Form 8-K
8-K — AUDIOEYE INC
Accession: 0001104659-26-056647
Filed: 2026-05-07
Period: 2026-05-04
CIK: 0001362190
SIC: 7372 (SERVICES-PREPACKAGED SOFTWARE)
Item: Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers: Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers
Item: Regulation FD Disclosure
Item: Financial Statements and Exhibits
Documents
8-K — tm2613765d1_8k.htm (Primary)
EX-10.1 — EXHIBIT 10.1 (tm2613765d1_ex10-1.htm)
EX-10.2 — EXHIBIT 10.2 (tm2613765d1_ex10-2.htm)
EX-99.1 — EXHIBIT 99.1 (tm2613765d1_ex99-1.htm)
XML — IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT (R1.htm)
8-K — FORM 8-K
8-K (Primary)
Filename: tm2613765d1_8k.htm · Sequence: 1
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2026-05-04
2026-05-04
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington,
DC 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event
reported): May 4, 2026
AUDIOEYE, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in
charter)
Delaware
001-38640
20-2939845
State of Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation
Commission File Number
IRS Employer Identification No.
5210 E. Williams Circle, Suite 750
Tucson, Arizona 85711
(Address of principal executive offices / Zip Code)
(866) 331-5324
(Registrant’s
telephone number, including area code)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form
8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
¨
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act.
¨
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act.
¨
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act.
¨
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act.
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading
Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange
on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.00001 per share
AEYE
The Nasdaq Capital Market
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant
is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company ¨
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check
mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting
standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors;
Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.
Officer and Director
Appointments
On
May 4, 2026 (the “Effective Date”), the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of AudioEye, Inc. (the “Company”)
elected Kelly Georgevich, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, to the additional roles of Chief Executive Officer and Secretary.
Ms. Georgevich will remain the Company’s Chief Financial Officer until a successor is identified. On the Effective Date, the
Board also elected David Moradi, previously the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, to the positions of Executive Chairman of the
Board and Chief Product Officer.
In
addition, on the Effective Date, the Board increased the size of the Board and elected Ms. Georgevich as a director, to serve until
the 2026 annual meeting of stockholders and until her successor is elected and qualified, or until her earlier death, resignation or removal.
Ms. Georgevich,
age 43, has served as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company since June 2021. Ms. Georgevich has over 15 years of experience
with high-growth companies with a specific focus on software-as-a-service and technology. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Georgevich
served as the chief financial officer of sticky.io, Inc., an e-commerce platform, since September 2018, and as vice president
of finance from March 2015 until September 2018. Prior to sticky.io, she served as controller at Fuzebox Software Corporation
where she supported the company through a successful acquisition. She also served on the Board of Directors for Girls in Tech as secretary
and treasurer from 2015 until 2020.
There are no arrangements
or understandings between Ms. Georgevich and any other person pursuant to which Ms. Georgevich was selected as an officer or
director of the Company. There are no family relationships between Ms. Georgevich and any director or executive officer of the Company.
Ms. Georgevich is not and has not been a party to any transaction requiring disclosure pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation
S-K.
Employment Agreement
with Ms. Georgevich
In
connection with her election as Chief Executive Officer, the Company and Ms. Georgevich entered into an Amended and Restated Employment
Agreement (the “Georgevich Employment Agreement”), dated as of May 4, 2026. Under the Georgevich Employment Agreement,
Ms. Georgevich will receive an annual base salary of $450,000. The Georgevich Employment Agreement also provides that the Company
will pay Ms. Georgevich a cash bonus in the amount of $28,877 (representing a pro rata portion of her bonus opportunity for calendar
year 2026 under her prior employment agreement) on the Company’s next regularly scheduled payroll date.
The
Georgevich Employment Agreement further provides that, on the Effective Date, the Company will grant Ms. Georgevich 50,000 restricted
stock units (“RSUs”) and 60,000 performance stock units (“PSUs”). The RSUs will vest as follows: (a) 8,333
on June 30, 2026, (b) 12,500 on September 30, 2026, (c) 12,500 on December 31, 2026, (d) 12,500 on March 31,
2027, and (e) 4,167 on May 4, 2027. Of the PSUs, 43,333 PSUs will be eligible to vest based on the Company’s achievement
of certain performance targets for 2026 established by the Compensation Committee, and 16,667 PSUs will be eligible to vest based on performance
targets to be established by the Compensation Committee in connection with the Company’s 2027 annual budget. In addition, on the
Effective Date, Ms. Georgevich was granted 2,264 fully vested shares of Company common stock.
In
addition, the Georgevich Employment Agreement provides that on the Effective Date, each unvested time-based RSU held by Ms. Georgevich
(not including the new awards as described above) will vest on a pro rata basis through and including the Effective Date. Any such RSUs
that do not so vest will be forfeited and cancelled on the Effective Date.
The
Georgevich Employment Agreement provides that if the Company terminates Ms. Georgevich’s employment for a reason other than
death, Disability (as defined in the Georgevich Employment Agreement), or Cause (as defined in the Georgevich Employment Agreement), or
if Ms. Georgevich terminates her employment for Good Reason (as defined in the Georgevich Employment Agreement), then the Company
shall pay or provide all of the following: (i) reimbursement of any and all reasonable business expenses paid or incurred through
the termination date; (ii) receipt of any accrued but unused vacation through the termination date in accordance with Company policy;
(iii) receipt of any earned but unpaid base salary through her last date of employment with the Company; and (iv) subject to
Ms. Georgevich’s satisfying certain release conditions described in the Georgevich Employment Agreement, receipt of an amount
equal to a portion of the her base salary as set forth below and certain medical benefits as described below.
The
base salary portion of the separation payment described above shall be six months of her base salary (at the rate that was in effect at
the time of termination). Additionally, subject to Ms. Georgevich’s timely election of continuation coverage under the Consolidated
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”) with respect to the Company’s group health insurance
plans in which she participated immediately prior to the termination date, the Company will pay the cost of COBRA continuation coverage
for Ms. Georgevich and her eligible dependents until the earliest of (i) Ms. Georgevich and her eligible dependents, as
the case may be, ceasing to be eligible under COBRA; (ii) the date upon which she and her eligible dependents become covered under
similar plans; or (iii) six months following the termination date.
The
Georgevich Employment Agreement also provides that if a Change of Control (as defined in the Georgevich Employment Agreement) occurs and,
on or within 12 months following the occurrence of such Change of Control, Ms. Georgevich’s employment with the Company (or
its successor) terminates involuntarily for a reason other than Cause or terminates because of resignation for Good Reason, then all unvested
RSUs held by her will vest in full as of her termination date and all unvested PSUs held by her will vest as of her termination date based
on deemed achievement of the applicable performance target (at any applicable target level).
The
foregoing description of the Georgevich Employment Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Georgevich
Employment Agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 to this Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.
Employment Agreement
with Mr. Moradi
In
connection with his election as Executive Chairman and Chief Product Officer, the Company and Mr. Moradi entered into a Second Amended
and Restated Employment Agreement (the “Moradi Employment Agreement”), dated as of May 4, 2026. Under the Moradi Employment
Agreement, Mr. Moradi will continue to receive an annual base salary of $1, as well as payments equal to the value of full health
benefits offered by the Company, not to exceed $10,000 annually.
The
Moradi Employment Agreement further provides that, on the Effective Date, the Company will grant Mr. Moradi 58,000 RSUs and 69,600
PSUs. The RSUs will vest as follows: (a) 9,667 on June 30, 2026, (b) 14,500 on September 30, 2026, (c) 14,500
on December 31, 2026, (d) 14,500 on March 31, 2027, and (e) 4,833 on May 4, 2027. Of the PSUs, 50,267 PSUs will
be eligible to vest based on the Company’s achievement of certain performance targets for 2026 established by the Compensation Committee,
and 19,333 PSUs will be eligible to vest based on performance targets to be established by the Compensation Committee in connection with
the Company’s 2027 annual budget.
In
addition, the Moradi Employment Agreement provides that on the Effective Date, each outstanding time-based RSU held by Mr. Moradi
(not including the new awards as described above) will vest on a pro rata basis through and including the Effective Date. Any such RSUs
that do not so vest, as well as all outstanding performance shares held by Mr. Moradi, will be forfeited and cancelled on the Effective
Date.
The Moradi Employment Agreement
provides that if, on or prior to the first anniversary of the Effective Date, the Company terminates Mr. Moradi’s employment
without Cause (as defined in the Moradi Employment Agreement) or his employment terminates due to his death, then all unvested time-based
RSUs held by him will vest in full. Further, in the event of a Change in Control that involves a Corporate Transaction (each as defined
in the Company’s 2020 Equity Incentive Plan), all unvested time-based RSUs held by him shall become fully vested immediately prior
to the effective time of such Change in Control.
The
Moradi Employment Agreement also provides that the Company will pay Mr. Moradi a gross-up payment for any excise tax imposed under
Section 4999 of the Code and any interest or penalties with respect to such excise tax, plus the amount necessary to put Mr. Moradi
in the same after-tax position that he would have been in if he had not incurred any tax liability under Section 4999 of the Internal
Revenue Code (the “Code”), in the event that any payments, rights, benefits, distributions, or entitlements provided or to
be provided by the Company or any of its affiliates to Mr. Moradi or for his benefit would constitute parachute payments within the
meaning of Section 280G of the Code.
The
foregoing description of the Moradi Employment Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Moradi Employment
Agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.2 to this Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.
Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure
On
May 4, 2026, the Company issued a press release related to the matters described above. A copy of the press release is attached hereto
as Exhibit 99.1.
The
information set forth in this Item 7.01 and in Exhibit 99.1 attached hereto is being furnished and shall not be deemed “filed”
for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject
to the liabilities of such section nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, or the Exchange Act, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing, except as shall be expressly set forth
by specific reference in such filing.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits:
Exhibit
Number
Description
10.1
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of May 4, 2026, by and between AudioEye, Inc.
and Kelly Georgevich
10.2
Second Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of May 4, 2026, by and between AudioEye, Inc.
and David Moradi
99.1
Press release, dated May 4, 2026
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto
duly authorized.
May 7, 2026
AudioEye, Inc.
(Registrant)
By
/s/ Kelly Georgevich
Name: Kelly Georgevich
Title: Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
EX-10.1 — EXHIBIT 10.1
EX-10.1
Filename: tm2613765d1_ex10-1.htm · Sequence: 2
Exhibit 10.1
AMENDED AND RESTATED
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This AMENDED AND RESTATED
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of May 4, 2026 (the “Effective Date”),
by and between AudioEye, Inc., a Delaware corporation with an address at 5210 E. Williams Circle, Tucson, AZ 85711 (the “Company”),
and Kelly Georgevich, a natural person (“Executive”).
W I T N E S E T H:
WHEREAS, Executive
and the Company are parties to that certain Executive Employment Agreement (the “Prior Employment Agreement”) entered
into as of June 10, 2021, under which Executive has been serving as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer; and
WHEREAS, the Company desires
to appoint Executive and Executive agrees to serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the “Position”) effective
as of the Effective Date; and
WHEREAS, the Company and Executive
desire to amend and restate the Prior Employment Agreement, as set forth in this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration
of the foregoing recitals and the respective covenants and agreements of the parties contained in this document, the Company and Executive,
intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
1. Employment
and Duties.
a. Effective
on the Effective Date, the Company shall employ Executive in the Position. In the Position, Executive shall report to Board
of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) and the Executive Chairman of the Board. At all times during
the Term (as defined below), Executive will be considered an “exempt” employee for applicable wage and hour laws, meaning
that her Base Salary (as defined below) shall compensate Executive for all hours worked, and Executive will not be eligible for overtime
pay.
b. The
duties and responsibilities of Executive in the Position shall include the duties and responsibilities typical of a Chief Executive Officer
and such other or different duties and responsibilities as the Board may from time to time reasonably assign to Executive, which the
parties acknowledge may include the Executive continuing to serve as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer for a period following
the Effective Date. Executive shall devote all of her business time, attention, and energies to the business of the Company, provided
that nothing in this Section 1(b) shall prohibit Executive from (i) serving as a director or trustee of any charitable or educational
organization or (ii) engaging in additional activities in connection with personal investments and community affairs, as long as these
additional activities do not materially interfere, individually or collectively, with the performance of the duties and responsibilities
of Executive, and these activities are not inconsistent with Executive’s duties under this Agreement and do not otherwise violate
the terms of this Agreement.
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2.
Term. Executive’s employment pursuant to this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and shall continue until
terminated pursuant to Section 10 (the “Term”). The parties agree that Executive shall at all times be an at-will employee,
and she or the Company may terminate her employment at any time for any lawful reason, subject to the payment obligations described herein.
For the avoidance of doubt, the restrictions in Sections 12 and 13 of this Agreement that apply after employment ends, and the provisions
of Sections 11 and 15, shall survive the expiration of the Term.
3.
Place of Employment. Executive shall work remotely from her home or personal office; provided, however, that
Executive shall make herself available as requested for regular business travel, including travel to the Company’s corporate offices.
4.
Base Salary; Prior Employment Agreement Performance Bonus. During the Term, the Company shall pay Executive based on an
annual salary of $450,000.00 (the “Base Salary”) unless the parties mutually agree to modify the Base Salary (in which
case the “Base Salary” shall be, for all purposes hereunder, such salary as modified). The Company shall make all Base
Salary payments in periodic installments in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices. The parties further agree that
the Company shall pay to Executive a cash bonus in the amount of $28,877 (representing a pro rata portion of her bonus opportunity for
calendar year 2026 under the Prior Employment Agreement) on the Company’s next regularly scheduled payroll date following the Effective
Date.
5.
Treatment of Outstanding Equity Awards. Executive and the Company acknowledge and agree as follows with respect to Executive’s
outstanding equity awards:
a.
Pro Rata Vesting of Time-Based RSUs: On the Effective Date, each outstanding time-based restricted stock unit (“RSU”)
award held by Executive as of the Effective Date (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, the grants provided for in Section 6) shall vest
on a pro rata basis through and including the Effective Date. The pro rata portion shall be calculated, with respect to each tranche of
time-based RSUs that would otherwise have vested on its next scheduled vesting date, by multiplying the number of RSUs in such tranche
by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days elapsed from the most recent vesting date (or, if none, the grant date) of
such award through and including the Effective Date, and the denominator of which is the total number of days in the vesting period for
such tranche. Any resulting fractional share shall be rounded down to the nearest whole share.
b.
Forfeiture of Unvested Time-Based RSUs: On the Effective Date, all time-based RSUs held by Executive as of the Effective
Date that remain unvested after giving effect to the pro rata vesting described in Section 5.a above shall be automatically forfeited
and cancelled, without payment of any consideration, and Executive shall have no further rights with respect to such forfeited RSUs.
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6.
New Equity Grants. On the Effective Date, the Company shall grant Executive 110,000
RSUs, with 50,000 of such RSUs being deemed “Time-Based RSUs” and 60,000 being deemed “PSUs.”
a.
Time-Based RSUs: The Time-Based RSUs shall vest as follows:
·
8,333 on June 30, 2026,
·
12,500 on September 30, 2026,
·
12,500 on December 31, 2026,
·
12,500 on March 31, 2027, and
·
4,167 on May 4, 2027,
provided
in all cases that Executive is continuously employed on each of the vesting dates.
b.
Performance-Based RSUs: The PSUs shall be eligible to vest based on the Company’s
achievement of the performance metrics set forth below, subject in all cases to Executive’s continuous employment with the Company
through the applicable vesting date.
i.
2026 Annual Performance RSUs. Of the PSUs, 33,333 PSUs (the “2026 Annual PSUs”)
shall be eligible to vest based on the Company’s achievement of the following three performance targets for the fiscal year ending
December 31, 2026, with one-third of the 2026 Annual PSUs (11,111 PSUs) eligible to vest upon achievement of each target:
·
Revenue of $[*];
·
Adjusted EBITDA of $[*]; and
·
Adjusted EBITDA of $[*].
Each
target shall be evaluated independently, and the 2026 Annual PSUs corresponding to each achieved target shall vest on the date the Compensation
Committee of the Board (the “Compensation Committee”) certifies achievement of such target following the close of the
2026 fiscal year. Any 2026 Annual PSUs corresponding to a target that is not achieved shall be forfeited.
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ii. 2027 Annual Performance RSUs. 16,667 PSUs shall be allocated to the 2027 annual performance component
(the “2027 Annual PSUs”) and shall be eligible to vest based on performance targets to be established by the Compensation
Committee in connection with the Company’s 2027 annual budget to be approved by the Board. The Compensation Committee shall, in
good faith and consistent with the structure of the 2027 Annual PSUs, set such targets as promptly as practicable following the start
of the 2027 fiscal year. Vesting of the 2027 Annual PSUs shall occur on the date the Compensation Committee certifies achievement of
such targets following the close of the 2027 fiscal year, with any 2027 Annual PSUs corresponding to a target that is not achieved being
forfeited.
iii.
2026 Stretch Performance RSUs. The remaining 10,000 PSUs (the “2026 Stretch PSUs”)
shall be eligible to vest in full upon the Company's achievement of Adjusted EBITDA of $[*] for the fiscal year ending December
31, 2026. The 2026 Stretch PSUs shall vest, if at all, on the date the Compensation Committee certifies achievement of such target following
the close of the 2026 fiscal year. If the Company does not achieve Adjusted EBITDA of $[*] for the 2026 fiscal year, the 2026
Stretch PSUs shall be forfeited in their entirety.
iv.
Definitions and Determinations. “Revenue” and “Adjusted EBITDA”
shall be calculated in accordance with the Company’s audited financial statements for the applicable fiscal year and the methodology
used by the Company for calculating such amounts for purposes of the Company’s periodic reports or earnings releases filed or furnished
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, subject to such adjustments as the Compensation Committee determines in good faith are appropriate
to reflect extraordinary items, acquisitions or dispositions, changes in accounting principles, or other non-recurring or non-cash items.
All determinations regarding achievement of the performance targets shall be made by the Compensation Committee in its reasonable discretion
and shall be final and binding.
c.
Other Stock-Based Award: On the Effective Date, in full satisfaction of any
equity or equity-based awards previously promised to (or purportedly promised to), or discussed with, Executive, the
Company shall grant Executive 2,264 shares of the Company’s common stock, which shares shall be fully vested upon grant (the “Other
Stock-Based Award”).
All
RSUs, PSUs and the Other Stock-Based Award are subject to the terms of the Company’s applicable incentive compensation plan (the
“Plan”), the attendant award agreement and approval by the Board or the Compensation Committee, and may be
adjusted in the event of any stock split, stock dividend or other similar, recapitalization or other similar event.
4
7.
Clawback Rights. Executive agrees that she is bound by, and subject to, the Company’s Compensation Recovery Policy,
effective October 24, 2023 (as such policy may be amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time).
8.
Expenses. Executive shall be entitled to prompt reimbursement by the Company for all reasonable ordinary and necessary travel,
entertainment, and other expenses incurred by Executive while employed (in accordance with the policies and procedures established by
the Company for its senior executive officers) in the performance of her duties and responsibilities under this Agreement; provided,
that Executive shall properly account for such expenses in accordance with Company policies and procedures.
9.
Other Benefits; Vacation. During the Term, Executive shall be eligible to participate in incentive, stock purchase, savings,
retirement (401(k)), and welfare benefit plans, including, without limitation, health, medical, dental, vision, life (including accidental
death and dismemberment) and disability insurance plans to the extent provided by the Company generally to its employees (collectively,
“Benefit Plans”), in substantially the same manner and at substantially the same levels as the Company makes such opportunities
available to the Company’s managerial or salaried executive employees, subject to the terms and conditions, including eligibility
provisions, of any such Benefit Plans, which may be amended or terminated from time to time. During the Term, Executive shall be entitled
to accrue, on a pro rata basis, twenty (20) paid vacation days per year, which if not taken, will accrue and be carried forward into the
next year. No carry forward of vacation past the second year will be granted without the approval of the Board. Vacation shall be taken
at such times as are mutually convenient to Executive and the Company and no more than ten (10) consecutive days shall be taken at any
one time without the advance written approval of the Board.
10.
Termination of Employment.
a.
Death. If Executive dies during the Term, Executive’s employment with the Company shall automatically terminate and
the Company shall have no further obligations to Executive or her heirs, administrators or executors with respect to compensation and
benefits accruing thereafter, except for the obligation to pay to Executive’s heirs, administrators or executors: (i) any earned
but unpaid Base Salary accrued through the date of death, (ii) reimbursement of any and all reasonable business expenses paid or incurred
by Executive in connection with and related to the performance of her duties and responsibilities for the Company during the period ending
on the date of death, and (iii) any accrued but unused vacation through the date of death in accordance with Company policy.
5
b.
Disability. In the event that, during the Term, Executive shall be prevented from performing, with or without reasonable
accommodation, her essential duties and responsibilities of the Position by reason of Disability (as defined below), Executive’s
employment with the Company shall automatically terminate and the Company shall have no further obligations or liability to Executive
or her heirs, administrators or executors with respect to compensation and benefits accruing thereafter, except for the obligation to
pay Executive or her heirs, administrators or executors: (i) any earned but unpaid Base Salary accrued through Executive’s last
date of employment with the Company, (ii) reimbursement of any and all reasonable business expenses paid or incurred by Executive in connection
with and related to the performance of her duties and responsibilities for the Company during the period ending on the termination date,
and (iii) any accrued but unused vacation through the termination date in accordance with Company policy. For purposes of this Agreement,
“Disability” shall mean a physical or mental disability that prevents the performance by Executive, with or without
reasonable accommodation, of the essential duties of the Position for a period of not less than an aggregate of three (3) months during
any twelve (12) consecutive months.
c.
By the Company for Cause.
i.
At any time during the Term, the Company may terminate Executive’s employment hereunder for Cause, subject to the process described
in Section 10(c)(ii). For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall consist of a termination due to the following,
as specified in the Notice of Termination provided pursuant to Section 10(h) (and in the case of Clause (A) below, Executive’s
failure to cure such failure, if curable, within thirty (30) days of delivery of such Notice of Termination): (A) Executive’s failure
to substantially perform the fundamental duties and responsibilities associated with the Position for any reason other than a physical
or mental disability or death, including Executive’s willful failure or refusal to carry out reasonable instructions; (B) Executive’s
material breach of any material written Company policy; (C) Executive’s gross misconduct in the performance of Executive’s
duties for the Company; (D) Executive’s material breach of the terms of this Agreement; (E) Executive being arrested or charged
with any fraudulent or felony criminal offense or any other criminal offense which reflects adversely on the Company or reflects conduct
or character that the Board reasonably concludes is inconsistent with continued employment; or (F) any criminal conduct that is a “statutory
disqualifying event” (as defined under federal securities laws, rules and regulations).
ii. Prior to any termination for Cause, and subsequent to any applicable thirty (30) day period of time within which Executive may
be permitted to cure, Executive will be entitled to appear (with counsel) before the full Board to present information regarding her views
on the Cause event, and after such hearing, there must be at least a majority vote of the full Board (other than Executive, if applicable)
to terminate her for Cause. After providing the Notice of Termination, the Board may suspend Executive with full pay and benefits until
a final determination pursuant to this paragraph has been made.
6
iii.
Upon termination of Executive’s employment for Cause, the Company shall have no further obligations or liability to Executive
or her heirs, administrators or executors with respect to compensation and benefits thereafter, except for the obligation to pay Executive:
(A) any earned but unpaid Base Salary accrued through Executive’s last date of employment with the Company, (B) reimbursement of
any and all reasonable business expenses paid or incurred by Executive in connection with and related to the performance of her duties
and responsibilities for the Company during the period ending on the termination date, and (C) any accrued but unused vacation through
the termination date in accordance with Company policy.
d.
By the Company for a Reason Other than Cause, Death or Disability. At any time during the Term, the Company may terminate
Executive’s employment with the Company for a reason other than Cause, death, or Disability by providing a Notice of Termination
to Executive at least thirty (30) days prior to the intended date of termination, provided, however, that the Company in its
sole discretion may direct Executive to cease performing services for the Company during all or any portion of such thirty (30)-day notice
period (the “Notice Period”), but will continue to pay the Base Salary and provide benefits to Executive through the
end of the Notice Period. The payments that the Company will make to Executive (or, following her death, to Executive’s heirs, administrators
or executors) in the event that the Company terminates this Agreement and Executive’s employment with the Company for a reason other
than Cause, death or Disability, are described in Section 11.
e.
By Executive with Good Reason.
i.
At any time during the Term, subject to the conditions set forth in Section 10(e)(ii) below, Executive may terminate Executive’s
employment with the Company for Good Reason. For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean the occurrence
of any of the following events: (A) a reduction, without Executive’s written consent, of Executive’s Base Salary, other than
a reduction generally applicable to other executives of comparable status; (B) the assignment, without Executive’s written consent,
of a title other than CEO or a material diminishment in Executive’s duties, authority or responsibility (other than Executive no
longer serving as or performing the duties of the Chief Financial Officer); (C) any establishment or relocation of Executive’s physical
place of work to a location that is more than 25 miles from Executive’s then-current principal residence; or (D) a material breach
by the Company of this Agreement, including, without limitation, the failure of the Company to grant the equity awards with the value
as noted above.
7
ii. Notwithstanding any provision of Section 10(e) to the contrary, Executive shall only be entitled to terminate this Agreement for
Good Reason if: (A) she has delivered Notice of Termination to the Company within ninety (90) days of the date upon which the facts giving
rise to Good Reason occurred (the “Good Reason Date”) of her intention to terminate this Agreement and her employment
with the Company for Good Reason, and such Notice of Termination specifies in reasonable detail the circumstances claimed to provide the
basis for such termination for Good Reason; (ii) the Company has not eliminated the circumstances constituting Good Reason within thirty
(30) days of its receipt from Executive of such written notice; and (iii) Executive’s employment with the Company ends within
one hundred and twenty (120) days after the Good Reason Date.
iii. The
payments that the Company will make to Executive (or, following her death, to Executive’s heirs, administrators or executors) in
the event that Executive terminates her employment with the Company for Good Reason are described in Section 11.
f.
By Executive without Good Reason. At any time during the Term, Executive shall be entitled to terminate Executive’s
employment with the Company without Good Reason by providing a Notice of Termination to the Company at least thirty (30) days prior to
the intended date of termination; provided, however, that the Company in its sole discretion may direct Executive to cease
performing services for the Company during all or any portion of the Notice Period, but will continue to pay the Base Salary and provide
benefits to Executive through the end of the Notice Period. Upon termination by Executive of this Agreement or Executive’s employment
with the Company without Good Reason, the Company shall have no further obligations or liability to Executive or her heirs, administrators
or executors with respect to compensation and benefits thereafter, except for the obligation to pay Executive: (i) any earned but unpaid
Base Salary accrued through Executive’s last date of employment with the Company, (ii) reimbursement of any and all reasonable business
expenses paid or incurred by Executive through the termination date in connection with and related to the performance of Executive’s
duties and responsibilities for the Company, and (iii) any accrued but unused vacation through the termination date in accordance with
Company policy.
g.
Change of Control. For purposes of this Agreement, “Change of Control” shall mean the occurrence of any
one or more of the following: (i) the accumulation (if over time, in any consecutive twelve (12) month period), whether directly, indirectly,
beneficially or of record, by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended) of 80% or more of the shares of the outstanding common stock of the Company, whether by merger, consolidation,
sale or other transfer of shares of Company common stock (other than a merger or consolidation where the stockholders of the Company prior
to the merger or consolidation are the holders of a majority of the voting securities of the entity that survives such merger or consolidation),
(ii) a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or (iii) during any period of twelve (12) consecutive months,
the individuals who, at the beginning of such period, constitute the Board, and any new director whose election by the Board or nomination
for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office
who either were directors at the beginning of the 12-month period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved,
cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that the following acquisitions shall
not constitute a Change of Control for the purposes of this Agreement: (A) any acquisitions of Company common stock or securities convertible,
exercisable or exchangeable into Company common stock directly from the Company, or (B) any acquisition of Company common stock or securities
convertible, exercisable or exchangeable into Company common stock by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored by or maintained
by the Company.
8
h.
Any termination of Executive’s employment by the Company or by Executive (other than termination by reason of Executive’s
death) shall be communicated by written Notice of Termination to the other party of this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, a
“Notice of Termination” shall mean a written notice which shall indicate the specific termination provision in this
Agreement relied upon and, for a termination for Cause, Disability or for Good Reason, shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts
and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of Executive’s employment under the provision so indicated.
11.
Severance Compensation.
a.
If the Company terminates Executive’s employment for a reason other than Executive’s death, Disability, or Cause, or
if Executive terminates her employment for Good Reason, then the Company shall pay or provide all of the following to Executive: (i) reimbursement
of any and all reasonable business expenses paid or incurred by Executive through the termination date in connection with and related
to the performance of Executive’s duties and responsibilities for the Company; (ii) receipt of any accrued but unused vacation through
the termination date in accordance with Company policy, as in effect as of the date of termination; (iii) receipt of any earned but unpaid
Base Salary accrued through Executive’s last date of employment with the Company; and (iv) subject to Executive’s satisfying
the Release conditions described in Section 11(c), receipt of an amount equal to a portion of the Executive’s Base Salary as set
forth in Section 11(b) below and Medical Continuation Benefits, as defined below (the “Separation Payment”).
b.
The Base Salary portion of the Separation Payment described in Section 11(a)(iv) above shall be six (6) months of Executive’s
Base Salary (at the rate that was in effect at the time of termination), less Base Salary paid to Executive for any portion of the Notice
Period that Executive is directed by the Company not to work. Additionally, subject to Executive’s timely election of continuation
coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”) with respect to the
Company’s group health insurance plans in which the Employee participated immediately prior to the termination date (“COBRA
Continuation Coverage”) and the Release requirement set forth below, the Company will pay the cost of COBRA Continuation Coverage
for Executive and her eligible dependents until the earliest of (i) Executive and her eligible dependents, as the case may be, ceasing
to be eligible under COBRA, (ii) the date upon which Executive and her eligible dependents become covered under similar plans, or (iii)
six (6) months following the termination date (“Medical Continuation Benefits”).
9
c.
Subject to the condition that Executive executes an agreement releasing the Company and its affiliates from any liability associated
with Executive’s employment with the Company in form and terms satisfactory to the Company (the “Release”) and
that all time periods imposed by law permitting cancellation or revocation of the Release by Executive have passed or expired (the “Release
Effective Date”), the Company will pay Executive any base salary-related amount owed pursuant to Section 11(a)(iv) on the Company’s
regular payroll dates starting on the first payroll date following the Release Effective Date (and the payment on such first payroll date
will include all payments that were not paid between the last day of employment and such first payroll date) and ending six months after
the last day of employment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Release could become effective during the calendar year following the
calendar year of the date of termination, then no such payments that constitute “deferred compensation” under Internal Revenue
Code Section 409A shall be made earlier than the first day of the calendar year following the calendar year of the date of termination.
d.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any equity award agreement, the Plan, or any other provision of this Agreement, if
a Change of Control occurs and, on or within twelve (12) months following the occurrence of such Change of Control, Executive’s
employment with the Company (or its successor) terminates involuntarily for a reason other than Cause or terminates because of resignation
for Good Reason (each, a “Qualifying CoC Termination”), then:
i. all then-outstanding and unvested Time-Based RSUs held by Executive shall vest in full as of Executive’s
termination date; and
ii. all then-outstanding and unvested PSUs held by Executive shall vest as of Executive’s termination
date based on deemed achievement of the applicable performance target (at any applicable target level), without proration for the portion
of the performance period elapsed.
Settlement of any equity awards that
vest pursuant to this Section 11(d) shall occur as soon as administratively practicable following the Executive’s termination date,
but in no event later than March 15 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the Qualifying CoC Termination occurs. The
acceleration provided under this Section 11(d) is in addition to, and not in lieu of, the Separation Payment and other amounts payable
under Sections 11(a) through (c).
10
12.
Confidential Information.
a.
Disclosure of Confidential Information. Executive recognizes, acknowledges and agrees that she has had and will have
access to proprietary and confidential information relating to the business of the Company, its subsidiaries and their respective businesses,
that she will be aware of only as a consequence of her employment, and which has value to the Company because it is not generally known
to this Company’s competitors (“Confidential Information”), including but not limited to, information regarding
its products, methods, formulas, software code, patents, sources of supply, customers, customer dealings, marketing, data, know-how, trade
secrets and its business plans and financial information. Executive acknowledges that such information is of great value to the Company,
is the sole property of the Company, and has been and will be acquired by her in confidence. In consideration of the obligations undertaken
by the Company herein, Executive will not, at any time, during or after her employment hereunder, use, reveal, divulge, disclose or make
known to any person, any Confidential Information acquired or created by Executive during the course of her employment. Nothing in this
Section 12 prohibits Executive from using or disclosing Confidential Information, in the course and scope of her employment, to employees
and/or agents of the Company or its subsidiaries who have a need to know and/or receive such Confidential Information to perform their
duties on behalf of the Company or its subsidiaries. The provisions of this Section 12 shall survive the termination of Executive’s
employment hereunder for so long as the information at issue meets the definition of “Confidential Information.” Confidential
Information shall not include: (i) information which was in Executive’s possession or within Executive’s knowledge before
the Company disclosed it to Executive; (ii) information voluntarily disclosed to the public by the Company, except where such public disclosure
is made by Executive without authorization from the Company; (iii) information which was independently developed and disclosed by others;
(iv) information which has lawfully entered the public domain; or (v) information obtained from a third party that was not known by Executive
to be bound by a confidentiality agreement or other obligation of confidentiality to the Company or any other party with respect to such
information. Additionally, Executive may disclose Confidential Information pursuant to the order or requirement of a court, administrative
agency, or other governmental body; provided, however, that to the extent legally permissible Executive shall provide prompt
notice of such court order or requirement to Company so that the Company may seek, at its expense, a protective order or other appropriate
remedy and Executive shall disclose such Confidential Information only to the extent required to do so.
b.
Executive affirms that she will not rely upon the protected trade secrets or confidential or proprietary information of any prior
employer(s) in providing services to the Company or its subsidiaries.
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c.
In the event that Executive’s employment with the Company terminates for any reason, Executive shall deliver forthwith to
the Company any and all originals and copies, including those in electronic or digital formats, of Confidential Information; provided,
however, Executive shall be entitled to retain (i) papers and other materials of a personal nature, including, but not limited to,
photographs, correspondence, personal diaries, calendars and rolodexes, personal files and phone books, (ii) information showing her compensation
or relating to reimbursement of expenses, (iii) information that she reasonably believes may be needed for tax purposes, and (iv) copies
of all plans and agreements relating to her employment, compensation, and equity grants.
d. Nothing
in this Agreement shall limit Executive’s right (i) to report possible violations of law or regulation to the Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission or any other state or local employment regulatory authorities, or to the extent that such disclosure is protected
under the applicable provisions of law or regulation, including but not limited to “whistleblower” statutes, or (ii) to make
disclosures to her attorney under protection of attorney-client privilege. In addition, and notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement
to the contrary, under 18 U.S.C. §1833(b), “An individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any Federal
or State trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (A) is made (i) in confidence to a Federal, State, or local government
official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (ii) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected
violation of law; or (B) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under
seal.” Nothing in this Agreement or any other Company policy is intended to conflict with this statutory protection, and no Company
director, officer, or member of management has the authority to impose any rule to the contrary.
13. Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation.
a.
Executive agrees and acknowledges that the restrictions set forth herein are reasonable and necessary to protect the Company’s
legitimate business interests and do not impose undue hardship or burdens on Executive. Executive also acknowledges that the technology,
software, and related products and services developed or provided by the Company and its affiliates relating to ADA-related and other
digital accessibility compliance requirements and enhancements are or are intended to be sold, provided, licensed and/or distributed to
customers and clients primarily in and throughout the United States and the European Union (the “Territory”) and that
Executive’s responsibilities extend throughout the Territory (provided, however that to the extent the Company or its subsidiaries
come to operate, either directly or through the engagement of a distributor or joint or co-venturer, or sell a significant amount of its
products and services to customers located, in areas other than the United States and the European Union during the Term, the definition
of Territory shall be automatically expanded to cover such other areas in which the Company or its subsidiaries did business during the
Term). Executive further acknowledges and agrees that the Territory and scope of prohibited competition with the Business (as defined
below) set forth below are reasonable and necessary to maintain the value of the Confidential Information of, and to protect the goodwill
and other legitimate business interests of, the Company, its affiliates and/or its clients or customers. Executive also acknowledges and
agrees that she will be receiving Confidential Information in connection with her employment with the Company, and that the restrictions
below are valid consideration for her receipt of such Confidential Information. The provisions of this Section 13 shall survive the termination
of Executive’s employment hereunder.
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b. Executive
hereby agrees and covenants that she shall not during the Restricted Period (as defined below) and within the Territory, without the
prior written consent of the Company, directly or indirectly:
i.
perform executive, management, accounting or finance-related, or supervisory services, or services that are the same as or substantially
similar to those she provides to the Company pursuant to this Agreement, for any person or entity in competition with the Company or its
subsidiaries in the Business;
ii.
recruit, solicit or hire, or attempt to recruit, solicit or hire any employee or independent contractor of the Company or its subsidiaries
to leave the employment (or independent contractor relationship) thereof or to start employment or engagement with another entity or individual;
or
iii. solicit
or attempt to solicit, or help another person or entity to solicit or attempt to solicit, any customer of the Company or its subsidiaries
for the purpose of offering, selling or providing any product or service competitive with the Company’s (or its subsidiaries’)
Business to such customer.
c.
For purposes of this Agreement, (i) the “Business” of the Company means (A) the development, marketing and/or
sale and licensing of technology, software, and related products and services relating to ADA and other federal, state, and local digital
accessibility compliance requirements, and (B) such other businesses, if any, in which the Company or its subsidiaries is engaged or actively
preparing to engage during the last year of Executive’s employment; and (ii) “Restricted Period” means the Term,
any other period of Executive’s employment with the Company, and the one (1)-year period immediately following the termination of
Executive’s employment with the Company, regardless of the reason for such termination and whether caused by Executive or the Company.
In the event that any provision of this Section 13 is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable, such provision
shall not render the entire Section 13 unenforceable but, to the extent possible, the court may appropriately modify this Section 13 to
render such provision enforceable.
13
14.
Inventions. All systems, inventions, discoveries, apparatus, techniques, methods, know-how, formulae or improvements made,
developed or conceived by Executive during Executive’s employment by the Company that (a) are directly relevant to the Company’s
or its subsidiaries’ business as then constituted, (b) are developed as a part of the tasks and assignments that are the duties
and responsibilities of Executive, and (c) were created using substantially the Company’s or its subsidiaries’ resources,
such as time, materials and space, shall be and continue to remain the Company’s exclusive property, without any added compensation
or any reimbursement for expenses to Executive, and upon the conception of any and every such invention, process, discovery or improvement
and without waiting to perfect or complete it, Executive promises and agrees that Executive will immediately disclose it to the Company
and to no one else and thenceforth will treat it as the property and secret of the Company. Executive will also execute any instruments
requested from time to time by the Company to vest in it complete title and ownership to such invention, discovery or improvement and
will, at the request of the Company, do such acts and execute such instruments as the Company may require, but at the Company’s
expense to obtain patents, trademarks or copyrights in the United States and foreign countries, for such invention, discovery or improvement
and for the purpose of vesting title thereto in the Company, all without any reimbursement for expenses (except as provided in Section
8 or otherwise) and without any additional compensation of any kind to Executive.
15.
Non-Disparagement. Upon a termination of Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason, Executive agrees
not to disparage the Company or its subsidiaries or any of their respective Board members, officers or other senior management employees,
or say or do anything that will adversely impact the Company’s or its subsidiaries’ business practices or the reputation of
the Company or its subsidiaries or any of their respective Board members, officers or management employees. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
this Section 15 does not apply to Executive in (a) filing any pleading, or providing truthful oral or written testimony, in any administrative,
arbitration or judicial proceeding, (b) providing information pursuant to subpoena, court order, or similar legal process, (c) reporting
violations of any law or regulation, or otherwise providing truthful information, to any government or regulatory agencies, or in any
document required to be filed with the SEC, or (d) otherwise engaging in whistleblower activity protected by the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the Dodd Frank Act, or any rules or regulations issued thereunder, including, without limitation, SEC Rule 21F-17.
16.
Section 409A.
The provisions of this Agreement
are intended to comply with or meet an exemption from Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”)
and any final regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder (“Section 409A”) and shall be construed in a manner consistent
with the requirements for avoiding taxes or penalties under Section 409A. The Company and Executive agree to work together in good faith
to consider amendments to this Agreement and to take such reasonable actions which are necessary, appropriate or desirable to avoid imposition
of any additional tax or income recognition prior to actual payment to Executive under Section 409A.
14
To the extent that Executive
will be reimbursed for costs and expenses or in-kind benefits, except as otherwise permitted by Section 409A, (a) the right to reimbursement
or in-kind benefits is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, (b) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement,
or in-kind benefits, provided during any taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to
be provided, in any other taxable year; provided that the foregoing clause (b) shall not be violated with regard to expenses
reimbursed under any arrangement covered by Section 105(b) of the Code solely because such expenses are subject to a limit related to
the period the arrangement is in effect and (c) such payments shall be made on or before the last day of the taxable year following the
taxable year in which the expense was incurred.
A termination of employment
(not including a termination upon death) shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing
for the payment of any amounts or benefits upon or following a termination of employment unless such termination constitutes a “Separation
from Service” within the meaning of Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement references to a “termination,”
“termination of employment” or like terms shall mean Separation from Service.
Each installment payable hereunder
shall constitute a separate payment for purposes of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b), including Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b)(2)(iii).
Each payment that is made within the terms of the “short-term deferral” rule set forth in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(4)
is intended to meet the “short-term deferral” rule. Each other payment is intended to be a payment upon an involuntary termination
from service and payable pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii), et. seq., to the maximum extent permitted by that
regulation, with any amount that is not exempt from Code Section 409A being subject to Code Section 409A.
Notwithstanding anything to
the contrary in this Agreement, if Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A, any payment otherwise
due to Executive on or within the six (6) month period following Executive’s termination will accrue during such six (6) month period
and will become payable in one lump sum cash payment on the date six (6) months and one (1) day following the date of Executive’s
termination of employment, to the extent required to avoid any adverse tax consequences under Section 409A. Any remaining payment(s) will
be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary,
if Executive dies following termination but prior to the six (6) month anniversary of Executive’s termination date, then any payments
delayed in accordance with this paragraph will be payable in a lump sum as soon as administratively practicable after the date of Executive’s
death and all other amounts will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit, to the extent
and in a manner consistent with Section 409A.
15
17.
Section 280G. In the event it shall be determined that any payment, distribution or other action by the Company to or for
the benefit of Executive, whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise
(each, a “Payment”) would be subject to an excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (such excise tax referred
to as the “Excise Tax”), the Company shall either (a) make a payment to Executive of all amounts due without any adjustment,
or (b) reduce whatever payments are deemed to be contingent on a transaction that constitutes either a “change in the ownership
or effective control” of the Company, a “change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets” of the Company
(as such phrases are used for purposes of Code Section 280G), to the extent necessary that no payments or benefits provided to Executive
are subject to the Excise Tax, whichever approach results in a better economic result for Executive net of all taxes, including the Excise
Tax, as determined by the Company in its discretion. The reduction in payments or benefits provided to Executive under approach (b) shall
be applied in a manner that the Company determines to be the most appropriate, taking into account possible tax implications of Code Section
409A, and that avoids any unnecessary losses to Executive that may occur in the case of a reduction achieved by reducing the extent to
which equity is vested on an accelerated basis.
18.
Miscellaneous.
a.
Executive acknowledges that the services to be rendered by her under the provisions of this Agreement are of a special, unique,
and extraordinary character and that it would be difficult or impossible to replace such services. Furthermore, the parties acknowledge
that monetary damages alone would not be an adequate remedy for any breach by Executive of Section 12 or Section 13 of this Agreement.
Accordingly, Executive agrees that any breach by Executive of Section 12 or Section 13 of this Agreement shall entitle the Company, in
addition to all other legal remedies available to it, to apply to any court of competent jurisdiction to seek to enjoin such breach. The
parties understand and intend that each restriction agreed to by Executive hereinabove shall be construed as separable and divisible from
every other restriction, that the unenforceability of any restriction shall not limit the enforceability, in whole or in part, of any
other restriction, and that one or more or all of such restrictions may be enforced in whole or in part as the circumstances warrant.
In the event that any restriction in this Agreement is more restrictive than permitted by law in the jurisdiction in which the Company
seeks enforcement thereof, such restriction shall be limited to the extent permitted by law. The remedy of injunctive relief herein set
forth shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other rights or remedies that the Company may have at law or in equity.
b.
Neither Executive nor the Company may assign or delegate any of their rights or duties under this Agreement without the express
written consent of the other; provided, however, that the Company may assign this Agreement to any affiliate or
as part of any merger or sale or assets or equity.
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c.
The Company (i) shall indemnify and hold harmless Executive and her heirs and representatives as, and to the extent, provided in
the Company’s bylaws and (ii) shall cover Executive under the Company’s directors’ and officers’ liability insurance
on the same basis as it covers other current or former (as applicable at the relevant time) senior executive officers and directors of
the Company.
d.
This Agreement constitutes and embodies the full and complete understanding and agreement of the parties with respect to Executive’s
employment by the Company (it being understood that the Plan and RSU award agreement shall apply to RSUs that may be awarded pursuant
to Section 6, supersedes all prior understandings and agreements, whether oral or written, between Executive and the Company, including
without limitation the Prior Employment Agreement, and shall not be amended, modified or changed except by an instrument in writing executed
by the party to be charged. The invalidity or partial invalidity of one or more provisions of this Agreement shall not invalidate any
other provision of this Agreement. No waiver by either party of any provision or condition to be performed shall be deemed a waiver of
similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same time or any prior or subsequent time.
e.
This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, be binding upon and enforceable against, the parties hereto and their respective
successors, heirs, beneficiaries and permitted assigns. Upon any assignment by the Company, the references herein to the Company shall
be deemed to include the assignee.
f.
The headings contained in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation
of this Agreement.
g.
All notices, requests, demands and other communications required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be in writing and shall
be deemed to have been duly given when personally delivered, sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid,
or by reputable national overnight delivery service (e.g., Federal Express) for overnight delivery to the Company at its principal
executive office or to Executive at her address of record in the Company’s records, or to such other address as either party may
hereafter give the other party notice of in accordance with the provisions hereof. Notices shall be deemed given on the sooner of the
date actually received or the third business day after deposited in the mail or one business day after deposited with an overnight delivery
service for overnight delivery.
h.
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Florida without reference
to principles of conflicts of laws.
i.
This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but which
together shall constitute one of the same instrument. The parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date set forth above.
17
j.
Executive represents and warrants to the Company that she has the full power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to
fully perform her obligations hereunder and that the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the performance of all of her obligations
under this Agreement will not conflict with any agreement to which Executive is a party. The parties agree that Executive’s breach
of this Section 18(j) shall constitute a material breach of this Agreement as described in Section 10(c)(i) herein.
k.
The Company represents and warrants to Executive that it has the full power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to perform
its obligations hereunder and that the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the performance of its obligations hereunder will
not conflict with any agreement to which the Company is a party.
l.
The Company shall deduct and withhold, from all payments made pursuant to this Agreement, including but not limited to the Base
Salary, all applicable taxes, including income tax, FICA and FUTA, and other deductions and withholdings required by law.
[Remainder of page
intentionally left blank; signature page follows.]
18
IN WITNESS WHEREOF,
Executive and the Company have caused this Amended and Restated Employment Agreement to be executed as of the date first above written.
THE COMPANY
EXECUTIVE
/s/ David Moradi
/s/ Kelly Georgevich
By: David Moradi
Kelly Georgevich
Its: Executive Chairman
19
EX-10.2 — EXHIBIT 10.2
EX-10.2
Filename: tm2613765d1_ex10-2.htm · Sequence: 3
Exhibit 10.2
SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of May 4, 2026 (“Effective Date”),
by and between AudioEye, Inc. (the “Company”), and David Moradi, a natural person (“Executive”).
RECITALS
WHEREAS, Executive and the
Company are parties to that certain Amended and Restated Employment Agreement entered into effective as of April 5, 2022, which was
amended effective on December 26, 2023, on March 31, 2025, and on April 4, 2025 (as amended, the “Prior A&R
Employment Agreement”).
WHEREAS, the Company and Executive
have mutually agreed that, effective as of the Effective Date, Executive shall no longer serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Company,
and shall serve as the Company’s Chief Product Officer and Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”);
and
WHEREAS, the Company and Executive
desire to amend and restate the Prior A&R Employment Agreement, as set forth in this Agreement.
AGREEMENT
The Company and Executive
hereby agree as follows:
1. Employment
and Duties.
a. The
Company agrees to employ Executive and Executive agrees to serve as Chief Product Officer of the Company. In such role, Executive shall
report to the Board. The duties and responsibilities of Executive shall include the duties and responsibilities typical of a Chief Product
Officer and such other duties and responsibilities as the Board may from time to time reasonably assign to Executive in such role.
b. Executive
is hereby appointed to serve as Executive Chairman/Chairman of the Board (“Chairman”). As Chairman, Executive shall
have, subject at all times to the direction of the Board, direct responsibility, working in conjunction with the officers of the Company,
over operations, sales and marketing, and will perform other services and duties as the Board of Directors shall determine. As Chairman,
Executive shall confer with the Directors, and other officers of the Company, regarding ideas and proposals with respect to the overall
technological direction of the Company.
c. The
Board understands that Executive has significant other responsibilities and is unable to devote all of his business time, attention, and
energies to the business of the Company and, accordingly, Executive shall devote such time as he reasonably believes to be necessary to
discharge his fiduciary duties to the Company.
1
2. Term.
This Agreement and Executive’s employment shall commence on the Effective Date and shall continue for a period ending on the first
anniversary of the Effective Date unless earlier terminated pursuant to Section 7 (the “Term”). For the avoidance
of doubt, the provisions of Sections 9, 10, 12 and 13 shall survive the expiration of the term of employment.
3. Place
of Employment. Executive’s job site shall be in the sole discretion of the Executive.
4. Salary.
The Company agrees to pay Executive (a) an annual base salary of $1 (the “Salary”) plus (b) the value of
full health benefits offered by the Company not to exceed $10,000 annually. The Company shall pay the Salary on an annual basis and the
benefit amounts pursuant to clause (b) in periodic installments in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices.”
5. Treatment
of Outstanding Equity Awards. Executive and the Company acknowledge and agree as follows with respect to Executive’s outstanding
equity awards:
a. Pro
Rata Vesting of Time-Based RSUs: On the Effective Date, each outstanding time-based restricted stock unit (“RSU”)
award held by Executive as of the Effective Date shall vest on a pro rata basis through and including the Effective Date. The pro rata
portion shall be calculated, with respect to each tranche of time-based RSUs that would otherwise have vested on its next scheduled vesting
date, by multiplying the number of RSUs in such tranche by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days elapsed from the most
recent vesting date (or, if none, the grant date) of such award through and including the Effective Date, and the denominator of which
is the total number of days in the vesting period for such tranche. Any resulting fractional share shall be rounded down to the nearest
whole share.
b. Forfeiture
of Other Unvested Awards: On the Effective Date, all time-based RSUs and performance shares held by Executive as of the Effective
Date that remain unvested after giving effect to the pro rata vesting described in Section 5.a above shall be automatically forfeited
and cancelled, without payment of any consideration, and Executive shall have no further rights with respect to such forfeited equity
awards.
2
6. New
Equity Grants. On the Effective Date, the Company shall grant Executive 127,600 RSUs (the “RSU
Award”), with 58,000 of such RSUs being deemed “Time-Based RSUs” and 69,600 being deemed “PSUs.”
a. Time-Based RSUs: The Time-Based RSUs shall vest as follows:
· 9,667
on June 30, 2026,
· 14,500
on September 30, 2026,
· 14,500
on December 31, 2026,
· 14,500
on March 31, 2027, and
· 4,833
on May 4, 2027,
provided
in all cases that Executive is continuously employed on each of the vesting dates.
b. Performance-Based RSUs: The PSUs shall be eligible to vest
based on the Company’s achievement of the performance metrics set forth below, subject in all cases to Executive’s continuous
employment with the Company through the applicable vesting date.
i. 2026
Annual Performance RSUs. Of the PSUs, 38,667 PSUs (the “2026 Annual PSUs”) shall be eligible to vest based on the Company’s
achievement of the following three performance targets for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026, with one-third of the 2026 Annual
PSUs (12,889 PSUs) eligible to vest upon achievement of each target:
· Revenue
of $[*];
· Adjusted
EBITDA of $[*]; and
· Adjusted
EBITDA of $[*].
Each
target shall be evaluated independently, and the 2026 Annual PSUs corresponding to each achieved target shall vest on the date the Compensation
Committee of the Board (the “Compensation Committee”) certifies achievement of such target following the close of the
2026 fiscal year. Any 2026 Annual PSUs corresponding to a target that is not achieved shall be forfeited.
ii. 2027
Annual Performance RSUs. 19,333 PSUs shall be allocated to the 2027 annual performance component (the “2027 Annual PSUs”)
and shall be eligible to vest based on performance targets to be established by the Compensation Committee in connection with the Company’s
2027 annual budget to be approved by the Board. The Compensation Committee shall, in good faith and consistent with the structure of the
2027 Annual PSUs, set such targets as promptly as practicable following the start of the 2027 fiscal year. Vesting of the 2027 Annual
PSUs shall occur on the date the Compensation Committee certifies achievement of such targets following the close of the 2027 fiscal year,
with any 2027 Annual PSUs corresponding to a target that is not achieved being forfeited.
3
iii. 2026
Stretch Performance RSUs. The remaining 11,600 PSUs (the “2026 Stretch PSUs”) shall be eligible to vest in full upon
the Company's achievement of Adjusted EBITDA of $[*] for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026. The 2026 Stretch PSUs shall
vest, if at all, on the date the Compensation Committee certifies achievement of such target following the close of the 2026 fiscal year.
If the Company does not achieve Adjusted EBITDA of $[*] for the 2026 fiscal year, the 2026 Stretch PSUs shall be forfeited in their
entirety.
iv. Definitions
and Determinations. “Revenue” and “Adjusted EBITDA” shall be calculated in accordance with the Company’s
audited financial statements for the applicable fiscal year and the methodology used by the Company for calculating such amounts for purposes
of the Company’s periodic reports or earnings releases filed or furnished with the Securities and Exchange Commission, subject to
such adjustments as the Compensation Committee determines in good faith are appropriate to reflect extraordinary items, acquisitions or
dispositions, changes in accounting principles, or other non-recurring or non-cash items. All determinations regarding achievement of
the performance targets shall be made by the Compensation Committee in its reasonable discretion and shall be final and binding.
The
RSU Award will be subject to the AudioEye, Inc. 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (“Plan”) and the form of award
agreement thereunder approved by the Board (or its Compensation Committee) and will provide that (i) tax withholdings required in
connection with the vesting of the RSUs and settlement of shares with respect thereto shall be satisfied by a share withholding procedure
pursuant to which the Company will withhold, immediately as shares are issued under the RSU Award, a portion of those shares with a fair
market value (measured as of the issuance date) equal to the statutory minimum withholding amount and (ii) that each RSU will be
settled upon vesting in one share of the Company’s common stock.
Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if, on or prior to first anniversary of the Effective Date, Executive’s employment is
terminated by the Company without Cause or due to Executive’s death, then all Time-Based RSUs that remain unvested as of
the effective date of such termination will accelerate vesting and become 100% vested. For this purpose, “Cause” shall
consist of a termination due to the following as specified in the notice of termination (and in each case Executive fails to cure within
thirty (30) days of delivery of such notice of termination, except as to clauses (v) or (vi), which shall not be subject to cure)
(i) Executive’s failure, subject to the relaxed standard in Section 1(c), to substantially perform the fundamental duties
and responsibilities associated with the position(s) he holds for any reason, including Executive’s failure or refusal to carry
out reasonable instructions; (ii) Executive’s material breach of any material written Company policy; (iii) Executive’s
gross misconduct in the performance of Executive’s duties for the Company; (iv) Executive’s material breach of the terms
of this Agreement; (v) Executive being convicted of, or pleading nolo contendere or equivalent to, any fraudulent or felony
criminal offense or any other criminal offense which reflects adversely on the Company or reflects conduct or character that the Board
reasonably concludes is inconsistent with continued employment; or (vi) any criminal conduct that is a “statutory disqualifying
event” (as defined under federal securities laws, rules and regulations). Prior to any termination for Cause, and subsequent
to any applicable thirty (30) day period of time within which Executive may be permitted to cure, Executive will be entitled to appear
(with counsel) before the full Board to present information regarding his views on the Cause event, and after such hearing, there must
be at least a majority vote of the full Board (other than Executive) to terminate him for Cause. After providing the notice in foregoing
sentence, the Board may suspend Executive with full pay and benefits until a final determination pursuant to this paragraph has been made.
4
Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in this Agreement, in the event of a Change in Control that involves a Corporate Transaction (each as defined
in the Plan), all Time-Based RSUs that remain unvested as of effective time of such Change in Control shall become fully vested
immediately prior to the effective time of such Change in Control.
The obligations of the Company
under the Agreement shall be binding upon any successor corporation or organization resulting from the merger, consolidation or other
reorganization of the Company, or upon any successor corporation or organization succeeding to all or substantially all of the assets
and business of the Company, with equitable adjustments as appropriate as determined by the Board.
7. Termination
of Employment; Severance Compensation. Executive’s employment under this Agreement is at-will; either Executive or the Company
(through the Board) may terminate Executive’s employment and this Agreement at any time. Upon such termination of employment, the
Company shall have no further obligations or liability hereunder to Executive or his heirs, administrators or executors with respect to
compensation and benefits accruing thereafter, except for the obligation to pay Executive or Executive’s heirs, administrators or
executors, as applicable: (i) any earned but unpaid Salary accrued through the date of termination of employment, (ii) reimbursement
of any and all reasonable business expenses paid or incurred by Executive in connection with and related to the performance of his duties
and responsibilities for the Company during the period ending on the date of termination of employment, and (iii) any accrued but
unused vacation through the date of termination in accordance with Company policy. There is no severance compensation hereunder (except
as set forth in any equity award agreement between the Company and Executive, including the potential acceleration of the Time-Based RSUs
as provided for in Section 6). To the extent any portion of the RSU Award becomes vested prior to or in connection with Executive’s
termination of employment, the Company shall honor its settlement obligations thereunder. Any termination of Executive’s employment
by the Company or by Executive (other than termination by reason of Executive’s death) shall be communicated by written notice of
termination to the other party of this Agreement.
8. Deductions
and Withholdings. The Company shall deduct and withhold, from all payments made pursuant to this Agreement, including but not limited
to the Salary, all applicable taxes, including income tax, FICA and FUTA, and other deductions and withholdings required by law.
5
9. Clawback
Rights. Executive agrees that he is bound by, and subject to, the Company’s Compensation Recovery Policy, effective October 24,
2023 (as such policy may be amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time).
10. Expenses.
Executive shall be entitled to prompt reimbursement by the Company for all reasonable ordinary and necessary travel, entertainment, and
other expenses incurred by Executive while employed (in accordance with the policies and procedures established by the Company for its
senior executive officers) in the performance of his duties and responsibilities under this Agreement; provided, that Executive
shall properly account for such expenses in accordance with Company policies and procedures. Executive shall be entitled to prompt reimbursement
by the Company for reasonable and documented legal fees and expenses incurred by Executive in connection with this Agreement and the RSU
Award agreement contemplated hereby.
11. Other
Benefits; Vacation. During the term of employment, Executive shall be eligible to participate in incentive, stock purchase, savings,
retirement (401(k)), and welfare benefit plans, including, without limitation, health, medical, dental, vision, life (including accidental
death and dismemberment) and disability insurance plans to the extent provided by the Company generally to its employees (collectively,
“Benefit Plans”), in substantially the same manner and at substantially the same levels as the Company makes such opportunities
available to the Company’s managerial or salaried executive employees, subject to the terms and conditions, including eligibility
provisions, of any such Benefit Plans, which may be amended or terminated from time to time. During the term of employment, Executive
shall be entitled to accrue, on a pro rata basis, twenty (20) paid vacation days per year, which if not taken, will accrue and be carried
forward into the next year. Vacation shall be taken at such times as are mutually convenient to Executive and the Company and no more
than twenty (20) consecutive days shall be taken at any one time without the advance written approval of the Board. In addition, Executive
shall be entitled to receive future awards under the Plan or any other equity plan maintained by the Company at such times and on such
terms as may be determined by the Board or the Compensation Committee.
6
12. Section 280G
Gross-Up. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement or any other plan, program, policy, agreement or arrangement to the contrary,
if any of the payments, rights, benefits, distributions, or entitlements provided or to be provided by the Company or any of its affiliates
to Executive or for the Executive’s benefit pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or the RSU Award agreement or otherwise (a “Covered
Payment”) would constitute parachute payments (“Parachute Payments”) within the meaning of Section 280G of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and will be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999
of the Code (or any successor provision thereto) or any interest or penalties with respect to such excise tax (collectively, the “Excise
Tax”), then the Company shall pay to Executive, no later than the time the Excise Tax is required to be paid by Executive or
withheld by the Company, an additional amount (the “Gross-Up Payment”) equal to the sum of the Excise Tax payable by
Executive, plus the amount necessary to put Executive in the same after-tax position (taking into account any and all applicable federal,
state, local and foreign income, employment, excise and any other applicable taxes (including the Excise Tax and any income and employment
taxes imposed on the Gross-Up Payment) that he would have been in if Executive had not incurred any tax liability under Section 4999
of the Code. For purposes of determining the amount of the Gross-Up Payment, unless Executive specifies that other rates apply, Executive
shall be deemed to pay federal income tax and employment taxes at the highest marginal rate of federal income and employment taxation
in the calendar year in which the Gross-Up Payment is to be made, and state and local income taxes at the highest marginal rate of taxation
in the state and locality of Executive’s residence on the date of change of control, net of the maximum reduction in federal income
taxes that may be obtained from the deduction of such state and local taxes. All determinations to be made under this Section 12
shall be made in writing and in good faith by an independent accounting firm selected by the Company which is reasonably acceptable to
Executive (the “Accountants”), which shall provide detailed supporting calculations to the Company and Executive as
requested by the Company or Executive and any such determination shall be binding upon the Company and Executive. All fees and expenses
of the Accountants shall be borne by the Company.
13. Section 409A.
No compensation under this
agreement is intended to constitute deferred compensation. The provisions of this Agreement are intended to comply with or meet an exemption
from Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and any regulations and guidance
promulgated thereunder (“Section 409A”) and shall be construed in a manner consistent with the requirements for
avoiding taxes or penalties under Section 409A. The Company and Executive agree to work together in good faith to consider amendments
to this Agreement and to take such reasonable actions which are necessary, appropriate or desirable to avoid imposition of any additional
tax or income recognition prior to actual payment to Executive under Section 409A.
To the extent that Executive
will be reimbursed for costs and expenses or in-kind benefits, except as otherwise permitted by Section 409A, (a) the right
to reimbursement or in-kind benefits is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, (b) the amount of expenses eligible
for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits, provided during any taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or
in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other taxable year; provided that the foregoing clause (b) shall not be
violated with regard to expenses reimbursed under any arrangement covered by Section 105(b) of the Code solely because such
expenses are subject to a limit related to the period the arrangement is in effect and (c) such payments shall be made on or before
the last day of the taxable year following the taxable year in which the expense was incurred.
A termination of employment
shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits
upon or following a termination of employment that constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation” (within the meaning of
Section 409A) unless such termination constitutes a “Separation from Service” within the meaning of Section 409A
and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement references to a “termination,” “termination of employment”
or like terms shall mean Separation from Service.
7
Each installment payable hereunder
shall constitute a separate payment for purposes of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b), including Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b)(2)(iii).
Each payment that is made within the terms of the “short-term deferral” rule set forth in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) is
intended to meet the “short-term deferral” rule. Each other payment is intended to be a payment upon an involuntary termination
from service and payable pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii), et. seq., to the maximum extent permitted by
that regulation, with any amount that is not exempt from Code Section 409A being subject to Code Section 409A.
Notwithstanding anything to
the contrary in this Agreement, if Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A, any payment
otherwise due to Executive on or within the six (6) month period following Executive’s termination will accrue during such
six (6) month period and will become payable in one lump sum cash payment on the date six (6) months and one (1) day following
the date of Executive’s termination of employment, to the extent required to avoid any adverse tax consequences under Section 409A.
Any remaining payment(s) will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. Notwithstanding
anything herein to the contrary, if Executive dies following termination but prior to the six (6) month anniversary of Executive’s
termination date, then any payments delayed in accordance with this paragraph will be payable in a lump sum as soon as administratively
practicable after the date of Executive’s death and all other amounts will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable
to each payment or benefit, to the extent and in a manner consistent with Section 409A.
14. Miscellaneous.
(a) This Agreement constitutes
and embodies the full and complete understanding and agreement of the parties with respect to Executive’s employment by the Company,
supersedes all prior understandings and agreements, whether oral or written, between Executive and the Company, including without limitation
the Prior A&R Employment Agreement, and shall not be amended, modified or changed except by an instrument in writing executed by the
party to be charged. The invalidity or partial invalidity of one or more provisions of this Agreement shall not invalidate any other provision
of this Agreement. No waiver by either party of any provision or condition to be performed shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar
provisions or conditions at the same time or any prior or subsequent time.
(b) Neither
Executive nor the Company may assign or delegate any of their rights or duties under this Agreement without the express written consent
of the other; provided, however, that the Company shall have the right to delegate its obligation of payment of
all sums due to Executive hereunder, provided that such delegation shall not relieve the Company of any of its obligations
hereunder.
8
(c) This
Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, be binding upon and enforceable against, the parties hereto and their respective successors,
heirs, beneficiaries and permitted assigns.
(d) The
headings contained in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation
of this Agreement.
(e) All
notices, requests, demands and other communications required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed
to have been duly given when personally delivered, sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or
by reputable national overnight delivery service (e.g. Federal Express) for overnight delivery to the Company at its principal executive
office or to Executive at his address of record in the Company’s records, or to such other address as either party may hereafter
give the other party notice of in accordance with the provisions hereof. Notices shall be deemed given on the sooner of the date actually
received or the third business day after deposited in the mail or one business day after deposited with an overnight delivery service
for overnight delivery.
(f) This
Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Florida without reference to principles
of conflicts of laws and each of the parties hereto irrevocably consents to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the federal and state
courts located in the Miami-Dade County, Florida.
(g) This
Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but which together shall
constitute one of the same instrument. The parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date set forth above.
(h) Executive
represents and warrants to the Company that he has the full power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to fully perform his
obligations hereunder and that the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the performance of all of his obligations under this Agreement
will not conflict with any agreement to which Executive is a party.
(i) The
Company represents and warrants to Executive that (i) it has the full power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to perform
its obligations hereunder and (ii) the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the performance of its obligations hereunder
will not conflict with any agreement to which the Company is a party.
[SIGNATURE
PAGE TO FOLLOW]
9
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Executive
and the Company have caused this Second Amended and Restated Employment Agreement to be executed as of the date first above written.
AudioEye, Inc.
By:
/s/ Kelly Georgevich
/s/ David Moradi
Kelly Georgevich
David Moradi
Chief Executive Officer
10
EX-99.1 — EXHIBIT 99.1
EX-99.1
Filename: tm2613765d1_ex99-1.htm · Sequence: 4
Exhibit 99.1
AudioEye Announces
Leadership Evolution: David Moradi Assumes the Role of Executive Chairman and Chief Product Officer, and Kelly Georgevich Becomes Chief
Executive Officer
TUCSON, Ariz. — May 4, 2026 — AudioEye,
Inc. (Nasdaq: AEYE) (“AudioEye” or the “Company”), an industry-leading digital accessibility
company, today announced that David Moradi will become the Company’s Executive Chairman of the Board and Chief Product Officer,
and Kelly Georgevich will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. The Board of Directors has also appointed
Ms. Georgevich to the Company’s Board.
As Executive Chairman, David Moradi will help determine capital allocation,
shape long-term strategy, and continue to provide support and guidance to management. David will also focus on AI initiatives to unlock
growth in existing products and to potentially expand into additional markets to leverage the Company’s large customer base. David
has served as Acting Chief Product Officer since the second half of 2023, during which AudioEye has undergone the most significant product
improvement in its history.
“I first became aware of AudioEye over a decade ago, as an investor
who later led a few rounds of capital investment in the Company. Back then, AudioEye had virtually zero revenue and limited technology.
I believed in AudioEye’s mission to eliminate all barriers to digital accessibility, and I thought it could one day become a market
leader in digital accessibility. This vision has been realized with over 127,000 customers, the most of anyone in the industry, and the
leading solution in the market,” said David Moradi. “I’ve worked closely with Kelly for almost five years, which has
been a period of strong revenue growth, advances in product, and improvements in profitability. Over her tenure as CFO, Kelly has demonstrated
exceptional strength across both finance and operations and is ready to lead us on our next phase of growth. I’m excited to be able
to focus on expanding AudioEye’s market further by utilizing AI to not only grow our market opportunity in accessibility but to
expand into additional markets to leverage our large customer base.”
Jamil Tahir, Lead Independent Director of AudioEye’s Board, said,
“David has completely transformed AudioEye from a fledgling software company into a market leader in digital accessibility. When
David and I joined in 2019, AudioEye had low gross margins, highly negative operating margins, negative cash flow, and a product in need
of improvement. Today, AudioEye’s revenues have nearly quadrupled, with adjusted EBITDA margins approaching 30% and an industry-leading
product. Additionally, AudioEye has experienced sequential revenue growth for 41 straight quarters, a significant feat that we are unaware
of any current public software company achieving. The Board of Directors has worked closely with Kelly for almost five years and has tremendous
confidence in Kelly as she assumes the CEO role. We are also thrilled that David will remain actively involved, allowing for continued
innovation in product as the Company continues to scale.”
“I’ve worked closely with David, our employees, and
the Board of Directors for several years and have seen significant progress at AudioEye, including operational improvements across
the Company, which are now reflected in our margin and cash flow profile,” said Kelly Georgevich. “I’m excited to
lead our next phase of growth, operational rigor, and innovation. We look forward to reporting record results next week and
continued operating leverage.”
AudioEye is now conducting a search for a Chief Financial Officer,
while Kelly continues to serve as Chief Financial Officer.
About AudioEye
AudioEye exists to ensure the digital future we build
is accessible. The gold standard for digital accessibility, AudioEye’s comprehensive solution combines industry-leading AI automation
technology with expert fixes informed by the disability community. This powerful combination delivers industry-leading protection, ensuring
businesses of all sizes - including over 127,000 customers such as Samsung, Lands' End, and Samsonite - meet and exceed compliance
standards. With 26 US patents, AudioEye’s solution includes 24/7 accessibility monitoring, automated WCAG issue testing and fixes, expert
testing, developer tools, and legal protection, empowering organizations to confidently create accessible digital experiences for all.
Forward-Looking Statements
All statements in this press release about AudioEye’s expectations,
beliefs, plans, objectives, prospects, financial condition, assumptions or future events or performance are not historical facts and
are “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined under the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements are
often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “believe”, “anticipate”, “should”,
“confident”, “intend”, “plan”, “will”, “expects”, “estimates”,
“projects”, “positioned”, “strategy”, “outlook” and similar words. These statements are
subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from what is expressed
or implied in such forward-looking statements, including the variability of AudioEye’s revenue and financial performance; sales
channels and offerings; product development and technological changes; the acceptance of AudioEye’s products in the marketplace;
the effectiveness of our integration efforts; competition; inherent uncertainties and costs associated with litigation; and general
economic conditions. These and other risks are described more fully in AudioEye’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
There may be events in the future that AudioEye is not able to predict accurately or over which AudioEye has no control. Forward-looking
statements reflect management’s view as of the date of this press release, and AudioEye urges you not to place undue reliance on
these forward-looking statements. AudioEye does not undertake any obligation to update such forward-looking statements to reflect events
or uncertainties after the date hereof.
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dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany
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na
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- Definition
Commission file number. The field allows up to 17 characters. The prefix may contain 1-3 digits, the sequence number may contain 1-8 digits, the optional suffix may contain 1-4 characters, and the fields are separated with a hyphen.
+ References
No definition available.
+ Details
Name:
dei_EntityFileNumber
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
dei:fileNumberItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
Two-character EDGAR code representing the state or country of incorporation.
+ References
No definition available.
+ Details
Name:
dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
dei:edgarStateCountryItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
The exact name of the entity filing the report as specified in its charter, which is required by forms filed with the SEC.
+ References
Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Exchange Act
-Number 240
-Section 12
-Subsection b-2
+ Details
Name:
dei_EntityRegistrantName
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
xbrli:normalizedStringItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
The Tax Identification Number (TIN), also known as an Employer Identification Number (EIN), is a unique 9-digit value assigned by the IRS.
+ References
Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Exchange Act
-Number 240
-Section 12
-Subsection b-2
+ Details
Name:
dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
dei:employerIdItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
Local phone number for entity.
+ References
No definition available.
+ Details
Name:
dei_LocalPhoneNumber
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
xbrli:normalizedStringItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
Boolean flag that is true when the Form 8-K filing is intended to satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant as pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act.
+ References
Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Exchange Act
-Number 240
-Section 13e
-Subsection 4c
+ Details
Name:
dei_PreCommencementIssuerTenderOffer
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
xbrli:booleanItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
Boolean flag that is true when the Form 8-K filing is intended to satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant as pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act.
+ References
Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Exchange Act
-Number 240
-Section 14d
-Subsection 2b
+ Details
Name:
dei_PreCommencementTenderOffer
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
xbrli:booleanItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
Title of a 12(b) registered security.
+ References
Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Exchange Act
-Number 240
-Section 12
-Subsection b
+ Details
Name:
dei_Security12bTitle
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
dei:securityTitleItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
Name of the Exchange on which a security is registered.
+ References
Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Exchange Act
-Number 240
-Section 12
-Subsection d1-1
+ Details
Name:
dei_SecurityExchangeName
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
dei:edgarExchangeCodeItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
Boolean flag that is true when the Form 8-K filing is intended to satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant as soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act.
+ References
Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Exchange Act
-Number 240
-Section 14a
-Subsection 12
+ Details
Name:
dei_SolicitingMaterial
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
xbrli:booleanItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
Trading symbol of an instrument as listed on an exchange.
+ References
No definition available.
+ Details
Name:
dei_TradingSymbol
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
dei:tradingSymbolItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
Boolean flag that is true when the Form 8-K filing is intended to satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant as written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act.
+ References
Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Securities Act
-Number 230
-Section 425
+ Details
Name:
dei_WrittenCommunications
Namespace Prefix:
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