ALLIED MINDS PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS
For the year ended 31 December 2019
Contents
Overview
Chairman’s Report
Strategic Report
Highlights
Company Overview
Portfolio Review and Developments
Key Performance Indicators
Financial Review
Risk Management
Management and Governance
The Board
Directors’ Report
Corporate Governance Report
Sustainability
Directors’ Remuneration Report
Audit Committee Report
Financial Statements
Independent Auditor’s Report
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Company Balance Sheet
Notes to the Financial Statements
Company Information
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Overview
Allied Minds plc (Allied Minds or the Company or the Group) is an IP commercialisation company primarily
focused on early stage company development within the technology sector. Historically, the Group has
concentrated on creating companies around disruptive technologies in large and growing markets sourced
through its expansive network of US federal laboratories, universities and leading US corporations. Allied
Minds now manages and funds a portfolio of companies to generate long-term value for its investors and
stakeholders. Based in Boston, Allied Minds supports its businesses with capital, management, strategic
expertise and shared services. During 2019, Allied Minds modified its strategy, following consultations
with its larger shareholders. This resulted in a managed approach to monetising the portfolio over time,
the cessation of new investments and a substantial reduction in central costs.
Allied Minds is currently comprised of seven portfolio companies, primarily in the technology sector.
These are based upon a broad range of underlying innovative technologies ranging from semiconductors,
wireless connectivity, to space-based imagery and analytics.
Allied Minds currently focuses exclusively on supporting its existing portfolio companies and maximising
monetisation opportunities for portfolio company interests. The Group is no longer deploying any capital
into new portfolio companies. The Board aims to monetise the Company’s ownership positions at the
appropriate time, recognising the value and benefit in achieving well-timed risk adjusted returns for the
benefit of shareholders.
In the event of successful monetisation events from the sale of portfolio companies or portfolio company
interests, Allied Minds anticipates distributing the net proceeds to its shareholders, after due
consideration of potential follow-on investment opportunities within the existing portfolio and working
capital requirements.
The Group completed its first major cash realisation from a disposal of its shareholding in a portfolio
company this year. The Group’s entire shareholding in HawkEye 360 was sold for an aggregate cash
consideration of $65.6 million. This enabled the Board to return $40 million to shareholders in February
2020.
Allied Minds has also implemented a significant cost reduction in its annual central costs. Accordingly,
the Company currently projects that its recurring annualised HQ operating expenses will be reduced to
approximately $6.0 million (2019: $11.4 million).
The Directors believe the Company’s cash balance is sufficient to continue to support Allied Minds'
operations and portfolio companies.
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Chairman’s Report
2019 was a transformational year for Allied Minds. It was a year in which we reset the strategy of the
Group to focus exclusively on funding and operating our existing portfolio while ceasing new company
formation. Through disciplined capital allocation, we continue to support our companies and provide
follow-on investment alongside other investment syndicate members, where we believe the risk-adjusted
value of that position is protected by our continued ownership and effort. To align with this new strategy,
we have streamlined our organisation and reduced our central office costs. Our focus continues to be
building value in our portfolio for our shareholders by effectively driving our companies through
development to commercialisation and growth. Our ultimate aim is to deliver strong monetisation events,
as illustrated by the sale of our entire shareholding in HawkEye 360 in 2019. This disposal generated an
attractive capital gain leading to a 12.62 pence per share dividend paid to our shareholders in February
2020. We believe that given the strength of the existing portfolio, the skills of the management teams
and our cash position, we have positioned ourselves to deliver additional returns to our shareholders in
the next three to four years.
The management team rose to the challenge in 2019 by rapidly effecting the changes to the organisation
while contributing significantly to fundraisings in the portfolio, including both HawkEye 360 and Federated
Wireless. Combined, the two companies raised over $120 million and welcomed new corporate partners
including Airbus and Esri at HawkEye 360 and SBA Communications at Federated Wireless. Other
significant events during the year in the portfolio included FCC certification of Federated Wireless for the
initial commercial deployment of its Spectrum Access System in the 3.5GHz band and BridgeComm
entering a joint development agreement with Boeing to collaborate on pioneering the development of
applications of its One-to-Many technology.
Recently, we welcomed two new Non-executive board members: Mark Lerdal who joined in December
2019 and Bruce Failing who joined in March 2020. Coincident with Bruce’s appointment, Jeff Rohr and
Mike Turner stepped down from the Board. On behalf of shareholders and the Board, I want to express
our sincere appreciation of their dedication and contributions to Allied Minds over the many years. Mark
Lerdal has taken the role of Chair of the Audit Committee and Bruce Failing has stepped in as Chair of the
Remuneration Committee. Both Mark and Bruce have relevant track records in building shareholder value
in an entrepreneurial setting and are well-positioned to help us execute on our strategy.
While the work completed in 2019 sets a path for the intended direction of the Group in 2020, we are
now confronted with the spread and impact of COVID-19 which has caused significant volatility in the
global equity markets. We are focusing on the safety of our employees and working with the senior
management teams at our portfolio companies to mitigate any potential impacts. COVID-19 has had a
significant impact on the capital markets and Allied Minds has not been unscathed. Nevertheless, the
Board believes in the fundamentals of the portfolio and expects to be able to deliver the results of its
stated strategy in the coming years. Finally, I would like to express the Board’s appreciation of our
shareholders for their continued support and our management team and staff for their hard work and
commitment.
Harry Rein, Chairman
4 June 2020
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STRATEGIC REPORT
Highlights
Investment Highlights
During 2019, an aggregate of $104.0 million was invested into new and existing portfolio companies,
including:
• $101.0 million from portfolio company equity fundraisings with $75.8 million coming from third-
party investment and $25.2 million from Allied Minds, to support and accelerate the development
of seven of the Group’s existing and former companies: Federated Wireless, HawkEye 360, Spin
Memory, Spark Insights, SciFluor Life Sciences and Precision Biopsy.
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In February 2019, SciFluor Life Sciences and Precision Biopsy raised $4.0 million and $5.0
million, respectively, of equity financing, half of which was contributed by Allied Minds.
In April 2019, $3.2 million was invested by Allied Minds into Spark Insights, Inc. in a
preferred stock financing.
In August 2019, HawkEye 360 secured a $70.0 million funding round at a pre-money
valuation of $200.0 million, up from prior round post-money of $89.9 million.
In September 2019, Federated Wireless secured a $51.3 million funding round at a pre-
money valuation of $150.0 million, up from prior round post-money of $121.5 million.
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In addition to these fundraisings, $1.1 million was invested by Allied Minds into two portfolio
companies: QuayChain and TableUp in exchange for convertible notes.
• On 8 November 2019, Allied Minds sold its shareholding in HawkEye 360 for an aggregate cash
consideration of $65.6 million. This enabled the Board to return $40.0 million to shareholders in
February 2020.
• Also in November 2019, SciFluor Life Sciences raised $950K through the issuance of convertible
notes to various third parties.
• On 16 December 2019, BridgeComm secured $1.0 million from Boeing HorizonX in the form of
convertible debt pursuant to a note purchase agreement, with an additional $1.5 million
committed subject to achieving conditions precedent.
Post-period end, an aggregate of $16.1 million was invested into existing portfolio companies, including:
• BridgeComm issued $2.0 million in convertible notes to Allied Minds under the same note
purchase agreement as that with Boeing HorizonX.
• SciFluor Life Sciences raised an additional $375K in the second closing of its convertible note
financing.
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• Federated Wireless raised an additional $13.7 million from existing shareholders in a second
closing of the preferred financing round from September 2019, half of which was contributed by
Allied Minds.
Financial Highlights
• Net cash and investments of $90.6 million (2018: $97.7 million) of which $84.1 million (2018:
$50.6 million) is held at the parent level.
• Revenues of $2.7 million (2018: $5.6 million) mainly from non-recurring engineering (NRE) and
service contracts, reflecting the early stage nature of our portfolio companies.
• Net profit of $50.3 million, (2018: net profit of $45.4 million, which is restated) primarily reflects
SG&A and R&D spending of $34.3 million and $16.1 million, respectively, to support the portfolio
development activities, offset by NRE revenue of $2.7 million, finance income of $9.9 million
reflecting the fair value accounting adjustment of the portfolio company preferred shares liability
balance, and other income of $89.5 million reflecting $41.2 million of net gain on investments
held at fair value as well as $69.8 million due to the deconsolidation of one of the Company’s
existing portfolio company, Federated Wireless; including $28.9 million share of loss from the
deconsolidated entities accounted under the equity method as investments in associates.
• On 14 February 2020, Allied Minds paid a special dividend of 12.62 pence per ordinary share
totalling £30.49 million.
Corporate Developments
• On 26 April 2019, the Company announced that it would focus exclusively on supporting its
existing portfolio companies and maximising monetisation opportunities for portfolio company
interests, and not deploy any capital into new portfolio companies.
• On 11 December 2019, it was announced that additional initiatives were in place to further reduce
recurring central expenses to approximately $6.0 million commencing on 1 January 2020 and that
Allied Minds would return $40 million of proceeds from the disposal of Hawkeye 360.
Selected Portfolio Company Highlights
• BridgeComm:
o Developed its new One-to-Many (OTM) technology that provides bi-directional, ultra-high-
speed mesh connectivity for terrestrial, airborne and space systems
o BridgeComm entered the next stage in its relationship with Boeing HorizonX to collaboratively
pioneer the development of applications for BridgeComm’s OTM technology, which was
announced in January 2020
• Federated Wireless:
o Completed the nationwide deployment of its Environmental Sensing Capability (ESC) network
and received full Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approval of its ESC network
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deployment and coverage plan, providing authorisation to operate its ESC sensors
o Received FCC certification of its Spectrum Access System (SAS) and approval of its Initial
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Commercial Deployment (ICD)
Initiated commercial services with over 20 customers in 36 states in the U.S.
In January 2020, the FCC certified the SAS operated by Federated Wireless for full commercial
operations in the 3.5GHz band
In February 2020, launched a new managed service offering, working with Amazon Web
Services and Microsoft Azure
• Orbital Sidekick:
o Expanded its pilot programs to additional oil and gas pipeline operators to deliver Spectral
Intelligence™ for asset integrity and regulatory compliance monitoring via web-based user
interface
o Captured over 12 million square kilometres of earth imaging data from its first-generation
hyperspectral system on-board the International Space Station (ISS)
• SciFluor Life Sciences:
o Pared back clinical development activities to focus exclusively on toxicology studies necessary
to initiate Phase II trials for SF0166
o Engaged Maxim Group LLC to assist with fundraising efforts
• Spark Insights:
o Built a core data science and machine learning team consisting of 6 data scientists, engineers
and machine learning experts
o Sourced and labelled thousands of satellite and aerial images to support modelling efforts
o Built initial machine learning models and achieved initial R&D performance milestones for
accuracy
• Spin Memory:
o Completed design of Spin’s patented “Endurance Engine” in collaboration with Arm and
submitted such design for prototype manufacturing; samples of the prototype are due back
to the company by the end of 2020
o Achieved major advances in the development and demonstration of MRAM for long-term
memory storage applications in cooperation with Applied Materials; MRAM was deposited
using Applied’s state-of-the-art Endura platform and processed through Spin’s back-end
prototype line
o Was awarded a multi-phase, multi-year, multi-million US government project as
subcontractor to a leading US semiconductor company
• TableUp:
o Entered into a partnering agreement with Upserve, a leading point of sale (POS) vendor, which
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expanded its partnering relationships
o Transitioned away from a direct sales model and is expected to reach cash flow break even in
2020 under this new sales strategy
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Company Overview
Our Company
Allied Minds has built and now manages a portfolio seeking to commercialise differentiated products and
services that have the potential to transform markets. Historically, collaborating with targeted US federal
research institutions, universities, medical institutions, and select corporations and entrepreneurs, we
have identified potentially disruptive innovations. We have created and seed funded portfolio companies
with the objective of commercialising these innovations, supporting them with capital, management,
operating and other expertise, and shared services. We typically maintain a significant ownership stake
in our portfolio companies. Our objective is to deliver attractive overall returns for our shareholders.
During 2019, Allied Minds made a series of announcements in connection with its new strategy that
involved focusing exclusively on supporting its existing portfolio companies and not deploying any capital
into new portfolio companies. In addition to the new strategy, several directorate changes and
restructuring initiatives to reduce central costs were made to support the new strategy.
Allied Minds consulted with larger shareholders on the change in strategy, including cost reductions,
ceasing new investments and a managed approach to monetising the portfolio over time, and they
expressed support.
Our Portfolio
The Group is currently comprised of seven portfolio companies primarily in the technology sector based
upon a broad range of underlying innovative technologies ranging from semiconductors, wireless
connectivity, and space-based imagery and analytics.
We have invested in companies at an early stage, including seed investments to build companies based
on a technical breakthrough or invention. As such, our investments have significant upside potential, but
also carry significant risk inherent in the early stage model. Allied Minds provides equity funding at the
initial seed or Series A investment round and participates in follow-on investment rounds. Additionally,
we provide hands-on support through the appropriate level of management, operating and governance
support and expertise, and shared services over the life of the portfolio company to commercialisation
and monetisation. A key component of the Company’s strategy is to maintain strict discipline in the
allocation of financial and human capital to those businesses meeting the objectives or milestones set,
and ceasing funds for those where the path to commercialisation is no longer attractive.
Allied Minds has several portfolio companies that we believe are well-positioned for commercialisation
and have the potential to realise significant monetisation opportunities, including BridgeComm,
Federated Wireless, and Spin Memory. These three portfolio companies currently represent the
substantial majority of portfolio company value.
Outside these portfolio companies, Allied Minds has four active earlier stage investments (Orbital
Sidekick, Spark Insights, TableUp and SciFluor Life Sciences) that we believe represent exciting
opportunities primarily in space/analytics and connectivity, albeit with more work to be done to increase
their value and monetisation opportunities.
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Our Model
As a manager of a technology-focused portfolio in which we hold significant ownership positions, we seek
to provide hands-on support over the life of our companies to support their growth, focusing on enabling
and driving commercialisation, supporting follow-on investment rounds and positioning for superior
monetisation opportunities.
Allied Minds offers operational and management support to each of its portfolio companies leveraging
the deep domain expertise of our management team in their respective careers as entrepreneurs,
operators, directors, advisors and investors. Our employees have expertise in business strategy, sales and
marketing, operations, finance, legal and transaction execution.
We play an active role in developing the strategic direction of our portfolio companies, and driving
ongoing planning and assessment. Our executives serve on the boards of directors of our portfolio
companies, working with them to develop and implement strategic, operating and funding plans. We
evaluate on an on-going basis the progress and potential of each of the portfolio company’s businesses,
and make strategic and funding decisions based on the regular review of operational and financial
performance and the achievement of key milestones. Together with our management, the respective
portfolio company boards of directors define the critical milestones, or inflection points, for each portfolio
company and measure tangible progress towards commercialisation and the key factors for a successful
monetisation event. Portfolio company management is accountable for these milestones, which are
developed into annual management objectives (MBOs).
As our portfolio companies meet the objectives identified for success, we will participate in subsequent
capital raises to mitigate dilution, to the extent consistent with our goal to maximise risk and time-
adjusted returns for our shareholders and taking into account competing uses of capital across our
portfolio. Co-investors in later rounds include financial, strategic and commercial partners. Where
appropriate, we seek to include partners who validate the market opportunity and can provide support
and/or commercial commitments to accelerate, expand and/or de-risk the path to commercialisation.
By helping our portfolio companies’ management teams remain focused on critical objectives through the
provision of human, financial and strategic resources, we believe we are able to accelerate their
development and success. We believe that Allied Minds’ experience and hands-on support provide our
portfolio companies with significant competitive advantages within their respective markets.
Seeking Monetisation Opportunities
In the event of successful monetisation events from the sale of portfolio companies or portfolio company
interests, we anticipate distributing the net proceeds to our shareholders, after due consideration of
potential follow-on investment opportunities within our existing portfolio and working capital
requirements. In general, we will hold our position in a portfolio company as long as we believe the risk
and time-adjusted value of that position is maximised by our continued ownership and effort. From time
to time, we engage in discussions with other companies interested in our portfolio companies (or our
interest in those companies), either in response to inquiries or as part of a process we initiate. To the
extent we believe that a portfolio company’s further growth and development can best be supported by
a different ownership structure or if we otherwise believe it is in our shareholders’ best interests, we may
seek to sell some or all of our position in the portfolio company. These sales may take the form of privately
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negotiated sales of stock or assets, mergers and acquisitions, public offerings of the portfolio company’s
securities and, in the case of publicly traded portfolio companies, sales of their securities in the open
market.
The value of Allied Minds is dependent upon the value of our existing portfolio companies and our ability
to translate that value into cash as effectively and efficiently as possible and to deliver that cash, net of
our obligations and operating cash needs, to our shareholders.
Portfolio Company Valuation
Of the Company’s seven active portfolio companies, three are currently majority owned and controlled,
and therefore fully consolidated in the Company’s consolidated financial statements prepared in
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union (adopted
IFRS). The Company’s consolidated financial statements do not include current valuations of these
portfolio companies.
The Company holds a significant minority stake in the other four portfolio companies. In each case, Allied
Minds is able to exercise significant influence over the portfolio company by virtue of its large, albeit
minority, ownership stake in the portfolio company and its representation on the board of directors. The
investment in preferred stock in these portfolio companies is accounted for under IFRS 9 and is classified
by the Company as an investment at fair value in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The
Company’s common stockholdings in Spin Memory and Federated Wireless are accounted for under IAS
28 and are classified by the Company as investments in associates.
Allied Minds provides qualitative and quantitative disclosure in relation to the commercial and financial
progress of its portfolio companies, and directional commentary on valuation. In addition, where
commercially possible, Allied Minds provides, for each portfolio company: (i) the date of the last equity
funding round, (ii) the post-money valuation of such round, (iii) the named key co-investors in such round,
and (iv) the Company’s issued and outstanding ownership, and fully-diluted ownership, of such portfolio
company.
This information is set forth in the Portfolio Review and Developments section below. The ownership
interests are as at 1 June 2020. The fully-diluted percentages take into account outstanding stock options
granted to employees, directors and advisors, current stock options available for grant pursuant to the
company’s stock option plan, and outstanding warrants to purchase common and preferred stock.
The post-money valuations disclosed for each entity below do not represent IFRS 13 fair values but rather,
are based on the pre-money valuation set by the investors in the latest round plus the total money raised
in that round.
There can be no guarantee that the aforementioned post-money valuations of the portfolio companies
will be considered to be correct in light of the future performance of the various companies, or that the
Company would be able to realise proceeds in the amount of such valuations, or at all, in the event of a
sale by it of any of its portfolio companies or its ownership interest in such portfolio companies.
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Portfolio Review and Developments
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BridgeComm, Inc. (formerly known as BridgeSat, Inc.) (1)
Formed in 2015 and based in Denver, Colorado, BridgeComm is developing and commercialising optical
wireless communication (OWC) solutions and has begun development of a global network of optical
ground stations designed to support complementary fixed and mobile terminals that provide high-
bandwidth, high-security solutions for unique applications. OWC is a wireless technology offering rapid
point-to-point data transmission via beams of light that connect from one telescope to another using low-
power, safe, infrared lasers in the terahertz spectrum. It holds tremendous potential to augment RF, fiber
and mmWave technologies and extend the capabilities of the terrestrial fiber grid, particularly in hard-to-
access environments and in areas where cell towers do not currently exist.
The technology underpinning BridgeComm’s offering was sourced originally from The Aerospace
Corporation and Draper Laboratories and was initially focused on point-to-point data transmission only.
During 2019, BridgeComm focused its efforts on developing its new OTM technology which is a
breakthrough in OWC that provides bi-directional, ultra-high-speed mesh connectivity for terrestrial,
airborne and space systems. OTM builds on the basic connectivity that traditional point-to-point optical
terminals provide and enables a much broader set of telecommunications applications. This technology
enables optical wireless communications systems to create bi-directional mesh connectivity similar to,
and complementary with, radio frequency systems.
OTM is capable of supporting terrestrial, airborne and space systems that require 10-100+ Gbps
throughput, as well as the high reliability and redundancy inherent in mesh architecture. Furthermore,
OTM maintains the inherent security features in OWC, while supporting the mesh architecture. OTM also
provides a much-needed new option for high-speed connectivity in environments where RF spectrum is
limited or congested.
To reflect the expanded breadth of opportunities the OTM technology provides, BridgeSat, Inc. changed
its name to BridgeComm, Inc. to better position itself in the marketplace.
BridgeComm has developed a patent portfolio with a number of patents filed covering a broad range of
advancements in fiberless optical communications for applicability to space, air, and terrestrial usage
including its new OTM technology.
In January 2020, BridgeComm announced the next stage in its relationship with Boeing HorizonX. The two
companies are collaboratively pioneering the development of applications of the OTM technology via a
joint development agreement, which is expected to be completed in phases over the next 24 months.
BridgeComm secured $1.0 million from Boeing HorizonX in the form of convertible debt financing
pursuant to a note purchase agreement, with an additional $1.5 million committed subject to achieving
conditions precedent. Post-period end, Allied Minds subscribed for $2.0 million of convertible debt under
the same note purchase agreement.
Holdings and valuation:
• Date of Last Funding Round: September 2018
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• Post-Money Valuation: $38.0 million
• Co-Investors: Boeing HorizonX Ventures (venture arm of Boeing Company)
• Allied Minds’ Issued and Outstanding Ownership: 81.30%
• Allied Minds’ Fully-Diluted Ownership: 62.92%
• BridgeComm has made reasonable progress against its key operational objectives since its last funding
round.
2020 key operational management objectives include:
• Successfully execute development of applications of OTM technology with Boeing HorizonX
• Expand the capacity of the global ground network through industry partnerships and ground station
installations
• Expand government customer backlog
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Federated Wireless, Inc.
Founded in 2012, Federated Wireless has led its industry in development of shared spectrum Citizens
Broadband Radio System (CBRS) capabilities, taking a lead role in the formation of the CBRS Alliance, being
the first to complete a wide range of trials with its Spectrum Access Systems (SAS), and deploying the
industry’s first nationwide Environmental Sensing Capability (ESC) network. The company’s partner
ecosystem includes more than 40 device manufacturers and edge partners, all of which are dedicated to
collaboration to advance development and proliferation of CBRS services. Federated Wireless’ customer
base includes companies spanning the telecommunications, energy, hospitality, education, retail, office
space, municipal and residential verticals, with use cases ranging from network densification and mobile
offload to Private LTE and Industrial IoT.
The company’s solution is based on technology developed with support from Virginia Tech and the US
Department of Defense (DoD). It has several issued patents and pending applications protecting
proprietary technology underpinning its ESC sensor design and its SAS. These patents are primarily
focused on systems and algorithms embedded in its core technologies.
Throughout 2019 and through the first few months of 2020 the company has made significant strides
towards commercialisation of its products taking advantage of its leading position in the newly emerging
shared spectrum industry.
During 2019, Federated Wireless had several achievements including completing its nationwide
deployment of its ESC network and receiving full FCC approval of its ESC network deployment and
coverage plan, providing authorisation to operate its ESC sensors. The company also received a perfect
score on its final SAS lab test report from the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS), which was a
crucial milestone for the company.
In September 2019, there were two major achievements announced. First, the company secured a $51.3
million funding round, which included new investors SBA Communications and Pennant Investors,
alongside existing investors GIC, American Tower and Allied Minds, at a pre-money valuation of $150.0
million, up from prior round post-money of $121.5 million.
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Second, the FCC certified the SAS operated by Federated Wireless and approved its Initial Commercial
Deployment (ICD), allowing Federated Wireless to initiate its commercial services with over 20 customers
in 36 states in the U.S.
In January 2020, the FCC announced that the agency had certified Federated Wireless’ SAS paving the way
for full commercial operations in the 3.5 GHz band.
In February 2020, Federated Wireless announced a new Connectivity-as-a-Service offering that lets U.S.
enterprises buy and deploy private 4G and 5G networks with a single click through the AWS(R) and
Microsoft Azure(R) marketplaces. These end-to-end managed services provided by Federated Wireless
include discovery, planning, design, build, operation and support, enabling enterprises to reap the
benefits of 5G with minimum risk and capital expenditure.
The new service offering was developed with specific attention to the needs of the cloud-native
enterprises of today, who have come to depend on seamless integration between their own IT
departments and global public clouds. Close collaboration with AWS and Microsoft Azure has resulted in
development and delivery of a service that these innovative IT organisations will see as a natural extension
of their existing environments.
The new managed service reduces the complexity of enterprise adoption of 5G private networks with one-
click provisioning through the AWS Marketplace and seamless integration with the full range of IoT
applications provided by the Amazon Partner Network (APN). AWS-enabled private networks are an ideal
solution for industrial and manufacturing IoT environments in which device types, locations and densities
are widely varied and wireless interference using legacy WiFi networks is both extremely common and
highly detrimental to business performance.
Holdings and valuation:
• Date of Last Funding Round: September 2019 (second closing post-period end in April 2020)
• Post-Money Valuation: $215.0 million
• Co-Investors: American Tower (NYSE: AMT), GIC, Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, Pennant
Investors and SBA Communications (NASDAQ: SBAC)
• Allied Minds’ Issued and Outstanding Ownership: 43.11%
• Allied Minds’ Fully-Diluted Ownership: 36.61%
• Federated Wireless has made significant progress against its key operational objectives since its last
funding round.
2020 key operational management objectives include:
• Build a significant pipeline of annual recurring revenue
• Meet customer SLA and SLO targets
• Develop and launch a scalable cloud enterprise solution
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Orbital Sidekick, Inc.
Orbital Sidekick is a company developing capabilities in aerial and space-based hyperspectral imaging and
analytics, initially for the oil and gas industry. Orbital Sidekick’s Spectral Intelligence™ platform is designed
to enable more efficient monitoring of natural resource assets and infrastructure integrity. Orbital
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Sidekick is initially targeting monitoring of assets for the oil and gas market – estimated at over $4 billion
annually. There are potentially multiple additional commercial and government applications for its
technology.
Orbital Sidekick was founded by Dan Katz and Tushar Prabhakar, leveraging their extensive experience in
small-sat design as engineers at Space Systems Loral. The team has built a complementary network of
advisors to bring expertise in oil and gas operations and regulations, hyperspectral analysis, and data
services.
Allied Minds led the seed round of Orbital Sidekick in April 2018 with an investment of $3.5 million for a
significant minority stake. 11.2 Capital, a VC firm specialising in breakthrough technologies, invested
alongside Allied Minds.
During 2019, Orbital Sidekick expanded its pilot programs to additional oil and gas pipeline operators to
deliver Spectral Intelligence™ for asset integrity and regulatory compliance monitoring via web-based user
interface. The company also captured over 12 million square kilometres of earth imaging data from its
first-generation hyperspectral system on-board the International Space Station (ISS).
Holdings and valuation:
• Date of Last Funding Round: April 2018
• Post-Money Valuation: $11.7 million
• Co-Investors: 11.2 Capital
• Allied Minds’ Issued and Outstanding Ownership: 33.23%
• Allied Minds’ Fully-Diluted Ownership: 29.67%
• Orbital Sidekick has made reasonable progress against its key operational objectives since its last
funding round.
2020 key operational management objectives include:
• Convert existing pilot program participants to customers
• Deploy additional customer facing analytic tools to customers
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SciFluor Life Sciences, Inc. (1)
SciFluor is a drug development company focused on creating best-in-class compounds, initially targeting
the field of ophthalmology. SciFluor’s lead clinical asset, SF0166, is a topical eye droplet treatment for
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Diabetic Macular Edema (DME), both widely prevalent
retinal diseases that lead to blindness if left untreated.
SciFluor sought to raise external equity financing over the course of 2018 and 2019, facilitated by the $4.0
million bridge financing from Allied Minds and Woodford Investment Management (now succeeded by
Schroder Investment Management Limited), to fund Phase II trials for SF0166, on the back of safety and
preliminary efficacy data from the Phase I/II trials. This process was not successfully completed. As a
result, SciFluor has experienced clinical delays since its last funding round and the valuation is substantially
impaired due to a prolonged inability to attract new external financing. Clinical development activities at
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SciFluor have been pared back, and are now focused exclusively on the toxicology studies necessary to
initiate the Phase II trials for SF0166. To assist with its fundraising efforts, SciFluor engaged Maxim Group
LLC. During Q4 2019 (and completing in Q1 2020), SciFluor was able to raise $1.325 million of convertible
debt financing from third parties and continues its fundraising efforts for an external equity financing to
fund Phase II trials. It is uncertain if SciFluor will be successful in securing the required funds in 2020.
Holdings and valuation:
• Date of Last Funding Round: November 2019 (convertible debt into next preferred equity round)
• Valuation: n/a
• Co-Investors: Various third parties
• Allied Minds’ Issued and Outstanding Ownership: 62.67%
• Allied Minds’ Fully-Diluted Ownership: 54.16%
----------
Spark Insights, Inc. (1)
Spark Insights is an advanced analytics company developing data products for the rapidly growing
insurance analytics market. Allied Minds formed Spark Insights in late 2018 and completed a $3.2
million Series Seed financing in April 2019.
Given the increasing prevalence of catastrophic events, including hurricanes, floods, and wildfires,
property insurers are struggling to quantify the impact on their policies, both before and after a
catastrophic event occurs. Spark Insights plans to leverage the advent of unique data sets, including
advances in satellite imagery and weather data, combined with proprietary analytics to transform critical
workflows for these property insurers.
Spark Insights’ focus is at the intersection of several addressable markets including insurance analytics,
underwriting losses, and catastrophe modeling platforms.
Ira Scharf is a co-founder of Spark Insights and has been appointed as the company’s CEO. Ira’s
background includes over 15 years of bringing products to market in the insurance industry and over 10
years in the weather industry, in addition to degrees from MIT and Harvard Business School.
During 2019, Spark Insights built a core data science and machine learning team consisting of 6 data
scientists, engineers and machine learning experts, sourced and labelled thousands of satellite and aerial
images to support modelling efforts, built initial machine learning models and achieved initial R&D
performance milestones for accuracy.
Holdings and valuation:
• Date of Last Funding Round: April 2019
• Post-Money Valuation: $3.2 million
• Co-Investors: n/a
• Allied Minds’ Issued and Outstanding Ownership: 70.59%
• Allied Minds’ Fully-Diluted Ownership: 60.00%
16
• Spark Insights has made reasonable progress against its key operational objectives since its last
funding round.
2020 key operational management objectives include:
• Develop initial product to improve processes in the property insurance industry using novel data
sets and analytics capabilities
• Engage with pilot customers in the insurance and reinsurance industries
• Build team to support data science, engineering, and business development activities in initial pilots
----------
Spin Memory, Inc.
Founded in 2006 and based in Fremont, CA, Spin Memory, Inc. is the preeminent MRAM IP provider.
Through collaboration with industry leaders, Spin Memory is transforming the semiconductor industry by
addressing the biggest challenge, memory, in next-generation electronics systems such as Artificial
Intelligence, Autonomous Driving, 5G Communication and Computing at the Edge. Spin Memory’s
disruptive STT-MRAM IP can replace large, power-hungry on-chip SRAM with dense, low-power MRAM
and ultimately challenge DRAM as a lower-power, easier-to-use persistent mass-storage solution.
The technology underpinning Spin Memory’s offering was sourced originally from New York University
and has more than 200 patents issued or pending. These patents cover everything from the fundamental
aspects of these areas of invention to derivative improvements.
During 2019, Spin Memory achieved significant technical milestones in connection with its partnerships
with Arm Limited and Applied Materials. With Arm, Spin completed the design of a prototype
demonstration vehicle of Spin’s Endurance Engine™ coupled with a working MRAM array to show an order
of magnitude improvements in MRAM endurance, one of the key challenges in the industry. The
demonstration vehicle will also show the performance of many other Spin-patented circuits. The
prototype and test results are expected later this year.
In the area of magnetics, Spin and Applied have made great strides in delivering state-of-the-art MRAM
solutions for the semiconductor industry. Both companies believe MRAM will displace most on-chip
memory, both long-term storage (Flash) and working memory (SRAM), the former of which is the current
focus of the companies’ efforts. High-temperature data retention, critical for most long-term memory
storage applications, was demonstrated with good yield, with wafers deposited at Applied and finished in
Spin’s prototype facility.
Finally, Spin Memory was awarded a multi-phase, multi-year, multi-million US government project as
subcontractor to a leading US semiconductor company.
Holdings and valuation:
• Date of Last Funding Round: November 2018 (date of first closing, final closing in April 2019)
• Post-Money Valuation: $172.0 million
17
• Co-Investors: Arm Technology Investments Limited, Applied Ventures, LLC, Abies Venture Fund,
Woodford Investment Management (now succeeded by Schroder Investment Management Limited)
and Invesco Asset Management
• Allied Minds’ Issued and Outstanding Ownership: 42.69%
• Allied Minds’ Fully-Diluted Ownership: 33.33%
• Spin Memory has made significant progress against its key operational objectives since its last funding
round.
2020 key operational management objectives include:
• Expand commercial relationship with Applied Materials including securing first turnkey magnetics
license customer
• Expand the design pipeline with Arm and secure first macro deals
• Expand upon opportunity provided by the US government project
----------
TableUp, Inc.
TableUp is a software provider enabling end-to-end transparency through the restaurant supply chain to
enable more effective inventory and operations management. TableUp is a revenue-generating company.
During 2019, it entered into a partnering agreement with Upserve, a leading point of sale (POS) vendor,
which expanded its partnering relationships as it transitioned away from a direct sales model. It is
expected that TableUp will reach cash flow break even in 2020 under this new sales strategy.
Holdings and valuation:
• Date of Last Funding Round: April 2018
• Post-Money Valuation: $12.0 million
• Co-Investors: n/a
• Allied Minds’ Issued and Outstanding Ownership: 35.52%
• Allied Minds’ Fully-Diluted Ownership: 30.20%
• TableUp has made reasonable progress against its key operational objectives since its last funding
round.
2020 key operational management objectives include:
• Expand referral partner network
• Expand traction in enterprise market segment
• Build integrations with additional key POS systems
----------
(1) Designates that this company is a subsidiary of the Group.
18
Sold Portfolio Companies
----------
HawkEye 360, Inc.
Formed in 2015, HawkEye 360 is a data analytics company operating low earth orbit (LEO) small satellites
that detect, independently geo-locate and analyse diverse Radio Frequency (RF) signals from space. Using
its unique data set, sourced from the Pathfinder satellites, HawkEye 360 applies proprietary algorithms to
produce contextually relevant analytics and reports for government and commercial end market
applications.
In August 2019, HawkEye 360 secured a $70.0 million funding round, which included new investors Airbus
and Esri, existing investors Razor’s Edge Ventures, Allied Minds ($5.0 million), and Shield Capital Partners,
and additional undisclosed parties, at a pre-money valuation of $200.0 million, up from prior round post-
money of $89.9 million.
On 8 November 2019, Allied Minds completed the sale of its entire shareholding in HawkEye 360 to
Advance Publications, Inc. (Advance) for an aggregate cash consideration of $65.6 million.
Discontinued Portfolio Companies
----------
During 2019, Allied Minds sold the assets of LuxCath, LLC and all of its shares of QuayChain, Inc., in each
case, for undisclosed consideration, and ceased operations and dissolved each of Precision Biopsy, Inc.,
ABLS Capital, LLC, Allied-Bristol Life Sciences, LLC, ABLS II, LLC, ABLS IV, LLC and Signature Medical, Inc.
19
Key Performance Indicators
The Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) selected to measure the performance of the Company in 2019 were
percentage level of achievement of management by objectives (MBOs). These objectives seek to link
financial, operational, technical and other performance milestones established by the Board directly to
remuneration and KPIs. Performance against 2019 KPIs is set out below:
KPI
MBO Achievement;
Percentage of Target; See
Detail Below
2019
87.6%
2018
64.0%
Performance
Below target
The MBOs set by the Board for 2019, along with the level of achievement against such MBOs, is set forth
below:
MBO
Deliver Validating Events(1) and Technical Milestones(2)
for Key Portfolio Companies
Threshold
Weightings
0.0%
Target
Weightings
30.0%
Maximum
Weightings
45.0%
Achieved
Weightings
17.6%
Secure Funding and Strategic Relationships for
0.0%
20.0%
30.0%
20.0%
Portfolio Companies
Manage Cash and Maintain Strong Operational
Support:
Capital Allocation to Portfolio Companies
Manage Reorganisation and Cash, and Reduce HQ
Expenses
Deliver Shared Services Support
Manage Deconsolidation of Portfolio Companies
Total Percentage of Target
Notes:
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
20.0%
20.0%
5.0%
5.0%
100.0%
30.0%
30.0%
7.5%
7.5%
150.0%
20.0%
20.0%
5.0%
5.0%
87.6%
(1) “Validating Events” represent various material achievements, such as fundraisings, mergers and
acquisitions, development partnerships, strategic alliances, customer contracts and other significant
corporate events.
(2) “Technical Milestones” represent various research and development achievements, as well as
advancement of clinical trials.
The following Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) were selected to measure the performance of the
Company in 2020. These objectives seek to link financial, operational, technical and other performance
milestones established by the Board directly to remuneration and KPIs.
The 2020 KPIs, including financial, operational, technical and other performance targets and their
weightings for the upcoming year were set at the start of 2020, as follows:
20
MBO
Increase Aggregate Portfolio Value (NAV)
Increase ALM Share Price
Manage HQ Cash and Expenses
Secure Funding and Strategic Partners at Portfolio Companies
Maintain Strong Operational Support
Total Percentage of Target
Threshold
Weightings
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
Target
Weightings
12.5%
12.5%
25%
25%
25%
100.0%
Maximum
Weightings
18.75%
18.75%
37.5%
37.5%
37.5%
150.0%
21
Financial Review
During 2019, $104.0 million was invested into existing subsidiary businesses and associates. This included
$26.3 million from subsidiary and associate fundraisings invested by Allied Minds, with $77.7 million
coming from third-party investment, to further accelerate the development of the Group’s existing
companies.
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Profit
For the years ended 31 December
Revenue
Cost of revenue
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Research and development expenses
Finance income, net
Other income (restated*)
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income
of which attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent (restated*)
Non-controlling interests
*See note 25 for details of the adjustment.
2019
$ '000
2018
$ '000
(Restated*)
2,692
(1,433)
(34,316)
(16,146)
9,992
89,465
808
51,062
5,561
(2,827)
(49,328)
(44,947)
92,875
44,021
561
45,916
52,143
(1,081)
37,916
7,999
Revenue decreased by $2.9 million, to $2.7 million in 2019 (2018: $5.6 million). This decrease is primarily
attributable to deconsolidation of one of the company’s subsidiaries, Federated Wireless, in 2019 as well
as the deconsolidation of HawkEye 360 and Spin Memory at the end of 2018. The decrease is partly offset
by revenue from new contracts in 2019 at BridgeComm of $1.0 million. Cost of revenue at $1.4 million
(2018: $2.8 million) was lower as a percentage of revenue, when compared to the prior year, mainly due
to deconsolidation of the Company’s subsidiaries and inventory write-offs at closed and dissolved
companies in 2018 and 2019.
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses decreased by $15.0 million, to $34.3 million (2018:
$49.3 million). This reduction was mainly due to the restructuring charge for closed and dissolved
subsidiaries in 2018 and deconsolidated subsidiaries in the second half of 2018 and 2019. Also, central
cost reductions implemented during 2019 had a direct impact towards the decrease of SG&A charges.
Total SG&A was offset, in part, by the net gain of $0.1 million from the disposal of assets at LuxCath in the
first half of 2019.
Research and development (R&D) expenses decreased by $28.8 million, to $16.1 million (2018: $44.9
million). The decrease was primarily due to the deconsolidated and closed and dissolved subsidiaries in
2018 and 2019. The remainder of the decrease reflects the net effect from R&D spend at the remaining
subsidiaries.
22
Net finance income decreased by $82.9 million in 2019 to $10.0 million (2018: $92.9 million). The decrease
reflects the impact from deconsolidation of the Company’s subsidiaries in 2018 and 2019 partly offset by
net finance income of $9.3 million from IFRS 9 fair value accounting of the subsidiary preferred shares
liability balance (2018: $91.6 million), and interest income, net of interest expense, of $0.7 million (2018:
$1.3 million).
Other income increased to $89.4 million (2018: $44.0 million, restated) reflecting $41.2 million in gain on
investments held at fair value, $7.1 million gain on dissolution of subsidiaries, $69.8 million of gain on
deconsolidation of one of the company’s subsidiaries. The increase is partly offset by the company’s share
of loss of $28.9 million from the deconsolidated entities accounted under the equity method. In addition,
the increase reflects $0.2 million of net gain mainly from the disposal of trade and assets at LuxCath.
• As a result of Federated Wireless’ most recent financing round that was completed in September
2019, Allied Minds’ issued and outstanding ownership percentage dropped from 52.23% to
42.57%. Consequently, the Company no longer controls a majority of the outstanding voting stock
and does not control a majority of the board seats and as a result, the subsidiary was
deconsolidated. Upon deconsolidation, Allied Minds recognised the fair value of the Series A
Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, and Series C Preferred Stock (collectively the “Federated
Wireless Preferred Stock”) held in Federated Wireless, classified as an investment at fair value of
$22.2 million. Additionally, due to Allied Minds Common Stock holdings that have equity-like
characteristics, the investment is accounted for under IAS 28 and is classified by the Company as
an investment in associate of $16.1 million. The deconsolidation resulted in a total net gain of
$69.8 million. At 31 December 2019, Allied Minds’ investment was adjusted by the share of losses
generated by Federated Wireless from September through December 2019 of $9.3 million.
•
In May 2019, the Company completed an asset sale for LuxCath, LLC in the form of a promissory
note and other contingent consideration, reflecting a $0.1 million of net gain from the disposal of
such trade and assets. LuxCath was dissolved as of 31 December 2019.
As a result of these factors, total comprehensive income increased by $5.1 million to $51.0 million (2018:
$45.9 million, restated). Total comprehensive income attributed to the equity holders of the Group was
$52.1 million (2018: $37.9 million, which is restated) and $1.1 million loss (2018: $8.0 million profit,
restated) was attributable to the owners of non-controlling interests.
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
As of 31 December
2019
$ '000
2018
$ '000
(Restated*)
72,695
97,854
170,549
83,739
107,034
190,773
Non-current assets (restated*)
Current assets
Total assets
23
Non-current liabilities
Current liabilities
Equity (restated*)
Total liabilities and equity
4,819
13,159
152,571
170,549
436
69,557
120,780
190,773
Significant performance-impacting events and business developments reflected in the Company’s
financial position at year end include:
Non-current assets
Property and equipment decreased by $4.5 million to $1.5 million (2018: $6.0 million), primarily as a result
of the deconsolidation of Federated Wireless of $6.6 million, impairment loss of $0.4 million and
depreciation expense of $1.1 million, offset by purchases of approximately $3.6 million, mainly at
BridgeComm.
Intangible assets decreased by $1.0 million to $0.2 million (2018: $1.2 million) mainly as a result of
amortisation expense of $0.6 million, impairment charges and disposals of $0.4 million and the net effect
of the deconsolidation of Federated Wireless of $0.2 million, offset by additions of $0.2 million in acquired
licenses and software assets.
Investments at fair value increased to $61.9 million (2018: $56.5 million) reflecting $37.5 million increase
in fair value adjustments due to fair value accounting for investments held on the date of deconsolidation,
$22.2 million recognised as a result of the deconsolidation of Federated Wireless and $2.5 million that
was released from escrow by Allied Minds in April 2019 when Spin Memory completed the final closing of
its $52.0 million Series B preferred shares financing. The increase was offset by the sale of Allied Minds’
entire stake in its portfolio company HawkEye 360 to Advance for cash consideration of $65.6 million. As
a result, the Company reduced its investment held at fair value related to its preferred shares in HawkEye
360 of $65.6 million and recognised $35.0 million increase in fair value adjustments due to fair value
accounting for investment held in HawkEye 360 on the date of the sale.
Investments in associates decreased to $6.8 million (2018: 19.5 million). As a result of the deconsolidation
of Federated Wireless, the company recorded $16.2 million in investments in associates which was offset
by share of loss generated by Federated Wireless and Spin Memory as of 31 December 2019 of $28.9
million.
Right-of-use assets increased by $1.0 million (2018: $ nil). On 1 January 2019, the Company adopted the
new lease standard using the modified retrospective approach applied to lease arrangements that were
in place on the transition date. As such, results reported as of 31 December 2019 are presented under the
new standard.
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $7.2 million to $90.5 million (2018: $97.7 million). The decrease
is mainly attributed to $69.8 million of net cash used in operations, $26.5 million cash from investing
activities and $33.7 million cash from financing activities.
Restricted cash decreased by $2.5 million due to Allied Minds’ additional investment in Spin Memory of
$2.5 million, cash that was released from the escrow in April 2019.
24
Trade and other receivables decreased by $0.7 million due to a decrease in trade receivables of $1.2
million primarily due to deconsolidation of Federated Wireless. This decrease is offset in part by an
increase in prepaid expenses of $0.6 million as a result of advanced payments made by BridgeComm
towards the construction of a ground station.
Other current assets increased by $1.1 million due to the issuance of a new convertible note to Table Up
and offset by assets deconsolidated at Federated Wireless.
Current liabilities
Subsidiary preferred shares decreased by $49.2 million to $5.0 million (2018: $54.2 million) primarily
driven by the deconsolidation of Federated Wireless of $43.9 million, and $9.3 million in IFRS 9 fair value
adjustment for the year offset by issuance of convertible stock by Precision Biopsy and SciFluor of $4.0
million.
Deferred revenue increased by $1.1 million to $3.4 million (2018: $2.3 million) primarily due to new
revenue contracts entered by BridgeComm throughout 2019.
Non-current liabilities
Lease liabilities increased by $2.9 million (2018: $ nil) due to the implementation of the new lease
accounting under IFRS 16 at 1 January 2019.
Other non-current liabilities increased by $1.5 million (2018: $0.4) due to issuance of new convertible
promissory notes at BridgeComm and SciFluor.
Equity
Net equity increased by $31.8 million to $152.6 million (2018: $120.8 million, restated) reflecting the
combination of comprehensive income for the period of $51.0 million, $0.1 issuance of ordinary shares
and deconsolidation of Federated Wireless of $1.6 million, offset by US subsidiary distribution to
shareholders of $12.1 million, change in non-controlling interest of $0.2 million, dissolution of Company’s
subsidiaries of $7.1 million and a $1.5 million charge due to equity-settled share based payments.
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
For the years ended 31 December
2019
$ '000
2018
$ '000
(Restated*)
(44,851)
21,505
13,683
(9,663)
100,234
90,571
(70,879)
(27,994)
41,032
(57,841)
158,075
100,234
Net cash outflow from operating activities
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities
Net cash inflow from financing activities
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents in the beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
25
The Group’s net cash outflow from operating activities of $44.8 million in 2019 (2018: $70.9 million,
restated) was primarily due to the losses for the year of $50.3 million, the net effect from movement in
working capital of $0.5 million and the adjustment for non-cash items such as depreciation, amortisation,
impairments and share-based expenses of $2.0 million offset by other finance charges of $8.1 million,
$89.5 million in gain and losses due to deconsolidation, dissolution of subsidiaries and fair value
adjustments.
The Group had a net cash inflow from investing activities of $21.5 million in 2019 (2018: $28.0 million).
This inflow predominately reflected the proceeds from sale of investments at fair value at HawkEye 360
of $65.6 million and $0.1 million in proceeds from disposal of assets, offset in part by the deconsolidation
of Federated Wireless of $33.1 million (2018: $25.9 million), the investments at fair value of $7.5 million
(2018: $7.5 million) and purchases of property and equipment and intangibles of $3.6 million (2018: $9.1
million).
The Group’s net cash inflow from financing activities of $13.7 million in 2019 (2018: $41.0 million)
primarily reflects $2.0 million proceeds from issuance of convertible notes and $25.3 million proceeds
from issuance of preferred shares in subsidiaries throughout the year. This includes proceeds from
issuance of preferred shares as a result of Federated Wireless’ most recent financing round that was
completed in September 2019. The increase is offset by $1.5 million in lease payments and $12.1 million
in US distributions to shareholders of certain portfolio companies that were dissolved.
The Group’s strategy is to maintain healthy, highly liquid cash balances that are readily available for
investment in a manner consistent with the Board’s strategy for the Company and Group. To further
minimise its exposure to risks the Group does not maintain any material borrowings or cash balances in
foreign currency.
The Directors have further considered the on-going viability of the Company through to December 2022,
as required pursuant to the 2018 version of the UK Corporate Governance Code, in the Management and
Governance section of the Annual Report and Accounts at pages 42 to 43.
26
Risk Management
The execution of the Group’s strategy is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. The Board has
adopted a system of continuous review in which it regularly consults with management to identify
principal and emerging risks facing the Group and to assess and determine how to address and mitigate
against such risks in a manner consistent with the Company’s risk appetite to achieve its strategic goals.
Throughout the year, the Board considers and reviews both risks arising from the internal operations of
the Group, and those arising from the business environment in which it operates. It is possible that one
or more of these identified risks could impact the Group in a similar timeframe which may compound
their effects.
With our focus on early stage company development, commercialisation and monetisation, the Group
inherently faces significant risks and challenges. The overall aim of the risk management policy is to
achieve an effective balance of risk and reward, although ultimately, no strategy can provide an absolute
assurance against loss.
The Board has carried out a robust assessment of the principal and emerging risks facing the Group,
including those that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency and/or liquidity.
The major risks and uncertainties identified by the Board are set out below, along with the consequences
and mitigation strategy of each risk.
1.
The science and technology being developed or commercialised by the Group’s businesses may
fail and/or the Group’s businesses may not be able to develop their innovations and intellectual
property into commercially viable products or technologies. There is also a risk that some of the
portfolio companies may fail or not succeed as anticipated, whether as a result of technical,
product, market, fund-raising or other risks, resulting in an impairment of the Group’s value.
Impact: The failure of any of the Group’s portfolio companies would impact the Group’s value. A failure
of one of the major portfolio companies could also impact the Group’s reputation as a builder of high
value businesses and possibly make additional fund raising at the Group or portfolio company level more
difficult.
Mitigation:
• Before making any follow-on investment in the current portfolio, extensive due diligence is carried
out by the Group which covers all the major business risks including market size, strategy,
adoption and intellectual property. Where appropriate, we seek validation through co-
investment by other strategic and/or financial parties.
• A disciplined approach to capital allocation is pursued whereby we closely monitor milestone
developments before committing additional capital. Should a project fail to achieve sufficient
progress or is unable to attract other co-investors, we may terminate the investment.
• Dedicated leadership with deep industry or sector knowledge, and relevant technical and/or
leadership experience, is recruited to management positions, and the Group ensures that each
portfolio company has independent directors and/or other advisors, as appropriate for the
relevant stage of development.
27
•
•
Each portfolio company holds board of director meetings at least quarterly, with participation
from the Group’s management and/or investment team, along with senior management and
independent directors and/or advisors, as appropriate, of such portfolio company.
The shared services model provides meaningful administrative support to our earlier stage
portfolio companies, including strong budgetary and financial controls that ensure good
governance.
• Within the Group there is meaningful operating and investment expertise that provide direct,
hands-on and strategic, operating and fund-raising support to its portfolio companies, as
appropriate.
•
The Group actively uses third party advisors and consultants, specific to the particular domain in
which a portfolio company operates, to assist on market strategy and direction.
2.
The Group expects to continue to incur substantial expenditure in further research and
development, product development, sales and marketing and other operational activities of its
businesses. There is no guarantee that the Group or any of its individual portfolio companies will
become profitable prior to the achievement of a portfolio company sale or other liquidity event,
and, even if the Group or any of its individual portfolio companies does become profitable, such
profitability may not be sustainable. The Group may not be able to attract other co-investors, or
monetise its ownership interests in portfolio companies, during any specific time frame or
otherwise on desirable terms, if at all.
Impact: Allied Minds’ objective is to generate returns for its shareholders through early stage company
development within the technology sector. Such value is expected to be delivered through the
commercialisation and monetisation of these businesses via a sale or other liquidity event for each. The
timing and size of these potential inflows is uncertain and, should liquidity events not be forthcoming, or
in the event that they are achieved at values significantly less than the amount of capital invested, then it
would be difficult to sustain the current levels of investment in the other portfolio companies. This would
lead to reduced participation in funding rounds, which will result in a lower ownership position, or
potentially impact the ability of a company to raise additional funds.
Mitigation:
• The Group retains significant cash balances in order to support its cash flow requirements,
including Allied Minds’ investment requirements for each portfolio company and for corporate
resources.
• The Group has close relationships with a wide group of investors, including within its current
shareholder base, and continues to identify and develop strategic and financial relationships for
co-investing in the Group’s portfolio companies.
•
Senior management continually seeks to build and maintain strategic and financial relationships
for the Group, and each portfolio company continually seeks to engage in strategic and financial
relationships relevant to their respective markets and to maintain current information on, and
awareness of, potential fund-raising and monetisation strategies.
28
3.
A significant portion of the Group’s intellectual property relates to technologies which originated
in the course of research conducted in, and initially funded by, US universities or other federally-
funded research institutions. Although the Group has been granted exclusive licenses to use this
intellectual property, there are certain limitations inherent in these licenses, for example as
required by the Bayh-Dole Act of 1980.
Impact: There are certain circumstances where the US government has rights to utilise the underlying
intellectual property without any economic benefit flowing back to the Group. In the event that this were
to happen, this could impact the financial return to the Group on its investment in the applicable portfolio
companies.
Mitigation:
• To the Board’s knowledge, while these so called “march in” rights exist, the US government has
never had cause to use them.
• The Group seeks to develop dual use capabilities for the technology it licenses and generally tends
to avoid use cases directly applicable to government use.
• This risk is also mitigated through employing experienced technology transfer experts supported
by our legal team to assess risks that may arise out of this eventuality.
4.
The Group, including certain of the portfolio companies, currently has in place cooperative
research and development agreements with certain US Department of Defense laboratories and
other federally funded government institutions. Certain regulatory measures apply to these
agreements which restrict the export of information and material that may be used for military
or intelligence applications by a non-US person. Compliance with these regulatory measures may
be complex and limit commercial alternatives.
Impact: If the Group were to breach restrictions on the use of certain licensed technologies, particularly
those derived from federally funded research facilities, this could materially impact upon the Group’s
ability to license additional intellectual property from these establishments. In certain circumstances, it
may also lead to the termination of existing licenses. In the event that this were to happen, this could
materially affect a number of the Group’s businesses, potentially harm the reputation and standing of the
Group and cause the termination of certain important relationships with federally funded research
institutions.
Mitigation:
• Prior to licensing any technology under these agreements, the Group’s management seeks to
identify the commercial and other alternatives available for products and services associated with
such technology and innovations, and to ensure that there are sufficient markets available to
justify the capital investment.
• Prior to the commercialisation process, the Group’s management seeks to obtain all the necessary
clearances from applicable regulatory bodies to ensure that the export of products based upon
the licensed IP is strictly in accordance with government guidelines.
29
•
•
5.
The Group, including certain of the portfolio companies, employs a number of individuals with
experience in working with various government agencies.
Senior management is fully cognisant of the regulations and sensitivities in relation to this issue,
in particular with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) which regulate the use of
technologies for export, and has numerous mitigating actions available should issues arise.
The Group operates in complex and specialised business domains and requires highly qualified
and experienced management to implement its strategy successfully. All of the operations of the
Group are located in the United States, which is a highly competitive employment market.
Furthermore, given the relatively small size of the senior management at the corporate level, the
Group is reliant on a small number of key individuals.
Impact: There is a risk that the Group may lose key personnel, or fail to attract or retain new personnel.
The loss of key personnel may negatively affect the Group’s competitive advantage.
Mitigation:
• The Board annually seeks external expertise to assess the competitiveness of the compensation
packages of its senior management, and to ensure that the structure of compensation is designed
to incentivise performance and retention properly.
• Senior management continually monitor and assess compensation levels to ensure the Group
remains competitive in the employment market.
6.
A large proportion of the overall value of the Group’s businesses may be concentrated in a small
proportion of the Group’s businesses. If one or more of the intellectual property rights relevant
to a valuable business were terminated, this would have a material adverse impact on the overall
value of the Group’s businesses.
Impact: The termination of critical IP licenses would materially impact the value of the portfolio company
and have a consequent effect on the value of the overall Group.
Mitigation:
•
In each portfolio company, the management is specifically directed to pursue a policy of
generating and patenting additional intellectual property to both provide additional protection
and create direct IP ownership for the company.
• Where possible, the Group seeks to negotiate intellectual property ownership rights in any
research and development agreement it enters into with a network partner, such that the Group
becomes a part owner of the underlying IP.
7.
The US Investment Company Act of 1940 regulates companies which are engaged primarily in the
business of investing, reinvesting, owning, holding or trading in securities. Securities issued by
companies other than consolidated partner companies are generally considered ‘‘investment
securities’’ for purposes of the Investment Company Act, unless other circumstances exist which
actively involve the company holding such interests in the management of the underlying
company.
30
Impact: If the Company is deemed to be an ‘‘investment company’’ subject to regulation under the
Investment Company Act, applicable restrictions could make it impractical for the Group to continue its
business as contemplated and could have a material adverse effect on its business. If anything were to
happen which would cause the Company to be deemed to be an investment company under the
Investment Company Act, requirements imposed by the Investment Company Act, including limitations
on capital structure, ability to transact business with portfolio companies and ability to compensate key
employees, could make it impractical for it to continue its business as currently conducted.
Mitigation:
• The Company intends to monitor and conduct its operations so that it will not be deemed to be
an investment company under the Investment Company Act.
• The Company seeks to build value through its current portfolio of majority-owned or primarily
controlled subsidiary companies; it is not engaged primarily in the business of investing,
reinvesting, owning, holding or trading in securities and does not own or propose to acquire
investment securities above prescribed thresholds under the Investment Company Act.
• Currently the Company holds more than 50% of the voting securities of certain of its portfolio
companies, and more than 25% of all of its other portfolio companies, and intends to continue to
try to hold the majority of the voting securities in its portfolio companies, or otherwise maintain
primary control.
•
In addition to ownership levels, the Company seeks to maintain primary control of its portfolio
companies through a combination of the following:
o Rights to elect representatives to the board of directors, with ability to exercise influence over
the portfolio company’s business strategy, operating plans, budgets and key corporate
decisions;
o Legal rights, such as access to information (books and records) and financial statements,
liquidation preferences, registrations rights, rights of first refusal, pre-emptive rights and co-
sale rights;
o Protective provisions, such as rights to block certain portfolio company actions; and
o Active involvement in the management of our earlier stage portfolio companies, such as
introductions, co-locating, and key
shared service support, business development
management recruiting.
8.
The Group expects to remain operational through December 2023 given its current cash and
financial position. However, if the Group is unable to generate sufficient revenue, appropriately
manage expenses, attract co-investors to participate in follow-on portfolio company financings,
or generate a sale or other liquidity event for any of its existing portfolio companies or portfolio
company interests prior to the end of such period, then the Group’s business, financial condition,
results of operations, prospects and future viability could be adversely affected.
31
Impact: Lack of capital could restrict the Group’s ability to further fund, develop and commercialise its
existing businesses. In turn, this could ultimately lead to failure of individual portfolio companies and loss
of investment as well as failure of the Group as a whole.
Mitigation:
• Senior management continually seeks to build and maintain close relationships with its
shareholder base and other strategic partners at the Group level, and each portfolio company
continually seeks to engage in strategic relationships relevant to their respective markets and to
maintain current information on and awareness of potential fund-raising and monetisation
strategies.
• The Company strives to maintain majority ownership and/or primary control over all of the
portfolio companies, so that it can seek to influence optimal capital allocation, use of cash, and
fund-raising strategy.
• The Company has built a valuable portfolio of companies since its inception.
• The Company continuously and critically reviews the progress of its portfolio companies against
pre-set milestones to ensure its financial capital and human resource is properly allocated to the
more promising areas of its portfolio to help strengthen and accelerate the Group’s path to
monetisation.
Brexit
On 23 June 2016, the UK electorate voted to leave the European Union (EU) in a so-called “Brexit”
referendum. Following several delays, parliament ratified the withdrawal agreement, and the UK left the
EU on 31 January 2020. This began a transition period that is set to end on 31 December 2020, during
which the UK and EU will negotiate their future relationship. The UK remains subject to EU law and
remains part of the EU customs union and single market during the transition, but is no longer part of the
EU's political bodies or institutions.
It is expected that companies based in the UK and with significant UK and EU operational focus will be the
most directly impacted by Brexit. All of the Group’s portfolio companies are based in the US, and
substantially all of the business and operations of the Group are conducted in the US. However, the Group
has raised significant capital in the UK and, while no such activities are planned, may need to raise
additional capital in the UK in the future to support its portfolio companies. The uncertainty caused by
Brexit may result in the Group being unable to obtain additional capital on a timely basis on commercially
acceptable terms.
In addition, Brexit exposes the Group to increased foreign currency risk. Foreign exchange risk is an
exposure for the Group as it derives substantially all of its revenue in US dollars and the Group’s businesses
borrow, account in, and are valued in, US dollars, but its shares trade in amounts denominated in pounds
sterling. Any capital raised by the Group in the UK would be denominated in pounds sterling, but would
be allocated to portfolio companies which operate in the US and whose functional currency is US dollars.
If the Group requires and fails to obtain sufficient capital on acceptable terms, it may be forced to forego
further investment in developing certain of its current businesses, and otherwise be subject to a material
adverse impact on the Group’s business and financial condition.
32
COVID-19
The ongoing spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that started in December 2019 has been
declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organisation. COVID-
19 has the potential to greatly disrupt all aspects of the Group’s business. Potential impacts include the
risk to the health and safety of our workforce, the ability for our businesses to operate normally, global
economics, and the flow of goods and services. Our people could be at potential health risk if they come
into contact with confirmed cases of COVID-19. In addition, given the mandatory health and safety
restrictions across the world, including travel and quarantine restrictions, it may affect the ability of our
workforce to continue working normally. There could also be disruption to operations as a result of the
virus negatively impacting our suppliers, customers and partners. Finally, the virus has already caused
downturn to the global economy, which may become worse as it continues to spread. This may make it
difficult for our portfolio companies to raise money, enter into new strategic partnerships, retain
customers, or continue operations.
In order to mitigate against these risks, we are closely monitoring the health, safety and security of our
workforce and complying with applicable regulatory requirements and guidelines. We have put in place
temporary travel restrictions and have made accommodations that will allow our workforce to work
remotely. We are also in close communication with all of our customers, suppliers and partners to
collaborate on how to best support each other’s needs in this new environment.
The Group is closely monitoring developments regarding COVID-19 and will continuously reassess and put
in place appropriate continuity plans to mitigate against the risks faced.
Corporate and Social Responsibility
Details on the Group’s policies, activities and aims with regard to its corporate and social responsibilities,
including diversity, are included in the Sustainability section on pages 58 to 66 and are incorporated into
this Strategic Report by reference.
This Strategic Report has been approved by the Board of Directors.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
Harry Rein
Chairman
4 June 2020
Joseph Pignato
Chief Executive Officer
33
MANAGEMENT AND GOVERNANCE
The Board
Executive Director
Joseph Pignato – Chief Executive Officer
Joe joined Allied Minds as Chief Financial Officer in August 2015, served as Co-Chief Executive Officer and
Executive Director from June 2019, and has served in the role of Chief Executive Officer and Executive
Director since March 2020. Prior to joining Allied Minds, Joe amassed more than 20 years of professional
experience in Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer and General Partner roles at Upserve
(formerly Swipely) (CFO), Prism Venture Works (General Partner, COO and CFO), Charles River Ventures
(CFO), and Lightbridge (NASDAQ: LTBG) (CFO). Joe also served as a Senior Staff Accountant at Deloitte.
Joe holds a Bachelor of Arts in Financial Economics from Saint Anselm College.
Non-Executive Directors
Harry Rein – Non-Executive Chairman
Harry joined Allied Minds as an independent Non-Executive Director in November 2017, and has served
as the Non-Executive Chairman since March 2020. Harry brings extensive experience from the venture
capital sector, most recently serving as General Partner for 10 years at Foundation Medical Partners,
having been instrumental in its formation. Foundation is an early stage venture capital firm focused on
the healthcare sector. Prior to Foundation, Harry served as Founder and Managing Partner at Canaan
Partners. Harry was responsible for life sciences investments at both Foundation and Canaan. Prior to
Canaan, Harry was President and CEO of GE Venture Capital Corporation, having joined General Electric
Company in 1979. He directed several of General Electric's lighting businesses before joining the venture
capital subsidiary. Harry currently serves on the Board of DeliverCareRX and served on the Board of
Anadigics (NASDAQ: ANAD) until 2016. He has served on the Board of over 20 public and private
entrepreneurial companies, including: Cell Pathways; OraPharma; National MD; OmniSonics; GenVec
(NASDAQ: GNVC); CardioNet (NASDAQ: BEAT) and Spine Wave, and was an investor in Praecis
Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: PRCS). Harry attended Emory University and Oglethorpe College (1969) and
holds a MBA from the Darden School at the University of Virginia (1973). Harry serves on each of the
Audit, Nomination (Chair) and Remuneration Committees.
Bruce Failing – Senior Independent Director
Bruce joined Allied Minds as the Senior Independent Director in March 2020. Bruce has over 30 years of
management and investment experience in the areas of media and consumer products, applied
technology and logistics management. He founded and currently is the General Partner of Alerion
Partners and serves on the Boards of Directors of Instadium as the Executive Chairman, Enviroscent and
DeliverCareRX. Previously, he was CEO of Productivity Solutions, Electronic Retailing Systems and
Actmedia, and Executive Chairman of ScentAir Technologies and Lamaze Publishing & the Newborn
Channel. Bruce attended Tufts University (1971) and holds an MBA from Harvard Business School (1973).
Bruce serves on each of the Audit, Nomination and Remuneration (Chair) Committees.
34
Mark Lerdal - Independent Non-Executive Director
Mark joined Allied Minds as an independent Non-Executive Director in December 2019. Mark brings more
than 30 years of executive leadership to his role at Allied Minds, as well as numerous executive and non-
executive board directorships at public and private companies. Mark currently serves as the executive
chairman of Leaf Clean Energy Company. Previously, Mark has served as managing director of MP2
Capital, LLC, president of Hydrogen Energy California, a developer of a carbon capture and sequestration
facility, and a managing director at KKR Finance in its debt securities division. Mark currently serves on
the Board of Directors of Leaf Clean Energy Company (LSE: LEAF) and served on the Boards of Directors of
Trading Emissions plc (LSE: TRE) until January 2019, TerraForm Global Inc. (NASDAQ: GLBL) until December
2017, and TerraForm Power (NASDAQ: TERP) until November 2015. Mark also serves on a number of
private company boards, including Empower Energies, Element Markets, Southern Current, Cotton Plains
Holding III and Canadian Breaks. Mark attended Stanford University (1981) and holds a JD from
Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law (1984). Mark serves on each of the Audit (Chair),
Nomination and Remuneration Committees.
Former Executive Directors
Michael Turner – Co-Chief Executive Officer (resigned)
Mike joined Allied Minds as General Counsel in May 2014, served as Executive Vice President and General
Counsel from March 2015, served as Co-Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director from June 2019,
and resigned from Allied Minds and the Board in March 2020. Upon his resignation, Joe Pignato was
appointed sole Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director.
Jill Smith – Chief Executive Officer and President (resigned)
Jill joined Allied Minds as an independent Non-Executive Director in January 2016, served in the role of
Chief Executive Officer, President and Executive Director from March 2017, and resigned from Allied
Minds and the Board in June 2019. Upon her resignation, Joe Pignato and Mike Turner were appointed
Co-Chief Executive Officers and Executive Directors.
Former Non-Executive Directors
Jeff Rohr – Non-Executive Chairman (resigned)
Jeff joined Allied Minds as an independent Non-Executive Director in April 2014, served as the Non-
Executive Chairman since June 2019, and resigned from the Board in March 2020. Jeff was succeeded by
Harry Rein as Non-Executive Chairman and as Chair of the Nomination Committee.
Fritz Foley – Independent Non-Executive Director (resigned)
Fritz joined Allied Minds as an independent Non-Executive Director in May 2018, and resigned from the
Board in December 2019. Fritz was succeeded by Harry Rein as Chair of the Audit Committee.
Peter Dolan – Non-Executive Chairman (resigned)
Peter joined Allied Minds as an independent Non-Executive Director in April 2014, served as Non-
Executive Chairman from April 2015, and resigned from the Board in June 2019. Peter was succeeded by
35
Jeff Rohr as Non-Executive Chairman and as Chair of the Nomination Committee (who was subsequently
succeeded by Harry Rein as Chair of the Nomination Committee).
Kevin Sharer – Senior Independent Director (resigned)
Kevin joined Allied Minds as an independent Non-Executive Director in June 2015, served as Senior
Independent Director from May 2018, and resigned from the Board in June 2019. Kevin was succeeded
by Harry Rein as Senior Independent Director and as Chair of the Remuneration Committee (who was
subsequently succeeded by Bruce Failing as Senior Independent Director and Chair of the Remuneration
Committee).
Table of Board Attendance
The table below summarises the attendance of the Directors at the scheduled meetings held during the
year:
Director
Joseph Pignato(1)
Jeffrey Rohr(2)
Harry Rein(3)
Mark Lerdal(4)
Michael Turner(5)
Jill Smith(6)
Fritz Foley(7)
Peter Dolan(3), (8)
Kevin Sharer(2), (7), (9)
---------------
Meetings Attended
Audit
Committee
n/a
5 of 5
5 of 5
n/a
n/a
n/a
5 of 5
n/a
n/a
Nomination
Committee
n/a
5 of 5
2 of 2
n/a
n/a
n/a
1 of 1
3 of 3
3 of 3
Remuneration
Committee
n/a
2 of 2
8 of 8
n/a
n/a
n/a
7 of 7
n/a
6 of 6
Board
10 of 10
19 of 20
19 of 20
n/a
10 of 10
8 of 8
20 of 20
10 of 11
11 of 11
1 Mr. Pignato was appointed to the Board on 10 June 2019.
2 Mr. Rohr replaced Mr. Sharer as a member of the Remuneration Committee on 28 June 2019. Mr.
Rohr resigned from the Board effective as of 10 March 2020.
3 Mr. Rein replaced Mr. Dolan as a member of the Nomination Committee on 28 June 2019.
4 Mr. Lerdal was appointed to the Board, and as a member of each of the Audit, Nomination and
Remuneration Committee, on 11 December 2019.
5 Mr. Turner was appointed to the Board on 10 June 2019, and resigned effective as of 10 March
2020.
6 Ms. Smith resigned from the Board effective as of 10 June 2019.
7 Mr. Foley replaced Mr. Sharer as a member of the Nomination Committee on 28 June 2019 and
resigned from the Board effective as of 10 December 2019.
8 Mr. Dolan resigned from the Board effective as of 28 June 2019.
9 Mr. Sharer resigned from the Board effective as of 28 June 2019.
10 The missed meetings were as a result of unexpected scheduling conflicts. Where absences were
unavoidable, the impacted director reviewed, with management and the respective Chair, the
topics and materials to be discussed at the meeting, and provided appropriate feedback to be
conveyed at the upcoming meeting.
36
Directors’ Report
The Directors present their report together with the audited financial statements for Allied Minds plc and
its subsidiaries for the year ended 31 December 2019. The Company was incorporated on 15 April 2014
under the UK Companies Act 2006 (Companies Act).
Directors
The Directors of the Company as at 31 December 2019 were those listed on pages 34 to 35 and these
pages are incorporated into this Directors’ Report by reference. The changes to the composition of the
Board during the year were:
• The resignation of Jill Smith as an Executive Director on 10 June 2019.
• The appointment of each of Joseph Pignato and Michael Turner as an Executive Director on 10
June 2019.
• The resignation of each of Peter Dolan and Kevin Sharer as a Non-Executive Director on 28 June
2019.
• The resignation of Fritz Foley as a Non-Executive Director on 10 December 2019.
• The appointment of Mark Lerdal as a Non-Executive Director on 11 December 2019.
• Post-period end, the resignation of Michael Turner as an Executive Director on 10 March 2020.
• Post-period end, the appointment of Bruce Failing as a Non-Executive Director on 10 March 2020.
• Post-period end, the resignation of Jeffrey Rohr as a Non-Executive Director on 10 March 2020.
The Directors’ interests in the share capital of the Company are as shown in the Directors’ Remuneration
Report on pages 88 to 89. None of the Directors were materially interested in any significant contract to
which the Company or any of its portfolio companies were party during the year.
Corporate Governance
Information that fulfils the requirements of the corporate governance statement can be found in the
Corporate Governance Report on pages 46 to 57, the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 67 to 97,
and the Audit Committee Report on pages 98 to 102, and is incorporated into this Report of the Directors
by reference.
Directors’ Compensation for Loss of Office and Payments to Past Directors
Details regarding loss of office and payments to past directors are set forth on page 88 within the
Directors’ Remuneration Report.
Employees
The Group’s policies in relation to employees are disclosed on pages 61 to 66, and these pages are
incorporated into this Directors’ Report by reference.
37
Results and Dividends
During the period, the Group generated a net comprehensive income after taxation for the year ended 31
December 2019 of $50.7 million (2018: income of $45.9 million, which is restated). The Directors do not
recommend the payment of an ordinary dividend for 2019 (2018: nil). However, post period end on 16
January 2020, the Board declared a special dividend of 12.62 pence per ordinary share (Special Dividend)
totalling £30.49 million. The ordinary shares went ex-dividend on 23 January 2020, and the Special
Dividend was paid in cash on 14 February 2020 to holders of ordinary shares recorded on the register as
at the close of business on 24 January 2020.
Strategic Report
The Group’s Strategic Report can be found on pages 5 to 33, and includes information as to the Group’s
activities in the field of research and development, and as to the likely future development of the Group.
Financial key performance indicators can be found on pages 20 to 21.
The Strategic Report contains forward-looking statements with respect to the business of Allied Minds.
These statements reflect the Board’s current view, are subject to a number of material known and
unknown events, risks and uncertainties, and could change in the future. Factors that could cause or
contribute to such changes include, but are not limited to, general economic climate and trading
conditions, as well as specific factors relating to the financial or commercial prospects or performance of
the Group’s individual portfolio companies, and the ability to consummate expected fundraising and other
transactions.
Principal and Emerging Risks and Uncertainties and Financial Instruments
The Group, through its operations, is exposed to a number of risks. The Group’s risk management
objectives and policies are described on pages 27 to 33 and in the Governance Report on pages 55 to 56.
Further information on the Group’s financial risk management objectives and policies, including those in
relation to credit risk, liquidity risk and market risk, is provided in note 21 to the consolidated financial
statements, along with further information on the Group’s use of financial instruments. The pages
referenced in this paragraph are incorporated into this Directors’ Report by reference.
Significant Agreements
The Group has not entered into any significant agreements which may be impacted by a change of control
following a takeover bid.
Share Capital
Details of the structure of the Company’s share capital and the rights attaching to the Company’s shares
are set out in note 14 to the consolidated financial statements. Other than the minimum share ownership
policy adopted by the Board in April 2016 with respect to Executive Directors, there are no specific
restrictions on the holding of securities or on the transfer of shares, which are both governed by the
general provisions of the Company’s Articles of Association (Articles) and prevailing legislation. None of
the ordinary shares carry any special rights with regard to control of the Company and there are no
restrictions on voting rights.
38
At the last Annual General Meeting of the Company held on 28 June 2019 (2019 AGM), authority was
given to the Directors, pursuant to the relevant provisions of the Companies Act, to allot unissued relevant
securities in the Company up to a maximum amount equivalent to approximately one-third of the issued
ordinary share capital on 30 April 2019 at any time up to the earlier of the conclusion of the next Annual
General Meeting (AGM) of the Company and 28 September 2020. In addition, at the 2019 AGM, the
Directors were also given authority, effective for the same period as the aforementioned authority, to
allot relevant securities in the Company up to a maximum of approximately two-thirds of the total
ordinary share capital in issue on 30 April 2019 in connection with an offer by way of a fully pre-emptive
rights issue. The Directors propose to renew both of these authorities at the Company’s next AGM to be
held on 30 June 2020. The authorities being sought are in accordance with guidance issued by the
Investment Association.
A special resolution passed at the 2019 AGM granted authority to the Directors to allot equity securities
in the Company for cash without regard to the pre-emption provisions of the Companies Act, both: (i) up
to a maximum of approximately two-thirds of the total ordinary share capital in issue on 30 April 2019 in
connection with a fully pre-emptive rights issue; and (ii) up to a maximum of approximately 5% of the
aggregate nominal value of the shares in issue on 30 April 2019. A further special resolution passed at the
2019 AGM granted authority to the Directors to allot equity securities in the Company for cash, without
regard to the pre-emption provisions of the Companies Act, up to a maximum of approximately 5% of the
aggregate nominal value of the shares in issue on 30 April 2019, to be used only for the purposes of
financing (or refinancing, if the authority is to be used within six months after the original transaction) a
transaction which the Directors determine to be an acquisition or other capital investment of a kind
contemplated by the Pre-emption Group’s Statement of Principles. These authorities are exercisable at
any time up to the earlier of the conclusion of the next AGM of the Company and 28 September 2020.
None of these authorities were used during 2019. The Directors will seek to renew these authorities for
a similar period at the next AGM to be held on 30 June 2020. Further details of such authorities are set
forth in the Notice of AGM circulated with this Report and Accounts.
The Directors intend to adhere to the provisions in the Pre-emption Group’s Statement of Principles, as
updated in March 2015, and not to allot shares for cash on a non-pre-emptive basis:
•
•
in excess of an amount equal to 5% of the total issued ordinary share capital of the Company
(excluding treasury shares); or
in excess of an amount equal to 7.5% of the total issued ordinary share capital of the Company
(excluding treasury shares) within a rolling three-year period, without prior consultation with
shareholders,
in each case, other than in connection with an acquisition or specified capital investment which is
announced contemporaneously with the allotment or which has taken place in the preceding six-month
period and is disclosed in the announcement of the allotment.
Under the Companies Act, the Company has the power to purchase its own shares in accordance with
Part 18, Chapter 5 of the Companies Act. At the 2019 AGM, a special resolution was passed which granted
the Directors authority to make market purchases of the Company’s shares pursuant to these provisions
of the Companies Act up to a maximum of approximately 10% of the Company’s issued share capital on
30 April 2019 provided that the authority granted set a minimum and maximum price at which purchases
39
can be made and is exercisable at any time up to the earlier of the conclusion of the next AGM and 28
September 2020. This authority has not been used during the year and therefore the outstanding
authority is 24,070,386. While the Company has no current intention to use this authority, the Directors
will seek to renew the authority within similar parameters and for a similar period at the next AGM to be
held on 30 June 2020.
At the general meeting held by the Company on 6 November 2019, the Company’s shareholders approved
special resolutions that (i) the amount standing to the credit of the Company’s merger reserve in the sum
of $263,367,000 was capitalised by way of a bonus issue of newly created capital reduction shares; (ii) the
newly created capital reduction shares were cancelled; and (iii) the amount standing to the credit of the
share premium account (such amount being, as at 31 December 2018, $160,170,000) was cancelled.
On 3 December 2019, the High Court of Justice in England and Wales made an order confirming the
reduction of the capital reduction shares and the cancellation of the amount standing to the credit of the
share premium account under section 648 Companies Act 2006. On 5 December 2019, the Company
completed the court-approved reduction of the Company’s capital by way of: (i) the capitalisation of the
amount standing to the credit of the Company’s merger reserve by way of the issue and subsequent
cancellation of such capital reduction shares; and (ii) the cancellation of the amount standing to the credit
of the Company’s share premium account, so as to create distributable reserves (the “Capital Reduction”).
The Capital Reduction created realised profits sufficient to eliminate the accumulated losses of the
Company and establish positive distributable reserves of approximately $191.6 million. The purpose of
the reduction of capital was to provide distributable reserves which enabled the Company to make a
special dividend payment of $40.0 million to shareholders and provided the flexibility for future dividend
payments. Following the reduction of capital, the number of issued shares and the rights attached to
those shares remained unchanged.
Articles of Association
The Company’s Articles may be amended by a special resolution of the shareholders.
Substantial Shareholders
As at 31 December 2019, the Company had been advised of the following notifiable interests in the
Company’s voting rights under DTR 5. Other than as shown, so far as the Company (and its directors) are
aware, no other person holds or is beneficially interested in a disclosable interest in the Company.
Shareholder
Invesco Ltd.
Crystal Amber Fund Limited
GIC Private Limited
Mark Pritchard
Number of
Shares
55,479,253
41,144,545
19,382,360
15,197,240
Percentage
22.97%
17.03%
8.02%
6.29%
Between the year end and 1 June 2020 (the latest practicable date prior to publication), the Company
issued and allotted 5,183 ordinary shares, and was advised pursuant to DTR 5 that Crystal Amber Fund
Limited had increased its holdings to 54,605,066 shares (or 22.60%).
40
Research and Development
Details of the Group’s research and development activities are included in the Portfolio Review and
Developments section on pages 12 to 19.
Stakeholder Engagement
Details of the Group’s engagement with key stakeholders, including suppliers, customer and other
business relationships are included in the Stakeholder Engagement section on pages 61 to 65.
Political and Charitable Donations
The Group did not make any political or charitable donations in 2018 or 2019.
Corporate and Social Responsibility
Details on the Group’s policies, activities and aims with regard to its corporate and social responsibilities
are included in the Sustainability section on pages 58 to 66, and are incorporated into this Directors’
Report by reference.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Details on the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the Group’s operations are included in the
Sustainability section on pages 58 to 61.
Directors’ Indemnity and Liability Insurance
During the year, the Company has maintained liability insurance in respect of its directors who held office
during the period. Subject to the provisions of the Companies Act, the Articles provide that every director
is entitled to be indemnified out of the funds of the Company against any liabilities incurred in the
execution or discharge of his or her powers or duties.
Issuance of Equity by Major Subsidiary Undertaking
None of the Company’s major subsidiary undertakings (as defined in the Listing Rules) issued equity in
2019.
Requirements of the Listing Rules
The following table provides references to where the information required by Listing Rule 9.8.4R is
disclosed:
Section
1
2
4
5
6
Listing Rule requirement
Interest capitalised
Publication of unaudited financial information
Details of long-term incentive schemes for an
individual director
Waiver of emoluments by a director
Waiver of future emoluments by a director
Location
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Directors’ Remuneration
Report, page 87
Directors’ Remuneration
Report, page 87
41
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements, Note 15
Not applicable
Non pre-emptive issues of equity for cash
Non pre-emptive issues of equity for cash by any major
subsidiary undertaking
Not applicable
Parent participation in a placing by a listed subsidiary
Contract of significance with director
Not applicable
Contract of significance with a controlling shareholder Not applicable
Not applicable
Provision of services by a controlling shareholder
Not applicable
Shareholder waivers of dividends
Not applicable
Shareholder waivers of future dividends
Not applicable
Relationship agreements with the controlling
shareholder
Post Balance Sheet Events
Material events occurring since the balance sheet date are disclosed in the Strategic Report. In summary,
they are:
• Allied Minds paid a special dividend of 12.62 pence per ordinary share totalling £30.49 million.
•
SciFluor Life Sciences raised an additional $375K in the second closing of its convertible note
financing.
• BridgeComm issued $2,000,000 in convertible notes to Allied Minds, following the issuance of
$1,000,000 in convertible notes to Boeing HorizonX Ventures in December 2019.
•
Federated Wireless raised an additional $13.7 million from existing shareholders in a second
closing of the preferred financing round from September 2019, half of which was contributed by
Allied Minds.
Viability Statement
While the financial statements and accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis, provision 31
of the 2018 version of the UK Corporate Governance Code (Code) requires the Directors to make a
statement in the Annual Report with regard to the viability of the Group, including explaining how they
have assessed the prospects of the Group, the period of time for which they have made the assessment,
and why they consider that period to be appropriate. Accordingly, the Directors conducted this
assessment over the three years to December 2022, taking into account the Group’s current position and
capital allocation strategy. As stated in the Company Overview on pages 3 and 9, the Directors have
determined to focus exclusively on supporting our seven existing portfolio companies and maximising
monetisation opportunities for portfolio company interests, and not to deploy any capital into new
portfolio companies. This shift in strategy, taken together with significant reductions of its central costs
and the successful HawkEye 360 liquidity event, allows the Company to remain viable for the next three
years. This strategy, pursued to its conclusion, would see the Group’s existing assets continue to be
managed and eventually monetised, with no new investments being taken on and with a view to returning
surplus proceeds to shareholders. The Directors expect this strategy to take at least three years to be
fully implemented, and as a matter of good governance, will continue to keep this strategy under review
42
at appropriate intervals. Consequently, in terms of reporting on the viability of the Group as required
under the Code, the Directors have prepared projections running out three years to December 2022 as,
in their view, this remains an appropriate period, notwithstanding the eventual conclusion to the strategy
as outlined.
The Directors also carried out a robust assessment of the principal and emerging risks facing the Group,
including those that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity, and the
other principal and emerging risks detailed in the Strategic Report. The three-year period includes the
assumption that further funding is not required by the Group in the form of proceeds from either the sale
of individual portfolio companies, the sale of certain portfolio company interests in secondary market
transactions, or a combination thereof. The Directors believe that a three-year assessment is most
appropriate as it aligns with the Group’s normal and well-established budgeting process. In making their
assessment, the Directors considered a wide range of information, including present and future economic
conditions, future projections of profitability, cash flows and capital requirements, and the potential sale
of certain portfolio company interests in secondary market transactions.
The Group’s annual budgeting process builds into a robust three-year plan, which is the period the
Directors consider as an appropriate period to be covered by the viability statement. This plan forms the
basis for strategic decisions across the Group. The consolidated plan is reviewed and approved annually
by the Directors at the beginning of the year. The plan is then deployed down to the portfolio companies
and used to set performance metrics and objectives (MBOs). Progress against the original plan is reviewed
quarterly by the Directors, and adjustments to the plan can be made if needed to address new risks or to
take advantage of new opportunities.
In summary, the Directors have assessed the viability of the Group over the three-year period to
December 2022. They were comforted by the Group’s strong financial position, the Board and
management’s proactive steps taken in 2019 to manage cash expenses, the retained cash proceeds from
the sale of its shares of HawkEye 360, its long-term capital allocation objectives, the Group’s control over
its capital allocation and how working capital requirements are met. Based on this assessment, the
Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group will be able to continue in operation and meet its
liabilities as they fall due over the three-year period to December 2022.
Disclosure of Information to Auditor
Each of the persons who is a Director at the date of approval of this Annual Report confirms that:
•
•
so far as the Director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company’s
auditor is unaware; and
the Director has taken all steps that he or she ought to have taken as a Director in order to make
himself or herself aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Company’s
auditor is aware of that information.
This confirmation is given and should be interpreted in accordance with the provisions of Section 418 of
the Companies Act.
43
Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held at 8.00 a.m EST on 30 June 2020 at Allied Minds’
headquarters located at 374 Congress Street, Suite 308, Boston, Massachusetts 02210, USA. The Notice
of AGM circulated with this Report and Accounts contains a full explanation of the business to be
conducted at that meeting.
Auditors
In accordance with Section 489 of the Companies Act 2006, a resolution for the re-appointment of KPMG
LLP as auditor of the Company is to be proposed at the forthcoming AGM.
Directors’ Responsibilities Statement
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and Accounts and the Group and parent
Company financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
Company law requires the Directors to prepare Group and parent Company financial statements for each
financial year. Under that law, they are required to prepare the Group financial statements in accordance
with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), as adopted by the European Union (EU) and
applicable law, and have elected to prepare the parent Company financial statements on the same basis.
Under company law, the Directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied
that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and parent Company and of their
profit or loss for that period. In preparing each of the Group and parent Company financial statements,
the Directors are required to:
•
select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
• make judgements and estimates that are reasonable, relevant and reliable;
•
state whether they have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU;
• assess the Group and parent Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as
applicable, matters related to going concern; and
• use the going concern basis of accounting unless the Directors either intend to liquidate the Group
or the parent Company, cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and
explain the parent Company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial
position of the parent Company and enable them to ensure that its financial statements comply with the
Companies Act 2006. The Directors are responsible for such internal control as they determine necessary
to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due
to fraud or error, and have general responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to
safeguard the assets of the Group and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.
Under applicable law and regulations, the Directors are also responsible for preparing a Strategic Report,
Directors’ Report, Directors’ Remuneration Report and Corporate Governance Statement that complies
with the relevant law and regulations.
44
The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information
included on the Company’s website. Legislation in the UK governing the preparation and dissemination
of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Responsibility Statement of the Directors in respect of the Annual Financial Report
Each of the Directors whose names and functions are set out in pages 34 to 35 of this Annual Report and
Accounts confirms that to the best of their knowledge:
•
•
the financial statements, prepared in accordance with the applicable set of accounting standards,
give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Group
and the parent Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation as a whole; and
the Strategic Report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business
and the position of the Group and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a
whole, together with a description of the principal and emerging risks and uncertainties that they
face.
We consider the Annual Report and Accounts, taken as a whole, are fair, balanced and understandable
and provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Group’s position, performance,
business model and strategy.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
Harry Rein
Chairman
4 June 2020
Joseph Pignato
Chief Executive Officer
45
Corporate Governance Report
Compliance with the UK Corporate Governance Code
The Directors are committed to a high standard of corporate governance and have prepared this Annual
Report with reference to the 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code (Code) which was published by the
Financial Reporting Council (FRC) in July 2018. The Code is available at the FRC website at www.frc.org.uk.
During the year ended 31 December 2019, the Directors consider that the Company has been in
compliance with the provisions set out in the Code with the following exceptions:
• Contrary to provision 34 of the Code, certain Non-Executive Directors hold restricted stock units
(RSUs) that vest over time. These RSUs were granted to the Non-Executive Directors in 2016, 2017,
2018 and 2019, and do not have performance conditions. After careful consideration, given that the
level of the awards are limited, do not have performance-based vesting, and effectively operate like
cash remuneration, the Board does not believe that ownership of these RSUs impacts the
independence of the Non-Executive Directors.
• Contrary to provision 24 of the Code, the Chairman, Jeff Rohr, was a member of the Audit Committee
in 2019. The Board believes that Mr. Rohr’s professional background and experience, together with
his past participation on such committee for the past six years, made him a valuable member of the
Audit Committee and that his membership was in the best interests of our shareholders.
• An external search consultancy was not used to identify and recruit Mr. Lerdal as a non-executive
director. Mr. Lerdal was proposed as a director candidate by a substantial shareholder of Allied
Minds. After careful consideration of Mr. Lerdal’s qualifications and upon recommendation by the
Nomination Committee, Mr. Lerdal was appointed to the Board and will be up for shareholder election
at the 2020 AGM.
Further explanation as to how the provisions set out in the Code have been applied by the Company is
provided in the following statements, the Directors’ Remuneration Report, the Audit Committee Report
and the Strategic Report.
The Board
Role and Responsibilities of the Board
The Board is responsible to shareholders for the overall management of the Group as a whole, providing
entrepreneurial leadership within a framework of controls for assessing and managing risk; defining,
challenging and interrogating the Group’s strategic aim, direction and culture; maintaining the policy and
decision-making framework in which such strategic aims are implemented; ensuring that the necessary
financial and human resources are in place to meet strategic aims; monitoring performance against key
financial and non-financial indicators; succession planning; overseeing the system of risk management;
setting values and standards in governance matters; and monitoring policies and performance on
corporate social responsibility. The Directors are also responsible for ensuring that obligations to
shareholders and other stakeholders are understood and met, and a satisfactory dialogue with
shareholders is maintained. All Directors are equally accountable to the Company’s shareholders for the
proper stewardship of its affairs and the long-term success of the Group.
46
The responsibility of the Directors is collective, taking into account their respective roles as Executive
Directors and Non-Executive Directors. The Executive Directors are directly responsible for running the
business operations and the Non-Executive Directors are responsible for constructively challenging
proposals on strategy, scrutinising the performance of management, determining levels of remuneration
and for succession planning for the Executive Directors. The Non-Executive Directors must also satisfy
themselves on the integrity of financial information and that financial controls and systems of risk
management are robust.
The Board reviews strategic issues on a regular basis and exercises control over the performance of the
Group by agreeing on budgetary targets and monitoring performance against those targets. The Board
has overall responsibility for the Group’s system of internal controls and risk management, as described
on pages 54 to 56. Any decisions made by the Board on policies and strategy to be adopted by the Group
or changes to current policies and strategy are made following presentations by the Executive Directors
and a detailed process of review and challenge by the Board. Once made, the Executive Directors are fully
empowered to implement those decisions.
Except for a formal schedule of matters which are reserved for decision and approval by the Board, the
Board has delegated the day-to-day management of the Group to the Chief Executive Officer who is
supported by the other members of the senior management team. The schedule of matters reserved for
Board decision and approval are those significant to the Group as a whole due to their strategic, financial
or reputational implications.
This schedule is reviewed and updated regularly and currently includes those matters set forth below:
• Approval and monitoring of the Group’s strategic aims and objectives, and approval of the annual
operating budget.
• Strategic acquisitions by the Group.
• Major disposals of the Group’s assets or subsidiaries.
• Changes to the Group’s capital structure, the issue of any securities and material borrowing of the
Group.
• Approval of the annual report and half-year results statement, accounting policies and practices
or any matter having a material impact on future financial performance of the Group.
• Ensuring a sound system of internal control and risk management.
• Approval of all circulars, prospectuses and other documents issued to shareholders governed by
the FCA’s Listing Rules, Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules or the City Code on Takeovers
and Mergers.
• Approving Board appointments and removals, and approving policies relating to Directors’
remuneration.
• The division of responsibility between the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer.
• Approval of terms of reference and membership of Board Committees.
• Considering and, where appropriate, approving Directors’ conflicts of interest.
47
• Approval, subject to shareholder approval, of the appointment and remuneration of the auditors.
• Major changes in employee share schemes.
•
Insurance and litigation.
The schedule of matters reserved to the Board is available on request from the Company Secretary or
within the Investors section of the Group’s website at www.alliedminds.com.
The Board delegates specific responsibilities to certain Committees that assist the Board in carrying out
its functions and ensure independent oversight of internal control and risk management. The three
principal Board Committees (Audit, Nomination and Remuneration) play an essential role in supporting
the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities and ensuring that the highest standards of corporate governance
are maintained throughout the Group. Each Committee has its own terms of reference which set out the
specific matters for which delegated authority has been given by the Board. The initial terms of reference
for each of the Committees, which are fully compliant with the provisions of the Code and which reflect
both best practice and the recommendations arising from the external evaluation process undergone by
the Board and its Committees in connection with the Company’s IPO, were adopted by the Board during
2014. These were reviewed in November 2019, and will be reviewed annually on an ongoing basis and
updated where necessary. All of these are available on request from the Company Secretary or within
the Investors section of the Group’s website at www.alliedminds.com.
Board Size and Composition
As at 31 December 2019, there were five Directors on the Board: the Non-Executive Chairman, two
Executive Directors and two Non-Executive Directors. During the year, changes to the composition of the
Board were:
• The resignation of Jill Smith as an Executive Director on 10 June 2019.
• The appointment of each of Joseph Pignato and Michael Turner as an Executive Director on 10
June 2019.
• The resignation of each of Peter Dolan and Kevin Sharer as a Non-Executive Director on 28 June
2019.
• The resignation of Fritz Foley as a Non-Executive Director on 10 December 2019.
• The appointment of Mark Lerdal as a Non-Executive Director on 11 December 2019.
• Post-period end, the resignation of Michael Turner as an Executive Director on 10 March 2020.
• Post-period end, the appointment of Bruce Failing as a Non-Executive Director on 10 March
2020.
• Post-period end, the resignation of Jeffrey Rohr as a Non-Executive Director on 10 March 2020.
The biographies of all of the Directors are provided on pages 34 to 36.
The Company’s policy relating to the terms of appointment and the remuneration of both Executive and
Non-Executive Directors is detailed in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 67 to 97.
48
The size and composition of the Board is regularly reviewed by the Board, and in particular the Nomination
Committee, to ensure there is an appropriate and diverse mix of skills and experience on the Board.
The Company’s Articles allow appointment of Directors by ordinary resolution and require all Directors to
submit themselves for re-election by the shareholders at the Company’s AGM following their first
appointment and thereafter at each AGM in respect of which they have held office for the two preceding
AGMs and did not retire at either of them. In addition, each director who has held office with the
Company for a continuous period of nine years or more must retire and offer themselves up for re-election
at every AGM.
However, in accordance with provision 18 of the Code and in line with the Company’s past practice, all
Directors will submit themselves for annual re-election by shareholders at the AGM of the Company to be
held on 30 June 2020. The Board recommends to shareholders the reappointment of all Directors retiring
at the meeting and offering themselves for re-election on the basis that independent performance
reviews demonstrated that they each contribute effectively to the Board and continue to display the
appropriate level of commitment in their respective roles. Furthermore, such reviews, together with the
recruitment and evaluation of new Directors that have joined the Board, highlight that the skills,
experience, opinions and judgment of each Director up for re-election are important to the Company’s
long-term sustainable success because they complement each other and will enable the Company to
effectively execute on its strategy of delivering shareholder value by focusing on its existing portfolio and
maximising monetisation opportunities for portfolio company interests.
Diversity
The Board is committed to a culture that attracts and retains talented people to deliver outstanding
performance and further enhance the success of the Company. In that culture, diversity across a range
of criteria is valued, primarily in relation to skills, knowledge and experience and also in other criteria such
as gender and ethnicity. The Company will give careful consideration to issues of overall Board balance
and diversity in making new appointments to the Board. In identifying suitable candidates, the
Nomination Committee will seek candidates from a range of backgrounds, with the final decision being
based on merit against objective criteria. In addition, the terms of reference of the Nomination
Committee include a requirement for the Committee to consider diversity, including gender, age,
professional background, and ethnicity, in evaluating the composition of the Board and in identifying
suitable candidates for Board appointments. A breakdown of employee gender showing the percentage
of persons who were Directors of the Company and senior managers during the period covered by this
Annual Report can be found on page 66.
Non-Executive Directors
The Non-Executive Directors provide a wide range of skills and experience to the Group. They bring their
own senior level of experience in each of their respective fields, robust opinions and an independent
judgement on issues of strategy, performance, risk and people. They are well-placed to constructively
challenge and scrutinise the performance of management at Board and Committee meetings. The Code
sets out the circumstances that should be relevant to the Board in determining whether each Non-
Executive Director is independent. The Board considers Non-Executive Director independence on an
annual basis as part of each Non-Executive Director’s performance evaluation. Having undertaken this
review and with due regard to provision 10 of the Code, the Board has concluded this year that all of the
49
Non-Executive Directors are considered by the Board to be independent of management and free of any
relationship or circumstance which could materially influence or interfere with, or affect, or appear to
affect, the exercise of their independent judgement.
Non-Executive Directors are required to obtain the approval of the Chairman before taking on any further
appointments and the Chairman and Executive Director require the approval of the Board before adding
to their commitments. In all cases, the Directors must ensure that their external appointments do not
involve excessive time commitment or cause a conflict of interest.
The Roles of Chairman and Chief Executive
Harry Rein is the current Non-Executive Chairman, succeeding Jeff Rohr upon his resignation on 10 March
2020. Jeff Rohr served as Chairman from June 2019 through the end of the year. The division of
responsibilities between the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer is clearly established, set out in
writing and agreed by the Board. The Chairman is responsible for the leadership and conduct of the Board,
the conduct of the Group’s affairs and strategy and for ensuring effective communication with
shareholders. The Chairman facilitates the full and effective contribution of Non-Executive Directors at
Board and Committee meetings, ensures that they are kept well informed and ensures a constructive
relationship between the Executive Directors and Non-Executive Directors. The Chairman also ensures
that the Board Committees carry out their duties, including reporting back to the Board either orally or in
writing following their meetings at the next Board meeting. The Chairman was deemed to be independent
of management upon his appointment to the role.
The role of the current Chief Executive Officer, Joe Pignato, is to lead the delivery of the strategy and the
executive management of the Group and its operating businesses. He is responsible, amongst other
things, for the development and implementation of strategy and processes which enable the Group to
meet the requirements of shareholders, for delivering the operating plans and budgets for the Group’s
businesses, monitoring business performance against key performance indicators (KPIs) and reporting on
these to the Board and for providing the appropriate environment to recruit, engage, retain and develop
the high quality personnel needed to deliver the Group’s strategy.
Senior Independent Director
Bruce Failing is the current Senior Independent Director, succeeding Harry Rein upon his assumption of
the Chairman role. A key responsibility of the Senior Independent Director is to be available to
shareholders in the event that they may feel it inappropriate to relay views through the Chairman or Chief
Executive Officer. In addition, the Senior Independent Director serves as an intermediary between the
rest of the Board and the Chairman where necessary and takes the lead when the Non-Executive Directors
assess the Chairman’s performance and when the appointment of a new Chairman is considered. Further,
the Senior Independent Director will lead the Board in its deliberations on any matters on which the
Chairman is conflicted.
Board Support
The Company Secretary is responsible to the Board for ensuring Board procedures are followed, applicable
rules and regulations are complied with and that the Board is advised on governance matters and relevant
regulatory matters. All Directors have access to the impartial advice and services of the Company
Secretary. There is also an agreed procedure for directors to take independent professional advice at the
50
Company’s expense. In accordance with the Company’s Articles and a contractual Deed of Indemnity,
Directors have been granted an indemnity issued by the Company to the extent permitted by law in
respect of liabilities incurred to third parties as a result of their office. The indemnity would not provide
any coverage where a director is proved to have acted fraudulently or with willful misconduct. The
Company has also arranged appropriate insurance coverage in respect of legal action against its directors
and officers.
Board Meetings and Decisions
The Board meets regularly during the year, as well as when required by business needs. The Board had
twenty scheduled Board meetings in 2019. During their term of service, each of the Directors were
present at the meetings during the year as set out in the table on page 36. The Chairman and Non-
Executive Directors also met without the presence of the Executive Directors nine times during the year.
The schedule of Board and Committee meetings each year is, so far as is possible, determined before the
commencement of that year and all Directors or, if appropriate, all Committee members are expected to
attend each meeting. Supplementary meetings of the Board and/or the Committees are held as and when
necessary. Each member of the Board receives detailed Board packs, including an agenda based upon the
schedule of matters reserved for its approval, appropriate reports and briefing papers in advance of each
scheduled meeting. If a director is unable to attend a meeting due to exceptional circumstances, he or
she will still receive the supporting papers and is expected to discuss any matters he or she wishes to raise
with the Chairman in advance of the meeting. The Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer and Company Secretary work together to ensure that the Directors receive relevant information
to enable them to discharge their duties and that such information is accurate, timely and clear. This
information includes quarterly management accounts containing analysis of performance against budget
and other forecasts. Additional information is provided as appropriate or if requested. At each meeting,
the Board receives information, reports and presentations from the Chief Executive Officer and, by
invitation, other members of senior management as required. This ensures that all Directors are aware
of, and are in a position to monitor effectively, the overall performance of the Group, its development
and implementation of strategy and its management of risk.
Any matter requiring a decision by the Board is supported by a paper analysing the relevant aspects of
the proposal including costs, benefits, potential risks involved and proposed executive management
action and recommendations.
The majority of Board meetings are held at the Group’s offices in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, which gives
members of the Company’s senior management team, as well as the senior managers of the portfolio
companies, the opportunity to formally present to the Board. This assists the Board in gaining a deeper
understanding of the breadth, stage of development and diversity of the Group’s portfolio companies.
Meetings between the Chairman and Non-Executive Directors, both with and without the presence of the
Chief Executive Officer, are also held as the need arises.
Directors’ Conflicts of Interest
Each director has a statutory duty under the Companies Act to avoid a situation in which he or she has or
can have a direct or indirect interest that conflicts or may potentially conflict with the interests of the
Company. This duty is in addition to the continuing duty that a director owes to the Company to disclose
51
to the Board any transaction or arrangement under consideration by the Company in which he or she is
interested. The Company’s Articles permit the Board to authorise conflicts or potential conflicts of
interest. The Board has established procedures for managing and, where appropriate, authorising any
such conflicts or potential conflicts of interest. It is a recurring agenda item at all Board meetings and this
gives the directors the opportunity to raise at the beginning of every Board meeting, any actual or
potential conflict of interests that they may have on the matters to be discussed, or to update the Board
on any change to a previous conflict of interest already declared. In deciding whether to authorise any
conflict, the directors must have regard to their general duties under the Companies Act and their
overriding obligation to act in a way they consider, in good faith, will be most likely to promote the
Company’s success. In addition, the directors are able to impose limits or conditions when giving
authorisation to a conflict or potential conflict of interest if they think this is appropriate. The
authorisation of any conflict matter, and the terms of any authorisation, may be reviewed by the Board
at any time. The Board believes that the procedures established to deal with conflicts of interest are
operating effectively.
Induction, Awareness and Development
A comprehensive induction process is in place for new directors. The programme is tailored to the needs
of each individual director and agreed with him or her so that he or she can gain a better understanding
of the Group and its businesses. This will generally include an overview of the Group and its businesses,
structure, functions and strategic aims; site visits to the Group’s head office in Boston, Massachusetts,
USA; and, upon request, site visits to a number of the Group’s portfolio companies, which will include
meeting with such companies’ management and a presentation from them on their businesses. In
addition, the Company facilitates sessions as appropriate with the Group’s advisers, in particular its
corporate broker, Numis Securities Limited, as well as with appropriate governance specialists, to ensure
that any new directors are fully aware of and understand their responsibilities and obligations as a director
of a listed company and of the governance framework within which they must operate. A new director
may also seek to meet major shareholders.
In order to ensure that the Directors continue to further their understanding of the issues facing the
Group, the Board is also exposed to the early-stage opportunities in which the Group has invested through
presentations at Board meetings by relevant members of the Group’s staff. In addition, other members
of senior management present to the Board to enhance the Board’s awareness of how the Group operates
on a day-to-day basis and how such functions operate so as to assist in the execution of the Group’s core
strategy of systematically developing an IP commercialisation company focused on venture creation and
early stage investments within the technology sector, which operates and funds a portfolio of companies
to generate long-term value for its investors and stakeholders.
As a further aspect of their ongoing development, each Director also receives feedback on his or her
performance following the Board’s performance evaluation in each year and, through the Company
Secretary, access is facilitated to relevant training and development opportunities including those
relevant to the Non-Executive Directors’ membership on the Board’s Committees.
Board Effectiveness and Performance Evaluation
A performance evaluation of the Board and its Committees is carried out annually to ensure that they
continue to be effective and that each of the Directors demonstrates commitment to his or her respective
52
role and has sufficient time to meet his or her commitment to the Company. The Board conducts an
internally facilitated Board evaluation led by the Chairman, assisted by the Company Secretary, and
covering the effectiveness of the Board as a whole, its individual Directors and its Committees. This review
includes each of the Board and Committee members completing a detailed questionnaire. A summary of
the results of the questionnaire and review, together with the Chairman and Company Secretary’s
observations and recommendations, are prepared and shared with members of the Board. The Board
engages in a discussion of these results, provides feedback on the observations and recommendations,
and develops a list of proposed improvements and actions, as deemed necessary. In addition to the
aforementioned annual reviews, the performance of Executive Directors is reviewed by the Board on an
ongoing basis, as deemed necessary.
During the 2019 financial year, the Board assessed its own effectiveness through an internal Board
evaluation process. This process was based on: a review of documentation including Board and
Committee terms of reference, the completion of a survey to Directors comprising quantitative and
qualitative questions; and discussions with all Board members and a number of stakeholders who
regularly interact with the Board, including the Company Secretary.
The results were analysed by the Chairman and the Company Secretary, and a detailed discussion was
facilitated with the Board to outline the observations and recommendations. Overall it was concluded
that the Board continues to work effectively. The changes to the Board composition in recent years have
resulted in a well-balanced Board with a range of skills and experience. The size of the Board has been
appropriately reduced to reflect taking into account the Group’s current position and capital allocation
strategy to focus exclusively on supporting our seven existing portfolio companies and maximising
monetisation opportunities for portfolio company interests, and not to deploy any capital into new
portfolio companies. The Board did not recommend any changes it considered necessary.
Committees of the Board
The composition of the three Committees of the Board and the attendance of the members throughout
the year is set out in the table on page 36. The terms of reference of each Committee are available on
request from the Company Secretary or within the Investors section of the Group’s website at
www.alliedminds.com.
Remuneration and Audit Committees
Separate reports on the role, composition, responsibilities and operation of the Remuneration Committee
and the Audit Committee are set out on pages 67 to 72, and pages 98 to 102, respectively, and are
incorporated by reference into this Corporate Governance Report.
Nomination Committee
The Nomination Committee leads the process for Board appointments, re-election and succession of
directors and the Chairman. Its key objective is to ensure that the Board is comprised of individuals with
the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to ensure that it is effective in discharging its duties. It is
responsible for making recommendations to the Board and its Committees concerning the composition
and skills of the Board including any changes considered necessary in the identification and nomination
of new directors, the reappointment of existing directors and the appointment of members to the Board’s
Committees. It also assesses the roles of the existing directors in office to ensure there continues to be a
53
balanced Board in terms of skills, knowledge, experience and diversity. In addition, the Nomination
Committee reviews the senior leadership needs of the Group to enable it to compete effectively in the
marketplace. The Nomination Committee also advises the Board on succession planning for Executive
Director appointments, although the Board itself is responsible for succession generally.
The Committee was chaired by Jeff Rohr and its other members as at 31 December 2019 were Harry Rein
and Mark Lerdal, being a majority of independent Non-Executive Directors as prescribed by the Code. The
Nomination Committee meets as and when required or as requested by the Board. The Nomination
Committee met five times during 2019 to review the structure, size and composition of the Board,
following which it discussed the conclusions with the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer. Messrs.
Rohr and Rein, along with former Directors, Messrs. Dolan, Sharer and Foley, were present at all meetings
during the year.
Before selecting new appointees to the Board, the Nomination Committee shall consider the balance,
skill, knowledge, independence, diversity (including gender) and experience on the Board to ensure that
a suitable balance is maintained. The Committee shall adopt a formal, rigorous and transparent procedure
for the appointment of new directors to the Board. Consideration shall always be given as to whether
identified candidates have sufficient time available to devote to the role. When searching for appropriate
candidates, the Committee shall give consideration to using an external search company, but may also
consider candidates who are proposed by existing Board members or employees of the Group. When the
Committee has found a suitable candidate, the Chairman of the Committee will make a proposal to the
whole Board. The appointment of a candidate is the responsibility of the whole Board following
recommendation from the Committee. The Committee did not use the services of an external search
company in 2019.
As part of its annual duties in 2019, the Committee and the full Board fulfilled its duties which resulted in
the appointment of each of Joe Pignato and Mike Turner as an Executive Director in June 2019, the
appointment of Mark Lerdal as a Non-Executive Director in December 2019 and post-period end, the
appointment of Bruce Failing as a Non-Executive Director in March 2020. The Committee did not use an
external search firm to identify and recruit Messrs. Pignato and Turner, as they had worked extensively
with the Board as members of senior management of the Company since August 2015 and May 2014,
respectively. The Committee also did not openly advertise or use an external search firm to identify and
recruit Mr. Lerdal, who was recommended by a substantial shareholder, Crystal Amber Fund Limited, or
Mr. Failing, who was recommended by existing Directors, and each was deemed by the Board to possess
the skill, knowledge and experience to enhance the effectiveness of the Board. In the year ahead, the
Nomination Committee will continue to assess the Board’s size and composition and how it may be
enhanced.
Internal control
The Board fully recognises the importance of the guidance contained in Guidance on Risk Management,
Internal Control and Related Financial and Business Reporting (FRC). The Group’s internal controls and
risk management systems, which are Group wide, were in place during the whole of 2019, were reviewed
by the Board and Audit Committee. After careful consideration and discussion of the Group’s financial
statements and underlying control systems by the Board and Audit Committee, including extensive review
and collaboration with the Company’s executive team to remedy issues identified, the Group’s internal
54
controls and risk management systems were considered to be effective throughout the year ended 31
December 2019 and up to the date of approval of the Annual Report and Accounts.
The Board and Audit Committee are responsible for establishing and monitoring internal control systems
and for reviewing the effectiveness of these systems. The Board views the effective operation of a
rigorous system of internal control as critical to the success of the Group; however, it recognises that such
systems are designed to manage rather than eliminate risk of failure and can provide only reasonable and
not absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss. The key elements of the Group’s internal
control system, all of which have been in place during the financial year and up to the date these financial
statements were approved, are as follows:
Control environment and procedures
The Group has a clear organisational structure with defined responsibilities and accountabilities. It adopts
the highest values surrounding quality, integrity and ethics, and these values are documented and
communicated clearly throughout the whole organisation.
Detailed written policies and procedures have been established covering key operating and compliance
risk areas. These are reviewed and updated at least once a year. The effectiveness of the systems of
internal control is reviewed at least annually by the Board. The Board reviews and evaluates the internal
control policies and procedures in place against the nature of the Group’s business, the size of its
workforce and the competing risks and interests being managed. In addition, the Board utilises its
independent auditors, KPMG, to review its internal control procedures for recommendations on
improvement and then implements changes it deems appropriate. Through these actions and
considerations, the Board has satisfied itself that the controls been effective for the year ended 31
December 2019.
Identification and evaluation of risks
The Board actively identifies and evaluates the risks inherent in the business, and ensures that appropriate
controls and procedures are in place to manage these risks. The Board obtains an update regarding the
portfolio companies on a regular basis, and reviews the performance of the Group and its portfolio
companies on a quarterly basis, although performance of specific investments may be reviewed more
frequently if deemed appropriate. The Board also obtains a risk management report from members of
senior management on a regular basis. The key risks and uncertainties faced by the Group, as well as the
relevant mitigations, are set out on pages 27 to 33.
Information and financial reporting systems
The Group evaluates and manages significant risks associated with the process for preparing consolidated
accounts by having in place systems and controls that ensure adequate accounting records are maintained
and that transactions are recorded accurately and fairly to permit the preparation of financial statements
in accordance with IFRS. The Board approves the annual operating budgets and each quarter receives
details of actual performance measured against the budget.
Principal and emerging risks and uncertainties
The operations of the Group and the implementation of its objectives and strategy are subject to a number
of key risks and uncertainties. Risks are formally reviewed by the Board and Audit Committee at least
55
annually and appropriate procedures are put in place to monitor and, to the extent possible, mitigate
these risks. Were more than one of the risks to occur together, the overall impact on the Group may be
compounded. A summary of the key risks affecting the Group and the steps taken to manage these is set
out on pages 27 to 33.
Relations with shareholders
The Company is committed to a continuous dialogue with shareholders as it believes that this is essential
to ensure a greater understanding of and confidence amongst its shareholders in the medium and longer
term strategy of the Group. It is the responsibility of the Board as a whole to ensure that a satisfactory
dialogue does take place.
The Board’s primary shareholder contact is through each of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
The Senior Independent Director and other Directors, as appropriate, make themselves available for
contact with major shareholders and other stakeholders in order to understand their issues and concerns.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer met with major shareholders, IP commercialisation sector
brokers and analysts, and other stakeholders, on numerous occasions throughout the year in order to
discuss the Company and its business. Extensive shareholder meetings were undertaken to receive
feedback ahead of the Company’s change in strategy in April 2019, the change in senior management in
June 2019, and the further changes to implement the current strategy in December 2019.
The Company uses the AGM as an opportunity to communicate with its shareholders. Notice of the AGM,
which will be held at 8.00 a.m EST on 30 June 2020 at the Company’s headquarters located at 374 Congress
Street, Suite 308, Boston, MA 02210 USA, is enclosed with this Report and Accounts. In accordance with
the Code, the Notice of AGM is sent to shareholders at least 20 working days before the meeting. Details
of the resolutions and the explanatory notes thereto are included with the Notice. To ensure compliance
with the Code, the Board proposes separate resolutions for each issue and proxy forms which allows
shareholders who are unable to attend the AGM to vote on each resolution. The results of all proxy voting
shall be published on the Group’s website after the meeting and at the meeting itself to those
shareholders who attend. Shareholders who attend the AGM will have the opportunity to ask questions
and the Chairman and the Executive Directors are expected to be available to take questions.
The Group’s website at www.alliedminds.com is the primary source of information on the Group. The
website includes an overview of the activities of the Group, details of its portfolio companies, and details
of all recent Group and portfolio company announcements.
Political expenditure
It is the Board’s policy not to incur political expenditure or otherwise make cash contributions to political
parties and it has no intention of changing that policy.
Going concern
The Directors acknowledge that the ongoing spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that started in
December 2019 has the potential to greatly disrupt all aspects of the Group’s business, including potential
negative impacts on the Group’s financial position. However, the Directors are closely monitoring the
disease with Group management in order to mitigate against such impact, including careful financial
planning to allow for continued operations. The Directors confirm that, after taking all applicable factors
56
into consideration, including the impact of COVID-19, they have a reasonable expectation that the Group
will have adequate resources to continue operations for a period of not less than 12 months from the
date of approval of the financial statements. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern
basis in preparing the financial statements. For further explanation, see note 1 of the financial statements
on page 120.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
Harry Rein
Chairman of the Nomination Committee
4 June 2020
57
Sustainability
Policy Statement
Allied Minds aims to conduct its business in a socially responsible manner, to contribute to the
communities in which it operates and to respect the needs of its employees and all of its stakeholders.
The Group is committed to operating the business while ensuring a safe environment for employees as
well as minimising the overall impact on the environment.
Allied Minds endeavours to conduct its business in accordance with established best practice, to be a
responsible employer and to adopt values and standards designed to help guide staff in their conduct and
business relationships.
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions
Given the overall size of the Group, we consider the direct environmental impact of the Group as relatively
low. However, we firmly recognise our responsibility to ensure that our business operates in an
environmentally responsible and sustainable manner. The Group complies with all current regulations on
emissions including GHG emissions, where such regulation exists in our markets.
Though the Group’s day-to-day operational activities have a relatively limited impact on the environment,
we do recognise that the more significant impact occurs indirectly through the nature and operations of
the companies that we choose to support with human and financial capital.
The Group therefore considers it important to establish and nurture businesses that comply with existing
applicable environmental, ethical and social legislation. It is also important that these businesses can
demonstrate that an appropriate strategy is in place to meet future applicable legislative and regulatory
requirements and that these businesses can operate to specific industry standards, striving for best
practice.
The section below includes our mandatory reporting of GHG emissions. The reporting period is the same
as the Group’s financial year.
Organisation Boundary and Scope of Emissions
We have reported on all of the emission sources required under the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report
and Directors’ Reports) Regulations 2013. These sources fall with the Group’s consolidated financial
statements.
An operational control approach has been used in order to define our organisational boundary. This is
the basis for determining the Scope 1 and 2 emissions for which the Group is responsible.
Methodology
For the Group’s reporting, the Group has employed the services of a specialist adviser, Verco, to quantify
and verify the GHG emissions associated with the Group’s operations.
58
The following methodology was applied by Verco in the preparation and presentation of this data:
•
the Greenhouse Gas Protocol published by the World Business Council for Sustainable
Development and the World Resources Institute (WBCSD/WRI GHG Protocol);
• application of appropriate emission factors to the Group’s activities to calculate GHG emissions;
•
•
scope 2 reporting methods – application of location-based and market-based emission factors for
electricity supplies;
inclusion of all the applicable Kyoto gases, expressed in carbon dioxide equivalents, or CO2e; and
• presentation of gross emissions as the Group does not purchase carbon credits (or equivalents).
Absolute Emissions
The total Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions from the Group’s operations in the year ending 31 December 2019
were:
• 68.9 tonnes of CO2 equivalent (tCO2e) using a ‘location-based’ emission factor methodology for
Scope 2 emissions; and
• 69.4 tonnes of CO2 equivalent (tCO2e) using a ‘market-based’ emission factor methodology for
Scope 2 emissions.
This is the fourth year of reporting for the Group so we can now show a comparison between 2019, 2018,
2017 and 2016. There have been a number of changes to the Group’s operations since 2016 with the
closing of some business entities but also the opening of new entities. 2019 saw a number of businesses
close.
Overall, there has been a drop in total emissions across both Scopes 1 and 2. There was a large decrease
in scope 1 emissions as only one entity used gas and only for a short period as they moved premises.
There was also a significant decrease in scope 2 emissions (both location-based and market-based) due
to the closing of several business entities.
Intensity Ratio
As well as reporting the absolute emissions, the Group’s GHG emissions are reported below on the metrics
of tonnes of CO2 equivalent per employee and tonnes of CO2 equivalent per square foot of the occupied
areas. For one of the companies, floor area was not known therefore they are not included in the kg per
square footage of office space intensity metric. These are the most appropriate metrics given that the
majority of emissions result from the operation of the Group’s offices and the day-to-day activities of the
employees.
Target and Baselines
Given the comparatively low GHG impact of the Group’s operations, the Group’s objective is to maintain
or reduce its GHG emissions per employee and per square foot of office space each year and will report
each year whether it has been successful in this regard.
59
The intensity metric for office space decreased from 0.009 tCO2e per ft2 to 0.001 tCO2e per ft2 using the
location-based method and using the market-based method. Both the total emissions and floor area have
reduced in 2019.
The intensity metric for number of employees decreased from 3.51 tCO2e per employee to 0.73 tCO2e per
employee using the location-based method and from 3.53 tCO2e per employee to 0.74 tCO2e per
employee using the market-based method. Both the total emissions and number of employees has
reduced in 2019.
Key Figures
2019
(market-based)
3.4
2019
(location-based)
3.4
Allied Minds plc - Breakdown of emissions by scope
66.0
65.5
Scope 1
Scope 2
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
GHG emissions
Scope 11
Scope 22
Scope 23
Total GHG emissions (Location-
based Scope 2)
Total GHG emissions (Market-
based Scope 2)
2019
tCO2e
/ emp.
4
Tonnes
CO2e
tCO2e
/
sq. ft. 5
Tonnes
CO2e
2018
tCO2e
/ emp.
6
tCO2e
/
sq. ft. 7
Tonnes
CO2e
2017
tCO2e
/ emp.
8
tCO2e
/
sq. ft. 9
Tonnes
CO2e
3.4
65.5
66.0
0.04
0.0001
85.9
0.70
0.70
0.001
613.5
0.001
616.6
0.43
3.08
3.10
0.001
103.5
0.009
804.4
0.009
808.9
0.53
4.15
4.17
0.001
97.6
0.009
841.4
0.009
915.7
2016
tCO2e
/ emp.
10
0.46
4.01
4.36
tCO2e
/
sq. ft.
11
0.001
0.011
0.012
68.9
0.73
0.001
699.4
3.51
0.009
907.9
4.68
0.010
939.0
4.47
0.012
69.4
0.74
0.001
702.5
3.53
0.009
912.4
4.70
0.010
1,013.3
4.83
0.013
1 Scope 1 being emissions from the Group’s combustion of fuel and operation of facilities.
2 Scope 2 being electricity (from location-based calculations), heat, steam and cooling purchased for the Group’s own use.
3 Scope 2 being electricity (from market-based calculations), heat, steam and cooling purchased for the Group’s own use.
4 Employee numbers: 94.
5 Occupied office space: 45,645 sq. feet (this does not include sites where floor area was not known).
60
6 Employee numbers: 199.
7 Occupied office space: 66,886 sq. feet (this does not include sites where floor area was not known).
8 Employee numbers: 194.
9 Occupied office space: 91,589 sq. feet (this does not include sites where floor area was not known).
10 Employee numbers: 209.
11 Occupied office space: 66,696 sq. feet (this does not include sites where floor area was not known).
Understanding the Indirect Environmental Impacts of our Business Activities
The Group’s day-to-day operational activities have a limited impact on the environment. We do, however,
recognise that the more significant impact occurs indirectly, through the investment decisions we make
and through the operation of the companies we choose to invest in. The Group therefore considers it
important to establish and invest in businesses that comply with existing applicable environmental, ethical
and social legislation. It is also important that these businesses can demonstrate that an appropriate
strategy is in place to meet future applicable legislative and regulatory requirements and that these
businesses can operate to specific industry standards, striving for best practice.
Our Business Ethics and Social Responsibility
The Group seeks to conduct all of its operating and business activities in an honest, ethical and socially
responsible manner. We are committed to acting professionally, fairly and with integrity in all our
business dealings and relationships wherever we operate, and for the Group’s directors and staff to have
due regard to the interest of all of its stakeholders including investors, partners, employees, customers,
suppliers and the businesses in which the Group invests. We expect our entire workforce to maintain high
standards in accordance with our internal policies on conduct. The Company has in place avenues through
which employees can raise matters confidentially or anonymously and the Board, through the Audit
Committee, regularly reviews whistleblowing reports provided by the whistleblowing officer and the
Chairman of the Audit Committee.
We take a zero tolerance approach to bribery and corruption and implement and enforce effective
systems to counter bribery. The Group is bound by the laws of the UK, including the Bribery Act 2010,
and has implemented policies and procedures to address such laws, as well as the laws in each jurisdiction
where the Group operates, including the US.
The Group’s management and employees are fundamental to our success and as a result we are
committed to encouraging the ongoing development of our staff with the aim of maximising the Group’s
overall performance. Emphasis is placed on staff development through work-based learning, with senior
members of staff acting as coaches and mentors. Allied Minds has continued to employ regular all-staff
update meetings as the main source of employee communication.
Stakeholder engagement
Section 172 of the Companies Act requires Directors to take into consideration the interests of
stakeholders in their decision making. The Board is committed to understanding and engaging with all
key stakeholder groups of the Company in order to maximise value and promote long-term Company
success in line with our strategic objectives. The Board recognises its duties under Section 172 and
continuously has regard to the likely consequences of any decision for the long term, how the Company’s
activities and decisions will impact employees, those with which it has a business relationship, the
61
community and environment, and its reputation for high standards of business conduct. In weighing all
of the relevant factors, the Board, acting in good faith and fairly between members of the Company,
makes decisions and takes actions that it considers will best lead to the long-term success of the Company
in accordance with its strategy. The Board strives to be a good employer to its workforce, responds to
shareholder feedback, supports its communities and focuses on maintaining strong partner relationships.
During the year, the Board assessed its current activities between the Board and its stakeholders through
direct conversations with investors, receiving reports from the executive team regarding workforce
feedback, direct engagement with portfolio company management teams, and review of key partners at
Board meetings throughout the course of the year, all of which demonstrated that the Board actively
engages with its stakeholders and takes their various objectives into consideration when making
decisions. Furthermore, in its decision-making, the Board evaluates and considers the long-term effects
and consequences resulting from such decisions. For example, in line with the Group’s renewed strategy
to focus exclusively on funding and operating its existing portfolio companies, the Board considers how a
present decision such as the disposal of the Company’s entire shareholding in HawkEye 360 was the most
appropriate action that achieved a well-timed, favorable financial return for its shareholders that aligns
with and supports its longer-term goal of delivering attractive overall returns for our shareholders in the
next three to four years. This statement also focuses on how the Directors have had regard during the
year to the matters set out in Section 172(1)(a) through (f) of the Act as considered further below.
The Board identified that its key stakeholders include shareholders, employees, portfolio companies,
partners, advisors and communities. Specifically, actions the Board has taken to engage with its
stakeholders in 2019 include:
SHAREHOLDERS (Companies Act 2006, sections 172(1)(a) and (f))
Why they matter to us
What matters to them
How the Board engaged
They are our investors and we measure success
through delivering value to our shareholders. Our
shareholders play an important role in monitoring and
safeguarding the governance of the Group.
Broad range of issues spanning from financial and
operational performance, strategic execution,
investment plans and capital allocation.
Engaged with our major shareholders and discussed
their viewpoints and concerns, including gaining their
input as we revised our Company strategy as further
described on pages 9 to 11.
Attended the 2019 AGM to answer questions and
receive additional feedback from investors.
Met with larger shareholders extensively to discuss and
incorporate feedback in changes to the remuneration
program.
Chairman and CEO actively contact and make
themselves available to shareholders who have
questions, issues or concerns to raise.
62
How they influenced the Board’s decision making
EMPLOYEES (Companies Act 2006, section 172(1)(b))
Why they matter to us
What matters to them
How the Board engaged
How they influenced the Board’s decision making
Shareholder feedback, opinions and concerns are
taken into consideration throughout the year as the
Board makes decisions on the Company’s strategy,
investment decisions, capital allocation, remuneration
and other key matters.
Our talented, dedicated and experienced workforce is
a key asset to the Group and critical for the Group’s
success.
Opportunities for career development, culture of
inclusion and diversity, compensation and benefits,
acknowledgement for high performance and ability to
meaningfully contribute to the Group’s success.
Monitored company culture, including NEDs visiting
and interacting with the Company’s employee base,
and received reports from senior executives on morale
throughout the year.
Received feedback and viewpoints from the workforce
for consideration from the Chief Executive Officer,
who was the workforce representative director as the
method of workforce engagement with the Board.
For additional information on employee retention,
rewarding our workforce and diversity, please see
page 65.
The Board is committed to creating a positive working
environment in line with the Company’s culture that
retains and rewards our workforce. For additional
information on steps taken, please see page 65.
PORTFOLIO COMPANIES (Companies Act 2006, sections 172(1)(a) and (c))
Why they matter to us
What matters to them
How the Board engaged
How they influenced the Board’s decision making
The success of our portfolio companies is what
enables us to bring value to our shareholders. We are
invested in supporting our portfolio companies, the
management teams at those companies, and helping
them achieve their operational and strategic goals.
Achieving strategic objectives, meeting performance
milestones, fundraising, growth, and overall company
success.
Met with executive teams of multiple portfolio
companies in person to better understand such
companies’ objectives, strategies, and goals and
provide feedback and offer ongoing assistance to help
further such companies’ progress and growth.
Understanding the various objectives of our portfolio
companies allows the Board to make informed and
thoughtful decisions regarding the portfolio as a whole
for the overall benefit of the Group.
63
PARTNERS (Companies Act 2006, sections 172(1)(c) and (e))
Why they matter to us
What matters to them
How the Board engaged
How they influenced the Board’s decision making
ADVISORS (Companies Act 2006, sections 172(1)(c) and (e))
Why they matter to us
What matters to them
How the Board engaged
How they influenced the Board’s decision making
COMMUNITIES / ENVIRONMENT (Companies Act 2006, section 172(1)(d))
Why they matter to us
What matters to them
How the Board engaged
How they influenced the Board’s decision making
64
Strategic partners throughout the portfolio help the
Group succeed as a whole. Their points of view
provide unique perspectives in the various markets in
which our portfolio companies operate
These partners have invested in our portfolio
companies and/or have strategic partnerships in place
with our portfolio companies. They want our
companies to succeed and for their partnership
arrangements to be well-executed.
Direct engagement with key partners of the Company
and its portfolio companies by Executive Director
participation and interaction on strengthening
relationships and understanding objectives.
The Board routinely considered the interests of our
various advisors and service providers to ensure that
they are aligned with the Company’s strategy, values
and objectives.
Independent and third party perspectives allow the
Board to make better decisions on behalf of all of its
stakeholders.
Good communication and the ability to work closely
with the Company to enable them to provide strategic
and thoughtful advice and excellent service to help
guide the Board and provide support to the Group
across its operations.
Direct engagement with advisors and key service
providers to discuss Company strategy and to receive
advice and recommendations from such advisors.
The Board considers and values the input and advice
provided by its advisors and relies on such advice in
various aspects of decision making when determining
how to navigate the various transactions, issues, and
other matters facing the Board.
We are committed to maintaining strong ethical and
corporate responsibility principles. We care about
doing business responsibly.
Sustainability and environmental impact resulting
from operations.
Through the Group’s sustainability strategy, aimed to
make a positive contribution to the community and
environment by reducing our carbon footprint and
energy use. Please see pages 58 to 61 for additional
information.
The Board aims to reduce the direct environmental
impact of the Group’s operations.
The Board believes that appropriate steps and considerations have been taken during the year so that
each Director has an understanding of the various key stakeholders of the Company.
The Board recognises its responsibility to contemplate all such stakeholder needs and concerns as part of
its discussions, decision-making, and in the course of taking actions and will continue to make stakeholder
engagement a top priority in the coming years.
Focus on Culture
The Company is committed to maintaining a dynamic culture focused on bringing value to its shareholders
by taking a hands-on approach in supporting its portfolio companies, and in particular, working directly
with the management teams at such companies to help them achieve milestones, accelerate growth and
realise monetisation opportunities. Our workforce maintains the appropriate balance of skills,
capabilities, experience and training that allows it to effectively execute on its strategy. Specifically, our
Chief Executive Officer has significant experience in growing companies and exiting them in successful
liquidity events as well as general operational experience. Our culture is critical to our success and we
strive to align our workforce through the way we conduct our business. Over the course of the year, we
have continued to embed our values by offering career development opportunities throughout our
workforce, providing direct access and engagement between executives and senior management with the
rest of the workforce, and rewarding high performance, all of which encourages our employees to be
engaged and invested in the execution of our strategy.
Employee Diversity and Employment Policies
The Group seeks to operate as a responsible employer and has adopted standards which promote
corporate values designed to help and guide employees in their conduct and business relationships. The
Group seeks to comply with all laws, regulations and rules applicable to its business and to conduct the
business in line with applicable and established best practice. The Group’s policy is one of equal
opportunity in the selection, training, career development and promotion of employees, regardless of
age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, religion and whether disabled or otherwise. The Group is
committed to recruitment and retention of the talent required to execute on maximising shareholder
value, as described above. Specifically, in line with its culture as described above, the Group is committed
to providing a working environment that allows its workforce to succeed, including providing career
advancement opportunities internally within the Group and providing flexible work arrangements that
allow employees to earn additional degrees. The Group engages with its workforce throughout each year
to receive feedback and evaluate whether practices and behaviour throughout the business are aligned
with the Group’s purpose, values and strategies. When issues are identified, the Group takes corrective
actions such as revising policies and implementing changes collaboratively with its workforce to improve
alignment and overall culture. Allied Minds and its consolidated portfolio companies had 30 employees
as at 31 December 2019. A breakdown of employees by gender as at 31 December 2019 can be seen in
the illustrations below. Allied Minds supports the rights of all people as set out in the UN Universal
Declaration of Human Rights and ensures that all transactions the Group enters into uphold these
principles.
65
Total Employees
Senior Management
Directors
27%
73%
11%
89%
100%
Female Male
66
Directors’ Remuneration Report
Statement by Chairman of the Remuneration Committee
I am pleased to present, on behalf of the Board, the Directors’ Remuneration Report for the year ended
31 December 2019.
What’s in this report?
The Directors’ Remuneration Report sets out: (i) an annual statement by Chairman of the Remuneration
Committee on pages 67 to 72; (ii) the current Remuneration Policy for the Company on pages 73 to 82,
and an Annual Report on Remuneration on pages 83 to 97 which describes the implementation of the
current Remuneration Policy during 2019, and expected implementation in 2020. It has been prepared in
accordance with the Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations
2008, as amended. The current Remuneration Policy was developed taking into account the principles of
the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018, the Listing Rules and shareholders’ executive remuneration
guidelines.
The Statement by Chairman of the Remuneration Committee on pages 67 to 72, together with the Annual
Report on Remuneration on pages 83 to 97, will be subject to an advisory vote at the 2020 AGM.
Remuneration Context and Overview
Our current Remuneration Policy received 85.13% shareholder support at our 2019 AGM, took effect from
that date, and will operate for up to three years. The Remuneration Committee reviewed the approach
to remuneration for the Executive Directors and senior management to assess whether it continues to (i)
meet its design objectives, (ii) support the ongoing business strategy, and (iii) balance good governance
practice in the UK-listed company environment with the ability to attract and retain US-based
management and employees of the highest calibre to execute on this business strategy.
The Company believes that remuneration should be weighted toward rewarding entrepreneurial
achievement and the creation of value over time. During 2019, we had a particular focus on the Group’s
current position and capital allocation strategy to focus exclusively on supporting our seven existing
portfolio companies and maximising monetisation opportunities for portfolio company interests over the
next 3- to 4- year period, and not to deploy any capital into new portfolio companies.
Extensive shareholder meetings were undertaken to receive feedback ahead of changes to the
remuneration program. The Remuneration Committee also received input from the Executive Directors
while ensuring that conflicts of interest were suitably mitigated. Based on this review, the Remuneration
Committee approved a number of changes to better align remuneration with the revised strategy, in each
case within the scope of the approved Remuneration Policy. Key changes are set out below.
Accordingly, the total remuneration package for Executive Directors is geared towards the variable and
long-term elements, with a significant proportion of potential Executive Director remuneration delivered
through the operation of the Phantom Plan. The Company believes that the Phantom Plan aligns the
Executive Directors’ interests directly with shareholders, in that distributions from the Phantom Plan will
only made upon a successful portfolio company monetisation event, and beginning in 2020, only after the
achievement of an overall portfolio gross proceeds threshold. The Remuneration Committee therefore
considers the Phantom Plan to be of particular importance through to the wind-up of the Company.
67
Responding to Shareholder Feedback and Key Changes for 2020
The 2018 Directors’ Remuneration Report received an 80.84% vote in favour at the 2019 AGM. While this
resolution was passed, the Committee was disappointed that there was a significant minority of votes
against the advisory resolution.
Overall, the Committee considered that the remuneration program continued to be broadly appropriate
and aligned with the Company’s revised strategy while balancing typical UK-listed market practice with
US practice in our market for talent. In line with our commitment to maintaining an open and transparent
dialogue with shareholders, the Company consulted with all major shareholders in the second half of 2019
to gain their input.
The review of the remuneration program in light of the Company’s revised strategy, along with the
feedback received from shareholders, resulted in changes to the remuneration program, as set out in the
table below. The Committee determined that all of the changes are in compliance with the Remuneration
Policy approved by shareholders at the 2019 AGM. Following feedback from the proxy advisory bodies
and in the spirit of good governance, we have also taken the opportunity to provide expanded disclosure
regarding the achievement of MBOs under our 2019 Incentive Bonus Awards.
The Committee will continue to monitor the alignment and effectiveness of the Remuneration Policy and
its implementation in light of the Company’s revised strategy and developments in the UK remuneration
environment. The Committee remains conscious of the current external economic environment, and will
be mindful of this when determining 2020 out-turns.
Feature
Prior Remuneration Program
Revised 2020 Remuneration Program
Incentive Bonus
Award; maximum
225% of salary
LTIP; future
awards
Annual performance-based awards to
Executive Directors
LTIP; existing
awards
Awards made in 2017 and 2018 in
force
Phantom Plan;
gross proceeds
threshold
Payments arise under the Phantom
Plan in connection with each successful
portfolio company liquidity event; no
overall return of capital threshold
applied prior to such discrete
payments
Phantom Plan;
percentage cap
Awards of units to Executive Directors
may not exceed 30,000 of the 200,000
available units, but the aggregate
number of outstanding units allocated
to participants at the time of a specific
liquidity event may be lower than
Executive Directors voluntarily agreed to
reduced maximum of 150% of salary
LTIP retired for Executive Directors, senior
management and other employees, with no
future awards to these persons; no awards
made in 2019
Executive Directors voluntarily agreed to forfeit
the existing performance-based LTIP awards
made in 2017 and 2018
Executive Directors (and all other current
unitholders) voluntarily agreed to introduce an
additional underpin, such that no payments
arising under the Phantom Plan will be made to
participants until the Company has generated
$109.2 million of gross proceeds (plus any
future additional invested capital) in one or
more future liquidity events
Executive Directors (and all other current
employees) voluntarily agreed to a personal cap
(set at 25% for Executive Directors and lower
for other current employees) of any allocated
68
200,000; which, could result in a
percentage of proceeds allocated to
Executive Directors in connection with
a specific liquidity event to be greater
than the fully-diluted pro rata portion
Phantom Plan;
plan termination
Phantom Plan in force; ability to add
new participants and new portfolio
companies to the Phantom Plan
Management
Incentive Plan
(MIP)
One-off plan introduced for key below-
Board employees; the Co-Chief
Executive Officers were invited to
participate prior to their appointment
as Executive Directors
Stock Options;
existing awards
granted under the
US Stock Plan pre-
IPO
Stock option awards granted to key
employees under the US Stock Plan
prior to 2014 initial public offering,
including to Michael Turner, remain in
force
proceeds in connection with a specific liquidity
event
Phantom Plan terminated; the Plan will not be
available to any new unitholders nor will any
companies be added to the existing Plan; this
does not extinguish the vested payment
obligations to unitholders with respect to
liquidity events of companies in the current
portfolio
Executive Directors voluntarily agreed to waive
their interests in the MIP
Michael Turner voluntarily agreed to forfeit all
existing stock option awards
Performance and Reward for 2019
Following strong achievement against a number of the management by objectives (MBOs) set at the start
of 2019 (revised in April 2019 in light of the Company’s revised strategy), including:
technical and operational progress at our technology companies;
securing funding and strategic partners for our portfolio companies; and
•
•
• managing cash and maintaining strong operational support in furtherance of the Company’s
revised strategy,
a cash incentive bonus award of 58.4% of the maximum opportunity, or 87.6% of target opportunity, was
made to the Executive Directors. The Committee considered this annual bonus outcome appropriately
reflected overall performance in the period.
No performance-based LTIP awards vested to the Executive Directors in 2019.
On 8 November 2019, the Company sold its entire shareholding in the share capital of HawkEye 360, Inc.
(HawkEye 360) to Advance Publications, Inc. for an aggregate cash consideration of $65.6 million. In
accordance with the terms of the Phantom Plan, 10% of the proceeds from the liquidity event (after
deducting invested capital and interest of $16.6 million), was allocated and distributed to the 24
participants having remaining unit interests in the Phantom Plan, including current and former Executive
Directors. Details of individual payouts under the plan are set out on pages 86, 88 and 94.
69
The Work of the Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee has responsibility for setting the Remuneration Policy for, and determining
remuneration of, the Executive Directors and senior management, and reviewing pay and conditions of
the wider workforce.
The Committee met on eight occasions during the year. Reflecting the meetings for which each member
was then appointed to the Committee, all members were present at all meetings during the year. In
addition, Harry Rein, the former Chairman of the Committee, met several times during the year with the
Chief Executive Officers and other members of senior management in order to review all elements of
remuneration and their operation. The Committee also received professional advice from Deloitte LLP
where appropriate.
During the year, the key activities carried out by the Committee were:
Review of Remuneration Program
• Conducted a review of all elements of remuneration for the Executive Directors and senior
management, including each of the Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) and the Phantom Plan, to
determine their alignment and effectiveness in light of the Company’s revised strategy;
• Obtained and reviewed feedback received from major shareholders and shareholder advisory
services, in connection with each of the adoption and implementation of the revised
Remuneration Policy in 2019, and the subsequent changes to the remuneration program in late
2019;
•
In light of the Company’s revised strategy, reviewed and approved the changes to the
remuneration program, including (1) retirement of the LTIP, with no further awards made to
Executive Directors, senior management and other employees, (2) modifications to the Phantom
Plan which include the establishment of a threshold that must be met before any future payments
are made to participants and the introduction of an individual percentage cap, (3) reduction of
the target bonus for Executive Directors from 150% of base salary to 100% of base salary, (4)
voluntary forfeiture of annual LTIP grants made to Executive Directors in 2017 and 2018, (5)
voluntary forfeiture of stock option awards made to Executive Directors before the Company’s
IPO in 2014 pursuant to the US Stock Plan, and (6) voluntary forfeiture of Executive Directors’
interests in the MIP;
Remuneration for 2019
• Determined the 2019 cash incentive bonus and prior LTIP award outcomes for the Executive
Directors and senior management;
• Reviewed the remuneration reporting regulations in connection with the review of the Group’s
Remuneration Policy and preparation of the Directors’ Remuneration Report;
• Reviewed remuneration and related policies for the wider workforce;
• Approved the delivery of a proportion of 2019 fees to Non-Executive Directors in the form of
equity-based payments (subject to time-based vesting only);
70
Remuneration for 2020
• Determined base salaries of the Executive Directors and senior management, for the period
starting 1 January 2020;
• Determined the 2020 cash incentive bonus award performance targets;
Management Changes
• Reviewed and approved the remuneration elements of the resignation of Jill Smith;
• Reviewed and approved the remuneration elements of the appointment of each of Joseph
Pignato and Michael Turner; and
• Reviewed and approved the remuneration elements of the resignation of Michael Turner.
Exercise of Discretions
No discretion has been exercised in relation to the formulaic outturns under the Company’s incentive
plans for Executive Directors.
Alignment to the UK Corporate Governance Code Principles
When reviewing the appropriateness of the Remuneration Policy and determining its operation for 2020,
the Committee took into consideration, and feels it has appropriately addressed, the following design
principles set out in the revised Corporate Governance Code:
Clarity
• The Committee welcomes open and frequent dialogue with shareholders on the approach
to remuneration.
Simplicity
Risk
• We have sought to simplify our remuneration disclosure in the 2019 Annual Report and
Accounts, making clear how we have implemented the Remuneration Policy in the year
and how the Committee intends to operate it for the year ahead.
Incentive Bonus Awards are subject to clearly defined MBOs which are aligned with the
Company’s key strategic priorities.
•
• Following the cancellation of all outstanding performance awards and the future
operation of the LTIP for Executive Directors, in addition to the Executive Directors
voluntarily forfeiting their interests in the MIP and outstanding stock options awards, the
only performance-based incentive plans in operation for the Executive Directors are the
annual Incentive Bonus Awards and the Phantom Plan.
• The remuneration approach taken for our Executive Directors is cascaded down the
organisation as appropriate.
• The Committee considers that the structure of incentive arrangements do not encourage
inappropriate risk-taking.
• Under the Incentive Bonus Awards, discretion may be applied where formulaic outturns
are not considered reflective of overall performance.
• During the year, the Company introduced an additional underpin under the Phantom
Plan, such that no bonus payments arising under the Phantom Plan will be made to
participants until the Company has generated $109.2 million of gross proceeds (plus any
future additional invested capital) in one or more future liquidity events.
• Malus and clawback provisions apply to the Incentive Bonus Awards.
Predictability
• Our Remuneration Policy contains details of threshold and maximum opportunity levels
under our Incentive Bonus Awards, with actual outcomes dependent on performance
achieved against predetermined measures and target ranges.
71
Proportionality
• The Committee’s ability to apply discretion ensures appropriate outcomes in the context
of long-term performance.
• Our incentive time horizons provide strong alignment between Executive Directors’
remuneration outcomes and long-term Company performance and shareholder returns.
• Our performance measures and target ranges under the Incentive Bonus Awards, and the
construct of the Phantom Plan, are aligned to Company strategy.
Alignment to
culture
• Our reward arrangements are designed to reward delivery of the Group’s revised strategy
which is focussed exclusively on supporting our seven existing portfolio companies and
maximising monetisation opportunities for portfolio company interests. This is achieved
through our Incentive Bonus Award MBOs and the operation of the Phantom Plan.
• Our remuneration structure for Executive Directors cascades as appropriate throughout
the Company.
We continue to appreciate any feedback shareholders may have.
Bruce Failing
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee
4 June 2020
72
Remuneration Policy (pages 73 to 82)
The Remuneration Policy for the Executive and Non-Executive Directors (Policy) was approved by
shareholders at the 2019 AGM. The Remuneration Policy took formal effect from that date.
The Committee will consider the Policy annually to ensure that it continues to align with the Company’s
strategic objectives; however, it is intended that the Policy will apply for three years from the 2019 AGM.
Where appropriate, commentary has been added to the policy to reflect the changes to the remuneration
program in late 2019 as described above.
The Remuneration Policy Table for Executive and Non-Executive Directors
The table below sets out the Policy for each element of remuneration for Executive and Non-Executive
Directors and how they support the Company’s short- and long-term strategic objectives.
Element of
remuneration and
how it supports the
Company’s objectives
Salary
Provides an
appropriate level of
salary in order to be
competitive and to
maintain the ability to
recruit and retain
Executive Directors of
the required calibre.
Benefits
Provides a benefits
package in line with
US employment
market practice.
Operation
Opportunity
Performance metrics
There is no prescribed maximum
annual salary or increase,
however annual increases will
normally be in line with those of
the wider workforce.
More significant increases may
be made from time to time, for
example to recognise an increase
to the individual’s role and
responsibilities, or a significant
increase in the scale or size of the
Company.
There are no performance
conditions attached to the
payment of salary, although
there are a number of
performance-based factors
both at the individual and
Company level that
influence the level of
salaries provided to
Executive Directors.
The cost of benefits provided
varies from year to year in
accordance with market
conditions, therefore there is no
prescribed monetary limit.
N/A
An Executive Director’s basic salary is considered by the
Committee on appointment and normally reviewed once per
year or when there is a significant change to role or
responsibility.
Salary will normally be paid twice per month in cash. In
exceptional circumstances, part of the salary may be deferred
at the request of the individual and become payable at a later
date.
Salaries and salary increases are set taking into consideration
a number of factors including (but not limited to):
• scale, scope and responsibility of the role;
• skills and experience of the individual;
• individual and Company performance;
• the impact on other remuneration elements and the total
remuneration package;
• the individual’s marketability;
• pay and conditions across the Company;
• the wider economic environment; and
• market-appropriate pay positioning against relevant US and
UK listed peers and other companies of a similar size and
complexity.
The main benefits provided to Executive Directors include
(but are not limited to):
• life insurance;
• disability insurance;
• medical benefits and dental care;
• a car allowance; and
• an annual payment to cover personal legal and tax advice.
Executive Directors may also participate in any all-employee
share plans that may be operated by the Group from time to
time on the same terms as other employees.
Additional benefits, which may include relocation expenses,
housing allowance or other benefits-in-kind, may be provided
in certain circumstances if considered appropriate and
reasonable by the Committee, for example on recruitment.
73
Element of
remuneration and
how it supports the
Company’s objectives
Pension
Provides pension
benefits in line with
US employment
market practice.
The Company is not
required to provide
pension benefits in
order to be
competitive and to
ensure its ability to
recruit and retain
Executive Directors.
Incentive Bonus
Awards
Incentivises the
achievement of pre-
determined strategic
goals – management
by objectives (MBOs)
– over a single year
period.
Allied Minds Long
Term Incentive Plan
(LTIP)
Incentivises and
rewards the
achievement of the
Company’s long-term
strategic objectives.
Provides alignment
with shareholders
through long-term
time horizons and the
facilitation of share
ownership.
Operation
Opportunity
Performance metrics
A consistent pension policy operates for all employees across
the Company, creating alignment between Executive
Directors and the wider workforce.
N/A
N/A
In line with US market practice, no element of the Executive
Directors’ remuneration is pensionable, and the Company
does not operate any pension scheme or other scheme
providing retirement or similar benefits.
However, in line with the approach taken for all employees,
the Company offers a retirement plan in accordance with
subsection 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code in which
Executive Directors may make voluntary pre-tax contributions
toward their own retirement. The Company does not make
any payments or contributions to such 401(k) Plan.
Annual MBOs and their respective weightings and targets, are
set at or around the start of each financial year.
An Executive Director’s incentive bonus award is considered
by the Committee upon completion of each financial year.
The decision to provide any award and the amount and terms
of any such award, are determined based on the level of
achievement against the MBOs set at the start of the year.
The Committee may exercise its discretion and make
adjustments to the formulaic payout level (both upwards and
downwards, including a reduction to zero) if the formulaic
outcome is not considered to be appropriate. When making
this judgement, the Committee will consider a number of
factors, including (but not limited to) the overall shareholder
experience, underlying business performance (including
financial, operational and technical performance) and
individual performance during the year.
An award over Company stock is typically made to Executive
Directors annually, subject to pre-determined performance
measures which are typically tested over a period of three
years.
The specific performance measures, weightings and targets
are set at or around the start of each financial year.
Performance will normally be tested after three years,
subject to the Committee’s assessment of the extent to
which the performance measures have been met. This
assessment may take into account any additional relevant
factors, at the Committee’s discretion.
A further two-year holding period will typically apply to
awards, giving a total period between the date of the initial
award was made and the end of the holding period of five
years.
Awards are subject to malus and clawback provisions, as
described in the notes to this Policy table.
Operation for 2020 onwards: the LTIP has been retired for
Executive Directors, senior management and other
employees, with no further awards to be made under this
plan to these persons. In addition, the Executive Directors
voluntarily agreed to forfeit the performance-based LTIP
awards made to them in 2017 and 2018, and no LTIP awards
were made in 2019 to them.
74
Incentive Bonus opportunities
are capped at 225% of salary per
annum, which is only achieved if
performance significantly
exceeds expectations across all
MBOs set for the year.
The level of annual bonus
payable for on-target
performance is set at a level
significantly below the maximum
opportunity, and will be disclosed
each year in the Annual Report
on Remuneration.
The Committee and senior
management review the
Group’s MBOs annually
prior to the start of each
financial year to ensure the
detailed performance
measures and weightings
are appropriate and
continue to support the
business strategy.
MBOs may include financial,
operational, technical and
other performance targets.
Operation for 2020 onwards:
Incentive Bonus opportunities
will be capped at 150% of salary
per annum.
The MBOs will be weighted
primarily towards Group,
and not individual, MBO
performance.
LTIP awards are normally granted
to an individual each financial
year and are capped at 300% of
salary. The award will only vest
in full if performance significantly
exceeds expectations over the
performance period.
The proportion of the award that
will vest for threshold
performance will be 16.67%.
When attracting a new executive
director of the required calibre,
an additional LTIP award of up to
300% of salary may be granted in
the executive’s first year of
appointment if deemed
appropriate by the Committee.
Thereafter, LTIP awards granted
to the executive would be made
under the normal policy
maximum above.
The Committee may vary
specific measures and
targets applicable to LTIP
awards from year to year, to
ensure they continue to
support the achievement of
the Company’s strategy and
to ensure that the target
range remains sufficiently
stretching.
In respect of the LTIP
awards to be granted in
2019, 60% of vesting will be
based on the Company’s
relative total shareholder
return (rTSR) performance
in respect of a three-year
performance period, and
40% of vesting will be based
upon the monetisation of
portfolio companies over
such period.
Element of
remuneration and
how it supports the
Company’s objectives
Allied Minds Phantom
Plan
Rewards participants
for a successful
portfolio company
liquidity event, a key
strategic objective of
the Group and its
shareholders, thereby
providing alignment
between the interests
of participants and
shareholders.
Operation of such
plans is common
practice amongst our
peers in the venture
creation / IP
commercialisation
sectors, therefore the
Phantom Plan allows
the Company to
provide a market-
competitive
remuneration offering
within the relevant
market for talent
across this industry.
Operation
Opportunity
Performance metrics
The Phantom Plan is a performance-based, cash settled
bonus plan for Allied Minds’ Executive Directors and
management.
The Plan is triggered by a successful portfolio liquidity event,
including (i) a portfolio company IPO, (ii) the sale of all or
substantially all of a portfolio company’s assets, (iii) the sale
of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of a portfolio
company’s voting equity, (iv) the merger or consolidation of a
portfolio company with or into another entity, or (v) a
portfolio company’s liquidation.
Upon a liquidity event, Allied Minds will deduct the amount it
invested in such portfolio company and deduct the accrued
interest in respect of such investment, and will then allocate
10% of the remaining net proceeds to the Phantom Plan
account for allocation among the participants.
Participants receive “units”, which equates to a pro-rata
share of the Phantom Plan pool.
Vesting of units is determined at the time of grant of the
units.
Operation for 2020 onwards: the Phantom Plan will not be
available to any new unitholders nor will any companies be
added to the Plan.
The maximum aggregate number
of units that may be awarded
under the Phantom Plan is
200,000 units.
Awards to Executive Directors
under the Phantom Plan may not
exceed 30,000 units.
Upon a liquidity event Allied
Minds will distribute 80% of the
Phantom Plan account to the
participants based on their pro
rata share of all vested units on
the date of the applicable
liquidation event, and the
remaining 20% of the Phantom
Plan account will be distributed
to participants at the discretion
of the Committee.
Operation for 2020 onwards:
Executive Directors are subject
to a cap of 25% of any allocated
proceeds in connection with a
specific liquidity event.
No amounts accrue under
the Phantom Plan, and no
amounts are distributed to
participants, until and
unless a successful portfolio
company liquidity event
occurs, and the cash
generated in such liquidity
event exceeds the amount
Allied Minds invested in
such portfolio company,
plus accrued interest and
expenses in respect of such
investment. No other
performance metrics apply.
Operation for 2020
onwards: an additional
underpin has been
introduced, such that no
payments arising under the
Phantom Plan will be made
to participants until the
Company has generated
$109.2 million of gross
proceeds (plus any future
additional invested capital)
in one or more future
liquidity events.
N/A
Share ownership
requirement
Executive Directors are required to acquire and maintain a
minimum ownership level of ordinary shares in the Company.
N/A
Encourages Executive
Directors to build a
meaningful
shareholding in the
Company, providing
alignment between
the long-term
interests of Executive
Directors and
shareholders.
Non-Executive
Directors’ Fees
Provides an
appropriate level of
fees in order to be
competitive and to
maintain the ability to
recruit and retain
Non-Executive
Directors of the
required calibre and
experience.
Partial delivery in
Company stock
encourages alignment
of interests with
shareholders.
This minimum level is set at the equivalent of 400% of salary
for the CEO.
Non-Executive Directors receive an annual fee, with
additional fees paid to reflect additional time commitment
and responsibilities for certain roles, e.g. Chairmanship of a
Board Committee / the Board.
Non-Executive Directors’ fee levels are typically reviewed
annually, taking into consideration a number of factors,
including (but not limited to):
• scale, scope and responsibility of the role;
• relevant skills and experience required; and
• market-appropriate pay positioning against relevant US and
UK listed peers and other companies of a similar size and
complexity.
Non-Executive Directors are not entitled to participate in any
Company pension scheme or to receive benefits, other than
the reimbursement of reasonable and properly documented
expenses incurred in performing the duties of their office
(and any associated taxes).
75
There is no prescribed maximum
fee or increase, however total
fees payable are subject to the
limits set out in the Articles of
Association.
N/A
Operation
Opportunity
Performance metrics
Element of
remuneration and
how it supports the
Company’s objectives
Non-Executive Directors do not receive any performance-
related awards.
Given the US-based nature of the Group’s business, and the
need to attract and retain independent directors with
significant US business and leadership experience, a
proportion of the fees are paid in stock (with the remainder
paid in cash). The stock element is subject to time-based
vesting over a three-year period, however no performance
conditions are applied.
Careful consideration has been given as to whether including
an equity component would affect the independence of the
Non-Executive Directors, and the conclusion was reached
that it would not, given the level of the awards and the fact
that they are not performance-related.
Common award terms
The Committee will operate the LTIP in accordance with the Policy table above and the respective rules.
Awards under these schemes:
• will normally take the form of restricted share units (RSUs) in respect of shares in Allied Minds,
although instruments with similar economic effect may be used if considered appropriate;
• may incorporate the right to receive an amount (paid in cash or additional shares) equal to the
value of dividends that would have been paid on the shares under the award that vests up to the
time of vesting (and where awards are subject to a holding period, the end of the holding period).
This amount may be calculated assuming the dividends have been reinvested in the Company’s
shares;
• may exceptionally be cash-settled at the Committee’s discretion;
• may have the applicable performance conditions amended or substituted by the Committee if an
event occurs which causes the Committee to determine an amended or substituted performance
condition would be more appropriate and not materially less difficult to satisfy; and
• may be appropriately adjusted in the event of any variation of the Company’s share capital or any
demerger, delisting, special dividend or other event that may affect the Company’s share price.
Any use of these discretions above would, where relevant, be explained in the relevant year’s Annual
Report on Remuneration and may (if deemed appropriate) be subject to prior consultation with the
Company’s major shareholders.
As noted, the Committee has determined that no further awards will be made under the LTIP to
Executive Directors, senior management or other employees.
Minor amendments
The Committee may make minor amendments to the Policy set out in this report (for regulatory, exchange
control, tax or administrative purposes or to take account of a change in legislation) without obtaining
76
shareholder approval for the amendment(s).
Malus and clawback
Awards under the annual Incentive Bonus and the LTIP are subject to malus provisions (allowing for the
reduction of deferred awards) and clawback provisions (the recovery of awards to which the participants
are entitled) in the case of:
• Material misstatement of the Group accounts;
• A material correction of any figures used to assess satisfaction of any performance conditions;
• A participant’s gross misconduct;
• Serious reputational damage; or
• Corporate failure.
Under both plans, the clawback provision applies for the two-year period following vesting.
Legacy awards
The Committee reserves the right to make any remuneration payments and payments for loss of office,
notwithstanding that they are not in line with the Policy set out in the table on the previous pages, where
the terms of the payment were agreed:
•
•
•
before the 2016 AGM (being the date on which the previous Policy came into effect);
before the Policy set out above came into effect at the 2019 AGM, provided that the terms of
the payment were consistent with the shareholder-approved Remuneration Policy in force at
the time they were agreed; or
at a time when the relevant individual was not a Director of the Company and, in the opinion
of the Committee, the payment was not in consideration for the individual becoming a
Director of the Company.
For these purposes “payments” include the Committee satisfying awards of variable remuneration and,
in relation to an award over shares, the terms of the payment are “agreed” at the time the award is
granted.
Details of any such payments will be set out in the Annual Report on Remuneration as they arise.
Consideration of employee remuneration arrangements and policies elsewhere in the company
Although the Policy set out above applies only to Executive and Non-Executive Directors of the Company,
in practice the Committee is responsible for setting the policy for, and determining remuneration of, the
Company’s senior management team, and reviewing workforce remuneration and related policies. In
considering changes to the remuneration of the Executive Directors, for example when determining salary
increases, the Committee is mindful of pay and conditions in the wider Group.
The Group’s senior management team also participate in the components of remuneration set out above
(i.e. salary, benefits, pension, Incentive Bonus, LTIP and Phantom Plan). The operation of the incentive
77
schemes for senior management varies from Executive Directors where appropriate, for example award
maxima and vesting criteria.
All US employees at the Allied Minds (parent company) level are eligible for discretionary incentive bonus
awards. While a range of bonus plans are operated at the portfolio company level, appropriate to the
relevant business, the main drivers of these portfolio company plans, in common with the annual
Incentive Bonus awards to Executive Directors, are the achievement of company milestones, and other
company and individual objectives.
In addition, the Company remains committed to fostering alignment with shareholders. Therefore, equity
incentive plans are operated within the portfolio companies, with the aim of incentivising and rewarding
employees of those companies to achieve long-term shareholder value and the delivery of the Company’s
long-term strategic and business objectives.
As noted, in light of the Company's revised strategy, the LTIP has been retired for all Executive Directors,
senior management and other employees, and the Phantom Plan has been closed to new participants and
new portfolio companies.
How the views of shareholders and employees are taken into account
Through the Board, the Committee is regularly updated as to employees’ views on remuneration generally
and receives periodic updates in relation to salary and bonus reviews across the Company. As set out
above, in setting remuneration for the Executive Directors, the Committee takes note of the overall
approach to reward employees in the Company and salary increases will ordinarily be considered in light
of those of the wider workforce. Thus, the Committee is satisfied that the decisions made in relation to
Executive Directors’ pay are made with an appropriate understanding of the wider workforce.
The Committee values the input of shareholders and is committed to dialogue on material matters. Any
feedback received from time to time from shareholders, and the AGM voting results in respect of
remuneration-related resolutions, are considered as part of the Committee’s annual review of the Policy.
When developing the 2019 Policy, a key part of the process was the engagement with the Company’s
major shareholders and proxy voting agencies on the proposed remuneration changes, prior to finalising
the Policy.
The Committee will seek to engage formally with shareholders and their representative bodies when it is
proposed that any material changes are to be made to the Policy, and also welcomes and appreciates
feedback at any other time. Extensive shareholder meetings were undertaken ahead of changes to the
remuneration program in late 2019.
Approach to recruitment remuneration
The Committee will apply the principles set out in the Policy table above for any new Executive Director
recruited to the Board, in particular:
• Providing a remuneration package that attracts, retains and motivates individuals of the required
calibre, while at all times ensuring that the Company pays no more than necessary;
78
• Taking into consideration a number of factors when determining the appropriate package on
recruitment, including the individual’s skills and experience, scale, scope and responsibility of the
role, and pay conditions across the Company;
• Ongoing remuneration arrangements for the individual will be limited to those elements listed
within the Policy table above;
• Additional benefits in kind, pensions and other allowances, such as relocation, education and tax
equalisation, may be provided in order to recruit the intended candidate; and
• Full disclosure will be made of the recruitment package provided to the individual within the next
Annual Report on Remuneration, including rationale for the decisions made where appropriate.
Salaries may be set below market levels on appointment with a view to increase them to broad market
levels, subject to individual performance and progression within the role, by making phased salary
increases above inflation levels.
The maximum level of variable remuneration under the annual Incentive Bonus and LTIP that may be
awarded will be within the usual maximums set out in the Remuneration Policy, subject to the exceptional
limit provided under the LTIP. However, as noted, in light of the Company's revised strategy, the LTIP has
been retired for all Executive Directors, senior management and other employees.
The Committee may make awards on hiring an external candidate to buy out remuneration arrangements
forfeited on leaving a previous employer. In doing so, the Committee will seek to structure buyout awards
on a comparable basis to awards forfeited, taking into account relevant factors including any performance
conditions attached to these awards and the likelihood of achieving these conditions, the form in which
they were granted (e.g. cash or shares) and the timeframe of awards. It is intended that the value awarded
would be no higher than the expected value of the forfeited awards. The Committee would seek as far as
possible to make such buyout awards under the Company’s existing share plans but, if necessary, may
rely on the Listing Rules provision which allows for the grant of awards to facilitate, in exceptional
circumstances, the recruitment of a Director without seeking prior shareholder approval.
In addition to the above principles, the following additional considerations may be applied as appropriate
depending on the circumstances:
•
•
•
In the case of internal promotion, any pre-existing arrangements arising from an individual’s
previous role will continue to be honoured in line with their original terms and conditions.
In the case of promotion to Executive Director following an acquisition or other business
combination, the Committee may permit equity-based incentive arrangements to continue in
force if they can be “rolled-up” into awards over Allied Minds’ shares provided the performance
and vesting conditions are considered appropriate.
In the case of the recruitment of an executive at a time of the year when it would be inappropriate
or not possible to provide an LTIP award for that year (for instance due to price sensitive
information or if there is insufficient time to assess performance), the quantum in respect of the
months employed during the year may be transferred to and amalgamated with the subsequent
year’s award if considered reasonable to do so by the Committee.
79
Similarly, the Remuneration Policy for a new Chairman or Non-Executive Director would be to apply the
same remuneration elements as applicable to existing Non-Executive Directors under the Remuneration
Policy.
Remuneration Policy on payment for loss of office
The Directors believe the policy on payments for loss of office detailed below are aligned with UK
corporate governance expectations and local market practice, and appropriate to attract and retain senior
management of the highest calibre.
The Committee reserves the right to make payments where they are made in good faith in discharge of
an existing obligation (or by way of damages for breach of such an obligation) or by way of settlement or
compromise of any claim arising in connection with the termination of a Director’s office or employment
where they are in the best interests of Allied Minds and its shareholders and reflecting the directors’
contractual and legal rights.
If an Executive Director’s employment is terminated by the Company for “Cause”, the Director shall only
be entitled to amounts that are accrued or owing but not yet paid and reimbursement of any properly
incurred business expenses but excluding any bonus payments or other compensation provided pursuant
to the Company’s incentive compensation plan (such amounts, the “Standard Benefit”).
If the Executive Director terminates the service contract for “Good Reason” or the Company terminates
the service contract without Cause, the Executive Director shall be entitled to:
• payment of twelve (12) months’ base salary in accordance with regular payroll;
• an annual incentive award equal to the product of: (A) the level of Group and individual MBO
performance during the current year, as determined by the Committee; and (B) a fraction based
on the number of days in which the Executive Director was employed during that year; or,
alternatively, an annual incentive award equal to the product of: (A) the Executive Director’s
average bonus for the prior three (3) years; and (B) a fraction based on the number of days in
which the Executive Director was employed during that year;
• payment of the portion of the premiums paid by the Company at the time of such termination
under COBRA for medical, dental, hospitalisation and other employee welfare benefit plans,
programs and arrangements covered by COBRA, for a period of twelve (12) months for the
Director and eligible dependents; and
• payment of the Standard Benefit.
The annual incentive award component above was changed in early 2019 in Ms. Smith’s service contract
to include a performance element and Remuneration Committee discretion in the calculation of the size
of the award, whereas her prior agreement was simply based upon the prior years’ bonus award
multiplied by the number of days employed during the year.
In the event of death or disability, similar payments will be made as those payable as a termination for
Good Reason save that the payment of base salary shall only continue for 90 days after the death of the
Executive Director and/or until the commencement of long term disability payments in the case of
termination due to disability.
80
If the Executive Director terminates employment with Allied Minds without Good Reason (and not
because of death or due to disability), the Executive Director shall be entitled solely to payment of the
Standard Benefit.
LTIP participants who cease to be employees, directors or service providers to the Group will normally
forfeit any unvested awards. However, if a participant leaves as a result of death, disability, dismissal
other than for cause or any other reason determined by the Committee, awards will normally vest on the
normal vesting date on a pro-rata basis taking into account performance and the period of time during
the applicable performance measurement period in which the participant continuously provided services.
The Committee may in its discretion determine that there are exceptional circumstances justifying vesting
to a greater or lesser extent. The Committee also has discretion to determine that awards will vest at the
time of cessation of employment, taking into account performance up to that time, and pro-rated to
reflect the time worked in the performance period (with discretion to determine vesting to a greater or
lesser extent).
Impact of change of control on awards under LTIP
If there is a change of control of the Company, the number of ordinary shares over which awards will vest
will be calculated on the basis of the extent to which the performance criteria applicable to those awards
have been satisfied as at the date of the change of control. The resulting number of shares will then be
reduced on a pro rata basis to reflect the reduced period between the date the award was made and the
date of the change of control, unless the Committee decides otherwise. In exceptional circumstances, the
Committee may recommend full vesting with respect to a change of control. This discretion to accelerate
vesting upon a change of control is included in the LTIP to meet the expectations of a US-based workforce.
Illustration of application of the Remuneration Policy – updated for implementation in respect of 2020
The value and composition of the Executive Director’s remuneration package for the year ending 31
December 2020 is illustrated in the chart below under the following four scenarios:
Minimum
On-target
Maximum
Maximum plus 50%
share price growth
2020 salary ($500,000) plus estimated value of benefits
Two-thirds of
maximum
opportunity
100% of the
maximum
opportunity
100% of the
maximum
opportunity
None
None
None
Fixed Pay
Incentive
Bonus
LTIP
-
-
81
82
Annual Report on Remuneration (pages 83 to 97)
The Annual Report on Remuneration will be subject to an advisory vote at the AGM.
Single Total Figure of Remuneration for Each Director (audited information)
The following table sets out the single total figure for remuneration for Directors for the financial years
ended 31 December 2019 and 2018.
Base salary/
fees(1)
Benefits(2)
Incentive
Bonus(3)
Phantom Plan(4)
EBP(5)
Pension(6)
Total
In $’000
2019
2018
2019
2018
2019
2018
2019
2018
2019
2018
2019
2018
2019
2018
Executive Directors
Joe Pignato(7)
Mike Turner(8)
Jill Smith(9)
Non-Executive
Directors
Jeff Rohr
Harry Rein
Mark Lerdal(10)
Fritz Foley(11)
Peter Dolan(12)
Kevin Sharer(13)
Notes:
281
281
265
―
―
600
131
100
81
4
86
79
42
75
―
44
156
85
23
23
12
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
16
―
―
―
―
―
―
369
369
―
―
―
576
870
870
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
20
18
―
21
30
20
―
―
―
20
―
―
―
29
20
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
1,543
1,543
―
―
277
1,192
151
120
99
4
107
109
62
75
―
44
185
105
(1) Actual Executive Directors’ and Non-Executive Directors’ fees, pro-rated for the portion of the year
they served on the Board.
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
Includes, where applicable, car allowance and/or Company contribution to medical, dental and
other insurance premiums, pro-rated for the portion of the year they served on the Board.
Incentive bonus includes annual cash incentive bonus awards, pro-rated for the portion of the year
serving as Executive Directors.
The Phantom Plan is a performance-based, cash settled bonus plan which is triggered by a successful
portfolio company liquidity event. Amounts include the allocation made to Executive Officers
during the period in connection with the distribution triggered by the sale of the Company’s shares
of HawkEye 360, Inc.
Equities based payments for Non-Executive Directors represent the portion of the fees paid in stock
and granted to the Non-Executive Directors in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 which vested in 2018 and
2019 (based on the value on the date the awards vested (on a time-only basis) and the shares were
issued). The amount of these awards which is attributable to share price appreciation is nil (2019)
(2018: nil).
83
(6) No payments for pension entitlements were made to Directors during the last financial year. The
Company offers a retirement plan in accordance with subsection 401(k) of the Internal Revenue
Code in which Executive Directors may make voluntary pre-tax contributions toward their own
retirement. The Company does not make any payments or contributions to such Plan.
(7) Mr. Pignato was appointed as Co-Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director on 10 June 2019.
(8) Mr. Turner was appointed as Co-Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director on 10 June 2019;
post period end, Mr. Turner resigned as Co-Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director on 10
March 2020.
(9) Ms. Smith resigned as Chief Executive Officer and President, and Executive Director, as of 10 June
2019. Details of the effect of her resignation on outstanding payments and benefits are given on
page 94.
(10) Mr. Lerdal was appointed as a Non-Executive Director in on 11 December 2019.
(11) Mr. Foley resigned as a Non-Executive Director on 10 December 2019.
(12) Mr. Dolan resigned as a Non-Executive Director on 28 June 2019.
(13) Mr. Sharer resigned as a Non-Executive Director on 28 June 2019.
Individual Elements of Remuneration
Base Salary and Incentive Bonus Awards during 2019
In conjunction with the Company’s year-end compensation review process, including an analysis of the
traditional elements of executive pay (base salary, annual incentive bonus, long-term equity incentives
and total direct compensation), and based upon a review of Company performance in 2018, the
Remuneration Committee recommended to the Board the following for 2019:
• For Jill Smith, that base salary remain constant at $600,000, and that maximum incentive bonus
award remain constant at 225% of base salary (150% at target);
• For Joe Pignato and Mike Turner, during the period that they served as Co-Chief Executive Officers
and Executives Directors, that base salary be set at $500,000, and that maximum incentive bonus
award be set at 225% of base salary (150% at target), to be pro-rated for their number of days of
service as Co-Chief Executive Officers and Executives Directors during 2019.
The Remuneration Committee determined that the base salary and incentive bonus award continued to
reflect its policy to emphasise the variable component of compensation, by allocating a significant
percentage of cash compensation to the incentive bonus award and not base salary.
As described in the Remuneration Policy, the Remuneration Committee and senior management review
the Group’s management by objectives (MBOs) annually prior to the start of each financial year to ensure
the detailed performance measures and weightings are appropriate and continue to align with business
strategy. Annual MBOs, including financial, operational, technical and other performance targets and
their weightings for the upcoming year are set at or around the start of each financial year. An Executive
Director’s incentive bonus award is considered by the Remuneration Committee upon completion of each
84
financial year. The decision to provide any incentive bonus award and the amount and terms of any such
award, are determined solely by the level of achievement against the MBOs set by the Remuneration
Committee at the start of the financial year. The 2019 MBOs were approved by the Remuneration
Committee at the beginning of the year; however, following the revision to the Company’s strategy in
April 2019, the MBOs were revised accordingly. The Committee determined that the revised MBOs were
no less stretching than those originally set.
In keeping with the emphasis on the variable component of compensation and strong management
incentives, the Remuneration Committee set the threshold payout for incentive bonus awards at nil.
The 2019 MBOs set by the Remuneration Committee, along with the level of achievement against such
MBOs, is set forth below:
MBO
Deliver Validating Events and Technical Milestones and
Revenue for Key Portfolio Companies(1)
Secure Funding and Strategic Relationships for
Portfolio Companies(2)
Manage Cash and Maintain Strong Operational Support
Capital Allocation to Portfolio Companies(3)
Manage Reorganisation and Cash, and Reduce HQ
Expenses
Deliver Shared Services Support
Manage Deconsolidation of Portfolio Companies
Total Percentage of Target
Threshold
Weightings
0.0%
Target
Weightings
30.0%
Maximum
Weightings
45.0%
Achieved
Weightings
17.6%
0.0%
20.0%
30.0%
20.0%
0.0%
0.0%
20.0%
20.0%
30.0%
30.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
5.0%
5.0%
100.0%
7.5%
7.5%
150.0%
20.0%
20.0%
5.0%
5.0%
87.6%
Notes:
(1) “Validating Events” represent various material achievements, such as fundraisings, mergers and
acquisitions, development partnerships, strategic alliances, customer contracts and other
significant corporate events. “Technical Milestones” represent various research and development
achievements, as well as advancement of clinical trials.
20 out of 27 Validating Events and Technical Milestones (20% weighting) were achieved (or 74.1%)
and 28.1% of the revenue targets were met for key portfolio companies (10% weighting).
(2) Successful funding rounds were raised at HawkEye 360, Inc., raising $70.0 million, and Federated
Wireless, Inc., raising $51.3 million, and strategic relationships were secured and/or expanded upon
with key third parties by all portfolio companies.
(3) The Company implemented a revised strategy to focus exclusively on existing portfolio companies,
enforcing careful cash management and capital allocation plans, significant cost reductions to annual
central costs at HQ, and the successful deconsolidation of HawkEye 360, Federated Wireless, and
Spin Memory.
Based on the above, the Remuneration Committee determined that the MBO percentage achievement
for 2019 was 87.6% of target percentage, or 58.4% of the maximum opportunity. The Remuneration
85
Committee reviewed this outcome in light of individual and Company performance and considered them
appropriate, and therefore, did not exercise any discretion.
As noted above, the target incentive bonus award for Executive Directors was set at 150% of base salary
for 2019, with maximum award set at 225% of base salary. Based upon the MBO achievement, the
incentive bonus award to the Co-Chief Executive Officers was set at 131.4% of base salary, pro-rated for
their number of days of service as Co-Chief Executive Officers and Executives Directors during 2019,
resulting in a 2019 incentive bonus of $369,000 with respect to such period.
As a result of her resignation on 10 June 2019, Ms. Smith was not eligible for and did not receive a 2019
incentive bonus.
Phantom Plan during 2019
The Phantom Plan is a performance-based, cash settled plan which is triggered by a successful portfolio
company liquidity event. No amounts accrue under the Phantom Plan, and no amounts are distributed
to participants, until and unless a successful portfolio company liquidity event occurs, and the cash
generated in such liquidity event exceeds the amount Allied Minds invested in such portfolio company,
plus accrued interest in respect of such investment.
On 8 November 2019, the Company sold its entire shareholding in the share capital of HawkEye 360, Inc.
(HawkEye 360) to Advance Publications, Inc. for an aggregate cash consideration of $65.6 million. In
accordance with the terms of the Phantom Plan, 10% of the net proceeds from the liquidity event was
allocated and distributed to the 24 participants having remaining unit interests in the Phantom Plan. The
Board did not exercise any discretion, and allocated 100% of the Phantom Plan pool by reference to each
participant’s unit interests, as set out below:
Aggregate cash consideration from sale
Invested capital and interest
Net proceeds
$65.6m
$(16.6)m
$49.0m
Phantom Plan distribution (10% of net proceeds)
$4.9m
Joseph Pignato share (17.74% of Phantom Plan
distribution)
Michael Turner share (17.74% of Phantom Plan
distribution)
$869,830
$869,830
During 2019, Executive Directors and all current employees voluntarily agreed to introduce an underpin
that $109.2 million of gross proceeds (plus any future additional invested capital) must be generated from
one or more liquidity events prior to any future allocations of proceeds in connection with an individual
liquidity event under the Phantom Plan and to a personal cap (set at 25% for Executive Directors) of any
allocated proceeds in connection with an individual liquidity event under the Phantom Plan. Furthermore,
the Phantom Plan was terminated in 2019 and will not be available to any new unitholders nor will any
companies be added to the existing plan.
86
LTIP Awards made during 2019 (audited information)
In June 2019, the Board determined to retire the LTIP for Executive Directors, senior management and
other employees, and to make no future awards to these persons. No LTIP awards were made to
Executive Directors in 2019.
As set out on page 88, a proportion of the Non-Executive Director fees for 2019 was paid in stock, subject
to time-based vesting based upon time of service in equal instalments over a three-year period. No
performance conditions apply. The level of these awards was determined by the Committee after giving
due consideration to the US-based nature of the Group’s business, and the need to attract and retain
independent directors with significant US business and leadership experience. These awards were
delivered under the LTIP, as set out in the table below:
Type
Basis of
award
Number
of shares
Face value
of award
($’000)
% of value
to vest at
threshold
% of
value to
vest at
target
Non-Executive Directors
Jeff Rohr
RSU
See below
84,669
$75
n/a
n/a
Harry Rein
RSU
See below
56,446
$50
n/a
n/a
Fritz Foley
RSU
See below
70,822
$50
n/a
n/a
Fritz Foley
RSU
See below
56,446
$50
n/a
n/a
Vesting conditions
Based on service,
annually over three
years to July 2022
Based on service,
annually over three
years to July 2022
Based on service,
annually over three
years to May 2021
Based on service,
annually over three
years to July 2022
Notes:
(1) At 18 February 2019, the initial LTIP award above for 70,822 RSUs was granted to the Non-Executive
Director (Mr. Foley). The total value of the award was calculated using the closing share price of 54.8p
on such date. This grant to Mr. Foley dated back to his appointment in May 2018.
(2) At 1 July 2019, the annual LTIP awards above for 84,669, 56,446 and 56,446 shares were granted to
the Non-Executive Directors (Messrs. Rohr, Rein and Foley, respectively). The total value of the award
was calculated using the closing share price of 69.8p on such date.
Long Term Incentive Plan Vesting during 2019 (audited information)
Executive Director Awards
No performance LTIP awards vested to the Executive Directors in 2018 or 2019.
In connection with the Board’s review of the remuneration program in late 2019, Mr. Pignato voluntarily
agreed to forfeit all of his 745,045 performance-based LTIP awards made in 2017 and 2018. Mr. Pignato
does not have any additional performance-based LTIP awards outstanding.
87
Mr. Pignato has 251,423 time-based LTIP awards outstanding that are scheduled to vest on the later of 30
April 2020 or the earliest date after the date of the announcement of the Company’s annual results. These
awards were initially made to the Mr. Pignato in 2017, prior to him becoming an Executive Director.
Non-Executive Director Awards
Equity-based awards were granted to the Non-Executive Directors in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, subject
to time-based vesting in three equal instalments over a three year period. The LTIP was used as the
mechanism to grant these awards, however they are not subject to performance conditions. These
awards partially vested in 2018 and 2019. As a result of such vesting in 2018, ordinary shares were allotted
and issued to Mr. Rohr (14,225), Mr. Dolan (21,338), and Mr. Sharer (14,225). As a result of such vesting
in 2019, ordinary shares were allotted and issued to Mr. Rohr (22,913), Mr. Rein (24,170), Mr. Foley
(23,607), Mr. Dolan (34,371) and Mr. Sharer (22,913).
Payments to Past Directors and Loss of Office Payments (audited information)
During 2019, a payment was made to Chris Silva pursuant to the terms of the Phantom Plan and the units
granted to Mr. Silva during his service as an Executive Director, and the subsequent successful portfolio
company liquidity event completed on 8 November 2019 (the sale of the Company’s entire shareholding
in the share capital of HawkEye 360, Inc. to Advance Publications, Inc.). The Board did not exercise any
discretion, and allocated Mr. Silva his allocation, which represented 0.33% based on his unit interests,
resulting in a distribution of $16,048. For the period ending on the date falling 36 months after his
resignation date (10 March 2017), Mr. Silva remained entitled to a proportion of the payment he would
have received on a liquidity event had he remained an employee.
Details regarding payments made to Jill Smith following her resignation on 10 June 2019 are set out on
page 94.
Total Pension Entitlements (audited information)
No payments for pension entitlements were made to Directors during 2019. The Company offers a
retirement plan in accordance with subsection 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code (401(k) Plan) in which
Executive Directors may make voluntary pre-tax contributions toward their own retirement. The
Company does not make any payments or contributions to such 401(k) Plan.
Statement of Directors’ Shareholding and Share Interests (audited information)
Share ownership plays a key role in the alignment of our executives with the interests of shareholders,
therefore the Committee operates a share ownership policy for Executive Directors. The policy currently
requires Executive Directors to acquire and maintain a minimum ownership level of ordinary shares in the
capital of the Company equal to 400% of base salary. At 31 December 2019, the Executive Directors were
making progress against this requirement, including market purchases of stock by Mr. Pignato in
December 2019.
The table below sets out the number of shares held by Directors as at 31 December 2019.
88
Executive Directors
Joe Pignato
Mike Turner
Non―Executive Directors
Jeff Rohr
Harry Rein
Mark Lerdal
Shares held
outright
Shares conditional
on performance
Shares conditional
on service
Options to
purchase shares
(US Stock Plan)
Total
710,610
731,674
161,798
24,170
-
745,045
745,045
-
-
-
251,423
179,588
114,659
84,290
-
- 1,707,078
230,000 1,886,307
-
-
-
276,457
108,460
-
The following changes to the table have occurred in the period between 31 December 2019 and 1 June
2020 (the latest practicable date prior to publication):
•
•
In connection with the Board’s review of the remuneration program in late 2019, Mr. Pignato
voluntarily agreed to forfeit all of his 745,045 performance-based LTIP awards made in 2017 and
2018; and
In connection with the Board’s review of the remuneration program in late 2019 and his
resignation agreement entered into on 10 December 2019, Mr. Turner voluntarily agreed to
forfeit all of his 745,045 performance-based LTIP awards made in 2017 and 2018 and all of his
230,000 stock option awards made in 2014 under the pre-IPO US Stock Plan. In addition, of Mr.
Turner's 179,588 LTIP awards conditional on service, in accordance with their terms, 154,194
vested on his resignation and the balance were cancelled and terminated.
Performance Graph
The graph below illustrates the Company’s Total Shareholder Return (TSR) performance relative to the
constituents of the FTSE 250 index excluding investment companies and the FTSE All Share index, from
the Admission date of 25 June 2014 to 31 December 2019. These indices were chosen since the Company
was / is a constituent for a significant proportion of the relevant period. The graph shows performance
of a hypothetical £100 invested and its performance over that period.
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
Admission
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Source: Datastream
Allied Minds
FTSE 250
FTSE All-Share
89
Historical CEO remuneration outcomes
The table below summarises the Chief Executive Officer single total figure for total remuneration, annual
incentive bonus award, LTIP vesting as a percentage of maximum opportunity, payments made under the
Phantom Plan, if any, and US Stock Plan share award vesting as a percentage of maximum opportunity,
for the last seven financial years. As the company listed in 2014, the comparative begins with the 2013
period.
CEO single total figure for remuneration ($’000) (1)
Joe Pignato(2)
Mike Turner(2)
Jill Smith
2019
$1,543
$1,543
$277
2018
$1,192
2017
$1,328
2016
$9,178
2015
$1,067
2014
$15,942
2013
$1,236
Annual incentive bonus award pay-out (% of
maximum)(3)
LTIP award vesting (% of maximum)(4)
US Stock Plan award vesting (% of maximum)(5)
58.40%
42.67%
87.33% 74.13%
0.00%
n/a
33.00%
n/a
94.33%
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
100%
n/a
100%
Notes:
(1) With respect to 2019, the figures represent the remuneration to Jill Smith prior to her resignation as
CEO on 10 June 2019, and the remuneration to each of Joseph Pignato and Michael Tuner after their
appointments as Co-CEOs on 10 June 2019.
(2) The 2019 figures for Mr. Pignato and Mr. Turner include the payments made to them under the
Phantom Plan resulting from a successful portfolio company liquidity event in 2019 (as further
described on page 86). As illustrated on pages 83 to 84, the single total figure of remuneration
excluding the Phantom Plan payment for each such individual was $673,000.
(3) With respect to 2015, 2014 and 2013, the percentage of maximum is not applicable because the
Company did not have any cap on incentive bonus award payments in those financial years. As a
percentage of base salary, the award was 65.7% in 2013, 125.0% in 2014 and 105.0% in 2015.
(4) No equity-based awards vested to the CEO under the LTIP during 2019, 2016, 2015, 2014 or 2013.
(5) All equity awards, including stock options and restricted stock, under the US Stock Plan became vested
and fully exercisable, or vested and fully transferable, in connection with the IPO.
Change in remuneration of Chief Executive Officer compared to US Group employees
The table below sets out the increase in total remuneration of the Chief Executive Officer (Mr. Pignato)
and that of our US Group employees (excluding Directors) from 2018 to 2019. Our US Group employees
were chosen since they are exposed to the same economic factors as the Chief Executive Officer, who is
also US-based.
CEO
US Group Employees
% change in
base salary
(16.67)%
5.16%
% change in
incentive
bonus
(35.94)%
(10.54)%
% change in
benefits
43.75%
39.63%
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Relative importance of spend on pay
The chart below shows the total employee costs, and change in share price from 2018 to 2019.
The information shown in this chart is based on the following:
• Total employee pay: Total US Group employee staff costs from note 5 to the consolidated financial
statements, including salaries and wages, payroll taxes, healthcare benefit, and share-based
payments.
• Returns to shareholders: Since the Group does not currently pay an annual dividend, returns to
shareholders are represented by the change in the Group’s share price over the period from 31
December 2018 to 31 December 2019.
• However, post period end on 16 January 2020, the Board declared a special dividend of 12.62
pence per ordinary share (Special Dividend) totalling £30.49 million. The ordinary shares went
ex-dividend on 23 January 2020, and the Special Dividend was paid in cash on 14 February 2020
to holders of ordinary shares recorded on the register as at the close of business on 24 January
2020.
70.2
47.0
51.5
27.4
Total employee costs ($m)
(-41.7%)
Share Price (p)
(-26.6%)
2019
2018
Statement of implementation of remuneration policy in the following financial year (2020)
The Committee reviewed the remuneration approach in the year, and input was received from Executive
Directors while ensuring that conflicts of interest were suitably mitigated. A number of changes to the
operation of the remuneration program have been made, within the scope of the shareholder-approved
Remuneration Policy. The approach to operation for 2020 has been set out below.
Base Salary, Pension and Benefits
Effective from 1 January 2020, the base salary of the current Executive Director (Mr. Pignato) will be:
Joe Pignato
Base Salary
$500,000
Increase
0
% Increase
0.0%
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In conjunction with the Company’s year-end compensation review process, the Committee recommended
Mr. Pignato’s base salary remain constant at $500,000. This compares to an average base salary increase
across the Group to US employees of 5.16%.
The pension and benefits package during 2020 will continue to be in line with US employment market
practice and the Remuneration Policy.
Incentive Bonus Awards
In line with the commentary on the cover statement from the Chairman of the Remuneration Committee,
the maximum incentive bonus opportunity for the Executive Director (Mr. Pignato) in 2020 will be 150%
of base salary (target will be 100% of base salary), which is a reduction from the maximum opportunity of
225% that was in place for 2019.
Performance will be measured according to the level of achievement against the MBOs set by the
Committee at the start of the financial year. The annual MBOs, including financial, operational, technical
and other performance targets and their weightings for the upcoming year were set at the start of 2020,
as follows:
MBO
Increase Aggregate Portfolio Value (NAV)
Increase ALM Share Price
Manage HQ Cash and Expenses
Secure Funding and Strategic Partners at Portfolio Companies
Maintain Strong Operational Support
Total Percentage of Target
Threshold
Weightings
Target
Weightings
Maximum
Weightings
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
12.5%
12.5%
25%
25%
25%
100.0%
18.75%
18.75%
37.5%
37.5%
37.5%
150.0%
Notes:
(1) In keeping with the emphasis on the variable component of compensation and strong management
incentives, the Remuneration Committee set the threshold for cash incentive bonus awards at nil.
The underlying targets have not been disclosed at this time due to commercial sensitivity.
The Remuneration Committee may then exercise its direction and make adjustments to the formulaic
payout level if the formulaic outcome is not considered to be appropriate. When making this judgement,
the Committee will consider a number of factors, including (but not limited to) the overall shareholder
experience, underlying business performance (including financial, operational and technical performance)
and individual performance during the year.
Long Term Incentive Plan
In June 2019, the Board determined to retire the LTIP for Executive Directors, senior management and
other employees, and to make no future awards to these persons. No LTIP awards will therefore be made
to Executive Directors in 2020.
Phantom Plan Awards
The Executive Director (Mr. Pignato) holds 30,000 Phantom Units under the Phantom Plan, which as of 31
December 2019, represented 17.74% of the total pool. The Executive Director is capped at 25% of any
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allocated bonus proceeds in connection with an individual liquidity event under the Phantom Plan.
Chairman and Non-Executive Directors
The 2020 fee arrangements of the Chairman and Non-Executive Directors remain unchanged from 2019:
Cash Component
Non-Executive Director Annual Fee
Audit Committee Chair Annual Fee
Remuneration Committee Chair Annual Fee
Nomination Committee Chair Annual Fee
Chairman of the Board Annual Fee
Equity Component
Non-Executive Director LTIP Award Value
Chairman of the Board LTIP Award Value
2020
$75,000
$25,000
$10,000
$10,000
$75,000
$50,000
$75,000
The additional fee for serving as Chairman shall only be payable where the Chairman is a Non-Executive
Director. Given the US-based nature of the Group’s business, and the need to attract and retain
independent directors with significant US business and leadership experience, the fees above include an
equity component, which is subject to time-based vesting over three years.
Service Contracts and Letters of Appointment
Mr. Pignato entered into an amended and restated service contract on 10 June 2019 in connection with
his appointment as Co-Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director.
Mr. Turner entered into an amended and restated service contract on 10 June 2019 in connection with
his appointment as Co-Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director. Post-period end, Mr. Turner
resigned as Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director effective on 10 March 2020. Full details on his
remuneration arrangements upon stepping down are provided on pages 94 to 95.
Ms. Smith entered into an amended and restated service contract on 7 March 2019, to implement (i) the
deferral of base salary for 2019 and 2020, and (ii) revisions to the calculation of any annual incentive
award to be made to her in connection with any termination of service, to include that such award is
subject to MBO performance achievement. During 2019, a payment to past director was made to Ms.
Smith pursuant to the terms of the Phantom Plan and the units granted to Ms. Smith during her service
as an Executive Director, and the subsequent successful portfolio company liquidity event completed on
8 November 2019. Full detail is disclosed below.
The Executive Directors’ contracts do not provide for extended notice periods or compensation in the
event of a change of control. Details on the treatment of remuneration on loss of office or on a change
of control are provided in the Remuneration Policy.
The Non-Executive Directors have letters of appointment, which are for an initial fixed term of three years.
The letters are reviewed and may be extended, and are terminable on one months’ notice by either party.
The letters of appointment do not provide for any compensation on termination, other than payment of
fees accrued or owing but not yet paid.
93
The letters of appointment and service contracts are available for inspection at the Company’s registered
office. In accordance with the Code, all Directors submit themselves for election at the first AGM following
their appointment to the Board, and for annual re-election by shareholders at each AGM.
Resignation of Jill Smith
With effect from 10 June 2019 (Resignation Date), Ms. Smith resigned as Chief Executive Officer and
President and as an Executive Director of the Company.
The Remuneration Committee approved the arrangements below which are in line with the terms of the
agreements with Ms. Smith and the Company’s Remuneration Policy in place at that time, and as disclosed
in full in the Company’s Section 430(2B) announcement on 10 June 2019.
Upon her resignation, Ms. Smith was entitled to base salary and benefits in accordance with the terms of
her employment contract up to and including the Resignation Date, including accrued but unpaid deferred
base salary, in accordance with the terms of her employment contract and the arrangements relating to
Ms. Smith’s voluntary deferral of her based salary as disclosed on page 101 of the Company's 2018 annual
report and accounts.
Ms. Smith did not receive an annual incentive award for 2019, and she forfeited all of her outstanding
LTIP awards.
Ms. Smith has outstanding awards in the form of 15,000 units granted under the Phantom Plan, which are
fully vested. For the period ending on the date falling 12 months after her Resignation Date, Ms. Smith
remains entitled to a proportion of the payment she would have received on a liquidity event had she
remained an employee. That proportion is 100% if the liquidity event occurs within 3 months after her
Resignation Date, 90% if 4-6 months after her Resignation Date; 50% if 7-9 months after her Resignation
Date; 25% if 10-12 months after her Resignation Date, and 0% if later than 12 months after her Resignation
Date.
During 2019, a payment was made to Ms. Smith pursuant to the terms of the Phantom Plan and the units
granted to Ms. Smith during her service as an Executive Director, and the subsequent successful portfolio
company liquidity event completed on 8 November 2019 (the sale of the Company’s entire shareholding
in the share capital of HawkEye 360, Inc. to Advance Publications, Inc.). The Board did not exercise any
discretion, and allocated Ms. Smith her allocation, which represented 7.98% based on her unit interests,
resulting in distribution of $391,423.
Ms. Smith was engaged as a consultant by the Company for a period of three (3) months following the
Resignation Date at a rate of $50,000 per month, pursuant to which she provided transition services,
including serving on the board of directors of Federated Wireless as a representative of Allied Minds.
No further payments will be made to Ms. Smith in connection with her resignation.
Resignation of Mike Turner
With effect from 10 March 2020 (Resignation Date), Mr. Turner resigned as Co-Chief Executive Officer and
as an Executive Director of the Company.
The Remuneration Committee approved the arrangements below which are in line with the terms of the
agreements with Mr. Turner and the Company’s Remuneration Policy approved by the Company’s
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shareholders at the 2019 AGM, and as disclosed in full in the Company’s Section 430(2B) announcement
on 10 March 2020.
Pursuant to the terms of Mr. Turner’s service contract, he will be entitled to:
• payment of one year’s salary equal to $500,000 based on his rate of annual base salary at the
Resignation Date;
•
an annual incentive award for 2020 of $76,500, which is equal to the product of: (A) $400,160 (his
average annual bonus for the three full years preceding his resignation) and (B) a fraction, the
numerator of which is the number of days he was employed by the Company during 2020 and the
denominator of which is the number of days in such year; and
• participation at the Company’s expense under COBRA for six months for him and each of his
eligible dependents in all medical, dental, hospitalization and other employee welfare benefit
plans, programs and arrangements covered by COBRA.
Prior to the Resignation Date, Mr. Turner had interests in the following schemes operated by the
Company:
•
interest in the MIP, which was forfeited as of the Resignation Date in accordance with the terms
of the MIP;
• outstanding vested options to acquire an aggregate of 230,000 shares granted under the US Stock
Plan, which Mr. Turner voluntarily forfeited in full as of the Resignation Date;
• outstanding restricted share unit awards (RSUs) granted under the LTIP to acquire an aggregate
of 745,045 shares subject to performance, which Mr. Turner voluntarily forfeited in full as of the
Resignation Date;
• outstanding RSUs, granted prior to Mr. Turner becoming an Executive Director, to acquire an
aggregate of 179,588 shares subject to continued employment, of which 154,194 shares vested
in accordance with their terms as of the Resignation Date, and the remainder were cancelled and
terminated as a result of time pro-rating; and
• outstanding awards in the form of 30,000 units granted under the Phantom Plan, which are fully
vested; for the period ending on the date falling 24 months after his Resignation Date, Mr. Turner
will remain entitled to a proportion of the payment he would have received on a liquidity event
had he remained an employee; that proportion is 90% if the liquidity event occurs within 6 months
after his Resignation Date, 75% if 7-12 months after his Resignation Date; 50% if 13-18 months
after his Resignation Date; 25% if 19-24 months after his Resignation Date, and 0% if later than 24
months after his Resignation Date.
No further payments will be made to Mr. Turner in connection with his resignation.
Limits on the number of shares used to satisfy share awards (dilution limits)
All of the Group’s incentive schemes that contain an element that may be satisfied in Allied Minds plc
shares incorporate provisions that in any ten-year period (ending on the relevant date of grant), the
maximum number of the shares that may be issued or issuable under all such schemes shall not exceed
95
10% of the issued ordinary share capital of the Company from time to time (excluding shares issued
pursuant to awards granted prior to IPO under the US Stock Plan).
The Committee regularly monitors the position and prior to the making of any share-based award,
considers the effect of potential vesting of outstanding awards to ensure that the Company remains within
these limits. Any awards which are required to be satisfied by market purchased shares are excluded from
such calculations. No treasury shares were held or utilised in the year ended 31 December 2019.
Remuneration Committee: details and governance
The full terms of reference of the Committee, which are reviewed annually, are available on the Group’s
website at www.alliedminds.com. In summary, the Remuneration Committee has specific responsibility
for advising the Board on the remuneration and other benefits of Executive Directors and senior
management, an overall policy in respect of remuneration of other employees of the Group and
establishing the Group’s policy with respect to employee incentivisation schemes.
The Remuneration Committee is currently comprised of the following independent Non-Executive
Directors, whose backgrounds and experience are summarised on pages 34 to 35:
• Bruce Failing (Chair)
• Harry Rein
• Mark Lerdal
Mr. Rein served during the entire financial year, Jeff Rohr served beginning on 10 June 2019 (replacing
Mr. Sharer) through the end of the year, and Mr. Lerdal served beginning on 11 December 2019 (replacing
Mr. Foley). Post-period end, Mr. Rohr resigned from the Board and Mr. Failing was appointed as a Director
and replaced Mr. Rein as the Chair of the Committee, in each case, effective as of 10 March 2020.
Committee meetings are administered and minuted by the Company Secretary. In addition, the
Committee received assistance from the Chief Executive Officers, who attend certain meetings by
invitation, except when matters relating to their own remuneration were being discussed.
Key activities carried out by the Committee were during 2019 are set out in the Committee Chairman’s
statement on pages 70 to 73.
External advisers
The Remuneration Committee is authorised, if it wishes, to seek independent specialist services to provide
information and advice on remuneration at the Company’s expense, including attendance at Committee
meetings.
During the year, the Remuneration Committee continued its review of executive remuneration and took
into consideration professional advice from Deloitte LLP and Ropes and Gray LLP. Deloitte LLP and Ropes
and Gray LLP assisted the Remuneration Committee through a review of the Remuneration Policy in 2019
in connection with the change in Group strategy to focus exclusively on supporting our seven existing
portfolio companies and maximising monetisation opportunities for portfolio company interests, and not
to deploy any capital into new portfolio companies, and to adjust the remuneration program to better
align remuneration with this revised strategy. Fees paid to Deloitte LLP in connection with advice to the
Remuneration Committee in 2019 were $61,500 (2018: $43,000) and fees paid to Ropes and Gray LLP
96
were $91,612 (2018: nil). Deloitte provided no other services or advice to the Group during the year.
Deloitte LLP is a founding member of the Remuneration Consultants Group and adhere to its Code of
Conduct in relation to executive remuneration consulting in the UK.
Statement of voting at general meeting
The table below sets out the proxy results of the vote on the Group’s Remuneration Report at the Group’s
2019 AGM, and the proxy results of the vote on the Group’s Remuneration Policy at the Group’s 2019
AGM:
Votes for
Votes against
Number
107,255,825
129,448,525
% of cast
votes
80.84%
85.13%
Number
25,426,802
22,612,862
% of cast
votes
19.16%
14.87%
Votes cast
Votes
withheld
132,682,627 38,788,134
152,061,387 19,409,374
Remuneration Report
Remuneration Policy
Approval
This Directors’ Remuneration Report, including both the Remuneration Policy and Annual Report on
Remuneration has been approved by the Board of Directors.
Bruce Failing
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee
4 June 2020
97
Audit Committee Report
The Audit Committee plays an integral role in assisting the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities,
and as a whole, has the competence relevant to the sector in which the Company operates. In performing
its duties, the Committee strives to maintain effective working relationships with the Board, the
Company’s management and the external auditors. The Committee reviews the integrity of the financial
statements of the Group, reviews all proposed half-yearly and annual results, and advises the Board
whether it believes the annual report and accounts, taken as a whole, fairly present the Company’s
financial position and provide the necessary information to the shareholders of the Company to assess
the Company’s position and performance, business model, and strategy.
Membership
The Committee comprises three independent Non-Executive Directors. Members of the Committee are
appointed by the Board. The CEO and CFO, General Counsel and external auditors also participate in
Committee meetings by invitation. As Chair of the Audit Committee, Mr. Lerdal has relevant, recent
financial experience with over thirty years of senior management and executive experience. Messrs. Rein
and Rohr served on the Audit Committee during the entire financial year, with Mr. Lerdal’s service
beginning on 11 December 2019 (replacing Mr. Foley). Post-period end, Mr. Rohr resigned from the Board
and Bruce Failing was appointed as a Director and shall serve on the Audit Committee (replacing Mr. Rohr),
effective as of 10 March 2020.
The Committee met five times in 2019, and the external auditors participated in three of these meetings.
Reflecting the meetings for which each member was then appointed to the Committee, all members were
present at all meetings during the year during their term of service.
Responsibilities
The Committee’s main responsibilities are to monitor the integrity of the financial statements of the
Company, including its annual and half-yearly reports and accounts and any other formal announcement
relating to its financial performance; and reviewing and reporting to the Board on significant financial
reporting issues and judgements made and matters communicated to it by the auditor. The roles and
responsibilities of the Audit Committee additionally include to:
• Review the Company’s internal financial controls and the Company’s internal control and risk
management systems;
• Advise on the need for and monitor and review the effectiveness of the Company’s internal audit
function;
• Make recommendations to the Board, for it to put to the shareholders for their approval in
general meeting, in relation to the appointment of the external auditor and to approve the
remuneration and terms of engagement of the external auditor;
• Review and monitor the external auditor’s independence and objectivity and the effectiveness of
into consideration relevant UK professional and regulatory
the audit process, taking
requirements;
98
• Develop and implement policy on the engagement of the external auditor to supply non-audit
services, taking into account relevant ethical guidance regarding the provision of non-audit
services by the external audit firm; and to report to the Board, identifying any matters in respect
of which it considers that action or improvement is needed, and making recommendations as to
the steps to be taken;
• Conduct a performance evaluation of the Committee annually to ensure that it continues to be
effective and that each of the Directors on the Committee demonstrates commitment to his or
her respective role and has sufficient time to meet his or her commitment to the Company; and
• Report to the Board on how it has discharged its responsibilities.
The Committee carries out these duties for the Company, major subsidiary undertakings and the Group
as a whole, as appropriate. In 2019, the Committee discharged all such duties as further described below,
including, without limitation, completing an annual review of its internal controls and risk management
systems with its external auditors and reviewing the Financial Position, Prospects and Procedures of the
Company on an ongoing basis throughout the year to enable the Board to make proper judgements.
Activities during the year
The Committee’s activities for the year ended 31 December 2019 included the responsibilities set forth
above, as well as the items set forth below:
Financial reporting
• Reviewed and approved the appropriate audit plan, before the start of the annual audit cycle;
• Reviewed and provided comments and recommendations in respect of the financial statements
in the half-yearly report for the period ended 30 June 2019, and the financial statements in the
Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2019;
• Reviewed the Company’s approach and methodology for determining the fair value of
investments and the preferred share liability. Considered and recommended the involvement of
an external valuation specialist firm to assist management and the Board in deriving the fair value
of the subsidiary undertakings; and
• Considered significant matters, risk areas, and areas of judgement in relation to the Group’s
financial statements taking into account the areas highlighted by the external auditors in their
presentations to the Committee, and challenged where necessary.
The Committee is satisfied with the integrity of the financial statements of the Company in all material
aspects, including the application of significant accounting policies, the methods used to account for
significant transactions, use of judgements and estimates made by management, including those made in
deriving the fair value of the subsidiary undertakings, and the quality and completeness of the disclosures
in the financial statements of the Company.
The Committee is satisfied that this Annual Report as a whole is fair, balanced and understandable, and
provides the information necessary for a reasonable shareholder to assess the Company’s position and
performance, business model and strategy.
99
Internal controls and risk management systems
• Reviewed the principal elements of the Company’s risk management framework as set out on
pages 27 to 33 of this Annual Report. The Committee gives consideration and provides guidance
on enhancing the internal controls and risk management framework, as needed;
• Reviewed the established procedures, which provide a reasonable basis for the Board to make
proper judgements on an ongoing basis as to the Financial Position, Prospects and Procedures
(FPPP) of the Company following the adopted risk approach; and
• Reviewed the whistleblower policy that was established and approved by the Board in 2014,
which has been communicated to employees. The Audit Committee is satisfied that the policy
has been designed to encourage staff to report suspected wrongdoing as soon as possible, provide
staff with guidance on how to raise those concerns, and ensure staff that they should be able to
raise genuine concerns without fear of reprisals, even if they turn out to be mistaken.
Significant areas reported to the Board
Financial instruments valuation
The Group finances its subsidiaries partly through preferred shares or convertible notes which are
classified as liabilities and carried at fair value. The Group also holds financial assets held at fair value
through profit and loss. Significant estimates are made when determining the appropriate valuation
methodology and deriving the estimated fair value of the preferred shares and convertible notes. As such,
they present a significant risk for the financial statements.
Parent company recoverability of intra-group debtors
The significant issue is the recoverability of the investment by the Company, due to its materiality in the
context of the total assets of the Company. The carrying value of investments and related party
receivables was not supported by the market capitalisation of the Group therefore an impairment was
recorded. The Committee was satisfied with the conclusion reached.
Determination of the accounting and valuation of investment in associates and investments held at fair
value
It has been determined that the Group no longer has control as defined in IFRS 10 but has maintained
significant influence over some of its former subsidiaries and due to the fact that Group holds a variety of
instruments in these entities, which have varying risks and rights, there is significant judgement in relation
to the accounting for these instruments. It has been determined that where the instruments held are
preferred shares these will be accounted for as financial assets and held at fair value rather than equity
accounted for as associates. This is due to the fact that the preferred shares are determined not to have
equity like features. The valuation of these financial assets also includes a significant level of judgement
and external valuation specialists are utilised in this process. The Committee believes that the Group
considered the pertinent terms and accurate accounting of each of the financial instruments (and sought
external expertise as well).
Prior Year Adjustments
During 2019, three prior year adjustments were identified to the consolidated financial statements for
the year ended 31 December 2018 as follows: share of loss in associate now reported as loss of $3.7
100
million (previously loss of $1.3 million); gain on deconsolidation and investments held at fair value now
reported as $55.1 million (previously income of $42.8 million); loss on dissolution of subsidiaries now
reported at $11.3 million (previously $ nil); and non-controlling interest now adjusted to accurately reflect
the share of comprehensive loss and effect of change in Company’s ownership interest resulting from
changes in common stock ownership in subsidiaries of the Group. These adjustments have been reflected
in this Annual Report and Accounts and are further described in note 25 to the consolidated financial
statements.
Change in strategy – impact on viability
Reviewed the impact of the change in strategy on the Company’s viability as stated in the Overview on
pages 42 to 43, as the Directors have now determined to focus exclusively on supporting our seven
existing portfolio companies and maximising monetisation opportunities for portfolio company interests,
and not to deploy any capital into new portfolio companies. The Committee concluded that the change
in strategy did not adversely impact the Company’s viability.
Going concern
There is judgement relating to whether the Group and Company have sufficient financial resources to
continue as a going concern based on the Group and Company’s business model and other applicable
factors that may impact such determination. As previously noted, the ongoing spread of COVID-19 has
the potential to negatively impact the Group’s and the Company’s financial position. However, the Group
continues to closely monitor the disease, its impact on its workforce, the global economy and its suppliers,
customers and partners in order to make decisions and take meaningful actions to mitigate against
disruption to operations across the portfolio and the potential negative financial impact. Taking all factors
into consideration, management have assessed that the Group and Company continue to be a going
concern and the Committee is satisfied with the assessment made.
External audit
• Reviewed and approved the scope of the external audit procedures over the half-yearly report for
the period ended 30 June 2019, and the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31
December 2019;
• Discussed with management and agreed upon the terms of the engagement of the external
auditors and the auditors’ remuneration for audit and non-audit services. In assessing
independence, the Audit Committee received the auditor’s presentation and confirmation that in
its professional judgment, KPMG LLP is independent within the meaning of regulatory and
professional requirements and the objectivity of the partner and audit staff is not impaired. The
Committee was satisfied that throughout the year that the objectivity and independence of KPMG
LLP was not in any way impaired by the non-audit services they provided to the Group during the
year, by the amounts of non-audit fees, or by any other factors;
• Assessed the independence, objectivity and qualifications of KPMG LLP as the external auditor
and evaluated the quality and effectiveness of the audit procedures. In doing so, the Committee
reviewed the audit plan and monitored performance against the plan, reviewed the periodic
reports of KPMG LLP to the Committee that highlighted key areas of focus during the audit and
the applied audit approach, and obtained feedback from the finance department in respect to
101
quality and status of KPMG LLP work in the course of the audit. The Committee concluded that
the audit process during the year was effective; and
• Reviewed and discussed the principal areas of financial reporting risk, as highlighted above, and
reported to the Board.
KPMG LLP has been the external auditor of the Group since the first audit of the consolidated financial
statements of Allied Minds plc in 2014. The Committee has considered, on an ongoing basis, that the
Group receives a high quality and effective audit service from its external auditor. In evaluating KPMG’s
performance during 2019, prior to making a recommendation on its re-appointment for the following
year, the Committee reviewed the quality of the audit, independence and overall performance of KPMG
against industry standards. Charles le Strange Meakin was the audit partner through 2018, and Robert
Seale has served in this capacity starting in 2019. The total fees to KPMG LLP for the year ended 31
December 2019 were $0.7 million (see note 5 of the consolidated financial statements). The Audit
Committee has considered the recent European Union audit reforms in terms of tendering and auditor’s
tenure. Given that the Group listed on the London Stock Exchange during 2014 and became a public
interest entity (PIE), the next anticipated requirement to tender audit will be for the 2024 calendar year.
As such, the Company is complying with the Statutory Audit Services Order.
Internal audit
Given the size and composition of the Group, taking into account relevant significant matters, risk areas,
areas of judgement in relation to the Group’s financial statements, and that all Group financial systems,
transactions, and processes are conducted at the central office, the Board did not consider it necessary to
have an internal audit function during the year. The Board will keep this decision under annual review.
Mark Lerdal
Chairman of the Audit Committee
4 June 2020
102
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ALLIED MINDS PLC
1 Our opinion is unmodified
We have audited the financial statements of Allied Minds plc (“the Company”) for the year ended 31
December 2019 which comprise the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income/(Loss),
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity, Consolidated
Statement of Cash Flows, Company Balance Sheet, Company Statement of Changes in Equity, Company
Statement of Cash flows, and the related notes, including the accounting policies in note 1.
In our opinion:
•
•
•
•
the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the parent
Company’s affairs as at 31 December 2019 and of the Group’s profit for the year then ended;
the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with International
Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union (IFRSs as adopted by the EU);
the parent Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as
adopted by the EU and as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006; and
the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies
Act 2006 and, as regards the Group financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (“ISAs (UK)”) and
applicable law. Our responsibilities are described below. We believe that the audit evidence we have
obtained is a sufficient and appropriate basis for our opinion. Our audit opinion is consistent with our
report to the audit committee.
We were first appointed as auditor by the shareholders on 10 July 2014. The period of total uninterrupted
engagement is for the six financial years ended 31 December 2019. We have fulfilled our ethical
responsibilities under, and we remain independent of the Group in accordance with, UK ethical
requirements including the FRC Ethical Standard as applied to listed public interest entities. No non-audit
services prohibited by that standard were provided.
2 Key audit matters: our assessment of risks of material misstatement
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in the
audit of the financial statements and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement
(whether or not due to fraud) identified by us, including those which had the greatest effect on: the overall
audit strategy; the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team.
We summarise below the key audit matters, in decreasing order of audit significance, in arriving at our
audit opinion above, together with our key audit procedures to address those matters and, as required
for public interest entities, our results from those procedures. These matters were addressed, and our
results are based on procedures undertaken, in the context of, and solely for the purpose of, our audit of
the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and consequently are incidental
to that opinion, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.
103
Valuation of financial instruments measured at fair value through profit/loss ($62.7m financial assets,
$7m financial liabilities; 2018: $56.5m financial assets, $54.2m financial liabilities) (Risk is unchanged from
prior year)
Refer to page 100 (Audit Committee Report), note 1 on pages 122 to 123 (accounting policy) and note
11, 16, 18 and 20 on pages 152 to 155, 159 to 163, 164 and pages 166 to 168 (financial disclosures).
The Group finances its subsidiaries partly through preferred shares or convertible notes which are
classified as liabilities and carried at fair value. The Group also holds financial assets held at fair value
through profit and loss.
Determining the fair value of the financial instruments involves a significant level of judgement around
the assumptions used, and internal and external factors that may impact the assumptions.
The fair value of these liabilities is derived using an option pricing model (OPM) or Probability-Weighted
Expected Return Model (PWERM) analysis or hybrid of both which involves a significant level of judgement
around the key assumptions, such as subsidiary values (by applying either market, income or cost
valuation approaches), volatility, expected time to the conversion event, forecast exit dates and scenarios
and applicable probability weighting.
The valuation methodologies utilised to determine the subsidiary and associate equity valuations are
based on the market approach (either implied value from a recent third party funding or comparable
guideline public companies or comparable transactions), income approach or cost approach. It is noted
that in the current and prior year none of the equity values were determined using the income approach.
• There is judgement in relation to the appropriate valuation technique to adopt in determining the
equity value of each entity, dependent on the nature and the stage of the company being valued.
• Where the market approach (comparable public companies or transactions) is used, there is
subjectivity relating to the comparable companies or transactions selected and then the equity value
in the range that is used.
• For market based valuations utilising the implied value from recent third party funding rounds, there
is judgement as to whether the funding round is sufficiently arm’s length to ensure that it is
representative of an independent market valuation at fair value. The considerations include whether
the investors are, or include, third parties and whether the portion of investors that are third parties
are sufficient to represent fair value as well as if the funding round is ‘distressed funding’ or other such
factors which could impact whether it can be representative of fair value. There is also judgement in
relation whether indexation should be applied to the valuation from the period between the date of
the third party funding round and the year end date. This includes consideration of both market and
company specific factors and events in this period.
• Where the valuation utilises the cost approach, there is judgement relating to whether the costs
incurred by the company in developing the intellectual property and/ or the value of the IP and the
assets of the company is representative of what would be recoverable if the company had to be sold.
• The effect of these matters is that, as part of our risk assessment, we determined that the valuation of
financial instruments has a high degree of estimation uncertainty, with a potential range of reasonable
outcomes greater than our materiality for the financial statements as a whole and possibly many times
that amount. The financial statements (note 11 and 16) disclose the sensitivity estimated by the Group.
104
Our procedures included:
Our valuation expertise:
• We used our own valuation specialists to assist us in critically assessing certain key inputs utilised
within the OPM, PWERMs or hybrid approaches for each company being valued, being equity value
where derived from the market valuation approach and the volatility and risk free rates used in the
OPM models using independent external corroboration.
• We critically challenged the appropriateness of the comparable companies utilised in the market based
valuation approach by using our own valuation experts to source confirming and disconfirming
evidence. which involves critically assessing the appropriateness of the comparable companies and
transactions utilised in the valuation by management’s experts as well as forming their own
independent view on which companies should be included in the assessment.
• Our valuation specialists critically assessed the appropriateness of the discount rates applied for
income based equity valuations, with specific focus on the venture capital rates of return utilised. We
considered against the stage of development of the company where capital rates of return are utilised.
• Our valuation specialists critically assessed the appropriateness of comparable companies used by
management’s specialists in determining the volatility assumption by using their own comparable
company data.
• Our valuation specialists critically assessed the appropriateness of the risk free rates used by reference
to independent external corroboration.
Our valuation expertise:
• Our valuation experts assessed the expertise and independence of the external experts that assisted
the Group in deriving the fair value amounts.
Methodology choice:
• We, with assistance from our specialists, assessed the appropriateness of the valuation methodology
used for each company based on the specific circumstances relevant to each company such as the
stage of development, whether there are relevant comparable companies to the company, whether
reliable forecasts are available, proximity to funding round, the industry in which it operates and also
the likely exit date of commercialisation date and assessed for consistency with the approach taken in
the prior year, understanding and challenging changes made.
Test of detail:
•
Internal data such as strategic plans, forecasts and budgets and actual results are utilised for inputs
such as exit dates and scenarios and probability of exit scenarios. Procedures performed included
comparing to prior periods for consistency, assessing the probabilities assigned to the scenarios given
the stage of the company in its life cycle, understanding key changes and critically assessing current
progress against milestones set and assessing where there is an impact on the forecast exit date and
assessing whether the assumptions used are consistent with the strategic plans.
• Where valuations are based on the implied value from the most recent third party investment we
assessed the accuracy of the data used including agreeing to related contracts and capitalisation tables.
We evaluated the independence of the funding rounds on which the valuation was based by looking
at the number of external investors included within the funding round and the significance of their
105
investments. For a sample of external investors we compared the directors and key management of
those investors for any potential overlap with the Group. We also critically assessed whether there had
been market or company specific events between the date of the third party funding round and the
year end date which would impact the value of the company and therefore be needed to considered
in terms in indexing the valuation.
• Where an asset based valuation was utilised to value a company we critically assessed both the
appropriateness of using this methodology, based on the circumstances specific to the company as
well as critically assessing the appropriateness of the determined valuation amount with reference to
the activities of the company to date and the value on its balance sheet.
Assessing transparency:
• We assessed whether the Group’s disclosures were consistent with the valuations performed and
whether the Group’s disclosures adequately highlighted the uncertainty inherent in the valuations.
Our results
We found the valuation of financial instruments carried at fair value through profit and loss to be
acceptable (2018: acceptable).
Determination of the accounting and valuation of investment in associate and investments held at fair
value ($68.7m; 2018: $76.1m) (Risk is unchanged from prior year)
Refer to page 100 (Audit Committee Report), note 1 on page 121 (accounting policy) and note 11 on pages
149 to 155 (financial disclosures).
Accounting treatment: The Group has entities it controls and therefore consolidates these entities under
IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements. As the entities progress through their life cycles from start-up
R&D activities through to commercialisation they may require further external funding which in some
scenarios reduces the Group’s shareholding to an extent that it loses control which results in them no
longer consolidating the entity. Where the Group loses control of the entities, there is judgement in
relation to whether the Group retains significant influence and therefore has an associate entity. Due to
the fact that the Company holds a variety of instruments in the entities, which have varying risks and
rights, there is significant judgement in relation to whether the shares that the Group holds are such that
they should be equity accounted under IAS 28 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures or accounted
for as a financial asset under IFRS 9Financial Instruments and therefore accounted for at fair value through
profit or loss.
Subjective valuation:
There is a significant level of judgement involving estimates in relation to determining the fair value of
this financial asset. The valuation risk is outlined on page 104 to 106.
In the current year this risk is specific to Federated Wireless Inc, Spin Memory Inc. TableUp Inc and Orbital
Sidekick Inc.
Our procedures included:
• Accounting analysis: We assessed the Group’s determination of whether significant influence exists
106
including key factors such as; access to financial information, presence on the Board of Directors and
voting rights of shares owned by the Group. We have considered The Group’s technical accounting
where there is a determination that the investment held by the Group falls within the scope of IAS 28
and/or IFRS 9. We have considered the appropriate accounting in each case whether that be equity
accounting or accounted as a financial asset or a combination of both.
• Assessing transparency: We considered the adequacy of the disclosure of the accounting treatment in
the financial statements and disclosure of assumptions relating to the valuation of the investment
when it falls into the scope of IFRS 9.
• Our valuation expertise: We assessed the Group’s valuation of the financial assets in line with the
procedures outlined in our response to the significant risk detailed in the “Valuation of preferred share
liabilities measured at fair value through profit/loss”.
Our results
We found the determination of the classification of and the valuation of the investments to be acceptable
(2018: acceptable).
Parent company recoverability of intra-group debtors ($187.4m; 2018: $186.8m) (Risk is unchanged from
prior year)
Refer to note 1 on page 181 (accounting policy) and note 4 on page 183 (financial disclosures).
High risk, High value
The carrying amount of the parent company’s intra-group debtor balance with the intermediary holding
company represents 99% (2018: 99%) of the Company’s total assets. The recoverability of this balance is
at risk of due to the fall in value of some of the subsidiaries including the fact that a number of subsidiaries
have ceased to operate in the year. The estimated recoverable amount of these balances is subjective due
to the inherent uncertainty in determining the fair value of the subsidiaries. The effect of these matters is
that, as part of our risk assessment, we determined that the recoverable amount of the intra-group
debtors has a high degree of estimation uncertainty, with a potential range of reasonable outcomes
greater than our materiality for the financial statements as a whole. Due to its materiality in the context
of the parent Company financial statements, this is considered to be the area that had the greatest effect
on our overall parent company audit.
Our procedures included:
Comparing valuations:
• We compared the carrying amount of the intra-group debtor to the market capitalisation of the Group,
as Allied Minds LLC contains all of the Group’s trading operations, to assess for indicators of
impairment.
• As an indicator of impairment was identified, we compared the carrying value of the intercompany
receivables to the sum of valuations derived for the purposes of the fair value of the financial
instruments plus the cash that is held by intermediate holding companies to determine if an
impairment should be recorded.
Our results
We found the Group’s assessment of the parent Company recoverability of intra-Group debtors to be
107
acceptable (2018: acceptable).
In our audit report for the year ended 31 December 2018 we included:
• Financial instrument liabilities – preferred shares classification as one of the risks of material
misstatement that had the greatest effect on our audit. However, as the Group did not issue any new
preferred shares with different terms, there was no judgement in assessing whether the instrument
should be classified as debt or equity and when classified as debt, whether there are any embedded
derivatives that require separation and would prevent the designation of the entire hybrid contract at
fair value through profit or loss.
• Revenue recognition as one of the risks of material misstatement that had the greatest effect on our
audit. However, as the group had limited new revenue contracts during the year that were determined
to not be complex, there was no significant level of judgement involved in revenue recognition.
• Going concern as one of the risks of material misstatement that had the greatest effect on our audit.
However, as the Group was able to sell one of its minority investments in the year which resulted in
sufficient cash for the company to remain a going concern for at least 12 months from signing the
financial statements. The impact of COVID-19 has been considered in this assessment and determined
that, although there still remains uncertainty, it is likely to have a limited impact on the cash and
therefore going concern position of the Group.
Therefore these are no longer one of the most significant risks in our current year audit and are therefore
not separately identified in our report this year.
3 Our application of materiality and an overview of the scope of our audit
Materiality for the Group financial statements as a whole was set at $1.3m (2018: $0.9m), determined
with reference to a benchmark of total assets (2018: total expenses (being general and administrative
expenses and research and development expenses)) of $170.5m (2018: $94.3m) which represents 0.7%
(2018: 1.0%). Total assets is considered to be the most appropriate benchmark given the change in
strategy of the company to managing its existing portfolio and ceasing investment in new companies.
Allied Minds are now predominantly focussed on increasing the value of their currently held investments
(assets) in order to realise a gain once they exit.
Materiality for the parent Company financial statements as a whole was set at $0.3m (2018: $0.8m),
determined with reference to a benchmark of total assets of $189.6m (2018: $188.8m), of which it
represents 0.16% (2018: 0.4%).
We agreed to report to the Audit Committee any corrected or uncorrected identified misstatements
exceeding $65k (2018: $45k), in addition to other identified misstatements that warranted reporting on
qualitative grounds.
Of the Group’s 4 (2018: 2) reporting components, we subjected 4 (2018: 2) to full scope audits for group
purposes.
The components within the scope of our work accounted for 100% of revenue, profit/ loss for the year
and total assets. The component materiality ranged from $260k to $845k, having regard to the mix of size
and risk profile of the Group across the components. The work on all components, including the audit of
the parent Company, was performed by the Group team.
108
100% of revenue, profit/ loss for the year and total assets have been included in the scope of our audit
work.
4 We have nothing to report on going concern
The Directors have prepared the financial statements on the going concern basis as they do not intend to
liquidate the Company or the Group or to cease their operations, and as they have concluded that the
Company’s and the Group’s financial position means that this is realistic. They have also concluded that
there are no material uncertainties that could have cast significant doubt over their ability to continue as
a going concern for at least a year from the date of approval of the financial statements (“the going
concern period”).
Our responsibility is to conclude on the appropriateness of the Directors’ conclusions and, had there been
a material uncertainty related to going concern, to make reference to that in this audit report. However,
as we cannot predict all future events or conditions and as subsequent events may result in outcomes
that are inconsistent with judgements that were reasonable at the time they were made, the absence of
reference to a material uncertainty in this auditor's report is not a guarantee that the Group and the
Company will continue in operation.
In our evaluation of the Directors’ conclusions, we considered the inherent risks to the Group’s and
Company’s business model and analysed how those risks might affect the Group’s and Company’s
financial resources or ability to continue operations over the going concern period. The risks that we
considered most likely to adversely affect the Group’s and Company’s available financial resources over
this period was:
• Failure to raise future funding to finance the Group’s strategic business model.
As this risk could potentially cast significant doubt on the Group’s and the Company's ability to continue
as a going concern, we considered sensitivities over the level of available financial resources indicated by
the Group’s financial forecasts taking account of reasonably possible (but not unrealistic) adverse effects
that could arise from these risks individually and collectively and evaluated the achievability of the actions
the Directors consider they would take to improve the position should the risks materialise.
Based on this work, we are required to report to you if:
• we have anything material to add or draw attention to in relation to the directors’ statement in Note
1 to the financial statements on the use of the going concern basis of accounting with no material
uncertainties that may cast significant doubt over the Group and Company’s use of that basis for a
period of at least twelve months from the date of approval of the financial statements; or
the related statement under the Listing Rules set out on pages 41 to 42 is materially inconsistent with
our audit knowledge.
•
We have nothing to report in these respects, and we did not identify going concern as a key audit
matter.
5 We have nothing to report on the other information in the Annual Report
The directors are responsible for the other information presented in the Annual Report together with the
financial statements. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and,
109
accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion or, except as explicitly stated below, any form of
assurance conclusion thereon.
Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether, based on our
financial statements audit work, the information therein is materially misstated or inconsistent with the
financial statements or our audit knowledge. Based solely on that work we have not identified material
misstatements in the other information.
Strategic report and directors’ report
Based solely on our work on the other information:
• we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report and the directors’ report;
•
in our opinion the information given in those reports for the financial year is consistent with the
financial statements; and
in our opinion those reports have been prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006.
•
Directors’ remuneration report
In our opinion the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited has been properly prepared
in accordance with the Companies Act 2006.
Disclosures of emerging and principal risks and longer-term viability
Based on the knowledge we acquired during our financial statements audit, we have nothing material to
add or draw attention to in relation to:
•
•
•
the directors’ confirmation within the Viability Statement on pages 42 to 43 that they have carried
out a robust assessment of the emerging and principal risks facing the Group, including those that
would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency and liquidity;
the Principal and Emerging Risks disclosures describing these risks and explaining how they are being
managed and mitigated; and
the directors’ explanation in the Viability Statement of how they have assessed the prospects of the
Group, over what period they have done so and why they considered that period to be appropriate,
and their statement as to whether they have a reasonable expectation that the Group will be able to
continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the period of their assessment,
including any related disclosures drawing attention to any necessary qualifications or assumptions.
Under the Listing Rules we are required to review the Viability Statement. We have nothing to report in
this respect.
Our work is limited to assessing these matters in the context of only the knowledge acquired during our
financial statements audit. As we cannot predict all future events or conditions and as subsequent events
may result in outcomes that are inconsistent with judgments that were reasonable at the time they were
made, the absence of anything to report on these statements is not a guarantee as to the Group’s and
Company’s longer-term viability.
Corporate governance disclosures
We are required to report to you if:
110
• we have identified material inconsistencies between the knowledge we acquired during our financial
statements audit and the directors’ statement that they consider that the annual report and financial
statements taken as a whole is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information
necessary for shareholders to assess the Group’s position and performance, business model and
strategy; or
the section of the annual report describing the work of the Audit Committee does not appropriately
address matters communicated by us to the Audit Committee.
•
We are required to report to you if the Corporate Governance Statement does not properly disclose a
departure from the provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code specified by the Listing Rules for
our review.
We have nothing to report in these respects.
6 We have nothing to report on the other matters on which we are required to report by exception
Under the Companies Act 2006, we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:
• adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent Company, or returns adequate for our
•
audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
the parent Company financial statements and the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be
audited are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
•
certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or
• we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
We have nothing to report in these respects.
7 Respective responsibilities
Directors’ responsibilities
As explained more fully in their statement set out on pages 44 to 45, the directors are responsible for: the
preparation of the financial statements including being satisfied that they give a true and fair view; such
internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are
free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; assessing the Group and parent
Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going
concern; and using the going concern basis of accounting unless they either intend to liquidate the Group
or the parent Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor’s responsibilities
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole
are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or other irregularities (see below), or error,
and to issue our opinion in an auditor’s report. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but
does not guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material
misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud, other irregularities or error and are
considered material if, individually or in aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the
economic decisions of users taken on the basis of the financial statements.
111
A fuller description of our responsibilities is provided on the FRC’s website at
www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities.
Irregularities – ability to detect
We identified areas of laws and regulations that could reasonably be expected to have a material effect
on the financial statements from our general commercial and sector experience and through discussion
with the directors and other management (as required by auditing standards), and from inspection of the
Group’s regulatory and legal correspondence and discussed with the directors and other management
the policies and procedures regarding compliance with laws and regulations. We communicated
identified laws and regulations throughout our team and remained alert to any indications of non-
compliance throughout the audit.
The potential effect of these laws and regulations on the financial statements varies considerably.
Firstly, the Group is subject to laws and regulations that directly affect the financial statements including
financial reporting legislation (including related companies legislation), distributable profits legislation,
taxation legislation, Food and Drug Administration regulation and whether they need to comply with the
1940’s Investment Act and we assessed the extent of compliance with these laws and regulations as part
of our procedures on the related financial statement items.
Secondly, the Group is subject to many other laws and regulations where the consequences of non-
compliance could have a material effect on amounts or disclosures in the financial statements, for
instance through the imposition of fines or litigation or the loss of the Group’s licence to operate. We
identified the following areas as those most likely to have such an effect: health and safety, anti-bribery,
employment law, regulatory capital and liquidity and certain aspects of company legislation recognising
the financial and regulated nature of the Group’s activities and its legal form. Auditing standards limit
the required audit procedures to identify non-compliance with these laws and regulations to enquiry of
the directors and other management and inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any.
These limited procedures did not identify actual or suspected non-compliance.
Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected
some material misstatements in the financial statements, even though we have properly planned and
performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. For example, the further removed non-
compliance with laws and regulations (irregularities) is from the events and transactions reflected in the
financial statements, the less likely the inherently limited procedures required by auditing standards
would identify it. In addition, as with any audit, there remained a higher risk of non-detection of
irregularities, as these may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the
override of internal controls. We are not responsible for preventing non-compliance and cannot be
expected to detect non-compliance with all laws and regulations.
8 The purpose of our audit work and to whom we owe our responsibilities
This report is made solely to the Company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16
of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company’s
members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than
the Company and the Company’s members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the
112
opinions we have formed.
Robert Seale (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of KPMG LLP, Statutory Auditor
Chartered Accountants
15 Canada Square
London
E14 5GL
4 June 2020
113
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/ (LOSS)
For the year ended 31 December
Note
Revenue
Operating expenses:
Cost of revenue
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Research and development expenses
Operating loss
Other income:
Gain on disposal of assets
Gain on deconsolidation of subsidiary
Gain on investments held at fair value (net)
(Loss)/ gain on dissolution of subsidiaries
Other income
Finance income
Finance cost
Finance income from IFRS9/ fair value accounting
Finance income/(loss), net
Share of net loss of associates accounted for using the equity method 11
Taxation
Income before taxation
Income for the period
Other comprehensive income:
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
Foreign currency translation differences
Other comprehensive income, net of taxation
Total comprehensive income for the period
Income/(loss) attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent
Non-controlling interests
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent
Non-controlling interests
Income per share
Basic
Diluted
3
4,5
4,5
4,5
11
11
11
4,15
7
7
7
23
15
15
8
8
2019
$ '000
2,692
(1,433)
(34,316)
(16,146)
(49,203)
165
69,828
41,194
7,128
118,315
1,008
(267)
9,251
9,992
(28,850)
50,254
—
50,254
808
808
51,062
51,335
(1,081)
50,254
52,143
(1,081)
51,062
$
0.21
0.21
2018
Restated*
$ '000
5,561
(2,827)
(49,328)
(44,947)
(91,541)
3,887
52,857
2,213
(11,279)
47,678
1,775
(462)
91,562
92,875
(3,658)
45,354
—
45,354
561
561
45,915
37,355
7,999
45,354
37,916
7,999
45,915
$
0.16
0.16
*See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. Prior year financials have been restated (see note 25).
114
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
As of 31 December
Note
2019
$ '000
2018
Restated*
$ '000
Non-current assets
Property and equipment
Intangible assets
Investment at fair value
Investment in associate
Right-of-use assets
Other financial assets
Total non-current assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash
Trade and other receivables
Other financial assets
Total current assets
Total assets
Equity
Share capital
Share premium
Merger reserve
Translation reserve
Accumulated profit/ (deficit)
Equity attributable to owners of the Company
Non-controlling interests
Total equity
Non-current liabilities
Lease liabilities
Other non-current liabilities
Total non-current liabilities
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Deferred revenue
Subsidiary preferred shares
Total current liabilities
Total liabilities
Total equity and liabilities
9
10
11,20
11
19
20
12
12
13
20
14
14
14
14
14
14,15
19
18
17
3
16
1,485
197
61,895
6,845
1,016
1,257
72,695
90,571
―
5,702
1,581
97,854
170,549
3,759
―
―
1,459
147,238
152,456
115
152,571
2,854
1,965
4,819
4,685
3,457
5,017
13,159
17,978
170,549
5,997
1,221
56,544
19,543
―
434
83,739
97,734
2,500
6,400
400
107,034
190,773
3,743
160,170
263,367
651
(325,635)
102,296
18,484
120,780
―
436
436
13,030
2,333
54,194
69,557
69,993
190,773
*See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. Prior year financials have been restated (see note 25).
Registered number: 08998697
The financial statements on pages 115 to 177 were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised
for issue on 4 June 2020 and signed on its behalf by:
Joseph Pignato
Chief Executive Officer
115
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
For the year ended 31 December 2019
Note
Share capital
Share
Merger
Translation
Accumulated
Total parent
Non-controlling
Balance at 31 December 2017
Prior year adjustment*
Balance at 31 December 2017 restated*
Total comprehensive income for the year
Income from continuing operations restated*
Foreign currency translation
Total comprehensive income for the year
Issuance of ordinary shares
Gain/(loss) arising from change in
non-controlling interest restated*
Deconsolidation of subsidiaries restated*
Dissolution of subsidiaries restated*
Exercise of stock options
Equity-settled share based payments
Balance at 31 December 2018 restated*
Total comprehensive income for the year
Income from continuing operations
Foreign currency translation
Total comprehensive income for the year
Issuance of ordinary shares
Gain/(loss) arising from change in non-controlling interest
Capital reduction
Deconsolidation of subsidiaries
Dissolution of subsidiaries
US subsidiary distribution to shareholders
Equity-settled share based payments
Balance at 31 December 2019
25
14
15
15
15
6
6
14
15
15
15
15
6
Shares
238,202,541
—
238,202,541
—
—
1,224,831
—
—
—
887,373
—
Amount
$' 000
3,714
—
3,714
premium
$' 000
158,606
—
158,606
reserve
$' 000
263,367
—
263,367
—
—
17
—
—
—
12
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
1,564
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
89
—
89
—
562
562
—
—
—
—
—
—
reserve
$' 000
Profit/(Deficit)
$' 000
equity
$' 000
71,333
(12,992)
58,341
interests
$' 000
(59,241)
10,332
(48,909)
(354,443)
(12,992)
(367,435)
37,355
37,355
7,999
45,354
(63)
37,292
499
37,854
—
499
7,998
45,853
—
17
—
(889)
—
—
—
5,397
(889)
—
—
1,577
5,397
240,314,745
3,743
160,170
263,367
651
(325,635)
102,296
—
—
1,248,378
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
16
—
—
—
—
—
—
241,563,123
3,759
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(160,170)
(263,367)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
808
808
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
1,459
51,335
—
51,335
—
—
423,537
—
—
—
(1,999)
147,238
51,335
808
52,143
16
—
—
—
—
—
(1,999)
152,456
Total
equity
$' 000
12,092
(2,660)
9,432
17
—
45,209
11,279
1,577
7,413
120,780
50,254
808
51,062
16
(194)
—
1,550
(7,128)
(12,050)
(1,465)
152,571
889
45,209
11,279
—
2,016
18,484
(1,081)
—
(1,081)
—
(194)
—
1,550
(7,128)
(12,050)
534
115
*See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. Prior year financials have been restated (see note 25).
116
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the year ended 31 December
Cash flows from operating activities:
Income/(loss) for the period*
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
used in operating activities:
Depreciation
Amortisation
Impairment losses on property and equipment
Impairment losses on intangible assets
Share-based compensation expense
Gain on disposal of assets
Gain on investments held at fair value*
Gain on deconsolidation of subsidiary*
(Loss)/gain on dissolution of subsidiaries*
Share of net loss of associate*
Changes in working capital:
Decrease in trade and other receivables
(Increase)/decrease in other assets
Increase in trade and other payables
(Decrease)/increase in other non-current liabilities
Increase in deferred revenue
Increase/(decrease) in other liabilities
Unrealised (gain)/loss on foreign currency transactions
Other finance (income)/expense
Net cash used in operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment, net of disposals
Purchases of intangible assets, net of disposals
Purchase of investments at fair value
Proceeds on disposal of assets
Cash payment on disposal of assets
Receipt of payment for finance sub-lease
Proceeds on disposal of other investments
Cash derecognised upon loss of control over subsidiary
Net cash provided/(used in) by investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
Proceeds from issuance of convertible notes
Payment of lease liability
US Subsidiary distributions to shareholders
Proceeds from issuance of share capital
Proceeds from issuance of preferred shares in subsidiaries
Net cash provided by financing activities
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period
Cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of the period
Note
2019
$ '000
2018 Restated*
$ '000
50,254
45,354
9
10
9
10
5,6
4
11
11
4
11
13
11
17
17
3
7
9
10
11
11
11
19
11
11
6,14
18
19
6,14
16
2,273
551
421
250
(1,465)
(165)
(41,194)
(69,828)
(7,128)
28,850
(429)
(2,412)
(2,929)
(1,042)
1,136
6,182
808
(8,984)
(44,851)
(3,604)
(71)
(7,500)
65
—
61
65,605
(33,051)
21,505
—
1,965
(1,540)
(12,050)
16
25,292
13,683
(9,663)
100,234
90,571
5,662
396
84
461
7,413
(3,887)
(2,213)
(52,857)
11,279
3,658
(7)
(614)
4,836
(686)
1,623
(380)
561
(91,562)
(70,879)
(7,908)
(1,202)
(7,500)
3,600
(113)
—
11,057
(25,928)
(27,994)
1,577
—
—
—
17
39,438
41,032
(57,841)
158,075
100,234
*See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. Prior year financials have been restated (see note 25).
117
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2019
(1) Accounting Policies
Basis of Preparation
Allied Minds plc (“Allied Minds” or the “Company”) is a company incorporated and domiciled in the UK.
The Annual Report and Accounts of Allied Minds and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the “Group”)
are presented for the year ended 31 December 2019. The Group financial statements consolidate those
of the Company and its subsidiaries and include the Group’s interest in associates using the equity method
of accounting. The Group financial statements have been prepared and approved by the directors in
accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards, International Accounting Standards, and
Interpretations (collectively “IFRS”) issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) as
adopted by the European Union (“adopted IFRSs”). The accounting policies set out below have, unless
otherwise stated, been applied consistently to all periods presented in these consolidated financial
statements.
Basis of Measurement
The consolidated financial statements, with exception of financial instruments, have been prepared on
the historical cost basis except that the following assets and liabilities are stated at their fair value:
investments held at fair value, derivative financial instruments and financial instruments classified as fair
value through the profit or loss.
Use of Judgments and Estimates
In preparing these consolidated financial statements, management has made judgments, estimates and
assumptions that affect the application of the Group’s accounting policies and the reported amounts of
assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Estimates and
underlying assumptions are reviewed on an on-going basis. Revisions to estimates are recognised
prospectively. The effects on the amounts recognised in the consolidated financial statements, or on other
alternative performance measures, is included in the following notes:
Significant estimates made include:
• Note 11 and 17 – Valuation of financial instruments measured at fair value through profit/loss:
There is uncertainty in estimating the fair value of subsidiary note payables, subsidiary preferred
shares, and convertible note assets and investments carried at fair value through profit and loss
(FVTPL) according to IFRS 9 at initial recognition and upon subsequent measurement. This
includes determining the appropriate valuation methodology and making certain estimates of the
future earnings potential of the subsidiary businesses, appropriate discount rate and earnings
multiple to be applied, marketability, the probability weighting of the scenarios and other industry
and company specific risk factors.
118
Significant judgements made include:
• Note 11 – there is judgement in considering when the power to control the subsidiary exists or
retaining significant influence as it is dependent on certain factors including the voting power the
entity exercises over the company, the proportion of seats the company controls on the board
and the investees dependence on the investor for funding, knowledge and its operations.
• Note 11 – as the entities in the group progress they require further external funding which in
some scenarios reduces the Group’s shareholding to an extent that it loses control under IFRS 10
which results in them no longer being able to consolidate the entity. There is a significant
judgement in relation to whether the shares are accounted for as an investment in associate per
IAS 28 or as a financial asset per IFRS 9 and therefore held at fair value. This judgement includes,
among others, an assessment of whether the Company has representation on the board of
directors of the investee, whether the Company participates in the policy making processes of the
investee, whether there is any interchange of managerial personnel, whether there is any
essential technical information provided to the investee and if there are any transactions between
the Company and the investee.
• Note 17 – financial instrument liability classification: when determining the classification of
financial instruments in terms of liability or equity. These judgements include an assessment
whether the financial instrument include any embedded derivative features, whether they
include a contractual obligations upon the Group to deliver cash or other financial assets or to
exchange financial assets or financial liabilities with another party, and whether that obligation
will be settled by the Company’s exchanging a fixed amount of cash or other financial assets for a
fixed number of its own equity instruments. Further information about these critical judgments is
included below under Financial Instruments.
• Note 11 and 17 – financial instrument valuations and investment at fair value valuations: when
determining the appropriate valuation methodology.
Other estimates and judgments:
• Note 3 – revenue recognition: in determining the correct amount of revenue to be recognised,
the Directors make estimates of the fair values of each component of a contract to be able to
allocate the overall consideration to each component based on the relative fair value method or
make estimates of future costs when applying the inputs method.
• Note 3 – timing of revenue recognition: making certain judgements when determining the
appropriate accounting treatment of key customer contract terms in accordance with the
applicable accounting standards and in determining whether revenue should be recognised at a
point in time or over a period of time.
Changes in Accounting Policies
With the exception of the new standards the Group adopted as of 1 January 2019, included below, no
other new standards, interpretations and amendments have had a material effect on the Group's financial
119
statements.
Going Concern
The Directors have taken proactive cost management measures that include reduction in expenses of the
management function of the head office at the parent level. They have also decided to focus exclusively
on supporting the 7 existing portfolio companies and maximising monetisation opportunities for portfolio
company interests, and not to deploy any capital into new portfolio companies. In the event of successful
monetisation events from the sale of portfolio companies or portfolio company interests, the Directors
anticipate distributing the net proceeds to shareholders, after due consideration of potential follow-on
investment opportunities within the existing portfolio and working capital requirements. The Directors
expect this strategy to take at least three years to be fully implemented, and as a matter of good
governance, will continue to keep this strategy under review at appropriate intervals. They have prepared
trading and cash flow forecasts for the parent covering the period to 31 December 2023 after taking into
account the $40.0 million dividend paid to shareholders in February 2020 after the successful disposal of
its ownership in Hawkeye 360. Reflecting this revised strategy, although the Group is currently loss making
and is likely to continue to be so, at least in the short term, after making enquiries and considering the
impact of risks and opportunities on expected cash flows, and given the fact that the parent has $84.1
million of available funds in the form of cash and cash equivalents as at 31 December 2019, the Directors
have a reasonable expectation that the parent has adequate cash to continue in operational existence for
a period of not less than 12 months from the date of approval of the financial statements.
The Directors have also put in measures to mitigate against the risks to the business due to the impact of
COVID-19. Specifically, these include closely monitoring the health, safety and security of our workforce;
complying with applicable regulatory requirements and guidelines; implementing temporary travel
restrictions; making accommodations to allow our workforce to work remotely; and remaining in close
communication with all of our customers, suppliers and partners to collaborate on how to best support
each other’s needs in this new environment.
Despite all of this, any impact from COVID-19 will not affect Allied Minds from a going concern
perspective. In fact, the impact of COVID-19 is adding cost savings during Q1 2020 and into Q2 2020 as a
result of suspension of all travel for board meetings, investor meetings and the 2020 Annual General
Meeting. These savings have a positive impact on Allied Minds as a going concern.
For this reason, they have adopted the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.
Basis of Consolidation
Allied Minds plc was formed on 15 April 2014 and the consolidated financial statements for each of the
years ended 31 December 2019 and 2018 comprises the financial statements of Allied Minds plc and its
subsidiaries.
Subsidiaries
The financial information of the subsidiaries is prepared for the same reporting period as the parent
Company, using consistent accounting policies. Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Group. The
Group controls an entity when it is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with
the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. The financial
120
statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date that control
commences until the date that control ceases. Losses applicable to the non-controlling interests in a
subsidiary are allocated to the non-controlling interests even if doing so causes the non-controlling
interests to have a deficit balance.
Changes in the Group’s interest in a subsidiary that do not result in a loss of control are accounted for as
equity transactions. Where the Group loses control of a subsidiary, the assets and liabilities are
derecognised along with any related NCI and other components of equity. Any resulting gain or loss is
recognised in profit or loss. Any interest retained in the former subsidiary is measured at fair value when
control is lost.
Associates
Associates are those entities in which the Group has significant influence, but not control, over the
financial and operating policies. Significant influence is presumed to exist when the Group holds between
20 and 50 percent of the voting power of another entity.
Associates are accounted for using the equity method (equity accounted investees) and are initially
recognised at cost. The Group’s investment includes goodwill identified on acquisition, net of any
accumulated impairment losses. The consolidated financial statements include the Group’s share of the
total comprehensive income and equity movements of equity accounted investees, from the date that
significant influence commences until the date that significant influence ceases. When the Group’s share
of losses exceeds its interest in an equity accounted investee, the Group’s carrying amount is reduced to
$nil and recognition of further losses is discontinued except to the extent that the Group has incurred
legal or constructive obligations or made payments on behalf of an investee. To the extent the Group
holds interests in associates that are not providing access to returns underlying ownership interests and
are more akin to debt like securities, the instrument held by Allied Minds is accounted for in accordance
with IFRS 9.
Transactions eliminated on consolidation
Intra-group balances and transactions, and any unrealised income and expenses arising from intra- group
transactions, are eliminated. Unrealised gains arising from transactions with equity-accounted investees
are eliminated against the investment to the extent of the Group’s interest in the investee. Unrealised
losses are eliminated in the same way as unrealised gains, but only to the extent that there is no evidence
of impairment.
Acquisitions and disposals of non-controlling interests
Non-controlling interests (‘‘NCI’’) are measured at their proportionate share of the acquiree’s identifiable
net assets at the acquisition date. Changes in the Group’s interest in a subsidiary that do not result in a
loss of control are accounted for as equity transactions.
Acquisitions and disposals of non-controlling interests that do not result in a change of control are
accounted for as transactions with owners in their capacity as owners and therefore no goodwill is
recognised as a result of such transactions. The adjustments to non-controlling interests are based on a
proportionate amount of the net assets of the subsidiary. Any difference between the price paid or
121
received and the amount by which non-controlling interests are adjusted is recognised directly in equity
and attributed to the owners of the parent.
Functional and Presentation Currency
These consolidated financial statements are presented in US dollars, which is the functional currency of
most of the entities in the Group. All amounts have been rounded to the nearest thousand unless
otherwise indicated.
Foreign Currency
Transactions in foreign currencies are translated to the respective functional currencies of Group entities
at the foreign exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities
denominated in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are retranslated to the functional currency
at the foreign exchange rate ruling at that date. Foreign exchange differences arising on translation are
recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss. Non-monetary assets and liabilities that
are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rate at
the date of the transaction. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies that
are stated at fair value are retranslated to the functional currency at foreign exchange rates ruling at the
dates the fair value was determined.
The assets and liabilities of foreign operations, including goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on
consolidation, are translated to the Group’s presentational currency (US dollar) at foreign exchange rates
ruling at the balance sheet date. The revenues and expenses of foreign operations are translated at an
average rate for the year where this rate approximates to the foreign exchange rates ruling at the dates
of the transactions. Exchange differences arising from this translation of foreign operations are reported
as an item of other comprehensive income and accumulated in the translation reserve or non- controlling
interest, as the case may be. When a foreign operation is disposed of, such that control, joint control or
significant influence (as the case may be) is lost, the entire accumulated amount in the translation reserve,
net of amounts previously attributed to non-controlling interests, is reclassified to profit or loss as part of
the gain or loss on disposal. When the Group disposes of only part of its interest in a subsidiary that
includes a foreign operation while still retaining control, the relevant proportion of the accumulated
amount is reattributed to non-controlling interests. When the Group disposes of only part of its
investment in a subsidiary or an associate that includes a foreign operation while still retaining significant
influence or joint control, the relevant proportion of the cumulative amount is reclassified to profit or
loss.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include all highly liquid instruments with original maturities of three months or
less.
Financial Instruments
Classification – Financial Assets
IFRS 9 contains a classification and measurement approach for financial assets that reflects the business
model, in which assets are managed, and their cash flow characteristics. IFRS 9 contains three principal
classification categories for financial assets: measured at amortised cost, fair value through other
122
comprehensive income (“FVOCI”) and fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”). Under IFRS 9, derivatives
embedded in contracts where the host is a financial asset in the scope of the standard are never
bifurcated. Instead, the hybrid as a whole is assessed for classification.
Cash and cash equivalents: Represent basic cash balances in banks used to fund operations. These are
classified as assets at amortised cost under the new standard.
Trade Receivables: Under IFRS 9 trade receivables that do not have a significant financing component have
to be initially recognised at their transaction price rather than at fair value. The Group initially recognises
receivables and deposits on the date that they are originated at their transaction price, which is the same
as their fair value. As such, Trade and other receivables are classified as assets at amortised cost under
IFRS 9.
Security and other deposits: These generally represent security deposits paid by the Group to landlords as
part of operating lease commitments. As the Company’s objective is that those deposits will be collected
back, they are classified as assets at amortised cost under IFRS 9.
Investments at fair value: Reflect investments made by the Group in non-derivative instruments of the
investees that are designated in this category or not classified in any other category. These financial assets
are initially measured at fair value and subsequently re-measured at fair value at each reporting date, and
on derecognition. The Company elects if the gain or loss will be recognised in the Consolidated Statements
of Comprehensive Income/ (Loss) in Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) or through the profit and loss
on an instrument by instrument basis. Investments at fair value are presented in the Consolidated
Statements of Financial Position as non-current assets, unless the Group intends to dispose of them within
12 months after the end of the reporting period. If the investments at fair value continue to be held for
the same long-term strategic purposes, per the application of IFRS 9, the Group may elect then to classify
them as FVOCI or FVTPL. The Group decided to classify them as FVTPL. In the former case, all fair value
gains and losses would be reported in other comprehensive income, no impairment losses would be
recognised in profit or loss and no gains or losses would be reclassified to profit or loss on disposal. In the
latter case, all fair value gains and losses would be recognised in profit or loss as they arise, increasing
volatility in the Group’s profits. To the extent the Group holds interests in associates that are not providing
access to returns underlying ownership interests and are more akin to debt like securities, the instrument
held by Allied Minds is accounted for in accordance with IFRS 9.
Classification – Financial Liabilities
Under IFRS 9 all fair value changes of liabilities designated as at fair value through profit or loss are
generally presented in profit or loss.
The Group has designated the subsidiary preferred shares liability at FVTPL and the trade and other
payables and loans at amortised cost under IFRS 9.
Impairment
IFRS 9 includes a ‘forward looking expected credit loss’ (“ECL”) model. The impairment methodology
applied depends on whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk. For trade receivables, the
group applies the simplified approach permitted by IFRS 9, which requires expected lifetime losses to be
recognised from initial recognition of the receivables.
123
Financial Instruments Issued by the Group
Following the adoption of IAS 32, financial instruments issued by the Group are treated as equity only to
the extent that they meet the following two conditions:
•
they include no contractual obligations upon the Group to deliver cash or other financial assets
or to exchange financial assets or financial liabilities with another party under conditions that are
potentially unfavourable to the Group; and
• where the instrument will or may be settled in the Company’s own equity instruments, it is either
a non-derivative that includes no obligation to deliver a variable number of the Company’s own
equity instruments or is a derivative that will be settled by the Company’s exchanging a fixed
amount of cash or other financial assets for a fixed number of its own equity instruments.
To the extent that this definition is not met, the financial instrument is classified as a financial liability.
Where the instrument so classified takes the legal form of the Company’s own shares, the amounts
presented in the financial information for share capital and merger reserve account exclude amounts in
relation to those shares.
Where a financial instrument that contains both equity and financial liability components exists, these
components are separated and accounted for individually under the above policy.
Share Capital
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. The Group considers its capital to comprise share capital, share
premium, merger reserve, translation reserve, and accumulated deficit.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment
losses. Cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the asset. Assets under
construction represent machinery and equipment to be used in operations, R&D activities, or to be leased
to customers once completed.
When parts of an item of property and equipment have different useful lives, they are accounted for as
separate items (major components) of property and equipment. Depreciation is calculated using the
straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets:
3 years
Computers and electronics
5 years
Furniture and fixtures
5 -20 years
Machinery and equipment
Not depreciated until transferred into use
Under construction
Leasehold improvements
Shorter of the lease term or estimated useful life of the asset
Right-of-Use Assets Shorter of the lease term or estimated useful life of the asset
Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed at least annually and adjusted if
appropriate.
The directors have considered the value of fixed assets without revaluing them.
124
The directors are satisfied that the aggregate value of those assets at the time in question is or was not
less than aggregate amount at which they are or were for the time being stated in the company's accounts
Intangible Assets
Licenses (or Options to License) and Purchased In Process Research & Development
Licenses or options to license represent licenses or such options provided by universities, federal
laboratories, and scientists in exchange for an equity ownership in the entities or cash. Purchased in
process research & development (‘‘IPR&D’’) represents time and expertise already invested by the
scientist and provided in exchange for an equity interest in the entity. Licenses or options to license and
purchased IPR&D are valued based on the amount of cash directly paid to acquire those assets or based
on the amount of cash contributed by Allied Minds, at inception of the subsidiary, and the proportionate
amount of equity ascribed to Allied Minds. The licenses or options to license and purchased IPR&D are
capitalised only when they meet the criteria for capitalisation, namely separately identifiable and
measurable and it is probable that economic benefit will flow to the entity.
Capitalised Development Costs
Research and development costs include charges from universities based on sponsored research
agreements (“SRAs”) that the subsidiaries of Allied Minds enter into with universities. Under these
agreements, the universities perform research on the technology that is being licensed to the subsidiaries.
Research and development costs also include charges from independent research and development
contractors, contract research organisations (“CROs”), and other research institutions.
Expenditure on research activities is recognised in profit or loss as incurred. Development expenditure is
capitalised only if the expenditure can be measured reliably, the product or process is technically and
commercially feasible, future economic benefits are probable, the Group intends to and has sufficient
resources to complete development and to use or sell the asset, and if the Group can measure reliably
the expenditure attributable to the intangible asset during its development. The point at which technical
feasibility is determined to have been reached is when regulatory approval has been received, where
applicable. Management determines that commercial viability has been reached when a clear market and
pricing point have been identified, which may coincide with achieving recurring sales. Development
activities involve a plan or design for the production of new or substantially improved products or
processes. The expenditure considered for capitalisation includes the cost of materials, direct labour and
an appropriate proportion of overhead costs. Otherwise, the development expenditure is recognised in
profit or loss as incurred. Subsequent to initial recognition, development expenditure is measured at cost
less accumulated amortisation and any accumulated impairment losses.
Software
Software intangible assets that are acquired by the Group and have finite useful lives are measured at
cost less accumulated amortisation and any accumulated impairment losses.
Finite-lived intangible assets are amortised on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, from
the date that they are available for use. Intangible assets which are not yet available for use (and therefore
not amortised) are tested for impairment at least annually.
125
Amortisation
Amortisation is charged to the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss on a straight-line basis over
the estimated useful lives of intangible assets unless such lives are indefinite. Intangible assets with an
indefinite useful life and goodwill are systematically tested for impairment at each balance sheet date.
Other intangible assets are amortised from the date they are available for use. Amortisation methods,
useful lives and residual values are reviewed at least annually and adjusted if appropriate.
The estimated useful lives of the Group’s intangible assets are as follows:
Licences and Options to License
Purchased IPR&D
Software
Taxation
Over the remaining life of the underlying patents
Over the remaining
commercial viability has been achieved
2 years
life of the underlying patents, once
Tax on the profit or loss for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the income
statement except to the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in equity, in which case it is
recognised in equity.
Current Income Tax
Current tax is the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable income or loss for the year, using tax
rates enacted or substantially enacted at the reporting date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect
of previous years.
Deferred Income Tax
Deferred tax is recognised in respect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets
and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. Deferred tax
assets are recognised for unused tax losses, unused tax credits and deductible temporary differences to
the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which they can be used.
Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and are reduced to the extent that it is no longer
probable that the related tax benefit will be realised.
Deferred tax is measured at the tax rates that are expected to be applied to temporary differences when
they reverse, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset if there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax
liabilities and assets, and they relate to taxes levied by the same tax authority on the same taxable entity,
or on different tax entities where the Group intends to settle current tax liabilities and assets on a net
basis or their tax assets and liabilities will be realised simultaneously.
Deferred taxes are recognised in profit or loss except to the extent that it relates to items recognised
directly in equity or in other comprehensive income.
126
Impairment
Impairment of Non-Financial Assets
Non-financial assets consist of property and equipment and intangible assets, including licences,
purchased IPR&D, capitalised development cost, with finite lives and such intangible assets which are not
yet available for use.
The Group reviews the carrying amounts of its property and equipment and finite-lived intangibles at each
reporting date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists,
then the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated. Intangible assets which are not yet available for use are
tested annually for impairment.
For impairment testing, assets are grouped together into the smallest group of assets that generates cash
inflows from continuing use that are largely independent of the cash inflows of other assets or cash-
generating units (‘‘CGUs’’).
The recoverable amount of an asset or CGU is the greater of its value in use and its fair value less costs to
sell. Value in use is based on the estimated future cash flows, discounted to their present value using a
pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks
specific to the asset or CGU.
An impairment loss is recognised in profit and loss if the carrying amount of an asset or CGU exceeds its
recoverable amount. Impairment losses are allocated to reduce the carrying amounts of assets in a CGU
on a pro rata basis.
Impairment of Financial Assets
The company recognises loss allowances for expected credit losses (ECLs) on financial assets measured at
amortised cost.
The company measures loss allowances at an amount equal to lifetime ECL, except for other debt
securities and bank balances for which credit risk (i.e. the risk of default occurring over the expected life
of the financial instrument) has not increased significantly since initial recognition, which are measured
as 12-month ECL.
Loss allowances for trade receivables and contract assets are always measured at an amount equal to
lifetime ECL.
When determining whether the credit risk of a financial asset has increased significantly since initial
recognition and when estimating ECL, the company considers reasonable and supportable information
that is relevant and available without undue cost or effort. This includes both quantitative and qualitative
information and analysis, based on the company’s historical experience and informed credit assessment
and including forward-looking information.
Share-based Payments
Share-based payment arrangements in which the Group or its subsidiaries receive goods or services as
consideration for their own equity instruments are accounted for as equity-settled share-based payment
transactions, regardless of how the equity instruments are obtained by the Group or its subsidiaries.
127
Grants of equity instruments under the subsidiary stock option incentive plans are accounted for as
equity-settled in the consolidated accounts of the parent and are reflected in equity as a credit to Non-
Controlling Interest.
The grant date fair value of share-based payment awards granted to employees is recognised as an
employee expense, with a corresponding increase in equity, over the period that the employees become
unconditionally entitled to the awards. The fair value of the options granted is measured using an option
pricing valuation model, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the options were
granted. The amount recognised as an expense is adjusted to reflect the actual number of awards for
which the related service and non-market vesting conditions are expected to be met, such that the
amount ultimately recognised as an expense is based on the number of awards that do meet the related
service and non-market performance conditions at the vesting date. For share-based payment awards
with non-vesting conditions, the grant date fair value of the share-based payment is measured to reflect
such conditions and there is no true-up for differences between expected and actual outcomes.
Employee Benefits
Short-term Employee Benefits
Short-term employee benefit obligations are measured on an undiscounted basis and are expensed as the
related service is provided. A liability is recognised for the amount expected to be paid if the Group has a
present legal or constructive obligation to pay this amount as a result of past service provided by the
employee, and the obligation can be estimated reliably.
Defined Contribution Plans
A defined contribution plan is a post-employment benefit plan under which an entity pays fixed
contributions into a separate entity and has no legal or constructive obligation to pay further amounts.
Obligations for contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised as an employee benefit
expense in the periods during which related services are rendered by employees. Prepaid contributions
are recognised as an asset to the extent that a cash refund or a reduction in future payments is available.
Phantom Plan
The Phantom Plan is a cash settled bonus plan. Expense is accrued when it is determined that it is probable
that a payment will be made and when the amount can be reasonably estimated.
Provisions
A provision is recognised in the balance sheet when the Group has a present legal or constructive
obligation as a result of a past event, that can be reliably measured and it is probable that an outflow of
economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. Provisions are determined by discounting the
expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects risks specific to the liability.
Revenue Recognition
The Group recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods to customers in an amount that
reflects the consideration to which it expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods. In order to
achieve this, the Group uses the five step model outlined in IFRS 15: 1) to identify the contract with the
customer; 2) identify the performance obligation(s) in the contract; 3) determine the transaction price; 4)
128
allocate the transaction price to the performance obligation(s); and 5) recognise revenue when (or as) we
satisfy the performance obligation(s).
IFRS 15 implements a uniform method of recognising revenue based on the actual contract and
performance obligation. Under IFRS 15, revenue will be recognised when the Company satisfies a
performance obligation by transferring a promised good or service to its customer. As such, the amount
of revenue recognised is the amount allocated to the satisfied performance obligation. A performance
obligation may be satisfied at a point in time (typically for promises to transfer goods to a customer) or
over time (typically for promises to transfer services to a customer).
Determining the timing of the transfer of control – at a point in time or over time – requires judgement.
Based on Group’s assessment, it was concluded that the majority of the Company’s projects that:
• Render a service is performed on a time and materials basis and revenue will be recognised as
services are provided based on actual hours worked for a set period. The performance obligations
identified within these projects are distinct and meet the criteria resulting in transfer of control
over time.
• Sell goods, revenue is recognised when the control of the products were transferred to the
customer. The performance obligations identified within these projects are distinct and meet the
criteria resulting in transfer of control at a point in time.
Refer to Note 3, "Revenue Recognition," for additional information related to the net revenue recognised
in the consolidated statements of operations.
Finance Income and Finance Costs
Finance income mainly comprises interest income on funds invested and foreign exchange gains. Finance
costs mainly comprise loan interest expense and foreign exchange losses. Interest income and interest
payable are recognised as they accrue in profit or loss, using the effective interest method.
Fair Value Measurements
A number of the Group’s accounting policies and disclosures require the measurement of fair values, for
both financial and non-financial assets and liabilities.
When measuring the fair value of an asset or a liability, the Group uses market observable data as far as
possible. Fair values are categorised into different levels in a fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used
in the valuation techniques as follows:
• Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
• Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability,
either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices).
• Level 3: inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable
inputs).
If the inputs used to measure the fair value of an asset or a liability might be categorised in different levels
of the fair value hierarchy, then the fair value measurement is categorised in its entirety in the same level
of the fair value hierarchy as the lowest level input that is significant to the entire measurement.
129
The Group recognises transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy at the end of the reporting
period during which the change has occurred.
The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, deposits, accounts payable,
accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the Group’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
approximates their fair value because of the short maturities of these instruments.
Operating Segments
Allied Minds determines and presents operating segments based on the information that internally is
provided to the executive management team, the body which is considered to be Allied Minds’ Chief
Operating Decision Maker (‘‘CODM’’).
An operating segment is a component of Allied Minds that engages in business activities from which it
may earn revenues and incur expenses, including revenues and expenses that relate to transactions with
any of the Allied Minds’ other components. The operating segment’s operating results are reviewed
regularly by the CODM to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment, to assess its
performance, and for which discrete financial information is available.
Newly adopted standards
IFRS 16 replaces existing leases guidance, including IAS 17 Leases, IFRIC 4 Determining whether an
Arrangement contains a lease, SIC -15 Operating Leases – Incentives and SIC - 27 Evaluating the substance
of transactions involving the legal form of a lease. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning
on or after 1 January 2019.
Under IAS 17 payments made under operating leases were recognised in profit or loss on a straight-line
basis over the term of the lease. Lease incentives received were recognised as an integral part of the total
lease expense, over the term of the lease.
IFRS 16 introduces a single, on-balance sheet lease accounting model for lessees in a similar way to finance
leases under IAS 17. The new lease standard requires leases to be accounted for using a right-of-use
model, which recognises that, at the date of commencement, a lessee has a financial obligation to make
lease payments to the lessor for the right to use the underlying asset during the lease term. The lessee
recognizes a corresponding right-of-use asset related to this right.
On 1 January 2019, the Company elected to adopt the new lease standard using the modified
retrospective approach by measuring the right-of-use asset at an amount equal to the lease liability at the
date of transition and therefore comparative information will not be restated.
Upon transition, the Group has applied the following practical expedients:
• excluding initial direct costs from the right-of-use assets;
• use hindsight when assessing the lease term;
• not reassessing whether a contract is or contains a lease; and
• not separating the lease components from the non-lease components in lease contracts.
The Group has elected to account for lease payments as an expense on a straight-line basis over the life
of the lease for:
130
•
•
Leases with a term of 12 months or less and containing no purchase options; and
Leases where the underlying asset has a value of less than $5,000.
The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the
transition date, discounted by using the rate implicit in the lease. If this rate cannot be readily determined,
the Group used its incremental borrowing rate. The right-of-use asset is depreciated on a straight-line
basis and the lease liability will give rise to an interest charge.
Finance leases will continue to be treated as finance leases. In November 2019 the Company has relocated
its corporate headquarters as part of management’s initiative to minimise headquarters expenses. As a
result, starting November 2019, the Company entered into a sublease for the remaining period of the
head lease.
Based on the information currently available, the Group recognised additional lease liabilities of $4.5
million and $4.2 million in lease assets with the cumulative effect of $0.2 million that was recognised as
an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings at 1 January 2019. Those rights and obligations
are primarily related to operating leases for office and laboratory space.
In 2019, the Company entered into additional leases that added more right of use assets and lease
liabilities to the statement of financial position. Further information regarding the right of use asset and
lease liability can be found in Note 19.
Other new standards and interpretations adopted in the current year that did not have a material impact
on the Company’s financial statements were as follows:
• Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2015-2017 Cycle (issued on 12 December 2017)
• Amendments to IAS 28: Long-term Interests in Associates and Joint Ventures (issued on 12
•
October 2017)
IFRIC 22 Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance Consideration (issued on 8 December
2016)
• Amendments to IFRS 9: Prepayment Features with Negative Compensation (issued on 12
October 2017).
(2) New Standards and Interpretations not yet Adopted
A number of new standards, interpretations and amendments to existing standards are effective for
annual periods beginning after 1 January 2020, and have not therefore been applied in preparing this
consolidated financial information. Management has yet to complete an analysis of these new standards,
interpretations and amendments to existing standards on the results of its operations, financial position,
and disclosures. The Group intends to adopt these standards on their respective effective dates.
The following are amended or new standards and interpretations that may impact the Group. The Group
is finalising the required disclosures, which includes an assessment of the impact of the new guidance on
our financial position and results of operations. The adoption of the proposed changes is not expected to
have a material effect on the financial statements unless otherwise indicated:
131
Effective date
1 January 2020
New standards or amendments
Amendments to References to Conceptual Framework in IFRS
Standards
Definition of a Business (Amendments to IFRS 3)
Definition of Material (Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8)
Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 17: Interest
Benchmark reform
1 January 2021
IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts
Available for optional adoption/
effective date deferred indefinitely
Sale or Contribution of Assets between an Investor and its
Associate or Joint Venture (Amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS
28)
(3) Revenue
Revenue recorded in the statement of comprehensive loss consists of the following:
For the year ended 31 December:
Product revenue
Service revenue
Total revenue in consolidated statement of income/(loss)
2019
$'000
2018
$'000
61
2,631
2,692
290
5,271
5,561
Revenue is measured based on the consideration specified in a contract with a customer. The Group
recognises revenue when it transfers control over a good or service to a customer. The Group
disaggregates contract revenue based on the transfer of control of the underlying performance
obligations:
For the year ended 31 December:
Transferred at a point in time
Transferred over time
Total revenue in consolidated statement of income/(loss)
2019
$'000
2018
$'000
―
2,692
2,692
―
5,561
5,561
Product revenue includes license revenue of $61,000 and $40,342 during 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Contract Balances
Accounts receivables represent rights to consideration in exchange for products or services that have
been transferred by the Group, when payment is unconditional and only the passage of time is required
before payment is due. Accounts receivables do not bear interest and are recorded at the invoiced
132
amount. Accounts receivable are included within Trade and other receivables on the Consolidated
Statement of Financial Position.
Contract assets represent the Group’s right to consideration in exchange for products or services that
have not been transferred by the Group as yet. The balances will be recognised in Profit and Loss when
the related performance obligation is met. Prepayments are included within Trade and other receivables
on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.
Contract liabilities represent the Group’s obligation to transfer products or services to a customer for
which consideration has been received, or for which an amount of consideration is due from the
customer. When applicable, contract assets and liabilities are reported on a net basis at the contract level,
depending on the contracts position at the end of each reporting period. Contract liabilities are included
within deferred revenue on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.
As of 31 December:
Accounts receivable
Prepayments that represent contract assets
Deferred revenue, current
Total deferred revenue in statement of financial position
2019
$'000
60
4,528
3,457
8,045
2018
$'000
1,334
2,380
2,333
6,047
(4) Operating Segments
Basis for Segmentation
For management purposes, the Group’s principal operations are currently organised in three types of
activities:
(i)
(ii)
Early stage companies – subsidiary businesses that are in the early stage of their lifecycle
characterised by incubation, research and development activities;
Later stage companies – subsidiary businesses that have substantially advanced with or
completed their research and development activities, are closer
lifecycle to
commercialisation, and/or have a potential of realising material return on investment through a
future liquidity event;
in their
(iii) Minority holdings companies – reflects the activity related to portfolio companies other than
consolidated subsidiary businesses where the Group has made a minority investment and does
not control or exercise joint control over the financial and operating policies of those entities.
Minority holdings: As of year-end 2018, as a result of its investment activities in 2018, Allied Minds
captures its minority and deconsolidated portfolio companies within the minority holdings segment. As
of 31 December 2019, this operating segment includes the following:
• Spin Memory, Inc., one of the company’s subsidiaries that was deconsolidated during the second
half of 2018 as a result of financing events at the company;
133
• TableUp, Inc. and Orbital Sidekick, Inc., two companies in which Allied Minds holds a significant
minority stake.
• As a result of Federated Wireless’ most recent financing round that was completed in September
2019, Allied Minds’ issued and outstanding ownership percentage dropped from 52.23% to
42.57%. Consequently, the Company no longer controls a majority of the outstanding voting stock
or a majority of the board seats and as a result, the subsidiary was deconsolidated and included
as part of the minority holdings segment. Allied Minds recognised the fair value of the Series A
Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, and Series C Preferred Stock (collectively the “Federated
Wireless Preferred Stock”) held in Federated Wireless as an investment at fair value. Additionally,
due to Allied Minds Common Stock holdings that have equity-like characteristics, the investment
is accounted for under IAS 28 and is classified by the Company as an investment in associate. At
31 December 2019, Allied Minds’ investment was adjusted by the share of losses generated by
Federated Wireless from 3 September through 31 December 2019 of $9.3 million. Upon
deconsolidation, the Company recognised a gain of $69.8 million at consolidated financial
statement level. The gain was calculated by taking the difference between the fair value of the
interest retained in the former subsidiary at the date control is lost less the carrying amount of
net assets any non-controlling interests of the former subsidiary.
• On 8 November 2019, Allied Minds completed the disposal of its entire stake in its portfolio
company, HawkEye 360, to Advance for cash consideration of $65.6 million and as such, the
company is no longer included within the minority holdings segment.
The Group’s CODM reviews internal management reports on these segments at least quarterly in order
to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and to assess its performance.
Other operations include the management function of the head office at the parent level of Allied Minds.
Information about Reportable Segments
The following provides detailed information of the Group’s reportable segments as of and for the years
ended 31 December 2019 and 2018, respectively:
Statement of Comprehensive Loss
Revenue
Cost of revenue
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Research and development expenses
Other income
Finance income/(cost), net
Share of net loss of associates accounted for
using the equity method
Income/(loss) for the period
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive
income/(loss)
Early stage
Later stage
―
―
(2,475)
(2,963)
7,273
6,687
―
8,522
―
8,522
1,226
(805)
(3,347)
(4,068)
21
6,653
―
(320)
―
(320)
134
2019
$'000
Minority
Holdings
1,466
(628)
(11,501)
(9,115)
-
3,546
―
(16,232)
―
Other
operations
Consolidated
―
―
(16,993)
―
111,021
(6,894)
(28,850)
58,284
808
2,692
(1,433)
(34,316)
(16,146)
118,315
9,992
(28,850)
50,254
808
51,062
(16,232)
59,092
Total comprehensive income/ (loss)
attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent
Non-controlling interests
Total comprehensive
income/(loss)
Statement of financial position
Non-current assets
Current assets
Total assets
Non-current liabilities
Current liabilities
Total liabilities
Net assets/(liabilities)
8,906
(384)
8,522
494
2,173
2,667
(425)
(3,257)
(3,682)
(1,015)
(658)
338
(15,197)
(1,035)
58,284
―
(320)
(16,232)
58,284
1,302
9,209
10,511
(2,082)
(20,213)
(22,295)
(11,784)
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
70,899
86,472
157,371
(2,312)
10,311
7,999
165,370
51,335
(1,081)
50,254
72,695
97,854
170,549
(4,819)
(13,159)
(17,978)
152,571
Other
operations
Consolidated
Statement of Comprehensive Loss
Revenue
Cost of revenue
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Research and development expenses
Other income
Finance income/(cost), net
Share of net loss of associates accounted for
using the equity method
Income/(loss) for the period
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive
income/(loss)
Total comprehensive loss attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent
Non-controlling interests
Total comprehensive
income/(loss)
Statement of financial position
Non-current assets
Current assets
Total assets
Non-current liabilities
Current liabilities
Total liabilities
Net assets/(liabilities)
Early stage
Later stage
250
(5)
(2,168)
(4,454)
(7,392)
261
―
(13,508)
―
4,792
(2,384)
(17,400)
(23,763)
―
57,597
―
18,842
―
2018
Restated*
$'000
Minority
Holdings
519
(438)
(10,907)
(16,730)
―
34,247
―
6,691
―
―
―
(18,853)
―
55,070
770
(3,658)
33,329
561
(13,508)
18,842
6,691
33,890
(12,646)
(862)
9,067
9,777
7,605
(916)
33,329
―
(13,508)
18,844
6,689
33,329
(50)
19,529
19,479
―
(1,696)
(1,696)
17,783
6,895
33,537
40,432
(60)
(64,156)
(64,216)
(23,784)
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
76,894
53,968
130,862
(376)
(3,705)
(4,081)
126,781
5,561
(2,827)
(49,328)
(44,947)
47,678
92,875
(3,658)
45,354
561
45,915
37,355
7,999
45,354
83,739
107,034
190,773
(436)
(69,557)
(69,993)
120,780
All closed or dissolved subsidiaries were presented in the Early Stage segment up to the time at which
they were all dissolved. In September 2019, Allied Minds sold all its shares in QuayChain to Smart P3
Group, LLC. Accordingly, QuayChain is no longer part of our consolidated group and no longer one of our
companies. The results of Quaychain to the date it was sold is included in the Early Stage Segment.
135
In May 2019, the Company completed an asset sale for LuxCath in return for a $100 thousand in the form
of a promissory note and other contingent consideration. During 2019, the Group ceased operations and
dissolved each of Allied-Bristol Life Sciences, LLC, ABLS II, LLC, ABLS IV, LLC, ABLS Capital, LLC entity,
Precision Biopsy and Signature Medical. The impact of this was assessed in the Group financials as of 31
December 2019 and unrecoverable amounts were written off. The Group recorded $7.2 million gain on
dissolution of subsidiaries as of 31 December 2019 (2018: income of $11.3 million).
Later stage companies comprise those that have graduated from Early stage by way of further
advancements in their development as described above. Those currently include BridgeComm, and
SciFluor Life Sciences. This change has been reflected accordingly in the comparative year information
about reportable segments. For the twelve months ended 31 December 2019, the spend and loss before
taxes in the Minority Interests segment reflects Federated Wireless for the period between 4 September
2019 and 31 December 2019. The Group has retrospectively restated 2018 segment amounts to reflect
the above transactions.
The results of the management function of the head office at the parent level of Allied Minds are reported
separately as Other operations. As the investment in associate is a parent activity, the share of loss, gain
on deconsolidation, remeasurement of the investments to fair value and investment in associate are
disclosed in the Other operations segment.
Summarised information related to the Company’s operating revenues by reporting segment for the years
ended 31 December 2019 and 2018 is as follows:
Early Stage
Later Stage
Minority
Total revenue
2019
2018
Service
revenue
-
1,225
1,406
2,631
Software
revenue
-
-
61
61
Total
1,225
1,467
2,692
Service
revenue
Software
revenue
-
4,752
519
5,271
250
40
-
290
Total
250
4,792
519
5,561
In 2019, Cost of revenue and Selling, general and administrative expenses of Early stage, Later stage,
Minority holdings and Other operations segments included depreciation and amortisation expense of
$115,000, $664,000, $597,000, and $233,000, respectively (2018: $117,000, $1,041,000, $4,664,000, and
$235,000, respectively).
The proportion of net assets shown above that is attributable to non-controlling interest is disclosed
further in notes 11 and 16.
Geographic Information
The Group revenues and net operating losses for the years ended 31 December 2019 and 2018 are
considered to be entirely derived from its operations within the United States and accordingly no
additional geographical disclosures are provided.
(5) Operating Expenses
The average number of persons employed by the Group (including Directors) during the year, analysed by
136
category, was as follows:
For the year ended 31 December:
2019
2018
Selling, general and administrative
Research and development
Total
41
71
112
68
124
192
The aggregate payroll costs of these persons were as follows:
For the year ended 31 December:
Selling, general and administrative
Research and development
Total
Total operating expenses were as follows:
For the year ended 31 December:
Salaries and wages
Payroll taxes
Healthcare benefit
Other payroll cost
Share-based payments
Total
Cost of revenue
Other SG&A expenses
Other R&D expenses
Total operating expenses
Auditor's remuneration
Audit of these financial statements
Audit of the financial statements of subsidiaries
Audit-related assurance services
2019
$'000
17,960
8,043
26,003
2019
$'000
23,727
1,290
1,942
509
(1,465)
26,003
1,433
16,356
8,103
51,895
2019
$'000
544
—
122
666
2018
$'000
25,896
21,070
46,966
2018
$'000
33,915
2,267
2,233
1,138
7,413
46,966
2,827
23,432
23,877
97,102
2018
$'000
618
20
211
849
137
The Group recorded an impairment charge on property and equipment of $0.5 million (2018: $0.1 million)
and on intangible assets of $0.1 million (2018: $0.5 million) and wrote off certain tangible and intangible
assets as a result of companies that were closed during fiscal year 2019.
See note 6 for further disclosures related to share-based payments and note 22 for management’s
remuneration disclosures.
(6) Share-Based Payments
UK Long Term Incentive Plan
Under the UK Long Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”), awards of Ordinary Shares may be made to employees,
officers and directors, and other individuals providing services to the Company and its subsidiaries.
Awards may be granted in the form of share options, share appreciation rights, restricted or unrestricted
share awards, performance share awards, restricted share units, phantom-share awards and other share-
based awards. Vesting is subject to the achievement of certain performance conditions and continued
services of the participant.
Awards have been granted under the LTIP based on the following vesting criteria:
• awards subject to performance conditions based on the Company’s total shareholder return (“TSR”)
performance or relative total shareholder return (rTSR) performance over a defined of time;
• awards subject to performance conditions based on a basket of shareholder value metrics (“SVM”).
Performance is assessed on these measures on a scorecard basis over a defined period of time;
• awards that vest 100 per cent after a period of time subject to continued service condition only.
On 10 June 2019, the Board has determined to retire the long term incentive plan (LTIP) scheme for
executive directors, management and other employees. New annual LTIP awards planned for issuance in
May 2019 subsequent to the release of annual results, were cancelled and no future awards will be made
to executive directors, management and other employees. Historic awards will remain outstanding and
eligible to vest in accordance with their terms. A significant majority of the outstanding awards are subject
to relative total shareholder return (TSR) performance. At the current share price no value is attributable
to these performance awards.
The Company issued awards under the LTIP during 2019 and 2018 in respect of a total of 343,383 and
3,924,851 Ordinary Shares, respectively. A summary of stock option activity under the UK LTIP for the year
ended 31 December 2019 and 2018, respectively, is shown below:
138
For the year ended 31
December:
Number of shares granted
at maximum (‘000)
Weighted average fair value ($)
Fair value measurement basis
rTSR
2019
SVM
—
—
—
Monte
Carlo
—
—
Market
value of
ordinary
share
Time
rTSR
3,481
1.13
Monte
Carlo
343
0.63
Market
value of
ordinary
share
2018
SVM
―
―
Market
value of
ordinary
share
Time
444
1.12
Market
value of
ordinary
share
The share grants that vest upon the occurrence of a market condition (i.e. the TSR performance) and
service condition were adjusted to current market price at the date of the grant to reflect the effect of
the market condition on the non-vested shares’ value. The Company used a Monte Carlo simulation
analysis utilising a Geometric Brownian Motion process with 50,000 simulations to value those shares.
The model takes into account share price volatilities, risk-free rate and other covariance of comparable
UK public companies and other market data to predict distribution of relative share performance. This is
applied to the reward criteria to arrive at expected value of the TSR awards.
The share grants that vests only upon the occurrence of a non-market performance condition (i.e. the
SVM grants) and service condition were valued at the fair value of the shares on the date of the grants
and the vesting conditions are taken into account by subsequently adjusting the number of instruments
included in the measurement of the transaction amount so that, ultimately, the amount of recognised
share-based expense is based on the number of instruments that eventually vest.
The accounting charge does not necessarily represent the intended value of share-based payments made
to recipients, which are determined by the Remuneration Committee according to established criteria.
The share-based payment credit for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2019 related to the UK LTIP was
$1.9 million (2018: $5.4 million charge).
U.S. Stock Option/Stock Issuance Plan
The U.S. Stock Option/Stock Issuance Plan (the “U.S. Stock Plan”) was originally adopted by Allied Minds,
Inc. (now Allied Minds, LLC) in 2008. The U.S. Stock Plan provides for the grant of share option awards,
restricted share awards, and other awards to acquire common stock of Allied Minds, Inc. (now Allied
Minds, LLC). All stock options granted to employees under this plan are equity settled, for a ten-year term.
Pursuant to the Company’s IPO in 2014, Allied Minds plc adopted and assumed the rights and obligations
of Allied Minds, Inc. (now Allied Minds, LLC) under this plan except that the obligation to issue Common
Stock is replaced with an obligation to issue ordinary shares to satisfy awards granted under the U.S. Stock
Plan. As of 19 June 2014, the maximum number of options reserved under the plan were issued and
outstanding and as a result of the Company’s IPO in 2014, all issued and outstanding options vested on
19 June 2014. The Company does not intend to make any further grants under the U.S. Stock Plan.
No new stock option grants were awarded in 2019 and 2018 under the Allied Minds 2008 Plan. A summary
of stock option activity in the U.S. Stock Plan is presented in the following table:
139
For the twelve months ended:
31 December 2019
Number of
options
1,300,000
—
(1,070,000)
230,000
230,000
$ nil
Weighted
average
exercise
price
$ 2.15
$ 0.00
$ 1.80
$ 2.49
$ 2.49
Outstanding as of 1 January
Exercised during the period
Forfeited during the period
Outstanding as of period end
Exercisable at period end
Intrinsic value of exercisable
31 December 2018
Number of
options
Weighted
average
exercise
price
7,499,116
(887,373)
(5,311,743)
1,300,000
1,300,000
$ nil
$2.21
$1.78
$2.30
$2.15
$2.15
The options outstanding as of 31 December 2019 had an exercise price of $2.49 (2018: a range of $1.78
to $2.49).
Allied Minds Phantom Plan
In 2007, Allied Minds established a cash settled plan for Allied Minds employees, also known as its
Phantom Plan. In 2012, the board of directors adopted the Amended and Restated 2007 Phantom Plan.
Under the terms of the Amended and Restated Plan, upon a liquidity event Allied Minds will allocate 10%
of the value (after deduction of the amount invested by Allied Minds and accrued interest at a rate not
exceeding 5% per annum) of the invested capital owned by Allied Minds of each operating company to
the plan account. Upon a liquidity event, plan participants holding units will receive their proportionate
share of the plan account. The allocated shares at all times remain the sole and exclusive property of Allied
Minds and holders of units have no rights or interests in Allied Minds.
In December 2019, the Company made a distribution of $4.9 million to participants under the terms of
the Company’s Phantom Plan as a result to Allied Minds’ sale of its entire stake in its portfolio company
HawkEye 360 for cash consideration of $65.6 million in November 2019. No other amounts have been
scheduled to be paid out to employees under the Phantom Stock Plan through 31 December 2019.
Allied Minds has not accrued any expense relating to the Phantom Plan as of 31 December 2019 and 2018.
Management records an expense relating to this plan when it is probable that a subsidiary will be sold
and the amount of the payout is reasonably estimable.
Share-based Payment Expense
The Group recorded share-based payment credit/charge related to stock options of approximately
$1,465,000 and $7,413,000 for the years ended 31 December 2019 and 2018, respectively. There was no
income tax benefit recognised for share- based payment arrangements for the years ended 31 December
2019 and 2018, respectively, due to operating losses.
The following table provides the classification of the Group’s consolidated share-based payment
income/expense as reflected in the Consolidated Statement of Income/ (Loss):
140
For the year ended 31 December:
Selling, general and administrative
Research and development
Total
(7) Finance Cost, Net
2019
$'000
(1,597)
132
(1,465)
2018
$'000
6,047
1,365
7,412
The following table shows the breakdown of finance income and cost:
For the year ended 31 December:
Interest income on:
– Bank deposits
Foreign exchange gain
Finance income
Interest expense on:
– Financial liabilities at amortised
cost
Foreign exchange loss
Finance cost contractual
Income on fair value measurement of
subsidiary preferred shares
Finance income
Total finance income, net
2019
$'000
2018
$'000
1,007
1
1,008
(267)
—
(267)
9,251
8,984
9,992
1,771
4
1,775
(407)
(55)
(462)
91,562
91,100
92,875
See note 17 for further disclosure related to subsidiary preferred shares.
(8) Income Per Share
The calculation of basic and diluted income per share as of 31 December 2019 was based on the income
attributable to ordinary shareholders of $51.3 million (2018: $37.4 million) and a weighted average
number of ordinary shares outstanding of 240,981,168 (2018: 239,915,664), calculated as follows:
Income) attributable to ordinary shareholders
Income for the year attributed
to the
owners of the Company
Income for the year attributed
to the
ordinary shareholders
2019
$'000
2018
$'000
Basic
Diluted
Basic
Diluted
51,335
51,335
37,355
37,355
51,335
51,335
37,355
37,355
141
Weighted average number of ordinary shares
2019
2018
Issued ordinary shares on 1 January
Effect of share capital issued
Effect of vesting of RSUs
Effect of share options exercised
Effect of dilutive shares
Basic
240,314,745
―
666,423.35
―
―
Diluted
240,314,745
―
666,423.35
―
―
Weighted average ordinary shares
240,981,168
240,981,168
Basic
Diluted
238,202,541
―
896,372
816,751
―
239,915,664
238,202,541
―
896,372
816,751
778,945
240,694,609
Income per share
Income per share
*Prior year financials have been restated (see note 25).
2019
$
Basic
0.21
Diluted
0.21
2018 Restated*
$
Basic
0.16
Diluted
0.16
(9) Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, net, consists of the following at:
Cost
in
$'000
Balance as of 31 December
2017
Additions, net of
transfers
Disposals
Deconsolidation of
subsidiaries
Balance as of 31 December
2018
Additions, net of
transfers
Disposals
Deconsolidation of
subsidiaries
Balance as of 31 December
2019
Accumulated Depreciation
and Impairment loss
in
$'000
Balance as of 31 December
2017
Depreciation
Machinery
and
Equipment
Furniture
and
Fixtures
Leasehold
Improvements
Computers
and
Electronics
Under
Construction
34,673
1,685
(561)
(33,334)
2,463
(71)
(1,233)
(110)
1,049
676
184
—
(151)
709
122
(455)
(305)
71
5,674
1,813
—
(4,405)
3,082
26
(272)
(1,965)
871
1,194
464
(14)
(733)
911
185
(166)
(575)
355
Total
42,785
7,908
(575)
568
3,762
—
(2,691)
(41,314)
1,639
3,341
—
(4,772)
208
8,804
3,603
(2,126)
(7,727)
2,554
Machinery
and
Equipment
(12,396)
(4,184)
Furniture
and
Fixtures
(341)
(131)
Leasehold
Improvements
(2,675)
(1,065)
Computers
and
Electronics
(746)
(282)
Under
Construction
—
―
Total
(16,158)
(5,662)
142
Impairment loss
Disposals
Deconsolidation of
subsidiaries
Balance as of 31 December
2018
Depreciation
Impairment loss
Disposals
Deconsolidation of
subsidiaries
Balance as of 31 December
2019
Property and equipment,
net
in
$'000
Balance as of 31 December
2018
Balance as of 31 December
2019
(81)
561
15,091
(1,009)
(280)
(305)
1,233
61
(300)
―
―
91
(381)
(101)
(101)
455
125
(3)
―
―
2,899
(841)
(535)
—
272
611
(493)
(3)
14
441
(576)
(141)
(15)
166
293
(273)
―
―
―
—
―
―
―
(84)
575
18,522
(2,807)
(1,057)
(421)
2,126
1,090
(1,069)
Machinery
and
Equipment
1,456
749
Furniture
and
Fixtures
328
68
Leasehold
Improvements
2,240
378
Computers
and
Electronics
334
82
Under
Construction
1,639
208
Total
5,997
1,485
Impairment of property and equipment of $421,000 and $84,000 for the years ended 31 December 2019
and 2018, respectively, is mainly attributed to the closing of subsidiary companies, which resulted in the
associated assets being impaired. Impairment of property and equipment is included in selling, general
and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.
Property and equipment under constructions represents assets that are in the process of being built and
not placed in service as of the reporting date.
(10)
Intangible Assets
Information regarding the cost and accumulated amortisation of intangible assets is as follows:
Cost
in $'000
Balance as of 31 December 2017
Additions - Acquired separately
Disposals
Deconsolidation of subsidiaries
Balance as of 31 December 2018
Additions - Acquired separately
Disposals
Deconsolidation of subsidiaries
Balance as of 31 December 2019
Accumulated amortisation
and Impairment loss
in $'000
Balance as of 31 December 2017
Licenses
Purchased
IPR&D
Software
Total
1,202
20
(529)
(530)
163
29
(142)
(50)
—
277
—
—
—
277
192
(384)
(85)
—
543
1,182
—
(35)
1,690
4
(66)
(702)
926
Licenses
Purchased
IPR&D
Software
(413)
—
(535)
2,022
1,202
(529)
(565)
2,130
225
(592)
(837)
926
Total
(948)
143
Amortisation
Impairment loss
Disposals
Deconsolidation of subsidiaries
Balance as of 31 December 2018
Amortisation
Impairment loss
Disposals
Deconsolidation of subsidiaries
Balance as of 31 December 2019
Intangible assets, net
in $'000
Balance as of 31 December 2018
Balance as of 31 December 2019
(59)
(461)
529
340
(64)
(4)
(58)
111
15
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(192)
192
—
—
(337)
—
—
27
(845)
(546)
—
66
596
(729)
(396)
(461)
529
367
(909)
(550)
(250)
369
611
(729)
Licenses
Purchased
IPR&D
277
—
97
—
Software
Total
847
197
1,221
197
Amortisation expense is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated
statement of comprehensive loss. Amortisation expense, recorded using the straight-line method, was
approximately $551,000 and $396,000 for the years ended 31 December 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Impairment of intangible assets of $249,000 and $461,000 for the years ended 31 December 2019 and
2018, respectively, is mainly attributed to the closing of subsidiary companies, which resulted in the
associated intangible assets being impaired to zero. Impairment expense is included in selling, general and
administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.
At each reporting period, management considers qualitative and quantitative factors that define the
future prospects of the respective investment and assesses whether it supports the value of the
underlying intangible.
(11)
Investment in Subsidiaries and Associates
Group Subsidiaries and associates
As of 31 December 2019, Allied Minds has seven portfolio companies, including investments in associates.
As of and for the two years ended 31 December 2019 the capitalisation of all subsidiary companies in the
Group portfolio is in the form of ordinary shares only, except for certain subsidiaries where preferred
shares were issued to both Allied Minds and third parties in financing rounds, namely BridgeComm,
Federated Wireless, Precision Biopsy, SciFluor Life Sciences, Spin Memory and Spark Insights. The Group’s
ownership of preferred shares as per cent of the total ownership percentage of economic interest in those
subsidiaries as of 31 December 2019 were 38.22%, 14.62%, 0.00%, 3.80%, 18.95% and 70.57% respectively
(2018: 38.22%, 12.59%, 18.02%, 3.80%, 17.45% and 0.00% respectively).
The following outlines the formation of each subsidiary and evolution of Allied Minds’ equity ownership
interest over the two year period ended 31 December 2019:
144
Inception
Date
Location (4)
Ownership percentage
of equity interest at
31 December (2)
2019
2018
19/06/14
21/12/15
09/03/12
09/10/18
09/02/15
14/12/10
Active subsidiaries
Holding companies
Allied Minds, LLC (1), (3)
Allied Minds Securities Corp. (3)
Allied Minds Federal Innovations, Inc.(3)
Early stage companies
Spark Insights, Inc.
Later stage companies
BridgeComm, Inc.
SciFluor Life Sciences, Inc.
Closed subsidiaries
Allied-Bristol Life Sciences, LLC(6)
ABLS Capital, LLC(6)
ABLS II, LLC(6)
ABLS IV, LLC(6)
LuxCath, LLC(6)
Precision Biopsy, Inc(6)
Signature Medical, Inc. (6)
31/07/14
09/07/15
24/09/14
26/10/17
17/06/08
12/12/16
31/07/14
Number of active subsidiaries at 31 December:
Boston, MA
Boston, MA
Boston, MA
100.00%
100.00%
100.00%
100.00%
100.00%
100.00%
Boston, MA
70.59%
100.00%
Denver, CO
Cambridge, MA
81.38%
62.67%
Boston, MA
Boston, MA
Boston, MA
Boston, MA
Denver, CO
Boston, MA
Boston, MA
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
6
Associates
Spin Memory, Inc.(2) (4)(5)
Federated Wireless, Inc. (2)(3)(5)
Federated Wireless Government Solutions, Inc. (2)(3)(5)
TableUp, Inc. (4) (5)
Orbital Sidekick, Inc. (4) (5)
Disposed Companies
HawkEye 360, Inc. (2) (4)
HawkEye 360 Federal, Inc. (2) (4)
QuayChain, Inc.(2)
Notes:
03/12/07
08/08/12
04/05/16
04/20/07
02/08/16
16/09/15
22/09/15
18/09/18
Fremont, CA
Arlington, VA
Arlington, VA
Boston, MA
San Francisco, CA
42.69%
42.57%
42.57%
35.52%
33.23%
Herndon, VA
Herndon, VA
San Pedro, CA
―
―
―
(1) On 19 June 2014, Allied Minds plc completed a reorganisation of its corporate structure, whereby Allied Minds plc acquired
the entire issued share capital of Allied Minds, Inc., first incorporated on 4 June 2004, which at the same time changed its
name to Allied Minds, LLC.
(2) Represents ownership percentage used in allocations to non-controlling interests except for BridgeComm, Federated
Wireless, HawkEye 360, Precision Biopsy, SciFluor Life Sciences, Signature Medical and Spin Memory in which cases the
percentage used to allocate the non-controlling interests was 99.12%, 93.60%, 0%, 80.59%, 86.86%, 100.00% and 56.31%
(2018: 99.12%, 93.69%, 0%, 80.59%, 86.86%, 100.00% and 56.31%), where in these cases there are liability classified
preferred shares in issue, which are excluded. Note that Federated Wireless was deconsolidated in the current year and the
Non-controlling interest was allocated up to the time it was deconsolidated. On 8 November 2019, Allied Minds plc
completed the disposal of its entire stake in its portfolio company HawkEye 360 and is no longer part of our consolidated
group and no longer one of our companies. In September 2019, Allied Minds sold all its shares in QuayChain to Smart P3
Group, LLC. QuayChain is no longer part of our consolidated group and no longer one of our companies.
(3) These subsidiaries do not represent separate subsidiary businesses referred to earlier within the annual report.
145
81.38%
70.03%
80.00%
30.25%
35.95%
80.00%
64.84%
88.09%
80.00%
13
41.63%
52.23%
52.23%
35.52%
33.23%
48.33%
48.33%
72.22%
(4) All subsidiaries have a registered office address at CT Corporation System, Corporation Trust Center, and 1209 Orange Street,
Wilmington, DE 19801, United States except for Allied Minds Securities Corp. with registered office address at CT Corporation
System, 155 Federal Street, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02110, United States. Hawkeye 360 Inc., Hawkeye 360 Federal Inc., Spin
Memory Inc. and TableUp Inc. have a registered office address at 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, DE 19801. Orbital Sidekick
Inc. has a registered office at Corporation Service Company, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington, DE 19808.
(5) The preferred shares that allied Minds has in these companies is accounted for under IFRS 9.
(6) During 2019, the Group ceased operations and dissolved each of Allied-Bristol Life Sciences, LLC, ABLS II, LLC, ABLS IV, LLC,
ABLS Capital, LLC, and Signature Medical. Precision Biopsy and LuxCath were dissolved as of 31 December 2019.
2019
On 6 August 2019, HawkEye 360, Inc. secured the first closing of $35.0 million from a total of $70.0 million
planned to be raised via a Series B preferred funding round. The Series B financing is being closed in
multiple tranches. The $35.0 million includes $5.0 million subscribed by Allied Minds. In connection with
the Initial Series B Closing, the HawkEye 360’s Board of Directors authorized and declared that the
Company pay a stock dividend to each holder of shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock and Series A-3
Preferred Stock in order to satisfy all dividends accrued but unpaid on such shares through the date of the
Initial Series B Closing. As such, Allied Minds received $3.7 million of dividend shares in form of Series A-
2 Preferred Stock and Series A-3 Preferred Stock which respectively, increased its investment basis by that
amount.
On 8 November 2019, Allied Minds plc completed the disposal of its entire stake in its portfolio company
HawkEye 360 to Advance for cash consideration of $65.6 million.
On 3 September 2019, Federated Wireless, Inc. (“Federated Wireless”) successfully raised $51.3 million in
a Series C financing round. As a result of the round, Allied Minds’ ownership percentage dropped from
52.23% to 42.57%. Allied Minds does not control Federated Wireless’ Board as it only holds 3 out of 8
director seats. Therefore, in losing such control and majority voting rights in Federated Wireless,
Federated Wireless was no longer consolidated in the group accounts as of the date of the closing of the
Series C financing round (3 September 2019). As of 31 December 2019 Federated Wireless is presented
as investment in associates (for its share in common shares) & investment at fair value (for its share in
preferred shares) within the company’s financials.
In February 2019, Allied Minds and Woodford Investment Management WIM as manager (WIM) (now
succeeded by Schroder Investment Management Limited as manager) jointly contributed an aggregate of
$4.0 million of equity financing to SciFluor Life Sciences, half of which was contributed by Allied Minds
and half by WIM. Throughout the year, Allied Minds determined to cease any new funding to SciFluor. As
of year-end, SciFluor was raising bridge financing in the form of convertible promissory notes of up to a
maximum of $1.5 million and completed its first close of $950K.
Allied Minds and WIM contributed an aggregate of $5.0 million of equity financing to Precision Biopsy,
half of which was contributed by Allied Minds and half by WIM. After months of fundraising, the Company
was unable to secure additional financing. As a result, Allied Minds determined to cease funding to and
operations at Precision Biopsy. At 31 December 2019, Precision Biopsy was dissolved.
Spin Memory completed the final closing of its $52.0 million Series B Preferred Stock financing when $2.5
million was released from escrow and invested by Allied Minds in March 2019.
In April 2019, TableUp secured $350 thousand of funding through the issuance of a convertible bridge
146
note to Allied Minds. An additional $50 thousand in principal was issued to the same note in June 2019.
In the third quarter of 2019, TableUp secured an additional $325 thousand of funding under the existing
convertible bridge note issued to Allied Minds. In December 2019, TableUp raised an additional $100
thousand to other existing shareholders through the issuance of convertible promissory notes and Allied
Minds converted its existing note (principal and interest of $749,156) into the same debt security.
In April 2019, Allied Minds subscribed to a $3.2 million preferred share financing in Spark Insights, with
$1.2 million invested in April and the remaining $2.0 million invested in September 2019 due upon the
achievement of certain technical milestones. As a result, Allied Minds holds a 70.59% ownership interest.
In April 2019, QuayChain secured $0.4 million of funding through the issuance of a convertible bridge note
to Allied Minds. In September 2019, Allied Minds sold all its shares in QuayChain to Smart P3 Group, LLC. In
connection with such transaction, the management agreement was terminated and the promissory note
was cancelled. QuayChain is no longer part of our consolidated group and no longer one of our companies.
In May 2019, the Company completed an asset sale for LuxCath in return for a $100 thousand in the form
of a promissory note and other contingent consideration. LuxCath was dissolved as of 31 December 2019.
During 2019, the Group ceased operations and dissolved each of Allied-Bristol Life Sciences, LLC, ABLS II,
LLC, ABLS IV, LLC, ABLS Capital, LLC, and Signature Medical. The impact of this was assessed in the Group
financials as of 31 December 2019 and unrecoverable amounts were written off.
There are no new subsidiaries formed since 31 December 2019.
2018
On 24 August 2018, BridgeComm closed a Series B Preferred Stock round of financing issuing 7,098,240
Series B preferred shares for an aggregate purchase price of $10.0 million to Allied Minds and another
strategic investor. As a result, following the transaction, Allied Minds’ ownership percentage in
BridgeComm as of 31 December 2018 was 81.38%. Allied Minds continues to exercise effective control
over BridgeComm and as such, the subsidiary will continue to be fully consolidated within the Group’s
financial statements.
On 7 September 2018, HawkEye 360 closed a Series A-3 Preferred Stock financing round for $14.9 million.
On the date of the closing, Allied Minds’ ownership percentage was reduced to 48.33%, the Company no
longer controls a majority of the outstanding voting stock and does not control a majority of the board
seats and as a result, the subsidiary was deconsolidated.
On 9 November 2018, Spin Memory completed the first closing of its Series B Preferred Stock financing
round for up to $52.0 million. As of 31 December 2018, as a result of such funding round, the Company’s
ownership percentage was reduced to 41.63%, the Company no longer controls a majority of the
outstanding voting stock and does not control a majority of the board seats and as a result, the subsidiary
was deconsolidated.
During 2018, the Company formed two new subsidiaries, QuayChain, Inc. (72.22%) and Spark Insights, Inc.
(100.0%).
In April 2018 the Company made two minority investments in TableUp, Inc. (“TableUp”) and Orbital
Sidekick, Inc. (“OSK”). They are accounted for as investments held at fair value as the shares held do not
147
have equity like features.
Also during 2018, the Company dissolved Foreland Technologies, RF Biocidics, RF Biocidics (UK), Seamless
Devices and Whitewood Encryption Systems. In January 2018, Allied Minds completed a sale of the trade
and assets of Percipient Networks for $3.6 million with $0.4 million in escrow and a gain on disposal of
assets of $3.9 million, and subsequently ceased operations and dissolved the company. Further, at the
end of 2018, the Company discontinued funding for Allied-Bristol Life Sciences, LLC, LuxCath and Signature
Medical and as such, the assets for the three companies were written down as of 31 December 2018.
The following tables summarise the financial information related to the Group’s subsidiaries with material
non-controlling interests, aggregated for interests in similar entities, and before intra-group eliminations.
As of and for the year ended 31 December:
Statement of Comprehensive Loss
Revenue
Loss for the year
Other comprehensive loss
Total comprehensive loss
Comprehensive loss attributed to NCI
Statement of Financial Position
Non-current assets
Current assets
Total assets
Non-current liabilities
Current liabilities
Total liabilities
Net assets/(liabilities)
Carrying amount of NCI
Statement of Cash Flows
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Early stage
2019
$'000
Later stage
-
8,522
-
8,522
(384)
1,226
(320)
-
(320)
338
494
2,173
2,667
(425)
(3,257)
(3,682)
(1,015)
(1,418)
27,511
16,244
(61,347)
(17,592)
1,302
9,209
10,511
(2,082)
(20,213)
(22,295)
(11,784)
1,533
(3,199)
(133)
915
(2,417)
Minority
holdings
1,466
(16,232)
-
(16,232)
(1,035)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
11,064
(3,315)
4,701
12,450
148
Statement of Comprehensive Loss
Revenue
Loss for the year
Other comprehensive loss
Total comprehensive loss
Comprehensive loss attributed to NCI
Statement of Financial Position
Non-current assets
Current assets
Total assets
Non-current liabilities
Current liabilities
Total liabilities
Net assets/(liabilities)
Carrying amount of NCI
Statement of Cash Flows
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Early stage
250
(13,508)
―
(13,508)
(862)
(50)
19,529
19,479
―
(1,696)
(1,696)
17,783
18,181
(7,511)
(272)
5,289
(2,494)
2018
$'000
Later stage
4,792
18,842
―
18,842
9,777
6,895
33,537
40,432
(60)
(64,156)
(64,216)
(23,784)
302
47,658
(5,931)
(68,866)
(27,139)
Minority
holdings
519
6,691
―
6,691
(916)
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
24,183
(2,886)
(3,232)
18,065
Investment in Associates
The Group has two associates that are material to the Group, both of which are equity accounted.
Nature of relationship
with the Group
Principal place of business
Ownership interest
Spin Memory
Portfolio company of the Group
Federated Wireless
Portfolio company of the Group
Fremont, CA
42.69% (2018: 41.63%)
Arlington, VA
42.57% (2018: 52.23%)
Spin Memory: As of November 2018, Spin Memory was deconsolidated from the Group’s financial
statements as a result of its Series B Preferred Stock financing round. Allied Minds’ ownership percentage
as of 31 December 2018 dropped from 48.55% to 41.63%. Upon the date of deconsolidation, Allied Minds
recognised an investment in Spin Memory related to its common shares of $23.2 million with a share of
loss in associate of $3.7 million (which is restated) for the month of December. As a result of the
deconsolidation, Allied Minds recorded an unrealised gain of $48.1 million in the Consolidated Statements
of Comprehensive Income/ (Loss).
As of 31 December 2019, Allied Minds’ ownership percentage went from 41.63% to 42.69% and the
investment in common stock in Spin Memory continues to be subject to the equity method accounting.
In accordance with IAS 28, the Company’s investment was adjusted by the share of profits and losses
149
generated by Spin Memory subsequent to the date of deconsolidation. Allied Minds recognised $19.5
million as its share of loss from Spin through the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/
(Loss) as follows:
Spin Memory, Inc.
Group’s interest in net assets of investee, beginning of period
Share of loss from continuing operations
Carrying amount for equity accounted investees
Unrecognised share of losses in associate
Total
Ownership percentage
31 December
2019
31 December
2018
42.69%
41.63%
Location
Fremont,
CA
31 December
2019
$'000
19,543
(19,543)
―
(406.5)
(406.5)
31 December
2018
Restated*
$'000
23,201
(3,658)
19,543
―
19,543
Federated Wireless: As of September 2019, Federated Wireless was deconsolidated from the Group’s
financial statements as a result of its latest Series C Preferred Stock financing round. Allied Minds’
ownership percentage as of 31 December 2019 dropped from 52.23% to 42.57%. Consequently, since the
Company no longer holds a majority of the voting rights in Federated Wireless and it does not hold a
majority on its board of directors, Allied Minds does not exercise effective control over Federated
Wireless. However, even after the transaction, Allied Minds is able to exercise significant influence over
the entity by virtue of its large, albeit minority, stake in the company and its representation on the
Federated Wireless’s board of directors. As such, only the profits and losses generated by Federated
Wireless through September 2019 were
in the Group’s Consolidated Statements of
Comprehensive Income/ (Loss). Upon the date of deconsolidation, Allied Minds recognised an investment
in Federated Wireless related to its common shares of $16.2 million. The fair value of the investment in
associate at the date of deconsolidation was based on the value implied from the third party funding
round which lead to the loss of control. This is a market based valuation approach. At 31 December 2019,
Allied Minds’ investment was adjusted by the share of losses generated by Federated Wireless from 3
September through 31 December 2019 of $9.3 million. As a result of the deconsolidation, Allied Minds
recorded an unrealised gain of $69.8 million in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/
(Loss).
included
In accordance with IAS 28, the Company’s investment was adjusted by the share of profits and losses
generated by Federated Wireless subsequent to the date of deconsolidation. Allied Minds recognised $9.3
million as its share of loss from Federated Wireless through the Consolidated Statements of
Comprehensive Income/ (Loss) as follows:
150
Ownership percentage
Location
31 December 2019
31 December 2018
Federated Wireless, Inc.
Arlington,
VA
42.57%
52.23%
Group’s interest in net assets of investee, beginning of
period
Addition in the year
Share of loss from continuing operations
Carrying amount for equity accounted investees
31 December 2019
31 December 2018
$'000
$'000
―
16,151
(9,306)
6,845
―
―
―
―
The following is summarised financial information for Spin Memory and Federated Wireless, based on
their perspective consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS:
Spin Memory
$'000
Federated Wireless
$'000
2019
2018
2019
2018
Revenue
Loss for the period
Total non-current assets
Total current assets
Total assets
Total non-current liabilities
Total current liabilities
Net assets
2,080
(35,429)
14,694
5,315
20,009
(209)
(96,206)
(76,406)
25
(25,367)
19,442
20,755
40,197
-
(75,668)
(35,471)
2,322
(28,816)
19,874
44,319
64,193
(4,315)
(125,039)
(65,161)
4,627
(18,326)
4,312
22,352
26,664
-
(65,631)
(38,967)
The Group’s other current and non-current financial assets have changed as follows:
As of and for the year ended 31 December:
Other Current Financial
Assets
2019
$'000
Other Non-current Financial
Assets
At 1 January 2019
Movement in other current assets relating to Federated
Wireless
Deconsolidated balance relating to Federated Wireless
Other
As of 31 December 2019
Investments at fair value
400
20,000
(20,000)
1,181
1,581
434
-
(317)
1,140
1,257
151
The Group’s investments at fair value represent securities of portfolio companies where Allied Minds
holds a minority stake in those companies. These investments are initially measured at fair value through
profit or loss and are subsequently re-measured at fair value at each reporting date and on derecognition.
The fair value is derived using the option pricing model (“OPM”), the Probability-Weighted Expected
Return Method (“PWERM”) or a hybrid of the two.
The key inputs into these valuation models include the equity value of the portfolio company, the term of
the instrument, risk free rate and volatility.
The valuation methodologies utilised for determining the equity value include market approach, income
approach or cost approach or hybrid of these approaches. Other methodologies such as asset based and
cash in are also utilised where deemed appropriate. It is noted that in the current year none of the equity
values were determined using the income approach.
Other valuation approaches
In certain cases, the value of a portfolio company is determined using a market instead of income- based
approach.
Where there has been a third party funding round in the year this has been used as the implied value of
the portfolio company or comparable guideline public companies or comparable transactions, adjusted
for indexation where this is deemed to be appropriate.
Whilst the Board considers the methodologies and assumptions adopted in the valuation are supportable,
reasonable and robust, because of the inherent uncertainty of valuation, those estimated values may
differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market for the investment
existed and the differences could be significant.
PWERM and OPM
The principal methods the Group applies for allocation of value are the PWERM, the OPM as well as a
hybrid of the two. These models take assumptions such as the equity values, term of the instruments, risk
free rate and volatility to determine the fair value of each share class.
The PWERM estimates the value of equity securities based on an analysis of various discrete future
outcomes, such as an IPO, merger or sale, dissolution, or continued operation as a private enterprise until
a later exit date. The equity value today is based on the probability-weighted present values of expected
future investment returns, considering each of the possible outcomes available to the enterprise, as well
as the rights of each security class. The key judgement relates to probability weighting of the scenarios.
The OPM treats common stock or derivatives thereof as call options on the enterprise’s value or overall
equity value. The value of a security is based on the optionality over and above the value securities that
are senior in the capital structure (e.g. preferred stock), considering the dilutive effects of subordinate
securities. In the OPM, the exercise price is based on a comparison with the overall equity value rather
than per-share value.
Those investments are presented in the below table:
152
31 December 2019
$'000
22,354
29,972
-
4,026
5,524
Disposals
$'000
―
―
(65,606)
―
―
Finance
(income)/cost from
IFRS 9 fair value
accounting
$'000
110
315
38,719
526
1,524
61,876
(65,606)
41,194
Additions
$'000
22,244
2,500
5,000
―
―
29,744
31 December 2018
$'000
―
27,157
21,887
3,500
4,000
56,544
Federated Wireless, Inc.
Spin Memory, Inc.
HawkEye 360, Inc.
Orbital Sidekick, Inc.
TableUp, Inc.
Total investments at fair
value
included
On 3 September 2019, Federated Wireless successfully raised $51.3 million in a Series C financing round.
As a result of such funding round, the Company’s ownership percentage was reduced from 52.23% to
42.57%, the Company does not control a majority of the board seats and therefore, the subsidiary was
deconsolidated. However, even after the transaction, Allied Minds is able to exercise significant influence
over the entity by virtue of its large, albeit minority, stake in the company and its representation on the
Federated Wireless’s board of directors. As such, only the profits and losses generated by Federated
in the Group’s Consolidated Statements of
Wireless through September 2019 were
Comprehensive Income/ (Loss). Upon the date of deconsolidation, Allied Minds held preferred shares in
Federated Wireless as well as common shares. The preferred shares held by Allied Minds fall under the
scope of IFRS 9 and will be treated as a financial asset held at fair value and all movements to the value of
the
in preferred stock will be recorded through the Consolidated Statements of
Comprehensive Income/(Loss), accordingly. As of 31 December 2019, Allied Minds recognised an
investment held at fair value related to its Preferred Shares in Federated Wireless of $22.4 million. The
fair value is based on the implied value from the third party funding round which is a market based
valuation approach. As a result of the deconsolidation, Allied Minds recorded an unrealised gain of $69.8
million in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/ (Loss). The gain was calculated by
taking the difference between the fair value of the interest retained in the former subsidiary at the date
control is lost less the carrying amount of net assets adjusted for the non-controlling interests of the
former subsidiary.
investment
On 7 September 2018, HawkEye 360 was deconsolidated from the Group’s financial statements as a result
of its Series A-3 Preferred Stock financing round. On the date of the closing, Allied Minds’ ownership
percentage was reduced from 54.07% to 48.33%. Allied Minds has significant influence over financial and
operating policies of the investee. Allied Minds only held shares of preferred stock in HawkEye 360. The
preferred shares held by Allied Minds fall under the guidance of IFRS 9 and will be treated as a financial
asset held at fair value and all movements to the value of Allied Minds’ share in the preferred stock will
be recorded through the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss). There was no
gain/loss on deconsolidation recorded.
On 6 August 2019, HawkEye 360, Inc. secured the first closing of $35.0 million from a total of $70.0 million
planned to be raised via a Series B preferred funding round. The Series B financing is being closed in
multiple tranches. The $35.0 million includes $5.0 million subscribed by Allied Minds. In connection with
the Initial Series B Closing, Allied Minds received $3.7 million of dividend shares in form of Series A-2
153
Preferred Stock and Series A-3 Preferred Stock which respectively, increased its investment basis by that
amount.
On 8 November 2019, Allied Minds plc completed the disposal of its entire stake in its portfolio company
HawkEye 360 to Advance for cash consideration of $65.6 million and recognised $38.7 million increase in
fair value adjustments due to fair value accounting for investment held in HawkEye 360 on the date of the
sale. As the investment was remeasured to fair value at the date of the sale there was no gain/loss on
disposal recorded.
As of November 2018, Spin Memory was deconsolidated from the Group’s financial statements as a result
of its Series B Preferred Stock financing round. Allied Minds’ ownership percentage as of 31 December
2018 dropped from 48.55% to 41.63%. As a result of the deconsolidation, Allied Minds recorded an
unrealised gain of $55.1 million in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/ (Loss) as of 31
December 2018. Allied Minds has significant influence over financial and operating policies of the
investee. Allied Minds held shares of preferred stock and common shares in Spin Memory. The preferred
shares held by Allied Minds fall under the guidance of IFRS 9 and will be treated as a financial asset held
at fair value and all movements to the value of Allied Minds’ share in the preferred stock will be recorded
through the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss). In April 2019, Spin Memory
completed the final closing of its Series B Preferred Stock round issuing 653,068 Series B preferred shares
for an aggregate purchase price of $2.5 million to Allied Minds. As a result, following the transaction, Allied
Minds’ ownership percentage in Spin is 42.69% and therefore, Allied Minds has maintained significant
influence as of 31 December 2018 and 2019. As of 31 December 2019, Allied Minds recognised an
investment held at fair value related to its Preferred Shares in Spin Memory of $29.9 million (31 December
2018: $27.2 million).
On 6 April 2018, Allied Minds made an investment in Orbital Sidekick, a company developing capabilities
in aerial and space-based hyperspectral imaging and analytics, initially for the oil and gas industry. Allied
Minds has significant influence over financial and operating policies of the investee. Allied Minds only held
shares of preferred stock in Orbital Sidekick. The preferred shares held by Allied Minds fall under the
guidance of IFRS 9 and will be treated as a financial asset held at fair value and all movements to the value
of Allied Minds’ share in the preferred stock will be recorded through the Consolidated Statements of
Comprehensive Income/(Loss). As of 31 December 2019, Allied Minds recognised an investment held at
fair value related to its Preferred Shares in Orbital Sidekick of $4.0 million (31 December 2018: $3.5
million).
On 6 April 2018, Allied Minds made an investment in TableUp, a software provider enabling end-to-end
transparency through the restaurant supply chain to enable more effective inventory and operations
management. Allied Minds has significant influence over financial and operating policies of the investee.
Allied Minds only held shares of preferred stock in Orbital Sidekick. The preferred shares held by Allied
Minds fall under the guidance of IFRS 9 and will be treated as a financial asset held at fair value and all
movements to the value of Allied Minds’ share in the preferred stock will be recorded through the
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss). As of 31 December 2019, Allied Minds
recognised an investment held at fair value related to its Preferred Shares in TableUp of $5.5 million (31
December 2018: $4.0 million).
154
Allocation Model Inputs
Allied Minds has significant influence over financial and operating policies of the investee. Allied Minds
only held shares of preferred stock in Orbital Sidekick. The preferred shares held by Allied Minds fall under
the guidance of IFRS 9 and will be treated as a financial asset held at fair value and all movements to the
value of Allied Minds’ share in the preferred stock will be recorded through the Consolidated Statements
of Comprehensive Income/(Loss). The following presents the quantitative information about the
significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Group’s financial assets:
As of 31 December:
Volatility
Time to Liquidity (years)
Risk-Free Rate
IPO/M&A/Sale Probability
Sensitivity Analysis
2019
26.7%-62.1%
0.5 - 3.27
1.58% - 1.6%
40%-60%/ 40%-60%/ n/a
2018
42.3%-60.0%
1.64 - 2.30
2.73% - 2.86%
45% - 50%/ 45%-50%/ 0%-10.0%
The following summarises the sensitivity from the assumptions made by the Company in respect to the
unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Group’s financial assets. The sensitivities
provided reflect reasonably possible changes to the key assumptions:
As of 31 December:
Input
Enterprise Value
Volatility
Time to Liquidity
Risk-Free Rate (1)
M&A vs. IPO Probability
Sensitivity range
Financial assets increase/(decrease)
2019
$'000
2018
$'000
-2%
+2%
-10%
+10%
-6 months
+6 months
0.01%/-0.10%
0.02% / 0.09%
40%
60%
(819)
846
1,136
(1,133)
886
(915)
886
(915)
(865)
842
(887)
855
32
95
572
(320)
572
(320)
(1,778)
1,901
(1) Risk-free rate is a function of the time to liquidity input assumption.
(12)
Cash and Cash Equivalents
As of 31 December:
Bank balances
Restricted cash
Total cash and cash equivalents
2019
$'000
90,571
—
90,571
2018
$'000
100,366
(2,632)
97,734
155
Restricted cash balance for 2018 includes $2.5 million that is held in escrow and represents the remaining
commitment by Allied Minds to subscribe to the Spin Memory Series B funding round to the extent further
investors do not take it up. The amount was classified as current assets in the statement of financial
position. The remaining $0.1 million within restricted cash represents a collateral against a letter of credit
with a bank issued for the benefit of a landlord in lieu of a security deposit to an office space lease for one
of the Group’s subsidiaries. The amount was classified as other financial assets, non-current in the
statement of financial position.
(13)
Trade and Other Receivables
As of 31 December:
Trade receivables
Prepayments and other current assets
Total trade and other receivables
(14)
Equity
2019
$'000
2018
$'000
60
5,642
5,702
1,334
5,066
6,400
In December 2016, the Company issued 17,457,015 ordinary shares of one pence at 367 pence, which
were admitted to the premium listing segment of the Official List of the UK Listing Authority and to trading
on the LSE’s Main Market for listed securities. This resulted in approximately $78.1 million of net proceeds
from the equity placing (net of issue cost of $2.2 million). The amounts subscribed for share capital in
excess of the nominal value in relation to this transaction are reflected in the merger reserve balance as
of 31 December 2016.
On 8 November 2019, Allied Minds plc completed the sale of its entire stake in its portfolio company
HawkEye 360 to Advance for cash consideration of $65.6 million. As a result, the Company remeasured
the investment to the fair value on the on the date of the sale and derecognised its investment of $65.6
million. In addition, Allied Minds made a distribution of $4.9 million to participants under the terms of the
Company’s Phantom Plan.
On 5 December 2019, Allied Minds plc completed a court-approved reduction of the Company’s capital
by way of: (i) the capitalisation of the amount standing to the credit of the Company’s merger reserve by
way of the issue and subsequent cancellation of the Capital Reduction Shares; and (ii) the cancellation of
the amount standing to the credit of the Company’s share premium account, so as to create distributable
reserves (the “Capital Reduction”). The Capital Reduction created realised profits sufficient to eliminate
the accumulated losses of the Company and establish positive distributable reserves of approximately
$191.4 million. The purpose of the reduction of capital was to provide distributable reserves which
enabled the Company to make a special dividend payment of $40.0 million to shareholders and provided
the flexibility for future dividend payments. Following the reduction of capital, the number of issued
shares and the rights attached to those shares remained unchanged.
During 2019, there were no options exercised under the U.S. Stock Plan. During 2018, existing and former
employees of the Group exercised options to purchase 877,373 shares of the Company under the U.S.
156
Stock Plan, resulting in additional share premium of $1,564,000. Additionally, 1,248,378 (2018: 1,224,831)
shares were issued to existing and former employees of the Group during the year as result of vesting of
RSUs under the LTIP.
As of 31 December 2019, 11,551,496 ordinary shares were reserved under the U.S. Stock Plan and
24,156,312 were reserved under the LTIP, see note 6 for further discussion of the share-based payment plans.
The table below explains the composition of share capital:
As of 31 December:
2019
$'000
2018
$'000
Equity
Share capital, $0.01 par value, issued and fully paid
241,563,123 and 240,314,745, respectively
Share premium
Merger reserve
Translation reserve
Accumulated deficit
Equity attributable to owners of the Company
Non-controlling interests
Total equity
3,759
—
—
1,459
147,238
152,456
115
152,571
3,743
160,170
263,367
651
(325,635)
102,296
18,484
120,780
Holders of Ordinary Shares are entitled to vote, on all matters submitted to shareholders for a vote. Each
Ordinary Share is entitled to one vote. Each ordinary share is entitled to receive dividends when and if
declared by the Company’s board of directors. The Company has not declared any dividends in the past.
After the balance sheet date dividends of £30.49 per qualifying ordinary share (2018: £nil) were proposed
by the directors. The dividends have not been provided for.
Share premium represents the amounts subscribed for share capital in excess of the nominal value, net
of directly attributable issue costs.
Merger reserve reflects the amounts subscribed for share capital in excess of the nominal value in relation
to the qualifying acquisition of subsidiary undertakings.
Translation reserve comprises all foreign exchange differences arising from the translation of the financial
statements of foreign operations.
(15)
Acquisition of Non-Controlling Interest (“NCI”)
For the two years ended 31 December 2019, the Group recognised the following changes in common
stock ownership in subsidiaries resulting in changes to non-controlling interest:
• On 3 September 2019, Federated Wireless, Inc. successfully raised $51.3 million in a Series C financing
round. As a result of the round, Allied Minds’ ownership percentage dropped from 52.23% to 42.57%.
Allied Minds does not control Federated Wireless’ Board as it only holds 3 out of 8 director seats.
Therefore, in losing such control and majority voting rights in Federated Wireless, Federated Wireless
will no longer be consolidated in the group accounts as of the date of the closing of the Series C
financing round (3 September 2019). As of 31 December 2019 Federated Wireless is presented as
157
investment in associates (for its share in common shares) & investment at fair value (for its share in
preferred shares) within the company’s financials. The impact of the deconsolidation of Federated
Wireless resulted in a $3.0 million impact to non-controlling interest total balance as of 31 December
2019.
• Allied Minds and Woodford Investment Management as manager (WIM) (now succeeded by Schroder
Investment Management Limited as manager) contributed an aggregate of $5.0 million of equity
financing to Precision Biopsy, half of which was contributed by Allied Minds and half by WIM. After
months of fundraising, the Company was unable to secure additional financing. As a result, Allied
Minds determined to cease funding to and operations at Precision Biopsy. At 31 December 2019
Precision Biopsy was dissolved.
•
In April 2019, QuayChain secured $0.4 million of funding through the issuance of a convertible bridge
note to Allied Minds. In September 2019, Allied Minds sold all its shares in QuayChain to Smart P3
Group, LLC. In connection with such transaction, the management agreement was terminated and
the promissory note was cancelled. QuayChain is no longer part of our consolidated group and no
longer one of our companies. As a result, QuayChain was deconsolidated from the company’s
financials. The impact of the deconsolidation of QuayChain resulted in a $0.4 million impact to non-
controlling interest total balance as of 31 December 2019.
•
In May 2019, Allied Minds sold all of the assets of LuxCath in return for a $100 thousand in the form
of a promissory note and other contingent consideration. At 31 December 2019, LuxCath was
dissolved.
• During 2019, the Group ceased operations and dissolved each of Allied-Bristol Life Sciences, LLC, ABLS
II, LLC, ABLS IV, LLC, ABLS Capital, LLC and Signature Medical. The impact of this was assessed in the
Group financials as of 31 December 2019 and unrecoverable amounts were written off.
• On 7 September 2018, HawkEye 360 completed the second closing of its Series A-3 Preferred Stock
financing round for a combined total proceeds with its first closing of $14.9 million. On the date of
the second closing the Company’s ownership percentage was reduced to 48.33%, and the Company
does not hold a majority of the board seats and as a result, the subsidiary was deconsolidated.
• On 9 November 2018, Spin Memory completed the first closing of its Series B Preferred Stock financing
round for up to $52.0 million. As of 31 December 2018, the Company’s ownership percentage was
reduced to 41.63% and the Company does not control a majority of the board seats and therefore,
the subsidiary was deconsolidated.
• During 2018, the Company formed two new subsidiaries, QuayChain, Inc. (72.22%) and Spark Insights,
Inc. (100.0%).
• During 2018, Allied Minds sold the trade and assets of Percipient Networks and subsequently ceased
operations and dissolved the company. In addition, Allied Minds dissolved each of Whitewood
Encryption, Seamless Devices, RF Biocidics, Inc., RF Biocidics (UK), and Foreland Technologies.
158
•
Further, at the end of 2018, the Company discontinued funding for Allied-Bristol Life Sciences, LuxCath
and Signature Medical and as such, the assets for the three companies were written down as of 31
December 2018.
The following summarises the changes in the non-controlling ownership interest in subsidiaries by
reportable segment:
Non-controlling interest as of 31 December
2017 restated*
Share of comprehensive loss
Effect of change in Company’s ownership
interest
Equity-settled share based payments
Deconsolidation of subsidiaries
Dissolution of subsidiaries
Non-controlling interest as of 31 December
2018 restated*
Share of comprehensive loss
Effect of change in Company’s ownership
interest
Equity-settled share based payments
US Subsidiary distributions to shareholders
Deconsolidation of subsidiaries
Dissolution of subsidiaries
Non-controlling interest as of 31 December
2019
(16)
Subsidiary Preferred Shares
Early stage
$'000
7,608
(878)
332
(160)
—
11,279
18,181
(384)
(105)
61
(12,050)
7
(7,128)
(1,418)
Later stage
$'000
(56,516)
Consolidated
$'000
(48,908)
8,877
557
2,176
45,209
—
303
(697)
(89)
473
—
1,543
—
1,533
7,999
889
2,016
45,209
11,279
18,484
(1,081)
(194)
534
(12,050)
1,550
(7,128)
115
Certain of the Group’s subsidiaries have outstanding preferred shares which have been classified as a
subsidiary preferred shares in current liabilities in accordance with IFRS 9 as the subsidiaries have a
contractual obligation to deliver cash or other assets to the holders under certain future liquidity events,
and/or a requirement to deliver an uncertain number of common shares upon conversion. The preferred
shares do not contain mandatory dividend rights. The preferred shares are convertible into common stock
of the subsidiary at the option of the holder and mandatorily convertible into common stock of the
subsidiary upon a qualified public offering at or above certain value and gross proceeds specified in the
agreements or upon the vote of the holders of a majority of the subsidiary preferred shares. Under certain
scenarios the number of common stock shares receivable on conversion will change. The Group has
elected not to bifurcate the variable conversion feature as a derivative liability, but account for the entire
instrument at fair value through the income statement.
The preferred shares are entitled to a vote with holders of common stock on an as converted basis. The
holders of the preferred shares are entitled to a liquidation preference amount in the event of a
liquidation or a deemed liquidation event of the respective subsidiary. The Group recognises the
subsidiary preferred shares balance upon the receipt of cash financing, and records the change in its fair
value for the respective reporting period through profit and loss. Preferred shares are not allocated shares
of the subsidiary losses.
159
The following summarises the subsidiary preferred shares balance:
As of 31 December:
BridgeComm
Federated Wireless
Precision Biopsy
SciFluor Life Sciences
Signature Medical(1)
2019
$'000
5,017
—
—
—
Total subsidiary preferred shares
5,017
Finance cost
from IFRS 9
fair value
accounting
$'000
Additions
$'000
Disposals
$'000
(470)
(2,708)
(3,042)
(3,001)
(30)
(9,251)
—
41,290
2,500
2,000
—
45,790
—
(85,216)
—
—
(500)
(85,716)
2018
$'000
5,487
46,634
542
1,001
530
54,194
(1) The $0.5 million represents a cash movement as a result of the disposal of the subsidiary and is netted against the $45.8 million in
additions as presented per the consolidated statement of cash flows.
The redemption is conditional on occurrence of uncertain future events beyond the control of the
Group. The amount that would be payable in case of such events is as follows:
As of 31 December:
BridgeComm
Federated Wireless
Precision Biopsy
SciFluor Life Sciences
Signature Medical
Total liquidation preference
2019
$'000
5,020
—
—
—
—
5,020
2018
$’000
5,325
50,000
22,000
25,200
500
103,025
For the two years ended 31 December 2019, the Group recognised the following changes in subsidiary
preferred shares:
2019
• On 3 September 2019, Federated Wireless successfully raised $51.3 million in a Series C financing
round. As a result of the round, Allied Minds’ ownership percentage dropped from 52.23% to 42.57%.
Allied Minds does not control Federated Wireless Board as it only holds 3 out of 8 director seats.
Therefore, in losing such control and majority voting rights in Federated Wireless, Federated Wireless
will no longer be consolidated in the group accounts as of the date of the closing of the Series C
financing round (3 September 2019). As of 31 December 2019 Federated Wireless is presented as
investment in associates (for its share in common shares) & investment at fair value (for its share in
preferred shares) within the company’s financials.
160
• Allied Minds and Woodford Investment Management as manager (WIM) (now succeeded by Schroder
Investment Management Limited as manager) contributed an aggregate of $5.0 million of equity
financing to Precision Biopsy, half of which was contributed by Allied Minds and half by WIM. After
months of fundraising, the Company was unable to secure additional financing. As a result, Allied
Minds determined to cease funding to and operations at Precision Biopsy. At 31 December 2019
Precision Biopsy was dissolved.
•
In February 2019, Allied Minds and Woodford Investment Management (WIM) (now succeeded by
Schroder Investment Management Limited) jointly contributed an aggregate of $4.0 million of equity
financing to SciFluor, half of which was contributed by Allied Minds and half by WIM. During the year,
Allied Minds determined to cease any new funding to SciFluor. As of year-end, SciFluor was raising
bridge financing in the form of convertible promissory notes of up to a maximum of $1.5 million and
completed its first close of $950K.
• During 2019, the Group ceased operations and dissolved Signature Medical.
2018
• On 24 August 2018, BridgeComm closed a Series B Preferred Stock round of financing issuing
7,098,240 Series B preferred shares for an aggregate purchase price of $10.0 million to Allied Minds
and another strategic investor. As a result, following the transaction, Allied Minds’ ownership
percentage in BridgeComm was 81.38%. Allied Minds continues to exercise effective control over
BridgeComm and as such, the subsidiary will continue to be fully consolidated within the Group’s
financial statements.
• On 7 September 2018, HawkEye 360 closed a Series A-3 Preferred Stock financing round for $14.9
million. On the date of the closing, Allied Minds’ ownership percentage was reduced from 54.07% to
48.33%, the Company no longer controls a majority of the outstanding voting stock and does not
control a majority of the board seats and as a result, the subsidiary was deconsolidated.
• On 9 November 2018, Spin Memory completed the first closing of its Series B Preferred Stock financing
round for up to $52.0 million. As of 31 December 2018, as a result of such funding round, the
Company’s ownership percentage was reduced from 48.55% to 41.63%, the Company does not
control a majority of the board seats and therefore, the subsidiary was deconsolidated.
The fair value is derived using the option pricing model (“OPM”), the Probability-Weighted Expected
Return Method (“PWERM”) or a hybrid of the two.
The key inputs into these valuation models include the equity value of the subsidiary, the term of the
instrument, risk free rate and volatility.
The valuation methodologies utilised for determining the equity value include the market approach,
income approach or cost approach or hybrid of these approaches. Other methodologies such as asset
based are also utilised where deemed appropriate. It is noted that in the current year none of the equity
values were determined using the income approach.
161
Where there has been a third party funding round in the year this has been used as the implied value of
the portfolio company or comparable guideline public companies or comparable transactions, adjusted
for indexation where this is deemed to be appropriate.
Whilst the Board considers the methodologies and assumptions adopted in the valuation are supportable,
reasonable and robust, because of the inherent uncertainty of valuation, those estimated values may
differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market for the investment
existed and the differences could be significant.
PWERM and OPM
The principal methods the Group applies for allocation of value are the PWERM, the OPM as well as a
hybrid of the two. These models take assumptions such as the equity values, term of the instruments, risk
free rate and volatility to determine the fair value of each share class.
The PWERM estimates the value of equity securities based on an analysis of various discrete future
outcomes, such as an IPO, merger or sale, dissolution, or continued operation as a private enterprise until
a later exit date. The equity value today is based on the probability-weighted present values of expected
future investment returns, considering each of the possible outcomes available to the enterprise, as well
as the rights of each security class. The key judgement relates to probability weighting of the scenarios.
The OPM treats common stock or derivatives thereof as call options on the enterprise’s value or overall
equity value. The value of a security is based on the optionality over and above the value securities that
are senior in the capital structure (e.g. preferred stock), considering the dilutive effects of subordinate
securities. In the OPM, the exercise price is based on a comparison with the overall equity value rather
than per-share value.
Allocation Model Inputs
The following presents the quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in the
fair value measurement of the Group’s subsidiary preferred shares liability:
As of 31 December:
Volatility
Time to Liquidity (years)
Risk-Free Rate
Probability M&A
2019
n/a*
1.64
n/a*
15%-85%
2018
27.6%-90.1%
0.50 - 2.50
2.47% - 2.60%
n/a*
*The Group valued BridgeComm using PWERM as opposed to OPM used in the current year and as such not applicable.
Sensitivity Analysis
The following summarises the sensitivity from the assumptions made by the Company in respect to the
unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Group’s subsidiary preferred shares
liability. Option Pricing Model and Probability Weighted Expected Return Method Inputs for Investments
Held at Fair Value at 31 December 2018 and 2019 respectively:
162
PWERM Measurement Date
As of 31 December:
Input
Enterprise Value
Discount rate
Time to Liquidity
As of 31 December:
Input
Enterprise Value
Volatility
Time to Liquidity
Risk-Free Rate (1)
Sensitivity range
-2%
2%
-5%
5%
-2.0 months
+2.0 months
OPM Measurement Date
2019
$'000
(38)
76
378
(304)
304
(228)
2018
$'000
Sensitivity range
-2%
+2%
-10%
+10%
-6 months
+6 months
-0.04%/-0.44%
0.01% / 0.06%
(569)
329
541
(1,148)
237
(209)
237
(209)
(1) Risk-free rate is a function of the time to liquidity input assumption.
The change in fair value of the subsidiary preferred shares is recorded in Finance cost, net in the
consolidated statement of comprehensive loss.
(17)
Trade and Other Payables
As of 31 December:
Trade payables
Accrued expenses
Other current liabilities
Trade and other payables, current
Other non-current payables
Total trade and other payables
2019
$'000
1,195
3,100
390
4,685
1,965
6,650
2018
$'000
4,254
8,251
525
13,030
436
13,466
163
(18)
Loans
As of 31 December:
Non- Current liabilities - Loans:
Unsecured loans
Total loans
2019
$'000
2018
$'000
1,965
1,965
—
—
The terms and conditions of outstanding loans are as follows:
2019
$'000
2018
$'000
Currency
Nominal
interest rate
Year of
maturity
Face
value
Carrying
amount
Face
value
Carrying
amount
USD
USD
5.0%
8.0%
2019-21
2019-22
1,000
950
1,950
1,000
965
1,965
—
—
—
—
—
—
As of 31 December:
Unsecured loan
Unsecured loan
Total interest bearing liabilities
BridgeComm convertible note
On 16 December 2019, BridgeComm secured $1.0 million of funding through the issuance of a convertible
bridge note to Boeing HorizonX Ventures, LLC (“Boeing”). All principal and accrued interest shall be due
and payable on 31 January 2021. The $1.0 million promissory note was issued at a 5.0% interest rate that
will be compounded monthly and computed on the basis of a year of 365 days for the actual number of
days elapsed and shall be paid on the maturity date. The Company shall use commercially reasonable
efforts to direct a minimum of $1,000,000 of the Note proceeds toward the purpose of funding the
implementation of the Commercial Agreement within twelve (12) months of the date hereof. The entire
instrument and the offsetting discount will be measured at fair value through profit or loss as the
conversion feature fails the fixed for fixed equity classification.
SciFluor convertible note
On 5 November 2019, SciFluor secured $0.95 million of funding through the issuance of a convertible
bridge note to multiple investors at annual interest rate of 8.0%. The note was issued at an interest rate
that will accrue on the unpaid Principal Amount at the rate of eight (8%) per annum, payable at the
maturity date (36 month anniversary of the closing date). All accrued interest shall be computed on the
basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months, and shall be payable on the date the
outstanding principal amount shall become due and payable, whether on the Maturity Date or by
acceleration or otherwise, or upon conversion. The entire instrument and the offsetting discount will be
measured at fair value through profit or loss as the conversion feature fails the fixed for fixed equity
classification.
(19)
Leases
Office and laboratory space is rented under non-cancellable operating leases. These lease agreements
contain various clauses for renewal at the Group’s option and, in certain cases, escalation clauses typically
linked to rates of inflation.
164
Right of use asset
Balance at 31 December 2018
Adoption of IFRS 16
Balance at 1 January 2019
Additions
Derecognition of right-of-use assets*
Depreciation
Deconsolidation
Balance at 31 December 2019
Right of use assets
$000s
-
4,205
4,205
6,897
(1,693)
(1,216)
(7,177)
1,016
* Derecognition of the right-of-use assets during 2019 is as a result of entering in to a finance sub-lease.
Lease liability
Balance at 31 December 2018
Adoption of IFRS 16
Balance at 1 January 2019
Additions
Cash paid
Interest expense
Deconsolidation
Balance at 31 December 2019
Total lease liability
$000s
-
4,490
4,490
6,898
(1,540)
209
(7,203)
2,854
The following details the short term and long-term portion of the lease liability as at 31 December 2019:
Short-term Portion of Lease Liability
Long-term Portion of Lease Liability
Total Lease Liability
Total lease liability
$000s
(1,023)
3,877
2,854
During 2019, the Group has relocated its corporate headquarters and as a result it sub-leased the office
space that has been presented as part of a right-of-use asset. As the sub-lease is for all of the remaining
useful economic life of the right-of-use asset, the sub-lease is classified as a finance lease.
The following table sets out a maturity analysis of lease receivables, showing the undiscounted lease
payments to be received after the reporting date. Under IAS 17, the Group did not have any finance leases
as a lessor.
165
In thousands of $
Less than 1 year
Between 1 and 5 years
More than 5 years
Total undiscounted lease receivable
Unearned finance income
Net investment in the lease
31 December 2019
728
1,178
-
1,906
(125)
1,781
Additions in the period relate to site leases that were entered into by Allied Minds’ consolidated
subsidiaries during 2019. Amounts were arrived at using the contractual minimal lease payments, present
valued using the applicable incremental borrowing rate of 5.50%.
Amounts recognised in profit or loss
In thousands of $
2019 – Leases under IFRS 16
Interest on lease liabilities
Income from sub-leasing right-of-use assets presented in ‘other
revenue’
2018 – Operating leases under IAS 17
Lease expense
(20)
Financial Instruments and Related Disclosures
31 December 2019
209
(61)
2,484
The following table shows the carrying amounts and fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities,
including their levels in the fair value hierarchy:
As of 31 December:
Financial assets designated as fair
value through profit or loss
Investments at fair value
Convertible note receivable(1)
Loans and receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables
Security and other deposits
Total
Financial liabilities designated as
fair value through profit or loss
Convertible notes
2019
$'000
Fair value
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Carrying
Amount
—
750
—
—
—
750
61,895
61,895
—
750
90,571
5,702
2,088
99,111
90,571
—
—
90,571
—
5,702
2,088
8,540
—
—
—
61,895
90,571
5,702
2,088
161,006
1,965
—
1,965
—
1,965
166
Subsidiary preferred shares
5,017
Financial liabilities measured at
amortised cost
Trade and other payables
Total
4,685
11,667
—
—
—
—
5,017
5,017
4,685
6,650
—
5,017
4,685
11,667
(1) On 18 December 2019, TableUp secured $0.75 million of funding through the issuance of a convertible bridge note to
Allied Minds at annual interest rate of 6.0%. The promissory note was issued on 18 December 2019 and has a maturity
date of 31 December 2020. The entire instrument and the offsetting discount will be measured at fair value through
profit or loss as the conversion feature fails the fixed for fixed equity classification.
As of 31 December:
Financial assets designated as
fair value through profit or loss
Investments at fair value
Loans and receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables
Security and other deposits
Total
Financial liabilities designated as
fair value through profit or loss
Subsidiary preferred shares
Financial liabilities measured at
amortised cost
Trade and other payables
Total
Carrying
Amount
—
100,366
6,400
834
107,600
54,194
13,468
67,662
Total other financials assets were as follows:
For the year ended 31 December:
Deposits
Other long term assets
Total
Convertible note receivable(1)
Other current assets
Total
2018
$'000
Fair value
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
56,544
56,544
100,366
6,400
834
―
―
―
100,366
6,400
834
107,600
56,544
164,144
—
54,194
54,194
13,468
13,468
―
54,194
13,468
67,662
2019
$'000
122
1,135
1,257
750
831
1,581
2,838
2018
$'000
434
—
434
—
400
400
834
167
(1) On 18 December 2019, TableUp secured $0.75 million of funding through the issuance of a convertible bridge note to
Allied Minds at annual interest rate of 6.0%. The promissory note was issued on 18 December 2019 and has a maturity
date of 31 December 2020. The entire instrument and the offsetting discount will be measured at fair value through
profit or loss as the conversion feature fails the fixed for fixed equity classification.
The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded is determined by using valuation techniques
that maximise the use of observable market data where it is available and rely as little as possible on entity
specific estimates. If all significant inputs required to fair value an instrument are observable, the
instrument is included in Level 2. Where the inputs for determining the fair value of financial instruments
are not based on observable market data, the instrument is included in Level 3.
The Group has determined that the carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents to be included in Level
1 and trade and other receivables and payables, security and other deposits, and customer deposits are a
reasonable approximation of their fair values and are included in Level 2. For assumptions used in the fair
value measurement of the Group’s convertible notes designated as Level 2, see footnote 18.
For assumptions used in the fair value measurement of the Group’s subsidiary preferred shares liability
designated as Level 3, see footnote 16. For assumptions used in the fair value measurement of
Investments at fair value designated as Level 3, see footnote 11.
(21)
Capital and Financial Risk Management
The Group’s policy is to maintain a strong capital base so as to maintain investor, creditor and market
confidence and to sustain future development of the business. Management monitors the level of capital
deployed and available for deployment in subsidiary projects. The board of directors seeks to maintain a
balance between the higher returns that might be possible with higher levels of deployed capital and the
advantages and security afforded by a sound capital position.
The Group’s executive management and board of directors have overall responsibility for establishment
and oversight of the Group’s risk management framework. The Group is exposed to certain risks through
its normal course of operations. The Group’s main objective in using financial instruments is to promote
the commercialisation of intellectual property through the raising and investing of funds for this purpose.
The Group’s policies in calculating the nature, amount and timing of funding are determined by planned
future investment activity. Due to the nature of activities and with the aim to maintain the investors’ funds
secure and protected, the Group’s policy is to hold any excess funds in highly liquid and readily available
financial instruments and reduce the exposure to other financial risks.
The Group has exposure to the following risks arising from financial instruments:
Credit Risk
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument
fails to meet its contractual obligations. Financial instruments that potentially subject the Group to
concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, investments held at fair
value, and trade and other receivables.
The Group held following balances:
168
As of 31 December:
Cash and cash equivalents
Investments held at fair value
Trade and other receivables
2019
$'000
90,571
61,895
5,702
158,168
2018
$'000
97,734
56,544
6,400
160,678
The Group maintains money market funds, certificates of deposits, and fixed income securities with
financial institutions, which the Group believes are of high credit quality. Risk control assesses the credit
quality of the customer, taking into account its financial position, past experience and other factors.
Individual risk limits are set based on ratings in accordance with limits set by the board. The utilisation of
credit limits is regularly monitored. The credit quality of financial assets that are neither past due nor
impaired can be assessed by reference to credit ratings (if available) or to historical information about
counterparty default rates.
Group policy is to maintain its funds in highly liquid deposit accounts with reputable financial institutions.
The aging of trade receivables that were not impaired was as follows:
As of 31 December:
2019
$'000
2018
$'000
Neither past due nor impaired
Past due 30-90 days
Past due over 90 days
Reserve for bad debt
60
―
―
―
60
467
867
―
―
1,334
The Group has no significant concentration of credit risk. The Group assesses the credit quality of
customers, taking into account their current financial position. An analysis of the credit quality of trade
receivables that are neither past due nor impaired is as follows:
As of 31 December:
Customers with less than three years of
trading history with the Group
2019
$'000
2018
$'000
60
60
1,334
1,334
Liquidity Risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will encounter difficulty in meeting the obligations associated with
its financial liabilities that are settled by delivering cash or another financial asset. The Group’s approach
to managing liquidity is to ensure, as far as possible, that it will have sufficient liquidity to meet its liabilities
when they are due, under both normal and stressed conditions, without incurring unacceptable losses or
risking damage to the Group’s reputation.
169
The Group seeks to manage liquidity risk, ensuring that sufficient liquidity is available to meet foreseeable
requirements.
The following are the remaining contractual maturities of financial liabilities at the reporting date. The
amounts are gross and undiscounted, and include estimated interest payments and exclude the impact
of netting agreements. The current portion of the carrying amount of lease obligations is included in trade
and other payables.
As of 31 December 2019:
$'000
Carrying
amount
Trade and other payables
Subsidiary notes payable
Subsidiary preferred shares
Lease liability
4,685
1,965
5,017
2,854
14,521
Contractual cash flows
Less than
1 year
2-5 years
More than
5 years
4,685
1,965
5,017
2,854
14,521
—
—
—
—
—
—
Total
4,685
1,965
5,017
2,854
14,521
As of 31 December 2018:
$'000
Trade and other payables
Subsidiary notes payable
Subsidiary preferred shares
Other non-current liabilities
Carrying
amount
13,030
—
54,914
436
68,380
Total
13,030
—
54,914
436
68,380
Contractual cash flows
Less than
1 year
2-5 years
More than
5 years
13,030
—
54,914
—
67,944
—
—
436
436
—
—
—
—
It is not expected that the cash flows included in the maturity analysis could occur significantly earlier, or
at significantly different amounts.
Market Risk
Market risk is the risk that changes in market prices – such as foreign exchange rates, interest rates and
equity prices – will affect the Group’s income or the value of its holdings of financial instruments. The
objective of market risk management is to manage and control market risk exposures within acceptable
parameters, while optimising the return. The Group maintains the exposure to market risk from such
financial instruments to insignificant levels. The Group exposure to changes in interest rates is determined
to be insignificant.
Capital Risk Management
The Group is funded by equity finance and long term borrowings. Total capital is calculated as ‘total equity’
as shown in the consolidated statement of financial position.
The Group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going
concern in order to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders and to maintain
170
an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of capital. In order to maintain or adjust the capital
structure, the Group may issue new shares or borrow new debt. The Group has some external debt in the
form of preferred shares and no material externally imposed capital requirements. The Group’s share
capital is set out in note 16.
Brexit
On 23 June 2016, the UK electorate voted to leave the European Union in a so-called “Brexit” referendum.
The UK formally left the European Union on 31 January 2020.
It is expected that companies based in the UK and with significant UK and EU operational focus will be the
most directly impacted by Brexit. All of the Group’s portfolio companies are based in the US, and
substantially all of the business and operations of the Group are conducted in the US. Brexit exposes the
Group to increased foreign currency risk. However, since the functional currency of the Group’s portfolio
companies is US dollars and the cash deposits are maintained in US based banks, the Group’s exposure to
changes in foreign exchange rates as a result of Brexit is determined to be insignificant.
COVID-19
The ongoing spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that started in December 2019 has been
declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organisation. COVID-
19 has the potential to greatly disrupt all aspects of the Group’s business. Potential impacts include the
risk to the health and safety of our workforce, the ability for our businesses to operate normally, global
economics, and the flow of goods and services. Our people could be at potential health risk if they come
into contact with confirmed cases of COVID-19. In addition, given the mandatory health and safety
restrictions across the world, including travel and quarantine restrictions, it may affect the ability of our
workforce to continue working normally. There could also be disruption to operations as a result of the
virus negatively impacting our suppliers, customers and partners. Finally, the virus has already caused
downturn to the global economy, which may become worse as it continues to spread. This may make it
difficult for our portfolio companies to raise money, enter into new strategic partnerships, retain
customers, or continue operations.
In order to mitigate against these risks, we are closely monitoring the health, safety and security of our
workforce and complying with applicable regulatory requirements and guidelines. We have put in place
temporary travel restrictions and have made accommodations that will allow our workforce to work
remotely. We are also in close communication with all of our customers, suppliers and partners to
collaborate on how to best support each other’s needs in this new environment.
Despite all of this, any impact from COVID-19 will not impact Allied Minds from a going concern
perspective. Adequate cash reserves have been set aside to fund the central costs through 2023. In fact,
the impact of COVID-19 is adding cost savings during Q1 2020 and into Q2 2020 as all travel has been
suspended for board meetings, investor meetings and the annual general meeting later in Q2. These
savings have a positive impact for Allied Minds as a going concern.
171
(22)
Related Parties
Transactions with Key Management Personnel
Key Management Personnel Compensation
Key management personnel compensation received comprised the following:
For the year ended 31 December:
Short-term employee benefits
Share-based payments
Total
2019
$'000
3,219
493
3,712
2018
$'000
3,032
3,713
6,745
Short-term employee benefits of the Group’s key management personnel include salaries and bonuses,
health care and other non-cash benefits.
Share-based payments include the value of awards granted under the LTIP during the year. Share-based
payments under the LTIP are subject to vesting terms over future periods. See further details of the two
plans in note 6.
Bonuses to key management for the year of $1,045,200 were outstanding at 31 December 2019 (2018:
$1,237,000) and were paid in January of 2020.
Key Management Personnel Transactions
Directors’ remuneration for the year comprised the following:
For the year ended 31 December:
Executive Directors’ fees
Non-executive Directors' fees
Total
2019
$'000
3,363
428
3,791
2018
$'000
1,192
493
1,685
Executive management and Directors of the Company control 0.8% of the voting shares of the Company
as of 31 December 2019 (2018: 0.5%).
In November 2019, Jeff Rohr (Chairman/Director) purchased 78,000 shares of the company and in
December 2019, Joseph Pignato (CEO and Executive Director) purchased 346,800 shares of the company.
As discussed in note 11 and 18, Allied Minds has participated in the current year’s financings at Federated
Wireless, Inc. and Spin Memory, Inc. As a result of the financing round at Federated Wireless, the
subsidiary was no longer consolidated in the group accounts. The subsidiary paid $0.2 million in
management fees to Allied Minds up to the time it was deconsolidated. Spin Memory paid $0.2 million in
management fees to Allied Minds from 1 January to 30 September 2019 as Allied Minds did accounting
services for Spin Memory during that time.
172
The Group has not engaged in any other transactions with key management personnel or other related
parties.
(23)
Taxation
Amounts recognised in profit or loss
No current income tax expense was recorded for the years ended 31 December 2019 and 2018 due to
accumulated losses.
For the year ended 31 December:
Net income/(loss)
Income taxes
Net income/(loss) before taxes
Reconciliation of Effective Tax Rate
2019
$'000
2018
$'000
(Restated*)
50,254
—
50,254
45,354
—
45,354
The Group is primarily subject to taxation in the US, therefore the reconciliation of the effective tax rate
has been prepared using the US statutory tax rate. A reconciliation of the US statutory rate to the effective
tax rate is as follows:
US federal statutory rate
Effect of state tax rate in US
Research credits
Share-based payment remeasurement
Permanent differences on dissolved/deconsolidated
subsidiaries and preferred stock valuation
Other temporary differences
Current year income/(losses) for which no deferred
tax asset/(liability) is recognised
2019
%
21.0
5.1
(2.5)
(1.2)
(38.3)
0.1
15.8
—
2018
%
(Restated*)
21.0
5.6
(7.9)
5.2
(32.9)
0.9
8.1
—
Factors that may affect future tax expense
The Group is primarily subject to taxation in the US and UK. Additionally, the Group is exposed to state
taxation in various jurisdictions throughout the US. Changes in corporate tax rates can change both the
current tax expense (benefit) as well as the deferred tax expense (benefit). A UK corporation rate of 19%
(effective 1 April 2020) was substantively enacted on 17 March 2020, reversing the previously enacted
reduction in the rate from 19% to 17%. This will increase the company's future current tax charge
accordingly.
173
On 22 December 2017, the U.S. government enacted a comprehensive tax legislation, H.R.1, commonly
referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Tax Act). The Tax Act makes broad and complex changes to
the U.S. tax code.
The Tax Act reduces the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%. The change in our future
effective tax rate is not anticipated to have an effect on our tax until all of our U.S. federal net operating
losses and credits have been utilised.
Unrecognised Deferred Tax Assets
Deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect of the following items, due to history of operating
losses and no convincing evidence that future taxable profit will be available against which the Group can
use the benefits therefrom, as well as due to potential permanent restrictions under Internal Revenue
Code Section 382 rules:
As of 31 December:
Tax loss carry forward
Research credits
Temporary differences
Deferred tax assets
Other temporary differences
Deferred tax liabilities
Deferred tax assets, net, not recognised
2019
$’000
2018
$'000
(Restated*)
78,472
6,739
5,931
91,142
—
—
91,142
99,852
10,190
2,275
112,317
(3,549)
(3,549)
108,768
Deferred tax is measured at the rates that are expected to apply in the period when the temporary
differences are expected to reverse, based on tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantially
enacted by the statement of financial position date.
As of 31 December 2019 the Company had United States federal net operating losses carry forwards
(“NOLs”) of approximately $288.4 million (2018: $374.8 million) available to offset future taxable income,
if any. These carryforwards start to expire in 2024 and are subject to review and possible adjustment by
the Internal Revenue Service. The Company may be subject to limitations under Section 382 of the
Internal Revenue Code as a result of changes in ownership. The Company’s preliminary analysis on the
impact from Section 382 limitations suggests that there is unlikely to be a material restriction on NOLs. A
detailed exercise is ongoing. Upon the completion of the study, there may or may not be limitations on
the Company’s ability to utilise its current NOLs against future profits, although these are not expected to
be material.
(24)
Subsequent Events
The Company has evaluated subsequent events through 4 June 2020, which is the date the consolidated
174
financial information is available to be issued.
On 10 January 2020, SciFluor Life Sciences raised an additional $375K in the second closing of its
convertible note financing.
On 4 February 2020, BridgeComm issued $2,000,000 in convertible notes to Allied Minds, following the
issuance of $1,000,000 in convertible notes to Boeing HorizonX Ventures in December 2019.
On 20 April 2020, Federated Wireless raised an additional $13.7 million from existing shareholders in a
second closing of the preferred financing round from September 2019, half of which was contributed by
Allied Minds.
(25)
Prior year adjustments
Share of loss in associate adjustment
During 2019, it was identified that as at and for the year ended 31 December 2018 the share of loss in
associate was understated by $2.4 million. This was due to a fair value loss on liabilities of the associate
that was measured at fair value through profit or loss not being reflected in the equity accounted result
of the group’s associate, Spin Memory.
Gain on deconsolidation adjustments
During 2019, it was identified that for the year ended 31 December 2018 the gain on deconsolidation
recognised in the income statement for Spin Memory was understated by $16.4 million and the gain on
deconsolidation for HawkEye 360 was overstated by $11.1 million. This was primarily due to applying an
incorrect methodology within the Group’s calculation of the gain on deconsolidation. The investment
value in the subsidiary was included in the calculation and the net liabilities were taken pre-consolidation
adjustments instead of after them. The NCI balance removed at deconsolidation also did not included
100% of the share based payment reserve as required by IFRS. The adjustments had an impact on Group’s
Accumulated deficit balance reflective of the respective changes as detailed below.
Other adjustments
During 2019, it was identified that as at 31 December 2018:
In addition the NCI in relation to dissolved entities in previous years had been retained rather than
removed from the NCI balance. It should have been taken to the P&L as a gain or loss on dissolution at
the date that the subsidiaries were dissolved.
As a result, the prior year adjustments have been made to correct the position. The impact of these have
been as follows:
175
For the year ended 31 December
Operating loss
Other income:
Gain on disposal of assets
Gain on deconsolidation of subsidiary
Gain on investments held at fair value (net)
(Loss)/ gain on dissolution of subsidiaries
Other income
Finance income/(loss), net
Share of net loss of associates accounted for using the equity method
Income before taxation
Taxation
Income for the period
Income/(loss) attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent
Non-controlling interests
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent
Non-controlling interests
2018
$ '000
Associate
loss
Deconsolidation
and NCI
2018
Restated*
$ '000
(91,541)
—
—
(91,541)
3,887
42,831
—
—
46,718
92,875
(1,301)
46,751
—
46,751
38,761
7,990
46,751
—
—
—
—
—
—
(2,357)
(2,357)
—
(2,357)
(2,357)
—
(2,357)
39,322
7,990
47,312
(2,357)
—
(2,357)
—
10,026
2,213
(11,279)
960
—
—
960
—
960
951
9
960
951
9
960
3,887
52,857
2,213
(11,279)
47,678
92,875
(3,658)
45,354
—
45,354
37,355
7,999
45,354
37,916
7,999
45,915
As of 31
December
Total non-current assets
Total current assets
Total assets
Equity
Equity attributable to owners of the
Company
Non-controlling interests
Total equity
Total non-current liabilities
Total current liabilities
Total liabilities
Total equity and liabilities
2018
$ '000
86,096
107,034
193,130
127,627
(4,490)
123,137
436
69,557
69,993
193,130
Associate
loss
Deconsolidation
and NCI
(2,357)
—
(2,357)
(2,357)
—
(2,357)
—
—
—
(2,357)
—
—
—
(22,974)
22,974
—
—
—
—
—
2018
Restated*
$ '000
83,739
107,034
190,773
102,296
18,484
120,780
436
69,557
69,993
190,773
176
Income statement:
• The share of loss in associate for the period to 31 December 2018 is now reported as loss of $3.7
million (previously a loss of $1.3 million);
• The gain on deconsolidation for the period to 31 December 2018 is now reported as $52.9 million
(previously income of $42.8 million);
• The gain on investments at fair value is now reported at $2.2 million (previously $nil);
• The loss on dissolution of subsidiaries for the period to 31 December 2018 is now reported as $11.3
million (previously $nil);
• There was no tax impact recognised as the adjustments increases tax losses that are unrecognised;
• The net profit from the year ended 31 December 2018 is now reported as $45.4 million (previously a
•
profit of $46.8 million);
Income attributable to the owners of the company for the year ended 31 December 2018 is now
reported as $37.4 million (previously as income of $38.8 million);
• The total comprehensive income for the year ended 31 December 2018 is now reported as $45.9
million (previously income of $47.3 million);
• The earnings per share at 31 December 2018 is now reported as $0.16 (previously earnings per share
of $0.16);
Equity:
• The accumulated deficit at 31 December 2017 is now reported as $367.4 million (previously $354.4
million);
• The NCI at 31 December 2017 is now reported as charge of $48.9 million (previously charge of $59.2
million);
• The statement in changes in equity at 31 December 2017 is now reported as $9.4 million (previously
$12.1 million);
• The accumulated deficit at 31 December 2018 is now reported as $325.6 million (previously $300.3
million);
• The Dissolution of subsidiaries line in the Statement of Changes in Equity is now reported as $nil in
the parent accumulated profit/(deficit) and $11.3 million in NCI (previously $9.9 million in parent and
$9.9 million charge in NCI) a change of $9.9 million and $1.4 million respectively;
• The Deconsolidation of subsidiaries line in the Statement of Changes in Equity is now reported as $nil
in the parent accumulated profit/(deficit) and $45.2 million in NCI (previously $5.3 million in parent
and $49.5 million in NCI) a change of $5.3 million and $4.3 million respectively;
• The Gain/(loss) arising from change in NCI line in the Statement of Changes in Equity is now reported
as $0.9 million charge in the parent accumulated profit/(deficit) and $0.9 million in NCI (previously
$5.2 million charge in parent and $5.2 million in NCI) a change of $4.3 million and $4.3 million
respectively;
• The NCI at 31 December 2018 is now reported as $18.5 million (previously charge of $4.5 million).
Balance sheet:
• The investment in associate at 31 December 2018 is now reported as $19.5 million (previously $21.9
million).
177
COMPANY BALANCE SHEET
As of 31 December
Non-current assets
Loan to subsidiary
Total non-current assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables
Loan to subsidiary
Total current assets
Total assets
Equity
Share capital
Share premium
Merger reserve
Translation reserve
Accumulated deficit
Total equity
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Total current liabilities
Total liabilities
Total equity and liabilities
Registered number: 08998697
Note
2019
$ '000
2018
$ '000
4
3
4
5
5
5
5
5
5
147,432
147,432
2,082
85
40,000
42,167
189,599
3,759
—
—
(54,612)
239,876
189,023
576
576
576
189,599
186,842
186,842
1,746
224
—
1,970
188,812
3,743
160,170
263,367
(70,857)
(167,815)
188,608
204
204
204
188,812
The financial statements on pages 178 to 185 were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised
for issue on 4 June 2020 and signed on its behalf by:
Joseph Pignato
Chief Executive Officer
178
COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
For the year ended 31
December 2019
Balance at 31 December
2017
Total comprehensive loss
for the year
Loss for the year
Foreign currency
translation
Total comprehensive loss
for the year
Issuance of ordinary
shares
Exercise of stock
options
Equity-settled share
based payments
Balance at 31 December
2018
Total comprehensive loss
for the year
Loss for the year
Foreign currency
translation
Total comprehensive loss
for the year
Reduction of capital
Issuance of ordinary
shares
Exercise of stock
options
Equity-settled share
based payments
Balance at 31 December
2019
Share capital
Share
Merger
Translation
Accumulated
Total
Shares
238,202,541
Amount
$'000
3,714
premium
$'000
158,606
reserve
$'000
263,367
reserve
$'000
(48,043)
deficit
$'000
(1,328)
equity
$'000
376,316
—
—
1,224,831
887,373
—
—
—
17
12
—
—
—
—
1,564
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(24,829)
(171,390)
(495)
(171,390)
(25,324)
(24,829)
(171,885)
(196,714)
—
—
—
—
2,015
5,398
17
1,576
7,413
240,314,745
3,743
160,170
263,367
(70,857)
(167,815)
188,608
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
16,245
(6,310)
(7,537)
16,245
(13,847)
(160,170)
(263,367)
(6,310)
8,708
2,398
—
16
—
423,537
—
—
—
—
—
—
(1,999)
(1,999)
(54,612)
239,876
189,023
1,248,378
16
—
—
—
—
241,563,123
3,759
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
179
Note
2019
$ '000
2018
$ '000
(6,310)
(173,813)
(1,999)
6,515
139
370
(2,691)
(3,976)
4,296
4,296
16
—
16
336
1,746
2,082
5,398
165,349
64
(23)
2,210
(815)
(2,127)
(2,127)
17
1,577
1,594
(1,348)
3,094
1,746
COMPANY STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the year ended 31 December:
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net operating loss
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
used in operating activities:
Share-based compensation expense
Impairment loss in subsidiary and loan to subsidiary
Changes in working capital:
Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables
Decrease in trade and other payables
Other finance cost
Net cash used in operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
(Issuance)/repayments of note receivable to subsidiary, net
Net cash (used in)/ provided by investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of share capital
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
Net cash provided by financing activities
4
5
5
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period
180
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2019
(1)
Accounting Policies
Basis of Preparation and Measurement
The financial statements of the parent company have been prepared under the historical cost convention,
in accordance with the Companies Act 2006 and the International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”).
In preparing these financial statements, the Company applies the recognition, measurement and
disclosure requirements of the International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU
(“Adopted IFRSs”). A summary of the more important accounting policies which have been applied
consistently throughout the year are set out below.
Functional and Presentation Currency
The functional currency of the parent company is British Pounds. The financial statements of the parent
company are presented in US dollars.
Foreign Currency
Transactions in foreign currencies are translated to the respective functional currencies of the parent
company at the foreign exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities
denominated in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are retranslated to the functional currency
at the foreign exchange rate ruling at that date. Foreign exchange differences arising on translation are
recognised in the income statement. Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are measured in terms of
historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction.
Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies that are stated at fair value are
retranslated to the functional currency at foreign exchange rates ruling at the dates the fair value was
determined.
On translation of the Company financial statements from functional currency to presentational currency
the assets and liabilities are translated at the closing exchange rates. Profit and loss accounts are
translated at the average rates of exchange during the year. Gains and losses arising on these translations
are taken to reserves.
Investments
Investments are stated at historic cost less any provision for impairment in value and are held for long-
term investment purposes. Provisions are based upon an assessment of events or changes in
circumstances that indicate that an impairment has occurred such as the performance and/or prospects
(including the financial prospects) of the investee company being significantly below the expectations on
which the investment was based, a significant adverse change in the markets in which the investee
company operates or a deterioration in general market conditions.
Intercompany Loans
All intercompany loans are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost.
Where intercompany loans are intended for use on a continuing basis in the Company’s activities and
there is no intention of their settlement in the foreseeable future, they are presented as non-current
assets.
181
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include all highly liquid instruments with original maturities of three months or
less.
Impairment
If there is an indication that an asset might be impaired, the Company will perform an impairment review.
An asset is impaired if the recoverable amount, being the higher of net realisable value and value in use,
is less than its carrying amount. Value in use is measured based on future discounted cash flows (“DCF”)
attributable to the asset. In relation to the investment held in subsidiaries and intra group receivable
balance the net realisable value is the fair value of the underlying subsidiaries. In such cases, the carrying
value of the asset is reduced to recoverable amount with a corresponding charge recognised in the profit
and loss account. The underlying assumptions in determining the fair value of the subsidiaries are key
estimates and include the determination of the fair value as described in note 11 and 16 of the group
financial statements.
Financial Instruments
Currently the Company does not enter into derivative financial instruments. Financial assets and financial
liabilities are recognised and cease to be recognised on the basis of when the related titles pass to or from
the Company.
Share-based Payments
Share-based payment arrangements in which the Company receives goods or services as consideration
for its own equity instruments are accounted for as equity-settled share-based payment transactions,
regardless of how the equity instruments are obtained by the Company.
The grant date fair value of share-based payment awards granted to employees is recognised as an
employee expense, with a corresponding increase in equity, over the period that the employees become
unconditionally entitled to the awards. The fair value of the options granted is measured using an option
valuation model, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the options were granted. The
amount recognised as an expense is adjusted to reflect the actual number of awards for which the related
service and non-market vesting conditions are expected to be met, such that the amount ultimately
recognised as an expense is based on the number of awards that do meet the related service and non-
market performance conditions at the vesting date. For share-based payment awards with non-vesting
conditions, the grant date fair value of the share-based payment is measured to reflect such conditions
and there is no true-up for differences between expected and actual outcomes.
(2)
Investment in Subsidiary
Balance at 1 January
Additions
Impairment
Disposals
Effect from currency translation
Balance at 31 December
2018
$'000
173,531
—
(162,791)
—
(10,740)
—
2019
$'000
—
—
—
—
—
—
182
Investment in subsidiary represents the Company’s wholly-owned investment in Allied Minds, LLC. Allied
Minds, LLC operates
in the US as a US-focused science and technology development and
commercialisation company. For a summary of the Company’s indirect subsidiaries see note 11 to the
consolidated financial statements.
During 2018, the Directors reviewed the value of the underlying business and concluded an impairment
charge of $165.3 million should be recorded. The recoverable amount is based on the net realisable value
of the subsidiaries, being determined to be fair value. This has been recorded against the investment in
subsidiary balance (this note) and the loan to subsidiary balance (note 4).
(3)
Cash and Cash Equivalents
As of 31 December:
Bank balances
Cash and cash equivalents
(4)
Loan to Subsidiary
Balance at 1 January
Additions
Impairment
Repayments
Effect from currency translation
Balance at 31 December
2019
$'000
2018
$'000
2,082
2,082
1,746
1,746
2019
$'000
186,842
3,572
(6,515)
(7,867)
11,399
187,431
2018
$'000
199,629
3,302
(2,558)
(1,176)
(12,355)
186,842
The Company has loaned its excess cash to its operating subsidiary Allied Minds, LLC to be further
deployed in support of the continuing operations of the Group. The note bears an interest of 1.25% and
is repayable upon demand.
During 2019, the Directors reviewed the value of the underlying business and concluded an impairment
charge of $4.1 million should be recorded. The recoverable amount is based on the net realisable value
of the asset, determined to be the fair value of the subsidiaries. This has been recorded against the loan
to subsidiary balance (this note). During 2018, the Directors reviewed the value of the underlying business
and concluded an impairment charge of $165.3 million should be recorded. The recoverable amount is
based on the net realisable value being determined to be fair value. This has been recorded against the
investment in subsidiary balance (note 3) and the loan to subsidiary balance (this note).
As there is no intention of settlement in the foreseeable future, the loan is classified as a non-current
asset, with the exception of $40 million which is intended to be recalled during 2020.
(5)
Share Capital and Reserves
Allied Minds plc was incorporated with the Companies House under the Companies Act 2006 as a public
183
company on 15 April 2014. Full detail of the share capital and reserves activity for the year can be found
in note 16 to the consolidated financial statements.
As of 31 December:
Equity
Share capital, $0.01 par value, issued and fully paid
241,563,123 and 240,314,745, respectively
Share premium
Merger reserve
Translation reserve
Accumulated deficit
Total equity
2019
$'000
3,759
—
—
(54,612)
239,876
189,023
2018
$'000
3,743
160,170
263,367
(70,857)
(167,815)
188,608
In December 2016, the Company issued 17,457,015 ordinary shares of one pence at 367 pence, which
were admitted to the premium listing segment of the Official List of the UK Listing Authority and to trading
on the LSE’s Main Market for listed securities. This resulted in approximately $78.1 million of net proceeds
from the equity placing (net of issue cost of $2.2 million). The amounts subscribed for share capital in
excess of the nominal value in relation to this transaction are reflected in the merger reserve balance as
of 31 December 2016.
On 8 November 2019, Allied Minds plc completed the sale of its entire stake in its portfolio company
HawkEye 360 to Advance for cash consideration of $65.6 million. As a result, the Company remeasured
the investment to the fair value on the date of the sale and derecognised its investment of $65.6 million.
In addition, Allied Minds made a distribution of $4.9 million to participants under the terms of the
Company’s Phantom Plan.
On 5 December 2019, Allied Minds plc completed a court-approved reduction of the Company’s capital
by way of: (i) the capitalisation of the amount standing to the credit of the Company’s merger reserve by
way of the issue and subsequent cancellation of the Capital Reduction Shares; and (ii) the cancellation of
the amount standing to the credit of the Company’s share premium account, so as to create distributable
reserves (the “Capital Reduction”). The Capital Reduction created realised profits sufficient to eliminate
the accumulated losses of the Company and establish positive distributable reserves of approximately
$191.4 million. The purpose of the reduction of capital was to provide distributable reserves to enable the
Company to make a special dividend payment of $40.0 million to shareholders and provided the flexibility
for future dividend payments. Following the reduction of capital, the number of issued shares and the
rights attached to those shares remained unchanged.
Holders of Ordinary Shares are entitled to vote, on all matters submitted to shareholders for a vote. Each
Ordinary Share is entitled to one vote. Each ordinary share is entitled to receive dividends when and if
declared by the Company’s board of directors.
After the balance sheet date, a dividend of 12.62p per qualifying ordinary share (2018: £nil) was proposed
by the directors. The dividend has not been provided for.
184
The share-based payment credit for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2019 included in accumulated
deficit was $0.6 million (2018 charge: $5.4 million).
(6)
Profit and Loss Account
As permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, the Company’s profit and loss account has not
been included in these financial statements. The Company’s loss for the year was $5,873,000 (2018:
$171,390,000).
(7)
Directors’ Remuneration, Employee Information and Share-based Payments
The remuneration of the Directors of the Company is disclosed in note 23 to the consolidated financial
statements. Full details for their remuneration can be found in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on
pages 83 to 97. Full detail of the share-based payment charge and related disclosures can be found in note
6 to the consolidated financial statements.
The Company had one employee during 2019 (2018: one).
185
Company Information
Company Registration Number 08998697
Registered Office
Beaufort House
51 New North Road
Exeter EX4 4EP
United Kingdom
Website
www.alliedminds.com
Board of Directors
Harry Rein
(Non-Executive Chairman)
Joseph Pignato
(Chief Executive Officer)
Bruce Failing
(Senior Independent Director)
Mark Lerdal
(Independent Non-Executive Director)
Company Secretary
Nina Thayer
Broker
Numis Securities Limited
The London Stock Exchange Building
10 Paternoster Square
London EC4M 7LT
United Kingdom
TEL: +44 207 260 1000
Registrar
Link Asset Services
The Registry
34 Beckenham Road
Beckenham Kent BR3 4TU
United Kingdom
TEL UK: 0871 664 0300
TEL Overseas: +44 208 639 3399
Solicitors
DLA Piper UK LLP
160 Aldersgate Street
London EC1A 4HT
United Kingdom
TEL: +44 207 349 0296
Independent Auditor
KPMG LLP
15 Canada Square
London E14 5GL
United Kingdom
TEL: +44 207 311 1000
Media Relations
Instinctif Partners
65 Gresham Street,
London EC2V 7NQ
United Kingdom
TEL: +44 20 7457 2020
186