PART II- OFFERING CIRCULAR
School of Whales Commercial Real Estate Equity Fund, LLC (the “Company”)
Preliminary Offering Circular dated March 5, 2021
The Company is hereby providing the information required by Part I of Form S-11 (17 9 CFR 239.18 and are following the requirements for a smaller reporting company as it meets the definition of that term in Rule 405 (17 CFR 230.405).
An offering statement pursuant to Regulation A relating to these securities has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Information contained in this Preliminary Offering Circular is subject to completion or amendment. These securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted before the offering statement filed with the Commission is qualified. This Preliminary Offering Circular shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor will the Company conduct any sales of these securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful before registration or qualification under the laws of any such state. The Company may elect to satisfy its obligation to deliver a Final Offering Circular by sending you a notice within two business days after the completion of our sale that contains the URL where the Final Offering Circular or the offering statement in which such Final Offering Circular was filed may be obtained.
We are offering 1,000,000 Class A Interests (“Preferred Interests” or “Interests” or “Class Interests”) at $50.00 per Interest through our Manager (the “Offering.”) Purchasers shall, upon acceptance by the Manager of their Subscriptions, become Class A Members in the Company. All funds received from subscribers will be placed into a non-interest bearing escrow account, with North Capital serving as escrow agent. Funds will not be released to the Company until a minimum of $100,000. (“Minimum Offering”). Thereafter, funds will be made immediately available to the Company for the purposes of acquiring assets or working capital. This Offering terminates in 365 days after commencement of this Offering. The Manager may extend this Offering in its sole discretion for an additional period of up to one year at which time the Manager will file the appropriate Offering Circular for qualification with the Commission. There are no provisions for the return of funds once the minimum of 2,000 Interests are sold. Notwithstanding, we reserve the right to use one or more registered broker-dealers and members of Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), acting as underwriters or placement agents, in which event the broker-dealers will also conduct the Offering on a “best efforts” basis, and pay such broker-dealers a cash commission of up to 1.0% of the gross proceeds raised by such broker-dealers. See “Plan of Distribution” in this Offering Circular. None of the Shares offered are being sold by present security holders of the Company.
The Company has engaged Dalmore Group, LLC, a New York limited liability company and broker-dealer registered with the SEC and a member of FINRA ("Dalmore"), to provide broker-dealer and administrative services related to operations and compliance, but not underwriting or placement agent services, in all 50 states, District of Columbia and the territories of the United States in connection with this Offering. The administrative services Dalmore will provide include the review of investor information, including Know Your Customer data, Anti-Money Laundering and other compliance checks, and the review of subscription agreements and investor information. As compensation for these broker-dealer and administrative services, the Company has paid a one-time set up fee of $5,000 to Dalmore and will pay a consulting fee of $20,000 payable once FINRA issues a No Objection Letter and we receive a SEC Qualification. We will also pay Dalmore a 1.0% commission on the aggregate amount raised by the Company in this Offerings, as described in the Broker-Dealer Agreement between the Company and Dalmore. For purposes of clarification, such commission would be in addition to the commission to be paid to the broker-dealers, acting as underwriters or placement agents, resulting in a potential aggregate commission of up to 2.0% on the aggregate amount raised in this Offering. North Capital Private Securities Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“North Capital”) and a registered Broker-Dealer, member of FINRA and SIPC has been engaged to provide services for the collection of funds from Purchasers. All funds paid by subscribers in the offering will be deposited into an escrow account with North Capital serving as the escrow agent. North Capital shall additionally provide various back-end services for the Company’s investor website.
| Proceeds to | ||||||||||||
| Underwriting discount | the | |||||||||||
| Class A Interests (Unit) | Price to Public | And Commissions (1) | Company (2) | |||||||||
| Per Unit or Interest | $ | 50 | $ | 0.50 | $ | 49.50 | ||||||
| Minimum Dollar Amount | $ | 100,000 | $ | 1,000.00 | $ | 99,000 | ||||||
| Maximum Dollar Amount | $ | 50,000,000 | $ | 500,000.00 | $ | 49,000,000 | ||||||
| (1) | We have not engaged a registered broker-dealer and a member of FINRA as an underwriter or placement agent to offer the Shares to prospective investors. Notwithstanding, we reserve the right to use one or more registered broker-dealers and members of FINRA, acting as underwriters or placement agents, and pay such broker-dealers a cash commission of up to 1.0% of the gross proceeds raised by the broker-dealers. The Company has also engaged Dalmore Group, LLC, a New York limited liability company and FINRA/SIPC registered broker-dealer ("Dalmore"), to provide broker-dealer and administrative services related to operations and compliance, but not underwriting or placement agent services, in all 50 states, District of Columbia and the territories of the United States in connection with this Offering. The Company has agreed to pay Dalmore a one-time setup fee of $5.000.00, as described in the Broker-Dealer Agreement between the Company and Dalmore and will pay a consulting fee of $20,000 payable once FINRA issues a No Objection Letter and we receive a SEC qualification, as well as a 1.0% commission on the aggregate amount raised by the Company from investors in the specified states. See the section entitled “Plan of Distribution” beginning on page 24 of this offering circular for additional information. | |
| (2) | The amounts shown in the "Proceeds to the Company" column include a deduction of 1.0% for commissions payable to Dalmore on all the shares being offered as well as an assumed deduction of 1.0% for commissions payable to broker-dealers acting as underwriters or placement agents on all shares being offered. The amounts shown are before deducting estimated offering expenses including, without limitation, legal, accounting, auditing, transfer agent, other professional, printing, advertising, travel, marketing, blue-sky compliance and other expenses of this Offering as well as the one-time setup fee and consulting fee payable to Dalmore. Excluding the commission payable to Dalmore, we estimate the total expenses of this Offering will be approximately $125,000. |
No public market currently exists for our Interests. The Company will be managed by SOW Management LLC (the “Manager.”) which is managed by School of Whales LLC (the “Sponsor”). The Company has set a minimum investment requirement of $500. All funds received from subscribers will be placed into a non-interest bearing escrow account, with North Capital serving as escrow agent. Funds will not be released to the Company until a minimum of $100,000 has been received. Purchasers of our Interests qualified hereunder may be unable to sell their securities, because there may not be a public market for our securities. Any purchaser of our securities should be in a financial position to bear the risks of losing their entire investment. If any offering is terminated without a closing, or if a prospective investor’s subscription is not accepted or is cut back due to oversubscription or otherwise, such amounts placed into escrow by prospective investors will be returned promptly to them without interest. Any costs and expenses associated with a terminated offering will be borne by our Manager.
The transfer of Interests is limited. A Member may assign, his, her or its Interests only if certain conditions set forth in the Operating Agreement are satisfied. Please see those conditions on page 46 under “Withdrawal and Redemption Policy”
Please note that the Company is not an Investment Company. Purchasers of our interests will not have the protections provided under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
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The Company has been formed primarily to acquire commercial properties, including multifamily and other income producing properties as well as re-development opportunities. The Company may also acquire an interest in hospitality projects, residential and other real estate developments. The Company’s focus will initially be the Florida market but may expand to other geographic regions as well.
The Company is considered an “emerging growth company” under Section 101(a) of the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act as it is an issuer that had total annual gross revenues of less than $1 billion during its most recently completed fiscal year.
Some of our Risk Factors include:
| · | We are an emerging growth company with a limited operating history. |
| · | Subscribers will have limited control in our Company with limited voting rights. The Manager will manage the day to day operations of the Company. |
| · | We may require additional financing, such as bank loans, outside of this offering in order for our operations to be successful. |
| · | We have not conducted any revenue-generating activities and as such have not generated any revenue since inception. |
| · | Our offering price is arbitrary and does not reflect the book value of our Interests. |
| · | Investments in real estate and real estate related assets are speculative and are highly dependent on the performance of the real estate market. |
| · | The Company does not currently own any assets. |
See the section entitled “RISK FACTORS” beginning on page 10 for a more comprehensive discussion of risks to consider before purchasing our Class A Interests.
INVESTMENT IN SMALL BUSINESSES INVOLVES A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK, AND INVESTORS SHOULD NOT INVEST ANY FUNDS IN THIS OFFERING UNLESS THEY CAN AFFORD TO LOSE THEIR ENTIRE INVESTMENT. SEE THE SECTION ENTITLED “RISK FACTORS.”
IN MAKING AN INVESTMENT DECISION INVESTORS MUST RELY ON THEIR OWN EXAMINATION OF THE ISSUER AND THE TERMS OF THE OFFERING, INCLUDING THE MERITS AND RISKS INVOLVED. THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN RECOMMENDED OR APPROVED BY ANY FEDERAL OR STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION OR REGULATORY AUTHORITY. FURTHERMORE, THESE AUTHORITIES HAVE NOT PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS DOCUMENT. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
THE U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION DOES NOT PASS UPON THE MERITS OF ANY SECURITIES OFFERED OR THE TERMS OF THE OFFERING, NOR DOES IT PASS UPON THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF ANY OFFERING CIRCULAR OR SELLING LITERATURE. THESE SECURITIES ARE OFFERED UNDER AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION; HOWEVER, THE COMMISSION HAS NOT MADE AN INDEPENDENT DETERMINATION THAT THESE SECURITIES ARE EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION.
GENERALLY, NO SALE MAY BE MADE TO YOU IN THIS OFFERING IF THE AGGREGATE PURCHASE PRICE YOU PAY IS MORE THAN 10% OF THE GREATER OF YOUR ANNUAL INCOME OR NET WORTH. DIFFERENT RULES APPLY TO ACCREDITED INVESTORS AND NON-NATURAL PERSONS. BEFORE MAKING ANY REPRESENTATION THAT YOUR INVESTMENT DOES NOT EXCEED APPLICABLE THRESHOLDS, WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO REVIEW RULE 251(D)(2)(I)(C) OF REGULATION A. FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ON INVESTING, WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO REFER TO WWW.INVESTOR.GOV.
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NOTICE REGARDING AGREEMENT TO ARBITRATE
WITH THE EXCEPTION OF CLAIMS ARISING UNDER THE FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS AND THE RULES AND REGULATIONS PROMULGATED THEREUNDER, THIS OFFERING MEMORANDUM REQUIRES THAT ALL OTHER DISPUTES, CLAIMS, QUESTIONS OR DISAGREEMENTS WITH THE COMPANY BE RESOLVED BY BINDING ARBITRATION. FURTHERMORE, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF CLAIMS RELATED TO OR ARISING UNDER THE FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS AND THE RULES AND REGULATIONS PROMULGATED THEREUNDER, INVESTORS ARE GIVING UP THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY AND THEIR RIGHT TO CONDUCT PRETRIAL DISCOVERY. ALL INVESTORS FURTHER AGREE THAT THE ARBITRATION WILL BE BINDING AND HELD IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA. EACH INVESTOR ALSO AGREES TO WAIVE ANY RIGHTS TO A JURY TRIAL. OUT OF STATE ARBITRATION MAY FORCE AN INVESTOR TO ACCEPT A LESS FAVORABLE SETTLEMENT FOR DISPUTES. OUT OF STATE ARBITRATION MAY ALSO COST AN INVESTOR MORE TO ARBITRATE A SETTLEMENT OF A DISPUTE.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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This summary contains basic information about us and the Offering. Because it is a summary, it does not contain all the information that you should consider before investing. You should read the entire Offering Circular carefully, including the risk factors and our financial statements and the related notes to those statements included in this Offering Circular. Except as otherwise required by the context, references in this Offering Circular to "we," "our," "us," “the Company,” “School of Whales Commercial Real Estate Equity Fund,” and "SOW," refer to School of Whales Commercial Real Estate Equity Fund, LLC
We were formed on October 19, 2018 and have not yet commenced operations.
We are not a blank check company and do not consider ourselves to be a blank check company as we:
| · | Have a specific business plan. We have provided a detailed plan for the next twelve (12) months throughout our Offering Circular. |
| · | Have no intention of entering into a reverse merger with any entity in an unrelated industry in the future. |
Although we have no operating history, the three principal members of our management team collectively have over 35 years of experience in finance and real estate.
Since our inception, we have not generated any revenues and have not incurred any expenses because all expenses are being paid by our Manager at this time. We will reimburse the Manager for the expenses incurred if we raise a minimum of $1,000,000 in this offering.
We anticipate that we will commence generating revenues in the next twelve months. The capital raised in this offering has been budgeted to cover the costs associated with beginning to operate our company, marketing expense, and acquisition related costs. We intend on using the majority of the proceeds from this Offering for the acquisition of properties. However, closing and other acquisition related costs such as title insurance, professional fees and taxes will also require cash. We do not have the ability to quantify any of the expenses as they will all depend on size of deal, price, and place versus procuring new financing, due diligence performed (such as appraisal, environmental, property condition reports), legal and accounting, etc. There is no way to predict or otherwise detail expenses.
We intend on engaging in the following activities:
| 1. | Purchase multi-family, and commercial properties that have potential to be or are cash flow positive, meaning properties that have a positive monthly income after all expenses (mortgage interest, operating expenses, taxes) and maintenance reserves are paid. In order to determine if a property is “cash flow positive” our Manager will review the total gross rent, income, or receipts from the property and subtract any and all expenses including utilities, taxes, maintenance, and other reserve expenses. If this number is a positive number, the Company will deem the property “cash flow positive.” Depending on how positive the cash flow is will determine whether the management will purchase the property or not on behalf of the Company: there must be a comfortable cash flow potential which our management is comfortable with. |
| 2. | Invest in any opportunity our Manager sees fit within the confines of the market, marketplace and economy so long as those investments are real estate related and within the investment objectives of the Company. To this end, at some time in the future, the Company may also purchase additional properties or make other real estate investments that relate to varying property types including office, retail and industrial properties. Such property types may include operating properties, properties under and for development. It is expected that the Company will only use the proceeds in this Offering to purchase multi-family and commercial properties although in our Manager’s sole discretion this may be changed. |
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In all cases, the debt on any given property must be such that it fits with the Investment Policies of the Company. We intend on limiting leverage of our properties to up to 85% of the greater of cost (before deducting depreciation or other non-cash reserves) or fair market value of the property. During the period when we are acquiring our initial portfolio, we may employ greater leverage on individual assets (that will also result in greater leverage of the interim portfolio) in order to quickly build a diversified portfolio of commercial project assets.
In an attempt to generate cash flow for the Company as quickly as possible, it is possible that the Company’s initial acquisitions will consist of one or more properties that were previously acquired by affiliates of our Manager. The affiliates currently have six (6) properties that we are considering. These properties were acquired between 2013 and 2018. Of the properties, one is currently operating and generating positive cash flow and the others are either under development or in construction. The Manager will retain an unaffiliated, independent appraiser to complete a valuation of each of these properties. It is our intention to acquire these properties at a price no higher than the greater of: (a) the independent third party appraisal and (b)a bona fide written offer received from an independent, unrelated third party. The Company does not currently own any assets. Please see our “DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS” on page 34.
As of the date of this Offering, our Manager is managed by School of Whales LLC, which has three principals who we anticipate will be devoting approximately 20% of their working hours to the Manager’s management of the Company going forward if we are able to raise a sufficient amount of capital. These three principals, through our Manager, will be in charge of our day to day operations until such time we are able to hire other personnel. If we raise a minimum of $5,000,000, these individuals intend to devote approximately 50% of their working hours to the Company which we believe to be approximately 20 hours; but may be less. Even if we sell all the securities offered, the majority of the proceeds of the Offering will be spent for ongoing operational and property acquisition costs.
Some of our Risk Factors include:
| · | We are an emerging growth company with a limited operating history. |
| · | Subscribers will have limited control in our Company with limited voting rights. The Manger will manage the day to day operations of the Company. |
| · | We may require additional financing, such as bank loans, outside of this Offering in order for our operations to be successful. |
| · | We have not conducted any revenue-generating activities and as such have not generated any revenue since inception. |
| · | Our offering price is arbitrary and does not reflect the book value of our Class A Interests. |
| · | Investments in real estate and real estate related assets are speculative and are highly dependent on the performance of the real estate market. |
| · | The Company does not currently own any assets. |
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What is School of Whales Commercial Real Estate Equity Fund, LLC (“SOW”)?
A: SOW is a newly formed company created for the specific purpose of identifying and purchasing a diverse portfolio of real estate assets. The Company has been formed to acquire various real estate assets throughout the United States. Although the Manager intends to initially search for properties located in Florida, the Company will not limit itself geographically. The Company intends to focus its investment efforts on those properties that are income producing; in other words, those properties that will produce positive cash flow immediately upon, or soon after, acquisition. It is expected that the Company will focus on multifamily properties but may also consider commercial real estate assets such as self-storage, warehouse and industrial, office, and retail properties.
The Company intends to purchase properties that will appreciate in value over the expected hold period of seven (7) to ten (10) years. Through the use of quality third-party management, it is expected that the investments will appreciate due to superior locations and increased net operating income, over time.
Q: How will SOW identify properties?
A: SOW’s Manager has an extensive network of real estate professionals and believes that it will have access to projects otherwise not available to the public.
Q: What kind of return may be expected by a Member?
A: The Company does not currently own any assets; therefore, returns are speculative. However, it is the Company’s intent to pay up to 80% (eighty percent) of the Distributable Cash to Class A Members in accordance with their pro-rata membership interest in the Company. (See the “SUMMARY OF OPERATING AGREEMENT” on page 44 for more information.)
Q: What is the minimum investment amount allowed?
A: $500.
Q: Who may invest?
A: The Interests will be available to anyone, generally speaking, however, the Manager reserves the right to reject any subscription they wish. Further, investors will not be allowed to invest more than the greater of 10% of their net worth or their net income.
Q: Where can I buy Class A Interests?
A: All Interests will be available for purchase at www.schoolofwhales.com.
Q: Who is the Manager and what experience does the Manager have?
A: The Manager is SOW Management LLC which is controlled by School of Whales LLC. School of Whales LLC is controlled by Daniel Pena-Giraldi, Andrea Petersen and Juan Jose Pena-Giraldi. Collectively these three individuals have in excess of thirty-five (35) years of experience in finance and real estate and have multiple real estate projects across South Florida, including hotel and retail developments. Other entities controlled by them currently manage over $150,000,000 million in real estate assets. For more info please see “MANAGER, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS AND CONTROL PERSONS”
Q: How can I sell my Interests?
A: Generally speaking, the Interests will not be transferrable. Investors should consider investing for the long-term as disposition of the Interests will be difficult, if not impossible. The Company intends to operate for approximately ten (10) years at which time the Manager intends to employ a variety of exit strategies with the intent of then distributing the Capital Account Balances to the Members. Ideally, at or around ten years, the Company will begin to sell or refinance properties that have appreciated in value.
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Q: Will I be charged upfront selling commissions?
A: No. Investors will not pay upfront selling commissions as part of the price per Interest purchased in this offering. The Company has engaged Dalmore Group, LLC, a New York limited liability company and FINRA/SIPC registered broker-dealer ("Dalmore"), to provide broker-dealer and administrative services related to operations and compliance but all fees earned by Dalmore will be paid by the Company. Additionally, if the Manager finds that selling the Interests is difficult, it may later enlist the services of a licensed broker-dealer to assist with the sales of the Interests, in which case sales commission will be paid by the Company.
Q: Do you have a redemption program?
A: Yes, although the redemption of Membership Interests shall be subject to the Company’s availability of sufficient cash to pay the expenses of the Company, maintain required reserves and pay the redemption or withdrawal amounts to other Members who requested withdrawal or redemption in the order of the request. No redemption may be made that would render the Company unable to pay its obligations as they become due. The Company shall not be required to sell its assets to raise cash to effect redemption. Additionally, the Company will only redeem Interests up to 5.0% of the value of the assets as calculated on December 31 of the prior year Please see those conditions on page 46 under “Withdrawal and Redemption Policy.
Q: May I make an investment through my IRA or other tax-deferred retirement account?
A: Yes. You may make an investment through your IRA or other tax-deferred retirement account. In making these investment decisions, you should consider, at a minimum, (1) whether the investment is in accordance with the documents and instruments governing your IRA, plan or other retirement account, (2) whether the investment would constitute a prohibited transaction under applicable law, (3) whether the investment satisfies the fiduciary requirements associated with your IRA, plan or other retirement account, (4) whether the investment will generate unrelated business taxable income (“UBTI”) to your IRA, plan or other retirement account, and (5) whether there is sufficient liquidity for such investment under your IRA, plan or other retirement account. You should note that an investment in our Class A Interests will not, in itself, create a retirement plan and that, in order to create a retirement plan, you must comply with all applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “IRS Code”).
It is the Company’s understanding that IRA and Roth IRA investments can be made through self-directed accounts which are not managed by the Company and most likely will be charged fees to manage the self-directed account. These fees will need to be paid by the investor and are not considered a expense of the Company.
Q: Is there any minimum initial offering amount required to be sold?
A: We intend to raise a minimum of $100,000 prior to using funds for working capital and anticipate needing to raise a minimum of $1,000,000 prior to acquiring any properties. We may start funding properties as soon as we identify a property. In some circumstances, the management or some related entity may “pre-fund” a property and funds from this Offering will go to replace that “pre-funding” amount as funds are available.
Q: Will I be notified of how my investment is doing?
A: Yes, we will provide you with periodic updates on the performance of your investment in us, including:
| - | an annual report; |
| - | a semi-annual report; |
| - | current event reports for specified material events within ten business days of their occurrence; |
| - | supplements to the offering circular, if we have material information to disclose to you; and |
| - | other reports that we may file or furnish to the SEC from time to time. |
We will provide this information to you by posting such information on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, on our website at www.schoolofwhales.com, and via e-mail.
Q: When will I get my detailed tax information?
A: Your schedule K-1 tax information, will be provided by March 31st of the year following each taxable year.
Q: Who can help answer my questions about the offering?
Please contact:
Investor Relations
SOW Management LLC
3634 NW 2nd Ave
Miami, FL 33127
Office: 786-533-3975
Email: investorrelations@schoolofwhales.com
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EXEMPTIONS UNDER JUMPSTART OUR BUSINESS STARTUPS ACT
We are an emerging growth company. An emerging growth company is one that had total annual gross revenues of less than $1,000,000,000 (as such amount is indexed for inflation every 5 years by the Commission to reflect the change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, setting the threshold to the nearest 1,000,000) during its most recently completed fiscal year. We would lose our emerging growth status if we were to exceed $1,000,000,000 in gross revenues. We are not sure this will ever take place.
Because we are an emerging growth company, we have the exemption from Section 404(b) of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Section 14A(a) and (b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Under Section 404(b), we are now exempt from the internal control assessment required by subsection (a) that requires each independent auditor that prepares or issues the audit report for the issuer shall attest to, and report on, the assessment made by the management of the issuer. We are also not required to receive a separate resolution regarding either executive compensation or for any golden parachutes for our executives so long as we continue to operate as an emerging growth company.
We hereby elect to use the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards under Section 102(b)(1).
We will lose our status as an emerging growth company in the following circumstances:
| · | The end of the fiscal year in which our annual revenues exceed $1 billion. |
| · | The end of the fiscal year in which the fifth anniversary of our IPO occurred. |
| · | The date on which we have, during the previous three-year period, issued more than $1 billion in non- convertible debt. |
| · | The date on which we qualify as a large accelerated filer. |
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Investors in the Company should be particularly aware of the inherent risks associated with our business. As of the date of this filing our management is aware of the following material risks.
General Risks Related to Our Business
We are an emerging growth company organized in October 2018 and have not yet commenced operations, which makes an evaluation of us extremely difficult. At this stage of our business operations, even with our good faith efforts, we may never become profitable or generate any significant amount of revenues, thus potential investors have a high probability of losing their investment.
We were organized in October 2018 and have not yet started operations. As a result of our start-up operations we have (i) generated no revenues and (ii) will accumulate deficits due to organizational and start-up activities, business plan development, and professional fees since we organized. There is nothing at this time on which to base an assumption that our business operations will prove to be successful or that we will ever be able to operate profitably. Our future operating results will depend on many factors, including our ability to raise adequate working capital, availability of properties for purchase, the level of our competition and our ability to attract and maintain key management and employees.
We are significantly dependent on Daniel Pena-Giraldi, Juan Jose Pena-Giraldi and Andrea Petersen. The loss or unavailability of services of one or more of these individuals would have an adverse effect on our business, operations and prospects in that we may not be able to obtain new management under the same financial arrangements, which could result in a loss of your investment.
Our business plan is significantly dependent upon the abilities and continued participation of Daniel Pena-Giraldi, Juan Jose Pena-Giraldi and Andrea Petersen. It would be difficult to replace any of these individuals at such an early stage of development of the Company. The loss by or unavailability of services of one or more of these individuals would have an adverse effect on our business, operations and prospects, in that our inability to replace such person(s) could result in the loss of one's investment. There can be no assurance that we would be able to locate or employ personnel to replace any of these people should their services be discontinued. In the event that we are unable to locate or employ personnel to replace these people we may be required to cease pursuing our business opportunity, which could result in a loss of your investment. We have secured key person life insurance policies on each of the above named three principals in an amount of $1,500,000. In the event of the death of one or more of these individuals the proceeds of the paying policy would provide us with additional capital to use in hiring a replacement for such person and in compensating us for the loss of such person’s services.
You may not have the opportunity to evaluate our investments before we make them, which makes your investment more speculative.
You will be unable to evaluate the economic merit of our investments before we invest in them and will be entirely relying on the ability of SOW Management LLC, our Manager, to select our investments. Furthermore, our Manager will have broad discretion in implementing policies regarding such matters as tenant or mortgagor creditworthiness, and you will not have the opportunity to evaluate potential tenants, managers or borrowers. These factors increase the risk that your investment may not generate returns comparable to our competitors.
Our Manager will have complete control over the Company and will therefore make all decisions of which Members will have no control.
SOW Management LLC, our Manager, shall make certain decisions without input by the Members. Such decisions may pertain to employment decisions, including our Manager’s compensation arrangements, the appointment of other officers and managers, and whether to enter into material transactions with related parties.
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An investment in the Interests is highly illiquid. You may never be able to sell or otherwise dispose of your Interests.
Since there is no public trading market for our Interests, you may never be able to liquidate your investment or otherwise dispose of your Interests. A Member may withdraw as a Member of the Company and may receive a return of capital provided that the Member provides the Company with a written request for a return of capital at least thirty (30) days prior to such withdrawal. Subject to the limitations described below, the Company will use its best efforts to honor requests for a return of capital subject to, among other things, the Company’s then cash flow, financial condition, compliance with regulatory and other limitations, and prospective investments. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Manager may, in its sole discretion, waive such withdrawal requirements if a Member is experiencing undue hardship. However, no one is allowed to redeem their Interests until twelve (12) months after the Interests were purchased. The Company will only redeem Interests up to 5.0% of the value of the assets as calculated on December 31 of the prior year.
Risks Related to the Real Estate Business in General
The profitability of attempted acquisitions is uncertain.
We intend to acquire properties selectively. Acquisition of properties entails risks that investments will fail to perform in accordance with expectations. In undertaking these acquisitions, we will incur certain risks, including the expenditure of funds on, and the devotion of management's time to, transactions that may not come to fruition. Additional risks inherent in acquisitions include risks that the properties will not achieve anticipated sales price or occupancy levels and that estimates of the costs of improvements to bring an acquired property up to standards established for the market position intended for that property may prove inaccurate. Expenses may be greater than anticipated.
Real estate investments are illiquid.
Because real estate investments are relatively illiquid, our ability to vary our portfolio promptly in response to economic or other conditions will be limited. The foregoing and any other factor or event that would impede our ability to respond to adverse changes in the performance of our investments could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Rising expenses could reduce cash flow and funds available for future acquisitions.
Our properties will be subject to increases in tax rates, utility costs, operating expenses, insurance costs, repairs and maintenance, administrative and other expenses. If we are unable to lease properties on a basis requiring the tenants to pay all or some of the expenses, we would be required to pay those costs, which could adversely affect funds available for future acquisitions or cash available for distributions.
If we purchase assets at a time when the multifamily, or commercial real estate market is experiencing substantial influxes of capital investment and competition for properties, the real estate we purchase may not appreciate or may decrease in value.
The multifamily real estate markets are currently experiencing a substantial influx of capital from investors worldwide. This substantial flow of capital, combined with significant competition for real estate, may result in inflated purchase prices for such assets. To the extent we purchase real estate in such an environment, we are subject to the risk that if the real estate market ceases to attract the same level of capital investment in the future as it is currently attracting, or if the number of companies seeking to acquire such assets decreases, our returns will be lower and the value of our assets may not appreciate or may decrease significantly below the amount we paid for such assets.
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A multifamily or commercial property's income and value may be adversely affected by national and regional economic conditions, local real estate conditions such as an oversupply of properties or a reduction in demand for properties, availability of "for sale" properties, competition from other similar properties, our ability to provide adequate maintenance, insurance and management services, increased operating costs (including real estate taxes), the attractiveness and location of the property and changes in market rental rates. Our income will be adversely affected if a significant number of tenants are unable to pay rent or if our properties cannot be rented on favorable terms. Our performance is linked to economic conditions in the regions where our properties will be located and in the market for multifamily space generally. Therefore, to the extent that there are adverse economic conditions in those regions, and in these markets generally, that impact the applicable market rents, such conditions could result in a reduction of our income and cash available for distributions and thus affect the amount of distributions we can make to you.
We may depend on tenants for some of our revenue and therefore our revenue may depend on the success and economic viability of our tenants.
We will be highly dependent on income from tenants. Our financial results will depend in part on leasing space in the properties or the full properties we acquire to tenants on economically favorable terms.
In the event of a tenant default prior to stabilization, we may experience delays in enforcing our rights as landlord and may incur substantial costs in protecting our investment and re-letting our property. A default, of a substantial tenant or number of tenants at any one time, on lease payments to us would cause us to lose the revenue associated with such lease(s) and cause us to have to find an alternative source of revenue to meet mortgage payments and prevent a foreclosure if the property is subject to a mortgage. Therefore, lease payment defaults by tenant(s) could cause us to lose our investment or reduce the amount of distributions to Members.
We may not make a profit if we sell a property.
The prices that we can obtain when we determine to sell a property will depend on many factors that are presently unknown, including the operating history, tax treatment of real estate investments, demographic trends in the area and available financing. There is a risk that we will not realize any significant appreciation on our investment in a property. Accordingly, your ability to recover all or any portion of your investment under such circumstances will depend on the amount of funds so realized and claims to be satisfied therefrom.
This offering is a blind pool offering, and therefore, Members will not have the opportunity to evaluate our investments before we make them, which makes investments more speculative.
We will seek to invest substantially all of the net offering proceeds from this Offering, after the payment of fees and expenses, in the acquisition of or investment in interests in assets. However, because, as of the date of this Offering Circular, with the exception of initial potential acquisitions which we describe commencing on page 5, we have not identified the assets we expect to acquire and because our Members will be unable to evaluate the economic merit of assets before we invest in them, they will have to rely on the ability of our Manager to select suitable and successful investment opportunities. These factors increase the risk that our Members’ investment may not generate returns comparable to our competitors.
Our properties may not be diversified.
Our potential profitability and our ability to diversify our investments may be limited, both geographically and by type of properties purchased. We will be able to purchase additional properties only as additional funds are raised. Our properties may not be well diversified and their economic performance could be affected by changes in local economic conditions. Our performance is therefore linked to economic conditions in the regions in which we will acquire properties and in the market for real estate properties generally. Therefore, to the extent that there are adverse economic conditions in the regions in which our properties are located and in the market for real estate properties, such conditions could result in a reduction of our income and cash to return capital and thus affect the amount of distributions we can make to you.
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Competition with third parties in acquiring and operating properties may reduce our profitability and the return on your investment.
We compete with many other entities engaged in real estate investment activities, many of which have greater resources than we do. Specifically, there are numerous commercial developers, real estate companies, and foreign investors that operate in the markets in which we may operate, that will compete with us in acquiring residential, commercial, and other properties that will be seeking investments and tenants for these properties.
Many of these entities have significant financial and other resources, including operating experience, allowing them to compete effectively with us. Competitors with substantially greater financial resources than us may generally be able to accept more risk than we can prudently manage, including risks with respect to the creditworthiness of entities in which investments may be made or risks attendant to a geographic concentration of investments. Demand from third parties for properties that meet our investment objectives could result in an increase of the price of such properties. If we pay higher prices for properties, our profitability may be reduced and you may experience a lower return on your investment. In addition, our properties may be located in close proximity to other properties that will compete against our properties for tenants. Many of these competing properties may be better located and/or appointed than the properties that we will acquire, giving these properties a competitive advantage over our properties, and we may, in the future, face additional competition from properties not yet constructed or even planned. This competition could adversely affect our business. The number of competitive properties could have a material effect on our ability to rent space at our properties and the amount of rents charged. We could be adversely affected if additional competitive properties are built in locations competitive with our properties, causing increased competition for residential renters. In addition, our ability to charge premium rental rates to tenants may be negatively impacted. This increased competition may increase our costs of acquisitions or lower the occupancies and the rent we may charge tenants. This could result in decreased cash flow from tenants and may require us to make capital improvements to properties which we would not have otherwise made, thus affecting cash available for distributions to you.
We may not have control over costs arising from rehabilitation or ground up construction of properties.
We may elect to acquire properties which may require rehabilitation or even be from the “ground up,” meaning that we purchase the land and implement a plan to construct a multifamily building or commercial building on the land. In particular, we may acquire affordable properties that we will rehabilitate and convert to market rate properties. We may also purchase land, entitle the land for a multifamily building or commercial building (if that is not already provided), architect a multifamily building or commercial building and build a brand-new multifamily building or commercial building. Consequently, we would retain a general contractor in these situations to perform the actual physical rehabilitation and/or construction work and will be subject to risks in connection with a contractor's ability to control rehabilitation and/or construction costs, the timing of completion of rehabilitation and/or construction, and a contractor's ability to build in conformity with plans and specification. One general contractor that we may use is a related party to our Manager. We acknowledge that use of this general contractor would result in a conflict of interest and, in the situations where we use this general contractor we intend to do so on terms that we believe are at least as favorable to the Company as those we could get from an independent general contractor.
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Inventory or available properties might not be sufficient to realize our investment goals.
We may not be successful in identifying suitable real estate properties or other assets that meet our acquisition criteria, or consummating acquisitions or investments on satisfactory terms. Failures in identifying or consummating acquisitions would impair the pursuit of our business plan. Members ultimately may not like the location, lease terms or other relevant economic and financial data of any real properties, other assets or other companies that we may acquire in the future. Moreover, our acquisition strategy could involve significant risks that could inhibit our growth and negatively impact our operating results, including the following: increases in asking prices by acquisition candidates to levels beyond our financial capability or to levels that would not result in the returns required by our acquisition criteria; diversion of management’s attention to expansion efforts; unanticipated costs and contingent or undisclosed liabilities associated with acquisitions; failure of acquired businesses to achieve expected results; and difficulties entering markets in which we have no or limited experience.
The consideration paid for our target acquisitions may exceed fair market value, which may harm our financial condition and operating results.
The consideration that we pay will be based upon numerous factors, and the target acquisitions may be purchased in a negotiated transaction rather than through a competitive bidding process. We cannot assure anyone that the purchase price that we pay for any target acquisition or its appraised value will be a fair price, that we will be able to generate an acceptable return on such target acquisition, or that the location, lease terms or other relevant economic and financial data of any properties that we acquire will meet acceptable risk profiles. We may also be unable to lease vacant space or renegotiate existing leases at market rates, which would adversely affect our returns on a target acquisition. As a result, our investments in our target acquisition may fail to perform in accordance with our expectations, which may substantially harm our operating results and financial condition.
The failure of our properties to generate positive cash flow or to appreciate in value would likely preclude our Members from realizing a return on their Interest ownership.
There is no assurance that our real estate investments will appreciate in value or will ever be sold at a profit. The marketability and value of the properties will depend upon many factors beyond the control of our management. There is no assurance that there will be a ready market for the properties, since investments in real property are generally non-liquid. The real estate market is affected by many factors, such as general economic conditions, availability of financing, interest rates and other factors, including supply and demand, that are beyond our control. We cannot predict whether we will be able to sell any property for the price or on the terms set by it, or whether any price or other terms offered by a prospective purchaser would be acceptable to us. We also cannot predict the length of time needed to find a willing purchaser and to close the sale of a property. Moreover, we may be required to expend funds to correct defects or to make improvements before a property can be sold. We cannot assure any person that we will have funds available to correct those defects or to make those improvements. In acquiring a property, we may agree to lockout provisions that materially restrict us from selling that property for a period of time or impose other restrictions, such as a limitation on the amount of debt that can be placed or repaid on that property. These lockout provisions would restrict our ability to sell a property. These factors and any others that would impede our ability to respond to adverse changes in the performance of our properties could significantly harm our financial condition and operating results.
Illiquidity of real estate investments could significantly impede our ability to respond to adverse changes in the performance of our properties and harm our financial condition.
Because real estate investments are relatively illiquid, our ability to promptly sell one or more properties or investments in our portfolio in response to changing economic, financial and investment conditions may be limited. In particular, these risks could arise from weakness in or even the lack of an established market for a property, changes in the financial condition or prospects of prospective purchasers, changes in national or international economic conditions, and changes in laws, regulations or fiscal policies of jurisdictions in which the property is located. We may be unable to realize our investment objectives by sale, other disposition or refinance at attractive prices within any given period of time or may otherwise be unable to complete any exit strategy. An exit event is not guaranteed and is subject to the Manager’s discretion.
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Risks Related to Conflicts of Interest
There are conflicts of interest between us, our Manager and its affiliates.
We expect that various third-parties related to the Manager, will provide development, property management, consulting, construction administration and other services to our Manager and the Company. Prevailing market rates are determined by our Manager based on industry standards and expectations of what our Manager would be able to negotiate with a third-party on an arm’s length basis. All of the agreements and arrangements between such parties, including those relating to compensation, are not the result of arm’s length negotiations. Some, but not all, of the conflicts inherent in our Company’s transactions with the Manager and its affiliates, and the limitations on such parties adopted to address these conflicts, are described below. Our Company, Manager and their affiliates will try to balance our interests with their own. However, to the extent that such parties take actions that are more favorable to other entities than the Company, these actions could have negative impact on our financial performance and, consequently, on distributions to Members and the value of our Interests. See “Conflicts of Interest”.
The interests of the Manager, our principals and their other affiliates may conflict with your interests.
The Company’s Operating Agreement provides our Manager with broad powers and authority which may result in one or more conflicts of interest between your interests and those of the Manager, the principals and its other affiliates. Potential conflicts of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:
| - | the Manager, the principals and/or its other affiliates are offering, and may continue to originate and offer, other real estate investment opportunities, including additional blind pool equity and debt offerings similar to this offering and may make investments in real estate assets for their own respective accounts, whether or not competitive with our business; |
| - | the Manager, the principals and/or its other affiliates will not be required to disgorge any profits or fees or other compensation they may receive from any other business they own separately from us, and you will not be entitled to receive or share in any of the profits return fees or compensation from any other business owned and operated by the Manager, the principals and/or its other affiliates for their own benefit; |
| - | we may engage the Manager or affiliates of the Manager to perform services at prevailing market rates. Prevailing market rates are determined by the Manager based on industry standards and expectations of what the Manager would be able to negotiate with a third-party on an arm’s length basis; and |
| - | the Manager, the principals and/or its other affiliates are not required to devote all of their time and efforts to our affairs. |
Risks Associated with Joint Ventures/Co-Investors
The terms of joint venture agreements or other joint ownership/co-investor arrangements into which the Manager may enter could impair operating flexibility and results of operations.
In connection with the purchase of real estate or making real estate-related investments, the Manager may enter into joint ventures with affiliated or unaffiliated partners. In addition, the Company may also purchase or develop properties in arrangements with affiliates of the Manager, the sellers of the properties, developers and/or similar persons. These structures involve participation in the investment by outsiders whose interests and rights may not be the same as the Company’s. These joint venture partners or co-tenants may have rights to take some actions over which the Manager has no control and may take actions contrary to the interests of the Company. For example, joint ownership of an investment, under certain circumstances, may involve risks not associated with direct ownership of such investment, including the following:
| - | A partner or co-investor might have economic and/or other business interests or goals which are unlike or incompatible with the business interests or goals of the Company, including inconsistent goals relating to the sale of properties held in a joint venture and/or the timing of the termination and liquidation of the venture; |
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| - | such partners or co-investors may become bankrupt and such proceedings could have an adverse impact on the operation of the Company or joint venture; |
| - | the Company may incur liabilities as the result of actions taken by joint venture partners in which there was no direct involvement; and |
| - | such partners or co-investors may be in a position to take action contrary to instructions from the Manager or requests or contrary to the Company’s policies and objectives or fail to take actions as instructed. |
If the Company has a right of first refusal or buy/sell right to buy out a co-investor/venturer or partner, we may be unable to finance such a buy-out if it becomes exercisable or we may be forced to exercise those rights at a time when it would not otherwise be in our best interest to do so. If the Company’s interest is subject to a buy/sell right, we may not have sufficient cash, available borrowing capacity or other capital resources to allow the purchase of such an interest of a co-investor/venturer subject to the buy/sell right, in which case we may be forced to sell the interest when otherwise we would have preferred to retain such interest. The Manager may not be able to sell a Company’s interest in a joint venture on a timely basis or on acceptable terms if an exit from the venture is desired for any reason, particularly if the interest is subject to a right of first refusal of the co-investor/venturer or partner.
The Manager may structure a joint venture/co-invest relationship in a manner which could limit the amount the Company participates in the cash flow or appreciation of an investment.
The Manager may enter into joint venture agreements, the economic terms of which may provide for the distribution of income to the Company otherwise than in direct proportion to ownership interest in the joint venture. For example, while a co-investor/venturer may invest an equal amount of capital in an investment, the investment may be structured such that the Company has a right to priority distributions of cash flow up to a certain target return while the co-investor/venturer may receive a disproportionately greater share of cash flow than the Company is to receive once such target return has been achieved. This type of investment structure may result in the co-investor/venturer receiving more of the cash flow, including appreciation, of an investment than the Company would receive. If the Manager does not accurately judge the appreciation prospects of a particular investment or structure the agreement appropriately, the Company may incur losses on joint venture/co-invest investments and/or have limited participation in the profits of a joint venture/co-invest investment, either of which could reduce the ability to make cash distributions to the Members.
Co-investments with other parties will result in additional risks.
The Company may co-invest in various investments with other investors obtained by an affiliate of the Manager. It is possible that a co-investor would be unable to pay its share of costs, which could be detrimental to the Company’s investment in a project unless an alternative source of capital could be obtained. In the event a third party co-investor was to become bankrupt, third party creditors could become involved in the project affairs. In addition, the co-investors could have economic or business interests or goals which are or which may become inconsistent with the Company’s business interests or goals.
If the Manager enters into joint ventures with affiliates, the Company may face conflicts of interest or disagreements with the joint venture partners that will not be resolved as quickly or on terms as advantageous to the Company as would be the case if the joint venture had been negotiated at arm’s-length with an independent joint venture partner. As a result, Member returns may be decreased by entering into such joint ventures with affiliates of the Manager.
In the event that the Company enters into a joint venture with any other program sponsored or advised by the Manager or one of its affiliates, the Company may face certain additional risks and potential conflicts of interest. Joint venture partners may not desire to sell properties at the time the Company desires. Joint ventures between the Company and other Manager programs will not have the benefit of arm’s-length negotiation of the type normally conducted between unrelated co-venturers. Under these joint venture agreements, none of the co-venturers may have the power to control the venture, and an impasse could be reached regarding matters pertaining to the joint venture, including the timing of a liquidation, which might have a negative impact on the joint venture and decrease returns to the Members. Joint ventures with other Manager programs would also be subject to the risks associated with joint ventures with unaffiliated third parties.
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Risks Related to Financing
We might obtain lines of credit and other borrowings, which increases our risk of loss due to potential foreclosure.
We may obtain lines of credit and long-term financing that may be secured by our assets. As with any liability, there is a risk that we may be unable to repay our obligations from the cash flow of our assets. Therefore, when borrowing and securing such borrowing with our assets, we risk losing such assets in the event we are unable to repay such obligations or meet such demands.
We have broad authority to incur debt and high debt levels could hinder our ability to make distributions and decrease the value of our investors’ investments.
Our target portfolio wide leverage after we have acquired an initial substantial portfolio of diversified investments is between 50% and 85% of the greater of cost (before deducting depreciation or other non-cash reserves) or fair market value of our assets. During the period when we are acquiring our initial portfolio, we may employ greater leverage on individual assets (that will also result in greater leverage of the interim portfolio) in order to quickly build a diversified portfolio of commercial project assets. We do not currently own any properties. High debt levels would cause us to incur higher interest charges and higher debt service payments and may also be accompanied by restrictive covenants. These factors could limit the amount of cash we have available to distribute and could result in a decline in the value of our investors’ investments.
Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure
We will not set aside funds in a sinking fund to pay distributions or redeem the Interests, so you must rely on our revenues from operations and other sources of funding for distributions and withdrawal requests. These sources may not be sufficient to meet these obligations.
We will not contribute funds on a regular basis to a separate account, commonly known as a sinking fund, to pay distributions on or redeem the Interests at the end of the applicable non-withdrawal period. Accordingly, you will have to rely on our cash from operations and other sources of liquidity, such as borrowed funds and proceeds from future offerings of securities, for distributions payments and payments upon withdrawal. Our ability to generate revenues from operations in the future is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, statutory and other factors that are beyond our control. Moreover, we cannot assure you that we will have access to additional sources of liquidity if our cash from operations are insufficient to fund distributions to you. Our need for such additional sources may come at undesirable times, such as during poor market or credit conditions when the costs of funds are high and/or other terms are not as favorable as they would be during good market or credit conditions. The cost of financing will directly impact our results of operations, and financing on less than favorable terms may detrimentally impact our ability to make a profit. Your right to receive distributions on your Interests is junior to the right of our general creditors to receive payments from us. If we do not have sufficient funds to meet our anticipated future operating expenditures and debt repayment obligations as they become due, then you could lose all or part of your investment. We currently do not have any revenues.
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You will have limited control over changes in our policies and operations, which increases the uncertainty and risks you face as a Member.
Our Manager determines our major policies, including our policies regarding financing, growth and debt capitalization. Our Manager may amend or revise these and other policies without a vote of the Members. Our Manager’s broad discretion in setting policies and our Members’ inability to exert control over those policies increases the uncertainty and risks you face as a Member. In addition, our Manager may change our investment objectives without seeking Member approval. Although our Manager has fiduciary duties to our Members and intends only to change our investment objectives when the Manager determines that a change is in the best interests of our Members, a change in our investment objectives could cause a decline in the value of your investment in the Company.
Our ability to make distributions to our Members is subject to fluctuations in our financial performance, operating results and capital improvement requirements.
Our Operating Agreement requires that holders of our Class A Shares receive a cumulative, non-compound return of an 8% annualized return on investment prior to cash being distributed to other equity holders. However, we will be unable to make these distributions unless we generate sufficient net income. Because: (a) our ability to make this distribution is contingent on the Company generating net income and (b) the Company has not commenced operations, there is no guarantee that this or any distribution will ever occur. In the event of downturns in our operating results, unanticipated capital improvements to our properties, or other factors, we may be unable to declare or pay distributions to our Members. We intend to pay such distributions quarterly, but the timing and amount of distributions are the sole discretion of our Manager who will consider, among other factors, our financial performance, any debt service obligations, any debt covenants, our taxable income and capital expenditure requirements. We cannot assure you that we will generate sufficient cash in order to fund distributions.
Investors will not receive the benefit of the regulations provided to real estate investment trusts or investment companies.
We are not a real estate investment trust and enjoy a broader range of permissible activities. Under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), an “investment company” is defined as an issuer which is or holds itself out as being engaged primarily, or proposes to engage primarily, in the business of investing, reinvesting, or trading in securities; is engaged or proposes to engage in the business of issuing face-amount certificates of the installment type, or has been engaged in such business and has any such certificate outstanding; or is engaged or proposes to engage in the business of investing, reinvesting, owning, holding, or trading in securities, and owns or proposes to acquire investment securities having a value exceeding 40 per centum of the value of such issuer’s total assets (exclusive of Government securities and cash items) on an unconsolidated basis.
We intend to operate in such manner as not to be classified as an "investment company" within the meaning of the 1940 Act as we intend on primarily holding real estate. The management and the investment practices and policies of ours are not supervised or regulated by any federal or state authority. As a result, investors will be exposed to certain risks that would not be present if we were subjected to a more restrictive regulatory situation.
If we are deemed to be an investment company, we may be required to institute burdensome compliance requirements and our activities may be restricted
If we are ever deemed to be an investment company under the 1940 Act, we may be subject to certain restrictions including:
| · | restrictions on the nature of our investments; and |
| · | restrictions on the issuance of securities. |
In addition, we may have imposed upon us certain burdensome requirements, including:
| · | registration as an investment company; |
| · | adoption of a specific form of corporate structure; and |
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| · | reporting, record keeping, voting, proxy, compliance policies and procedures and disclosure requirements and other rules and regulations. |
The exemption from the 1940 Act may restrict our operating flexibility. Failure to maintain this exemption may adversely affect our profitability.
We do not believe that at any time we will be deemed an “investment company” under the 1940 Act as we do not intend on trading or selling securities. Rather, we intend to hold and manage real estate. However, if at any time we may be deemed an “investment company,” we believe we will be afforded an exemption under Section 3(c)(5)(C) of the 1940 Act. Section 3(c)(5)(C) of the 1940 Act excludes from regulation as an “investment company” any entity that is primarily engaged in the business of purchasing or otherwise acquiring “mortgages and other liens on and interests in real estate”. To qualify for this exemption, we must ensure our asset composition meets certain criteria. Generally, 55% of our assets must consist of qualifying mortgages and other liens on and interests in real estate and the remaining 45% must consist of other qualifying real estate-type interests. Maintaining this exemption may adversely impact our ability to acquire or hold investments, to engage in future business activities that we believe could be profitable; or could require us to dispose of investments that we might prefer to retain. If we are required to register as an “investment company” under the 1940 Act, then the additional expenses and operational requirements associated with such registration may materially and adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations in future periods.
NOTICE REGARDING AGREEMENT TO ARBITRATE
THIS OFFERING MEMORANDUM REQUIRES THAT ALL INVESTORS ARBITRATE ANY DISPUTE, OTHER THAN THOSE CLAIMS UNDER FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS AND THE RULES AND REGULATIONS PROMULGATED THEREUNDER, ARISING OUT OF THEIR INVESTMENT IN THE COMPANY. ALL INVESTORS FURTHER AGREE THAT THE ARBITRATION WILL BE BINDING AND HELD IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA. EACH INVESTOR ALSO AGREES TO WAIVE ANY RIGHTS TO A JURY TRIAL. OUT OF STATE ARBITRATION MAY FORCE AN INVESTOR TO ACCEPT A LESS FAVORABLE SETTLEMENT FOR DISPUTES. OUT OF STATE ARBITRATION MAY ALSO COST AN INVESTOR MORE TO ARBITRATE A SETTLEMENT OF A DISPUTE.
ADDITIONAL RISK FACTOR ARBITRATION:
The Operating Agreement contains a mandatory dispute resolution process which may limit the rights of investors to some legal remedies and forums otherwise available. This Agreement contains a provision which requires that all claims arising from Member's investment in the Company be resolved through arbitration.
For Members’ information:
(a) Arbitration is final and binding on the parties;
(b) The parties are waiving their right to seek remedies in court, including the right to jury trial;
(c) Pre-arbitration discovery is generally more limited than and potentially different in form and scope from court proceedings.
(d) The Arbitration Award is not required to include factual findings or legal reasoning and any party's right to appeal or to seek modification of a ruling by the arbitrators is strictly limited;
(e) The panel of arbitrators may include a minority of persons engaged in the securities industry. Such arbitration provision limits the rights of an investor to some legal remedies and rights otherwise available.
The dispute resolution process provisions do not apply to claims under the federal securities laws. By agreeing to the dispute resolution process, including mandatory arbitration, investors will not be deemed to have waived the company’s compliance with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.
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Insurance Risks
We may suffer losses that are not covered by insurance.
The geographic areas in which we invest may be at risk for damage to property due to certain weather-related and environmental events, including such things as hurricanes, flooding, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, snowstorm, sinkholes, and earthquakes. To the extent possible, the Manager may but is not required to attempt to acquire insurance against fire or environmental hazards. However, such insurance may not be available in all areas, nor are all hazards insurable as some may be deemed acts of God or be subject to other policy exclusions.
The Manager expects to obtain a lender’s title insurance policy and will require that owners of property securing its notes maintain hazard insurance naming the Company as the beneficiary. All decisions relating to the type, quality and amount of insurance to be placed on property will be made exclusively by the Manager. Certain types of losses that may impact the security could be of a catastrophic nature (due to such things as hurricanes, flooding, ice storms, tornadoes, wind damage, earthquakes, landslides, and sinkholes, and floods), some of which may be uninsurable, not fully insured or not economically insurable. This may result in insurance coverage that, in the event of a substantial loss, would not be sufficient to pay the full prevailing market value or prevailing replacement cost of the underlying property. Inflation, changes in building codes and ordinances, environmental considerations, and other factors also might make it unfeasible to use insurance proceeds to replace the underlying property once it has been damaged or destroyed. Under such circumstances, the insurance proceeds received might not be adequate to restore the property, leaving the Company without security for its notes.
Furthermore, an insurance company may deny coverage for certain claims, and/or determine that the value of the claim is less than the cost to restore the property, and a lawsuit could have to be initiated to force them to provide coverage, resulting in further losses in income to the Company. Additionally, properties may now contain or come to contain mold, which may not be covered by insurance and has been linked to health issues.
Further, when a borrower defaults, it is likely that they will allow their hazard insurance to lapse. The Manager will attempt to obtain its own insurance policies on such properties, to the extent such lender’s policies are available, but it is possible that some of the properties securing the notes may be uninsured for a period of time or uninsurable. If damage occurred during a time when a property was uninsured, the Company may suffer a loss of its security for a loan.
Federal Income Tax Risks
The Internal Revenue Service may challenge our characterization of material tax aspects of your investment in the Interests.
An investment in Interests involves material income tax risks which are discussed in detail in the section of this offering entitled “TAX TREATMENT OF COMPANY” starting on page 43. You are urged to consult with your own tax advisor with respect to the federal, state, local and foreign tax considerations of an investment in our Interests. We may or may not seek any rulings from the Internal Revenue Service regarding any of the tax issues discussed herein. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that the tax conclusions discussed in this offering, if contested, would be sustained by the IRS or any court. In addition, our legal counsel is unable to form an opinion as to the probable outcome of the contest of certain material tax aspects of the transactions described in this offering, including whether we will be characterized as a “dealer” so that sales of our assets would give rise to ordinary income rather than capital gain and whether we are required to qualify as a tax shelter under the Internal Revenue Code. Our counsel also gives no opinion as to the tax considerations to you of tax issues that have an impact at the individual or partner level.
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You may realize taxable income without cash distributions, and you may have to use funds from other sources to fund tax liabilities.
As a Member of the Company, you will be required to report your allocable share of our taxable income and loss on your personal income tax return regardless of whether you have received any cash distributions from us. It is possible that your Interests will be allocated taxable income in excess of your cash distributions. We cannot assure you that cash flow will be available for distribution in any year. As a result, you may have to use funds from other sources to pay your tax liability.
You may not be able to benefit from any tax losses that are allocated to your Interests.
Interests may be allocated their share of tax losses should any arise. Section 469 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) limits the allowance of deductions for losses attributable to passive activities, which are generally defined as activities in which the taxpayer does not materially participate. Any tax losses allocated to investors will be characterized as passive losses, and, accordingly, the deductibility of such losses will be subject to these limitations. Losses from passive activities are generally deductible only to the extent of a taxpayer’s income or gains from passive activities and will not be allowed as an offset against other income, including salary or other compensation for personal services, active business income or “portfolio income”, which includes non-business income derived from dividends, interest, royalties, annuities and gains from the sale of property held for investment. Accordingly, you may receive no benefit from your share of tax losses unless you are concurrently being allocated passive income from other sources.
We may be audited which could subject you to additional tax, interest and penalties.
Our federal income tax returns may be audited by the Internal Revenue Service. Any audit of the Company could result in an audit of your tax return. The results of any such audit may require adjustments of items unrelated to your investment, in addition to adjustments to various Company items. In the event of any such audit or adjustments, you might incur attorneys’ fees, court costs and other expenses in contesting deficiencies asserted by the Internal Revenue Service. You may also be liable for interest on any underpayment and penalties from the date your tax was originally due. The tax treatment of all Company items will generally be determined at the Company level in a single proceeding rather than in separate proceedings with each Member, and our Manager/Partnership Representative is primarily responsible for contesting federal income tax adjustments proposed by the Internal Revenue Service. In such a contest, our Manger may choose to extend the statute of limitations as to all Members and, in certain circumstances, may bind the Members to a settlement with the Internal Revenue Service.
State and local taxes and a requirement to withhold state taxes may apply, and if so, the amount of net cash distributable to you would be reduced.
The state in which you reside may impose an income tax upon your share of our taxable income. Further, states in which we will own properties acquired through foreclosure may impose income taxes upon your share of our taxable income allocable to any Company property located in that state. Many states have implemented or are implementing programs to require companies to withhold and pay state income taxes owed by non-resident Members relating to income-producing properties located in their states, and we may be required to withhold state taxes from cash distributions otherwise payable to you. You may also be required to file income tax returns in some states and report your share of income attributable to ownership and operation by the Company of properties in those states. In the event we are required to withhold state taxes from your cash distributions, the amount of the net cash from operations otherwise distributable to you would be reduced. In addition, such collection and filing requirements at the state level may result in increases in our administrative expenses that would have the effect of reducing cash available for distribution to you. You are urged to consult with your own tax advisors with respect to the impact of applicable state and local taxes and state tax withholding requirements on an investment in our Interests.
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Legislative or regulatory action could adversely affect investors.
In recent years, numerous legislative, judicial and administrative changes have been made in the provisions of the federal income tax laws applicable to investments similar to an investment in our Interests. Additional changes to the tax laws are likely to continue to occur, and we cannot assure you that any such changes will not adversely affect your taxation as a Member. Any such changes could have an adverse effect on an investment in our Interests or on the market value or the resale potential of our properties. You are urged to consult with your own tax advisor with respect to the impact of recent legislation on your investment in Interests and the status of legislative, regulatory or administrative developments and proposals and their potential effect on an investment in our Interests.
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DETERMINATION OF OFFERING PRICE
Our Offering Price is arbitrary with no relation to value of the Company. This Offering is a self- underwritten offering, which means that it does not involve the participation of an underwriter to market, distribute or sell the Class A Interests offered under this offering.
If the maximum amount of Class A Interests are sold under this Offering, the purchasers under this Offering will own 100% of the Class A Interests outstanding.
If the minimum amount of Class A Interests are sold under this Offering, the purchasers under this Offering will own 100% of the Class A Interests outstanding.
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This Offering shall remain open for one year following the Qualification Date of this Offering unless earlier terminated by the Manager in its sole and absolute discretion, provided that the Manager may extend the Offering an additional one-year period so long as it is compliant with the qualification requirements of the Commission.
The Class A Interests (Interests) are self-underwritten and are being offered and sold by the Company on a minimum/maximum basis. No compensation will be paid to any principal, the Manager, or any affiliated company or party with respect to the sale of the Class A Interests. This means that, other than as set forth in the next two paragraphs, no compensation will be paid with respect to the sale of the Class A Interests to anyone. We are relying on Rule 3a4-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Associated Persons of an Issuer Deemed not to be Brokers. The applicable portions of the rule state that associated persons (including companies) of an issuer shall not be deemed brokers if they a) perform substantial duties at the end of the offering for the issuer; b) are not broker dealers; and c) do not participate in selling securities more than once every 12 months, except for any of the following activities: i) preparing written communication, but no oral solicitation; or ii) responding to inquiries provided that the content is contained in the applicable registration statement; or iii) performing clerical work in effecting any transaction. Neither the Company, its will be placed into a non-interest bearing escrow account, with North Capital serving as escrow agent. Funds will not be released to the Company until the Minimum Amount has been received. The purchase price for the Class A Interests is $50 per Class A Interest, with a minimum purchase of ten (10) Interests for an aggregate minimum purchase price of $500. The Company will raise a minimum of $100,000 prior to funds being released to the Company. If the Company does not raise the Offering Amount within the Offering Period, all proceeds raised to that point will be promptly returned to subscribers of Class A Interests pro-rata, with interest, if any. Subscription Agreements are irrevocable.
The Company has engaged Dalmore Group, LLC, a New York limited liability company and broker-dealer registered with the SEC and a member of FINRA ("Dalmore"), to provide broker-dealer and administrative services related to operations and compliance, but not underwriting or placement agent services, in all 50 states, District of Columbia and the territories of the United States in connection with this Offering. The administrative services Dalmore will provide include the review of investor information, including Know Your Customer data, Anti-Money Laundering and other compliance checks, and the review of subscription agreements and investor information. As compensation for these broker-dealer and administrative services, the Company has agreed to pay Dalmore: (a) a one-time setup fee in the amount of $5,000.00, (b) a consulting fee of $20,000 payable once FINRA issues a No Objection Letter and we receive a SEC Qualification, and (c) a 1.0% commission on the aggregate amount raised by the Company in this Offerings, as described in the Broker-Dealer Agreement between the Company and Dalmore.
We reserve the right to use licensed broker-dealers or members of FINRA, acting as underwriters or placement agents, in which event the broker-dealers will also conduct the Offering on a “best efforts” basis, and pay such broker-dealers a cash commission of up to 1.0% of the gross proceeds raised by such broker-dealers. For purposes of clarification, such commission would be in addition to the commission to be paid to Dalmore, resulting in a potential aggregate commission of up to 2.0% on the aggregate amount raised in this Offering.
The Company plans to primarily use our Manager’s current network of real estate investors of which the principals of our Manager already have a pre-existing relationship to solicit investments. The Company, subject to Rule 255 of the 33 Act and corresponding state regulations, is permitted to generally solicit investors by using advertising mediums, such as print, radio, TV, and the Internet. We will offer the securities as permitted by Rule 251 (d)(1)(iii) whereby offers may be made after this Offering has been qualified, but any written offers must be accompanied with or preceded by the most recent Offering Circular filed with the Commission for the Offering. The Company may solicit investors using the Internet through a variety of existing internet advertising mechanisms, such as search based advertising, search engine optimization, and the Company website. The Company website is in the process of being developed.
Please note that the Company will not communicate any information to prospective investors without providing access to the Offering. The Offering may be delivered through the website that is in the process of being developed, through email, or by hard paper copy.
However received or communicated, all of our communications will be Rule 255 compliant and not amount to a free writing prospectus. We will not orally solicit investors and no sales will be made prior to this offering statement being declared qualified and a final Offering is available.
Prior to the acceptance of any investment dollars or Subscription Agreements, the Company will determine the state in which the prospective investor resides. Investments will be processed on a first come, first served basis, up to the Offering Amount of $50,000,000.
The Offering Period will commence upon the Offering Statement being declared qualified.
No sale will be made to a prospective investor if the aggregate purchase price payable is more than 10% of the greater of the prospective investor’s annual income or net worth. Different rules apply to accredited investors and non-natural persons.
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Quarterly, the Manager will report to the Members and will supplement this Offering with material and/or fundamental changes to our operations. We will also provide updated financial statements to all Members and prospective Members.
In compliance with Rule 253(e) of Regulation A, the Manager shall revise this Offering Statement during the course of the Offering whenever information herein has become false or misleading in light of existing circumstances, material developments have occurred, or there has been a fundamental change in the information initially presented. Such updates will not only correct such misleading information but shall also provide updated financial statements and shall be filed as an exhibit to the Offering Statement and be requalified under Rule 252.
INVESTOR SUITABILITY STANDARDS
The Interests are being offered and sold only to “qualified purchasers” (as defined in Regulation A under the Securities Act) include: (i) “accredited investors” under Rule 501(a) of Regulation D and (ii) all other investors so long as their investment in any of the Interests of the Company (in connection with this Series or any other Series offered under Regulation A) does not represent more than 10% of the greater of their annual income or net worth (for natural persons), or 10% of the greater of annual revenue or net assets at fiscal year-end (for non-natural persons). We reserve the right to reject any investor’s subscription in whole or in part for any reason, including if we determine in our sole and absolute discretion that such investor is not a “qualified purchaser” for purposes of Regulation A.
For an individual potential investor to be an “accredited investor” for purposes of satisfying one of the tests in the “qualified purchaser” definition, the investor must be a natural person who has:
1. an individual net worth, or joint net worth with the person’s spouse, that exceeds $1,000,000 at the time of the purchase, excluding the value of the primary residence of such person and the mortgage on that primary residence (to the extent not underwater), but including the amount of debt that exceeds the value of that residence and including any increase in debt on that residence within the prior 60 days, other than as a result of the acquisition of that primary residence; or
2. earned income exceeding $200,000 in each of the two most recent years or joint income with a spouse exceeding $300,000 for those years and a reasonable expectation of the same income level in the current year.
If the investor is not a natural person, different standards apply. See Rule 501 of Regulation D for more details. For purposes of determining whether a potential investor is a “qualified purchaser”, annual income and net worth should be calculated as provided in the “accredited investor” definition under Rule 501 of Regulation D. In particular, net worth in all cases should be calculated excluding the value of an investor’s home, home furnishings and automobiles.
The net proceeds to us from the sale of up to 1,000,000 Class A Interests offered at an offering price of $50 per Interest will vary depending upon the total number of Class A Interests sold. Regardless of the number of Class A Interests sold, we expect to incur Offering expenses estimated at approximately $100,000 for legal, accounting, and other costs in connection with this offering and we will incur an additional expense of 1% of the gross proceeds received for commissions payable to Dalmore Group, LLC on all Interests sold. We have also paid a one-time set up fee of $5,000 to Dalmore and will pay a consulting fee of $20,000 payable once FINRA issues a No Objection Letter and we receive a SEC Qualification. The table below shows the intended net proceeds from this offering, indicating scenarios where we sell various amounts of the Class A Interests. There is no guarantee that we will be successful at selling any of the securities being offered in this Offering. Accordingly, the actual amount of proceeds we will raise in this offering, if any, may differ.
The offering scenarios presented below are for illustrative purposes only and the actual amounts of proceeds, if any, may differ.
| Minimum | 25% | 50% | 75% | 100% | ||||||||||||||||
| Interests Sold | 2,000 | 250,000 | 500,000 | 750,000 | 1,000,000 | |||||||||||||||
| Gross Proceeds | $ | 100,000 | $ | 12,500,000 | $ | 25,000,000 | $ | 37,500,000 | $ | 50,000,000 | ||||||||||
| Offering Expenses1 | $ | 125,000 | $ | 125,000 | $ | 125,000 | $ | 125,000 | $ | 125,000 | ||||||||||
| Selling Commissions & Fees2 | $ | - | $ | 125,000 | $ | 250,000 | $ | 375,000 | $ | 500,000 | ||||||||||
| Net Proceeds | $ | - | $ | 12,250,000 | $ | 24,625,000 | $ | 37,000,000 | $ | 49,375,000 | ||||||||||
| Asset Management Fee3 | $ | 1,000 | $ | 122,500 | $ | 246,250 | $ | 370,000 | $ | 493,750 | ||||||||||
| Acquisitions4 | $ | - | $ | 11,250,000 | $ | 22,100,000 | $ | 33,450,000 | $ | 45,200,000 | ||||||||||
| Working Capital5 | $ | - | $ | 727,500 | $ | 2,078,750 | $ | 2,980,000 | $ | 3,481,250 | ||||||||||
| Legal and Accounting6 | $ | - | $ | 150,000 | $ | 200,000 | $ | 200,000 | $ | 200,000 | ||||||||||
| Total Use of Proceeds | $ | 100,000 | 7 | $ | 12,250,000 | $ | 24,625,000 | $ | 37,000,000 | $ | 49,375,000 | |||||||||
| (1) | These costs assume the costs related with completing this Form 1-A as well as those costs related to the services of a transfer agent, our financial statements, and our legal costs as well as a one-time set up fee of $5,000 paid to Dalmore and an additional payment of $20,000 for a consulting fee to Dalmore which is payable once FINRA issues a No Objection Letter and we receive a SEC Qualification. It is expected that the Company will reimburse these expenses to the Manager without interest. The Manager has received the Class B Interests in the Company in exchange for its services. The Company will only reimburse the Manager once it is has raised more than $1,000,000. |
| (2) | The Company does not intend on paying selling commissions or fees other than as described above. In the event that the Company enters into an agreement with a licensed broker dealer, this Offering and Use of Proceeds table will be amended accordingly. |
| (3) | The Manager will receive a 1.0% annualized asset management fee paid monthly to the Manager for its services related to asset management. The Manager may receive between an estimated $83.33 per month as an Asset Management at the Minimum Amount or as much as $41,667 per month at the Maximum Amount. These amounts, however, are not calculated in the Use of Proceeds table because although they are calculated against the amount of capital invested in properties, it is expected that the Asset Management fee will actually be derived from the revenues of the properties purchased by the Company. |
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| (4) | We believe acquisition related and closing costs could be between 3% and 7% of the value of the acquisition, with an average of 5%. These costs could include research costs, closing costs, and other costs such as travel to locations in which we purchase properties. Our ability to quantify any of the expenses is difficult as they will all depend on size of deal, price, due diligence performed (such as appraisal, environmental, property condition reports), legal and accounting, etc. We expect the related acquisition costs to be correlated with the price of the property. |
| (5) | Costs associated with our web development, marketing and working capital for the next 12 months. |
| (6) | Costs for accounting and legal fees associated with being a public company for the next 12 months. |
| (7) | The Manager will pay all expenses of the Company until the Company has raised a minimum of $1,000,000 at which time the Manager will be repaid for these expenses. |
The Use of Proceeds sets forth how we intend to use the funds under the various percentages of the related offering. All amounts listed are estimates.
The net proceeds will be used for ongoing legal and accounting professional fees (estimated to be between $150,000 and $250,000 depending on our money raise and acquisitions for the next 12 months), working capital for the creation of a website and due diligence costs incurred in locating suitable acquisitions for the Company for the next 12 months, and for the costs associated with acquiring properties, such as broker price opinions, closing costs, title reports, recording fees, accounting costs and legal fees. We determined estimates for ongoing professional fees based upon consultations with our accountants and lawyers, and operating expenses and due diligence costs based upon the Manager’s real estate industry experience.
As of June 30, 2020, the Manager has paid $122,085 to or on behalf of the Company for offering expenses and the balance will be paid by the Manager regardless of the number of Interests sold. Our Offering expenses are comprised of legal and accounting expenses, SEC and EDGAR filing fees, printing and transfer agent fees. Our Manager will not receive any compensation for their efforts in selling our Class A Interests.
The Manager will pay the offering expenses regardless of the amount of Class A Interests we sell and will only be reimbursed if the Company raises a minimum of $1,000,000. The Manager has also committed to paying all expenses related to our filing obligations as a reporting company for the next 12 months. We intend to use the proceeds of this offering in the manner and in order of priority set forth above. We do not intend to use the proceeds to acquire or finance the acquisition of other businesses. At present, no material changes are contemplated. Should there be any material changes in the projected use of proceeds in connection with this Offering, we will issue an amended Offering reflecting the new uses.
In all instances, after the qualification of this Form 1-A, the Company will need some amount of working capital to maintain its general existence and comply with its reporting obligations. In addition to changing allocations because of the amount of proceeds received, we may change the use of proceeds because of required changes in our business plan. Investors should understand that we have wide discretion over the use of proceeds. Therefore, management decisions may not be in line with the initial objectives of investors who will have little ability to influence these decisions.
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The following summary financial data should be read in conjunction with “MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION” and the Financial Statements and Notes thereto, included elsewhere in this Offering. The statement of operations and balance sheet data from inception through the period ended June 30, 2020 unaudited financial statements.
| June 30, 2020 | ||||
| Assets | ||||
| Cash | $ | 200 | ||
| Total Assets | $ | 200 | ||
| Liabilities | $ | - | ||
| Accounts payable | - | |||
| Members’ equity | ||||
| Contributed capital | $ | 200 | ||
| Total Liabilities and Members’ Equity | $ | 200 | ||
| Inception (October 19, 2018) | ||||
| Through | ||||
| June 30, 2020 | ||||
| Revenue | $ | - | ||
| Operating expenses | - | |||
| Net income | $ | - | ||
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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the notes thereto contained elsewhere in this filing.
Critical Accounting Policies
Section 107 of the JOBS Act provides that an emerging growth company can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards that have different effective dates for public and private companies. We have elected to take advantage of this extended transition period, and thus, our financial statements may not be comparable to those of other reporting companies. Accordingly, until the date we are no longer an “emerging growth company” or affirmatively opt out of the exemption, upon the issuance of a new or revised accounting standard that applies to our financial statements and has a different effective date for public and private companies, we will disclose the date on which adoption is required for non-emerging growth companies and the date on which we will adopt the recently issued accounting standard.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
With the exception of historical matters, the matters discussed herein are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning anticipated trends in revenues and net income, projections concerning operations and available cash flow. Our actual results could differ materially from the results discussed in such forward-looking statements. The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the related notes thereto appearing elsewhere herein.
Background Overview
School of Whales Commercial Real Estate Equity Fund, LLC was formed in the State of Florida on October 19, 2018. We have no plans to change our business activities or to combine with another business, and we are not aware of any events or circumstances that might cause our plans to change. The Manager of the Company has not contemplated and does not have any plans or arrangements to enter into a change of control, business combination or similar transaction or to change management.
The Company’s overall strategy is to purchase multifamily and commercial property in urban communities, initially in Florida and potentially subsequently in other states to rehab, develop and lease or sell those properties for a profit.
The Company will be initially owned by the Manager and have a Membership which may include, but is not limited to: individuals, individual retirement accounts, banks and other financial institutions, endowments, and pension funds.
The Company hopes to offer its Members the opportunity to earn a preferred annualized 8% return plus up to 80% of the Company’s realized Net Income, which we define as total revenue minus operating costs and expenses and tax liabilities. which shall be distributed to the Members in proportion to each Member’s respective Capital Contribution. The Manager, SOW Management LLC, will exclusively manage the Company.
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Although we are currently searching for properties and partial interests in properties, we expect that we will not be aggressive in our acquisition efforts until after we raise the capital from this Offering. Thereafter, we will aggressively search for properties and partial interests in properties. Pending qualification of this Offering, we hope that by the end of December 2020, we will have acquired our first property or interest. Acquisition will depend highly on factors such as our funding, the availability of those funds and the availability of properties that meet our investment criteria. As we search for opportunities, we intend to expend capital in accordance with our Use of Proceeds. If we raise the minimum amount of $100,000, we will incur expenses related with the operation of the Company and the continuing expenses related to being a reporting company under the requirements of Tier 2, Regulation A. Operating the Company will result in us incurring expenses associated with areas such as: legal, accounting, administrative, marketing, software development and development and maintaining our online platform. The amount of funds we raise will partially determine how much capital we will need for working capital and professional fees. Our Manager believes that if we only raise the minimum amount, very little will be needed for working capital. However, the more money we raise, the more resources will be needed to in order to run the Company effectively and thus more working capital will be needed. Our Manager is committed to providing the $100,000.00 that is estimated to be required for the completion of this Form 1-A.
Please note that the Company anticipates that every project it will undertake will be unique. Accordingly, an accurate description of the steps and timeline needed to take projects from purchase to income producing is impossible. It is possible that some investment opportunities will be income producing immediately or require minimal renovation while others could require significant renovations that would take several years to complete.
Results of Operations
For the six months ended June 30, 2020 (unaudited).
We generated no revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2020. We do not have any current activities. All expenses from inception (October 19, 2018) to June 30, 2020 were paid by our Manager who will only be reimbursed for these expenses after we have raised a minimum of $1,000,000.
For the period ended December 31, 2018 (audited) and the year ended December 31, 2019 (audited).
We generated no revenues for the period ended December 31, 2018 or the year ended December 31, 2019. We do not have any current activities. All expenses from inception (October 19, 2018) to December 31, 2019 were paid by our Manager who will only be reimbursed for these expenses after we have raised a minimum of $1,000,000.
Total expenses
From inception (October 19, 2018) to December 31, 2019, we have not generated any expenses because all expenses have been paid by our Manager. Similarly, we did not generate any expenses during the six months ended June 30, 2020 because all expenses have been paid by our Manager.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of December 31, 2019, and as of June 30, 2020 the Company had $200 in cash. Our Manager has committed to fund our expenses until we raise a minimum of $1,000,000. While we believe it is unlikely, in the event that the Manager is unable to fund these expenses, our Manager intends to approach individuals or entities which have invested in unrelated projects developed by our Manager’s principals in the past. The Company currently has no agreements, arrangements or understandings with any person or entity to obtain funds through bank loans, lines of credit or any other sources.
The Company hopes to raise $50,000,000 in this Offering with a minimum of $100,000 in funds raised. Although we intend on identifying multifamily, and commercial properties for acquisition with our proceeds, there is no guarantee that we will acquire any such investments. Acquisition will depend highly on our funding, the availability of those funds, the availability of multifamily and commercial properties that meet our investment criteria and the size of such liens to be acquired. Upon the qualification of the Form 1-A, we plan to pursue our investment strategy of multifamily, and commercial properties acquisition or investment in partial interests in such opportunities. There can be no assurance of the Company’s ability to do so or that additional capital will be available to the Company. If so, the Company’s investment objective of acquiring multifamily, and commercial properties will be adversely affected and the Company may not be able to pursue an acquisition opportunity if it is unable to finance such acquisitions. The Company currently has no agreements, arrangements or understandings with any person or entity to obtain funds through bank loans, lines of credit or any other sources. Since the Company has no such arrangements or plans currently in effect, its inability to raise funds for the above purposes will have a severe negative impact on its ability to remain a viable company. However, once we reach a target amount of $500,000 is raised the Company will actively look for and pursue opportunities that meet our investment criteria.
Related Party Transactions
Since our formation, we have raised capital from our Manager. The Manager provided cash for Company startup expenses, totaling $80,501 as of December 31, 2019, none of which has been recognized or recorded as due to the Manager as of the date of the financial statements of the Company (December 31, 2019). As of June 30, 2020, these startup expenses total $122,085, none of which has been recognized or recorded as due to the Manager as of the date of the unaudited financial statements of the Company (June 30, 2020). The Manager will continue to fund these expenses, which are estimated to total $100,000.00 through the completion of this Form 1-A. It is expected that the Manager will be reimbursed for these expenses after we have raised a minimum of $1,000,000. In exchange for services related to this Offering and the management of the Company, the Manager received Class B Interests which are subordinated to our Class A Interests.
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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.
Changes In And Disagreements With Accountants On Accounting And Financial Disclosure
None.
Employees
Currently, entities controlled by Daniel Pena Giraldi, Andrea Petersen and Juan Jose Pena-Giraldi are principals of our Manager and each of these individuals devote a minor portion of their working hours to our Company without a salary. For more information on our personnel, please see "DIRECTOR, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS AND CONTROL PERSONS." Initially, the three principals of our Manager will coordinate all of our business operations. Our Manager has provided the working capital to cover our initial expenses. We plan to use consultants, attorneys, accountants, and other personnel, as necessary and will engage additional full-time employees only as needed in the future. We believe the use of non-salaried personnel allows us to expend our capital resources as a variable cost as opposed to a fixed cost of operations. In other words, if we have insufficient revenues or cash available, we are in a better position to only utilize those services required to generate revenues as opposed to having salaried employees. Any expenses related to the offering will be paid by the Manager, who will be reimbursed once we raise a minimum of $1,000,000. Additionally, those costs associated with overall management of the Company and the management and acquisition of the properties shall also be borne by the Manager until such time except those capitalized expenses related to specific properties.
Our Manager is spending the time allocated to our business in handling the general business affairs of our Company such as accounting issues, including review of materials presented to our auditors, working with our counsel in preparation of filing our Form 1-A, developing our business plan and researching investment opportunities and possible commercial and multifamily properties acquisitions. Upon effectiveness and the successful raise of capital, the principals of the Manager will devote additional working hours to the Company.
INVESTMENT POLICIES OF COMPANY
In all types of investment, our policies may be changed by our Manager without a vote by Members.
We will seek out commercial and multifamily properties residences within the state of Florida and possibly in other states. We believe 100% of our portfolio will consist of real estate properties.
We intend to evaluate each property in the following manner:
| 1. | Obtain property information on its condition, estimated costs for rehabilitation, and feasibility of possible improvements; |
| 2. | Using historical rental rates and vacancy rates if such information is available and useful; |
| 3. | Obtain similar available information of comparable properties in the area including recent sales prices; analyzing rental values, vacancy rates and operating expenses; review crime statistics for the area; review school information; review any other relevant market information; and |
| 4. | Using the above information, perform analysis with hypothetical scenarios to determine expected profit. |
| 5. | We do not intend to invest more than 75% of Company assets into any single real estate asset upon full capitalization of the Company. |
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Further, potential investors should be advised:
| a) | We may issue senior securities at some time in the future. |
| b) | We may borrow money collateralized by our properties with up to a 85% value of our real estate assets (and possibly higher while we acquire our initial portfolio properties). |
| c) | We have no intention of initiating personal loans to other persons. |
| d) | We have no intention of investing in the securities of other issuers for the purpose of exercising control. |
| e) | We have no intention to underwrite securities of other issuers. |
| f) | We may engage in the purchase and sale (or turnover) of investments that are not real estate related at some time in the future. |
| g) | We may offer our securities in exchange for property. |
| h) | We may acquire other securities of other funds so long as those funds are real estate related. |
| i) | We intend to make annual or other reports to security holders including 1-Ks, 1-SAs, 1-Us, and exit reports on Form 1-Z as deemed necessary. Such reports will include the required financial statements. |
As market conditions change, our policies for both investments and borrowing will be evaluated and updated as necessary to safeguard Member equity and increase Member returns. We will update our Members via 1-Us within a few business days, 1-SAs semi-annually, and other Member reports if there are any changes in our investment policy or our borrowing policies.
POLICIES WITH RESPECT TO CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
Our policy with respect to our Manager concerning certain transactions is as follows:
We believe that commercial projects in the Florida market provide the most opportunities for growth especially in the value-add sector as we believe that a disproportionate amount of the development in the past years has been focused in the residential and condominium segment. To achieve this, we may enter into one or more joint ventures, tenant in common investments or other coownership arrangements for the acquisition, development or improvement of properties with third parties or affiliates or related companies of our Manager, including present and future real estate investment offerings sponsored by affiliates of our sponsor. We also may serve as mortgage lender to, or acquire interests in or securities issued by, these joint ventures, tenant-in-common investments or other joint venture arrangements.
Our target portfolio wide leverage after we have acquired an initial substantial portfolio of diversified investments is between 50% and 85% of the greater of cost (before deducting depreciation or other non-cash reserves) or fair market value of our assets. During the period when we are acquiring our initial portfolio, we may employ greater leverage on individual assets (that will also result in greater leverage of the interim portfolio) in order to quickly build a diversified portfolio of commercial projects assets.
Conflicts of Interest
Our Manager and its affiliates experience conflicts of interest in connection with the management of our business. Some of the material conflicts that our Manager and its affiliates face include the following:
| 1. | Principals of our Manager (individually or by entities managed by such Principal(s)) manage other investment opportunities and funds outside of the Company including those that have similar investment objectives as the Company. The structure of these are each very different than the Company’s structure because each of these are privately held, single purpose limited liability companies that are specific to one individual project. |
| 2. | The Manager will most likely enlist the services of a third-party in order to manage our assets. The negotiation for the compensation for that third-party will be at market rates. |
| 3. | The terms of our operating agreement (including the Manager’s rights and obligations and the compensation payable to our Manager and its affiliates) were not negotiated at arm’s length. |
| 4. | Our Members may only remove our Manager for “cause” following the affirmative vote of Members holding 75% of the Class A interests. Unsatisfactory financial performance does not constitute “cause” under the operating agreement. |
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Allocation of Investment Opportunities
We rely on the principals of our Manager’s members, who act on behalf of our Manager to:
| 1. | Identify suitable investments. Our other funds and entities also rely on these same key real estate professionals. Our Manager has in the past, and expects to continue in the future, to offer other investment opportunities including offerings that acquire or invest in multifamily real estate, commercial real estate or real estate equity investments, and other select real estate related assets. |
| 2. | These additional programs may have investment criteria that compete with us. If a sale, financing, investment or other business opportunity would be suitable for more than one program, our Manager will allocate it using its business judgment. Any allocation of this type may involve the consideration of a number of factors that our Manager determines to be relevant. The factors that our Manager’s real estate professionals could consider when determining the entity for which an investment opportunity would be the most suitable include the following: |
| a. | the investment objectives and criteria of our Manager and other entities; |
| b. | the cash requirements of our Manager and other entities; |
| c. | the effect of the investment on the diversification of our Manager’s and other entities’ portfolio by type of investment, and risk of investment; |
| d. | the policy of our Manager and other entities relating to leverage; |
| e. | the anticipated cash flow of the asset to be acquired; |
| f. | the income tax effects of the purchase on our Manager or the other entities; |
| g. | the size of the investment; and |
| h. | the amount of funds available to our Manager or the other entities. |
| 3. | If a subsequent event or development causes any investment, in the opinion of our Manager’s real estate professionals, to be more appropriate for another entity, they may offer the investment to such entity. |
| 4. | Except under any policies that may be adopted by our Manager, which policies are designed to minimize conflicts among the programs and other investment opportunities, no program has any duty, responsibility or obligation to refrain from: |
| a. | engaging in the same or similar activities or lines of business as any program; |
| b. | doing business with any potential or actual tenant, lender, purchaser, supplier, customer or competitor of any program; |
| c. | engaging in, or refraining from, any other activities whatsoever relating to any of the potential or actual tenants, lenders, purchasers, suppliers or customers of any program; |
| d. | establishing material commercial relationships with another program; or |
| e. | making operational and financial decisions that could be considered to be detrimental to another program. |
In addition, any decisions by our Manager to renew, extend, modify or terminate an agreement or arrangement, or enter into similar agreements or arrangements in the future, may benefit one program more than another or limit or impair the ability of any program to pursue business opportunities. In addition, third parties may require as a condition to their arrangements or agreements with or related to any one particular program that such arrangements or agreements include or not include another program, as the case may be. Any of these decisions may benefit one program more than another.
Receipt of Fees and Other Compensation by our Manager and its Affiliates
Our Manager and its affiliates will receive substantial fees from us, which fees will not be negotiated at arm’s length. These fees could influence our Manager’s advice to us as well as the judgment of affiliates of our Manager. Among other matters, these compensation arrangements could affect their judgment with respect to:
| - | the continuation, renewal or enforcement of provisions in our operating agreement involving our Manager and its affiliates; |
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| - | public offerings of equity by us, which will likely entitle our Manager to increased acquisition fees, asset management fees and other fees; |
| - | acquisitions of investments at higher purchase prices, which entitle our Manager to higher acquisition fees and asset management fees regardless of the quality or performance of the investment and, in the case of acquisitions of investments from other entities, might entitle affiliates of our Manager to disposition fees in connection with services for the seller; |
| - | borrowings up to or in excess of our stated borrowing policy to acquire, which borrowings will increase asset management fees payable by us to our Manager; |
| - | whether and when we seek to sell our Company or its assets; and |
| - | whether and when we merge or consolidate our assets with other companies, including companies affiliated with our Manager. |
No Independent Underwriter
As we are conducting this offering without the aid of an independent underwriter, you will not have the benefit of an independent due diligence review and investigation of the type normally performed by an independent underwriter in connection with the offering of securities. See “Plan of Distribution.”
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Company Structure.
School of Whales LLC, a Florida limited liability company (our “Sponsor”), was formed on October 3, 2018 by entities controlled by our three main principals: Daniel Pena-Giraldi, Juan Jose Pena-Giraldi and Andrea Petersen with the goal of combining their experience, know-how and access to deal flow to create a real estate fund that will invest in and finance developments in the state of Florida. It currently does not have any real properties.
The Sponsor will act as the overall sponsor for School of Whales Commercial Real Estate Equity Fund (the “Company”), a Florida limited liability company formed on October 19, 2018. The Sponsor’s wholly-owned subsidiary, SOW Management LLC (the “Manager”), is a Florida limited liability company which was formed on October 5, 2018 with the sole purpose of acting as the Company’s Manager.
The Company is an emerging growth company and has commenced only limited operations, primarily focused on organizational matters in connection with this Offering. We intend on generating revenues in two ways: from income producing properties and from appreciation in value of long-term hold investments.
We have no plans to change our business activities or to combine with another business, and we are not aware of any events or circumstances that might cause our plans to change. Neither management of the Company, nor the majority Member of the Company, have any plans or arrangements to enter into a change of control, business combination or similar transaction or to change management.
We are offering the Interests herein on a “minimum/maximum” basis. The Company will raise a minimum of $100,000 prior to using proceeds from this Offering to acquire multifamily or commercial properties. We expect to use the net proceeds from this Offering to pay for our operating costs as a qualified company, including on-going legal and accounting fees, and to finance costs associated with acquiring multifamily and commercial properties, such as broker price opinions, title reports, recording fees, accounting costs and legal fees.
We believe that there is an opportunity in the domestic marketplace to create and further, operate a successful real estate investment corporation. The Manager has recognized this opportunity and has decided to create and go forward with the creation of the Company. The Company intends to provide real estate investment opportunities and property management services for investors interested in achieving financial success by taking advantage of the real estate market in southern Florida and potentially later across the United States. They also recognized the gaps in the real estate business and turned them into opportunities.
The Company looks to serve its investors by working to maximize their income while at the same time controlling expenses. The funds required for organizing the Company and this Offering have been provided by the Manager of the Company. The Manager has committed to paying all Company expenses until a minimum of $1,000,000 has been raised in this Offering.
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This business plan is based on two vital components:
| 1. | Implementing a sound investment platform begins with a mastery of choosing the right property to fill the needs of the real estate marketplace at the right time. This requires an in-depth knowledge of the market and how to keep gaining a greater share of that market; and |
| 2. | Providing a superior service to the tenants to maximize the Company’s return on investment. |
Company Objective.
The Company was created out of the realization that there is a demand for transparent, direct investment in institutional quality real estate deals. Our management team has been providing investors with consistently positive returns in transactions undertaken by other entities controlled by the management team. These transactions have allowed these investors to be part of development deals throughout South Florida. The Company wants to provide this opportunity to anybody who wants to participate, with a target focus on young professionals who have disposable income to invest and are looking for alternatives to traditional investing. It is looking to engage investors in opportunities to bring new and positive developments to its communities. Furthermore, it wants to provide these investors with the chance to learn about real estate investment.
The Company’s website is in the process of being created and it is a key component of the organization’s overall plan. The Company anticipates that the website will be completed by early August 2019. This will be the primary tool by which investors will engage with the vision, obtaining general information on the market and additional educational resources for individuals wanting to learn about real estate investing. as well as access to fund information. Once investors sign up to invest they will have access to an online dashboard which will provide details regarding the performance of the Company’s investments and allow for account management. This platform will be powered by Crowd Engine, a third party provider.
The Company has definite objectives in order to fulfill its strategy. These include:
| · | Penetrate the market of providing real estate opportunities for qualified individuals and/or business entities interested in achieving financial success by taking advantage of real estate investment and management opportunities in southern Florida and potentially across the United States; and |
| · | Increasing profits as allowed by market conditions. |
The Company will look to buy value-added properties, specifically multifamily, and commercial properties for the best possible price, thereby giving its property holding Company an instant competitive advantage before they even begin to implement its management expertise. A potential investor should note that the above criteria is subject to change according to market conditions. Pending qualification of this Offering, the Company hopes to acquire its first property or interest by the end of April 2021.
The Company anticipates that every project it will undertake will be unique. Accordingly, an accurate description of the steps and timeline needed to take projects from purchase to income producing is impossible. It is possible that some investment opportunities will be income producing immediately or require minimal renovation while others could require significant renovations that would take several years to complete.
Keys to Success.
The Company intends to identify multifamily and commercial properties for investment. The Company is confident of the following attributes that it demonstrates as keys to its success:
| - | Access to opportunities that are attractive in terms of pricing and potential are intended to provide healthy returns for investors; |
| - | Qualified and creative development team will result in opportunities that will otherwise not be available for unaccredited investors |
| - | Access to financing in order to attempt to increase profitability; |
| - | Diligent efforts designed to regularly lower overall expenses; |
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| - | Ability to produce consistent and engaging content for its website will set School of Whales apart from competitors by becoming an educational tool for investors |
| - | Ability to work with crowd funding platform partner to keep costs low and add features to promote recurring investing |
| - | Partnerships with developers, investment brokers, real estate brokers, business schools, and family offices will ensure the growth of the business |
| - | Ability to secure a mix of ‘development play’ properties with a longer-term horizon with income producing properties to provide investors with cash flow in the short term |
The Manager expects to originate and acquire Fund Assets on a frequent and ongoing basis and will continue to do so until the maximum offering of $50,000,000 has been reached, or until the Manager believes market conditions do not justify doing so.
The Manager of the Company will be staffed with educated and experienced professionals that provide personalized and courteous service to their tenants, investors, loan officers, realtors, brokers, financial advisors, and other vendors. The following outlines the competitive strategy of the Company:
| · | Identify a worthwhile project that fits in line with its criteria and will fill market needs; |
| · | Negotiate price and terms. Secure a contract to purchase; |
| · | Analyze the risk/reward scenario through careful analysis and a thorough due diligence procedure; |
| · | Secure financing; |
| · | Form a new business structure which takes ownership of said project; |
| · | After closing, immediately implement a strong management team to shepherd the project and achieve the specific goal(s) intended (i.e. tenant relations, property maintenance, rehabilitation, enhancement, development or condominium conversion) |
Manager.
The Manager is authorized on the Company’s behalf to make all decisions as to
| (i) | the development, sale, lease or other disposition of the Company’s assets; |
| (ii) | the purchase or other acquisition of other assets of all kinds; |
| (iii) | the management of all or any part of the Company’s assets and business; |
| (iv) | the borrowing of money and the granting of security interests in the Company’s assets (including loans from Members) |
| (v) | the lending of money on behalf of the Company; |
| (vi) | the prepayment, refinancing or extension of any mortgage affecting the Company’s assets; |
| (vii) | the compromise or release of any of the Company’s claims or debts; |
| (viii) | the employment of persons for the operation and management of the Company’s business; and |
| (ix) | all elections available to the Company under any federal or state tax law or regulation. |
When the Company raises a minimum of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) pursuant to this offering, then the Manager may be reimbursed by the Company for the Company’s initial organizational and syndication expenses including, but not limited to, legal expenses, printing costs, selling expenses and filing fees. At the Manager’s discretion, the Manager may also be reimbursed for all other Company expenses paid by the Manager.
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Investment Objectives.
Our investment objectives are:
- to develop or add value to commercial properties that can later be sold or leased;
- to acquire commercial properties that will allow us to realize growth for our investors within five to ten years of the termination of this Offering;
- to pay attractive cash distributions as cash becomes available through the sale of our assets or refinancing;
- to enable investors to realize a return on their investment by beginning the process of liquidating and distributing cash to investors within approximately five years of the termination of this Offering, or providing liquidity through alternative means such as in-kind distributions of our own securities or other assets;
- to preserve, protect and return your capital contribution; and
We cannot assure that we will attain these objectives or that the value of our assets will not decrease. Furthermore, within our investment objectives and policies, our Manager will have substantial discretion with respect to the selection of specific investments and the purchase and sale of our assets. Our Manager’s investment committee will review our investment guidelines at least annually to determine whether our investment guidelines continue to be in the best interests of our Members.
Investment Strategy.
We believe that commercial projects in the Florida market provide the most opportunities for growth especially in the value-add sector as most of the development in the past years has been focused in the residential and condominium segment. To achieve this we may enter into one or more joint ventures, tenant in common investments or other co-ownership arrangements for the acquisition, development or improvement of properties with third parties or affiliates or related companies of our Manager, including present and future real estate investment offering sponsored by affiliates of our sponsor.
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We expect to selectively employ leverage in an attempt to enhance total returns to our Members through a combination of senior financing on our real estate acquisitions, secured facilities, and capital markets financing transactions. Our target portfolio wide leverage after we have acquired an initial substantial portfolio of diversified investments is between 50% and 85% of the greater of cost (before deducting depreciation or other non-cash reserves) or fair market value of our assets. During the period when we are acquiring our initial portfolio, we may employ greater leverage on individual assets (that will also result in greater leverage of the interim portfolio) in order to quickly build a diversified portfolio of commercial projects assets. We will seek to secure conservatively structured leverage that is long term, nonrecourse, non mark to market financing to the extent obtainable on a cost-effective basis. To the extent a higher level of leverage is employed it may come either in the form of government sponsored programs or other long term, nonrecourse, non-mark to market financing. Our Manager may from time to time modify our leverage policy in its discretion. However, other than during our initial period of operations, it is our policy to not borrow more than 85% of the greater of cost (before deducting depreciation or other non cash reserves) or fair market value of our assets. We cannot exceed the leverage limit of our leverage policy unless our Manager’s investment committee approves any excess in borrowing over such level.
In executing on our business strategy, we believe that we will benefit from our Manager’s affiliation with our sponsor given our sponsor’s strong track record and extensive experience and capabilities as a real estate originator. These competitive advantages include:
· Our sponsor’s management team experience and reputation as real estate developer, which historically has given it access to a large investment pipeline similar to our targeted assets and the key market data we use to underwrite and portfolio manage assets;
· Our sponsor’s management team’s direct and online origination capabilities, which are amplified by a proprietary technology platform, business process automation, and a large user base, of which a significant portion are seeking capital for real estate projects;
· Our sponsor’s management team’s relationships with financial institutions and other lenders that originate and distribute commercial real estate debt and other real estate related products and that finance the types of assets we intend to acquire and originate;
· Our sponsor’s experienced portfolio management team which actively monitors each investment through an established regime of analysis, credit review and protocol; and
· Our sponsor’s management team which has a successful track record of making commercial real estate investments in a variety of market conditions.
Investment Decisions and Asset Management.
Within our investment policies and objectives, our Manager’s investment committee will have substantial discretion with respect to the selection of specific investments and the purchase and sale of our assets. We believe that successful real estate investment requires the implementation of strategies that permit favorable purchases and originations, effective asset management and timely disposition of those assets. As such, we have developed a disciplined investment approach that combines the experience of its team of real estate and debt finance professionals with a structure that emphasizes thorough market research, stringent underwriting standards and an extensive downside analysis of the risks of each investment. The approach also includes active and aggressive management of each asset acquired.
We believe that active management is critical to creating value. We will also develop a well defined exit strategy for each investment we make. Specifically, we will assign an exit or refinance timeline to each asset we acquire prior to its purchase as part of the original business plan for the asset. We will then periodically reevaluate the exit strategy of each asset in response to the performance of the individual asset, market conditions and our overall portfolio objectives to determine the optimal time to sell the asset.
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To execute our disciplined investment approach, a team of our real estate and debt finance professionals take responsibility for the business plan of each investment. The following practices summarize our investment approach:
· Local Market Research – The investment team extensively researches the acquisition and/or origination and underwriting of each transaction, utilizing both real time market data and the transactional knowledge and experience of our network of professionals and in market relationships.
· Underwriting Discipline – We follow a tightly controlled and managed process to examine all elements of a potential investment, including, with respect to real property, its location, prospects for long range appreciation, resale capacity, income tax considerations and liquidity. Only those assets meeting our investment criteria will be accepted for inclusion in our portfolio. In an effort to keep an asset in compliance with those standards, the underwriting team remains involved through the investment life cycle of the asset and consults with the other internal professionals responsible for the asset. This team of experts reviews and develops comprehensive reports for each asset throughout the holding period.
· Risk Management – Risk management is a fundamental principle in our construction of portfolios and in the management of each investment. Diversification of commercial projects portfolios by investment type, investment size and investment risk is critical to controlling portfolio level risk. Operating or performance risks arise at the investment level and often require real estate operating experience to cure. Our real estate and debt finance professionals review the operating performance and history of our joint venture and development partners against projections and provide the oversight necessary to detect and resolve issues as they arise.
· Asset Management – Prior to the purchase of an individual asset or portfolio, the Manager closely work with the acquisition and underwriting teams to develop an asset business strategy. This is a forecast of the action items to be taken and the capital needed to achieve the anticipated returns. We review asset business strategies regularly to anticipate changes or opportunities in the market during a given phase of a real estate cycle. We have designed this process to allow for realistic yet aggressive enhancement of value throughout the investment period.
Investment Process.
Our Manager has the authority to make all the decisions regarding our investments consistent with the investment guidelines and borrowing policies approved by our Manager’s investment committee and subject to the limitations in our operating agreement and the direction and oversight of our Manager’s investment committee. Our Manager’s investment committee must approve all investments other than investments in property for the development and sale of commercial projects, commercial or residential properties that can be repurposed into commercial project, real estate related debt and other real estate related assets. With respect to investments in commercial real estate, commercial real estate loans, and commercial real estate related debt securities, our Manager’s investment committee intends to adopt investment guidelines that our Manager must follow when acquiring such assets on our behalf without the approval of our Manager’s investment committee. We will not, however, purchase or lease assets in which our Manager, any of our officers or any of their affiliates has an interest without a determination by the Independent Representative that such transaction is fair and reasonable to us and at a price to us that is not materially greater than the cost of the asset to the affiliated seller or lessor. In the event that two or more members of the investment committee are interested parties in a transaction, the Independent Representative will consider and vote upon the approval of the transaction. Our Manager’s investment committee will formally review at a duly called meeting our investment guidelines on an annual basis and our investment portfolio on a quarterly basis or, in each case, more often as they deem appropriate. Our Manager’s investment committee must approve changes to our investment guidelines.
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Our Manager will focus on the direct origination, sourcing, acquisition, select purchasing, and management of property for the development and sale of commercial projects and investments in commercial or residential properties that can be repurposed into commercial projects, and to a lesser extent, real estate related debt and other real estate related assets. It will source our investments from new or existing customers, former and current financing and investment partners, third party intermediaries, competitors looking to share risk and investment, securitization or lending departments of major financial institutions.
In selecting investments for us, our Manager will utilize our sponsor’s established investment and underwriting process, which focuses on ensuring that each prospective investment is being evaluated appropriately. The criteria that our Manager will consider when evaluating prospective investment opportunities include:
· macroeconomic conditions that may influence operating performance;
· real estate market factors that may influence real estate valuations, real estate lending and/or economic performance of real estate generally;
· fundamental analysis of the real estate, zoning, operating costs and the asset’s overall competitive position in its market;
· real estate and sales market conditions affecting the real estate;
· the appropriateness of estimated costs and timing associated with capital improvements of the real estate;
· a valuation of the investment, investment basis relative to its value and the ability to liquidate an investment through a sale or refinancing of the real estate;
· review of third party reports, including appraisals, engineering and environmental reports;
· physical inspections of the real estate and analysis of markets; and
· the overall structure of the investment and rights in the transaction documentation.
If a potential investment meets our Manager’s underwriting criteria, our Manager will review the proposed transaction structure, including, with respect to joint ventures, distribution and waterfall criteria, governance and control rights, buy sell provisions and recourse provisions. With respect to commercial real estate loans, our Manager will review the proposed transaction structure, including security, reserve requirements, cash flow sweeps, call protection and recourse provisions. Our Manager will evaluate the asset’s position within the overall capital structure and its rights in relation to other partners or capital tranches. Our Manager will analyze each potential investment’s risk return profile and review financing sources, if applicable, to ensure that the investment fits within the parameters of financing facilities and to ensure performance of the real estate asset or underlying real estate collateral.
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Special Purpose Entities
When the Company does acquire real estate assets, it intends to hold title to the properties through separate LLCs or through special purpose entities (“SPE’s”) holding several similar asset types. Each separate LLC or SPE will be a 100% wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. If a joint venture is undertaken, the Company may record a first position deed instead of holding actual title.
| · | Each property acquired is its own entity and will be structured as its own business structure while the Company serves as the parent company that bundles all the ownership interests into a single corporation. |
| · | Each property shall be managed by the Company. or its authorized agents. |
Distributions.
Each quarter, the Manager will distribute the Company’s accrued Net Income, to the extent that there is cash available and provided that the quarterly distribution will not impact the continuing operations of the Company as follows:
(1) First, to the Members holding Class A Interests (“Preferred Members”) until they receive an annualized eight percent (8%) on their current capital accounts at the date of distribution (“Target Rate of Return”). Nevertheless, the Manager has the discretion to adjust the interest rate based on changes in the national mortgage rates and various indexes (LIBOR, Prime Rate, etc.); and
(2) Second, the remaining Net Income, if any, will be distributed (a) 80% to the Preferred Members, and (b) 20% to the Manager as a Performance Fee. Nevertheless, the Manager has the discretion to waive its Performance Fee.
There is no claw back in subsequent months for profits the Manager earns.
Return of Capital.
The Company may return all or a portion of a Member’s capital at the Manager’s discretion. Any such return of capital would not be considered a distribution and would not be included in the determination of such Member’s return on investment.
Withdrawal; Redemption.
A Member may withdraw as a Member of the Company and may receive a return of capital provided that the Member provides the Company with a written request for a return of capital at least thirty (30) days prior to such withdrawal. The Company will use its best efforts to honor requests for a return of capital subject to, among other things, the Company’s then cash flow, financial condition, compliance with regulatory and other limitations, and prospective investments. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Manager may, in its sole discretion, waive such withdrawal requirements if a Member is experiencing undue hardship, which determination will be made by the Manager in the Manager’s sole and absolute discretion.
The Company will attempt to honor all requests for withdrawal where the normal business cycle of loan payoffs and new investors provides sufficient funds to accommodate requests for withdrawal without negatively impacting the Company or other Membership Interests, which determination will be made by the Manager in the Manager’s sole and absolute discretion.
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The redemption of Membership Interests shall be subject to the Company’s availability of sufficient cash to pay the expenses of the Company, maintain required reserves and pay the redemption or withdrawal amounts to other Members who requested withdrawal or redemption in the order of the request. No redemption may be made that would render the Company unable to pay its obligations as they become due. The Company shall not be required to sell its assets to raise cash to affect redemption.
Geographic Scope.
The Company will initially focus exclusively on southern Florida real estate opportunities but may ultimately expand to other regions of the United States.
Competition
We will face competition from other owners, investors and developers that are looking to acquire similar properties and who may implement or are already implementing a similar business plan to ours. Further, we may be at a disadvantage to our competition who may have greater capital resources than we do, specifically cash. It has become increasingly difficult to obtain lending on many properties and those developers that are able to close without financing and pay the full purchase price of a property in cash may be able to close on more properties or will be able to negotiate better purchasing terms.
Principal Place of Business.
The Company’s principal place of business is located at: 3634 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127.
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The following is a summary of certain relevant federal income tax considerations resulting from an investment in the Company, but does not purport to cover all of the potential tax considerations applicable to any specific purchaser. Prospective investors are urged to consult with and rely upon their own tax advisors for advice on these and other tax matters with specific reference to their own tax situation and potential changes in applicable law.
Taxation of Undistributed Fund Income (Individual Investors)
Under the laws pertaining to federal income taxation of Partnerships, no federal income tax is paid by the Company as an entity. Each individual Member reports on his federal income tax return his distributive share of Fund income, gains, losses, deductions and credits, whether or not any actual distribution is made to such Member during a taxable year. Each individual Member, generally, may deduct his distributive share of Fund losses, if any, to the extent of the tax basis of his Interests at the end of the Company year in which the losses occurred. The characterization of an item of profit or loss will usually be the same for the Member as it was for the Company. Since individual Members will be required to include Fund income in their personal income without regard to whether there are distributions of Fund income, such investors may become liable for federal and state income taxes on Fund income even though they have received no cash distributions from the Company with which to pay such taxes.
Tax Returns
Annually, the Company will provide the Members sufficient information from the Company's informational tax return for such persons to prepare their individual federal, state and local tax returns. The Company's informational tax returns will be prepared by certified public accountants selected by the Manager.
Unrelated Business Taxable Income
Interests may be offered and sold to certain tax exempt entities (such as qualified pension or profit sharing plans) that otherwise meet the investor suitability standards described elsewhere in this Offering Circular. (See "Investor Suitability Standards.") Such tax exempt entities generally do not pay federal income taxes on their income unless they are engaged in a business which generates "unrelated business taxable income," as that term is defined by Section 512(a)(1) of the Code. Under the Code, tax exempt purchasers of Interests may be deemed to be engaged in an unrelated trade or business by reason of rental or capital gains income earned by the Company. Although rental and capital gains income (which will constitute the primary sources of Fund income) ordinarily do not constitute unrelated business taxable income, this exclusion does not apply to the extent interest income is derived from "debt-financed property." To increase Fund profits or increase Fund liquidity, the Manager may borrow funds in order to invest in properties. This "leveraging" of the Company's property portfolio will constitute an investment in "debt-financed property" will be unrelated business income taxable to ERISA plans. Unrelated business income is taxable only to the extent such income from all sources exceeds $1,000 per year. The resulting tax, known as “UBIT” or “Unrelated Business Income Tax”, is imposed based on the income tax brackets that apply to trusts. Such brackets are high, and can quickly approach 40% (before taking state & local income taxes into account) on fairly small amounts of income (i.e. - net income over $12,400). The remainder of a tax exempt investor's income will continue to be exempt from federal income taxes to the extent it complies with other applicable provisions of law, and the mere receipt of unrelated business income will not otherwise affect the qualification of an IRA or ERISA plan under the Code. The Manager does anticipate that the Company would earn income, based on its acquisition of leveraged rental properties that would be treated as UBTI and therefore subject to UBIT.
The trustee of any trust that purchases Interests in the Company should consult with his tax advisors regarding the requirements for exemption from federal income taxation and the consequences of failing to meet such requirements, in addition to carefully considering his fiduciary responsibilities with respect to such matters as investment diversification and the prudence of particular investments.
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SUMMARY OF OPERATING AGREEMENT
The Operating Agreement, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit 2. is the governing instrument establishing the terms and conditions pursuant to which the Company will conduct business and the rights and obligations between and among the Members and the Manager, as well as other important terms and provisions relating to investment in the Company. A prospective Member is expected to read and fully understand the Operating Agreement in its entirety prior to making a decision to purchase Interests. The following is a brief and incomplete summary of the terms of the Operating Agreement and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Operating Agreement.
Operating Cash Distributions
Except as provided elsewhere in the Operating Agreement, Operating Cash Flow of the Company shall be distributed to the Members quarterly, so long as the Manager determines it is available for distribution, in the following order:
First, to the Members, pro rata in accordance with their percentage interests in the Company (as defined in the Operating Agreement - “Percentage Interest”), until all Members have received a cumulative, non-compounded preferred return of 8% per annum on their Capital Contributions.
Second, eighty percent (80%) to the Members in proportion to their respective Percentage Interests, and twenty percent (20%) to the Manager.
Voting Rights of the Members
The Members will have no right to participate in the management of the Company and will have limited voting rights. Members shall have the right to vote only on the following matters:
Admission of Additional Members: Upon the Company obtaining Capital Contributions of $50,000,000.00, the Manager shall not admit any person as a Member, other than as a substituted Member, without the consent of the Manager and the Members holding all of the Interests.
Removal for Cause: The Members, by an affirmative vote of more than 75% of the Class Interests entitled to vote, shall have the right to remove the Manager at any time solely “for cause.” For purposes of the Operating Agreement, removal of the Manager “for cause” shall mean removal due to the:
(i) conviction or civil judgment for gross negligence or fraud of the Manager,
(ii) conviction or civil judgment for willful misconduct or willful breach of this Operating Agreement by the Manager,
(iii) bankruptcy or insolvency of the Manager, or
(iv) a conviction of a financial or corporate felony by Jay Morrison.
If the Manager or an Affiliate owns any Class A Interests, the Manager or the Affiliate, as the case may be, shall not participate in any vote to remove the Manager.
Vacancy of Manager: Any vacancy caused by the removal of any Manager shall be filled by the affirmative vote of the Members holding a majority of the Class A Interests at a special meeting called for that purpose.
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Dissolution of the Company: The Members holding 75% of the Class A Interests can vote to dissolve the Company. However, the Company can be dissolved as a result of other actions that do not require the vote of the Members, as set forth in the Operating Agreement.
Change To Member Distribution Structure: Any proposed change to the Member distribution structure will require approval by Members holding 100% of the Company. A non-response by a Member shall be deemed a vote that is consistent with the Manager’s recommendation with respect to any proposal.
Amendment of Operating Agreement: The Operating Agreement may be amended or modified from time to time only by a written instrument adopted by the Manager and executed and agreed to by the Members holding a majority of the Class A Interests; provided, however, that: (i) an amendment or modification reducing a Member’s allocations or share of distributions (other than to reflect changes otherwise provided by the Operating Agreement) is effective only with that Member’s consent; (ii) an amendment or modification reducing the required allocations or share of distributions or other measure for any consent or vote in the Operating Agreement is effective only with the consent or vote specified in the Operating Agreement prior to such amendment or modification; and (iii) an amendment that would modify the limited liability of a Member is effective only with that Member’s consent. The Operating Agreement may be amended by the Managers without the consent of the Members: (i) to correct any errors or omissions, to cure any ambiguity or to cure any provision that may be inconsistent with any other provision hereof or with any subscription document; or (ii) to delete, add or modify any provision required to be so deleted, added or modified by the staff of the Securities Exchange Commission or similar official, when the deletion, addition or modification is for the benefit or protection of any of the Manager and/or Members.
The Class A Interests are not limited or qualified by the rights of the holders of the Class B Interests on those matters in which the Class A Members have a right to vote.
Death, Disability, Incompetency or Bankruptcy of a Member
In the event of the death, disability, incapacity or adjudicated incompetency of a Member or if a Member becomes bankrupt, the Member shall become dissociated. Immediately on mailing of a notice of Disassociation sent by the Manager to a Member’s last known address, unless the reason for Disassociation can be and is cured within sixty (60) days, a Member will cease to be a Member of the Company and shall henceforth be known as a Disassociated Member. Any successor in Interest who succeeds to a Member’s Interest by operation of law shall henceforth be known as an Involuntary Transferee.
Subsequently, the Disassociated Member’s right to vote or participate in management decisions will be automatically terminated. A Disassociated Member (or its legal successor) will continue to receive only the Disassociated Member’s Economic Interest in the Company, unless the Disassociated Member/Involuntary Transferee elects to sell its Interest to the Manager or Members (Purchasing Members) or to a third party buyer (Voluntary Transferee) according to procedures in the Operating Agreement; and/or a Voluntary or Involuntary Transferee seeks admission and is approved by the Manager as a Substitute Member.
Limits on Manager’s Liability; Indemnification
The Manager will be fully protected and indemnified by the Company against all liabilities and losses suffered by the Manager (including attorneys’ fees, costs of investigation, fines, judgments and amounts paid in settlement, actually and reasonably incurred by the Manager in connection with such action, suit or proceeding) by virtue of its status as Manager with respect to any acts or omissions, except that expenses incurred by the Manager with respect to claims for fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, gross negligence, bad faith or a material violation of the Operating Agreement shall not be advanced to the Manager unless it is adjudicated in its favor. The provisions of this indemnification will also extend to all managers, Members, affiliates, employees, attorneys, consultants and agents of the Manager for any action taken by it on behalf of the Manager pursuant to the Operating Agreement.
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Other Activities of Manager: Affiliates
The Manager need not devote its full time to the Company’s business but shall devote such time as the Manager in its discretion, deems necessary to manage the Company’s affairs in an efficient manner. Subject to the other express provisions of the Operating Agreement, the Manager, at any time and from time to time may engage in and possess interests in other business ventures of any and every type and description, independently or with others, including ventures in competition with the Company, with no obligation to offer to the Company or any Member the right to participate therein, The Company may transact business with any Manager, Member, officer, agent or affiliate thereof provided the terms of those transactions are no less favorable than those the Company could obtain from unrelated third parties.
Transfers of Interests
A Member may assign, his, her or its Interests only if certain conditions set forth in the Operating Agreement are satisfied. Except as otherwise consented to by the Manager, the assignee must meet all suitability standards and other requirements applicable to other original subscribers and must consent in writing to be bound by all the terms of the Operating Agreement. In addition, the Company must receive written evidence of the assignment in a form approved by the Manager and the Manager must have consented in writing to the assignment. The Manager may withhold this consent in its sole and absolute discretion. Prior to the Manager’s consenting to any assignment, the Member must pay all reasonable expenses, including accounting and attorneys’ fees, incurred by the Company in connection with the assignment.
Withdrawal and Redemption Policy
No Member may withdraw within the first 12 months a Member's admission to the Company. Thereafter, the Company will use its best efforts to honor requests for a return of capital subject to, among other things, the Company’s then available cash flow, financial condition, and approval by the Manager. The maximum aggregate amount of capital that the Company will return to the Members each calendar year is limited to 5.0% of the value of the assets of the Company as of December 31 of the prior year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Manager may, in its sole discretion, waive such withdrawal requirements if a Member is experiencing undue hardship.
Members may submit a written request for withdrawal as a Member of the Company and may receive a 100% return of capital provided that the following conditions have been met: (a) the Member has been a Member of the Company for a period of at least twelve (12) months; and (b) the Member provides the Company with a written request for a return of capital at least ninety (90) days prior to such withdrawal (“Withdrawal Request”).
The Company will not establish a reserve from which to fund withdrawals of Members’ capital accounts and such withdrawals are subject to the availability of cash in any calendar quarter to make withdrawal distributions (“Cash Available for Withdrawals”) only after: (i) all current Company expenses have been paid (including compensation to the Manager, Manager and its affiliates as described in this Offering Circular); (ii) adequate reserves have been established for anticipated Company operating costs and other expenses and advances to protect and preserve the Company’s investments in Properties; and (iii) adequate provision has been made for the payment of all monthly cash distributions owing to Members.
If at any time the Company does not have sufficient Cash Available for Withdrawals to distribute the quarterly amounts due to all Members that have outstanding withdrawal requests, the Company is not required to liquidate any Properties for the purpose of liquidating the capital account of withdrawing Members. In such circumstances, the Company is merely required to distribute that portion of the Cash Available for Withdrawals remaining in such quarter to all withdrawing Members pro rata based upon the relative amounts being withdrawn as set forth in the Withdrawal Request.
Additionally, if a secondary trading market develops for the Company’s interests, the Company intends to terminate this redemption program.
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Manager reserves the right to utilize all Cash Available for Withdrawals to liquidate the capital accounts of deceased Members or ERISA plan investors in whole or in part, before satisfying outstanding withdrawal requests from any other Members. The Manager also reserves the right, at any time, to liquidate the capital accounts of ERISA plan investors to the extent the Manager determines, in its sole discretion, that any such liquidation is necessary in order to remain exempt from the Department of Labor’s “plan asset” regulations.
Dissolution of the Company, Liquidation and Distribution of Assets
The Company shall be dissolved upon the first to occur of the following events: (i) the happening of any other event that makes it unlawful, impossible or impractical to carry on the business of the Company, or (ii) the disposition of all of the Company’s properties.
Power of Attorney
By becoming a party to the Operating Agreement, each Member will appoint the Manager as his or her attorney-in-fact and empower and authorize the Manager to make, execute, acknowledge, publish and file on behalf of the Member in all necessary or appropriate places, such documents as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the intent and purposes of the Operating Agreement.
We may from time to time be involved in routine legal matters incidental to our business; however, at this point in time we are currently not involved in any litigation, nor are we aware of any threatened or impending litigation.
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Our offering price is arbitrary with no relation to value of the Company. This offering is a self- underwritten offering, which means that it does not involve the participation of an underwriter to market, distribute or sell the shares offered under this Offering.
If the maximum amount of Class A Interests are sold under this Offering, the purchasers under this Offering will own 100% of the Class A Interests outstanding.
If the minimum amount of Class A Interests are sold under this Offering, the purchasers under this Offering will own 100% of the Class A Interests outstanding.
The Manager believes that if the maximum amount of the Class A Interests are sold the price per Interests value will be $50 for a total of $50,000,000.
The Manager believes that if the minimum amount of the Class A Interests are sold the price per Interests value will be $50 for a total of $100,000.
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth information as of the date of this Offering.
| Percent | Percent | |||||||||
| Before | After | |||||||||
| Title of Security | Owner | Offering | Offering | |||||||
| Class B Interests | SOW Management LLC(1) | 100 | % | 100 | % | |||||
| Class A Interests | SOW Management LLC | 0 | % | 0 | % | |||||
| TOTAL | 100 | % | 100 | % | ||||||
Daniel Pena-Giraldi, Juan Jose Pena-Giraldi and Andrea Petersen jointly have dispositive control over the Class B Interests that are owned by our Manager, SOW Management LLC. No entity or Member currently owns any Class A Interests in the Company. Class A Interests are being sold through this Offering. Upon consummation of the sale of all Class A Interests, the Class A Interests will maintain an 80% interest in the Company overall and Class B Interests will maintain a 20% interest in the Company overall.
“Beneficial ownership” means the sole or shared power to vote or to direct the voting of, a security, or the sole or shared investment power with respect to a security (i.e., the power to dispose of or to direct the disposition of, a security). In addition, for purposes of this table, a person is deemed, as of any date, to have “beneficial ownership” of any security that such person has the right to acquire within 60 days from the date of this Offering.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS AND CONTROL PERSONS
The decision makers of the Manager of the Company are as follows:
| Name | Age | Title | ||
| Daniel Pena-Giraldi | 44 | Chief Operating Officer | ||
| Juan Jose Pena-Giraldi | 48 | Chief Financial Officer | ||
| Andrea Petersen | 36 | Chief Executive Officer |
Duties, Responsibilities and Experience
The following individuals are the decision makers of SOW Management LLC which is the Manager of the Company. All business and affairs of the Company shall be managed by the Manager. The Manager shall direct, manage, and control the Company to the best of its ability and shall have full and complete authority, power, and discretion to make any and all decisions and to do any and all things that the Manager shall deem to be reasonably required to accomplish the business and objectives of the Company. The rights and duties of the Manager is described in the Operating Agreement.
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The principal decision makers of the Manager are as follows:
Daniel Pena-Giraldi.
Daniel has been active in the real estate industry since 2000, working in commercial development and general construction as principal of Stambul, LLC. These positions included experience in project development, sales, leasing, project management and financing. Daniel is a State of Florida licensed general contractor with a Master of Laws concentrating in Finance and Business and an attorney member of the New York State Bar. This combination of professional backgrounds uniquely qualifies Daniel to negotiate, underwrite and coordinate the acquisition of commercial real estate as well as debt transactions. Daniel is the current Treasurer and Board Member of the non-for profit organizations Miami Downtown Partnership and Downtown Miami Business Improvement District involved in the redevelopment of the Miami Central Business District. Daniel is fluent in Spanish, English and Italian. He received his J.D/Master of Law from the University of Connecticut School of Law.
Andrea Petersen
Andrea has been serving as the Chief Financial Officer at NorthPoint Group, a multinational corporation primarily concentrated on oil and gas with an increasing focus on renewable energy since 2013. She began her career in banking, working and gaining extensive experience in the areas of client relations, real estate credit analysis, and them moving to Treasury where she was in charge of a substantial mortgage backed securities portfolio. Andrea actively manages real estate and development projects and is also a member of Miami Angels, a network of angel investors in South Florida. Andrea is fluent in Spanish and English. She graduated cum laude from Tufts University with a double major in Economics and International Relations. She earned her Master of Business Administration from the University of Miami.
Juan Jose Pena-Giraldi
“JJ” Giraldi has nearly 25 years’ experience in international finance, specializing in Oil and Gas, Manufacturing and Consumer Goods. He joined Packers Plus Energy Services Inc. in 2007 as its Controller and has served as its Chief Financial Officer since 2010. He is attributed with contributing to the strategic vison, growth management and internationalization of the company. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Universidad Catolica Andres Bello. He is fluent in English, Portuguese, Italian and his native Spanish.
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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth the cash compensation of Manager:
| Name and Principal Position | Year | Salary | Bonus | Option Awards |
All Other Compensation(1) | |||||||||||
| SOW Management LLC, Manager | 2018 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | 100% of the Class B Interests | ||||||||
| 2019 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | none | |||||||||
| 2020 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | none | |||||||||
For organizing the Company, business plan development, putting together this Offering, initial capitalization, and other related services, the Manager of our Company has been awarded 100% of the Class B Interests in our Company.
The Manager shall receive reimbursement for expenses incurred on behalf of the Company. As the owner of the Class B Interests, the Manager will also receive 20% of distributions available after the Members have received their Preferred Return, annualized and paid quarterly.
There are no current employment agreements or current intentions to enter into any employment agreements.
Future Compensation
The principals of our Manager have agreed to provide services to us without cash compensation until such time that we have sufficient earnings from our revenue. The Manager has received Class B Interests in exchange for services related to this Offering and the management of the Company.
Transfer Agent
We will retain the services of a transfer agent prior to selling securities in this offering.
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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company utilizes office space provided at no cost from our Manager. Office services are provided without charge by the Company’s Manager. Such costs are immaterial to the financial statements and, accordingly, have not been reflected.
We have issued 12,500,000 Class B Interests, constituting 100% of the Class B Interests, to our Manager. The Manager is controlled by School of Whales LLC (the “Sponsor”). The Sponsor is the manager of the Manager. The approximate value of the Class B Interests at the time of this Offering is approximately $200 The Manager shall receive the following fees and compensation:
The Manager will receive an annual payment of 1% of the total amount invested into the Company by the holders of Class A Interests as an Asset Management Fee. The total amount of fees the Manager may receive cannot be determined at this time. This fee will be annualized and paid monthly.
As the holder of all Class B Interests, the Manager will receive 20% of the Company’s Net Income after payment of the Target Rate of Return to our Preferred Members.
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STRATEGY AND RESULTS
Please see the description of our Investment Strategy set forth starting on page 30.
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SELECTION, MANAGEMENT AND CUSTODY OF COMPANY’S INVESTMENTS
The Company will typically engage third party property managers to manage properties. It is possible that the Company will select property managers that are affiliated to the Manager. Generally, management costs will be a percentage of gross revenues not to exceed 10%.
Prior Performance is Not Indicative of Future Results
The Manager of the Company is SOW Management, LLC, and one of the principal owners and managers of the Manager is Daniel Pena Giraldi. SOW Management LLC is owned by School of Whales LLC. One of the owners of the School of Whales LLC is Stambul LLC.
From 2013 to the present, Daniel Pena Giraldi, as the principal and owner of Stambul LLC, and its affiliates, has purchased and developed commercial real estate currently valued at over $258 million. Mr. Pena Giraldi has managed or purchased properties in Florida.
The projects purchased by Mr. Giraldi and his team were acquired with Mr. Giraldi’s own capital and the proceeds of private offerings of securities made exclusively to Accredited Investors as defined under Rule 501 of Regulation D under the Securities Act. The offerings were conducted pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act. We refer to each of these securities offerings and the properties they included as a “Project.” As of December 31, 2019, none of the Projects were sold or transferred.
There have been no major adverse business developments or conditions experienced by any Project that would be material to purchasers of this offering.
The three prior programs raised an aggregate of $26,487,625 from a total of seven investors from their inception through December 31, 2019.
CAUTION: PRIOR PERFORMANCE DOES NOT GUARANTEE FUTURE RESULTS. THE FACT THAT COMPANIES RELATED TO OUR SPONSOR HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL WITH THESE PROGRAMS DOES NOT GUARANTY THAT THE COMPANY WILL BE SUCCESSFUL.
Acquisitions of Properties Within Last Ten Years
During the last ten years, the Manager has purchased three properties with outside investors, which have and aggregate of 156,000 square feet of construction and a cost total of $57 million.
Prior Performance Tables
The Manager of the Company is SOW Management, LLC, and one of the principal owners and managers of the Manager is Daniel Pena Giraldi. SOW Management LLC is owned by School of Whales LLC. One of the owners of the School of Whales LLC is Stambul LLC.
From 2013 to the present, Daniel Pena Giraldi, as the principal and owner of Stambul LLC, and its affiliates, has purchased and developed commercial real estate currently valued at over $258 million. Mr. Pena Giraldi has managed or purchased properties in Florida.
Some of these Projects were deemed to be similar in nature in that they raised funds from private equity offerings exempt from registration pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act for the primary purpose of acquiring and developing commercial real estate assets as long-term investments for eventual sale. In addition, Each of the Projects also has investment objectives that are similar to the investment objectives of the Company.
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Prior Performance Tables
We are providing a number of tables that illustrate the results of the Projects:
| Table | Projects Included in Table | Purpose and Subject Matter |
| I. Experience Raising Funds | Projects the offering of which closed within the last three years. | Provides information concerning the offerings themselves, including how the offering proceeds were deployed. |
| II. Operating Results | Projects the offering of which closed within the last five years. | Sets forth the annual operating results of the Projects included. |
| IV. Completed Projects | Projects completed (no longer own properties) within the last five years. | Summarizes the results of the Projects included, including the return to Project investors. |
| V. Sales of Property | All Projects that have sold property within the last three years. | Summarizes the result of property sales. |
Because of the similarities between the Projects and the Company, investors who are considering purchasing Interests from the Company might find it useful to review these tables. However, prospective investors should bear in mind that PRIOR PERFORMANCE DOES NOT GUARANTEE FUTURE RESULTS. THE FACT THAT PRINCIPALS OF OUR MANAGER HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL WITH THESE PROJECTS DOES NOT GUARANTEE THAT THE COMPANY WILL BE SUCCESSFUL.
The prior performance tables reflect properties who’s managing member is Daniel Pena Giraldi. One of the principals of our Manager, Daniel Pena Giraldi, formed in 2006 Stambul LLC. Over time, the assets owned by the various entities and managed by Stambul LLC. its affiliates or Daniel Pena Giraldi will be sold.
Table I – Manager Experience (unaudited) - sets forth the Stambul LLC, affiliates and Daniel Pena Giraldi historical experience for all programs that started to raise capital in the last three years and were closed on or before June 30, 2020:
Hospitality (I) |
Flagler
Hall, (II) |
79th
St (III) |
||||||||||
| Dollar Amount Offered | $ | 13,000,000 | $ | 12,487,625 | $ | 1,000,000 | ||||||
| Dollar Amount Raised | 13,000,000 | $ | 12,487,625 | 1,000,000 | ||||||||
| Less Offering Expenses | - | - | - | |||||||||
| Reserves | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||||||
| Percent available for investment | 0 | % | 0 | % | 0 | % | ||||||
| Acquisition Costs | 13,750,000 | 4,800,000 | 2,300,000 | |||||||||
| Percent Leverage | 60 | % | 35 | % | 50 | % | ||||||
| Date Offering Began | 3/3/2017 | 5/6/2018 | 7/13/2017 | |||||||||
| Length of Offering (in months) | 3 | 2 | 1 | |||||||||
| Months to Invest 90% of amount available | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||||||
Hospitality Sunrise, LLC
Hospitality Sunrise, LLC was formed in Florida in February 2017 in order to acquire a hotel asset in Fort Lauderdale, Florida (“FLL Property.”) The FLL Property was acquired in June 2017 and is a located at 1055 N federal Hwy, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33304. The hotel has 145 keys (53,750 sq. ft.) and a total land of 2.25 acres.
The property is strategically positioned on the curve of Sunrise Blvd. and Federal Highway (US1). Renovations were completed in mid-January 2016. The hotel went on line as a Clarion Inn franchise producing revenue since February 2016.
To be re-positioned, decorative screens will be installed in the exterior facade of the building to mitigate the “motel looking” appearance and reposition the property into a lifestyle hotel with a high energy food & beverage component, poolside bar and lake entertainment area.
As a second phase of the project, a new 85 unit condo / multi-family apartments with 2500 sq. ft. of commercial space will be developed within its 2.25 acres lot without interruption of the hotel operations.
The hotel is walking distance to the beach, the Galleria Mall, three public parks, Super Markets, IL Mulino, Cafe Veco, J Marks, a movie theater, The French-Bakery, and dozens of other popular restaurants, stores, coffee shops, and night spots.
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Flagler Hall, LLC
Flagler Hall, LLC was formed in Florida in March 2018 in order to acquire a commercial asset in Miami, Florida (“Downtown Property”). The property was acquired in June 2018 and is located at 200 E. Flagler St., Miami, Florida.
Downtown Property is the former site of the third Walgreens outside of Chicago, an historic property located at 200 E. Flagler Street. It was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on 1991.
This 58,000 sq. ft. trophy property, located in an emblematic corner of Flagler Street, is being developed to become an entertainment center with 7 floors of different experiences. Currently the tenant roster includes 14 restaurant concepts, basement bar, 19,000 sq. ft. of office space and rooftop food and beverage concept. We anticipate that development of this property will be complete by the first quarter of 2021.
79th Street Development, LLC
79th Street Development, LLC was formed in Florida in April 2017 in order to acquire an acre of land in Little River in Miami, FL (“Little River”).
The property was acquired in May 2017, it is zoned T6-8 which allows to build 150 units per acre. Currently the project is in the planning phase to develop a 120 units multifamily building.
Table II – Operating Results of Prior Programs (unaudited). - sets forth the operating results of properties included in prior real estate programs:
| For
the Periods Ended December 31, 2018, December 31, 2019 and June 30, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hospitality Sunrise, LLC | Flagler Hall, LLC | 79th St Development, LLC | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2018 | 2019 | June
30, 2020 | 2018 | 2019 | June
30, 2020 | 2018 | 2019 | June
30, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Summary of Income Statement Data: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross revenue- | $ | 0.00 | $ | 0.00 | $ | 0.00 | $ | 0.00 | $ | 0.00 | $ | 0.00 | $ | 6,125.00 | $ | 750.00 | $ | 700.00 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Less-Operating expenses | 5,156.45 | 4,168.27 | 1,215.00 | 363.94 | 1,465.00 | 230 | 58,015.79 | 60,716.20 | 32,989.90 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net operating income | (5,156.45 | ) | (4,168.27 | ) | (1,215.00 | ) | (363.94 | ) | (1,465.00 | ) | (230 | ) | (51,890.79 | ) | (59,966.20 | ) | (32,289.90 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | (32.607.44 | ) | (15,270.99 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-operating - depreciation and amortization | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 28,678.00 | 28,678.00 | 14,339.00 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income(loss) - GAAP basis | $ | (1,876.87 | ) | $ | (1,264.21 | ) | $ | (1,215.00 | ) | $ | (363.94 | ) | $ | (1,465.00 | ) | $ | (230 | ) | $ | (80,568.79 | ) | $ | (121,251.64 | ) | $ | (61,899.89 | ) | |||||||||
| Taxable Income from operations | $ | (1,876.87 | $ | (1,264.21 | ) | $ | (1,215.00 | ) | $ | (363.94 | ) | $ | (1,465.00 | ) | $ | (230 | ) | $ | (80,568.79 | ) | $ | (121,251.64 | ) | $ | (61,899.89 | ) | ||||||||||
| Cash generated from operations | (1,876.87 | ) | (1,264.21 | )) | (1,215.00 | ) | 249,670.22 | 0.00 | (230 | ) | (38,809.90 | ) | 750.00 | 700.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash used in investing activities | (49,500.00 | ) | (0.00 | ) | 0.00 | (5,469,554.12 | ) | (2,668,999.59 | ) | (2,726,019.29 | ) | (64,958.69 | ) | (11,635.76 | ) | (7,457.15 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Cash used in financing activities | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 5,220,404.89 | 2,668,999.59 | 0.00 | 109,174.83 | 32,607.44 | 15,270.99 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash generated from refinancing or sale | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less-Cash distributions to investors | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| - from operating cash flow | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| - less cash distribution to Manager | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash generated after cash distributions | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tax and Distributions Data: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Federal Income Tax Results: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ordinary income(loss) from operations | $ | (1,876.87 | ) | $ | (1,264.21 | ) | $ | (1,215.00 | ) | $ | (363.94 | ) | $ | (1,465.00 | ) | $ | (230 | ) | $ | (80,568.79 | ) | $ | (121,251.64 | ) | $ | (61,899.89 | ) | |||||||||
| Cash Distributions Paid to Investors | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| - From Operations | $ | 0.00 | $ | 0.00 | $ | 0.00 | $ | 0.00 | $ | 0.00 | $ | 0.00 | $ | 0.00 | $ | 0.00 | $ | 0.00 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Summary Balance Sheet: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets (before depreciation) | $ | 8,252,496.92 | $ | 8,327,890.58 | $ | 8,327,875.58 | $ | 5,470,075.11 | $ | 8,833,580.11 | $ | 11,022,112.60 | $ | 1,630,780.88 | $ | 1,566,699.25 | $ | 1,543,723.55 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets (after depreciation) | 8,252,496.92 | 8,327,890.58 | 8,327,875.58 | 5,470,075.11 | 8,833,580.11 | 11,022,112.60 | 1,602,102.88 | 1,493,809.25 | 1,442,155.50 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities | 0.00 | 1,200.00 | 2,400.00 | 250,034 | 246,899.20 | 226,899.20 | 810,429.26 | 758,455.16 | 712,876.69 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Table III
Inapplicable as no properties have been disposed.
Table IV
Inapplicable as no properties have been disposed.
As permitted by Florida law, our Operating Agreement provides:
| ○ | we will indemnify our Manager to the fullest extent permitted by law; |
| ○ | we may indemnify our other employees and other agents to the same extent that we indemnify our Manager; and |
| ○ | we will advance expenses to our Manager in connection with a legal proceeding, and may advance expenses to any employee or agent; provided, however, that such advancement of expenses shall be made only upon receipt of an undertaking by the person to repay all amounts advanced if it should be ultimately determined that the person was not entitled to be indemnified. |
INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL
No expert or counsel named in this Offering as having prepared or certified any part of this Offering or having given an opinion upon the validity of the securities being registered or upon other legal matters in connection with the registration or offering of the Class A Interests was employed on a contingency basis, or had, or is to receive, in connection with the Offering, a substantial interest, direct or indirect, in the registrant or any of its parents or subsidiaries. Nor was any such person connected with the registrant or any of its parents or subsidiaries as a promoter, managing or principal underwriter, voting trustee, director, officer, or employee.
The Law Office of James G. Dodrill II, P.A. is providing legal services relating to this Form 1-A.
Templeton & Company, LLP is providing auditing services relating to this Form 1-A.
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SCHOOL OF WHALES COMMERCIAL
REAL ESTATE EQUITY FUND, LLC
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
| F-1 |
SCHOOL OF WHALES COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE EQUITY FUND, LLC
JUNE 30, 2020
(UNAUDITED)
| Assets | ||||
| Cash | $ | 200 | ||
| Total Assets | $ | 200 | ||
| Liabilities | ||||
| Accounts payable | $ | - | ||
| Members' Equity | ||||
| Contributed capital | 200 | |||
| Total Liabilities and Members' Equity | $ | 200 | ||
See accompanying notes to financial statements
| F-2 |
SCHOOL OF WHALES COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE EQUITY FUND, LLC
For the six months ended June 30, 2020
(UNAUDITED)
| Revenue | $ | - | ||
| Operating expenses | - | |||
| Net income | $ | - |
See accompanying notes to financial statements
| F-3 |
SCHOOL OF WHALES COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE EQUITY FUND, LLC
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN MEMBERS' EQUITY
For the six months ended June 30, 2020
(UNAUDITED)
| Class A | Class B | |||||||||||
| Units | Units | Total | ||||||||||
| Members' Equity, December 31, 2019 | $ | - | $ | 200 | $ | 200 | ||||||
| From operations: | ||||||||||||
| Net income | - | - | - | |||||||||
| From capital transactions: | ||||||||||||
| Contributions | - | - | - | |||||||||
| Increase from capital transactions | - | - | - | |||||||||
| Increase In Members' Equity | - | - | - | |||||||||
| Members' Equity, June 30, 2020 | $ | - | $ | 200 | $ | 200 | ||||||
See accompanying notes to financial statements
| F-4 |
SCHOOL OF WHALES COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE EQUITY FUND, LLC
For the six months ended June 30, 2020
(UNAUDITED)
| Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||
| Net income | $ | - | ||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||
| Contributions from Class B Unit Holders | - | |||
| Net change | - | |||
| Cash, January 1, 2020 | 200 | |||
| Cash, June 30, 2020 | $ | 200 |
See accompanying notes to financial statements
| F-5 |
SCHOOL OF WHALES COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE EQUITY FUND, LLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2020
Note 1 – Description of the Organization
The School of Whales Commercial Real Estate Equity Fund, LLC (the Fund or Company) is a Florida limited liability company, formed for the purpose of raising funds through Jump Start Our Business Start Ups Act (Jump Start Act). The Fund’s objective is to deploy the funds raised into commercial real estate properties that meet certain investment criteria. The Fund’s focus will initially be the Florida real estate market but over time may expand to other geographic regions. The Company had not commenced operations as of June 30, 2020.
Subsequent to June 30, 2020, the Fund plans to offer up to 1,000,000 Class A units at $50.00 per Class A unit and has filed an offering statement pursuant to Regulation A with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the Offering).
The Fund intends to raise up to $50,000,000 through the Offering which will be handled by the Fund’s Manager, SOW Management, LLC (Manager). The Fund has established a minimum investment requirement of $500.
Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying financial statements of the Fund have been presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Fund Management Fees
The Fund’s assets will be managed by Manager, which is wholly owned by School of Whales, LLC (SOW), an affiliated company. The management fees will be calculated based upon a specified percentage of assets under management.
Income Taxes
For federal income tax purposes, the Fund is treated as a partnership, and the investors are treated as partners. As a partnership, tax-basis income and losses are passed through to the members and, accordingly, income taxes are not provided for by the Fund.
The tax-basis income and losses may differ from the income and losses in the accompanying statement of operations, which is prepared in accordance with the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Note 3 – Members’ Equity
The Company was formed on October 19, 2018 and intends to raise equity capital pursuant to the Offering as an emerging growth Company under the Jump Start Act.
The Company has two authorized classes of member units, Class A units and Class B units.
| F-6 |
SCHOOL OF WHALES COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE EQUITY FUND, LLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
JUNE 30, 2020
Note 3 – Members’ Equity, Continued
As of June 30, 2020, the Company has not issued any Class A units. Class A units will be issued as part of the Offering with a purchase price of $50 per Class A unit, with a minimum purchase of ten (10) Class A units for an aggregate minimum purchase price of $500. The Company must raise a minimum of $100,000 prior to funds being released to the Company for working capital.
There are 1,000,000 Class A units available to be issued for up to a 100% ownership of the Class A units which, based on the offering price of $50 per Class A unit, would raise a maximum $50,000,000 in capital.
Class A units will only be sold through the Manager pursuant to the Offering. If all Class A interests are sold, the Class A units will have an 80% voting interest in the Company and Class B units will have a 20% voting interest in the Company. Class B units have certain voting units as specified in the Fund’s operating agreement.
Class A units are entitled to a non-compounding preferred return of 8% annually. The preferred return distributions are a priority return distribution and must be paid prior to any profits distributions. The preferred return distributions will be paid, subject to cash flow, quarterly on an annualized basis. Upon the preferred return distributions being satisfied, a profits distribution may be paid ratably in accordance with the percentage of the Class A and Class B ownership. Class B units are subordinated to Class A units.
All Class B units were issued to the Manager and its managing members. School of Whales, LLC owns 100% of the Class B units. The Manager or its members or affiliates will retain 20% of the equity interest in the Fund in exchange for its services to the Fund.
Note 4 – Related Party Transactions
Fund asset management fees are payable monthly to the Manager based on 1.00% per annum (pro-rated) of Class A unit members’ contributed capital.
For the six months ended June 30, 2020, no management fees were charged to the Fund.
Under the Fund’s operating agreement, all expenses incurred by the Manager through the date of the capital raise, will be reimbursed to the Manager, upon the Fund meeting stipulated capital raise thresholds. As of June 30, 2020, the Manger has incurred expenses associated with the formation, organization and 2019 Class A unit offering which totaled approximated $122,000. Such expenses incurred by the Manager have not been reflected in the accompanying financial statements as the Fund had not met the capital raise threshold requiring reimbursement of such expenses.
Note 5 – Subsequent Events
The Fund has evaluated events subsequent to June 30, 2020, through August 25, 2020, the date the financial statements were available to be issued, for adjustments to or disclosures in the financial statements.
| F-7 |
SCHOOL OF WHALES COMMERCIAL
REAL ESTATE EQUITY FUND, LLC
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2019
AND THE PERIOD OCTOBER 19, 2018 (INCEPTION)
THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2018
F-8
SCHOOL OF WHALES COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE EQUITY FUND, LLC
Table of Contents
F-9

To the Board of Directors and Members
School of Whales Commercial
Real Estate Equity Fund, LLC
Miami, Florida
We have audited the accompanying financial statements of the School of Whales Commercial Real Estate Equity Fund, LLC (a Florida Limited Liability Company), which comprise the balance sheets as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the related statements of operations, changes in members’ equity, and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2019 and the period ended October 19, 2018 (inception) through December 31, 2018, and the related notes to the financial statements.
Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; this includes the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
Auditor’s Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.
Opinion
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the School of Whales Commercial Real Estate Equity Fund, LLC as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2019 and the period October 19, 2018 (inception) through December 31, 2018 in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Emphasis of Matter
As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company plans to file an offering statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation A, to raise equity capital of up to $50,000,000 in Class A member units.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
August 25, 2020
F-10
SCHOOL OF WHALES COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE EQUITY FUND, LLC
December 31, 2019 and 2018
| 2019 | 2018 | |||||||
| Assets | ||||||||
| Cash | $ | 200 | $ | 200 | ||||
| Total Assets | $ | 200 | $ | 200 | ||||
| Liabilities | ||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | - | $ | - | ||||
| Members' Equity | ||||||||
| Contributed capital | 200 | 200 | ||||||
| Total Liabilities and Members' Equity | $ | 200 | $ | 200 | ||||
See accompanying notes to financial statements
F-11
SCHOOL OF WHALES COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE EQUITY FUND, LLC
For the Year Ended December 31, 2019 and the Period
October 19, 2018 (inception) through December 31, 2018
| 2019 | 2018 | |||||||
| Revenue | $ | - | $ | - | ||||
| Operating expenses | - | - | ||||||
| Net income | $ | - | $ | - | ||||
See accompanying notes to financial statements
F-12
SCHOOL OF WHALES COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE EQUITY FUND, LLC
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN MEMBERS' EQUITY
For the Year Ended December 31, 2019 and the Period
October 19, 2018 (inception) through December 31, 2018
| Class A | Class B | |||||||||||
| Units | Units | Total | ||||||||||
| Members' Equity, October 19, 2018 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||
| From operations: | ||||||||||||
| Net income | - | - | - | |||||||||
| From capital transactions: | ||||||||||||
| Contributions | - | 200 | 200 | |||||||||
| Increase In Members' Equity | - | 200 | 200 | |||||||||
| Members' Equity, December 31, 2018 | - | 200 | 200 | |||||||||
| From operations: | ||||||||||||
| Net income | - | - | - | |||||||||
| Increase In Members' Equity | - | - | - | |||||||||
| Members' Equity, December 31, 2019 | $ | - | $ | 200 | $ | 200 | ||||||
See accompanying notes to financial statements
F-13
SCHOOL OF WHALES COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE EQUITY FUND, LLC
For the Year Ended December 31, 2019 and the Period
October 19, 2018 (inception) through December 31, 2018
| 2019 | 2018 | |||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||
| Net income | $ | - | $ | - | ||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||||
| Contributions from Class B Unit Holders | - | 200 | ||||||
| Net change | - | 200 | ||||||
| Cash, beginning of period | 200 | - | ||||||
| Cash, end of period | $ | 200 | $ | 200 | ||||
See accompanying notes to financial statements
F-14
SCHOOL OF WHALES COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE EQUITY FUND, LLC
Note 1 – Description of the Organization
The School of Whales Commercial Real Estate Equity Fund, LLC (the Fund or Company) is a Florida limited liability company, formed for the purpose of raising funds through Jump Start Our Business Start Ups Act (Jump Start Act). The Fund’s objective is to deploy the funds raised into commercial real estate properties that meet certain investment criteria. The Fund’s focus will initially be the Florida real estate market but over time may expand to other geographic regions. The Company had not commenced operations as of December 31, 2019.
Subsequent to December 31, 2019, the Fund plans to offer up to 1,000,000 Class A units at $50.00 per Class A unit and will file an offering statement pursuant to Regulation A with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the Offering).
The Fund intends to raise up to $50,000,000 through the Offering which will be handled by the Fund’s Manager, SOW Management, LLC (Manager). The Fund has established a minimum investment requirement of $500.
Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying financial statements of the Fund have been presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Fund Management Fees
The Fund’s assets will be managed by the Manager, which is wholly owned by School of Whales, LLC (SOW), an affiliated company. The management fees will be calculated based upon a specified percentage of assets under management.
Income Taxes
For federal income tax purposes, the Fund is treated as a partnership, and the investors are treated as partners. As a partnership, tax-basis income and losses are passed through to the members and, accordingly, income taxes are not provided for by the Fund.
The tax-basis income and losses may differ from the income and losses in the accompanying statements of operations, which are prepared in accordance with the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Note 3 – Members’ Equity
The Company was formed on October 19, 2018 and intends to raise equity capital pursuant to the Offering as an emerging growth Company under the Jump Start Act.
The Company has two authorized classes of member units, Class A units and Class B units.
F-15
SCHOOL OF WHALES COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE EQUITY FUND, LLC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
Note 3 – Members’ Equity, Continued
As of December 31, 2019, the Company has not issued any Class A units. Class A units will be issued as part of the Offering with a purchase price of $50 per Class A unit, with a minimum purchase of ten (10) Class A units for an aggregate minimum purchase price of $500. The Company must raise a minimum of $100,000 prior to funds being released to the Company for working capital.
There are 1,000,000 Class A units available to be issued for up to a 100% ownership of the Class A units which, based on the offering price of $50 per Class A unit, would raise a maximum $50,000,000 in capital.
Class A units will only be sold through the Manager pursuant to the Offering. If all Class A interests are sold, the Class A units will have an 80% voting interest in the Company and Class B units will have a 20% voting interest in the Company. Class B units have certain voting units as specified in the Fund’s operating agreement.
Class A units are entitled to a non-compounding preferred return of 8% annually. The preferred return distributions are a priority return distribution and must be paid prior to any profits distributions. The preferred return distributions will be paid, subject to cash flow, quarterly on an annualized basis. Upon the preferred return distributions being satisfied, a profits distribution may be paid ratably in accordance with the percentage of the Class A and Class B ownership. Class B units are subordinated to Class A units.
All Class B units were issued to the Manager and its managing members. School of Whales, LLC owns 100% of the Class B units. The Manager or its members or affiliates will retain 20% of the equity interest in the Fund in exchange for its services to the Fund.
Note 4 – Related Party Transactions
Fund asset management fees are payable monthly to the Manager based on 1.00% per annum (pro-rated) of Class A unit members’ contributed capital.
For the year ended December 31, 2019 and period ended December 31, 2018, no management fees were charged to the Fund.
Under the Fund’s operating agreement, all expenses incurred by the Manager through the date of the capital raise, will be reimbursed to the Manager, upon the Fund meeting stipulated capital raise thresholds. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Manager has incurred expenses associated with the formation, organization and 2020 Class A unit offering which totaled approximated $80,000. Such expenses incurred by the Manager have not been reflected in the accompanying financial statements as the Fund had not met the capital raise threshold requiring reimbursement of such expenses.
Note 5 – Commitments
Subsequent to December 31, 2019, the Company executed an agreement with a third party registered broker dealer to assist the Company in reviewing and vetting investor information, review subscription agreements, contact the Company, if needed, to gather additional information or clarification on potential investors, and coordinate with third parties to ensure adequate review and compliance takes place during the 2020 offering.
The broker dealer will receive the majority of its compensation based on capital raised during the one year contract period commencing the date the Offering is qualified by the SEC.
Note 6 – Subsequent Events
The Fund has evaluated events subsequent to December 31, 2019, through August 25, 2020, the date the financial statements were available to be issued, for adjustments to or disclosures in the financial statements.
F-16
Item 1. Index to Exhibits
| 58 |
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of Regulation A, the issuer certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 1-A and has duly caused this offering statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Miami, State of Florida, on March 4, 2021.
| School of Whales Commercial Real Estate Equity Fund, LLC | ||
| /s/ Andrea Petersen | ||
| Andrea Petersen, Chief Executive Officer of SOW Management LLC, Manager | ||
| This offering statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated above. | ||
| School of Whales Commercial Real Estate Equity Fund, LLC | ||
| /s/ Andrea Petersen | ||
| Andrea Petersen, Chief Executive Officer of SOW Management LLC, Manager | ||
| /s/ Juan Jose Pena-Giraldi | ||
| Juan Jose Pena Giraldi, Chief Financial Officer of | ||
| SOW Management LLC, Manager | ||
| /s/ Daniel Pena-Giraldi | ||
| Daniel Pena-Giraldi, Chief Operating Officer of | ||
| SOW Management LLC, Manager | ||
| 59 |
Exhibit 2
|
Electronic Articles of Organization For Florida Limited Liability Company |
L18000234187 FILED 8:00 AM October 03, 2018 Sec. Of State jafason |
Article I
The name of the Limited Liability Company is:
SCHOOL OF WHALES LLC
Article II
The street address of the principal office of the Limited Liability Company is:
3634 NW 2ND AVE
MIAMI, FL. 33127
The mailing address of the Limited Liability Company is:
3634 NW 2ND AVE
MIAMI, FL. 33127
Article III
The name and Florida street address of the registered agent is:
ANDREA PETERSEN
2900 SW 28TH TERRACE
202
MIAMI, FL. 33133
Having been named as registered agent and to accept service of process for the above stated limited liability company at the place designated in this certificate, I hereby accept the appointment as registered agent and agree to act in this capacity. I further agree to comply with the provisions of all statutes relating to the proper and complete performance of my duties, and I am familiar with and accept the obligations of my position as registered agent.
Registered Agent Signature: ANDREA PETERSEN
Article IV
| The name and address of person(s) authorized to manage LLC: |
L18000234187 FILED 8:00 AM October 03, 2018 Sec. Of State jafason |
Title: MGR
DANIEL PENA
3634 NW 2ND AVE
MIAMI, FL. 33127
Title: MGR
ANDREA PETERSEN
2900 SW 28TH TERRACE, SUITE 202
MIAMI, FL. 33133
Signature of member or an authorized representative
Electronic Signature: ANDREA PETERSEN
I am the member or authorized representative submitting these Articles of Organization and affirm that the facts stated herein are true. I am aware that false information submitted in a document to the Department of State constitutes a third degree felony as provided for in s.817.155, F.S. I understand the requirement to file an annual report between January 1st and May 1st in the calendar year following formation of the LLC and every year thereafter to maintain "active" status.
Exhibit 3
Table of Contents
| 1. | Formation, Name, Purposes | 1 | ||
| 1.1 | Florida Limited Liability Company | 1 | ||
| 1.2 | Name | 1 | ||
| 1.3 | Place of Business | 1 | ||
| 1.4 | Manager | 1 | ||
| 1.5 | Manager’s Compensation | 2 | ||
| 1.6 | Members | 2 | ||
| 1.7 | Nature of Members’ Interests | 2 | ||
| 1.8 | Intent to Be Treated as a Partnership | 2 | ||
| 1.9 | Nature of Business | 2 | ||
| 1.10 | Objectives | 3 | ||
| 1.11 | Term | 3 | ||
| 1.12 | Registered Agent | 3 | ||
| 2. | Capitalization of the Company | 3 | ||
| 2.1 | Member Classes | 3 | ||
| 2.2 | Percentage Interests | 4 | ||
| 2.3 | Capital Calls; Default of Member | 4 | ||
| 2.4 | Time of Capital Contributions; Withdrawal Not Permitted | 5 | ||
| 2.5 | Capital Accounts | 5 | ||
| 3. | Manager Advances and Member Loans | 5 | ||
| 3.1 | Manager Advances | 5 | ||
| 3.2 | Member Loans | 6 | ||
| 3.3 | Right and Priority of Repayment | 6 | ||
| 3.4 | Third-party Loans | 6 | ||
| 4. | Cash Distributions to Members | 6 | ||
| 4.1 | Cash Distributions during Operations | 6 | ||
| 4.2 | Withdrawal and Redemption | 7 | ||
| 5. | Manager’s Fees or Other Compensation | 8 | ||
| 5.1 | Expense Reimbursement | 8 | ||
| 5.2 | Fees Paid to Manager and/or Third Parties | 8 | ||
| 6. | Rights and Duties of Manager | 9 | ||
| 6.1 | Management | 9 | ||
| 6.2 | Number of Managers, Tenure, and Qualifications | 9 | ||
| 6.3 | Authority of the Manager | 9 | ||
| 6.4 | Major Decisions; Restrictions on Authority of Manager | 10 | ||
| 6.5 | Employment of Affiliated or Unaffiliated Service Providers | 11 | ||
| 6.6 | Delegation of Duties | 11 | ||
| 6.7 | Consultation; Quarterly Reports | 11 | ||
| 6.8 | Manager’s Reliance on Information Provided by Others | 12 | ||
| 6.9 | Fiduciary Duties of Manager | 12 | ||
| 6.10 | Limited Liability of the Members and the Manager | 13 | ||
| 6.11 | Indemnification of the Manager and the Members | 13 | ||
| 6.12 | Liability Insurance | 14 | ||
| 6.13 | Manager Has No Exclusive Duty to Company | 14 |
| i |
| 7. | Rights and Obligations of Members | 14 | ||
| 7.1 | Limitation of Liability | 14 | ||
| 7.2 | Company Debt Liability | 14 | ||
| 7.3 | Authority of the Members; Summary of Voting Rights | 15 | ||
| 7.4 | Participation | 16 | ||
| 7.5 | Deadlock | 16 | ||
| 8. | Resignation or Removal of the Manager | 16 | ||
| 8.1 | Resignation | 16 | ||
| 8.2 | Removal Process; Notice to Perform | 16 | ||
| 8.3 | Reasons for Removal; Good Cause Defined | 16 | ||
| 8.4 | Removal Notice Requirements | 17 | ||
| 8.5 | Effect of Resignation or Removal on Manager’s Cash Distributions and Fees | 17 | ||
| 8.6 | Applicability of Internal Dispute Resolution Procedure | 18 | ||
| 8.7 | Vacancies | 18 | ||
| 9. | Meetings of Members | 18 | ||
| 9.1 | Annual Meeting | 18 | ||
| 9.2 | Meetings | 18 | ||
| 9.3 | Place of Meetings | 19 | ||
| 9.4 | Notice of Meetings | 19 | ||
| 9.5 | Meeting of all Members | 19 | ||
| 9.6 | Record Date | 19 | ||
| 9.7 | Quorum | 19 | ||
| 9.8 | Manner of Acting | 19 | ||
| 9.9 | Proxies | 19 | ||
| 9.10 | Action by Members without a Meeting | 20 | ||
| 9.11 | Electronic Meetings | 20 | ||
| 9.12 | Waiver of Notice | 20 | ||
| 10. | Fiscal Year, Books and Records, Bank Accounts, Tax Matters | 20 | ||
| 10.1 | Fiscal Year | 20 | ||
| 10.2 | Company Books and Records | 20 | ||
| 10.3 | Bank Accounts | 21 | ||
| 10.4 | Reports and Statements | 21 | ||
| 10.5 | Tax Matters | 22 | ||
| 11. | Voluntary Transfer; Additional and Substitute Members | 22 | ||
| 11.1 | Voluntary Withdrawal, Resignation or Disassociation Prohibited | 22 | ||
| 11.2 | Admission of Additional Members | 22 | ||
| 11.3 | Transfer Prohibited Except as Expressly Authorized Herein | 22 | ||
| 11.4 | Conditions for Permissible Voluntary Transfer; Substitution | 22 | ||
| 11.5 | Voluntary Transfer; Right of First Refusal | 23 | ||
| 11.6 | Withdrawal After One Year | 25 | ||
| 12. | Involuntary Transfer; Disassociation | 25 | ||
| 12.1 | Disassociation for Cause | 25 | ||
| 12.2 | Disassociation by Operation of Law | 25 | ||
| 12.3 | Effect of Disassociation | 26 | ||
| 12.4 | Sale and Valuation of a Disassociated Member’s Interest | 27 | ||
| 12.5 | Closing | 27 |
| ii |
| 12.6 | Payment for a Disassociated Member’s Interest | 27 | ||
| 12.7 | Transfer of Economic Interest; Rights of an Involuntary Transferee | 28 | ||
| 13. | Internal Dispute Resolution Procedure | 28 | ||
| 13.1 | Notice of Disputes | 28 | ||
| 13.2 | Negotiation of Disputes | 29 | ||
| 13.3 | Mandatory Alternative Dispute Resolution | 29 | ||
| 13.4 | Mediation | 30 | ||
| 13.5 | Arbitration | 30 | ||
| 14. | Dissolution and Termination of the Company | 31 | ||
| 14.1 | Dissolution | 31 | ||
| 14.2 | Termination of a Member Does Not Require Dissolution | 31 | ||
| 14.3 | Procedure for Winding-Up | 31 | ||
| 15. | Miscellaneous Provisions | 32 | ||
| 15.1 | Notices | 32 | ||
| 15.2 | Amendments | 32 | ||
| 15.3 | Binding Effect | 32 | ||
| 15.4 | Construction | 33 | ||
| 15.5 | Time | 33 | ||
| 15.6 | Headings | 33 | ||
| 15.7 | Agreement Is Controlling | 33 | ||
| 15.8 | Severability | 33 | ||
| 15.9 | Incorporation by Reference | 33 | ||
| 15.10 | Additional Acts and Documents | 33 | ||
| 15.11 | Florida Law | 33 | ||
| 15.12 | Counterpart Execution | 34 | ||
| 15.13 | Merger | 34 | ||
| Appendix A: Member Signature and Contact Page | A-1 | |||
| Appendix B: Table 1, Class A Members | B-1 | |||
| Appendix B: Table 2, Class B Members | B-2 | |||
| Appendix C: Capital Accounts and Allocations | C-1 | |||
| Appendix D: Definitions | D-1 | |||
| iii |
1. Formation, Name, Purposes
This Operating Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of the date executed below by and among those Persons whose names and addresses are set forth in Appendix A hereto (the “Members”), being the Members of School of Whales Commercial Real Estate Equity Fund, LLC, a Florida manager-managed limited liability company (the “Company”), and the SOW Management, LLC (the “Manager”), each of whom represent and agree as follows:
1.1 Florida Limited Liability Company
Each of the signatories to this Agreement shall be referenced herein as a “Member” and collectively, as the “Members” as defined in Appendix D hereof.
The Manager has formed a manager-managed Florida limited liability company (the Company) by coordinating the execution and delivery of Articles of Organization to the Florida Secretary of State in accordance with the Florida Revised Limited Liability Company Act, as may be amended from time to time. The rights and liabilities of the Members shall be as provided in the Act except as may be modified in this Agreement.
The Members acknowledge that under the applicable provisions of the Act, the Company may be either “member-managed” or “manager-managed,” and that they have specifically, by their signatures hereof, elected to form a manager-managed Company. Accordingly, management of the affairs of the Company shall be vested in the Manager of the Company, as set forth in Article 6 hereof, subject to any provisions of this Agreement (e.g., Articles 7 or 8), or in the Act restricting, enlarging or modifying the rights and duties of the Manager or management procedures.
The Members shall immediately, and from time to time hereafter, execute all documents and do all filing, recording, and other acts as may be required to comply with the operation of the Company under the Act.
1.2 Name
The name of the Company is School of Whales Commercial Real Estate Equity Fund, LLC, a Florida limited liability company.
1.3 Place of Business
The name of the Company is School of Whales Commercial Real Estate Equity Fund, LLC, a Florida limited liability company (the Company). The Company’s principal place of business is:
School of Whales Commercial Real Estate Equity Fund, LLC
c/o SOW Management, LLC
3634 NW 2nd Ave.
Miami, FL. 33127
or such other place as the Manager shall determine.
1.4 Manager
The initial Manager of the Company is SOW Management, LLC, a Florida limited liability company (the Manager).
| 1 |
The address where all correspondence for the Manager should be sent is:
SOW Management, LLC
3634 NW 2nd Ave.
Miami, FL 33127
1.5 Manager’s Compensation
The Manager or its members shall receive an allocation of Profits and Losses and a right to Distributions from the Company in accordance with Articles 4 and 5 hereof. Further, they shall be reimbursed for all out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the organization of the Company.
1.6 Members
Each of the signatories to this Agreement shall be referenced herein as a “Member” and collectively, as the “Members” as defined in Appendix D hereof. The Members shall immediately, and from time to time hereafter, execute all documents and do all filing, recording, and other acts as may be required to comply with the operation of the Company under the Act.
Every Member will be required to complete, execute and return an original Signature Page of this Agreement, the form of which is attached hereto as Appendix A. The Manager will maintain an updated list of all Members as shown on Appendix B to this Agreement.
1.7 Nature of Members’ Interests
The Interests of the Members in the Company shall be personal property for all purposes. Legal title to all Company Assets shall be held in the name of the Company. Neither any Member or a successor, representative, or assignee of such Member, shall have any right, title or interest in the Company’s Assets or the right to partition any real property owned by the Company. Interests may, but are not required to, be evidenced by a certificate of Membership Interest or Receipt and Acknowledgment issued by the Company, in such form as the Manager may determine.
1.8 Intent to Be Treated as a Partnership
It is the intent of the Manager and the Members that the Company shall always be operated in a manner consistent with its treatment as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. It is also the intent of the Members that the Company not be operated or treated as a partnership for purposes of section 303 of the Federal Bankruptcy Code. No Manager or Member shall take any action inconsistent with the express intent of the Members.
1.9 Nature of Business
This Company’s business involves the purchase of real estate throughout the United States that the Company intends to renovate. Depending on the market and the individual asset, the Manager may elect to immediately sell certain Properties upon completion of rehabilitation (fix and flip Properties) or hold other Properties for the duration of the Company as rental property. The Company may also act as a lender on real estate projects. Notwithstanding the foregoing, subject to unanimous approval of the Members, the Company may engage in any lawful business activity in which a Florida limited liability company may engage, except that the Company shall not engage in the trust company business or the business of banking or insurance.
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1.10 Objectives
The Manager intends to accomplish the following objectives for the Members:
| · | Provide Members with real estate investment opportunities. |
| · | Provide Members with limited liability. |
| · | Provide Cash Distributions for the Members. |
| · | Provide for self-liquidation of the investment. |
| · | Allow the Class A Members minimal involvement in real estate management. |
| · | Keep Members apprised of Company affairs. |
At some time in the future, the Manager may elect to participate in the following activities:
| · | Lend Company capital to real estate entrepreneurs for the purposes of acquiring, renovating, operating, and eventually disposing of Properties. |
1.11 Term
The Company commenced operations upon the filing of its Articles of Organization and shall be perpetual unless sooner terminated under the provisions of Article 14 hereof.
1.12 Registered Agent
The Company’s initial office and initial registered agent are provided in its Articles of Organization. The Manager may change the registered agent (or such agent’s address) from time to time by causing the filing of the new address and/or name of the new registered agent in accordance with the Act. However, the Company shall, at all times maintain a registered agent in the State of Florida who shall be authorized to accept service on behalf of the Company.
2. Capitalization of the Company
2.1 Member Classes
There are two (2) classes of Members, Class A and Class B. The Manager shall record or cause to be recorded the name and address of each of the Members in Appendix B to this Agreement. Member classes shall be allocated as provided below:
2.1.1 Class A Members
Investors who contribute capital to the Company through Contributions of cash in exchange for the purchase of Class A Interests issued by the Company shall become Class A Members of the Company, once admitted by the Manager.
The Capital Contributions of the Class A Members shall result in eighty percent (80%) of the total interests in the Company
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The minimum investment amount required of a Class A Investor is Five Hundred Dollars ($500) or Ten (10) Interests, however, the Manager reserves the right to accept less than the minimum investment amount from a single Class A Investor in order to achieve the maximum dollar amount of Interests to the Class A Investors, if less than the minimum investment amount required of each Class A Investor is needed to do so.
On all matters requiring a vote of the Class A Interests, each Holder of Class A Interests shall be entitled to one (1) vote for each Class A Interest held by such holder on the record date fixed for such meeting, or on the effective date of such written consent.
2.1.2 Class B Members
The Manager (or its members and/or their Affiliates) will retain ownership of twenty percent (20%) of the Interests in the Company in exchange for services to the Company. The Class B Interests shall be subordinate to the Class A Interests. The issuance of Class B Interests is irrevocable even if SOW MANAGEMENT, LLC is removed or resigns as the Manager of the Company.
The Manager reserves the right to allow the Class B Members (or their members or Affiliates) to sell, grant, transfer, or convey a minority of the Class B Interests to others without permission of the Class A Members as long as doing so does not: a) dilute the Interests or percentage returns to the Class A Members, or b) allow any other Class B Member to exert management control over the Manager.
SOW MANAGEMENT, LLC, its Affiliates or members (and/or their affiliates) may purchase Class A Interests at such value as may be established from time to time on transfer of a Class A Member’s Interest per Articles 11 or 12 of this Agreement), and they may be allowed to invest less than the minimum investment amount required of other Class A Members, at the Manager’s sole discretion.
On all matters requiring a vote of the Class B Interests, each Holder of Class B Interests shall be entitled to one (1) vote for each Class B Interest held by such holder on the record date fixed for such meeting, or on the effective date of such written consent.
2.2 Percentage Interests
The Manager shall list or cause to have listed the number of Units purchased and/or the dollar amount of each Member’s Capital Contribution and Percentage Interests in Appendix B. Percentage Interests of the Members will be calculated in relation to the other Members in their Member class or in relation to the total Interests.
2.3 Capital Calls; Default of Member
Although the Manager intends to raise sufficient money from Investors in order to purchase, rehab, manage and dispose of properties, it is possible that the Manager may make a capital call in order to raise Additional Capital Contributions with which to achieve the Company’s objectives and policies as outlined in Articles 1.9 and 1.10 above.
2.3.1 Additional Capital Contributions.
No Member shall be required to make an Additional Capital Contribution.
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2.3.2 Cash Capital Contributions.
If any portion (an “Unpaid Portion”) of any Member’s Commitment consists of an obligation of such Member to contribute cash or property to the Company in the future, which obligation has not yet been discharged, the other Members may require such Member to contribute cash in an amount equal to the product of such Member’s Percentage Interest multiplied by all monies that in the judgment of the other Members are necessary to enable the Company to operate its business and maintain its assets and to discharge its costs, expenses, obligations, and liabilities; provided, however, that under no circumstances, shall a Member be obligated under this Section to contribute cash in an amount, in excess of the agreed value (as stated in Company’s records) of such Member’s Unpaid Portion. Nothing contained in this Section is or shall be deemed to be for the benefit of any Person other than Members and the Company, and no such Person shall under any circumstances have any right to compel any actions or payments by the Members.
2.3.3 Failure to Contribute.
If a Member (“Delinquent Member”) does not contribute all or any portion of the Capital Contribution required pursuant to and at the time required by, such Member’s Commitment, the Company may sell additional interests in the Company to existing Members on a Right of First Refusal Basis at a rate of 1.5 times the value of the original investment. If the existing Members of the Company do not elect to participate in the purchase of additional interests, the Company may sell the interests to a third-party at a rate of 1.5 times the value of the original investment. For example, if there is a Capital Call of $100,000 to which a Member is called to contribute 10%, and the Member fails to contribute, the dilution will actually count towards their Percentage Interest at a rate of 1.5 times the value and it will instead be attributed to the value of the purchasing Member or third-party.
2.4 Time of Capital Contributions; Withdrawal Not Permitted
Member Capital Contributions shall be made in full on admission to the Company. No portion of the capital of the Company may be withdrawn until dissolution of the Company, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement.
2.5 Capital Accounts
An individual Capital Account shall be maintained for each Member in accordance with Treasury Regulation section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv) and as further described in the attached Appendix C. Calculation of Member Percentage Interests will be determined on close of the offering to new Investors and shall be calculated as described in Article 2.2 hereof.
3. Manager Advances and Member Loans
If required to protect or preserve the Company’s assets, the Manager has the sole discretion to apply other available Company funds to pay any Company obligations. However, if sufficient Company funds are not available, the Manager or one or more Members may loan funds to the Company subject to the following provisions:
3.1 Manager Advances
The Manager may; but is not required to loan its own funds or defer reimbursement of its out-of-pocket expenses as an Advance. The Company shall reimburse the Manager for any such Advance from the date of the loan or deferral as soon as is practical together with the simple annualized interest at ten percent (10%). Interest on Manager Advances shall be an expense of the Company when paid and shall accrue from the date of inception for a Manager loan, or from the date reimbursement was due for any Advance related to a deferred reimbursement.
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3.2 Member Loans
Alternatively, the Manager may obtain a loan from one or more Members as and when necessary to continue the business of the Company, which shall earn ten percent (10%) per annum Interest from the date of inception.
3.3 Right and Priority of Repayment
Principal and interest payments for a Manager Advance or Member Loan will be paid as an expense of the Company as soon as sufficient Company funds are available or held for longer in order to build up Company reserves, at the Manager’s sole discretion. A Manager or Member that makes a loan to the Company shall be deemed an unsecured creditor of the Company for the purpose of determining its right and priority of repayment of interest and principal of such Advance or Loan, and repayment of the Principal will be paid in the order the Advance or Loan was made.
3.4 Third-party Loans
In the event of a failed capital call, or the unavailability of a Manager Advance or Member Loan, the Manager may obtain a loan and/or credit from one or more third parties as it deems appropriate to further the business objectives of the Company. Such loan shall be made to the Company on such terms as the Manager deems reasonable and appropriate after taking into account the urgency and need for the funds.
4. Cash Distributions to Members
The Members may receive Distributable Cash from the Company as authorized in the Agreement. In general, the Manager intends to operate the Company in such a manner as to generate Distributable Cash it can share with the Members.
Distributable Cash shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Manager after withholding sufficient Working Capital and Reserves. Distributions to Class A Members, when made, will be allocated among them in proportion to their Percentage Interests in the Class A Interests.
Distributable Cash, if any will be distributed until expended, in the order described in Sections 4.1 below, depending on the phase of operation of the Company. Distributions will be evaluated on a quarterly basis, although the Manager anticipates that there may not be any Distributions until one full year after investing activities have commenced.
4.1 Cash Distributions during Operations
Distributable Cash, if any, derived from operation of the Company will be evaluated on a quarterly basis, and disbursed in the order provided below until expended.
4.1.1 Preferred Return
First, to the Class A Members, pro rata in accordance with their Percentage Interests in the Company), until all such Class A Members have received a cumulative, non-compounded preferred return of 8% per annum on their Capital Contributions.
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4.1.2 Distributions to the Class A and Class B Members
Second, eighty percent (80%) to the Class A Members in proportion to their respective Percentage Interests, and twenty percent (20%) to the Class B Members.
4.1.3 No Return of Capital
The payments made pursuant to Section 4.1.1, shall not be deemed a return of any portion of a Member’s initial capital contribution. However, the Manager may elect to use such proceeds to use as a return of capital to Class A Members instead of distributions so long as Member receive their promised returns. Such payments may be made if the Manager deems that such payments will present a tax advantage to Class A Members.
4.1.4 Reserves
Notwithstanding anything contained in the Agreement to the contrary, the Manager, in the Manager’s sole and absolute discretion, may use all or a portion of the Company’s Distributable Cash to establish and fund a discretionary reserve(s) from time to time and in such amounts to be determined in the Manager’s sole and reasonable discretion taking into account such factors as anticipated current and future cash requirements of the Company. Said reserve(s) may be used to pay some or all of the distributions, whether accrued or current, specified in this Section or to fund redemptions of Members pursuant to Article 4.2.
4.1.5 Distributable Cash
Distributable Cash, as defined, means, with respect to any period of the Company’s operation, the gross cash receipts of the Company, including funds released from reserves, reduced by the sum of the following: (a) all principal and interest payments and other sums paid on or with respect to any indebtedness of the Company, (b) all cash expenditures incurred incident to the operation of the Company’s business, including without limitation, any capital expenditure, (c) all amounts due the Manager, and (d) such cash reserves as the Manager shall from time to time designate or as may otherwise be required by the terms of the Agreement or loan documents entered into by the Company in order to establish for working capital, compensating balance requirements, contingencies, payments of Distributions or the funding of any other cash or capital requirements of the Company.
4.2 Withdrawal and Redemption
No Member may withdraw within the first 12 months a Member’s admission to the Company. Thereafter, the Company will use its best efforts to honor requests for a return of capital subject to, among other things, the Company’s then available cash flow, financial condition, and approval by the Manager. The maximum aggregate amount of capital that the Company will return to the Members each calendar year is limited to 5.0% of the value of the assets of the Company as of December 31 of the prior year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Manager may, in its sole discretion, waive such withdrawal requirements if a Member is experiencing undue hardship.
Members may submit a written request for withdrawal as a Member of the Company and may receive a 100% return of capital provided that the following conditions have been met: (a) the Member has been a Member of the Company for a period of at least twelve (12) months; and (b) the Member provides the Company with a written request for a return of capital at least thirty (30) days prior to such withdrawal (“Withdrawal Request”).
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The Company will not establish a reserve from which to fund withdrawals of Members’ capital accounts and such withdrawals are subject to the availability of cash in any calendar quarter to make withdrawal distributions (“Cash Available for Withdrawals”) only after: (i) all current Company expenses have been paid (including compensation to the Manager, Manager and its affiliates as described in this Offering Circular); (ii) adequate reserves have been established for anticipated Company operating costs and other expenses and advances to protect and preserve the Company’s investments in Properties; and (iii) adequate provision has been made for the payment of all quarterly cash distributions owing to Members.
If at any time the Company does not have sufficient Cash Available for Withdrawals to distribute the quarterly amounts due to all Members that have outstanding withdrawal requests, the Company is not required to liquidate any Properties for the purpose of liquidating the capital account of withdrawing Members. In such circumstances, the Company is merely required to distribute that portion of the Cash Available for Withdrawals remaining in such quarter to all withdrawing Members pro rata based upon the relative amounts being withdrawn as set forth in the Withdrawal Request.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Manager reserves the right to utilize all Cash Available for Withdrawals to liquidate the capital accounts of deceased Members or ERISA plan investors in whole or in part, before satisfying outstanding withdrawal requests from any other Members. The Manager also reserves the right, at any time, to liquidate the capital accounts of ERISA plan investors to the extent the Manager determines, in its sole discretion, that any such liquidation is necessary in order to remain exempt from the Department of Labor’s “plan asset” regulations. Additionally, the Manager has the discretion to limit aggregate withdrawals during any single calendar year to not more than 10% of the total Company capital accounts of all Members that were outstanding at the beginning of such calendar year.
5. Manager’s Fees or Other Compensation
5.1 Expense Reimbursement
In addition to the Cash Distributions described in Article 4, the Manager, its members or their Affiliates may earn additional compensation in the form of Fees, commissions, reimbursements, interest or other compensation as further described in the Table in 5.2 below. Such compensation will be paid as an expense of the Company prior to determining Distributable Cash. Manager’s Fees are authorized in Article 5.2 of this Agreement.
The Manager reserves the right to defer collection of any compensation from the time it is earned until sufficient cash is available, without forfeiting any right to collect, although the Manager may earn interest on any deferred compensation. The maximum amount of compensation the Manager may receive cannot be determined at this time.
5.2 Fees Paid to Manager and/or Third Parties
The Manager and/or third parties may earn Fees for services they provide on behalf of the Company as further described below. All Fees will be paid as an expense of the Company prior to determining Distributable Cash (as described in Article 4 above).
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| Phase of Operation | Basis for Fee | Amount of Fee | ||
| Asset Management Fee | Fees charged to the Company for management of its investments | 1.0% of the total capital contributions as adjusted from time to time for capital withdrawals, distributions, additional contributions, allocations and other capital account adjustments, paid monthly. Assuming we raise the Minimum Amount of $100,000, the Manager would receive a fee of $1,000. If the Company were to raise the Maximum Amount of $50,000,000, this fee could be as much as $500,000. | ||
| Company Management Fee | Fees charged to the Company for management of the Company | Profit sharing of 20% of the Distributable Cash that is available after the Members have received their stated Preferred Return. Distribution accomplished via distribution to Class B Members. |
6. Rights and Duties of Manager
6.1 Management
The Manager shall manage all business and affairs of the Company. The Manager shall direct, manage, and control the Company to the best of its ability and shall have full and complete authority, power, and discretion to make any and all decisions and to do any and all things that the Manager shall deem to be reasonably required to accomplish the business and objectives of the Company.
6.2 Number of Managers, Tenure, and Qualifications
SOW MANAGEMENT, LLC shall be the initial Manager of the Company. The Manager shall hold office until a successor shall have been elected and qualified. Successor Manager(s) need not be a Member of the Company or residents of the State of Florida.
6.3 Authority of the Manager
Except to the extent that such authority and rights have been reserved for the Members elsewhere in this Agreement, the Manager shall have the obligation and the exclusive right to manage the day-to-day activities of the Company including, but not limited to performance of the following activities. The Manager may:
| · | Capitalize the Company via the sale of Units or Interests in the Company as described in Article 2 hereof; |
| · | Acquire by purchase, lease, or otherwise any real or personal property which may be necessary, convenient, or incidental to the accomplishment of the business of the Company; |
| · | Borrow money and issuing of evidences of indebtedness necessary, convenient, or incidental to the accomplishment of the purposes of the Company and securing the same by mortgage, pledge, or other lien on a Property; including the right (but not the obligation) to personally and voluntarily guarantee such obligations; |
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| · | Open, maintain and close, as appropriate, all Company bank accounts and (subject to any limitations set forth herein) drawing checks and other instruments for the payment of funds associated with acquisition or maintenance of a Property; |
| · | Make all decisions relating to acquisition of Properties, the lending of the Company capital to borrowers, management of Properties, foreclosing of Properties (if necessary), management of loans (if necessary), and all portions thereof; |
| · | Employ such agents, employees, general contractors, independent contractors and attorneys as may be reasonably necessary to carry out the purposes of this Agreement; |
| · | Obtain, negotiate and execute all documents and/or contracts necessary or appropriate to accomplish any improvement of a Property or any portions thereof; |
| · | Establish a reasonable Reserve fund for operation of the Company and potential future or contingent Company liabilities; |
| · | Pay, collect, compromise, arbitrate or otherwise adjust any and all claims or demands of or against the Company to the extent that any settlement of a claim does not exceed available insurance proceeds; |
| · | Work with the Company’s accountants or other financial advisors in its preparation of Company budgets and financial reports, if necessary or appropriate to the Company’s operation, including but not limited to, all federal and state tax returns and reports and periodic financial statements; |
| · | Execute and deliver bonds and/or conveyances in the name of the Company provided same are done in the ordinary course of the Company’s business; |
| · | Engage in any legal activity and perform and carry out contracts of any kind necessary or incidental to, or in connection with the operation of the Company; and |
| · | Make an annual calculation of the Estimated Market Value of the Company and report it to the Members using any commercially acceptable method for doing so. |
6.4 Major Decisions; Restrictions on Authority of Manager
The Manager shall not have the authority to, and hereby covenants and agrees that it shall not make or perform any of the following Major Decisions without first having obtained the affirmative vote of a Majority of Interests of all Members:
| · | Cause or permit the Company to engage in any activity that is not consistent with the purposes of the Company as set forth in Articles 1.9 and 1.10 hereof. |
| · | File a lawsuit on behalf of the Company or confess a judgment against the Company in an amount in excess of insurance proceeds. |
| · | Knowingly perform any act that would subject any Members to liability as a general partner in any jurisdiction. |
| · | Cause the Company to voluntarily take any action that would cause a bankruptcy of the Company. |
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| · | Issue, create or authorize for issuance any equity securities (including Units, securities convertible into or exchangeable for any Units in other equity securities and equity securities issued in connection with any debt securities), with rights or preferences as to Distributions senior to the existing and outstanding Units, or reclassify any existing securities into equity securities with rights or preferences as to Distributions senior to the existing and outstanding Units, by means of amendment to this Agreement or by merger, consolidation, operation of law or otherwise, except as described in Article 2.3 pursuant to a defaulting Member. |
| · | Change the tax status of the Company or take any action inconsistent with Article 1.8 hereof and Section 3.2 of Appendix C hereto. |
| · | Alter the Percentage Interests applicable to the Units, other than as described in Article 2.2 hereof. |
The Members shall have the authority to vote on the matters provided in this Article and specifically provided elsewhere in this Agreement (see Summary of voting rights in Article 7.4).
6.5 Employment of Affiliated or Unaffiliated Service Providers
The Company may employ Affiliated or unaffiliated service providers, including, but not limited to real estate brokers, Property Managers, engineers, contractors, architects, title or escrow companies, attorneys, accountants, bookkeepers, property inspectors, etc., as necessary to facilitate the acquisition, management, and sale of a Property.
6.6 Delegation of Duties
The Manager shall have the right to perform or exercise any of its rights or duties under this Agreement through delegation to or contract with Affiliated or unaffiliated service providers, agents, or employees of the Manager, provided that all contracts with Affiliated Persons are on terms at least as favorable to the Company as could be obtained through arms-length negotiations with unrelated third parties; and further provided that the Manager shall remain primarily responsible for the active supervision of such delegated work.
6.7 Consultation; Periodic Reports
The Company shall engage an independent certified public accountant or accounting firm, in the discretion of the Manager, to act as the accountant for the Company and to audit the Company’s books and accounts as of the end of each fiscal year. As soon as practicable after the end of such fiscal year, but in no event later than the earlier of 120 days after the end of such fiscal year and such time as may be required pursuant to any regulation requiring the Company to provide such information earlier, the Manager shall provide to each Member:
| · | audited financial statements of the Company as of the end of and for such fiscal year, including a balance sheet and statement of income, together with the report thereon of the Company’s independent certified public accountant or accounting firm, | |
| · | statement of Properties of the Company, including the cost of such Properties, | |
| · | a Schedule K-1 for such Member with respect to such fiscal year, prepared in accordance with the Code, together with corresponding forms for state income tax purposes, setting forth such Member’s distributive share of Company items of Profit or Loss for such fiscal year and the amount of such Member’s Capital Account at the end of such fiscal year, and | |
| · | such other financial information and documents respecting the Company and its business as the Manager deems appropriate, or as a Member may reasonably require and request in writing, to enable such Member to prepare its federal and state income tax returns. |
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As soon as practicable after the end of each semi-annual period, but in no event later than the earlier of 90 days following the end of each such period and such time as may be required pursuant to any regulation requiring the Company to provide such information earlier, the Manager shall prepare and e-mail, mail or make available on its secure website, to each Member:
| · | the Company’s unaudited financial statements as of the end of such fiscal semi-annual and for the portion of the fiscal year then ended, | |
| · | a statement of the properties of the Company, including the cost of all properties, and | |
| · | a report reviewing the Company’s activities and business strategies for such period and an update of such Member’s capital account. The Manager shall cause the Company reports to be prepared in accordance with GAAP. |
6.8 Manager’s Reliance on Information Provided by Others
Unless the Manager has knowledge concerning the matter in question that makes reliance by the Manager unwarranted, the Manager is entitled to rely on information, opinions, reports, or statements, including but not limited to financial statements or other financial data, if prepared or presented by:
| · | One or more Members, Managers, employees, or contractors of the Company whom the Manager reasonably believes to be reliable and competent in the matter presented; |
| · | Legal counsel, accountants, or other Persons as to matters the Manager reasonably believes are within the Person’s professional or expert competence; or |
| · | A committee of members or managers of which he or she is not a member if the Manager reasonably believes the committee merits confidence. |
6.9 Fiduciary Duties of Manager
The fiduciary duties the Manager owes to the Company and the other Members include only the duty of care, the duty of disclosure and the duty of loyalty, as set forth below. A Member has a right to expect that the Manager will do the following:
| · | Use its best efforts when acting on the Company’s behalf, |
| · | Not act in any manner adverse or contrary to the Company or a Member’s interests, |
| · | Not act on its own behalf in relation to its own interests unless doing so is in the best interests of the Company and is fair and reasonable under the circumstances, and |
| · | Exercise all of the skill, care, and due diligence at its disposal. |
In addition, the Manager is required to make truthful and complete disclosures so that the Members can make informed decisions. The Manager is forbidden to obtain an advantage at the expense of any of the Members, without prior disclosure to the Company and the Members.
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6.9.1 Duty of Care and the ‘Business Judgment Rule
Just as officers and directors of corporations owe a duty to their shareholders, the Manager is required to perform its duties with the care, skill, diligence, and prudence of like Persons in like positions. The Manager will be required to make decisions employing the diligence, care, and skill an ordinary prudent Person would exercise in the management of their own affairs. The ‘business judgment rule’ should be the standard applied when determining what constitutes care, skill, diligence, and prudence of like Persons in like positions.
6.9.2 Duty of Disclosure
The Manager has an affirmative duty to disclose material facts to the Members. Information is considered material if there is a substantial likelihood that a reasonable Investor would consider it important in making an investment decision. The Manager must not make any untrue statements to the Members and must not omit disclosing any material facts to the Members.
The Manager has a further duty to disclose conflicts of interest that may exist between the interests of the Manager and its Affiliates and the interests of the Company or any of the individual Members.
6.9.3 Duty of Loyalty
The Manager has a duty to refrain from competing with the Company in the conduct of the Company’s business prior to the dissolution of the Company, except that the Members understand and acknowledge that the Manager has other interests in similar properties and companies that may compete for its time and resources, which shall not be considered a violation of this duty.
6.10 Limited Liability of the Members and the Manager
No Person who is a Member, Manager, or officer of the Company shall be personally liable under any judgment of a court, or in any other manner, for any debt, obligation, or liability of the Company, whether that liability or obligation arises in contract, tort, or otherwise, solely by reason of being a Member, Manager, or officer of the Company, unless such Member, Manager or officer expressly agrees to be obligated personally for any or all of the debts, obligations, and liabilities of the Company (e.g., such as a loan guarantor, etc.).
6.11 Indemnification of the Manager and the Members
The Manager or a Member shall not be subject to any liability to the Company for the doing of any act or the failure to do any act authorized herein, provided it was performed in good faith to promote the best interests of the Company, including any liability, without limitation, of any Manager, Member, officer, employee, or agent of the Company, against judgments, settlements, penalties, fines, or expenses of any kind (including attorneys’ fees and costs) incurred as a result of acting in that capacity.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the liability of a Member of the Company (1) to third parties for the Member’s participation in tortious conduct, or (2) pursuant to the terms of a written guarantee or other contractual obligation entered into by the Member (such as a loan guarantee, etc.).
6.11.1 Indemnity of the Manager
The Manager (including its members, manager, officers, employees, and agents) are specifically excluded from personal liability for any acts related to the Company, whether they relate to internal disputes with Members, external disputes with third parties or regulatory agencies, etc., except for cases where a finding is made by a court of law or arbitrator that the Manager engaged in:
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| · | Intentional misconduct including, but not limited to, a knowing violation of the law; or |
| · | For liabilities arising under violation of the Securities Act of 1933, any regulations promulgated thereto, or any state securities laws (as such indemnification is against public policy per the SEC). |
Except for these exclusions, the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless the Manager from and against any and all loss, cost, liability, expense, damage or judgment of whatsoever nature to or from any Person or entity, including payment for the Manager’s defense (including reasonable attorney’s fees and costs) arising from or in any way connected with the conduct of the business of the Company. See also Article 13.3.4 regarding attorneys’ fees and costs related to internal disputes.
Further, each Member shall indemnify and hold harmless the Manager, its officers, shareholders, directors, employees and agents from and against any and all loss, cost, liability, expense, damage or judgment of whatsoever nature to or from any Person or entity, including reasonable Attorney’s fees, arising from or in any way connected with any liability arising from that Member’s misrepresentation(s) that it met the Suitability Standards established by the Manager for Membership in the Company prior to its admission as a Member.
6.12 Liability Insurance
The Company may, at the Manager’s discretion, and as a Company expense, purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of the Company, the Manager, a Member, or employee(s) of the Company against any liability asserted against and incurred by the Company, the Manager, a Member, or employee in any capacity relating to or arising out of the Company’s, Member’s, Manager’s, or employee’s status as such. Such insurance may be in the form of Directors and Officers Insurance, Key Man Insurance, Employer’s Liability Insurance, General Business Liability Insurance, and/or any other applicable insurance policy.
6.13 Manager Has No Exclusive Duty to Company
The Manager shall not be required to manage the Company as its sole and exclusive function and may have other business interests and may engage in other activities in addition to those relating to the Company provided that such business interests are not competitive with the business interests of the Company. Neither the Company nor any Member shall have any right, by virtue of this Agreement, to share or participate in such investments or activities of the Manager or to the income or proceeds derived therefrom.
7. Rights and Obligations of Members
7.1 Limitation of Liability
Each Member’s liability shall be limited to the extent allowable by the Act and other applicable law. The debts, obligations and liabilities of the Company, whether arising from contract, tort or otherwise, shall be solely the debts obligations and liabilities of the Company. No Member or Manager shall be obligated personally for such debt, obligation, or liability of the Company, solely by reason of being a Member of the Company.
7.2 Company Debt Liability
A Member will not be personally liable for any debts or Losses of the Company beyond the Member’s respective Capital Contributions, except as otherwise required by law or any personal guarantees or financing requirements. Depending on lender requirements, some or all of the Members may be required to sign personal guarantees for financing of a Property and may be requested to provide financial documentation of their individual financial condition to the institutional lender. For instance, many institutional lenders require Investors owning more than twenty percent (20%) of the Interests to be underwritten during the loan approval process and to execute loan documents. Members’ Obligation of Good Faith and Fair Dealing
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Each Member (and the Manager) shall discharge their duties to the Company and exercise any rights consistently with the contractual obligation of good faith and fair dealing.
7.3 Authority of the Members; Summary of Voting Rights
Pursuant to this Agreement, the Manager has absolute powers to operate the business of the Company. The Members have authority to vote only on the specific decisions authorized in various provisions of this Agreement, which summarized below.
7.3.1 Votes Requiring Unanimous Approval of All Members
Unanimous consent of all Members is required for any of the following matters:
| · | To authorize an act that is not in the ordinary course of the business of the Company; and |
| · | To amend the Articles of Organization or make substantive amendments to this Agreement (per Article 15.2). |
7.3.2 Votes Requiring Approval of 75% of the All Members’ Interests other than the Manager
Consent of the Members holding the seventy five percent (75%) of the Class A and Class B Interests (other than the Manager) must affirmatively vote to approve any of the following actions:
| · | To issue a Notice to Perform to the Manager (see Article 8.2); and |
| · | To remove the Manager for Good Cause (see Article 8.3). |
7.3.3 Votes Requiring Approval of a Majority of Interests of all Members
A vote of a Majority of Interests of all Members is required to:
| · | Approve any Major Decision (see Article 6.4); |
| · | Fill a vacancy after the Manager has resigned or been removed (see Article 8.7); |
| · | Admit an Additional Member to the Company from the sale of Additional Units (per Article 11.2 hereof); |
| · | Appoint a new “tax matters member” (per Appendix C, Section 5); and |
| · | Any other matter that the Manager or a Member or Members holding a. minimum Percentage Interest totaling five percent (5%) wishes to put to a vote of the Members. |
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7.4 Participation
Except as otherwise set forth herein, the Members shall not participate in the day-to-day management of the business of the Company.
7.5 Deadlock
Unless otherwise expressly set forth herein, in the event the Members are unable to reach agreement on or make a decision with respect to any matter on which the Members are entitled to vote (as summarized in Article 7.4), the matter shall be subject to the Internal Dispute Resolution Procedure described in Article 13 hereof.
8. Resignation or Removal of the Manager
8.1 Resignation
The Manager of the Company may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Members. However, this may require approval of a lender if any loan was conditioned on the qualifications of the Manager. The resignation of the Manager shall take effect sixty (60) days after receipt of notice thereof or at such other time as shall be specified in such notice, or otherwise agreed between the Manager and Members. The acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.
8.2 Removal Process; Notice to Perform
Prior to initiating a removal action per this Article for Good Cause, all Class A and Class B Members (other than the Manager) who collectively own seventy five percent (75%) or more of the Interests exclusive of any Interests owned by the Manager (the requisite Interests)) shall issue a Notice to Perform to the Manager in accordance with the notice provision in Article 15.1 hereof. The Notice to Perform shall describe the matters of concern to the Members and shall give the Manager sixty (60) days to correct the matter of concern to the satisfaction of the voting Members. If the Manager fails to respond to the concerns or demands contained in such Notice to Perform then;
Subject to any required approval of a lender or substitution of a loan guarantor if any loan was conditioned on the qualifications of the Manager, the Manager may be immediately removed, temporarily or permanently, for “Good Cause” determined by: a) a vote of the requisite Members described above, or (b) by an arbitrator or judge per Article 13.5.4.
8.3 Reasons for Removal; Good Cause Defined
The previous Manager must serve until a new Manager is hired or elected. The Class A Members hereby agree that any right of removal shall be exercised only in good faith. “Good Cause” shall include only the following, as determined by a vote of the requisite Interests described in Article 8.2 above:
| · | Any of the acts described in Article 6.11 hereof; |
| · | A breach of a Manager’s duties or authority hereunder; |
| · | Willful or wanton misconduct; |
| · | Fraud; |
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| · | Bad faith; |
| · | Death or disability wherein the Manager (or any of the members of the Manager with authority to Manage the Company) dies or becomes physically, mentally, or legally incapacitated such that it can no longer effectively function as the Manager of the Company or the dissolution, liquidation or termination of any entity serving as the Manager and no other member, officer or director of the Manager is willing or able to effectively perform the Manager’s duties; |
| · | Issuance of a legal charging order and/or judgment by any judgment creditor against the Manager’s Interest in Cash Distributions or Fees from the Company; |
| · | A finding by a court of law or arbitrator that the Manager committed any of the acts described in Article 6.11, for which the Manager is specifically not indemnified by the Company; or |
| · | The Manager becomes subject to a “disqualifying event” at any time during operation of the Company. |
8.4 Removal Notice Requirements
Notice of the Manager’s removal shall be provided in a Removal Notice, duly executed by the requisite Interests (per Article 8.2). The Removal Notice shall be sent via express or overnight delivery to the removed Manager’s record place of business. The Removal Notice shall designate the newly appointed manager who shall succeed the removed Manager, and/or a Member to whom the removed Manager must convey all documents and things necessary to continue management of the Company.
Within fifteen (15) business days of such Removal Notice, or such reasonable extension as the removed Manager shall request (which shall in no case exceed thirty (30) calendar days), the removed Manager shall voluntarily surrender all documents, books, records, bank accounts, and things (“Documents and Things”) related to management of the Company to the newly appointed Manager or designated Member. If the removed Manager fails to voluntarily comply with this Article, the Company may seek reimbursement for any costs associated with obtaining such Documents and Things from the removed Manager or re-creating them, by deducting the costs, including attorney’s fees and other necessary costs of collection (on production of receipts therefore) or forensic reconstruction, from any Distributable Cash or Fees the removed Manager may otherwise be entitled to collect as described in Article 4.
8.4.1 Removal of an Affiliated Property Manager
If the Manager is removed for Good Cause, any Affiliate of the Manager then-acting as the Property Manager (if one exists) may be concurrently removed, if the Property Manager is also specified in the Notice to Perform and Notice of Removal provided by the Class A Members. Removal of any Affiliated Property Manager, if included, shall take effect concurrent with the effective date of removal of the Manager. If the Affiliated Property Manager is not specified in the Notice to Perform and Notice of Removal, or if the Property Manager is not Affiliated with the Manager, its removal, if desired, must be performed pursuant to the terms of any contract between the Property Manager and the Company.
8.5 Effect of Resignation or Removal on Manager’s Cash Distributions and Fees
In the event of removal or resignation of the initial Manager, Distributions and Fees due the Manager will be re-allocated between the former and new Manager as described below:
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| · | Expense Reimbursements: Regardless of resignation or removal, the initial Manager will still be entitled to reimbursement for its costs related to startup and operation, and any interest due thereon, as described in Article 5.1, even if the amount due remains uncollected at the time of removal. |
| · | Distributions or Membership Interests of Class B Members: The Class B Interests are irrevocable, and School of Whales LLC’s Class B Interests will be unaffected by its resignation or removal as the initial Manager of the Company. See Articles 4 and 5. |
A removed Manager shall be entitled to copies of all financial statements provided to the Members for so long as it has continued rights to Fees or Distributions. To the extent a member of the removed Manager or the Manager itself remains a Member of the Company, it shall retain all rights of any other Member entitled to participate in Cash Distributions, telephone calls, voting, and/or correspondence between the replacement Manager and the Members.
8.6 Applicability of Internal Dispute Resolution Procedure
Nothing in Article 13 (i.e., the Internal Dispute Resolution Procedure) shall prevent any Manager from being immediately removed pursuant to the procedures described in this Article. However, the removed Manager may request application of the Internal Dispute Resolution Procedure (as described in Article 13) to settle disputes related to possible reinstatement or a determination of the amount(s) of Distributable Cash or Fees to which the removed Manager may be entitled.
The removed Manager shall have only ninety (90) days from: (a) removal, or (b) from receipt of Fees/Distributable Cash from which deductions have been taken, to invoke the Internal Dispute Resolution Procedure described in Article 13 for resolution of any dispute related to such matters. The removed Manager’s failure to provide a written objection (per the provisions of Article 13) within ninety (90) days of the occurrence (a) or (b) above shall be deemed acceptance.
8.7 Vacancies
In the event the Manager has resigned or has been removed or has otherwise ceased to be Manager, the vacancy shall be filled on the affirmative vote of a Majority of Interests of all Members. A Manager elected to fill a vacancy shall be elected for the unexpired term of its predecessor and shall hold office until the expiration of such term and until the replacement Manager’s successor shall be elected and shall qualify or until his earlier death, resignation, removal, liquidation, dissolution or termination.
9. Meetings of Members
9.1 Annual Meeting
No Annual Meeting of the Members is required.
9.2 Meetings
A meeting of the Members may be called at any time and for any purpose whatsoever by the Manager or by any of the Members representing a Majority of Interests, following the procedures specified below.
When Members representing a Majority of Interests wish to call a Meeting, they shall notify the Manager, who shall promptly give notice of the Meeting to the other Members. In the event the Manager fails to give the notice within three (3) days of the receipt of the request, any Member or group of Members representing a Majority of Interests may provide notice to the other Members. For purposes of determining the requisite Interests, such notice shall provide the names of Members calling such vote.
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9.3 Place of Meetings
The Manager may designate any place, either within or outside of the State of Florida, as the place of meetings of the Members.
9.4 Notice of Meetings
Except as provided in Article 9.5 below, written notice stating the place, day, and hour of the meeting and the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called shall be given at least three (3) days and not more than ninety days before the date of the meeting. A vote taken at a meeting with less than three (3) days’ notice will only be valid if all of the Members provide unanimous written consent.
9.5 Meeting of all Members
If all of the Members meet at any time and place, either within or outside of the State of Florida, and consent to the holding of a meeting at such time and place in writing, such meeting shall be valid without call or notice, and at such meeting, a lawful vote may be taken.
9.6 Record Date
For the purpose of determining: 1) Members entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of Members or any adjournment thereof; 2) Members entitled to receive payment of any Cash Distribution; or 3) to make a determination of Members for any other purpose; the date on which notice of the meeting is mailed or the date on which the resolution declaring such Distribution is adopted, as the case may be, shall be the record date for such determination of Members.
9.7 Quorum
Members representing a Majority of Interests, whether represented in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at any duly noticed meeting of Members (per Article 9.4). In the absence of a quorum at any such meeting, a majority of the Members present may continue or adjourn (i.e., reschedule) the meeting for a new date to occur within thirty (30) days. A notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each Member of record entitled to vote.
9.8 Manner of Acting
An affirmative vote of the requisite Interests (see summary in Article 7.4) shall be considered an act of the Members on such matters as they are entitled to vote. Consent transmitted by electronic transmission by a Member or Person authorized to act for a Member shall be deemed to have been written and signed by the Member, regardless of whether they appeared at a meeting.
9.9 Proxies
At all meetings of Members, a Member may vote in person, by proxy executed in writing by the Member, or by a duly authorized attorney-in-fact. Such proxy shall be filed with the Manager of the Company before or at the time of the meeting. No proxy shall be valid after eleven (11) months from the date of its execution, unless otherwise provided in the proxies.
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9.10 Action by Members without a Meeting
Action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of Members may only be taken without a meeting if the action is approved by written consent of the requisite Percentage Interests describing the action taken, signed by every Member entitled to vote, and delivered to the Manager of the Company for inclusion in the minutes or filing with the Company records.
Action taken under this Article shall become effective at such time as the requisite Percentage Interests of the Members entitled to vote have provided written consent (unless the consent specifies a different effective date), regardless of whether the Member participated in any meeting in which such matters were discussed. The record date for determining Members entitled to take action without a meeting shall be the date the first Member signs a written consent.
9.11 Electronic Meetings
Meetings of Members may be held by means of a conference telephone call so that all Persons participating in the meeting can hear each other. Participation in a meeting held by conference telephone call shall constitute presence of the Person at the meeting.
9.12 Waiver of Notice
When any notice is required to be given to any Member, a waiver thereof in writing signed by the Person entitled to such notice, whether before, at, or after the time stated therein, shall be equivalent to the giving of such notice.
10. Fiscal Year, Books and Records, Bank Accounts, Tax Matters
10.1 Fiscal Year
The Company, for accounting and income tax purposes, shall operate on a Fiscal Year ending December 31 of each year, and shall make such income tax elections and use such methods of depreciation as shall be determined by the Manager. The books and records of the Company will be kept on a tax basis in accordance with sound accounting practices to reflect all income and expenses of the Company.
10.2 Company Books and Records
During the term of the Company and for seven (7) years thereafter, the Company shall keep at its principal place of business, the following:
| · | A current list of the name and last known address of each Member and Manager; |
| · | Copies of records that would enable a Member to determine the relative voting rights, if any, of the Members; |
| · | A copy of the Articles of Organization, together with any amendments thereto; |
| · | Copies of the Company’s federal, state, and local income tax returns, if any, for the seven (7) most recent years; |
| · | A copy of this Operating Agreement and any amendments that are in writing, together with any amendments thereto; and |
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| · | Copies of financial statements, if any, of the Company for the seven (7) most recent years. |
A Member may:
| · | At the Member’s own expense, inspect and copy any Company record upon reasonable request during ordinary business hours; and |
| · | Obtain from time to time upon reasonable demand: |
| · | True and complete information regarding the state of the business and financial condition of the Company; | |
| · | Promptly after becoming available, a copy of the Company’s federal, state, and local income tax returns, if any, for each year; and | |
| · | Other information regarding the affairs of the Company as is just and reasonable. |
As stated above, a Member shall have the right, during ordinary business hours, to inspect and copy the Company documents listed above at the Member’s expense. But, the Member must give seven (7) days’ advance notice to the Manager of such Member’s intent to inspect and/or copy the documents, and may only inspect and copy such Company documents for a purpose reasonably related to the Member’s Interest in the Company as approved by the Manager. The Company may impose a reasonable charge, limited to the costs of labor and material, for copies of records furnished. The Company may elect, at its option, to provide the requested document electronically.
To the extent allowed by law, the Manager shall honor requests of Members to keep their contact information confidential.
10.3 Bank Accounts
All funds of the Company shall be held in a separate bank account(s) in the name of the Company as determined by the Manager.
10.4 Reports and Statements
The Company shall endeavor, at its expense by March 1 of each year, to deliver to the Members the following unaudited financial statements, which obligation may be satisfied by delivery to the Members of:
| · | A copy of the Company’s federal tax return; |
| · | A profit and loss statement for such period; and |
| · | A balance sheet for the Company as of the end of such period. |
The Manager shall, at the expense of the Company prepare, or cause to be prepared, for delivery to the Members prior to the due date thereof (excluding extensions), all federal and any required state and local income tax returns for the Company for each Fiscal Year of the Company.
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10.5 Tax Matters
The Manager shall have the authority, subject to the provisions of this Agreement, to make any election provided under the Code or any provision of state or local tax law. Additional information on designation of a tax matters member is provided in Appendix C, attached hereto. Further, the Manager shall have the authority to direct and/or remit withholding amounts from a Non-U.S. Person’s Distributions, as necessary to comply with the Foreign Investor Real Property Tax Act of 1980 (FIRPTA) or other U.S. tax obligation of the Non-U.S. Person.
11. Voluntary Transfer; Additional and Substitute Members
This Article 11 pertains only to the Interests of the Class A Interests in the Company. The Manager has the sole and exclusive authority to grant, convey, sell, transfer, hypothecate, disassociate or otherwise dispose of all or a portion of its Class B Interests without input or vote of the Class A Members.
11.1 Voluntary Withdrawal, Resignation or Disassociation Prohibited
A Member may not withdraw, resign or voluntarily disassociate from the Company, unless such Member complies with the transfer provisions set forth in this Article or withdraw pursuant to Article 4. The provisions of this Article shall apply to all Voluntary Transfers of a Member’s Interests outside of the Withdrawal Policy of the Company. Involuntary Transfers are addressed in Article 12.
11.2 Admission of Additional Members
Once the Manager closes the offering period for the sale of new Interests, no additional Interests in the Company may be sold, or any Additional Members admitted, unless a) the admission of an Additional Member is approved by a Majority of Interests of all Members, or b) a Majority of Interests of all Members approve a capital call per as described in Article 2.3., in which case the Manager reserves the right to authorize the sale of additional Units to new or existing Members, and to admit new Members whose Class or Interests may be equal or senior to the Class A Interests as necessary to raise the needed capital.
11.3 Transfer Prohibited Except as Expressly Authorized Herein
No Member may voluntarily, involuntarily, or by operation of law assign, transfer, sell, pledge, hypothecate, or otherwise dispose of (collectively transfer) all or part of its Interest in the Company, except as is specifically permitted by this Agreement or authorized by the Manager. Any Voluntary Transfer made in violation of this Article shall be void and of no legal effect.
Further, in no event shall any Voluntary Transfer be made within one (1) year of the initial sale of the Interests proposed for transfer unless the Transferor provides a letter from an attorney, acceptable to the Manager, stating that in the opinion of such attorney, the proposed transfer is exempt from registration under the Securities Act and under all applicable state securities laws or is otherwise compliant with Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933. The Manager is legally obligated to refuse to honor any transfer made in violation of this provision.
11.4 Conditions for Permissible Voluntary Transfer; Substitution
A permitted transfer of any Member’s Interest shall only be granted as to the Member’s Economic Interest unless the Manager accepts a permitted transferee (Transferee) as a Substitute Member. A permitted Transferee shall become a Substitute Member only on satisfaction of all of the following conditions:
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| · | Filing of a duly executed and acknowledged written instrument of assignment in a form approved by the Manager specifying the Member’s Percentage Interest being assigned and setting forth the intention of the assignor that the permitted assignee succeed to the assignor’s Economic Interest (or the portion thereof) and/or its Interest as a Member; |
| · | Execution, acknowledgment and delivery by the assignor and assignee of any other instruments reasonably required by the Manager including an agreement of the permitted assignee to be bound by the provisions of this Agreement; and |
| · | The Manager’s approval of the Transferee’s or assignee’s admission to the Company as a Substitute Member and concurrent and complete Disassociation of all of the Membership and Economic Interests of the Transferor. |
11.4.1 Transfer of a Member’s Interest to an Affiliate
Nothing in this section shall prevent a Member from transferring its entire Membership Interest (Economic and voting rights, etc.) or any portion thereof to an Affiliate (as defined in Appendix D). Approval of Substituted Membership of an Affiliate shall not be unreasonably withheld by action of the Manager on the delivery of all requested documents necessary to accomplish such a transfer. However, any subsequent conveyance or transfer of ownership interests within the Affiliate so that it no longer meets the definition of an Affiliate with respect to the original Member, shall make its membership in the Company subject to revocation or Disassociation (per Article 12) by the Manager. Unless the Affiliate requests and is approved by the Manager as a Substitute Member, an unauthorized Affiliate shall have only the Economic Interest of the former Member.
11.5 Voluntary Transfer; Right of First Refusal
11.5.1 Notice of Sale
In the event any Member (a “Selling Member”) wishes to sell its Interest, it must first present its offer to sell and proposed price (terms and conditions) in a Notice of Sale submitted in writing to the Manager. The Manager and/or the Members (“Purchasing Members”) shall have thirty (30) days to elect to purchase the entire Selling Member’s Interest, which shall be offered to each in the order of priority described below:
| · | First, the Manager (or members of the Manager) may elect to purchase the entire Interest on the same terms and conditions as contained in the Notice of Sale, but if they don’t; then |
| · | Second, all or part of the Members may purchase the entire Selling Member’s Interest on the same terms and conditions as contained in the Notice of Sale; the Purchasing Members will be given priority to purchase in the same ratio as their existing Percentage Interest before allowing existing Members to purchase disproportionate amounts; |
| · | Third, if the Members elect to purchase less than the entire Interest, the Manager (of the members of the Manager) may combine in any ratio to purchase the remaining Interest, providing the overall purchase is of the entire Selling Member’s Interest and on the same terms and conditions as contained in the Notice of Sale; and |
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| · | Fourth, in the event that the Members and/or the Manager (or its members) fail to respond within thirty (30) days of the Selling Member’s Notice of Sale, or if the Manager and/or the Members expressly elect not to purchase the entire Selling Member’s Interest, the Selling Member shall have the right to sell its Interest to the third-party on the same terms and conditions contained in the original Notice of Sale. |
| · | In the event the Selling Member receives or obtains a bona fide offer from a third-party to purchase all or any portion of its Interest in the Company, which offer it desires to accept, then prior to accepting such offer, the Selling Member shall give written notice (the Notice of Sale) of such offer to the Manager. The Notice of Sale shall set forth the material terms of such offer, including without limitation the identity of the third-party, and the purchase price and terms of payment. |
| · | If the terms are different than the original Notice of Sale offered to the Manager, the Selling Member must comply again with the terms of this Article (giving the Manager and Members the first right to purchase its Interest on the same terms and conditions offered by the third-party) with respect to the existing offer and all subsequent third-party offers. |
| · | If the Manager approves the sale to the third-party, it must be completed within three (3) months. If the sale to the third-party is not consummated on the terms contained in the approved Notice of Sale within three (3) months following the date of the Notice of Sale, then the Member must seek a renewed approval from the Manager, who may require that the Member again comply with the first right of refusal provisions of this Article. |
In any purchase by the Members or the Manager described above, the Manager will automatically adjust the Membership Interests of the Purchasing Members or the Manager to reflect the respective number and Class of Units or Interests transferred, and the Manager shall revise Appendix B (attached hereto), as appropriate to reflect such adjustment.
11.5.2 Costs of Conveyance for Voluntary Transfer
In the event that the Manager and/or the Members elect to purchase as provided this Article, the cost of such transaction, including without limitation, recording fees, escrow fees, if any, and other fees, (excluding attorneys’ fees which shall be the sole expense of the party who retained them) shall be divided 50/50 between the Selling Member and the Purchasing Members. The Purchasing Members shall each contribute their respective share of the transaction costs in proportion with their share of the purchased Interest. The Selling Member shall deliver all appropriate documents of transfer for approval by the Manager, at least three (3) days prior to the closing of such sale for its review and approval.
From and after the date of such closing, whether the sale is made to the Members, the Manager, or to the third-party, the Selling Member shall have no further Interest in the Assets or income of the Company and, as a condition of the sale, the Person(s) or entities purchasing the Interests shall indemnify and hold harmless the Selling Member from and against any claim, demand, loss, liability, damage or expense, including without limitation, attorney’s fees arising from the subsequent operation of the Company.
11.5.3 Rights and Interests of Voluntary Transferee; Adjustment of Voting Rights
If a Member transfers its Interest to a third-party Transferee pursuant to this Article, such Transferee shall only succeed to the Member’s Economic Interest unless and until it complies with the provisions of Article 11.4 and is approved by the Manager as a Substitute Member. Until such time, if ever, that the third-party Transferee becomes a Substitute Member, the voting Interests of the Remaining Members (i.e., all Members other than the Selling Member) will be increased proportionate with their Percentage Interests in the Company as if they had purchased the Selling Member’s Interest.
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The obligations, rights and Interests of the Selling, purchasing, and any Substitute Members shall inure to and be binding upon the heirs, successors and permitted assignees of such Members subject to the restrictions of this Article. A third-party Transferee shall have no right of action against the Manager or the Company for not being accepted as a Substitute Member.
11.6 Withdrawal After One Year
Notwithstanding the forgoing, a Member may make a Withdrawal Request one year after the Member’s been accepted as a Member of the Company by the Manager in accordance with Article 4.
12. Involuntary Transfer; Disassociation
12.1 Disassociation for Cause
A Member may be disassociated (i.e., expelled) from the Company: a) pursuant to a judicial determination, or b) on application by the Manager, another Member of the same class, for Cause (defined in the bullets below); upon a written finding by the Manager or applicable judicial body that such Member:
| · | Engaged in wrongful conduct that adversely and materially affected the Company’s business; |
| · | Willfully or persistently committed a material breach of this Agreement; |
| · | Engaged in conduct relating to the Company’s business, which makes it not reasonably practicable to carry on the business with the Member; or |
| · | Engaged in willful misconduct related to its Membership in the Company. |
12.2 Disassociation by Operation of Law
Additionally, a Member may be disassociated by operation of law, affected solely by action of the Manager, upon the occurrence of any of the following triggering events:
| · | Upon Voluntary or Involuntary Transfer of all or part of a Member’s Economic Interest; |
| · | Dissolution, suspension, or failure to maintain the legal operating status of a corporation, partnership or limited liability company that is a Member of the Company; or |
| · | In the case of a Member that is a legal entity, the Member’s: |
| · | Becoming a debtor in Bankruptcy; | |
| · | Executing an assignment of all or substantially all of its Economic Interest for the benefit of creditors; | |
| · | The appointment of a trustee, receiver, or liquidator of the Member or of all or substantially all of the Member’s property including its Interest in the Company pursuant to an action related to the Member’s insolvency; or |
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| · | In the case of a Member who is an individual: |
| · | The Member’s death; | |
| · | Becoming a debtor in Bankruptcy; | |
| · | The appointment of a guardian or conservator of the property of the Member; or | |
| · | A judicial determination of incapacity or other such determination indicating that the Member has become incapable of performing its duties under this Agreement; |
| · | In the case of a Member that is a trust or trustee of a trust, distribution of the trust’s entire rights to receive Distributions from the Company, but not merely by reason of the substitution of a successor trustee; |
| · | In the case of a Member that is an estate or personal representative of an estate, distribution of the estate’s entire rights to receive Distributions from the Company, but not merely the substitution of a successor personal representative; or |
| · | Termination of the existence of a Member if the Member is not an individual, estate, or trust, other than a business trust. |
12.3 Effect of Disassociation
Immediately on mailing of a notice of Disassociation sent by the Manager to a Member’s last known address, unless the reason for Disassociation can be and is cured within sixty (60) days, a Member will cease to be a Member of the Company and shall henceforth be known as a Disassociated Member. Any successor in Interest who succeeds to a Member’s Interest by operation of law (per Article 12.2) shall henceforth be known as an Involuntary Transferee.
Subsequently, the Disassociated Member’s right to vote or participate in management decisions (as summarized in Article 7.4) will be automatically terminated. A Disassociated Member (or its legal successor) will continue to receive only the Disassociated Member’s Economic Interest in the Company, unless the Disassociated Member/Involuntary Transferee elects to sell its Interest to the Manager or Members (Purchasing Members) or to a third-party buyer (Voluntary Transferee) following the procedures described in Article 11.5; and/or a Voluntary or Involuntary Transferee seeks admission and is approved by the Manager as a Substitute Member (per Article 11.4).
Until such time, if ever, that the Manager approves the transfer of the entire Disassociated Member’s Membership Interest to the Purchasing Members or a Substitute Member, the voting interests of the Remaining Members will be proportionately increased as necessary to absorb the Disassociated Member’s voting Interests.
If a Member objects to Disassociation, they will be bound to resolve the dispute in accordance with the Internal Dispute Resolution Procedure described in Article 13, unless the reason for the Disassociation can be resolved within sixty (60) days to the satisfaction of the Manager, in which case their full Membership Interest will be reinstated. If there is no Involuntary Transferee, and no third-party buyer is found and the Manager or Remaining Members do not wish to purchase the Disassociated Member’s Interest, the Disassociated Member will only be entitled to receive its Economic Interest (no voting rights), indefinitely, until such time as the Company is dissolved.
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12.4 Sale and Valuation of a Disassociated Member’s Interest
If no outside buyers can be found and the Disassociated Member still desires to sell its Interest, which the Remaining Members and/or Manager (Purchasing Members) wish to purchase, the buyout price for the Disassociated Member’s Interest may be determined using one of the following methods:
| · | Negotiated Price: First, if the Purchasing Members or legal representative of the Disassociated Member can agree on a negotiated price for the Interest, then that price will be used; if not, |
| · | Estimated Market Value Within 12 Months: Second, the Manager may annually determine the Estimated Market Value of the Company and report it to the Members (per Article 6.3). An Estimated Market Value calculated by the Manager in any commercially accepted manner within the last twelve (12) months shall conclusively be used to determine the value of a Disassociated Member’s Interest. The purchase price of shall be the product of the Disassociated Member’s Percentage Interest in the Company and the Estimated Market Value of the Company. |
12.5 Closing
Unless other terms have been agreed between the Disassociated and Purchasing Members, the following terms shall apply to closing of a Disassociated Member’s Interest. After determining value (per Article 11.5 or 12.4 above), the Purchasing Members shall give written notice fixing the time and date for the closing. The closing shall be conducted at the principal office of the Company or other agreed location on the date not less than thirty (30) days nor more than sixty (60) days after the date of such notice, or in the event of Bankruptcy, any request for an extension by any Bankruptcy Court having jurisdiction.
12.6 Payment for a Disassociated Member’s Interest
At closing, the Purchasing Members shall pay to the Disassociated Member by certified or bank check an amount equal to the determined value of the Disassociated Member’s Interest, or, if such value shall be determined to be zero or another amount pursuant to an agreement of the Members, shall deliver an executed copy of such agreement or a copy of such appraisal report(s), or a memorandum of the negotiated value (per Article 11.4 above) as applicable.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, at the option of the Purchasing Members, the purchase price may be paid by the delivery of its promissory note in the principal amount of the purchase price, bearing interest at six percent (6%), repayable early without penalty, in eight (8) equal quarterly installments, or other agreement. Simultaneously therewith the Disassociated Member shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Purchasing Members such instruments of conveyance, assignment and releases as shall be necessary or reasonably desirable to convey all of the right, title and Interest of the Member and the Assets thereof.
Because of the unique and distinct nature of an Interest in the Company, it is agreed that the Purchasing Members’ damages would not be readily ascertainable if they elect to purchase the Disassociated Member’s Interest as aforesaid and the conveyance thereof were not consummated, and, therefore, in such case the Purchasing Members shall be entitled to the remedy of specific performance in addition to any other remedies that may be available to them in law or in equity.
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12.7 Transfer of Economic Interest; Rights of an Involuntary Transferee
If the Purchasing Members do not elect to purchase the Interest of a Disassociated Member as provided in Articles 12.4 through 12.6, or if by operation of law the Economic Interest of the Disassociated Member transfers to an Involuntary Transferee, the Manager shall hereby be granted power of attorney by the Disassociated Member to execute such documents as may be necessary and requisite to evidence and cause the transfer only of the Disassociated Member’s Economic Interest to the Involuntary Transferee, as applicable and appropriate for the circumstances.
An Involuntary Transferee shall not be deemed a Member until such time if ever, that they seek admission and are approved as a Substitute Member(s). Until such time, they shall only succeed to the Economic Interest of the Disassociated Member, including the right to any Distributions and a return of the Disassociated Member’s Unreturned Capital Contributions, if applicable, which shall be distributed only if and when such Distributions or return of Capital Contributions shall become due per the terms of this Agreement. Any Distributions that may be due a Disassociated Member shall be held in trust and no Distributions shall be made to an Involuntary Transferee until it produces and executes such documentation as the Manager deems necessary to evidence the Transfer of the Disassociated Member’s Economic Interest, and to indemnify the Company and the Manager for any liability related to making Distributions directly to the holder of the Economic Interest.
Any further assignment of the Disassociated Member’s Economic or Membership Interest, or any request of an Involuntary Transferee to succeed to the Disassociated Member’s full Membership Interest (i.e., to become a Substituted Member in the Company), shall be subject to approval of the Manager.
13. Internal Dispute Resolution Procedure
With the exception of claims related to or arising under the Federal Securities Laws and the Rules and Regulations promulgated thereunder, arising out of a Member’s investment in the Company, all other disputes, claims, questions or disagreements with the Company shall be resolved pursuant to the procedures set forth in this Section 13. For the avoidance of doubt, any claims related to or arising under the Federal Securities Laws and the Rules and Regulations promulgated thereunder, arising out of a Member’s investment in the Company are not required to be arbitrated.
Because the nature of the Company is to generate Profits on behalf of its Members, it is imperative that one Member’s dispute with the Manager and/or other Members is not allowed to diminish the Profits available to other Members or resources necessary to operate the Company. Litigation could require diversion of Company Profits to pay attorney’s fees or could tie up Company funds necessary for operation of the Company, impacting the profitability of the investment for all Members. The only way to prevent such needless expense is to have a comprehensive Internal Dispute Resolution Procedure (Procedure) in place, to which each of the Members have specifically agreed in advance of membership in the Company. The Procedure described below requires an aggrieved party to take a series of steps designed to amicably resolve a dispute on terms that will preserve the interests of the Company and the other non-disputing Members, before invoking a costly remedy, such as arbitration.
Other than as described above, in the event of a dispute, claim, question, or disagreement between the Members or between the Manager and one or more Members arising from or relating to this Agreement, the breach thereof, or any associated transaction, or to interpret or enforce any rights or duties under the Act (hereinafter Dispute), the Manager and Members hereby agree to resolve such Dispute by strictly adhering to the Procedure provided below. The following Procedure has been adapted for purposes of this Agreement from guidelines and rules published by the American Arbitration Association (AAA):
13.1 Notice of Disputes
Written notice of a Dispute must be sent to the Manager or Member by the aggrieved party as described in the notice requirements of Article 15.1 below.
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13.2 Negotiation of Disputes
The parties hereto shall use their best efforts to settle any Dispute through negotiation before resorting to any other means of resolution. To this effect, they shall consult and negotiate with each other in good faith and, recognizing their mutual interests, attempt to reach a just and equitable solution satisfactory to all parties. If, within a period of sixty (60) days after written notice of such Dispute has been served by either party on the other, the parties have not reached a negotiated solution, then upon further notice by either party, the Dispute shall be submitted to mediation administered by the AAA in accordance with the provisions of its Commercial Mediation Rules. The onus is on the complaining party to initiate each next step in this Procedure as provided below.
13.3 Mandatory Alternative Dispute Resolution
On failure of negotiation provided above; mediation, and as a last resort, binding arbitration shall be used to ultimately settle the Dispute. The following provisions of this Article 13 shall apply to any subsequent mediation or arbitration.
Exception: On unanimous consent of all parties to a Dispute, the disputing party may initiate a small claims action or litigation in lieu of mandatory mediation and arbitration. The parties shall further unanimously determine jurisdiction and venue. In any small claims action or litigation, the local rules of court shall apply in lieu of the remaining provisions of this Article.
13.3.1 Preliminary Relief
Any party to the Dispute may seek preliminary relief at any time after negotiation has failed, but prior to arbitration, in accordance with the Optional Rules for Emergency Measures of Protection of the AAA Commercial Arbitration Rules and Mediation Procedures. The AAA case manager may appoint an arbitrator who will hear only the preliminary relief issues without going through the arbitrator selection process described in Article 13.5.1.
13.3.2 Consolidation
Identical or sufficiently similar Disputes presented by more than one Member may, at the option of the Manager, be consolidated into a single Procedure.
13.3.3 Location of Mediation or Arbitration
Any mediation or arbitration shall be conducted in State of Florida and each party to such mediation or arbitration must attend in person.
13.3.4 Attorney’s Fees and Costs
Each party shall bear its own costs and expenses (including their own attorney’s fees) and an equal share of the mediator or arbitrators’ fees and any administrative fees, regardless of the outcome; however, if the Manager is a party, its legal fees shall be paid by the Company (per the indemnification provision described in Article 6.11).
Exception: The Company may reimburse a Member for attorney’s fees and costs in any legal action against the Manager or the Company in which the Member is awarded such fees and costs as part of a legal action.
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13.3.5 Maximum Award
The maximum amount a party may seek during mediation or be awarded by an arbitrator is the amount equal to the party’s Unreturned Capital Contributions and any Cash Distributions or interest to which the party may be entitled. An arbitrator will have no authority to award punitive or other damages.
13.3.6 AAA Commercial Mediation or Arbitration Rules
Any Dispute submitted for mediation or arbitration shall be subject to the AAA’s Commercial Mediation or Arbitration Rules. If there is a conflict between the Rules and this Article, the Article shall be controlling.
13.4 Mediation
Any Dispute that cannot be settled through negotiation as described in Article 13.2, may proceed to mediation. The parties shall try in good faith to settle the Dispute by mediation, which each of the parties to the Dispute must attend in person, before resorting to arbitration. If, after no less than three (3) face-to-face mediation sessions, mediation proves unsuccessful at resolving the Dispute, the parties may then, and only then, resort to binding arbitration as described in Article 13.5.
13.4.1 Selection of Mediator
The complaining party shall submit a Request for Mediation to the AAA. The AAA will appoint a qualified mediator to serve on the case. The preferred mediator shall have specialized knowledge of securities law, unless the Dispute pertains to financial accounting issues, in which case the arbitrator shall be a Certified Public Accountant, or if no such person is available, shall be generally familiar with the subject matter involved in the Dispute. If the parties are unable to agree on the mediator within thirty (30) days of the Request for Mediation, the AAA case manager will make an appointment.
If the initial mediation(s) does not completely resolve the Dispute, any party may request a different mediator for subsequent mediation(s) by serving notice of the request to the other party(ies) for approval, and subject to qualification per the requirements stated above.
13.5 Arbitration
Any Dispute that remains unresolved after good faith negotiation and three (3) failed mediation sessions shall be settled by binding arbitration. Judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator(s) shall be final and may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.
13.5.1 Selection of Arbitrator
Prior to arbitration, the complaining party shall cause the appointment of an AAA case manager by filing of a claim with the AAA along with the appropriate filing fee, and serving it on the defending party. The AAA case manager shall provide each party with a list of proposed arbitrators who meet the qualifications described below, or if no such person is available, who are generally familiar with the subject matter involved in the Dispute. Each side will have 14 days to strike any unacceptable names, number the remaining names in order of preference, and return the list to the AAA. The case manager shall then invite persons to serve from the names remaining on the list, in the designated order of mutual preference. Should this selection procedure fail for any reason, the AAA case manager shall appoint an arbitrator as provided in the applicable AAA Commercial Arbitration Rules.
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13.5.2 Qualifications of Arbitrator
The selected or appointed arbitrator shall be selected from available candidates in Florida and shall have specialized knowledge of securities law, unless the Dispute pertains to financial accounting issues, in which case the arbitrator shall be a CPA. Further, the selected arbitrator must agree to sign a certification stating that they have read all of the documents relevant to this Agreement in their entirety, including and any relevant Appendices or Exhibits, this entire Agreement, and the Subscription Booklet.
13.5.3 Limited Discovery
Discovery shall be limited to only those documents pertaining to this Agreement including this entire Agreement (and any relevant Appendices or Exhibits), the Subscription Booklet (and any relevant Appendices or Exhibits), any written correspondence between the parties, and any other documents specifically requested by the Arbitrator as necessary to facilitate his/her understanding of the Dispute. The parties may produce witnesses for live testimony at the arbitration hearing at their own expense. A list of all such witnesses and complete copies of any documents to be submitted to the arbitrator shall be served on the arbitrator and all other parties within forty-five (45) days of the arbitration hearing, at the submitting party’s expense.
13.5.4 Findings of Arbitrator
If, in any action against the Manager, the selected or appointed arbitrator, or judge (if applicable) makes a specific finding that the Manager has violated federal or state securities laws, or has otherwise engaged in any of the actions described in Article 6.11 for which the Manager will not be indemnified, the Manager must bear the cost of its own legal defense. The Manager must reimburse the Company for any such costs previously paid by the Company. Until the Company has been fully reimbursed, the Manager will not be entitled to receive any Fees or Distributions it may otherwise be due.
14. Dissolution and Termination of the Company
14.1 Dissolution
The Company shall be dissolved upon the disposition of all Company Properties (which may be determined solely by action of the Manager). The Company will observe any mandatory provisions of the Act upon dissolution. On dissolution, Assets of the Company will be distributed as described in Article 4.3 hereof.
14.2 Termination of a Member Does Not Require Dissolution
The disassociation, withdrawal, death, insanity, incompetency, Bankruptcy, dissolution, or liquidation of any Member or the Manager will not require dissolution of the Company.
14.3 Procedure for Winding-Up
Upon the dissolution and termination of the Company caused by other than the termination of the Company under section 708(b)(1)(B) of the Code, the Manager shall proceed to wind up the affairs of the Company. During such winding-up process, the Profits, Losses, and Distributions of the Distributable Cash shall continue to be shared by the Members in accordance with this Agreement.
Upon the dissolution and commencement of the winding up of the Company, the Manager shall cause Articles of Dissolution to be executed on behalf of the Company and filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Florida, and the Manager shall execute, acknowledge and file any and all other instruments necessary or appropriate to reflect the dissolution of the Company.
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15. Miscellaneous Provisions
15.1 Notices
All notices and demands which any Member is required or desires to give to another Member the Manager shall be given in writing by email with confirmation, facsimile, certified mail (return receipt requested with appropriate postage prepaid), or by personal delivery (with confirmation of service) to the address or facsimile transmission to the address set forth in Appendix A hereof for the respective Member, provided that if any Member gives notice of a change of name or address or facsimile number, notices to that Member shall thereafter be given pursuant to such notice.
All notices and demands so given shall be effective upon receipt by the Member to whom notice or a demand is being given except that any notice given by certified mail shall be deemed delivered three (3) days after mailing provided proof of delivery can be shown to:
School of Whales Commercial Real Estate Equity Fund, LLC
3634 NW 2nd Ave
Miami, FL. 33127
15.2 Amendments
The Articles of Organization and this Agreement may only be substantively amended by the affirmative vote of all Members of the Company. However, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Manager may amend this Agreement in a manner not materially inconsistent with the principles of this Agreement, without the approval or vote of the Members, including without limitation:
| · | To issue non-substantive amendments to this Agreement to correct minor technical errors; |
| · | To cure any ambiguity or to correct or supplement any provision herein which may be inconsistent with any other provision herein, or to add any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under this Agreement which will not be materially inconsistent with the provisions of this Agreement; |
| · | To appoint a different tax matters Member (per Appendix C); |
| · | To take such steps as the Manager deems advisable to preserve the tax status of the Company as an entity that is not taxable as a corporation for federal or state income tax purposes; |
| · | To delete or add any provisions to this Agreement as requested by the Securities and Exchange Commission or by state securities officials which is deemed by such regulatory agency or official to be for the benefit or protection of the Members; or |
| · | To make amendments similar to the foregoing so long as such action shall not materially and adversely affect the Members. |
15.3 Binding Effect
Except as may be otherwise prohibited by this Agreement, every covenant, term and provision of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Members and their respective heirs, legatees, legal representatives, successors, transferees, and assigns.
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15.4 Construction
Every covenant, term, and provision of this Agreement shall be construed simply according to its fair meaning and not strictly for or against any Member or the Manager.
15.5 Time
Time is of the essence with respect to this Agreement.
15.6 Headings
Article and other headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and are not intended to describe, interpret, define, or limit the scope, extent, or intent of this Agreement or any provision hereof.
15.7 Agreement Is Controlling
In the event of a direct conflict between any provision of this Agreement and the Act, the Agreement shall control unless the conflicting provision of the Act is non-waivable, in which case the conflicting provision in the Agreement shall become subject to the severability provisions of Article 15.8 below.
15.8 Severability
Every provision of this Agreement is intended to be severable. If any phrase, sentence, paragraph, or provision of this Agreement or its application thereof to any Person or circumstance is unenforceable, invalid, the affected phrase, sentence, paragraph, or provision shall be limited, construed, and applied in a manner that is valid and enforceable. If the conflict was with a non-waivable provision of the Act, phrase, sentence, paragraph, or provision shall be modified to conform to the Act. In any event, the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall be given their full effect without the invalid provision or application. If any term or provision hereof is illegal or invalid for any reason whatsoever, such legality or invalidity shall not affect the validity or legality of the remainder of this Agreement.
15.9 Incorporation by Reference
Every Appendix, schedule, and other Exhibit, that is attached to this Agreement or referred to herein, is hereby incorporated in this Agreement by reference.
15.10 Additional Acts and Documents
The Manager agrees to perform all further acts and execute, acknowledge, and deliver any documents that may be reasonably necessary, appropriate, or desirable to carry out the provisions of this Agreement.
15.11 Florida Law
The laws of the State of Florida, notwithstanding its conflicts of laws principals, shall govern the validity of this Agreement, the construction of its terms, and the interpretation of the rights and duties of the Members.
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15.12 Counterpart Execution
This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts with the same effect as if all of the Members and the Manager had signed the same document. All the counterparts shall be construed together and shall constitute one agreement. A signed copy of this Agreement delivered by facsimile, email or other means of electronic transmission shall be deemed to have the same legal effect as delivery of an original signed copy of this Agreement.
15.13 Merger
It is agreed that all prior understandings and agreements between the parties, written and oral, respecting this transaction are merged in this Agreement, which alone, fully and completely expresses such agreement, and that there are no other agreements except as specifically set forth in this Agreement.
REST OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto, whose names and contact information follows, have executed this Operating Agreement of School of Whales Commercial Real Estate Equity Fund, LLC as of the dates provided below.
| Dated: November 8, 2018 | By: School of Whales Commercial Real Estate Equity Fund, LLC, |
| A Florida limited liability company | |
| By: Its Manager, SOW MANAGEMENT, LLC, | |
| A Florida limited liability company | |
| /s/ Andrea Petersen | |
| By: Andrea Petersen | |
| Chief Executive Officer |
| ALL SUBSCRIBERS MUST COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING SIGNATURE PAGE (APPENDIX A) AND RETURN THE EXECUTED PAGES ALONG WITH THEIR COMPLETED SUBSCRIPTION BOOKLET TO THE MANAGER AT THE ADDRESS PROVIDED HEREIN. |
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Appendix A: Member Signature and Contact Page
BY SIGNING THE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT, HERETO ATTACHED, THE INVESTOR ACKNOWLEDGES THAT, THEY HAVE READ, UNDERSTAND, AND AGREE TO THE DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCEDURE DESCRIBED IN ARTICLE 13 HEREOF; THEY HAVE SOUGHT ADVICE OF THEIR OWN COUNSEL TO THE EXTENT THEY DEEM NECESSARY; AND, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF CLAIMS RELATED TO OR ARISING UNDER THE FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS AND THE RULES AND REGULATIONS PROMULGATED THEREUNDER, ARISING OUT OF A MEMBERS INVESTMENT IN THE COMPANY, ARE GIVING UP THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY AND THEIR RIGHT TO CONDUCT PRETRIAL DISCOVERY.
BY SIGNING THE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT, HERETO ATTACHED, THE INVESTOR HAS EXECUTED THIS OPERATING AGREEMENT ON THE DATE SET FORTH IN THE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT.
THE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT AND THIS OPERATING AGREEMENT ARE NOT DEEMED ENTER INTO UNTIL SUCH TIME THAT THE MANAGER COUNTERSIGNS SUCH SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT
| A-1 |
Appendix B: Table 1, Class A Members
Identification of Class A Members and Percentage Interests
(FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY)
| Entity Name | Capital Contribution | Number of A Interests | Ownership of Class A Interests | Ownership Percentage of Total Interests | ||||||||||||
| TOTAL | 100.00 | % | 80.00 | % | ||||||||||||
*DUPLICATE THIS PAGE IF NECESSARY
| B-1 |
Appendix B: Table 2, Class B Members
Identification of Class B Members and Percentage Interest
(FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY)
| Entity Name | Capital Contribution | Ownership of Class B Interests | Ownership Percentage of Total Interests | |||||||||
| SOW Management, LLC | $ | 200 | 100 | % | 20.00 | % | ||||||
| TOTAL | $ | 0 | 100.00 | % | 20.00 | % | ||||||
| B-2 |
Appendix C: Capital Accounts and Allocations
1. Capital Accounts
An individual Capital Account shall be maintained for each Member in accordance with Treasury Regulation section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv) and adjusted with the following provisions:
| a. | A Member’s Capital Account shall be increased by that Member’s Capital Contributions and that Member’s share of Profits. |
| b. | A Member’s Capital Account shall be increased by the amount of any Company liabilities assumed by that Member subject to and in accordance with Regulation section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(c). |
| c. | A Member’s Capital Account shall be decreased by (a) the amount of cash distributed to that Member and (b) the Gross Asset Value of the Company’s Property of the Company so distributed, net of liabilities secured by such distributed Company’s Property that the distribute Member is considered to assume or to be subject to under Code section 752. |
| d. | A Member’s Capital Account shall be reduced by the Member’s share of any expenditures of the Company described in Code section 705(a)(2)(B) or which are treated as Code section 705(a)(2)(B) expenditures under Treasury Regulation section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(i) (including syndication expenses and Losses nondeductible under Code sections 267(a)(1) or 707(b)). |
| e. | If any Economic Interest (or portion thereof) is transferred, the transferee of such Economic Interest or portion shall succeed to the transferor’s Capital Account attributable to such Interest or portion. |
| f. | Each Member’s Capital Account shall be increased or decreased as necessary to reflect a revaluation of the Company’s Property in accordance with the requirements of Treasury Regulation section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f)-(g), including the special rules under Treasury Regulation section 1.701-1(b)(4), as applicable. |
| g. | In the event the Gross Asset Values of the Company Assets are adjusted pursuant to this Agreement, the Capital Accounts of all Members shall be adjusted simultaneously to reflect the aggregate net adjustment as if the Company had recognized gain or loss equal to the amount of such aggregate net adjustment and the resulting gain or loss had been allocated among the Members in accordance with this Agreement. |
| h. | The foregoing provisions and other provisions of this Agreement relating to the maintenance of Capital Accounts are intended to comply with the Code and applicable Treasury Regulations and shall be interpreted and applied in a manner consistent therewith. In the event the Manager shall determine, after consultation with competent legal counsel, that it is prudent to modify the manner in which the Capital Accounts or any debits or credits thereto are allocated or computed in order to comply with such applicable federal law, the Manager shall make such modification without the consent of any other Member, provided the Manager determines in good faith that such modification is not likely to have a material adverse effect on the amounts properly distributable to any Member and that such modification will not increase the liability of any Member to third-parties. |
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2. Division of Profits and Losses for Income Tax Purposes
Division of Profits and Losses After giving effect to the special allocations set forth in Sections 2.2 and 2.3 of this Appendix, Profits and Losses of the Company shall be allocated as follows:
2.1 Fiscal Year
After giving effect to the special allocations set forth in Sections 2.2 and 2.3, Profits and Losses of the Company shall be allocated as follows:
2.1.1 Net Profits
Net Profits (which is the excess of Profits over Losses) for each Fiscal Year of the Company shall be allocated as follows:
| a. | First to reverse any Net Losses allocated to a Member solely as a result of the application of the limitation of Section 2.1.2(b) to another Member; thereafter |
| b. | To the Members, in proportion to the Distributions received by the Members under Section 3 for the Fiscal Year. |
2.1.2 Net Losses
Net Losses (which is the excess of Losses over Profits) for each Fiscal Year of the Company shall be allocated:
| a. | To and among the Members pro-rata according to their respective Percentage Interests; however; |
| b. | Net Losses allocated pursuant to Section 2.1.2(a) hereof shall not exceed the maximum amount of Losses that can be so allocated without causing any Member to have an adjusted Capital Account deficit at the end of any Fiscal Year. In the event some but not all of the Members would have adjusted Capital Account deficits as a consequence of an allocation of Net Losses pursuant to Section 2.1.2(a), the limitation set forth in this Section 2.1.2(b) shall be applied on a Member by Member basis so as to allocate the maximum permissible Net Losses to each Member under Treasury Regulation section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d). |
2.2 Special Allocations
2.2.1 Non-Recourse Deductions
Non-Recourse Deductions for any Fiscal Year shall be allocated to the Members in accordance with their Percentage Interests.
2.2.2 Member Non-Recourse Deductions
Member Nonrecourse Deductions for any Fiscal Year of the Company shall be allocated to the Members in the same proportion as Profits are allocated under Section 2.1.1, provided that any Member Nonrecourse Deductions for any Fiscal Year or other period shall be allocated to the Member who bears (or is deemed to bear) the economic risk of loss with respect to the Member Nonrecourse Debt to which such Member Nonrecourse Deductions are attributable in accordance with Treasury Regulation section 1.704-2(i)(2).
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2.2.3 Minimum Gain Chargeback
Except as otherwise provided in section 1.704-2 of the Treasury Regulations, and notwithstanding any other provision of this Section, if there is a net decrease in Company Minimum Gain during any Fiscal Year, each Member shall be specially allocated items of Company Profits for such Fiscal Year (and, if necessary, subsequent Fiscal Years) in an amount equal to such Member’s share of the net decrease in Company Minimum Gain, determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation section 1.704-2(g).
Allocations pursuant to the previous sentence shall be made in proportion to the respective amounts required to be allocated to each Member pursuant thereto. The items to be so allocated shall be determined in accordance with sections 1.704-2(f)(6), 1.704-2(j) (2), and other applicable provisions in section 1.704-2 of the Treasury Regulations. This Section is intended to comply with the minimum gain chargeback requirement in section 1.704-2(f) of the Treasury Regulations and shall be applied consistently therewith.
2.2.4 Member Minimum Gain Chargeback
Except as otherwise provided in Treasury Regulation section 1.704-2(i)(4) and notwithstanding any other provision of this Section, if there is a net decrease in Member Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain attributable to Member Nonrecourse Debt during any Company Fiscal Year, each Member who has a share of the Member Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain attributable to such Member Nonrecourse Debt (determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation section 1.704-2(i)(5)) shall be specially allocated items of Company income and gain for such year (and, if necessary, subsequent Fiscal Years) in an amount equal to such Member’s share of the net decrease in Member Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain attributable to such Member Nonrecourse Debt, determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation section 1.704-2(i)(4).
Allocations pursuant to the previous sentence shall be made in proportion to the respective amounts required to be allocated to each Member pursuant thereto. The items to be so allocated shall be determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation sections 1.702-2(i)(4) and 1.704-2(j)(2). The provisions of this Section 2.2.4 are intended to comply with the minimum gain chargeback requirement in Treasury Regulation section 1.704-2(i)(4) and shall be interpreted in accordance therewith.
2.2.5 Qualified Income Offset
In the event any Member, in such capacity, unexpectedly receives any adjustments, allocations, or Distributions described in Treasury Regulation sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4) (regarding depletion deductions), 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(5) (regarding certain mandatory allocations under the Treasury Regulations regarding family partnerships: the so called varying interest rules or certain in-kind Distributions), or 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(6) (regarding certain Distributions, to the extent they exceed certain expected offsetting increases in a Member’s Capital Account), items of Company income and gain shall be specially allocated to such Members in an amount and a manner sufficient to eliminate, as quickly as possible, the deficit balances in the Member’s Capital Account created by such adjustments, allocations, or Distributions.
Any special allocations of items of income or gain pursuant to this Section shall be taken into account in computing subsequent allocations of Profits pursuant to this Section so that the net amount of any items so allocated and the Profits, Losses, or other items so allocated to each Member pursuant to this Section, shall to the extent possible, be equal to the net amount that would have been allocated to each such Member pursuant to this Section as if such unexpected adjustments, allocations, or Distributions had not occurred.
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2.2.6 Special Allocation of Net Profit from Capital Transactions
After accounting for any allocations set forth in Sections 2.2 and 2.3, Net Profit (which is the excess of Profit over Losses) of the Company resulting from a Capital Transaction shall be allocated to the Members in proportion to the Distributions received (or to be received) from such Capital Transaction under Article 4.2 of this Agreement.
In any Fiscal Year of the Company, Net Losses resulting from a Capital Transaction shall be allocated to Members with positive Capital Accounts, in proportion to their positive Capital Account balances, until no Member has a positive Capital Account. For this purpose, Capital Accounts shall be reduced by the adjustments set forth in Treasury Regulation section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), (5), and (6).
2.3 Other Allocations
2.3.1 Section 704(c) Allocations
In accordance with section 704(c) of the Code and the applicable Treasury Regulations issued thereunder, income, gain, loss, and deduction with respect to any property contributed to the capital of the Company shall, solely for tax purposes, be allocated among the Members so as to take account of any variation between the adjusted basis of such property to the Company for federal income tax purposes and its initial Gross Asset Value.
In the event Gross Asset Value of the Company’s Property is adjusted pursuant to this Agreement, subsequent allocations of income, gain, loss, and deduction with respect to such Asset shall take into account any variation between the adjusted basis of such Asset for federal income tax purposes and its Gross Asset Value in the same manner as under section 704(c) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder.
The Manager shall make any election or other decisions relating to such allocations in any manner that reasonably reflects the purpose of this Agreement. Allocations made pursuant to this Section are solely for purposes of federal, state, and local taxes and shall not affect or in any way be taken into account in computing any Member’s Capital Account or share of Profits, Losses, or other items, or Distributions pursuant to any provision of this Agreement.
2.3.2 Curative Allocations
The Manager shall make such other special allocations as are required in order to comply with any mandatory provision of the applicable Treasury Regulations or to reflect a Member’s Economic Interest in the Company determined with reference to such Member’s right to receive Distributions from the Company and such Member’s obligation to pay its expenses and liabilities.
2.3.3 Allocation of Tax Items
To the extent permitted by section 1.704-1(b)(4)(i) of the Treasury Regulations, all items of income, gain, loss and deduction for federal and state income tax purposes shall be allocated to the Members in accordance with the corresponding “book” items thereof; however, all items of income, gain, loss and deduction with respect to Assets with respect to which there is a difference between “book” value and adjusted tax basis shall be allocated in accordance with the principles of section 704(c) of the Code and section 1.704-1(b)(4)(i) of the Treasury Regulations, if applicable.
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Where a disparity exists between the book value of an Asset and its adjusted tax basis, then solely for tax purposes (and not for purposes of computing Capital Accounts), income, gain, loss, deduction and credit with respect to such Asset shall be allocated among the Members to take such difference into account in accordance with section 704(c)(i)(A) of the Code and Treasury Regulation section 1.704-1(b)(4)(i). The allocations eliminating such disparities shall be made using any reasonable method permitted by the Code, as determined by the Manager.
2.3.4 Acknowledgement
The Members are aware of the income tax consequences of the allocations made by this Section and hereby agree to be bound by the provisions of this Section in reporting their share of Company income and loss for income tax purposes.
3. Treatment of Distributions of Cash for Tax Purposes
3.1 Distributions of Cash
In the event that the Company generates Distributable Cash from Capital Transactions, the Company will make Cash Distributions to the Members as described in Article 4 of the Agreement.
3.2 In-Kind Distribution
Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, without the prior approval of the Manager, Assets of the Company, other than cash, shall not be distributed in-kind to the Members. If any Assets of the Company are distributed to the Members in-kind for purposes of this Agreement, such Assets shall be valued on the basis of the Gross Asset Value thereof (without taking into account section 7701(g) of the Code) on the date of Distribution; and any Member entitled to any Interest in such Assets shall receive such Interest as a tenant-in-common with the other Member(s) so entitled with an undivided Interest in such Assets in the amount and to the extent provided for in Articles 4 and 2.2 of the Agreement.
Upon such Distribution, the Capital Accounts of the Members shall be adjusted to reflect the amount of gain or loss that would have been allocated to the Members pursuant to the appropriate provision of this Agreement had the Company sold the Assets being distributed for their Gross Asset Value (taking into account section 7701(g) of the Code) immediately prior to their Distribution.
3.3 Company Election Regarding 1031 Exchange of its Property
The Company may elect (by a vote of a Majority of Interests), at the time of sale of the Property, to have the Company exchange the Property for another property, in compliance with the section 1031 of the Code, in which case recognition of the gain on the sale of the Property may be deferred.
If this action is approved but there are individual Members who do not want to participate in the exchange, they will have the option of and relinquishing their Membership Interests in the Company and taking a Cash Distribution at the time of the sale, as described in Article 4.2 of the Agreement.
3.4 Prohibited Distribution; Duty to Return
A Distribution to any Member may not be made if it would cause the Company’s total liabilities to exceed the fair value of the Company’s total Assets. A Member receiving a Distribution in violation of this provision is required to return it, if the Member had knowledge of the violation.
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4. Other Tax Matters
4.1 Company Tax Returns
The Manager shall use its best efforts to cause the Company’s tax return to be prepared prior to March 31 of each year.
4.2 Tax Treatment of Additional or Substituted Members
No Additional or Substituted Class A Members (described below) shall be entitled to any retroactive allocation of Losses, income, or expense deductions incurred by the Company.
The Manager may, at its option, at the time an Additional or Substituted Member is admitted, close the Company books (as though the Company’s tax year had ended) or make pro rata allocations of loss, income, and expense deductions to the Additional or Substituted Member for that portion of the Company’s tax year in which the Additional Member was admitted in accordance with the provisions of section 706(d) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder.
4.3 Allocation and Distributions between Transferor and Transferee
Upon the transfer of all or any part of a Class A Member’s Interest as hereinafter provided, Profits and Losses shall be allocated between the transferor and transferee on the basis of the computation method which in the reasonable discretion of the Manager is in the best interests of the Company, provided such method is in conformity with the methods prescribed by section 706 of the Code and Treasury Regulation section 1.704-1(c)(2)(ii). Distributions shall be made to the holder of record of the Class A Member’s Interest on the date of Distribution.
Any transferee of a Member Interest shall succeed to the Capital Account of the transferor Member to the extent it relates to the transferred Interest; provided, however, that if such transfer causes a termination of the Company pursuant to section 708(b)(1)(B) of the Code, the Capital Accounts of all Class A Members, including the transferee, shall be re-determined as of the date of such termination in accordance with Treasury Regulation section 1.704-1(b).
5. Partnership Representative
The Members shall take all reasonable actions to avoid the application to the Company of the centralized partnership audit provisions of sections 6221 through 6241 of the Code, as amended by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015. If, however, such provisions are found to apply to the Company, a member of the Manager or another appointed individual shall act as the Partnership Representative for the purposes of Code section 6221 through 6241. In the event the member of the Manager is no longer a Member in the Company, and no other individual has been appointed as the Partnership Representative, the Partnership Representative shall be the Majority Interest owner from amongst the Members. If the Majority Member is unable or unwilling to serve, the Partnership Representative shall be appointed from amongst the remaining Members by a Majority of Interests of the Members.
The Partnership Representative shall be authorized and required to represent the Company with all examinations of the Company’s affairs by tax authorities, including resulting administrative and judicial proceedings. The Partnership Representative shall have the sole authority to (1) sign consents, enter into settlement and other agreements with such authorities with respect to any such examinations or proceedings and (ii) to expend the Company’s funds for professional services incurred in connection therewith. In the event of an adjustment resulting in an underpayment of tax, the Partnership Representative shall duly and timely elect under section 6226 of the Code that each Person who was a Member during the taxable year that was audited personally bear any tax, interest, addition to tax, and penalty resulting from such adjustments and, if for any reason, the Company is liable for a tax, interest, addition to tax, or penalty as a result of such an audit, each Person who was a member during the taxable year that was audited shall pay to the Company an amount equal to such Person’s proportionate share of such liability, as determined by the Manager, based on the amount each such Person should have borne (computed at the rate used to compute the Company’s liability) had the Company’s tax return for such taxable year reflected the audit adjustment. The expenses for the Company’s payment of such tax, interest, addition to tax, or penalty shall be specially allocated to such Persons in such proportions.
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The Partnership Representative shall have the final decision-making authority with respect to all federal income tax matters involving the Company. The Members agree to cooperate with the Partnership Representative and to do or refrain from doing any or all things reasonably required by the Partnership Representative to conduct such proceedings. Any reasonable direct out-of-pocket expense incurred by the Partnership Representative in carrying out its obligations hereunder shall be allocated to and charged to the Company as an expense of the Company for which the Partnership Representative shall be reimbursed.
6. Tax Matters Related to Foreign Investors
6.1.1 Non-U.S. Investors
The discussion below is applicable solely to Non-U.S. Persons investing directly with the Company.
The Company will be required to withhold U.S. Federal income tax at the rate of up to thirty percent (30%), or lower treaty rate, if applicable on a Non-U.S. Person’s distributive share of any U.S. source Distributions the Company realizes and certain limited types of U.S. source interest. Withholding generally is not currently required with respect to gain from the sale of portfolio securities. The Company will, however, be required to withhold on the amount of gain realized on the disposition of a “U.S. real property interest” included in a Non-U.S. Person’s Distribution at a rate of up to thirty-nine percent (39%). Each Non-U.S. Person that invests in this Offering will be required to file a U.S. Federal income tax return reporting such gain. The Gain realized on the sale of all or any portion of a Membership Interest will, to the extent such gain is attributable to U.S. real property interests, be subject to U.S. income tax.
The Company will be required to withhold U.S. Federal income tax at the highest rate applicable for any “effectively connected taxable income” (as that term is defined by the IRS) allocated to a Non-U.S. Person, and the amount withheld will be available as a credit against the tax shown on such Person’s return. The computation of income effectively connected with the Company may be different from the computation of the Non-U.S. Person’s effectively connected income (because, for example, when computing the Company’s effectively connected income, net operating Losses from prior years are not available to offset the Company’s current income), so in any given year the Company may be required to withhold tax with respect to its Non-U.S. Person-Investors in excess of their individual Federal income tax liability for the year.
If a Non-U.S. Person invests through an entity, it may be subject to the thirty percent (30%) branch profits tax on its effectively connected income. The branch profits tax is a tax on the “dividend equivalent amount” of a non-U.S. corporation (which may apply in the case of a limited liability company), which is approximately equal to the amount of such Company’s earnings and profits attributable to effectively connected income that is not treated as reinvested in the U.S. The effect of the branch profits tax is to increase the maximum U.S. Federal income tax rate on effectively connected income from thirty-five percent (35%) to over fifty percent (50%). Some U.S. income tax treaties provide exemptions from, or reduced rates for, the branch profits tax for “qualified residents” of the treaty country. The branch profits tax may also apply if a Non-U.S. Person claims deductions against their effectively connected income from the Company for interest on indebtedness of its non-U.S. Member.
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The Company is authorized to withhold and pay over any withholding taxes and treat such withholding as a payment to the Non-U.S. Person if the withholding was required. Such payment will be treated as a Distribution to the extent that the Non-U.S. Person is then entitled to receive a Distribution. To the extent that the aggregate of such payments to a Non-U.S. Person for any period exceeds the Distributions to which they are entitled for such period, the Company will notify the Non-U.S. Person as to the amount of such excess and the amount of such excess will be treated as a loan by the Company to the Non-U.S. Person. If a Non-U.S. Person owns a Membership Interest directly on the date of death, its estate could be further subject to U.S. estate tax with respect to such Interest.
6.1.2 Foreign Person Withholding
The Company shall comply with all reporting and withholding requirements imposed with respect to Non-U.S. Persons, as defined in the Code, and any Member that is a Non-U.S. Person shall be obligated to contribute to the Company any funds necessary to enable the Company (to the extent not available out of such Member’s share of Distributable Cash or Net Proceeds of Capital Transactions) to satisfy any such withholding obligations. In the event any Member shall fail to contribute to the Company any funds necessary to enable the Company to satisfy any withholding obligation, the Manager shall have the right to offset against any payments due and owing to such Member, or its Affiliates, the amounts necessary to satisfy such withholding obligation, or, in the event the Company shall be required to borrow funds to satisfy any withholding obligation by reason of a Member’s failure to contribute such funds to the Company, the Manager shall have the right to offset against said Member’s present and future Distributions, an amount equal to the amount so borrowed plus the greater of (i) the Company’s actual cost of borrowing such funds, or (ii) the amount borrowed, multiplied by fifteen percent (15%).
6.1.3 Non-U.S. Taxes
The Company may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by, and the Non-U.S. Person might be subject to, taxation and reporting requirements in non-U.S. jurisdictions. It is possible that tax conventions between such countries and the U.S. (or another jurisdiction in which a non-U.S. Member is a resident) might reduce or eliminate certain of such taxes. It is also possible that in some cases, if the Non-U.S. Person is a taxable Member, it might be entitled to claim U.S. tax credits or deductions with respect to such taxes, subject to certain limitations under applicable law. The Company will treat any such tax withheld from or otherwise payable with respect to income allocated to the Company as cash the Company received and will treat the Non-U.S. Person as receiving a payment equal to the portion of such tax that is attributable to it. Similar provisions would apply in the case of taxes the Company is required to withhold.
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Appendix D: Definitions
Defined terms are capitalized in this Agreement. The singular form of any term defined below shall include the plural form and the plural form shall include the singular. Whenever they appear capitalized in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below unless the context clearly requires a different interpretation:
Act shall mean the Florida Revised Limited Liability Company Act, as may be amended from time to time, unless a superseding Act governing limited liability companies is enacted by the state legislature and given retroactive effect or repeals this Act in such a manner that it can no longer be applied to interpret this Agreement, in which case Act shall automatically refer to the new Act.
Additional Capital Contribution shall mean any contribution to the capital of the Company in cash, property, or services by a Member made subsequent to the Member’s initial Capital Contribution.
Additional Member shall mean any Person that is admitted to the Company as a new or additional member, based on the affirmative vote of the Class A Members holding a majority of the Class A Percentage Interests, (except in the event of a failed capital call - see Article 2.3 and Article 11.2), after offering of Interests to new Members has been closed by the Manager.
Advance, Advances or Member Loans shall have meanings as provided in Article 3 hereof.
Affiliate or Affiliated shall mean any Person controlling or controlled by or under common control with the Manager or a Member wherein the Manager or Member retains greater than fifty percent (50%) control of the Affiliate if an entity.
Agreement or Operating Agreement shall mean this written agreement, which shall govern the affairs of the Company and the conduct of its business consistent with the Act or the Articles of Organization, including all amendments thereto. No other document or other agreement between the Members shall be treated as part or superseding this Agreement unless it has been signed by all of the Members. This Operating Agreement will supersede any prior versions of the Operating Agreement.
Article when capitalized and followed by a number refers the sections of this Operating Agreement and its Appendices.
Articles of Organization shall mean the document filed with the Florida Secretary of State pursuant to the formation of the Company, and any amendments thereto or restatements thereof.
Asset or Company Asset shall mean any real or personal property owned by the Company.
Bankrupt or Bankruptcy means, with respect to any Person, being the subject of an order for relief under Title 11 of the United States Code, or any successor statute or other statute in any foreign jurisdiction having like import or effect.
Capital Account shall mean the amount of the capital interest of a Member in the Company consisting of that Member’s original contribution, as (1) increased by any additional contributions and by that Member’s share of the Company Profits, and (2) decreased by any Distribution to that Member and by that Member’s share of the Company’s Losses.
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Capital Contribution or Contribution shall mean any contribution to the capital of the Company in cash, property, or services by a Member whenever made.
Capital Transaction shall mean the sale or disposition of a Company Asset.
Class A Members shall mean those Members who have purchased Class A Interests.
Class A Interests shall mean the Units purchased by the Class A Members. The Class A Interests shall comprise eighty percent (80%) of the total Interests sold.
Class A Percentage Interest shall be determined by calculating the ratio between each Class A Member’s Capital Account in relation to the total capitalization of the Company provided by the Class A Members.
Class A Interests shall mean the Units purchased by the Class A Members.
Class B Interest shall mean twenty percent (20%) of the total Interests in the Company, which shall be issued to School of Whales LLC (or its members or their Affiliates) in exchange for services.
Class B Members shall initially mean School of Whales LLC (or its Affiliates and/or members) but may include others to whom the Manager may grant or allow to purchase Class B Interests. Issuance of the Class B Units is irrevocable even if SOW MANAGEMENT, LLC is removed as the Manager of the Company.
Code shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
Company shall refer to School of Whales Commercial Real Estate Equity Fund, LLC, a Florida limited liability company.
Company Minimum Gain has the meaning set forth in sections 1.704-2(b)(2) and 1.704-2(d) of the Treasury Regulations.
Defaulting Member shall mean a Member who fails to make any portion of its Capital Contribution, including any Additional Capital Contribution the Member has elected to make within the time period permitted hereunder.
Disassociation shall mean an action of the Manager to remove a Member’s right to participate in management (i.e., removal of its voting Interest) for cause (per Article 12.1) or by operation of law (per Article 12.2).
Disassociated Member shall mean a Member who has been involuntarily disassociated from the Company by one of the actions described in Article 12.1 or 12.2, or by Voluntary Transfer of its Membership Interest to a Voluntary Transferee as described in Articles 11.3 through 11.5.
Dispute, when capitalized, shall have the meaning set for in Article 13 hereof.
Distributable Cash means all cash of the Company derived from Company operations or Capital Transactions and miscellaneous sources (whether or not in the ordinary course of business) reduced by: (a) the amount necessary for the payment of all current installments of interest and/or principal due and owing with respect to third-party debts and liabilities of the Company during such period, including but not limited to any real estate commissions, property management fees, marketing fees, utilities, closing costs, holding costs, construction costs, etc., incurred by or on behalf of the Company; (b) the repayment of Advances, plus interest thereon; and (c) such additional reasonable amounts as the Manager, in the exercise of sound business judgment, determines to be necessary or desirable as a “Reserve” for the operation of the business and future or contingent liabilities of the Company. Distributable Cash may be generated through either operations or Capital Transactions.
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Distribution, Distributions or Cash Distributions shall mean the disbursement of cash or other property to the Manager or Members in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
Economic Interest shall mean a Person’s right to share in the income, gains, losses, deductions, credit, or similar items of, and to receive Distributions from, the Company, but does not include any other rights of a Member, including, without limitation, the right to vote or to participate in management, except as provided in the Act, and any right to information concerning the business and affairs of the Company.
Estimated Market Value shall mean the estimated market value of the Company, which shall be determined annually by the Manager and reported to the Members.
Fee shall mean an amount earned by the Manager or an Affiliate as compensation for various aspects of operation of the Company, as described in Article 5.2 hereof.
Fiscal Year shall mean the Company’s fiscal year, which shall be the calendar year.
Good Cause shall have the meaning set forth in Article 8.3 hereof.
Gross Asset Value shall mean the asset’s adjusted basis for federal income tax purposes, except as follows: the initial Gross Asset Value of any asset contributed by a Member to the Company shall be the gross Estimated Market Value of such asset as determined annually by the Manager. Gross Asset Value may be adjusted pursuant to Code sections 734 and 754 whenever it is determined by the Manager that such adjustment is appropriate and advantageous.
Interest or Membership Interest shall mean a Member’s rights in the Company including the Member’s Economic Interest, plus any additional right to vote or participate in management, and any right to information concerning the business and affairs of the Company provided by the Act and/or described in this Agreement.
Investor shall mean a Person who is contemplating the purchase of Class A Interests.
Involuntary Transfer shall mean any transfer not specifically authorized under Article 11.
Involuntary Transferee shall mean a Member’s heirs, estate, or creditors that have taken by foreclosure, receivership, or inheritance and not as a result of a Voluntary Transfer.
Losses shall mean, for each Fiscal Year, the losses and deductions of the Company determined in accordance with accounting principles consistently applied from year to year under the cash method of accounting and as reported, separately or in the aggregate as appropriate, on the Company’s information tax return filed for federal income tax purposes plus any expenditures described in section 705(a)(2)(B) of the Code.
Major Decisions shall mean those decisions listed in Article 6.4 hereof.
Majority of Interests shall mean Members whose collective Percentage Interests represent more than fifty percent (50%) of the Interests, whether in the Company or in a particular Class, as specified in specific provisions of this Agreement. Where no class is specified, a Majority of Interests refers to Members having a majority of the total interests in the Company, regardless of class.
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Manager shall initially refer to SOW MANAGEMENT, LLC, a Florida limited liability company and each of its officers, managers, shareholders, directors, employees and agents or any other Person or Persons, as well as any of its Affiliates that may become a Manager pursuant to this Agreement as further described in Article 1.4 of this Agreement or any other Manager who shall be qualified and elected per Article 8 of this Agreement.
Member means only a Person who: (1) has been admitted to the Company as a Member in accordance with the Articles of Organization or this Agreement, or an assignee of an Interest in the Company who has become a Member; (2) who has not resigned, withdrawn, or been expelled as a Member or, if other than an individual, been dissolved. Member does not include a Person who succeeds to the Economic Interest of a Member, unless such Person is admitted as a new, Substitute or Additional Member, in accordance with the provisions for such admission as further described herein.
Member Nonrecourse Debt has the meaning set forth in section 1.704-2(b)(4) of the Treasury Regulations.
Member Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain means an amount, with respect to each Member Nonrecourse Debt, equal to the Company Minimum Gain that would result if such Member Nonrecourse Debt were treated as a Nonrecourse Liability, determined in accordance with section 1.704-2(i)(3) of the Treasury Regulations.
Member Nonrecourse Deductions has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulation section 1.704-2(i)(2). For any Fiscal Year of the Company, the amount of Member Nonrecourse Deductions with respect to a Member Nonrecourse Debt equals the net increase during that Fiscal Year in Member Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain attributable to such Member Nonrecourse Debt during that Fiscal Year, reduced (but not below zero) by the amount of any Distributions during such year to the Member bearing the economic risk of loss for such Member Nonrecourse Debt if such Distributions are both from the proceeds of such Member Nonrecourse Debt and are allocable to an increase in Member Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain attributable to such Member Nonrecourse Debt, all as determined according to the provisions of Treasury Regulation section 1.704-2(i)(2). In determining Member Nonrecourse Deductions, the ordering rules of Treasury Regulation section 1.704-2(j) shall be followed.
Nonrecourse Deductions has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulation section 1.704-2(c). The amount of Nonrecourse Deductions for a Company Fiscal Year equals the net increase in the amount of Company Minimum Gain during that Fiscal Year, reduced (but not below zero) by the aggregate amount of any Distributions during that Fiscal Year of proceeds of a Nonrecourse Liability that are allocable to an increase in Company Minimum Gain.
Nonrecourse Liability has the meaning set forth in section 1.704-2(b)(3) of the Treasury Regulations.
Notice of Sale shall have the meaning set forth in Article 11.5.1, pertaining to a Voluntary Transfer of a Member’s Interest.
Notice to Perform shall have the meaning set forth in Article 8.2.
Organization Expenses shall mean legal, accounting, and other expenses incurred in connection with the formation of the Company.
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Percentage Interest shall mean the ownership interest in the Company of a Member, which shall be the calculated by dividing the number of Units purchased by the Member by the total number of Units (Class A or B) issued. See Article 2.2 of this Agreement; see also definition of Class A Percentage Interests above and Appendix B, Tables 1 and 2, attached to this Agreement.
Person means an individual, a partnership, a domestic or foreign limited liability company, a trust, an estate, an association, a corporation, or any other legal entity.
Preferred Return shall mean a pre-tax non-cumulative annual return of eight percent (8%) (simple interest) on the outstanding amount of each such Class A Member’s initial capital contribution.
Procedure, when capitalized, shall refer to the Internal Dispute Resolution Procedure described in Article 13 hereof.
Profits shall mean, for each Fiscal Year, the income and gains of the Company determined in accordance with accounting principles consistently applied from year to year under the cash method of accounting and as reported, separately or in the aggregate as appropriate, on the Company’s informational tax return filed for federal income tax purposes plus any income described in section 705(a)(1)(B) of the Code.
Property, Properties or Company Property shall mean the distressed residential (single family) real estate throughout the United States to be acquired, renovated, operated and eventually sold by the Company.
Purchasing Member shall mean any current Member (or member of the Manager) contemplating the purchase of all or any portion of the rights of membership in the Company of a Member, including the Member’s Economic Interest and/or voting rights referenced in Articles 11 and 12.
Remaining Members shall have the meaning set forth in Articles 11.5.3 and 12.3 hereof.
Removal Notice shall have the meaning set forth in Article 8.4 hereof.
Section, when capitalized and followed by a number, refers the sections of the Appendices to this Operating Agreement.
Selling Member shall mean any Member that sells, assigns, hypothecates, pledges, or otherwise transfers all or any portion of its rights of membership in the Company, including its Economic Interest and/or voting rights.
Substitute Member or Substituted Member shall mean any Person or entity admitted to the Company, after approval by the Manager, with all the rights of a Member pursuant to Article 11.4 of this Agreement and Section 4.3 of Appendix C to this Agreement.
Transferee, when capitalized, shall have the meaning set forth in Article 11.4 hereof.
Treasury Regulations shall mean the Regulations issued by the United States Department of the Treasury under the Code.
Unit shall mean the incremental dollar amount established by the Manager for sale of Interests that Investors can purchase in order to become Members of the Company. Note: Units issued by the Company are “personal property” and not “real property” Interests, thus, may be ineligible for exchange under federal tax law or “1031 exchange” rules.
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Unreturned Capital Contributions means all Capital Contributions made by a Class A Member less any returned capital.
Voluntary Transfer shall have the meaning set forth in Article 11.
Working Capital and Reserves, Reserve or Reserves shall mean, with respect to any fiscal period, funds set aside or amounts allocated during such period to Reserves that shall be maintained in amounts deemed sufficient by the Manager for working capital and to pay taxes, insurance, debt service, or other costs or expenses incidental to the ownership or operation of the Company’s business.
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Exhibit 4
SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT
SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT (the “Subscription Agreement”) made as of this _______ day of ___________________, 20__, by and between School of Whales Commercial Real Estate Equity Fund, LLC a Florida limited liability company (the “Issuer”), and the undersigned (the “Subscriber”).
WHEREAS, pursuant to an Offering Circular dated ______________________ __, 20__ (the “Offering Circular”), the Issuer is offering in a Regulation A offering (the “Offering”) to investors up to 1,000,000 Class A Preferred Interests (“Interests”) at a purchase price of $50.00 per Unit for a maximum aggregate purchase price of $50,000,000 (the “Maximum Offering”).
WHEREAS, the Subscriber desires to subscribe for the number and class of Interests set forth on the signature page hereof, on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.
NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto do hereby agree as follows:
| I. | SUBSCRIPTION FOR AND REPRESENTATIONS AND COVENANTS OF SUBSCRIBER |
1.1 Subject to the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, the Subscriber hereby subscribes for and agrees to purchase from the Issuer the number of Interests set forth on the signature page hereof, at a price equal to $50.00 per Unit for the aggregate amount set forth on the signature page hereof (the “Purchase Price”) and the Issuer agrees to sell such Interests to the Subscriber for said Purchase Price, subject to the Issuer’s right to sell to the Subscriber such lesser number of (or no) Interests as the Issuer may, in its sole discretion, deem necessary or desirable. The Purchase Price is payable by wire, check or ACH payable to the North Capital Private Securities Corporation FBO School of Whales.
1.2 The Subscriber has full power and authority to enter into and deliver this Subscription Agreement and to perform its/his/her obligations hereunder, and the execution, delivery and performance of this Subscription Agreement has been duly authorized, if applicable, and this Subscription Agreement constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of the Subscriber.
1.3 The Subscriber acknowledges receipt of the Offering Circular, all supplements to the Offering Circular, and all other documents furnished in connection with this transaction by the Issuer (collectively, the “Offering Documents”). The Issuer strongly encourages the Subscriber to review the Offering Documents in full.
1.4 The Subscriber recognizes that the purchase of the Interests involves a high degree of risk in that (i) an investment in the Issuer is highly speculative and only investors who can afford the loss of their entire investment should consider investing in the Issuer and the Interests; (ii) the Interests are being sold pursuant to an exemption under Regulation A issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”), but they are not registered under the Act or any state securities law; (iii) there is only a limited trading market for the Interests, and there is no assurance that a more active one will ever develop, and thus, the Subscriber may not be able to liquidate his, her or its investment; and (iv) an investor could suffer the loss of his, her or its entire investment.
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1.5 The Subscriber is an “accredited investor,” as such term is defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D promulgated under the Act, and the Subscriber is able to bear the economic risk of an investment in the Interests OR the Purchase Price tendered by Subscriber does not exceed 10% of the greater of the Subscriber’s annual income or net worth (for natural persons) or 10% of the greater of the Subscriber’s annual revenue or net assets at fiscal year-end (for non-natural persons).
1.6 The Subscriber is not relying on the Issuer or its affiliates or agents with respect to economic considerations involved in this investment. The Subscriber has relied on the advice of, or has consulted with, only his, her or its Advisors, if any. Each Advisor, if any, is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Interests as such are described in the Offering Circular, and each Advisor, if any, has disclosed to the Subscriber in writing (a copy of which is annexed to this Subscription Agreement) the specific details of any and all past, present or future relationships, actual or contemplated, between the Advisor and the Issuer.
1.7 The Subscriber has prior investment experience (including investment in non-listed and non-registered securities), has (together with his, her or its Advisors, if any) such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the prospective investment in the Interests and has read and evaluated, or has employed the services of an investment advisor, attorney or accountant to read and evaluate, all of the documents furnished or made available by the Issuer to the Subscriber, including the Offering Circular, as well as the merits and risks of such an investment by the Subscriber. The Subscriber’s overall commitment to investments, which are not readily marketable, is not disproportionate to the Subscriber’s net worth, and the Subscriber’s investment in the Interests will not cause such overall commitment to become excessive. The Subscriber, if an individual, has adequate means of providing for his or her current needs and personal and family contingencies and has no need for liquidity in his or her investment in the Interests. The Subscriber is financially able to bear the economic risk of this investment, including the ability to afford holding the Interests for an indefinite period or a complete loss of this investment. If other than an individual, the Subscriber also represents it has not been organized solely for the purpose of acquiring the Interests.
1.8 The Subscriber acknowledges that any estimates or forward-looking statements or projections included in the Offering Circular were prepared by the management of the Issuer in good faith, but that the attainment of any such projections, estimates or forward-looking statements cannot be guaranteed by the Issuer, its management or its affiliates and should not be relied upon.
1.9 The Subscriber acknowledges that the purchase of the Interests may involve tax consequences to the Subscriber and that the contents of the Offering Documents do not contain tax advice. The Subscriber acknowledges that the Subscriber must retain his, her or its own professional Advisors to evaluate the tax and other consequences to the Subscriber of an investment in the Interests. The Subscriber acknowledges that it is the responsibility of the Subscriber to determine the appropriateness and the merits of a corporate entity to own the Subscriber’s Interests and the corporate structure of such entity.
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1.10 The Subscriber acknowledges that the Offering Circular and this Offering have not been reviewed by the SEC or any state securities commission, and that no federal or state agency has made any finding or determination regarding the fairness or merits of the Offering or confirmed the accuracy or determined the adequacy of the Offering Circular. Any representation to the contrary is a crime.
1.11 The Subscriber represents, warrants and agrees that the Interests are being purchased for his, her or its own beneficial account and not with a view toward distribution or resale to others. The Subscriber understands that the Issuer is under no obligation to register the Interests on his, her or its behalf or to assist them in complying with any exemption from registration under applicable state securities laws.
1.12 The Subscriber understands that the Interests have not been registered under the Act by reason of a claimed exemption under the provisions of the Act which depends, in part, upon his, her or its investment intention. The Subscriber realizes that, in the view of the SEC, a purchase with an intent to resell would represent a purchase with an intent inconsistent with his, her or its representation to the Issuer, and the SEC might regard such a sale or disposition as a deferred sale, for which such exemption is not available. The Subscriber does not have any such intentions.
1.13 The Subscriber agrees to indemnify and hold the Issuer, its directors, officers and controlling persons and their respective heirs, representatives, successors and assigns harmless against all liabilities, costs and expenses incurred by them as a result of any misrepresentation made by the Subscriber herein or as a result of any sale or distribution by the Subscriber in violation of the Act (including, without limitation, the rules promulgated thereunder), any state securities laws, or the Issuer’s governing documents, as amended from time to time.
1.14 The Subscriber understands that the Issuer will review and rely on this Subscription Agreement without making any independent investigation; and it is agreed that the Issuer reserves the unrestricted right to reject or limit any subscription and to withdraw the Offering at any time.
1.15 The Subscriber hereby represents that the address of the Subscriber furnished at the end of this Subscription Agreement is the Subscriber’s principal residence, if the Subscriber is an individual, or its principal business address, if it is a corporation or other entity.
1.16 The Subscriber acknowledges that if the Subscriber is a Registered Representative of a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) member firm, the Subscriber must give such firm the notice required by FINRA’s Conduct Rules, receipt of which must be acknowledged by such firm on the signature page hereof.
1.17 The Subscriber hereby acknowledges that neither the Issuer nor any persons associated with the Issuer who may provide assistance or advice in connection with the Offering are or are expected to be members or associated persons of members of FINRA or registered broker-dealers under any federal or state securities laws.
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1.18 The Subscriber hereby represents that, except as expressly set forth in the Offering Documents, no representations or warranties have been made to the Subscriber by the Issuer or by any agent, sub-agent, officer, employee or affiliate of the Issuer and, in entering into this transaction, the Subscriber is not relying on any information other than that contained in the Offering Documents and the results of independent investigation by the Subscriber.
1.19 No oral or written representations have been made, or oral or written information furnished, to the Subscriber or his, her or its Advisors, if any, in connection with the offering of the Interests which are in any way inconsistent with the information contained in the Offering Documents.
1.20 All information provided by the Subscriber in the Investor Questionnaire attached to this Subscription Agreement is true and accurate in all respects, and the Subscriber acknowledges that the Issuer will be relying on such information to its possible detriment in deciding whether the Issuer can sell these securities to the Subscriber without giving rise to the loss of the exemption from registration under applicable securities laws.
1.21 The Subscriber is unaware of, is in no way relying on, and did not become aware of the offering of the Interests through or as a result of, any form of general solicitation or general advertising including, without limitation, any article, notice, advertisement or other communication published in any newspaper, magazine or similar media or broadcast over television or radio, or electronic mail over the Internet, in connection with the offering and sale of the Interests and is not subscribing for Interests and did not become aware of the offering of the Interests through or as a result of any seminar or meeting to which the Subscriber was invited by, or any solicitation of a subscription by, a person not previously known to the Subscriber in connection with investments in securities generally.
1.22 The Subscriber has taken no action which would give rise to any claim by any person for brokerage commissions, finders, fees or the like relating to this Subscription Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.
1.23 The Subscriber is not relying on the Issuer, or any of its employees, agents or sub-agents with respect to the legal, tax, economic and related considerations of an investment in the Interests, and the Subscriber has relied on the advice of, or has consulted with, only his, her or its own Advisors, if any.
1.24 (For ERISA plans only) The fiduciary of the ERISA plan (the “Plan”) represents that such fiduciary has been informed of and understands the Issuer’s business objectives, policies and strategies, and that the decision to invest “plan assets” (as such term is defined in ERISA) in the Issuer is consistent with the provisions of ERISA that require diversification of plan assets and impose other fiduciary responsibilities. The subscriber or Plan fiduciary (a) is responsible for the decision to invest in the Issuer; (b) is independent of the Issuer and any of its affiliates; (c) is qualified to make such investment decision; and (d) in making such decision, the subscriber or Plan fiduciary has not relied primarily on any advice or recommendation of the Issuer or any of its affiliates or its agents.
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1.25 The Subscriber acknowledges that once a Subscriber submits a Subscription Agreement, the Subscriber’s commitment is irrevocable until the Interests are issued, or the Issuer rejects the Subscription Agreement or otherwise determines not to consummate the Offering.
1.26 The Subscriber has received and read a copy of this Subscription Agreement, the Offering Circular and the Company’s Operating Agreement and agrees that Subscriber’s execution of this Subscription Agreement constitutes consent to such Operating Agreement, and, that upon acceptance of this Subscription Agreement by the Company, the Subscriber will become a member of the Company. When this Subscription Agreement is countersigned by the Company, the Operating Agreement will be binding on the Subscriber as of the settlement date.
1.27 The Subscriber has carefully reviewed the arbitration notices in the Offering Circular and acknowledges, understands and agrees that: (a) arbitration is final and binding on the parties; (b) the parties are waiving their right to seek remedies in court, including the right to a jury trial; (c) pre-arbitration discovery is generally more limited than and potentially different in form and scope from court proceedings; (d) an arbitration award is not required to include factual findings or legal reasoning and any party’s right to appeal or to seek modification of a ruling by arbitrators is strictly limited; and (e) the panel of arbitrators may include a minority of persons engaged in the securities industry. Such arbitration provision limits the rights of an investor to some legal remedies and rights otherwise available.
1.28 The Issuer’s intent is to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws designed to combat money laundering and similar illegal activities, including the provisions of the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (the “PATRIOT Act”).
For purposes of this Section 1.28, the following terms shall have the meanings described below:
“Close Associate of a Senior Foreign Political Figure” shall mean a person who is widely and publicly known internationally to maintain an unusually close relationship with the Senior Foreign Political Figure, and includes a person who is in a position to conduct substantial domestic and international financial transactions on behalf of the Senior Foreign Political Figure;
“Foreign Shell Bank” shall mean a Foreign Bank without a presence in any country;
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“Foreign Bank” shall mean an organization that (i) is organized under the laws of a foreign country, (ii) engages in the business of banking, (iii) is recognized as a bank by the bank supervisory or monetary authority of the country of its organization or principal banking operations, (iv) receives deposits to a substantial extent in the regular course of its business, and (v) has the power to accept demand deposits, but does not include the U.S. branches or agencies of a foreign bank;
“Non-Cooperative Jurisdiction” shall mean any foreign country that has been designated as noncooperative with international anti-money laundering principles or procedures by an intergovernmental group or organization, such as the Financial Task Force on Money Laundering, of which the U.S. is a member and with which designation the U.S. representative to the group or organization continues to concur;
“Prohibited Investor” shall mean a person or entity whose name appears on (i) the List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons maintained by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control; (ii) other lists of prohibited persons and entities as may be mandated by applicable law or regulation; or (iii) such other lists of prohibited persons and entities as may be provided to the Fund in connection therewith;
“Related Person” shall mean, with respect to any entity, any interest holder, director, senior officer, trustee, beneficiary or grantor of such entity; provided that in the case of an entity that is a publicly traded company or a tax qualified pension or retirement plan in which at least 100 employees participate that is maintained by an employer that is organized in the U.S. or is a U.S. government entity, the term “Related Person” shall exclude any interest holder holding less than 5% of any class of securities of such publicly traded company and beneficiaries of such plan;
“Senior Foreign Political Figure” shall mean a senior official in the executive, legislative, administrative, military or judicial branches of a foreign government (whether elected or not), a senior official of a major foreign political party, or a senior executive of a foreign government-owned corporation. In addition, a Senior Foreign Political Figure includes any corporation, business or other entity that has been formed by, or for the benefit of, a Senior Foreign Political Figure.
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Subscriber hereby represents, covenants, and agrees that, to the best of Subscriber’s knowledge based on reasonable investigation:
| (a) | None of the Subscriber’s funds tendered for the Purchase Price (whether payable in cash or otherwise) shall be derived from money laundering or similar activities deemed illegal under federal laws and regulations. |
| (b) | To the extent within the Subscriber’s control, none of the Subscriber’s funds tendered for the Purchase Price will cause the Issuer or any of its personnel or affiliates to be in violation of federal anti-money laundering laws, including (without limitation) the Bank Secrecy Act (31 U.S.C. 5311 et seq.), the United States Money Laundering Control Act of 1986 or the International Money Laundering Abatement and Anti-Terrorist Financing Act of 2001, and/or any regulations promulgated thereunder. |
| (c) | When requested by the Issuer, the Subscriber will provide any and all additional information, and the Subscriber understands and agrees that the Issuer may release confidential information about the Subscriber and, if applicable, any underlying beneficial owner or Related Person to U.S. regulators and law enforcement authorities, deemed reasonably necessary to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations concerning money laundering and similar activities. The Issuer reserves the right to request any information as is necessary to verify the identity of the Subscriber and the source of any payment to the Fund. In the event of delay or failure by the Subscriber to produce any information required for verification purposes, the subscription by the Subscriber may be refused. |
| (d) | Neither the Subscriber, nor any person or entity controlled by, controlling or under common control with the Subscriber, any of the Subscriber’s beneficial owners, any person for whom the Subscriber is acting as agent or nominee in connection with this investment nor, in the case of an Subscriber which is an entity, any Related Person is: |
| (i) | a Prohibited Investor; |
| (ii) | a Senior Foreign Political Figure, any member of a Senior Foreign Political Figure’s “immediate family,” which includes the figure’s parents, siblings, spouse, children and in-laws, or any Close Associate of a Senior Foreign Political Figure, or a person or entity resident in, or organized or chartered under, the laws of a Non-Cooperative Jurisdiction; |
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| (iii) | a person or entity resident in, or organized or chartered under, the laws of a jurisdiction that has been designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury under Section 311 or 312 of the PATRIOT Act as warranting special measures due to money laundering concerns; or Bank without a physical presence in any country, but does not include a regulated affiliate; |
| (iv) | a person or entity who gives Subscriber reason to believe that its funds originate from, or will be or have been routed through, an account maintained at a Foreign Shell Bank, an “offshore bank,” or a bank organized or chartered under the laws of a Non-Cooperative Jurisdiction. |
| (e) | The Subscriber hereby agrees to immediately notify the Issuer if the Subscriber knows, or has reason to suspect, that any of the representations in this Section 1.28 have become incorrect or if there is any change in the information affecting these representations and covenants. |
| (f) | The Subscriber agrees that, if at any time it is discovered that any of the foregoing anti-money laundering representations are incorrect, or if otherwise required by applicable laws or regulations, the Issuer may undertake appropriate actions, and the Subscriber agrees to cooperate with such actions, to ensure compliance with such laws or regulations, including, but not limited to segregation and/or redemption of the Subscriber’s interest in the Common Shares. |
1.29 The foregoing representations, warranties and agreements shall survive the Closing.
| II. | REPRESENTATIONS BY THE ISSUER |
The Issuer represents and warrants to the Subscriber that as of the date of the closing of this Offering (the “Closing Date”):
2.1 The Issuer is a limited liability company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Florida, authorized to do business in the State of Florida and has the corporate power to conduct the business which it conducts and proposes to conduct.
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2.2 The execution, delivery and performance of this Subscription Agreement by the Issuer have been duly authorized by the Issuer and all other corporate action required to authorize and consummate the offer and sale of the Interests has been duly taken and approved. This Subscription Agreement is valid, binding and enforceable against the Issuer in accordance with its terms; except as enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or similar laws or by legal or equitable principles relating to or limiting creditors’ rights generally, the availability of equity remedies, or public policy as to the enforcement of certain provisions, such as indemnification provisions.
2.3 The Interests have been duly and validly authorized and issued.
2.4 The Issuer knows of no pending or threatened legal or governmental proceedings to which the Issuer is a party which would materially adversely affect the business, financial condition or operations of the Issuer.
| III. | TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION |
3.1 Subject to Section 3.2 hereof, the subscription period will begin as of the date of the Offering Circular and will terminate at 11:59 PM Eastern Time, on the earlier of the date on which the Maximum Offering is sold or one (1) year from the commencement date or the date the Offering is terminated by the Issuer (the “Termination Date”).
3.2 The Subscriber has effected a wire transfer in the full amount of the Purchase Price for the Interests to or on behalf of the Issuer, has delivered a check in payment of the Purchase Price for the Interests or has authorized North Capital Private Securities Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a registered Broker-Dealer, member of FINRA and SIPC, to request the subscription amount from the Subscriber’s bank.
3.3 The Subscriber hereby authorizes and directs the Issuer to deliver or cause the delivery of any certificates or other written instruments representing the Interests to be issued to such Subscriber pursuant to this Subscription Agreement to the address indicated on the signature page hereof.
3.4 If the Subscriber is not a United States person, such Subscriber shall immediately notify the Issuer, and the Subscriber hereby represents that the Subscriber is satisfied as to the full observance of the laws of its jurisdiction in connection with any invitation to subscribe for the Interests or any use of this Subscription Agreement, including (i) the legal requirements within its jurisdiction for the purchase of the Interests, (ii) any foreign exchange restrictions applicable to such purchase, (iii) any governmental or other consents that may need to be obtained, and (iv) the income tax and other tax consequences, if any, that may be relevant to the purchase, holding, redemption, sale or transfer of the Interests. Such Subscriber’s subscription and payment for, and continued beneficial ownership of, the Interests will not violate any applicable securities or other laws of the Subscriber’s jurisdiction.
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| IV. | NOTICE TO SUBSCRIBERS |
4.1 THE UNITS HAVE BEEN QUALIFIED UNDER REGULATION A OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933. THE UNITS HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SEC, ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION OR OTHER REGULATORY AUTHORITY, NOR HAVE ANY OF THE FOREGOING AUTHORITIES PASSED UPON OR ENDORSED THE MERITS OF THIS OFFERING OR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THE MEMORANDUM. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS UNLAWFUL.
4.2 FOR NON-U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY: NO ACTION HAS BEEN OR WILL BE TAKEN IN ANY JURISDICTION OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA THAT WOULD PERMIT AN OFFERING OF THESE SECURITIES, OR POSSESSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF OFFERING MATERIAL IN CONNECTION WITH THE ISSUE OF THESE SECURITIES, IN ANY COUNTRY OR JURISDICTION WHERE ACTION FOR THAT PURPOSE IS REQUIRED. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ANY PERSON WISHING TO PURCHASE THESE SECURITIES TO SATISFY HIMSELF AS TO FULL OBSERVANCE OF THE LAWS OF ANY RELEVANT TERRITORY OUTSIDE THE UNTIED STATES OF AMERICA IN CONNECTION WITH ANY SUCH PURCHASE, INCLUDING OBTAINING ANY REQUIRED GOVERNMENTAL OR OTHER CONSENTS OR OBSERVING ANY OTHER APPLICABLE FORMALITIES.
| V. | MISCELLANEOUS |
5.1 Any notice or other communication given hereunder shall be deemed sufficient if in writing and sent by reputable overnight courier, facsimile (with receipt of confirmation) or registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to the Issuer, at the address set forth in the first paragraph hereof, Attention: Managing Member, and to the Subscriber at the address or facsimile number indicated on the signature page hereof. Notices shall be deemed to have been given on the date when mailed or sent by facsimile transmission or overnight courier, except notices of change of address, which shall be deemed to have been given when received.
5.2 This Subscription Agreement shall not be changed, modified or amended except by a writing signed by the parties against whom such modification or amendment is to be charged, and this Subscription Agreement may not be discharged except by performance in accordance with its terms or by a writing signed by the party to be charged.
5.3 This Subscription Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and to their respective heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns. This Subscription Agreement sets forth the entire agreement and understanding between the parties as to the subject matter hereof and merges and supersedes all prior discussions, agreements and understandings of any and every nature among them.
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5.4 Notwithstanding the place where this Subscription Agreement may be executed by any of the parties hereto, the parties expressly agree that all the terms and provisions hereof shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Florida. The parties hereby agree that any dispute which may arise between them arising under the Federal Securities Laws and the Rules and Regulations promulgated thereunder, arising out of or in connection with this Subscription Agreement or otherwise out of the Subscriber’s investment into the Issuer shall be adjudicated only before a Federal court located in Miami, FL, and they hereby submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the federal courts located in Miami, FL with respect to any such action or legal proceeding commenced by any party, and irrevocably waive any objection they now or hereafter may have respecting the venue of any such action or proceeding brought in such a court or respecting the fact that such court is an inconvenient forum, relating to or arising out of this Subscription Agreement or any acts or omissions relating to the sale of the securities hereunder, and consent to the service of process in any such action or legal proceeding by means of registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, in care of the address set forth below or such other address as the Subscriber shall furnish in writing to the other. The parties further agree that in the event of any dispute, action, suit or other proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Subscription Agreement, other than relating to claims under the federal securities laws, the Offering Circular or other matters related to this subscription brought by a Subscriber (or transferee), the Issuer (and each other defendant) shall recover all of such party’s attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in each and every action, suit or other proceeding, including any and all appeals or petitions therefrom. As used herein, attorney’s fees shall be deemed to mean the full and actual costs of any investigation and of legal services actually performed in connection with the matters involved, calculated on the basis of the usual fee charged by the attorneys performing such services.
5.5 This Subscription Agreement may be executed in counterparts. Upon the execution and delivery of this Subscription Agreement by the Subscriber, this Subscription Agreement shall become a binding obligation of the Subscriber with respect to the purchase of Interests as herein provided; subject, however, to the right hereby reserved by the Issuer to (i) enter into the same agreements with other subscribers, (ii) add and/or delete other persons as subscribers and (iii) reduce the amount of or reject any subscription.
5.6 The holding of any provision of this Subscription Agreement to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction shall not affect any other provision of this Subscription Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.
5.7 It is agreed that a waiver by either party of a breach of any provision of this Subscription Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach by that same party.
5.8 The parties agree to execute and deliver all such further documents, agreements and instruments and take such other and further actions as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes and intent of this Subscription Agreement.
| VI. | CONSENT TO ELECTRONIC DELIVERY. |
6.1 The Subscriber hereby agrees that the Issuer may deliver all notices, financial statements, valuations, reports, reviews, analyses or other materials, and any and all other documents, information and communications concerning the affairs of the Issuer and its investments, including, without limitation, information about the investment, required or permitted to be provided to the Subscriber or by means e-mail or by posting on an electronic message board or by other means of electronic hereunder communication. Because the Issuer operates principally on the Internet, you will need to consent to transact business with us online and electronically. As part of doing business with us, therefore, we also need you to consent to our giving you certain disclosures electronically to the email address you provide to us. By entering into this Subscription Agreement, you consent to receive electronically all documents, communications, notices, contracts, and agreements arising from or relating in any way to your or our rights, obligations or services under this Subscription Agreement or the Operating Agreement (each, a “Disclosure”). The decision to do business with us electronically is yours. This document informs you of your rights concerning Disclosures.
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| (a) | Scope of Consent. Your consent to receive Disclosures and transact business electronically, and our agreement to do so, applies to any transactions to which such Disclosures relate. |
| (b) | By executing this Subscription Agreement, you are consenting in the affirmative that we may send Tax Documents to you electronically, and acknowledging that you are able to access Tax Documents from the North Capital website which are made available on your Dashboard. If you subsequently withdraw consent to receive Tax Documents electronically, a paper copy will be provided. Your consent to receive the Tax Documents electronically continues for every tax year until you withdraw your consent. |
| (c) | Consenting to Do Business Electronically. Before you decide to do business electronically with us, you should consider whether you have the required hardware and software capabilities described below. |
| (d) | Hardware and Software Requirements. In order to access and retain Disclosures electronically, you must satisfy the following computer hardware and software requirements: access to the Internet; an email account and related software capable of receiving email through the Internet; a web browser which is SSL-compliant and supports secure sessions; and hardware capable of running this software. |
| (e) | How to Contact Us Regarding Electronic Disclosures. You can contact us via email at hello@schoolofwhales.com |
[Signature Pages Follow]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Subscription Agreement as of the day and year first written above.
| X $50 for each Unit | = $ ______________ | |||
| Number of Interests subscribed for in initial investment | Initial Purchase Price |
If Subscriber wishes to make additional recurring investments, Subscribers agrees to also purchase:
| X $50 for each Unit | = $ ______________ | |||
| Number of additional Interests PER MONTH | Additional Monthly Purchase Price |
For twelve months.
Manner in which Title is to be held (Please Check One):
| 1. | Individual | 7. | Trust/Estate/Pension or Profit Sharing Plan | |||||
| Date Opened: | ||||||||
| 2. | Joint Tenants with Right of Survivorship | 8. | As a Custodian for | |||||
| Under the Uniform Gift to Minors Act of the State of | ||||||||
| 3. | Community Property | 9. | Married with Separate Property | |||||
| 4. | Tenants in Common | 10. | Keogh | |||||
| 5. | Corporation/Partnership/Limited Liability Company | 11. | Tenants by the Entirety | |||||
| 6. | IRA | 12. | Foundation described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. |
IF MORE THAN ONE SUBSCRIBER, EACH SUBSCRIBER MUST SIGN
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EXECUTION BY NATURAL PERSONS
| Exact Name in Which Title is to be Held | |||||
| Name (Please Print) | Name of Additional Subscriber | ||||
| Residence: Number and Street | Address of Additional Subscriber | ||||
| City, State and Zip Code | City, State and Zip Code | ||||
| Social Security Number | Social Security Number | ||||
| Telephone Number | Telephone Number | ||||
| Fax Number (if available) | Fax Number (if available) | ||||
| E-Mail (if available) | E-Mail (if available) | ||||
| (Signature) | (Signature of Additional Subscriber) |
| ACCEPTED this day of 20__, on behalf of School of Whales Commercial Real Estate Equity Fund, LLC | |||
| By: | |||
| Name: | |||
| Title: | |||
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EXECUTION BY SUBSCRIBER WHICH IS AN ENTITY
(Corporation, Partnership, Trust, Etc.)
| Name of Entity (Please Print) | |||
| Date of Incorporation or Organization: _________________ | |||
| State of Principal Office:____________________________ | |||
| Federal Taxpayer Identification Number:________________ | |||
| Office Address | |||
| City, State and Zip Code | |||
| Telephone Number | |||
| Fax Number (if available) | |||
| E-Mail (if available) |
| [seal] | ||||||
| By: | ||||||
| Attest: | Name: | |||||
| (If Entity is a Corporation) | Title: | |||||
| * If Subscriber is a Registered Representative with a FINRA member firm, have the following acknowledgement signed by the appropriate party: | ||||||
| The undersigned FINRA member firm acknowledges receipt of the notice required by Rule 3050 of the FINRA Conduct Rules | ||||||
| ACCEPTED this day of 20__, on behalf of School of Whales Commercial Real Estate Equity Fund, LLC | ||||||
| Name of FINRA Firm | ||||||
| By: | By: | |||||
| Name: | Name: | |||||
| Title: | Title: | |||||
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INVESTOR QUESTIONNAIRE
Instructions: Check all boxes below which correctly describe you.
| ¨ | You are (i) a bank, as defined in Section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), (ii) a savings and loan association or other institution, as defined in Section 3(a)(5)(A) of the Securities Act, whether acting in an individual or fiduciary capacity, (iii) a broker or dealer registered pursuant to Section 15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), (iv) an insurance company as defined in Section 2(13) of the Securities Act, (v) an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), (vi) a business development company as defined in Section 2(a)(48) of the Investment Company Act, (vii) a Small Business Investment Company licensed by the U.S. Small Business Administration under Section 301 (c) or (d) of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, as amended, (viii) a plan established and maintained by a state, its political subdivisions, or an agency or instrumentality of a state or its political subdivisions, for the benefit of its employees and you have total assets in excess of $5,000,000, (ix) an investment adviser registered pursuant to Section 203 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended or registered pursuant to the laws of a state or an investment adviser relying on the exemptions from registering with the SEC under Section 203(l) or (m) of the Investment Advisers Act, (x) a Rural Business Investment Company as defined in Section 384A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, or (xi) an entity of a type not listed herein that is not formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the securities offered and owning investments in excess of $5,000,000, (xii) a family office (as defined in Rule 202(a)(11)(G)-1 under the Investment Advisers Act): (1) with assets under management in excess of $5,000,000; (2) that is not formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the securities offered; and (3) whose prospective investment is directed by a person who has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that such family office is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the prospective investment; (xiii) a family client (as defined in Rule 202(a)(11)(G)-1 under the Investment Advisers Act) of a family office meeting the requirements set forth in Rule 501(a)(12) of Regulation D and whose prospective investment in the issuer is directed by a person who has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that such family office is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the prospective investment; or (xiv) an employee benefit plan within the meaning of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”) and (1) the decision that you shall subscribe for and purchase Interests (the “Interests”) of School of Whales Commercial Real Estate Equity Fund, LLC is made by a plan fiduciary, as defined in Section 3(21) of ERISA, which is either a bank, savings and loan association, insurance company, or registered investment adviser, (2) you have total assets in excess of $5,000,000 and the decision that you shall subscribe for and purchase the Interests is made solely by persons or entities that are accredited investors, as defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act (“Regulation D”) or (3) you are a self-directed plan and the decision that you shall subscribe for and purchase the Interests is made solely by persons or entities that are accredited investors. |
| ¨ | You are a private business development company as defined in Section 202(a)(22) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. |
| ¨ | You are an organization described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), a corporation, Massachusetts or similar business trust or a partnership, in each case not formed for the specific purpose of making an investment in the Interests and with total assets in excess of $5,000,000. |
| ¨ | You are a director or executive officer of School of Whales Commercial Real Estate Equity Fund, LLC. |
| ¨ | You are a natural person whose individual net worth, or joint net worth with your spouse, exceeds $1,000,000 at the time of your subscription for and purchase of the Interests, excluding your primary residence as an asset and any indebtedness that is secured by your primary residence, up to the estimated fair market value of the primary residence at this time, as a liability (except that if the amount of the indebtedness secured by your primary residence at this time exceeds the amount of such indebtedness outstanding 60 days earlier, other than as a result of the purchase of the primary residence, the amount of the excess must be included as a liability) and any indebtedness that is secured by your primary residence which is more than the estimated fair market value of your primary residence at this time must also be included as a liability. |
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| ¨ | You are a natural person who had an individual income in excess of $200,000 in each of the two most recent years or joint income with your spouse in excess of $300,000 in each of the two most recent years, and who has a reasonable expectation of reaching the same income level in the current year. |
| ¨ | You are a trust, with total assets in excess of $5,000,000, not formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the Interests, whose subscription for and purchase of the Interests is directed by a sophisticated person as described in Rule 506(b)(2)(ii) of Regulation D. |
| ¨ | You hold in good standing one or more professional certifications or designations or credentials from an accredited educational institution that the Securities and Exchange Commission has designated as qualifying an individual for Accredited Investor status. |
| ¨ | You are an entity in which all of the equity owners are persons or entities described in one of the preceding paragraphs. |
| ¨ | None of the above describes you. Your net worth is $_______________________________ |
Are you associated with a FINRA Member Firm? ¨ Yes ¨ No
Your initials (purchaser and co-purchaser, if applicable) are required for each item below:
| I/We understand that this investment is not guaranteed. | ||||
| I/We are aware that this investment is not liquid. | ||||
| I/We are sophisticated in financial and business affairs and are able to evaluate the risks and merits of an investment in this offering. | ||||
| I/We confirm that this investment is considered “high risk.” (This type of investment is considered high risk due to the inherent risks including lack of liquidity and lack of diversification. Success or failure of private placements such as this is dependent on the issuer of these securities and is outside the control of the investors. While potential loss is limited to the amount invested, such loss is possible.) |
The Subscriber hereby represents and warrants that all of its answers to this Investor Questionnaire are true as of the date of its execution of the Subscription Agreement pursuant to which it purchased Interests of the Issuer.
| Name of Purchaser [please print] | Name of Co-Purchaser [please print] | |||
|
Signature of Purchaser (Entities please provide signature of Purchaser’s duly authorized signatory.) |
Signature of Co-Purchaser | |||
| Name of Signatory (Entities only) | ||||
| Title of Signatory (Entities only) |
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Exhibit 6.1

Broker-Dealer Agreement
This agreement (together with exhibits and schedules, the “Agreement”) is entered into by and between School of Whales Commercial Real Estate Equity Fund, LLC (“Client”), a Florida Limited Liability Corporation, and Dalmore Group, LLC., a New York Limited Liability Company (“Dalmore”). Client and Dalmore agree to be bound by the terms of this Agreement, effective as of June 9, 2020 (the “Effective Date”):
Whereas, Dalmore is a registered broker-dealer providing services in the equity and debt securities market, including offerings conducted via SEC approved exemptions such as Reg D 506(b), 506(c), Regulation A+, Reg CF and others;
Whereas, Client is offering securities directly to the public in an offering exempt from registration under Regulation A (the “Offering”); and
Whereas, Client recognizes the benefit of having Dalmore as a service provider for investors who participate in the Offering (“Investors”).
Now, Therefore, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained herein and for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:
1. Appointment, Term, and Termination
a. Client hereby engages and retains Dalmore to provide operations and compliance services at Client’s discretion.
b. The Agreement will commence on the Effective Date and will remain in effect for a period ending on the date that is twelve (12) months following qualification of the Offering by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and will renew automatically for successive renewal terms of twelve (12) months each unless any party provides notice to the other party of non-renewal at least sixty (60) days prior to the expiration of the current term. If Client defaults in performing the obligations under this Agreement, the Agreement may be terminated (i) upon sixty (60) days written notice if Client fails to perform or observe any material term, covenant or condition to be performed or observed by it under this Agreement and such failure continues to be unremedied, (ii) upon written notice, if any material representation or warranty made by either Provider or Client proves to be incorrect at any time in any material respect, (iii) in order to comply with a Legal Requirement, if compliance cannot be timely achieved using commercially reasonable efforts, after providing as much notice as practicable, or (iv) upon thirty (30) days’ written notice if Client or Dalmore commences a voluntary proceeding seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief, or is adjudged bankrupt or insolvent or has entered against it a final and unappeable order for relief, under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law, or either party executes and delivers a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors. The description in this section of specific remedies will not exclude the availability of any other remedies. Any delay or failure by Client to exercise any right, power, remedy or privilege will not be construed to be a waiver of such right, power, remedy or privilege or to limit the exercise of such right, power, remedy or privilege. No single, partial or other exercise of any such right, power, remedy or privilege will preclude the further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power, remedy or privilege. All terms of the Agreement, which should reasonably survive termination, shall so survive, including, without limitation, limitations of liability and indemnities, and the obligation to pay Fees relating to Services provided prior to termination.

2. Services. Dalmore will perform the services listed on Exhibit A attached hereto and made a part hereof, in connection with the Offering (the “Services”). Unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the parties.
3. Compensation. As compensation for the Services, Client shall pay to Dalmore a fee equal to one hundred (100) basis points on the aggregate amount raised by the Client. This will only start after FINRA Corporate Finance issues a No Objection Letter for the offering. Client authorizes Dalmore to deduct the fee directly from the Client’s third party escrow or payment account.
There will also be a one-time advance set up fee of $5,000. Fee is due and payable upon execution of this agreement. The advance fee will cover reasonable out-of-pocket accountable expenses actually anticipated to be incurred by the firm such as preparing the FINRA filing, due diligence expenses, working with the Client’s SEC counsel in providing information to the extent necessary, coordination with any third party vendors involved in the offering and any other services necessary and required prior to the approval of the offering. The firm will refund any fee related to the advance to the extent it was not used, incurred or provided to the Client.
The Client shall also engage Dalmore as a consultant to provide ongoing general consulting services relating to the Offering such as coordination with third party vendors and general guidance with respect to the Offering. The Client will pay a one time Consulting Fee of $20,000 which will be due and payable immediately after FINRA issues a No Objection Letter and the Client receives SEC Qualification.
4. Regulatory Compliance
a. Client and all its third party providers shall at all times (i) comply with direct requests of Dalmore; (ii) maintain all required registrations and licenses, including foreign qualification, if necessary; and (iii) pay all related fees and expenses (including the FINRA Corporate Filing Fee), in each case that are necessary or appropriate to perform their respective obligations under this Agreement. Client shall comply with and adhere to all Dalmore policies and procedures.
FINRA Corporate Filing Fee for this $50,000,000, best efforts offering will be $8,000 and will be a pass- through fee payable to Dalmore, from the Client, who will then forward it to FINRA as payment for the filing.
b. Client and Dalmore will have the shared responsibility for the review of all documentation related to the Transaction but the ultimate discretion about accepting a client will be the sole decision of the Client. Each Investor will be considered to be that of the Client’s and NOT Dalmore.
c. Client and Dalmore will each be responsible for supervising the activities and training of their respective sales employees, as well as all of their other respective employees in the performance of functions specifically allocated to them pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
d. Client and Dalmore agree to promptly notify the other concerning any material communications from or with any Governmental Authority or Self Regulatory Organization with respect to this Agreement or the performance of its obligations, unless such notification is expressly prohibited by the applicable Governmental Authority.
5. Role of Dalmore. Client acknowledges and agrees that Client will rely on Client’s own judgment in using Dalmore’ Services. Dalmore (i) makes no representations with respect to the quality of any investment opportunity or of any issuer; (ii) does not guarantee the performance to and of any Investor; (iii) will make commercially reasonable efforts to perform the Services in accordance with its specifications; (iv) does not guarantee the performance of any party or facility which provides connectivity to Dalmore; and (v) is not an investment adviser, does not provide investment advice and does not recommend securities transactions and any display of data or other information about an investment opportunity, does not constitute a recommendation as to the appropriateness, suitability, legality, validity or profitability of any transaction. Nothing in this Agreement should be construed to create a partnership, joint venture, or employer-employee relationship of any kind.

6. Indemnification.
a. Indemnification by Client. Client shall indemnify, defend, and hold Dalmore, its affiliates and their representatives and agents harmless from, any and all actual or direct losses, liabilities, judgments, arbitration awards, settlements, damages, costs and expenses (collectively, “Losses”), resulting from or arising out of any third party suits, actions, claims, demands or similar proceedings (collectively, “Proceedings”) to the extent they are, as determined as set forth in Section 9(a) hereof, based upon (i) a material breach of this Agreement by Client, (ii) the wrongful acts or omissions of Client, or (iii) the Offering.
b. Indemnification by Dalmore. Dalmore shall indemnify, defend, and hold Client, Client’s affiliates and Client’s representatives and agents harmless from any Losses resulting from or arising out of Proceedings to the extent they are, as determined as set forth in Section 9(a) hereof, based upon (i) a material breach of this Agreement by Dalmore or (ii) the wrongful acts or omissions of Dalmore or its failure to comply with any applicable federal, state, or local laws, regulations, or codes in the performance of its obligations under this Agreement.
c. Indemnification Procedure. If any Proceeding is commenced against a party entitled to indemnification under this section, prompt written notice of the Proceeding shall be given to the party obligated to provide such indemnification. Providing the indemnifying party with such written notice of the event giving rise to an indemnity obligation is an express condition precedent to the duty to provide a defense and indemnity. The indemnifying party shall be entitled to take control of the defense, investigation or settlement of the Proceeding and the indemnified party agrees to reasonably cooperate, at the indemnifying party's cost in the ensuing investigations, defense or settlement. The indemnifying party shall have the right to consent to any settlement or judgement that is binding on the indemnifying party.
d. Potential Limitation of Indemnification. an indemnifying Party’s liability under this Section shall be reduced proportionally to the extent that any act or omission of the other party, or its employees or agents contributed to such liability, as determined as set forth in Section 9(a) hereof.
7. Notices. Any notices required by this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be addressed, and delivered or mailed postage prepaid, or faxed or emailed to the other parties hereto at such addresses as such other parties may designate from time to time for the receipt of such notices. Until further notice, the address of each party to this Agreement for this purpose shall be the following:
If to the Client:
School of Whales Commercial Real Estate Equity Fund, LLC
3634 NW 2nd Ave
Miami, FL 33127
Attn: Andrea Petersen, CEO
Tel: 305-450-1131
andrea@schoolofwhales.com
If to the Dalmore:
Dalmore Group, LLC.
525 Green Place
Woodmere, NY 11598
Attn: Etan Butler, Chairman
Tel: 917-319-3000
etan@dalmorefg.com

8. Confidentiality and Mutual Non-Disclosure:
a. Confidentiality.
i. Included Information. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Confidential Information” means all confidential and proprietary information of a party, including but not limited to (i) financial information, (ii) business and marketing plans, (iii) the names of employees and owners, (iv) the names and other personally-identifiable information of users of the third-party provided online fundraising platform, (v) security codes, and (vi) all documentation provided by Client or Investor.
ii. Excluded Information. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “confidential and proprietary information” shall not include (i) information already known or independently developed by the recipient without the use of any confidential and proprietary information, or (ii) information known to the public through no wrongful act of the recipient.
iii. Confidentiality Obligations. During the Term and at all times thereafter, neither party shall disclose Confidential Information of the other party or use such Confidential Information for any purpose without the prior written consent of such other party. Without limiting the preceding sentence, each party shall use at least the same degree of care in safeguarding the other party’s Confidential Information as it uses to safeguard its own Confidential Information. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a party may disclose Confidential Information (i) if required to do by order of a court of competent jurisdiction, provided that such party shall notify the other party in writing promptly upon receipt of knowledge of such order so that such other party may attempt to prevent such disclosure or seek a protective order; or (ii) to any applicable governmental authority as required by applicable law. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to prohibit the SEC, FINRA, or other government official or entities from obtaining, reviewing, and auditing any information, records, or data. Issuer acknowledges that regulatory record-keeping requirements, as well as securities industry best practices, require Provider to maintain copies of practically all data, including communications and materials, regardless of any termination of this Agreement.
9. Miscellaneous.
a. ANY DISPUTE OR CONTROVERSY BETWEEN THE CLIENT AND PROVIDER RELATING TO OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT WILL BE SETTLED BY ARBITRATION BEFORE AND UNDER THE RULES OF THE ARBITRATION COMMITIEE OF FINRA.
b. This Agreement is non-exclusive and shall not be construed to prevent either party from engaging in any other business activities
c. This Agreement will be binding upon all successors, assigns or transferees of Client. No assignment of this Agreement by either party will be valid unless the other party consents to such an assignment in writing. Either party may freely assign this Agreement to any person or entity that acquires all or substantially all of its business or assets. Any assignment by the either party to any subsidiary that it may create or to a company affiliated with or controlled directly or indirectly by it will be deemed valid and enforceable in the absence of any consent from the other party.
d. Neither party will, without prior written approval of the other party, place or agree to place any advertisement in any website, newspaper, publication, periodical or any other media or communicate with the public in any manner whatsoever if such advertisement or communication in any manner makes reference to the other party, to any person or entity that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by, or is under common control, with the other party and to the clearing arrangements and/or any of the Services embodied in this Agreement. Client and Dalmore will work together to authorize and approve co-branded notifications and client facing communication materials regarding the representations in this Agreement. Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary within, Client agrees that Dalmore may make reference in marketing or other materials to any transactions completed during the term of this Agreement, provided no personal data or Confidential Information is disclosed in such materials.

e. THE CONSTRUCTION AND EFFECT OF EVERY PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT, THE RIGHTS OF THE PARTIES UNDER THIS AGREEMENT AND ANY QUESTIONS ARISING OUT OF THE AGREEMENT, WILL BE SUBJECT TO THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICT OF LAW PRINCIPLES. The language used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties to express their mutual intent, and no rule of strict construction will be applied against any party
f. If any provision or condition of this Agreement will be held to be invalid or unenforceable by any court, or regulatory or self-regulatory agency or body, the validity of the remaining provisions and conditions will not be affected and this Agreement will be carried out as if any such invalid or unenforceable provision or condition were not included in the Agreement.
g. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any prior agreement relating to the subject matter herein. The Agreement may not be modified or amended except by written agreement.
h. This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts and by facsimile or electronic means, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
[SIGNATURES APPEAR ON FOLLOWING PAGE(S)]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
| CLIENT: School of Whales Commercial Real Estate Equity Fund, LLC | |||
| By | /s/ Daniel Pena-Giraldi | ||
| Name: | Daniel Pena-Giraldi | ||
| Its: | COO | ||
| Dalmore Group, LLC: | |||
| By | /s/ Etan Butler | ||
| Name: | Etan Butler | ||
| Its: | Chairman | ||
Exhibit A
Services:
| a. | Dalmore Responsibilities – Dalmore agrees to: |
| i. | Review investor information, including KYC (Know Your Customer) data, perform AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and other compliance background checks, and provide a recommendation to Client whether or not to accept investor as a customer of the Client; |
| ii. | Review each investors subscription agreement to confirm such Investors participation in the offering, and provide a determination to Client whether or not to accept the use of the subscription agreement for the Investors participation; |
| iii. | Contact and/or notify the issuer, if needed, to gather additional information or clarification on an investor; |
| iv. | Not provide any investment advice nor any investment recommendations to any investor; |
| v. | Keep investor details and data confidential and not disclose to any third-party except as required by regulators or in our performance under this Agreement (e.g. as needed for AML and background checks); |
| vi. | Coordinate with third party providers to ensure adequate review and compliance. |
Exhibit 8.1
ESCROW AGREEMENT
FOR
SECURITIES OFFERING
THIS ESCROW AGREEMENT, effective as of _____________, (“Escrow Agreement”), is by, between and among North Capital Private Securities Corporation, a Delaware Corporation and a registered Broker-Dealer, member FINRA and SIPC, located at 623 E. Ft. Union Blvd, Suite 101, Salt Lake City, UT 84047 (“NCPS”) as escrow agent hereunder (“NCPS” or “Escrow Agent”); Dalmore Group, LLC (“Broker”), a New York limited liability compnay located at 525 Green Place, Woodmere, NY 11598; and ____________________________, a __________________________ (“Issuer”) located at ___________________________________________________________________.
SUMMARY
A. Issuer has engaged Broker to act as broker/dealer of record for the sale up to $________________ of securities (the “Securities”) on a “best efforts” basis, in an offering pursuant to Regulation A+.
B. In accordance with the Form 1-A (“Offering Document”), subscribers to the Shares (the “Subscribers” and individually, a “Subscriber”) will be required to submit full payment for their respective investments at the time they enter into subscription agreements.
C. In accordance with the Offering Document, all payments in connection with subscriptions for Shares shall be sent directly to NCPS, and NCPS has agreed to accept, hold, and disburse such funds deposited with it thereon in accordance with the terms of this Escrow Agreement and in compliance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rule 15(c)2-4 and related SEC guidance and FINRA rules.
D. In order to establish the escrow of funds and to effect the provisions of the Offering Document, the parties hereto have entered into this Escrow Agreement.
E. The parties to this agreement agree to the Transmittal of Funds for Deposit Into the Escrow Account procedures located in Exhibit B.
STATEMENT OF AGREEMENT
NOW THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, for themselves, their successors and assigns, hereby agree as follows:
1. Definitions. In addition to the terms defined above, the following terms shall have the following meanings when used herein:
“Business Days” shall mean days when banks are open for business in the State of Delaware.
“Cash Investment” shall mean the number of Shares to be purchased by any Subscriber multiplied by the offering price per Share as set forth in the Offering Document.
“Cash Investment Instrument” shall mean an Automated Clearing House (“ACH”), made payable to or endorsed to NCPS in the manner described in Section 3(c) hereof, in full payment for the Shares to be purchased by any Subscriber.
“Escrow Funds” shall mean the funds deposited with NCPS pursuant to this Escrow Agreement.
“Expiration Date” means the date so designated on Exhibit A.
“Minimum Offering” shall mean the number Shares so designated on Exhibit A hereto.
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“Minimum Offering Notice” shall mean a written notification, signed by Broker, pursuant to which the Brokershall represent (1) that subscriptions for the Minimum Offering have been received, (2) that, to the best of Broker’s knowledge after due inquiry and review of its records, Cash Investment Instruments in full payment for that number of Shares equal to or greater than the Minimum Offering have been received, deposited with and collected by NCPS, (3) and that such subscriptions have not been withdrawn, rejected or otherwise terminated, and (4) that the Subscribers have no statutory or regulatory rights of rescission without cause or all such rights have expired.
“Subscription Accounting” shall mean an accounting of all subscriptions for Shares received and accepted by Broker as of the date of such accounting, indicating for each subscription the Subscriber’s name, social security number and address, the number and total purchase price of subscribed Securities, the date of receipt by Broker of the Cash Investment Instrument, and notations of any nonpayment of the Cash Investment Instrument submitted with such subscription, any withdrawal of such subscription by the Subscriber, any rejection of such subscription by Broker, or other termination, for whatever reason, of such subscription.
2. Appointment of and Acceptance by NCPS. Issuer, Broker hereby appoint NCPS to serve as Escrow Agent hereunder, and NCPS hereby accepts such appointment in accordance with the terms of this Escrow Agreement.
3. Deposits into Escrow.
a. All Cash Investment Instruments shall be delivered directly to NCPS for deposit into the Escrow Account described on Exhibit B hereto. Each such deposit shall be accompanied by the following documents:
(1) a report containing such Subscriber’s name, social security number or taxpayer identification number, address and other information required for withholding purposes;
(2) a Subscription Accounting; and
(3) written instructions regarding the investment of such deposited funds in accordance with Section 6 hereof.
ALL FUNDS SO DEPOSITED SHALL REMAIN THE PROPERTY OF THE SUBSCRIBERS ACCORDING TO THEIR RESPECTIVE INTERESTS AND SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ANY LIEN OR CHARGE BY NCPS OR BY JUDGMENT OR CREDITORS' CLAIMS AGAINST ISSUER UNTIL RELEASED OR ELIGIBLE TO BE RELEASED TO ISSUER IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 4(a) HEREOF.
b. Broker and Issuer understand and agree that all Cash Investment Instruments received by NCPS hereunder are subject to collection requirements of presentment and final payment. Upon receipt, NCPS shall process each Cash Investment Instrument for collection, and the proceeds thereof shall be held as part of the Escrow Funds until disbursed in accordance with Section 4 hereof. If, upon presentment for payment, any Cash Investment Instrument is dishonored, NCPS’s sole obligation shall be to notify Broker of such dishonor and to return such Cash Investment Instrument to the Investor should NCPS have Investor information sufficient to effect such a return or to Broker should sufficient Investor information be unavailable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if for any reason any Cash Investment Instrument is uncollectible after payment or disbursement of the funds represented thereby has been made by NCPS, Issuer shall immediately reimburse NCPS upon receipt from NCPS of written notice thereof.
Upon receipt of any Cash Investment Instrument that represents payment of an amount less than or greater than the Cash Investment, NCPS's sole obligation shall be to notify Issuer and Broker, depending upon the source of the of the Cash Investment Instrument, of such fact and to return such Cash Investment Instrument to the Investor should NCPS have Investor information sufficient to effect such a return or to Broker should sufficient Investor information be unavailable.
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c. All Cash Investment Instruments shall be made payable to the order of, or endorsed to the order of, “NCPS / _______________________________-Escrow Account,” and NCPS shall not be obligated to accept, or present for payment, any Cash Investment Instrument that is not payable or endorsed in that manner.
4. Disbursements of Escrow Funds.
a. Completion of Offering. Subject to the provisions of Section 10 hereof, NCPS shall pay to Issuer the liquidated value of the Escrow Funds, by wire no later than one (1) business day following receipt of the following documents:
(1) A Minimum Offering Notice;
(2) Subscription Accounting Spreadsheet substantiating the sale of the Minimum Offering and maintained by the sponsor;
(3) Instruction Letter (as defined below); and
(4) Such other certificates, notices or other documents as NCPS shall reasonably require.
NCPS shall disburse the Escrow Funds by wire from the Escrow Account in accordance with joint written instructions signed by both the Issuer, Broker as to the disbursement of such funds (the “Instruction Letter”) in accordance with this Section 4(a). Notwithstanding the foregoing, NCPS shall not be obligated to disburse the Escrow Funds to Issuer if NCPS has reason to believe that (a) Cash Investment Instruments in full payment for that number of Securities equal to or greater than the Minimum Offering have not been received, deposited with and collected by NCPS, or (b) any of the certifications and opinions set forth in the Minimum Offering Notice are incorrect or incomplete.
After the initial disbursement of Escrow Funds to Issuer pursuant to this Section 4(a), NCPS shall pay to Issuer any additional funds received with respect to the Securities, by wire, promplty after receipt. Additional disbursments shall be subject to the issuer providing the following documentation:
(1) Subscription Accounting Spreadsheet substantiating the sale of the Minimum Offering which shall be made available for electronic access to Issuer by NCPS;
(2) Instruction Letter (as defined above) from Issuer; and
(3) Such other certificates, notices or other documents as NCPS shall reasonably require.
It is understood that any ACH transaction must comply with U. S. laws and NACHA rules. However, NCPS is not responsible for errors in the completion, accuracy, or timeliness of any transfer properly initiated by NCPS in accordance with joint written instructions occasioned by the acts or omissions of any third party financial institution or a party to the transaction, or the insufficiency or lack of availability of your funds on deposit in an external account.
b. Rejection of Any Subscription or Termination of the Offering. No later than three (3) business days after receipt by NCPS of written notice (i) from Issuer that the Issuer intends to reject a Subscriber’s subscription, (ii) from Issuer, Broker that there will be no closing of the sale of Securities to Subscribers, (iii) from any federal or state regulatory authority that any application by Issuer to conduct a banking business has been denied, or (iv) from the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal or state regulatory authority that a stop or similar order has been issued with respect to the Offering Document and has remained in effect for at least twenty (20) days, NCPS shall pay to the applicable Subscriber(s), by ACH , the amount of the Cash Investment paid by each Subscriber.
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c. Expiration of Offering Period. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if NCPS shall not have received a Minimum Offering Notice on or before the Expiration Date, NCPS shall, within three (3) business days after such Expiration Date and without any further instruction or direction from Broker or Issuer, return to each Subscriber, by ACH, the Cash Investment made by such Subscriber.
5. Suspension of Performance or Disbursement Into Court. If, at any time, (i) there shall exist any dispute between Broker, Issuer, NCPS, any Subscriber or any other person with respect to the holding or disposition of all or any portion of the Escrow Funds or any other obligations of NCPS hereunder, or (ii) if at any time NCPS is unable to determine, to NCPS’s reasonable satisfaction, the proper disposition of all or any portion of the Escrow Funds or NCPS’s proper actions with respect to its obligations hereunder, or (iii) if Broker and Issuer have not within 30 days of the furnishing by NCPS of a notice of resignation pursuant to Section 7 hereof appointed a successor NCPS to act hereunder, then NCPS may, in its reasonable discretion, take either or both of the following actions:
a. suspend the performance of any of its obligations (including without limitation any disbursement obligations) under this Escrow Agreement until such dispute or uncertainty shall be resolved to the sole satisfaction of NCPS or until a successor NCPS shall have been appointed (as the case may be).
b. petition (by means of an interpleader action or any other appropriate method) any court of competent jurisdiction in any venue convenient to NCPS, for instructions with respect to such dispute or uncertainty, and to the extent required or permitted by law, pay into such court all funds held by it in the Escrow Funds for holding and disposition in accordance with the instructions of such court.
NCPS shall have no liability to Broker, Issuer, any Subscriber or any other person with respect to any such suspension of performance or disbursement into court, specifically including any liability or claimed liability that may arise, or be alleged to have arisen, out of or as a result of any delay in the disbursement of the Escrow Funds or any delay in or with respect to any other action required or requested of NCPS.
6. Investment of Funds. NCPS will not commingle Escrow Funds received by it in escrow with funds of others and shall not invest such Escrow Funds. The Escrow Funds will be held in a non-interest bearing account.
7. Resignation of NCPS. NCPS may resign and be discharged from the performance of its duties hereunder at any time by giving fifteen (15) business days prior written notice to the Broker and the Issuer specifying a date when such resignation shall take effect. Upon any such notice of resignation, the Broker and Issuer jointly shall appoint a successor NCPS hereunder prior to the effective date of such resignation. The retiring NCPS shall transmit all records pertaining to the Escrow Funds and shall pay all Escrow Funds to the successor NCPS, after making copies of such records as the retiring NCPS deems advisable. After any retiring NCPS’s resignation, the provisions of this Escrow Agreement shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was escrow agent under this Escrow Agreement. Any corporation or association into which NCPS may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated shall be the escrow agent under this Escrow Agreement without further act.
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8. Liability of NCPS.
a. NCPS undertakes to perform only such duties as are expressly set forth herein and no duties shall be implied. NCPS shall have no liability under and no duty to inquire as to the provisions of any agreement other than this Escrow Agreement, including without limitation the Offering Document. NCPS shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted by it in good faith except to the extent that a court of competent jurisdiction determines that NCPS’s gross negligence or willful misconduct was the primary cause of any loss to the Issuer, Broker or any Subscriber. NCPS’s sole responsibility shall be for the safekeeping and disbursement of the Escrow Funds in accordance with the terms of this Escrow Agreement. NCPS shall have no implied duties or obligations and shall not be charged with knowledge or notice of any fact or circumstance not specifically set forth herein. NCPS may rely upon any notice, instruction, request or other instrument, not only as to its due execution, validity and effectiveness, but also as to the truth and accuracy of any information contained therein, which NCPS shall believe to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the person or parties purporting to sign the same. In no event shall NCPS be liable for incidental, indirect, special, consequential or punitive damages (including, but not limited to lost profits), even if NCPS has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of action. NCPS shall not be obligated to take any legal action or commence any proceeding in connection with the Escrow Funds, any account in which Escrow Funds are deposited, this Escrow Agreement or the Offering Document, or to appear in, prosecute or defend any such legal action or proceeding. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, NCPS shall not be responsible for or required to enforce any of the terms or conditions of any subscription agreement with any Subscriber or any other agreement between Issuer, Broker and/or any Subscriber. NCPS shall not be responsible or liable in any manner for the performance by Issuer or any Subscriber of their respective obligations under any subscription agreement nor shall NCPS be responsible or liable in any manner for the failure of Issuer, Broker or any third party (including any Subscriber) to honor any of the provisions of this Escrow Agreement. NCPS may consult legal counsel selected by it in the event of any dispute or question as to the construction of any of the provisions hereof or of any other agreement or of its duties hereunder, or relating to any dispute involving any party hereto, and shall incur no liability and shall be fully indemnified from any reasonable liability whatsoever in acting in accordance with the reasonable opinion or instruction of such counsel. Issuer shall promptly pay, upon demand, the reasonable fees and expenses of any such counsel.
b. NCPS is authorized, in its sole discretion, to comply with orders issued or process entered by any court with respect to the Escrow Funds, without determination by NCPS of such court's jurisdiction in the matter. If any portion of the Escrow Funds is at any time attached, garnished or levied upon under any court order, or in case the payment, assignment, transfer, conveyance or delivery of any such property shall be stayed or enjoined by any court order, or in case any order, judgment or decree shall be made or entered by any court affecting such property or any part thereof, then and in any such event, NCPS is authorized, in its reasonable discretion, to rely upon and comply with any such order, writ, judgment or decree which it is advised by legal counsel selected by it is binding upon it without the need for appeal or other action; and if NCPS complies with any such order, writ, judgment or decree, it shall not be liable to any of the parties hereto or to any other person or entity by reason of such compliance even though such order, writ, judgment or decree may be subsequently reversed, modified, annulled, set aside or vacated. Notwithstanding the foregoing, NCPS shall provide the Issuer, Broker with immediate notice of any such court order or similar demand and the opportunity to interpose an objection or obtain a protective order.
9. Indemnification of NCPS. From and at all times after the date of this Escrow Agreement, Issuer shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, defend, indemnify and hold harmless NCPS and each director, officer, employee, attorney, agent and affiliate of NCPS (collectively, the “Indemnified Parties”) against any and all actions, claims (whether or not valid), losses, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses of any kind or nature whatsoever (including without limitation reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses) incurred by or asserted against any of the Indemnified Parties from and after the date hereof, whether direct, indirect or consequential, as a result of or arising from or in any way relating to any claim, demand, suit, action or proceeding (including any inquiry or investigation) by any person, including without limitation Issuer, Broker whether threatened or initiated, asserting a claim for any legal or equitable remedy against any person under any statute or regulation, including, but not limited to, any federal or state securities laws, or under any common law or equitable cause or otherwise, arising from or in connection with the negotiation, preparation, execution, performance or failure of performance of this Escrow Agreement or any transactions contemplated herein, whether or not any such Indemnified Party is a party to any such action, proceeding, suit or the target of any such inquiry or investigation; provided, however, that no Indemnified Party shall have the right to be indemnified hereunder for any liability finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction, subject to no further appeal, to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnified Party. Each Indemnified Party shall, in its sole discretion, have the right to select and employ separate counsel with respect to any action or claim brought or asserted against it, and the reasonable fees of such counsel shall be paid upon demand by the Issuer. The obligations of Issuer under this Section 9 shall survive any termination of this Escrow Agreement and the resignation or removal of NCPS.
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10. Compensation to NCPS.
a. Fees and Expenses. Issuer shall compensate NCPS for its services hereunder in accordance with Exhibit A attached hereto and, in addition, shall reimburse NCPS for all of its reasonable pre-approved out-of-pocket expenses, including attorneys’ fees, travel expenses, telephone and facsimile transmission costs, postage (including express mail and overnight delivery charges), copying charges and the like. The additional provisions and information set forth on Exhibit A are hereby incorporated by this reference, and form a part of this Escrow Agreement. All of the compensation and reimbursement obligations set forth in this Section 10 shall be payable by Issuer upon demand by NCPS. The obligations of Issuer under this Section 10 shall survive any termination of this Escrow Agreement and the resignation or removal of NCPS.
b. Disbursements from Escrow Funds to Pay NCPS. NCPS is authorized to and may disburse from time to time, to itself or to any Indemnified Party from the Escrow Funds (but only to the extent of Issuer’s rights thereto), the amount of any compensation and reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses due and payable hereunder (including any amount to which NCPS or any Indemnified Party is entitled to seek indemnification pursuant to Section 9 hereof). NCPS shall notify Issuer of any disbursement from the Escrow Funds to itself or to any Indemnified Party in respect of any compensation or reimbursement hereunder and shall furnish to Issuer copies of all related invoices and other statements.
c. Security and Offset. Issuer hereby grants to NCPS and the Indemnified Parties a security interest in and lien upon the Escrow Funds (to the extent of Issuer’s rights thereto) to secure all obligations hereunder, and NCPS and the Indemnified Parties shall have the right to offset the amount of any compensation or reimbursement due any of them hereunder (including any claim for indemnification pursuant to Section 9 hereof) against the Escrow Funds (to the extent of Issuer’s rights thereto.) If for any reason the Escrow Funds available to NCPS and the Indemnified Parties pursuant to such security interest or right of offset are insufficient to cover such compensation and reimbursement, Issuer shall promptly pay such amounts to NCPS and the Indemnified Parties upon receipt of an itemized invoice.
11. Representations and Warranties.
a. Each of Broker and Issuer respectively makes the following representations and warranties to NCPS:
(1) It is a corporation or limited liability company duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the state of its incorporation or organization, and has full power and authority to execute and deliver this Escrow Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder.
(2) This Escrow Agreement has been duly approved by all necessary corporate action, including any necessary shareholder or membership approval, has been executed by its duly authorized officers, and constitutes its valid and binding agreement, enforceable in accordance with its terms.
(3) The execution, delivery, and performance of this Escrow Agreement will not violate, conflict with, or cause a default under its articles of incorporation, articles of organization or bylaws, operating agreement or other organizational documents, as applicable, any applicable law or regulation, any court order or administrative ruling or decree to which it is a party or any of its property is subject, or any agreement, contract, indenture, or other binding arrangement to which it is a party or any of its property is subject. The execution, delivery and performance of this Escrow Agreement is consistent with and accurately described in the Offering Document as set forth in Sections 4(b) and 4(c) hereof, has been properly described therein.
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(4) It hereby acknowledges that the status of NCPS is that of agent only for the limited purposes set forth herein, and hereby represents and covenants that no representation or implication shall be made that NCPS has investigated the desirability or advisability of investment in the Securities or has approved, endorsed or passed upon the merits of the investment therein and that the name of NCPS has not and shall not be used in any manner in connection with the offer or sale of the Securities other than to state that NCPS has agreed to serve as escrow agent for the limited purposes set forth herein.
(5) All of its representations and warranties contained herein are true and complete as of the date hereof and will be true and complete at the time of any deposit to or disbursement from the Escrow Funds.
b. Issuer further represents and warrants to NCPS that no party other than the parties hereto and the prospective Subscribers have, or shall have, any lien, claim or security interest in the Escrow Funds or any part thereof. No financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code is on file in any jurisdiction claiming a security interest in or describing (whether specifically or generally) the Escrow Funds or any part thereof.
c. Broker further represent and warrant to NCPS that the deposit with NCPS by NCPS of Cash Investment Instruments pursuant to Section 3 hereof shall be deemed a representation and warranty by NCPS that such Cash Investment Instrument represents a bona fide sale to the Subscriber described therein of the amount of Securities set forth therein, subject to and in accordance with the terms of the Offering Document.
12. Identifying Information. Issuer and Broker acknowledge that a portion of the identifying information set forth on Exhibit A is being requested by NCPS in connection with the USA Patriot Act, Pub.L.107-56 (the “Act”). To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, Federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. For a non-individual person such as a business entity, a charity, a Trust, or other legal entity, we ask for documentation to verify its formation and existence as a legal entity. We may also ask to see financial statements, licenses, identification and authorization documents from individuals claiming authority to represent the entity or other relevant documentation.
13. Compliance with Privacy Laws. NCPS represents and warrants that its collection, access, use, storage, disposal and disclosure of Personal Data does and will comply with all applicable federal and state privacy and data protection laws, as well as all other applicable regulations. Without limiting the foregoing, NCPS shall implement administrative, physical and technical safeguards to protect Personal Data that are no less rigorous than accepted industry, and shall ensure that all such safeguards, including the manner in which Personal Data is collected, accessed, used, stored, processed, disposed of and disclosed, comply with applicable data protection and privacy laws, as well as the terms and conditions of this Escrow Agreement. NCPS shall use and disclose Personal Data solely and exclusively for the purposes for which the Personal Data, or access to it, is provided pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Escrow Agreement, and not use, sell, rent, transfer, distribute, or otherwise disclose or make available Personal Data for NCPS’s own purposes or for the benefit of any party other than Issuer. For purposes of this section, “Personal Data” shall mean information provided to NCPS by or at the direction of the Issuer, or to which access was provided to NCPS by or at the direction of the Issuer, in the course of NCPS’s performance under this Escrow Agreement that: (i) identifies or can be used to identify an individual (also known as a “data subject”) (including, without limitation, names, signatures, addresses, telephone numbers, e-mail addresses and other unique identifiers); or (ii) can be used to authenticate an individual (including, without limitation, employee identification numbers, government-issued identification numbers, passwords or PINs, financial account numbers, credit report information, biometric or health data, answers to security questions and other personal identifiers), including the identifying information on individuals described in Section 12.
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13. Consent to Jurisdiction and Venue. In the event that any party hereto commences a lawsuit or other proceeding relating to or arising from this Escrow Agreement, the parties hereto agree that the United States District Court for the State of Utah shall have the sole and exclusive jurisdiction over any such proceeding. If such court lacks federal subject matter jurisdiction, the parties agree that the Circuit Court in and for State of Utah shall have sole and exclusive jurisdiction. Any of these courts shall be proper venue for any such lawsuit or judicial proceeding and the parties hereto waive any objection to such venue. The parties hereto consent to and agree to submit to the jurisdiction of any of the courts specified herein and agree to accept service of process to vest personal jurisdiction over them in any of these courts.
14. Notice. All notices, approvals, consents, requests, and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given when the writing is delivered if given or delivered by hand, overnight delivery service or facsimile transmitter (with confirmed receipt) to the address or facsimile number set forth on Exhibit A hereto, or to such other address as each party may designate for itself by like notice, and shall be deemed to have been given on the date deposited in the mail, if mailed, by first-class, registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, addressed as set forth on Exhibit A hereto, or to such other address as each party may designate for itself by like notice.
15. Amendment or Waiver. This Escrow Agreement may be changed, waived, discharged or terminated only by a writing signed by Broker, Issuer and NCPS. No delay or omission by any party in exercising any right with respect hereto shall operate as a waiver. A waiver on any one occasion shall not be construed as a bar to, or waiver of, any right or remedy on any future occasion.
16. Severability. To the extent any provision of this Escrow Agreement is prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provision or the remaining provisions of this Escrow Agreement.
17. Governing Law. This Escrow Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware without giving effect to the conflict of laws principles thereof.
18. Entire Agreement. This Escrow Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties relating to the acceptance, collection, holding, investment and disbursement of the Escrow Funds and sets forth in their entirety the obligations and duties of NCPS with respect to the Escrow Funds.
19. Binding Effect. All of the terms of this Escrow Agreement, as amended from time to time, shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the respective successors and assigns of Broker, Issuer and NCPS.
20. Execution in Counterparts. This Escrow Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, which when so executed shall constitute one and the same agreement.
21. Termination. Upon the first to occur of the disbursement of all amounts in the Escrow Funds or deposit of all amounts in the Escrow Funds into court pursuant to Section 5 or Section 8 hereof, this Escrow Agreement shall terminate and NCPS shall have no further obligation or liability whatsoever with respect to this Escrow Agreement or the Escrow Funds.
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THIS SPACE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
22. Dealings. NCPS and any stockholder, director, officer or employee of NCPS may buy, sell, and deal in any of the securities of the Issuer and become pecuniary interested in any transaction in which the Issuer may be interested, and contract and lend money to the Issuer and otherwise act as fully and freely as though it were not NCPS under this Escrow Agreement. Nothing herein shall preclude NCPS from acting in any other capacity for the Issuer or any other entity.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Escrow Agreement to be executed under seal as of the date first above written.
| ISSUER: | |
| By: _______________________________ | |
| Printed Name: _______________________ | |
| Title: _____________ | |
| Broker: | |
| Dalmore Group LLC | |
| By: ______________________________ | |
| Name: Etan Butler | |
| Title: Chairman | |
| ESCROW AGENT: | |
| North Capital Privates Securities Corporation | |
| By: ______________________________ | |
| Name: Linsey Harkness | |
| Title: Director of Operations |
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EXHIBIT A
| 1. | Definitions. | “Minimum Offering” means $ (including offline investments) per each Series. | |
| “Expiration Date” means twelve months from the effective date of this Agreement. | |||
| 2. | ACH Instructions For North Capital Private Securities, Inc. |
Institution: TRISTATE CAPITAL BANK
ABA: 043019003
Account Name: North Capital Private Securities, Corp
Account Number: 0220003339
FFC: OFFERING NAME AND INVESTOR NAME
(Instructions should be requested from NCPS prior to any international wire being initiated.)
| 3. | NCPS Fees |
| Escrow Administration Fee: | $500 per crowd funding sub account. | |
| Out-of-Pocket Expenses: | Billed at cost | |
| Escrow Amendment: | $100.00 per amendment | |
| Transactional Costs: | $100.00 for each additional escrow break |
The Escrow Administration Fee is payable upon execution of the escrow documents. In the event the escrow is not funded, the Fee and all related expenses, including attorneys’ fees, remain due and payable, and if paid, will not be refunded. Annual fees cover a full year in advance, or any part thereof, and thus are not pro-rated in the year of termination.
The fees quoted in this schedule apply to services ordinarily rendered in the administration of an Escrow Account and are subject to reasonable adjustment based on final review of documents, or when NCPS is called upon to undertake unusual duties or responsibilities, or as changes in law, procedures, or the cost of doing business demand. Services in addition to and not contemplated in this Escrow Agreement, including, but not limited to, document amendments and revisions, non-standard cash and/or investment transactions, calculations, notices and reports, and legal fees, will be billed as extraordinary expenses and capped at $5,000.
Extraordinary fees are payable to NCPS for duties or responsibilities not expected to be incurred at the outset of the transaction, not routine or customary, and not incurred in the ordinary course of business. Payment of extraordinary fees is appropriate where particular inquiries, events or developments are unexpected, even if the possibility of such things could have been identified at the inception of the transaction.
Unless otherwise indicated, the above fees relate to the establishment of one escrow account. Additional sub-accounts governed by the same Escrow Agreement may incur an additional charge. Transaction costs include charges for wire transfers, internal transfers and securities transactions.
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| 4. | Notice Addresses. |
If to Issuer at:
ATTN:
Telephone: ____________________
E-mail:
| If to NCPS at: | North Capital Private Securities Corp |
623 E Ft. Union Blvd, Suite 101
Salt Lake City, UT 84047
ATTN: Linsey Harkness
Telephone: (415) 937-0573
E-mail: lharkness@northcapital.com
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EXHIBIT B
Transmittal of Funds for Deposit Into the Escrow Account
The Selected Dealer agrees that it is bound by the terms of the Escrow Agreement executed by North Capital Private Securities. ACH transfers are the only acceptable method of payment for this offering. ACH and transfers should be sent directly to the Escrow Agent.
The delivery instructions are as follows:
| 1. | ACH Instructions For North Capital Private Securities, Inc. |
Institution: TRISTATE CAPITAL BANK
ABA: 043019003
Account Name: North Capital Private Securities, Corp
Account Number: 0220003339
FFC: OFFERING NAME AND INVESTOR NAME
| 12 |
Exhibit 11.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors
School of Whales Commercial Real Estate Equity Fund, LLC
Miami, Florida
We consent to the inclusion in this Offering Statement of School of Whales Commercial Real Estate Equity Fund, LLC (the Company) on Form 1-A/A of our report dated August 25, 2020, with respect to our audit, performed in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, of the financial statements of School of Whales Commercial Real Estate Equity Fund, LLC as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 and for the year ended December 31, 2019 and the period October 19, 2018 (inception) through December 31, 2018. We also consent to the reference of our Firm under the caption “experts” in such Offering Statement.
/s/ Templeton & Company, LLP
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
October 22, 2020
Exhibit 12
The Law Office of James G. Dodrill II, P.A.
5800 Hamilton Way
Boca Raton, Florida 33496
Tel. (561) 862-0529
Fax: (561) 892-7787
Jim@JimDodrill.com
January 27, 2021
Manager
School of Whales Commercial Real Estate Equity Fund, LLC
3634 NW 2nd Ave.
Miami, FL 33127
Re: Offering Statement on Form 1-A
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to School of Whales Commercial Real Estate Equity Fund, LLC., a Florida limited liability company (the “Company”), in connection with its filing of an Offering Statement on Form 1-A (as amended or supplemented, the “Offering Statement”) pursuant to Regulation A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), relating to the offer and sale by the Company of (i) up to 1,000,000 of the Company’s Class A Interests (the “Interests”).
We have examined such documents and have reviewed such questions of law as we have considered necessary or appropriate for the purposes of our opinions set forth below. In rendering our opinions set forth below, we have assumed the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the genuineness of all signatures and the conformity to authentic originals of all documents submitted to us as copies. We have also assumed the legal capacity for all purposes relevant hereto of all natural persons and, with respect to all parties to agreements or instruments relevant hereto other than the Company, that such parties had the requisite power and authority (corporate or otherwise) to execute, deliver and perform such agreements or instruments, that such agreements or instruments have been duly authorized by all requisite action (corporate or otherwise), executed and delivered by such parties and that such agreements or instruments are the valid, binding and enforceable obligations of such parties. As to questions of fact material to our opinions, we have relied upon certificates or comparable documents of public officials and of officers and representatives of the Company.
Based upon, subject to and limited by the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the Interests, when issued, delivered and paid for as described in the Offering Statement, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
Our opinions expressed above are limited to Florida Law.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Offering Statement, and to the reference to our firm under the heading “Interests of Named Experts and Counsel” in the Offering Statement. In giving this consent, we do not admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Law Office of James G. Dodrill II, P.A
Law Office of James G. Dodrill II, P.A.
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