Project shall be subject to Lessor’s prior written approval and consistent with the graphic standards established for the Project by Lessor. Upon the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease, Lessee shall be responsible, at its sole cost and expense, for the removal of such signage and the repair of all damage caused by such removal. Additionally, at Lessee’s sole cost and subject to the approval of the City of Westlake Village, Lessee shall be granted to the right to build eyebrow signage and its pro rata share of existing  project  monument  signage, the plans for which shall be subject to the reasonable consented to by Lessor. Such plans shall also identify the location where Lessee proposes to located the monument signage which location shall also be the subject of Lessor’s approval, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.

32


19.2Building Directory.

At Lessor’s cost, Lessee shall be entitled to its proportionate share of lines on the office building directory to display Lessee’s name and location in the Project.

19.3Prohibited Signage and Other Items.

Lessee may not install any signs on the exterior or roof of the Building or the common areas of the Project. Any signs, banners, flags, window coverings, or blinds (even if the same are located behind the Lessor approved window coverings for the Building), or other items visible from the exterior of the Premises are subject to the prior approval of Lessor, in its sole discretion.

ARTICLE 20

PARKING RIGHTS

20.1General Use of Parking Facility.

Subject to the Project Rules, Lessee shall be entitled to park, on an unreserved basis, 3.5 per 1,000 square foot leased Permitted Size Vehicles (as that term is hereinafter defined) in parking spaces located in the Parking Facility during the Lease Term. Such parking shall be without charge to the Lessee. All parking spaces shall be used for parking by vehicles no larger than full-size passenger vehicles, including pickup trucks and small and mid-size sports utility vehicles, herein collectively called “Permitted Size Vehicles.” Vehicles other than Permitted Size Vehicles shall be parked and loaded or unloaded as reasonably directed by Lessor and in accordance with the Project Rules. Lessee shall not permit or allow any vehicles that belong to or are controlled by Lessee or Lessee’s employees, suppliers, shippers, customers, contractors or invitees to be loaded, unloaded, or parked in areas other than those designated by Lessor for such activities, and no overnight parking shall be permitted. If Lessee permits or allows any of the prohibited vehicular activities described in this Lease or in any Project Rules then in effect, Lessor shall have the right, in addition to such other rights and remedies that it may have, to remove or tow away the vehicle involved and charge the cost to Lessee, which cost shall be payable within thirty (30) days of demand by Lessor. No disposal of any Hazardous Substances, including, without limitation motor oil or fuel, shall be allowed or performed in the Parking Facility. The Parking Facility shall contain reasonably sufficient parking spaces to accommodate Lessee’s parking rights set forth in this Article, taking into account all of the parking rights granted or used by others.

20.2No Policing of Parking Facility by Lessor.

Lessee acknowledges  that Lessor  does not provide any policing  or reconnaissance services associated with the Parking Facility and that Lessee is delegated the sole responsibility for employee safety for access to and from the Premises and the parking of motor vehicles in the Parking Facility. Neither Lessor nor any of Lessor’s employees, agents or representatives shall have any liability or responsibility to Lessee or any other party parking in the Parking Facility for any loss or damage that may be occasioned by or may arise out of such parking, including, without limitation, loss or damage to property or damage or injury to person or property from any cause whatsoever, other than to the extent arising from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Lessor or any of Lessor’s employees, agents or representatives. Lessee, in consideration of the parking privileges hereby conferred on Lessee, waives, any and all liabilities against Lessor and any of Lessor’s employees, agents and representatives, by reason of occurrences in the Parking Facility and the driveway access and entrances thereto, other than to the extent arising from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Lessor or any of Lessor’s employees, agents or representatives

33


ARTICLE 21

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

21.1Terms.

The necessary grammatical changes required to make the provisions hereof apply either to corporations, partnerships or other entities or individuals, men or women, as the case may require, shall in all cases be assumed as though in each case fully expressed.

21.2Binding Effect.

Each of the provisions of this Lease shall extend to and shall, as the case may require, bind or inure to the benefit not only of Lessor and of Lessee, but also of their respective successors or assigns; provided this clause shall not be construed to permit any assignment by Lessee contrary to the provisions of Article 13 of this Lease.

21.3Authorization.

If the parties execute this Lease as a corporation, limited liability company or partnership, then the parties and the persons executing this Lease on behalf of the respective parties represent and warrant that each of the parties is duly qualified to do business in California and that the individuals executing this Lease on each party’s behalf are duly authorized to execute and deliver this Lease on its behalf, which in the case of a corporation shall be in accordance with a duly adopted resolution of the board of directors of Lessee, a copy of which is to be delivered to Lessor on execution hereof, which in the case of a limited liability company, shall be in accordance with Lessee’s operating agreement and amendments thereto, if any, copies of which are to be delivered to Lessor upon request, and which in the case of a partnership, shall be in accordance with Lessee’s partnership agreement and amendments thereto, if any, copies of which are to be delivered to Lessor upon request.

21.4Accord and Satisfaction.

No payment by Lessee or receipt by Lessor of a lesser amount than the Rent herein stipulated shall be deemed to be other than on account of the Rent, nor shall any endorsement or statement on any check or any letter accompanying any check or payment as Rent be deemed an accord and satisfaction, and Lessor may accept such check or payment without prejudice to Lessor’s right to recover the balance of such Rent or pursue any other remedy provided in this Lease. If at any time a dispute shall arise as to any amount or sum of money to be paid by one Party to the other under the provisions hereof, the Party against whom the obligation to pay the money is asserted shall have the right to make payment “under protest” and such payment shall not be regarded as a voluntary payment and there shall survive the right on the part of said Party to institute suit for recovery of such sum. If it shall be adjudged that there was no legal obligation on the part of said Party to pay such sum or any part thereof, said Party shall be entitled to recover such sum or so much thereof as it was not legally required to pay.

21.5Peaceful Enjoyment.

Subject to the other terms hereof, Lessee shall and may peacefully have, hold and enjoy the Premises, provided that Lessee pays the Rent and other sums herein to be paid by Lessee and performs all of Lessee’s covenants and agreements contained herein. It is understood and agreed that this covenant and any and all other covenants of Lessor contained in this Lease shall be binding upon Lessor and its successors only with respect to breaches occurring when Lessor has an ownership interest in the Project, and shall be binding on Lessor’s successors only with respect to breaches occurring when such successors have an ownership interest in the Project. Without limitation to the foregoing and as to any other obligation of Lessor provided herein, Lessor shall minimize disruption to Lessee’s use of and access to the Premises during any repairs, maintenance, or renovations of the Project.

34


21.6Limitation of Lessor’s Liability.

The obligations of Lessor under this Lease shall not constitute personal obligations of the partners, directors, members, officers or shareholders of Lessor, and Lessee shall look solely to the real estate that is the subject of this Lease and to no other assets of Lessor for satisfaction of any liability in respect of this Lease (except that Lessee shall have recourse against the Lessor for breaches of such Lessor which accrued prior to the Lessor’s transfer of this Lease to a successor Lessor if the obligation to remedy such accrued prior breaches were not expressly assumed by the successor Lessor at the time of such transfer and shall not seek recourse against the partners, directors, members, officers or shareholders of Lessor or any of their personal assets for such satisfaction.

21.7Time, Calendar Year; Calendar Days.

Time is of the essence in the performance of all obligations under this Lease. As used in this Lease, the term “calendar year” shall mean January 1 through December 31. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all references to days in this Lease shall mean calendar days, not working or business days; provided, however, that if a certain date falls on a weekend or holiday, the next business day shall be substituted for the applicable date. Reference to “business days” shall be to any day from Monday through Friday, excluding Holidays.

21.8Severability.

If any term or provision of this Lease, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, the deletion of which shall not adversely affect the receipt of any material benefit of Lessor or Lessee, shall be invalid, void or unenforceable to any extent, the remainder of this Lease, and the application of such terms or provisions to other persons or circumstances, shall not be affected, impaired or invalidated thereby and shall be enforced to the greatest extent permitted by law.

21.9Jury Trial: Attorney’s Fees.

(a)If any dispute arises between the parties hereto concerning the breach, termination, enforcement, interpretation, or validity of this Lease, including the determination  of the  scope or applicability  of this Section, before resorting to arbitration or court action.  Mediation fees, if any, shall be divided  equally among  the parties involved.  If  for any dispute or claim to which this paragraph applies, any party commences an action without first attempting to resolve the matter through mediation, or refuses to mediate after a request has been made, then that party shall not be entitled to recover attorney fees, even if they would otherwise be available to that party in any such action.

(b)Any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to this Lease or the breach, termination, enforcement, interpretation, or validity thereof, not otherwise resolved pursuant to mediation above, including the determination of the scope or applicability of this agreement to arbitrate, shall be determined by arbitration in Los Angeles  County, California. The arbitration  shall be initiated  by service by the claimant  upon the respondent in accord with the notice provisions of this Lease. The arbitration shall be conducted by one arbitrator agreed upon by the parties. Should the parties fail to agree upon an arbitrator within 10 business days of the initiation of the claim, then the parties shall each select one arbitrator and the two arbitrators shall select a third, which third arbitrator shall alone arbitrate the dispute. The arbitration shall be conducted pursuant to the Comprehensive Arbitration Rules and Procedures of JAMS (excluding rules for initiating a claim, administering a claim and selecting an arbitrator). The arbitrator is empowered to grant damages, injunctive relief and all other appropriate relief as permitted by law. The parties shall have the right to discovery in accordance with California Code of Civil Procedure section 1283.05. All actions and decisions of the arbitrator shall be made in accord with the governing law. The arbitrator shall issue a written finding of facts and law as part of his award, all of which shall be issued within fifteen (15) days after the close of the arbitration hearing.  Judgment upon the award rendered by the Arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The award of the arbitrator, and any findings of fact or law shall be subject to appeal as though made by a Superior Court judge. The arbitrator shall, in the award, allocate all of the costs of arbitration and mediation costs, if the parties agree to and participated in any mediation, including the fees of the arbitrator and the reasonable attorneys’ fees of the prevailing party, against the party who did not prevail. The amount of the attorneys’ fees shall not be considered in determining the prevailing party in the arbitration.

35


21.10Applicable Law.

This Lease, and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto, shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of California.

21.11Submission of Lease.

The submission of this document for examination and negotiation neither constitutes an offer to lease, nor acceptance of an offer, nor a reservation of, nor option for leasing the Premises. This document shall become effective and binding only upon execution  and delivery  by Lessor.  No act or omission  of any employee  or agent of Lessor or of Lessor’s broker or managing agent shall alter, change or modify any of the provisions hereof.

21.12No Nuisance.

Lessee shall conduct its business and control its agents, employees, invitees and visitors in such a manner as not to create any nuisance, or unreasonably interfere with, annoy or disturb any other tenant or Lessor in its operation of the Building.

21.13Broker.

Lessee and Lessor both warrant that each has had no dealings with any real estate broker or agent other than the brokers set forth in Item 11 of the Summary (“Brokers”) in connection with the negotiation of this Lease, and that each knows of no other real estate broker or agent other than Brokers, who may be entitled to any commission or finder’s fee in connection with this Lease. Lessee and Lessor each hereby indemnifies, defends, protects and holds the other harmless from and against any and all claims, demands, losses, liabilities, lawsuits, judgments, costs and expenses with respect to any leasing commission or equivalent compensation  alleged to be owing on account of Lessee’s or Lessor’s respective dealings with any real estate broker or agent other than Brokers

21.14Modification for Lender.

If, in connection with obtaining construction, interim or permanent financing for the Project, the lender or shall request reasonable modifications in this Lease as a condition to such financing, Lessee will not unreasonably withhold, delay or defer its consent thereto, provided that such modifications do not increase the obligations of Lessee hereunder or materially adversely affect the leasehold interest hereby created or reduce or limit Lessee’s rights hereunder.

21.15Entry.

Lessor, its agents and representatives, shall have the right to enter the Premises, provided Lessor uses reasonable efforts to limit the adverse effect on Lessee’s use and occupancy, to (i) make such repairs, alterations, improvements and additions to the Premises or to the Project or to any equipment located in the Premises or the Project as Lessor shall desire or deem necessary or as Lessor may be required to do by governmental or quasi­ governmental authority or court order or decree, (ii) inspect the Premises in order to confirm that Lessee is complying with all of the terms and conditions of this Lease and with the Project Rules, (iii) perform such work as may be permitted or required under this Lease, (iv) to show the Premises to prospective purchasers, lenders, or (within 6 months prior to the expiration of the term of this lease) tenants, (v) post such notices as may be permitted or required by Law, and (vi) for any other purpose as Lessor may deem necessary or desirable. Lessee shall not be entitled to any abatement of Rent by reason of the exercise of any such right of entry, except as expressly set forth in this Lease. Except for entry to the Premises in the event of an emergency or to provide other regularly scheduled Building services, Lessor shall give Lessee reasonable advance notice of Lessor’s intent to enter the Premises (with 24-hours’ advance notice being deemed reasonable for non-emergency access), and shall, as a general matter, limit its entry to the Premises to Building Hours. Lessor shall at all times have and retain a key with which to unlock all of the doors in, on or about the Premises, and in cases of emergency Lessor shall have the right to use any and all means which Lessor may deem proper to open such doors to obtain entry to the Premises, and any entry to the Premises obtained by any such means shall not under

36


any circumstances be deemed or construed to be a forcible or unlawful entry into or a detainer of the Premises or an eviction, actual or constructive, of Lessee from any part of the Premises.

21.16Recording.

Neither Lessor nor Lessee may record this Lease nor a short form memorandum thereof.

21.17No Merger.

The voluntary or other surrender of this Lease by Lessee, or a mutual cancellation thereof, shall not work a merger, and at the option of Lessor shall terminate all or any existing assignments, subleases or sub­ tenancies, or at the option of Lessor may operate as an assignment to it of any or all such assignments, subleases or sub-tenancies.

21.18Amendment.

Except as otherwise provided herein, no subsequent alteration, amendment, change or addition to this Lease shall be binding upon Lessor or Lessee unless in writing and executed and delivered by Lessor and Lessee.

21.19Financing.

Lessee shall not execute any document purporting to affect the Premises or any other property of which the Premises are a part, including, without limitation, any financing statement, without prior written consent of Lessor.

21.20No Warranty.

In executing and delivering this Lease, Lessee has not relied on any representation including, but not limited to, any representation whatsoever  as to the amount of any item comprising  Rent or the amount of Rent in the aggregate or that Lessor is  furnishing  the same services  to other  lessees, at all, on the same level or on the same basis or any warranty or any statement of Lessor which is not set forth herein or in one or more of the exhibits attached hereto.

21.21Right to Lease.

Lessor reserves the absolute right to enter into such other tenancies in the Project as Lessor in its sole discretion shall determine, and Lessee is not relying on any representation that any specific tenant or number of tenants will occupy the Project.

21.22Entire Agreement.

It is understood and acknowledged that there are no oral agreements between the parties hereto affecting this Lease and this Lease supersedes and cancels any and all previous negotiations, arrangements, brochures, agreements and understandings, if any, between the parties  hereto or displayed  by Lessor  to  Lessee  with respect to the subject matter thereof, and none thereof shall be used to interpret or construe this Lease. This Lease and any side letter or separate agreement executed by Lessor and Lessee in connection with this Lease and dated of even date herewith contain all of the terms, covenants, conditions, warranties and agreements of the parties relating in any manner to the rental, use and occupancy of the Premises, shall be considered to be the only agreement between the parties hereto and their representatives and agents, and none of the terms, covenants, conditions or provisions of this Lease can be modified, deleted or added to except in writing signed by the parties hereto. All negotiations and oral agreements acceptable to both parties have been merged into and are included herein. There are  no other representations or warranties  between the parties, and all reliance with respect to representations is based totally upon the representations and agreements contained in this Lease.

21.23Force Majeure.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Lease, except for the abatement of rent provisions set forth in this Lease, any prevention, delay or stoppage due to strikes, lockouts, labor disputes, acts of God, inability

37


to obtain services, labor or materials or reasonable substitutes therefore, governmental actions, civil commotions, fire or other casualty, and other causes beyond the reasonable control of the party obligated to perform (collectively, “Force Majeure”) shall excuse the performance of such party for a period equal to any such prevention, delay or stoppage and, therefore, if this Lease specifies a time period for performance of an obligation of either party, that time period shall be extended by the period of any delay in such party’s performance caused by Force Majeure. Under no circumstances shall a party’s inability to pay any monetary obligation of that party be deemed to be Force Majeure or shall a Force Majeure excuse the right of Lessee to receive an abatement of rent as otherwise expressly set forth in this Lease.

21.24Counterparts.

This Lease may be executed in multiple counterparts, all of which shall be deemed originals and with the same effect as if all parties had signed the same document. All of such counterparts shall be construed together and shall constitute one instrument. The parties hereby agree that this Lease may be executed by electronic or .PDF signatures which shall be deemed originals and binding upon the parties.

21.25Joint and Several.

If there is more than one Lessee, the obligations imposed upon Lessee under this Lease shall be joint and several.

21.26Notices.

All notices, demands, statements, approvals or communications (collectively, “Notices”) given or required to be given by either party to the other hereunder shall be in writing, shall be sent by United States certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or delivered personally (i) to Lessee at the appropriate address set forth in Item 5 of the Summary, or to such other place as Lessee may from time to time designate in a Notice to Lessor; or (ii) to Lessor at the addresses set forth in Item 3 of the Summary, or to such other firm or to other place as Lessor may from time to time designate in a Notice to Lessee. Any Notice will be deemed given on the date it is deemed received as provided in this Article 21.26 or upon the date personal delivery is made or attempted to be made. If Lessee is notified in writing of the identity and address of Lessor’s mortgagee or ground or underlying lessor, Lessee shall give to such mortgagee or ground or underlying lessor written notice of any default by Lessor under the terms of this Lease by registered or certified mail, and such mortgagee or ground or underlying lessor shall be given a reasonable opportunity to cure such default prior to Lessee’s exercising any remedy available to Lessee.

21.27Independent Covenants.

This Lease shall be construed as though the covenants herein between Lessor and Lessee, including without limitation Lessee’s obligation to pay Rent, are independent and not dependent on the performance of the obligations of the other party, and Lessee hereby expressly waives the benefit of  any statute to the contrary and agrees that if Lessor fails to perform its obligations set forth herein, Lessee shall not be entitled to make any repairs or perform any acts hereunder at Lessor’s expense or to any set-off of the Rent or other amounts owing hereunder against Lessor; provided, however, that the foregoing shall in no way impair the right of Lessee to commence a separate action against Lessor for any violation by Lessor of the provisions hereof so long as notice is first given to Lessor and any holder of a mortgage or deed of trust covering the Building, Project or any portion thereof, of whose address Lessee has theretofore been notified, and an opportunity is granted to Lessor and such holder to correct such violations as provided above.

21.28Project Name and Signage.

Lessor shall have the right at any time to change the name of the Project and to install, affix and maintain any, all signs on the exterior and on the interior of the Project as Lessor may, in Lessor’s sole discretion, desire Notwithstanding the foregoing, Lessor shall not grant any rights to any identity signage on any exterior surface of the Building (or in the ground floor lobby of the Building) or in any Common Area, to any tenant in the Building which constitutes an Offensive and Objectionable Entity (as defined in this Section below) as of the date of execution of the

38


lease for such tenant Any entity shall constitute an “Offensive and Objectionable Entity” on a particular date if, on such date, such entity is known to Lessor to be identified by a majority of adult American citizens as an entity that either: (a) is synonymous with the propagation of racist violence or racist hatred (and holds itself out to the general public as doing so), such as, for example, the American Nazi Party or the Ku Klux Klan, or (b) as its primary business, creates and distributes to the general public pornographic materials.

21.29No Discrimination.

Lessee covenants by and for itself, its heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, and all persons claiming under or through Lessee, and this Lease is made and accepted upon and subject to the following conditions: that there shall be no discrimination against or segregation of any person or group of persons, on account of race, color, creed, sex, religion, marital status, ancestry or national origin in the leasing, subleasing, transferring, use or employment of the Premises, nor shall Lessee itself, or any person claiming under or through Lessee, establish or permit such practice or practices of discrimination or segregation with reference to the selection, location, number, use or occupancy of tenants, lessees, sublessees, subtenants or vendees in the Premises.

21.30Confidentiality.

Lessee and Lessor acknowledge and agree that the terms of this Lease and any related documents are confidential and constitute proprietary information of Lessee and Lessor. Both parties shall keep such information strictly confidential and shall not disclose such information to any person or entity other than their respective financial, legal, brokerage and space planning associates or as may be required by Jaw. In no event shall either party or their respective agents, employees or contractors, issue a press release (unless required by law to do so) regarding this transaction without the express prior written consent of the other which may be given or withheld by such party in its sole discretion.

IN WHEREOF, the Parties have agreed to and executed this Agreement on the date of full execution below.

LESSOR:

    

WESTLAKE PARTNERS

By:

YORK ENTERPRISES, INC., A California Corporation, its Managing Partner

By:

/s/ David York

Date: 10/15/19

Dr. David York, its President

LESSEE:

ENERGY VALUE, INC., a Delaware corporation

By:

/s/ Richard Cooperstein

Date: 10/14/19

Richard Cooperstein, its CEO

39


Exhibit 10.35

LEASE AGREEMENT

between

CASTIM SA, Via Industria 31, CH-6934 Bioggio

(hereinafter “Landlord”)

and

Energy Vault SA, Via Pessina 13, CH-6900 Lugano

(hereinafter “Tenant”)

(Landlord and Tenant together the “Parties”)

regarding

A portion of Land parcel Nr. 55 Land Register Arbedo-Castione

WHEREAS:

A.

Tenant is active in the field of new technologies in the field of renewable energies.  It is currently looking for a field in order to install the demonstration unit of its new storage solution, composed of a crane and a quantity of 35 tons bricks, which would be produced on site.

B.

Tenant has established a factual relationship with the municipal authorities of Albedo-Castione and with other stakeholders for an implementation of its demonstration unit in the territory of that municipality.

C.

Landlord owns land parcel Nr. 55 Land Register Arbedo-Castione, with a total surface of 23’399 square meters.  Tenant is interested in renting a portion thereof.

D.

The Parties intend to set forth in this Agreement the terms and conditions for the lease of the Lease Object.  Subsidiary to this Agreement, paras. 253 to 273c CO shall apply.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows:

1.

Preamble and Annexes

1.1

The preamble and the Annexes integrating part of this Agreement.

2.

Lease Object

2.1

Object of the Lease is a portion of approx. 10’200 square meters of land parcel nr. 55 Land Register Arbedo-Castione, as further marked in red in the plan attached to this Agreement as Annex 1.

1


2.2

The Land Register excerpt relating to the afore-mentioned land parcels is attached hereto as Annex 2.

2.3

As part of the preparation of the Lease Object, Landlord will remove the portion of the warehouse marked “55A” in Annex 2 located on the surface rented to Tenant according to Annex 1 as well as the construction marked as “55C” in Annex 2.  These removal works will start immediately after the signature of this Agreement.  The rent payment shall not be influenced by the timing of removal.

2.4

Furthermore, the small house marked as “55B” in Annex 2 located at the entrance of the site at Via Industria, is part of the Lease Object.  The house is currently not usable.  Landlord undertakes to refurbish it as soon as Tenant will have obtained a final and binding authorization from the Municipality of Arbedo-Castione to install the demonstration unit on the Lease Object.  The refurbishment works shall be concluded within 4 months from that moment.  The house shall be renovated at the same standard of a job site shed, basic standard and with no frills, with heating, electricity and water, as well as with a water closet.  A plan of the house is attached hereto as Annex 3.

2.5

The renovation works indicated in para. 2.4 will be carried out by Landlord at its own costs, and the completion of the works will not impact the rent, which will remain unchanged throughout the agreement term.  Until the completion of the works, Landlord will put to Tenant’s disposal a job side shed on site at no extra costs.

2.6

Landlord will ring fence the Lease Object, it being understood that he is under no obligation to build a new fence.

3.

Purpose of the Lease

3.1

The Tenant is entitled to use the Lease Object in order to install the demonstration unit of its new energy storage system, which is composed of a 128 meters high crane, 6 arms of each 32 meters, engines and 35 tons bricks.  The bricks will be produced on site for testing purposes.  Once installed, the demonstration unit will be used for testing purposes, as well as for demonstration purposes to any potential client of Tenant.  The small house indicated in para. 2.4 above will be used as office or demonstration showroom.

3.2

The use of the Lease Object for other purposes requires the prior written approval of the Landlord, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld.

3.3

The Tenant is liable for damages caused by a Lease Object use outside the scope set forth in this Section.

4.

Rent

4.1

Tenant undertakes to pay to Landlord for the Lease Object a rent of CHF 204’000 p.a., plus VAT (in case the Landlord has opted in for VAT), owed in quarterly instalments of each CHF 51’000, due in advance at the latest at the first business day of the respective quarter.  In case of delayed payment of the rent, the Landlord is entitled to charge a default interest

2


of 5% without further formal reminder ex para. 102 subpara. CO.  The Landlord is entitled to opt-in for the VAT payment on the rent.

4.2

The rent is fix for the entire term of this Agreement.

4.3

No deposit is due by Tenant to Landlord.  However, Tenant undertakes to provide to Landlord a bank guarantee ex para. 111 CO issued by a prime Swiss bank in the amount of CHF 200’000 covering the assumed costs for dismantling and removal of the Demonstration Unit and all accessories.  This bank guarantee shall be provided at the latest 10 working days after the execution of this Agreement by the Parties.

5.

Costs / Maintenance of the Lease Object / Execution of Maintenance Works / Modification of the Lease Object

5.1

The Lease Object is leased “as is”, in its current condition known to the Parties.  The Tenant undertakes to carry out the ordinary and extraordinary maintenance of the Lease Object.

5.2

Tenant shall furthermore bear all operating costs generated in the course of its business activity (in particular but not limited to heating, electricity, water, gas, security, waste management, snow service, etc.).  To the extent legally possible, all agreements with providers shall be entered into directly by Tenant, with no involvement of Landlord.  In the event that such expenses are charged to Landlord (e.g. municipal levies related to services provided to Tenant, like water, waste water, waste, etc.), Landlord will rebate such costs to Tenant.

5.3

Landlord is aware of the fact that the exercise of the Demonstration Unit of Tenant will create a high necessity and production output of electricity.  Tenant acknowledges that the connection of the electricity distribution grid of the Azienda Multiservizi Bellinzona (“AMB”) with the Lease Object occurs at the point marked in red on the plan attached as Annex 4  (the “Entry Point”) and that such connection will not be sufficient in order to support the electricity needs of Tenant for the Landlord.  Tenant will bear the costs for any connection from the AMB delivery point to the Entry point.  The installation relating to the connection from the AMB delivery point to the Entry Point will remain placed after the elapsing of this Agreement, and Landlord will not owe to Tenant any indemnity.

5.4

Tenant will furthermore bear the costs of the connection from the Entry Point to all points where electricity will be needed on the Lease Object.  Furthermore, Tenant undertakes to connect at its costs the small house “55B” mentioned in para 2.4 above from the Entry Point through a subterranean line, with a power of 60 Ampere.  All connections from the Entry Point to points within the Lease Object and in particular to the small house “55B” will remain placed after the elapsing of this Agreement, and Landlord will not owe to Tenant any indemnity.

5.5

Landlord bears the property taxes related to the Lease Object, including any contributions or charges relating to the property which may be levied by the Municipalities of Arbedo-Castione or by the Cantonal authorities.

3


6.

Use of the Lease Object

6.1

Tenant must use the Lease Object with all due care.  It must show due consideration for neighbours.

6.2

Tenant is obliged to take all reasonable measures necessary in order to avoid noise and exhalations and in order to protect the Lease Object against damages.

7.

Effective Date / Term

7.1

Effective date of this Agreement (“Effective Date”) is 1 November 2019.  Tenant has the right to occupy the Lease Object earlier, upon written notice in advance.  Starting from the occupation, and until 31 October 2019, Tenant undertakes to pay to Landlord an indemnification for the early occupation of CHF 500 for every calendar day of occupation of the Lease Object.

7.2

This Agreement has a fixed duration (para. 255 subpara. 2 CO) of 2 years starting from the Effective Date and ending on 31 October 2021, subject to early termination as stipulated in para. 7.3 hereinafter.

7.3

If the request for a construction permit by Tenant concerning the Demonstration Unit is rejected in a final and binding manner by the municipal or cantonal authorities, Tenant is entitled to terminate this Agreement with a 60 days term even before the 2 years term set forth in para. 7.2. has elapsed.

7.4

In the event Tenant occupies the Lease Object after the expiration of this Lease Agreement, Tenant undertakes to pay to Landlord an occupation indemnity equal to 150% percent of the rent agreed upon in this Agreement until it leaves and hands over the Lease Object to Landlord.

8.

Liability / Insurances

8.1

Tenant is liable for damages caused intentionally or by negligence to the Lease Object or to any third parties by its employees, clients or auxiliary persons.  Tenant will hold Landlord harmless for claims by third parties for such damages.

8.2

Landlord will insure the raw structure of the Building against the risks for which it is liable as owner, like e.g. fire, natural hazards, water, as well as building liability.  Tenant will insure at its own expense the installations and the equipment located within the Lease Object as well as all glasses of the Building, including the risk to damage third parties in connection with the Demonstration unit.

8.3

The insurance policies shall be stipulated with an adequate coverage for the entire duration of the Agreement term.  Tenant will provide Landlord with a copy of the insurance policies.

8.4

Tenant is responsible for the security of the Lease Object (thefts, burglaries).

4


9.

Access right of Landlord

9.1

Landlord shall be granted access during working hours to the Building and to the Lease Object in order to exercise its ownership tights.  Landlord shall request from Tenant access with a sufficient notice.

10.

Sub-Letting

10.1

Sub-letting of the Lease Object is governed by para. 262 CO.

11.

Transfer of the Lease to a third Party

11.1

The transfer of the Lease (partially or in full) to a third party is allowed within the terms of para. 263 CO.

12.

Inscriptions and advertisements

12.1

Tenant is allowed to install, at its own costs, internal or external inscriptions or advertisements or antennas in or on the Buildings upon written approval by Landlord, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld.  Landlord shall support Tenant in obtaining the necessary building permits where the case may be.

13.

Further negotiations

13.1

Landlord has acknowledged the requests of Tenant to obtain two extension options of each 1 year of the lease term, as well as to be granted a right of first refusal for any nedw lease envisaged by Landlord with regard to the remaining surface of land parcel Nr. 55 Land Register Arbedo-Castione (e.g. the one being beyond the scope of this Agreement).

13.2

Landlord has preferred, for the time being, not to translate the requests of Tenant into this Agreement with binding effect.  Should Tenant obtain the building permit for the construction of the CDU, Landlord will use its best efforts to discuss and negotiate a possible addendum to this Agreement having as object the aspects outlined in point 13.1 above, it being understood that this clause does not entail any binding obligation of Landlord to enter into such addendum.

14.

Severability

14.1

Each of the provisions of this Agreement is severable.  If any provision of this Agreement becomes invalid or unenforceable in any respect under applicable laws, it shall have no effect in that respect but the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall continue to be binding.  Instead of the invalid provision, the Parties shall use all reasonable efforts to replace it in that respect with a valid and enforceable substitute provision that achieves as closely as possible the initial intention of the Parties in drafting the invalid provision.

5


15.

Amendments

15.1

This Agreement, including this provision, may not be amended or modified except by a document in writing duly executed by the Parties.

16.

Place of jurisdiction

16.1

All disputes arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, including disputes on its conclusion, binding effect, amendment and termination shall be exclusively resolved by the ordinary courts of Lugano.

Bioggio,                      

CASTIM SA

    

Energy Vault SA

/s/ Riccardo Quadroni

/s/ Robert Piconi

Riccardo Quadroni

Energy Vault SA

Revolutionary Energy Storage

Via Pessina

Switzerland

Robert Piconi

Chief Executive Officer

Annexes:

Annex 1Plan with determination of Lease Object
Annex 2
Excerpt of the land register
Annex 3
Plan of 55B-Building
Annex 4
Electricity connection plan with Entry Point

6


Exhibit 10.36

Graphic

Dear

ENERGY VAULT SA

Via Pessina 13

6900 Lugano

Bioggio, 26 June 2020 RQ/tc

OBJECT: OUR OFFER OF 22 JUNE 2020 MAPPALE 55 CASTIONE - MEETING WITH YOUR MR GIONATAN CATTANEO

Dear Sirs,

Mr. Cattaneo has told us of your objections to our proposal, particularly with regard to the cost of the warehouse, and we would like to point you out:

It is true that the central part of the shed was used only at the beginning of this year but the entrance of the shed was occupied by your yard and therefore unusable by third parties.

Moreover, since the beginning of your activity we had been requested two well arranged spaces (with lockable doors and windows in major part well arranged), one of them is still used and filled by workbenches ect, while the other one, the long one, is only partially used for your will.

The work of arrangement with the provision also of all the crushed (approx. m3 80/100) and other material were not calculated by us as well as the cost of renting the office and toilet containers (3 containers Chf. 850.00 per month for 8 months).

In addition, we cannot accept any price comparisons between warehouses with regular contract years with space taken when you want and left when you want and only for a few months.

CASTIM SA

Via Industrie 31 - 6934 Bioggio (CH)

Tel ++41 91 604 64 10

Fax ++41 91 604 64 15

E-mail:[email protected]


Conclusion:

We therefore formulate our final proposal for this negotiation.

Provision of covered space and extra land from the start of operations until July 31, 2020 including

rental of office containers and toilets (2 + 1 double).

Lump sum CHF.

125'000.00

Rent for additional area of 2'420 sqm (including common area)

Lump sum CHF.

48'400.00

For the period from 31 July to 30 October 2020

3 month total CHF.

12'100.00

As of 1 November 2020 the overall rent will be

CHF./year 252,400.00

If this proposal of ours will be accepted by you, please return to us a copy of this writing countersigned as acceptance and we will forward the request for the partial demolition of the shed.

The amounts of the above-mentioned new contractual conditions and amendments will be due as of 15 December 2020.

We look forward to receiving your feedback.

FOR ACCEPTANCE AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF DEBT EX 82 LEF

 

ENERGY VAULT SA

    

CASTIM SA

/s/ Robert Piconi

/s/ Riccardo Quadroni

Riccardo Quadroni

Translated with www.Deepl.com/Translator

CASTIM SA

Via Industrie 31 - 6934 Bioggio (CH)

Tel ++41 91 604 64 10

Fax ++41 91 604 64 15

E-mail:[email protected]


Exhibit 10.37

Graphic

Dear

ENERGY VAULT SA

Via Pessina 13

6900 Lugano

Bioggio, 1 giugno 2021 RQ/tc

LEASE EXTENSION

Dear Sirs,

As discussed and agreed with Mr. Gionatan Cattaneo, we confirm our agreement for the extension of the partial lease of mappale 55 RFD Castione from 1 November 2021 to 30 October 2022 at the following conditions:

Space and buildings at your disposal as per the attached plan.

Rent of Chf./year 252'400.00 + VAT payable in quarterly instalments in advance.

All management expenses are at your charge.

All other clauses of the current lease agreement will remain valid.

Energy Vault SA will have to extend or issue a new guarantee expiring on 30 October 2022 as attached and to be delivered to Castim SA by 30 September 2021.

For the above, a copy of the liability insurance in respect of your activities on the subject land parcel is required.

This confirmation, signed by both parties, is valid as a binding document and as an extension of the lease agreement.

   

FOR APPROVAL

   

ENERGY VAULT SA

CASTIM SA

Riccardo Quadroni

/s/ Robert Piconi

/s/ Riccardo Quadroni

Annexes: cited

CASTIM SA

Via Industria 31 - 6934 Bioggio (CH)

Tel++41 91 604 64 10

Fax++41 91 604 64 15 E-mail [email protected]


Exhibit 23.1

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM’S CONSENT

We consent to the inclusion in this Registration Statement of Novus Capital Corporation II on Form S-4 of our report dated March 26, 2021, with respect to our audit of the financial statements of Novus Capital Corporation II  as of December 31, 2020 and for the period from September 29, 2020 (inception) through December 31, 2020, which report appears in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement. We also consent to the reference to our Firm under the heading “Experts” in such Prospectus.

/s/ Marcum LLP

Marcum LLP

Boston, MA

October 15, 2021


Exhibit 23.2

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Energy Vault, Inc.

West Lake Village, California

We hereby consent to the use in the proxy statement/prospectus constituting a part of this Registration Statement of our report dated October 15, 2021, relating to the financial statements of Energy Vault, Inc., which is contained in that proxy statement/prospectus.

We also consent to the reference to us under the caption “Experts” in the proxy statement/prospectus.

/s/ BDO USA, LLP

 

Melville, New York

 

October 15, 2021


Exhibit 99.1

October 15, 2021

Novus Capital Corporation II
8556 Oakmont Lane
Indianapolis, IN 46260

Consent to Reference in Proxy Statement/Prospectus

Novus Capital Corporation II (the “Company”) is filing a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). In connection therewith, I hereby consent, pursuant to Rule 438 of the Securities Act, to the reference to me in the proxy statement/prospectus included in the Registration Statement and any and all amendments and supplements thereto as a member of the board of directors of the Company following the consummation of the business combination as described in the proxy statement/prospectus.

Sincerely,

/s/ Robert Piconi

Name: Robert Piconi


Exhibit 99.2

October 15, 2021

Novus Capital Corporation II
8556 Oakmont Lane
Indianapolis, IN 46260

Consent to Reference in Proxy Statement/Prospectus

Novus Capital Corporation II (the “Company”) is filing a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). In connection therewith, I hereby consent, pursuant to Rule 438 of the Securities Act, to the reference to me in the proxy statement/prospectus included in the Registration Statement and any and all amendments and supplements thereto as a member of the board of directors of the Company following the consummation of the business combination as described in the proxy statement/prospectus.

Sincerely,

/s/ Henry Elkus

Name: Henry Elkus


Exhibit 99.3

CONSENT OF CASSEL SALPETER & CO., LLC

Novus Capital Corporation II

8556 Oakmont Lane

Indianapolis, IN 4626

Attention:  Special Committee of the Board of Directors

RE:

Proxy Statement / Prospectus of Novus Capital Corporation II (“Novus”), which forms part of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Novus (the “Registration Statement”).

Members of the Special Committee of the Board of Directors:

We hereby consent to the inclusion of our opinion letter, dated September 6, 2021, to the Special Committee of the Board of Directors of Novus as Annex D to the Proxy Statement/Prospectus included in the Registration Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission today and the references to our firm and our opinion, including the quotation or summarization of such opinion, in such Registration Statement, under the headings “QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE BUSINESS COMBINATION,” “PROPOSAL NO. 1 – THE BUSINESS COMBINATION PROPOSAL – The Background of the Business Combination,” and “PROPOSAL NO. 1 – THE BUSINESS COMBINATION PROPOSAL – Opinion of Financial Advisor to the Novus Special Committee.” The foregoing consent applies only to the Registration Statement being filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission today and not to any amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement, and our opinion is not to be filed with, included in or referred to in whole or in part in any other registration statement (including any amendments to the above-mentioned Registration Statement), proxy statement or any other document, except in accordance with our prior written consent.

In giving our consent, we do not admit that we come within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder, nor do we admit that we are experts with respect to any part of such Registration Statement within the meaning of the term “experts” as used in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.

Dated: October 15, 2021

/s/ Cassel Salpeter & Co., LLC

Cassel Salpeter & Co., LLC




Serious News for Serious Traders! Try StreetInsider.com Premium Free!

You May Also Be Interested In





Related Categories

SEC Filings