FASTFORWARD INNOVATIONS LIMITED
ANNUAL REPORT AND AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2020
FastForward Innovations Limited
Content
Directors and Advisers
Investing Policy
Chairman's Statement
Report of the Chief Executive Officer
Directors
Report of Directors
Independent Auditor’s Report
Statement of Comprehensive Income
Statement of Financial Position
Statement of Changes in Equity
Statement of Cash Flows
Notes to the Financial Statements
Page No.
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www.fstfwd.co
Incorporated under
the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008, as amended.
REGISTERED IN GUERNSEY No. 44403
FastForward Innovations Limited
Directors and Advisers
Directors
Jim Mellon (Chairman) - resigned 21 August 2019
Ian Burns (Non-Executive Director) – appointed Non-Executive Chairman 15 May 2020
Lorne Abony (Chief Executive Officer) – appointed interim executive Chairman 21 August 2019, resigned 15 May 2020
Edward McDermott (Non-Executive Director) – appointed Chief Executive Officer 15 May 2020
Lance De Jersey (Finance Director)
Luke Cairns (Non-Executive Director) – appointed 3 January 2020
Administrator, Secretary and Registered Office
Vistra Fund Services (Guernsey) Limited
11 New Street
St Peter Port
Guernsey
GY1 2PF
Registrar
Link Market Services (Guernsey) Limited
PO Box 627, Bulwer Avenue
St Sampsons
Guernsey
GY2 4LH
Brokers
Optiva Securities Limited
2 Mill Street
London
W1S 2AT
Investor Relations
St Brides Partners Ltd
d
51 Eastcheap
London
EC3M 1JP
Nominated Adviser
Beaumont Cornish Limited
10th Floor
30 Crown Place
London
EC2A 4EB
Independent Auditor
PricewaterhouseCoopers CI LLP
Royal Bank Place
1 Glategny Esplanade
St Peter Port
Guernsey
GY1 4ND
Guernsey Legal Adviser to the Company
Collas Crill
Glategny Esplanade
St Peter Port
Guernsey
GY1 1WN
English Legal Adviser to the Company
Hill Dickinson LLP
The Broadgate Tower
20 Primrose Street
London
EC2A 2EW
1
FastForward Innovations Limited
Investing Policy
For the year ended 31 March 2020
The Investing Policy of FastForward Innovations Limited (the “Company” or “FastForward”) was updated to the following
by Shareholders Resolution at an Extraordinary General Meeting held on 13 July 2020.
“The Board proposes to invest in companies which, in normal circumstances, individual investors may have limited
access to.
Investments sought will be in sectors which have, or have the potential for, significant intellectual property, principally
in the wellness and life sciences sectors (including biotech, longevity of life and pharmaceuticals) along with aligned
technology sectors (including artificial intelligence and digital delivery). Equally the Board will consider investments in
established industries where the business is applying new technologies and/or ‘know how’ to enhance its offering or
taking established business models or products to new markets. In keeping with its desire to provide its shareholders
with access to investments they may otherwise not be able to participate in, the Board also intends to apply a portion
of the portfolio to opportunistic investments which may, by exception, fall outside the above criteria but represent good
potential for short term returns. Such investments will be limited at 15% of the Company’s NAV and would typically be
in fundraisings by listed companies or as part of an IPO.
Initially the geographical focus will be North America and Europe but investments may also be considered in other
regions to the extent that the Board considers that valuable opportunities exist and positive returns can be achieved.
In selecting investment opportunities, the Board will focus on businesses, assets and/or projects that are available at
attractive valuations and hold opportunities to unlock embedded value. In line with the existing portfolio it is expected
that investments will be in SMEs with sub £100m valuations but with the potential for significant growth. Where
appropriate, the Board may seek to invest in businesses where it may influence the business at a board level, add its
expertise to the management of the business, and utilise its industry relationships and access to finance. The extent
that the Company will be a passive or active shareholder will depend on the interest held and the maturity of the
investee company.
The Company's interests in a proposed investment and/or acquisition will range from minority positions to full
ownership and will comprise multiple investments. The proposed investments may be in either quoted or unquoted
companies; are likely to be made by direct acquisitions or investments; and may be in companies, partnerships, earn-in
joint ventures, debt or other loan structures, joint ventures or direct or indirect interests in assets or businesses.
The Company will pursue a balanced portfolio of an even mixture of early stage, pre-liquidity event and liquid
investments which it will aim to hold within the portfolio for 2-4 years, 6-24 months and up to 12 months respectively.
Whilst the target is to have the portfolio split fairly evenly between the different stages of liquidity there will be no set
criteria for which the Company will hold an investment and the proportion of the portfolio which will be represented by
each investment type.
There is no limit on the number of projects into which the Company may invest. The Directors intends to mitigate risk
by appropriate due diligence and transaction analysis. The Board considers that as investments are made, and new
promising investment opportunities arise, further funding of the Company may also be required.
Where the Company builds a portfolio of related assets it is possible that there may be cross holdings between such
assets. The Company does not currently intend to fund any investments with debt or other borrowings but may do so if
appropriate. Investments are expected to be mainly in the form of equity, with debt potentially being raised later to
fund the development of such assets. Investments in later stage assets are more likely to include an element of debt to
equity gearing. The Board may also offer new Ordinary Shares by way of consideration as well as or in lieu of cash,
thereby helping to preserve the Company's cash for working capital and as a reserve against unforeseen contingencies
including, for example, delays in collecting accounts receivable, unexpected changes in the economic environment and
operational problems.
2
FastForward Innovations Limited
Investing Policy (continued)
For the year ended 31 March 2020
The Board will conduct initial due diligence appraisals of potential businesses or projects and, where it believes that
further investigation is warranted, it intends to appoint appropriately qualified persons to assist. The Board believes it
has a broad range of contacts through which it is likely to identify various opportunities which may prove suitable. The
Board believes its expertise will enable it to determine quickly which opportunities could be viable and so progress
quickly to formal due diligence. The Company will not have a separate investment manager. The Board proposes to
carry out a comprehensive and thorough project review process in which all material aspects of a potential project or
business will be subject to rigorous due diligence, as appropriate. Due to the nature of the sectors in which the Company
is focused it is unlikely that cash returns will be made in the short to medium term on the majority of its portfolio; rather
the Company expects a focus on capital returns over the medium to long term.”
3
FastForward Innovations Limited
Chairman’s Statement
For the year ended 31 March 2020
I am pleased to present the annual report and audited financial statements of the Company for the year ended 31 March
2020 as non-executive Chairman.
This has largely been a positive year for FastForward as we focus on delivering our core objective of providing investors
with exposure to disruptive growth opportunities that have near-term re-rating potential and would otherwise be
inaccessible.
During the last 12 months, several of our eight investee companies have been active, with a number of them showing
particular promise.
Our investments within the medical cannabis space have been particularly exciting. At the end of the year under review,
EMMAC Life Sciences (‘EMMAC’) announced that it has secured pharmaceutical wholesaler and narcotics handling
permits for Germany, enabling it to generate immediate revenues from this major medical cannabis market, which ranks
No.1 in Europe and No.3 worldwide. Post year end, on 19 May 2020, EMMAC announced that Medalchemy, its GMP
certified manufacturing site in Alicante, Spain, had secured approval from the Spanish Health Authorities to manufacture
medical cannabis extracts as active pharmaceutical ingredients. The GMP license extension allows Medalchemy to
manufacture medical cannabis APIs with delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol for commercial purposes, establishing EMMAC
as the first European cannabis company to do so.
The momentum behind EMMAC continues to build. In July 2020, EMMAC announced the signing of a non-binding letter
of intent relating to a business combination with Andina Acquisition Corp., pursuant to which EMMAC would become a
publicly traded company on the NASDAQ Stock Market. On successful completion, this would enhance the liquidity of
FastForward’s holding in EMMAC and provide a robust platform for the growth of the business. I look forward to
providing further updates as this progresses.
Our investments in the biotechnology sector are also progressing well. Notably, Portage Biotech Inc. (‘Portage’) has been
particularly active since 15 April 2020, when trading of the company’s common shares resumed on the Canadian Stock
Exchange (“CSE”). This enabled Portage to focus on delivering on its goal to facilitate the delivery of the critical funding
needed to enable turnkey execution of commercially-informed development plans. In line with this, Portage has since
made noteworthy further investments in two of its portfolio companies after significant development milestones were
reached. Post year end, Portage announced a 100:1 share consolidation effective on 3 June 2020 and the raising of an
additional $6.98 million via a share issuance of 698,145 shares as announced on 26 June 2020, the proceeds of which
allowed Portage to accelerate its programmes and take advantage of new value creating opportunities.
On a note of caution, it would be remiss not to refer to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic (the ‘Pandemic’). Until there is
greater clarity on the Pandemic’s long-term consequences, concerns over its impact are likely to affect most of our
investee businesses in some way; amongst other things, it is naturally a more challenging market for fundraising, which
could delay the roll-out of future growth plans. At the same time, certain companies could or have prospered during
the Pandemic year.
Online gaming group Leap Gaming (‘Leap’) is one such company, with daily turnovers increasing significantly as well as
an exciting new business pipeline increasing by similar multiples. As an example of its high calibre work, on 1 April 2020
Leap announced that its strategic partner, IMG Arena (‘IMG’), was launching an official virtual tennis product jointly
developed by the two companies. This first-ever officially branded virtual tennis product, which uses state of the art
motion capture technology to create extremely realistic experiences for its customers, features logos from the ATP
Masters 1000 series along with official tournament names, to deliver an authentic experience. This same partnership
has enabled IMG to offer bookmakers a virtual sports betting product for the NASCAR US stock car racing series, as well
as distributing the international betting streaming rights for the first time.
4
FastForward Innovations Limited
Chairman’s Statement (continued)
For the year ended 31 March 2018
Post year end in June 2020, Leap provided updates on the extension of two further partnerships, one with 888Sport and
another with Stoixman/Betano. Leap has expanded its geographic footprint delivering a 123% year-on-year increase in
gross gaming and a 95% year-on-year increase in revenues for January to May 2020 compared to the same period in
2019. The Board strongly believes these recent developments could increase the potential for liquidity opportunities in
a very reasonable timeframe.
Not all our investments have experienced quite such a smooth ride. For example, our investee company Factom
experienced significant difficulties during the year and we took the prudent decision to write the value of the investment
down to nothing. Subsequently we have been working with Factom on a restructuring following their announcement of
filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and, subject to Court approval, we have agreed to convert our SAFE into equity
equivalent to 30.39% of the issued share capital of the company. Whilst there are still a number of factors to be resolved
this at least gives us a meaningful stake in the business as it seeks to recapitalise and move forward. However, given our
strategy is to invest across a broad range of companies, risk is spread appropriately.
On the corporate side, as announced on 18 May 2020, Ed McDermott, who was previously a Non-Executive Director of
the Company, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), and I have been appointed Non-Executive Chairman,
taking over from Lorne Abony who has stepped down from his board positions at FastForward to focus on his new
position as a Non-Executive Director of Yooma Corp. (‘Yooma’) and to pursue his other business interests. Lorne has
been a huge support for FastForward, and we are delighted that we will continue to work with him in his capacity as a
Director of four of our investee companies, EMMAC, Leap, Vemo Education and Yooma (see Chief Executive Officer
statement for more information about this new investment).
As our financial statements highlight, there has been variation within the portfolio with regard to performance. Some of
our investee companies have increased in valuation including EMMAC by £400,000 and Leap by £1.6 million, both of
which have performed particularly strongly. The rest of the portfolio can be seen in the valuation report below.
Looking ahead, despite several macro themes causing a volatile market, I believe FastForward has a great opportunity
to scale up and focus the capital we generate in the areas of life sciences, longevity, healthcare, and cannabinoid
therapies. With the potential listings of EMMAC and Yooma the liquidity of our portfolio is becoming more balanced
than ever before and is reflective of the new investment strategy adopted in July. I look forward to updating shareholders
as our investment portfolio advances and strengthens.
Results
The net assets of the Company at 31 March 2020 were £14,238,000 (2019: £19,072,000), equal to net assets of 8.82p
per Ordinary Share (2019: 11.81p per Ordinary Share).
Ian Burns
Non-Executive Chairman
25th August 2020
5
FastForward Innovations Limited
Report of the Chief Executive Officer
For the year ended 31 March 2020
Introduction
I am delighted to make my inaugural report to shareholders as the CEO of the Company, having taken over from Lorne
Abony. Not only has Lorne been a great mentor to me, but during his time on the Board, he has developed an excellent
platform for investors of any size to gain exposure to opportunities that are too often reserved for super high net
worth investors or venture capital funds.
Strategy
During the year, we have maintained focus on our strategy to provide investors with exposure to disruptive growth
opportunities that have near-term re-rating potential and which would otherwise be inaccessible. As is the nature of
investing in early stage venture capital investments, our investments have performed to varying degrees of success
and it has become apparent that as a Board we want to capitalise on our knowledge in the health and wellness arena
and focus primarily on future investments within those sectors.
Portfolio
The table below lists the Company’s holdings at 31 March 2019 and 31 March 2020.
Holding
Share Class
Category
Country of
incorporation
Number of
shares held
at 31 March
2020
Valuation
at
31 March
2020
(£‘000)
Number
of shares
held at 31
March
2019
Valuation
at
31 March
2019
(£‘000)
Juvenescence
Ltd
EMMAC Life
Sciences Ltd
Factom, Inc
Fralis LLC (Leap
Gaming)
Yooya Media*
Intensity
Therapeutics,
Inc
Portage
Biotech Inc.
Vemo
Education, Inc
Vogogo
Inc/Cryptologic
Series A
Ordinary
Series Seed
SAFE note
Biotech/
Healthcare
Biotech/
Healthcare
Blockchain
Tech
BVI
128,205
2,561
128,205
2,419
England
6,666,667
2,400
6,666,667
USA
400,000
-
-
-
400,000
-
2,000
546
4,584
5,533
Units
Gaming
Nevis
1,512
7,148
1,512
Series Seed
Preferred
Series A
Preferred &
Series B
Preferred
Ordinary
Pref Series
Seed 1
Series Seed-2
Convertible
Debentures &
Warrants
Media and
Content
Biotech/
Healthcare
Biotech /
Healthcare
BVI
27,255
50
27,255
1,451
USA
-
-
288,458
992
BVI
12,980,610
946
-
-
Edtech
USA
-
- 2,527,059
1,000,000
267
1,000,000
Blockchain
Tech
Canada
-
-
-
337
248
494
England
25,978
-
25,978
-
Ordinary
The Diabetic
Boot Company
Limited
Total investments value
Cash and receivables, net of payables and accruals
Net asset value
Biotech/
Healthcare
13,372
866
14,238
* Transfer of Yooya Media to Yooma Corp. subsequent to year end is explained in detail on Page 8.
18,604
468
19,072
6
FastForward Innovations Limited
Report of the Chief Executive Officer (continued)
For the year ended 31 March 2020
Investee Companies Review
Leap Gaming (investment position: c. 50.2% of NAV) (‘Leap’) is a gaming developer, which creates ultra-realistic 3D
games deployed on multiple platforms. Through its strong partnerships with gaming operators worldwide, Leap
delivers diverse, immersive, and innovative sports betting and casino content. Leap currently offers 14 virtual sports
products, seven scheduled and six in instant suite, an innovation developed by Leap, which empowers users to create
their own experience in their own time rather than having to wait for ‘scheduled’ events. This has been a huge
success with sales of the product increasing by 240% year-on-year.
During the last 12 months, Leap has significantly advanced its pipeline of products and the partnerships through
which they are deployed. Early in the year Leap announced a new partnership with established online betting and
gaming platform Mansion Casino (‘Mansion’) around the distribution of Leap’s game portfolio across Mansion’s
international footprint. This represents a further high-profile client that has recognised the capabilities and track
record of Leap and its ability to develop cutting edge immersive games that appeal to a global audience. Leap has
also seen the benefits of its strategic partnership with IMG Arena including the launch of a jointly developed official
virtual tennis product featuring logos from the ATP Masters 1000 series along with official tournament names
guaranteeing the delivery of an authentic experience, as well as a new virtual sports betting product for the NASCAR
US stock car racing series.
Leap has 30 new customers signed and/or partnerships agreed, and has expanded its geographic footprint delivering
a 123% year-on-year increase in gross gaming and a 95% year-on-year increase in revenues for January to May 2020
compared to the same period in 2019. To support this rapid growth FastForward invested a further €117,647 as part
of a pro rata allocation of a €250,000 loan being provided by all shareholders in June 2020. Leap has established
itself as a leader in virtual gaming and continues to develop and utilise partnerships that have the potential to take
its business to another level.
Factom Inc. (investment position: c. 0% of NAV) (‘Factom’) provides blockchain solutions that preserve, ensure, and
validate digital assets. As announced on 14 April 2020, discussions are ongoing as to whether Factom is going to be
restructured, receive new investment, or be wound up. In any of these cases, it is likely that the continuing value of
FastForward’s investment or any amount received by the sale of assets will be a fraction of that invested. As such,
in the interim and until there is more clarity on the value that can be attributed to the Factom investment by virtue
of progress along one of the possible scenarios, FastForward has written off the complete investment.
Factom filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on 18 June 2020, under the application of which they applied for
the SAFE note held by the Company to be cancelled with no further liability to FastForward. Subsequent to this
filing, the Company filed motions opposing this course of action and at the same time continued to engage with
Factom management regarding the potential conversion of the SAFE note into equity in Factom, resulting in
agreement being reached for the conversion of the SAFE note to equity (subject to approval by the US Bankruptcy
Court and shareholders of Factom) as announced on 30 July 2020.
Should such approvals be given, and following conversion, the Company would hold 6,311,330 shares in Factom,
representing 30.39% of the then issued share capital. Further updates will be provided as soon as commercial
conditions allow.
Juvenescence Ltd. (investment position: c. 18% of NAV) is a biopharmaceutical company developing a pipeline of
therapeutic assets focused on modifying human aging. Juvenescence has raised $168 million to date. Juvenescence
in-licenses or uses joint ventures to acquire assets that it develops. Post year end, in June 2020, Juvenescence
announced the formation of Juvenomics Limited, a joint venture between Juvenescence and G3 Therapeutics, a
trailblazer biotechnology company leveraging biological big data for drug discovery and development.
7
FastForward Innovations Limited
Report of the Chief Executive Officer (continued)
For the year ended 31 March 2020
Investee Companies Review (continued)
Juvenomics, its latest development platform, is built on the unique combination of G3 Therapeutics’ proprietary,
multi-omic biological dataset consisting of trillions of proprietary datapoints collected in the GLOBAL Clinical Study
of over 7,500 patients, and the unique machine learning platforms assembled by Juvenescence. Juvenomics will
focus on developing validated nutraceuticals and medicines to combat aging and aging-related diseases such as
those of the musculoskeletal system.
The science surrounding the pathology and process of aging is rapidly accelerating, providing a number of
therapeutic opportunities for Juvenescence to in-license or joint venture and develop . We look forward to providing
further updates as Juvenescence’s portfolio continues to advance into clinical trials and monetization.
EMMAC Life Sciences Group (investment position: c. 16.9% of NAV) (‘EMMAC’) is Europe's leading independent
cannabis company, bringing together pioneering science and research with cutting-edge cultivation, extraction, and
production. During the year under review, EMMAC significantly expanded its distribution network across various
jurisdictions.
On 18 February 2020, EMMAC announced the successful export of 400 kilograms of medical cannabis to the Bazelet
Group, the largest medical cannabis company in Israel. This was a major milestone for EMMAC and an agreement
that it hopes to build on, further establishing itself in the mature Israeli medical cannabis market. In line with
EMMAC’s business strategy to strengthen its position in the European medical cannabis and wellness markets, it
launched the UK’s first operational distance pharmacy dedicated to fulfilling medical cannabis prescriptions. Further
to this, on 19 May 2020, EMMAC announced that Medalchemy, EMMAC’s GMP certified manufacturing site in
Alicante, Spain, has secured approval from the Spanish Health Authorities to manufacture medical cannabis extracts
as active pharmaceutical ingredients. The GMP licence extension allows Medalchemy to manufacture medical
cannabis APIs with delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol for commercial purposes. EMMAC is the first European cannabis
company to do this, further establishing its presence in all aspects of the cannabis supply chain and ensuring it is
well placed to meet the rapidly growing demands of the market, driven by regulatory change and consumer demand.
In July 2020, EMMAC announced the signing of a non-binding letter of intent relating to a business combination with
Andina Acquisition Corp., pursuant to which EMMAC would become a publicly traded company on the NASDAQ
Stock Market with EMMAC’s shareholders rolling over all of their equity in EMMAC into the combined public
company. On successful completion, this would crystallise the value and enhance the liquidity of FastForward’s
holding in EMMAC and provide a robust platform for the growth of the business. As Europe’s largest independent
cannabis company, EMMAC is an extremely attractive investment opportunity and the Andina team possess the
relevant experience to add significant value as its strategic partner. Following this, on 28 July 2020, EMMAC also
announced that Medalchemy, its Good Manufacturing Practice certified manufacturing site in Alicante, Spain has
secured approval from the Spanish Health Authorities to cultivate medical cannabis, further strengthening its
position in Europe.
Yooya (investment position: c. 0.35% of NAV) (‘Yooya’) has subsequently been acquired on 22 April 2020 by Yooma
Corp in a share swap transaction (see below) and a further cash investment of $1 million made in Yooma. The
investment position of 0.35% / valuation of $61,500 (£50,000) above is based on the $390,000 ($0.03 per share)
price paid in Yooma stock to Yooya shareholders (as announced 23 April 2020), however the subsequent Yooma
fundraising at $0.65 per share would indicate a much higher valuation of Yooma as at 18 May 2020 of $1.3M.
Yooma Corp. (investment by share swap of Yooya shares on 22 April 2020 and a further $1 million cash investment
made on 18 May 2020) (‘Yooma’) has a business plan that includes partnering with some of Pan-Asia’s leading social
and e-commerce platforms creating the first Hemp and CBD focused lifestyle company in Asia. Initially, it will focus
on hemp-based wellness products in China but will expand to include licensed CBD products in new territories as
the business develops. Yooma has built a high calibre international team of multi-cultural, multi-language industry
professionals who specialise in building new to market brands, leveraging live streaming, social media marketing and
e-commerce distribution channels.
8
FastForward Innovations Limited
Report of the Chief Executive Officer (continued)
For the year ended 31 March 2020
Investee Companies Review (continued)
On 13 July 2020, Yooma announced that Globalive Technology Inc. (Ticker: LVVEF) had signed a binding letter of
intent to acquire (“LOI”) Yooma subject to various conditions. The LOI indicates a further increase of the potential
carrying value of the enlarged Yooma investment by the Company from $2.33M to $2.66M (+14%), with the
additional benefit of the improved liquidity afforded by the resultant Globalive investment being listed on the TSXV.
FastForward continues to monitor developments and will provide further updates in due course.
Portage Biotech Inc. (investment position: c. 6.6% of NAV) (‘Portage’) is a unique entity in the world of
biotechnology, enabling research and development to produce more clinical programmes and maximise potential
returns by eliminating typical overhead costs associated with many biotechnology companies.
To this end, it provides funding and advice to a portfolio of nine subsidiary companies; projects under development
include research and treatments for various cancers, eye disease and acute kidney injury.
During the year, Portage supported several significant advancements across its portfolio of companies. On 31
January 2020, it announced a further investment of $950,000 into one of its portfolio companies, iOx Therapeutics
Ltd. (‘iOx’), a UK-based immunoconcology company. This will support the commencement of human studies to
collect safety data for iOx's drug treatment in cancer patients, which represents a major milestone in its work.
As announced on 16 April 2020, the trading of Portage’s common shares on the CSE resumed following the
revocation of a Failure-to-File Cease Trade Order issued against Portage on 2 August 2019. Following this, in May
2020, Portage made additional investments, providing vital funding to two of its portfolio companies, Stimunity S.A.S
and Saugatuck Therapeutics Ltd. Post year end, Portage announced a 100:1 share consolidation effective on 3 June
2020 and the raising of an additional $6.98 million by a share issuance of 698,145 shares as announced on 26 June
2020. The company is performing well despite difficult market conditions and I look forward to updating
shareholders on other advances across its portfolio in due course.
Vemo Education (investment position: c. 1.9% of NAV) (‘Vemo’) is one of the leading US providers of Income Share
Agreement programmes ('ISAs'), which enable students to defer some of their costs to a US college or university in
exchange for a fixed percentage of their post-graduation income for a fixed period. This increases transparency
around student experiences, helping schools improve, compete, succeed, and fundamentally change the
relationship they have with students. During 2019, Vemo has doubled its school count to over 60 colleges and public
universities on its platform and has helped its partners process over $100 million in ISAs.
The Diabetic Boot Company (investment position: 0% of NAV) (“DBC”) is focused on the treatment of diabetic foot
ulcers. Its lead product is the PulseFlow® a new form of diabetic friendly footwear with integrated offloading
capabilities and patented technology which aids in the promotion of blood flow and improved circulation in one
product. Due to slow development and significant uncertainty this investment has been valued at nil since March
2018. Since being written down, the company has been supported by finance provided by Jim Mellon which will
have a dilutive effect on the stake held by FastForward. During the year DBC has completed a restructuring, refining
its market approach and re-engaging with UK health care. DBC opened an office inside the NHS accelerator facility
in Liverpool, leading to DBC receiving NIHR support for two extensive evaluation studies in Liverpool and Kings
College London, paid for by the NHS. DBC insoles and footwear products are now on the FP10 NHS prescription
system for one hospital, with three other hospitals ready to come on board post-COVID and the expectation of
further adoption.
Cryptologic (investment position: Sold) is a Canadian listed company involved in cryptocurrency mining.
FastForward sold its entire debenture investment in Cryptologic during the year (late 2019 to January 2020) for
proceeds of CAD$1.5M (c.£908K) against an initial cost of CAD$2.3M (c.£1.3M). This position had however
previously been written down to CAD$863K (£494K) in March 2019 and as such the disposal represented a gain of
c.£414K over the March 2019 valuation, but a loss of £395K compared to original cost.
9
FastForward Innovations Limited
Report of the Chief Executive Officer (continued)
For the year ended 31 March 2020
Conclusion
The past 12 months have undoubtedly brought some challenges for FastForward (in particular the writing off of the
entire value of the investment in Factom and the sale of Yooya to Yooma at a much lower price than the previous
carrying value). However, as has been evidenced above, a large portion of our investments have continued to make
positive advances and reach significant milestones in their development whilst we have managed to restructure
some of those which had been struggling giving us a real chance of a return on investment when they might
otherwise have been lost.
With this in mind, I am excited about what the next year will bring, and I am firm in my belief that through narrowing
our sectoral focus for future investment and streamlining our existing portfolio to also reflect this, we are well
positioned to deliver value over the short-to-medium term and reach a share price that is more reflective of our
underlying NAV.
Ed McDermott
CEO
25th August 2020
10
FastForward Innovations Limited
Directors
Ian Burns (formerly Non-Executive Director, appointed Non-Executive Chairman from 15 May 2020)
Mr Burns is a fellow of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales and a member of STEP. He is
the founder and Executive Director of Via Executive Limited, a specialist management consulting company and the
Managing Director of Regent Mercantile Holdings Limited, a privately-owned investment company. He is licensed by
the Guernsey Financial Services Commission as a personal fiduciary.
Mr Burns is currently a Non-Executive Director and audit committee chairman of River & Mercantile UK Micro Cap Ltd
and Twenty Four Income Fund Limited. He is also a Non-Executive Director of Darwin Property Management (Guernsey)
Limited, Curlew Capital Guernsey Limited and Premier Asset Management (Guernsey) Ltd. as well as Chairman of One
Hyde Park Limited.
Edward McDermott (formerly Non-Executive Director, appointed Chief Executive Officer from 15 May 2020)
Mr McDermott, a former investment banker, has over 15 years’ experience in the management, financing and strategic
development of growth companies. He has broad experience in a number of high growth sectors. As a finance specialist
he has been pivotal in raising over £500m for public and private companies during his career.
Mr McDermott is a co-founder and UK Managing Director of medical cannabis company EMMAC Life Sciences. He
currently serves as a Non-Executive Director of LSE quoted Emmerson Plc. He has previously held a number of Executive
and Non-Executive roles with publicly quoted companies.
Lance De Jersey (Finance Director)
Mr De Jersey is a member of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators and The Institute of Directors.
He previously headed Partners Group’s Guernsey office, serving on the Guernsey boards and chairing the Risk & Audit
and AML committees and was a member of the Investment Oversight committee. He has over eight years’ experience
in private equity investment administration and management.
In the past, Mr De Jersey has owned and operated retail franchises, marketed and sold small businesses as a business
broker and worked as a financial adviser in New Zealand. He is currently a Non-Executive Director of Pearl Holding
Limited (an investment fund managed by Partners Group) and is former secretary and vice chairman of the Channel
Island Private Equity and Venture Capital Association.
Luke Cairns (Non-Executive Director, appointed 3 January 2020)
Mr Cairns is a highly experienced finance professional with a strong network having worked in the City of London for
19 years in corporate finance. A Guernsey resident, Mr Cairns was previously Head of Corporate Finance and Managing
Director at Northland Capital Partners, an AIM focused Nomad and Broker, and has worked with many growth
companies across a number of sectors and regions on a wide range of transactions, including IPOs, secondary
fundraisings, corporate restructurings and takeovers. Mr Cairns has also held directorships on both listed and private
companies across various sectors and provides advisory and consultancy services to SMEs.
11
FastForward Innovations Limited
Report of Directors
For the year ended 31 March 2020
The Directors are pleased to present their annual report and the audited financial statements for the year ended 31
March 2020.
Status and Activities
The Company is a closed-ended investment company.
The Company is domiciled and incorporated as a limited liability company in Guernsey.
The registered office of the Company is 11 New Street, St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 2PF.
The Company is listed on AIM, a market operated by the London Stock Exchange ("AIM").
With effect from 3 May 2018 the Company has been authorised as a Closed-ended investment scheme by the Guernsey
Financial Services Commission (the "GFSC") under Section 8 of the Protection of Investors (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law,
1987 and the Authorised Closed-Ended Investment Schemes Rules.
Changes during the year
On 21 August 2019 Mr Mellon resigned as Director and Chairman of the Company and was succeeded on an interim
basis by Lorne Abony.
On 3 January 2020, Mr Cairns was appointed as Non-Executive Director of the Company. Mr Cairns’ biography is on
page 11.
Changes after the year-end
On 15 May 2020, Mr Abony resigned as CEO and Interim Executive Chairman and accepted to defer remuneration
payment of £250,000 as at date of resignation. He was succeeded by Mr Burns as Non-Executive Chairman and Mr
McDermott as CEO, effective 15 May 2020.
Results
The results of the Company for the year are shown on page 24. The Company made a loss for the year of £4,996,000
(2019: Profit £1,408,000).
Dividends
The Company did not pay any dividends during the year (2019: £Nil) and the Directors do not propose a final dividend
for the year (2019: £Nil).
Investments
Details of the Company’s investments are disclosed in the Report of the Chief Executive Officer and notes 12, 13 and
19.
Taxation
The Company has been granted exemption from Guernsey taxation under the terms of The Income Tax (Exempt Bodies)
(Guernsey) Ordinance 1989 so that the Company is exempt from Guernsey taxation on income arising outside Guernsey
and bank interest receivable in Guernsey. The Company’s Guernsey tax exemption fee is £1,200 per annum.
Material Contracts
The Company’s material contracts are with:
• Vistra Fund Services (Guernsey) Limited (“Vistra”), which acts as Administrator and Company Secretary;
• Link Market Services (Guernsey) Limited, which acts as Registrar;
• Beaumont Cornish Limited, which acts as Nominated Adviser; and
• Optiva Securities Limited, which acts as Broker.
12
FastForward Innovations Limited
Report of Directors (continued)
For the year ended 31 March 2020
Directors
The present members of the Board are listed on page 11 of this report. Changes to the board during the year are
disclosed on page 12. There is a service contract in place between Mr De Jersey and the Company. No other Director
has a service contract. Details of Directors’ remuneration, bonuses and Options granted to the Directors are disclosed
in note 7.
Mr Burns is the legal and beneficial owner of Smoke Rise Holdings Limited, which held 1,374,024 (0.85%) Ordinary
Shares in the Company at 31 March 2020 and the date of signing this report.
Mr Abony held 14,843,211 (9.19%) Ordinary Shares in the Company at 31 March 2020 and at the date of signing this
report.
Mr De Jersey held 400,000 (0.25%) Ordinary Shares in the Company at 31 March 2020 and at the date of signing this
report.
Further details are explained in note 18.
Substantial Interests as at date of signing
The following interests in 3% or more of the issued Ordinary Shares of the Company:
Investors:
Jim Mellon*
Peter Saladino
Lorne Abony
Norbert Teufelburger
Richard Hackett
Number of Ordinary
Shares
Percentage of Share
Capital
16,283,722
15,284,590
14,843,211
8,184,802
8,107,111
10.08%
9.46%
9.19%
5.07%
5.02%
*Mr Mellon is a life tenant of a trust which owns Galloway Limited, which held 10,425,992 (6.46%) Ordinary Shares in
the Company. Mr Mellon also holds 5,857,730 (3.63%) Ordinary shares in the Company at 31 March 2020 and at the
date of signing this report.
Going Concern
After making reasonable enquiries, and assessing all data relating to the Company’s liquidity, the Directors have a
reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the
foreseeable future and do not consider there to be any threat to the going concern status of the Company. For this
reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.
Whilst note 21 details the uncertainty of coronavirus' (COVID-19) impact, the Directors note that the Company has
sufficient cash and cash equivalent resources to meet its obligations for at least one year after the approval of these
financial statements.
Corporate Governance
As a Guernsey incorporated company and under the AIM Rules for Companies, the Company is not required to comply
with the UK Corporate Governance Code published by the Financial Reporting Council (the “FRC Code”). However, the
Directors place a high degree of importance on ensuring that high standards of Corporate Governance are maintained
and that the Company complies with the Finance Sector Code on Corporate Governance, issued by the Guernsey
Financial Services Commission.
Board Responsibilities
At 31 March 2020, the Board comprised two Executive Directors, being Messrs Abony & De Jersey and three Non-
Executive Directors, Mr Burns, Mr McDermott and Mr Cairns.
13
FastForward Innovations Limited
Report of Directors (continued)
For the year ended 31 March 2020
Board Responsibilities (continued)
Following the resignation of Mr Abony on 15 May and the appointment of Mr McDermott as CEO, there are now two
Executive Directors (Messrs McDermott and De Jersey) and two Non-Executive Directors (Messrs Burns and Cairns).
The Board has engaged Vistra Fund Services (Guernsey) Limited to undertake the administrative duties of the Company.
Clearly documented contractual arrangements are in place with this service provider which define the areas where the
Board has delegated responsibility to it. The Company holds at least three Board meetings per year, at which the
Directors will review the Company's investments and all other important issues to ensure control is maintained over
the Company's affairs.
The Company is self-managed, in that day-to-day investment management recommendations are made by the
Executive Directors.
Board Committees
Audit Committee
Mr Burns was chairman of the Audit Committee at 31 March 2020. He was succeeded in this position by Mr Cairns
with effect from 5 June 2020. All other Directors are members of the Audit Committee.
The Audit Committee meets at least once a year and provides a forum through which the Company’s Auditor reports
to the Board. The Audit Committee examines the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls, the Annual Report
and Financial Statements, the Auditors’ remuneration and engagement as well as the Auditor’s independence and any
non-audit services provided by them. The Audit Committee receives information from the Administrator, the Company
Secretary and the Auditor. The Audit Committee has formal written terms of reference, which are available upon
request from the Company Secretary.
Nomination Committee
Mr Burns is chairman of the Nomination Committee. Mr Cairns is a member of the Nomination Committee. The
function of the Nomination Committee is to consider the appointment and reappointment of Directors.
The Company is committed to the principle of diversity and equal opportunities. The Board will continue to review the
composition of the Board to ensure it has the appropriate structure, diversity and skills to meet the needs of the
Company as it develops.
Shareholders vote on the re-appointment or election of at least one Director at each Annual General Meeting (“AGM”),
with every Director’s appointment being voted on by Shareholders every three years. Mr Luke Cairns will be proposed
for election at the forthcoming AGM.
Board Meetings
All members of the Board are expected to attend each Board meeting and to arrange their schedules accordingly,
although non-attendance may be unavoidable in certain circumstances. Directors’ attendance at Board and Committee
meetings during the financial year is set out below.
Board Meetings Committee Meetings
Ian Burns (appointed 12 November 2014)
14/14
Jim Mellon (appointed 13 July 2015, resigned 21 August 2019) 2/14
6/14
Lorne Abony (appointed 6 January 2016, resigned 15 May 2020)
14/14
Ed McDermott (appointed 12 February 2018)
14/14
Lance De Jersey (appointed 3 January 2019)
2/14
Luke Cairns (appointed 3 January 2020)
7/7
1/7
0/7
7/7
7/7
0/7
Dialogue with Shareholders
The Directors are always available to enter into dialogue with shareholders. All ordinary shareholders will have the
opportunity, and indeed are encouraged, to attend (providing any continuing restrictions as a result of the COVID-19
pandemic so allow) and vote at future Annual General Meetings during which the Board will be available to discuss
issues affecting the Company.
14
FastForward Innovations Limited
Report of Directors (continued)
For the year ended 31 March 2020
Dialogue with Shareholders (continued)
The Board monitors the trading activity and shareholder profile on a regular basis and maintains contact with the
Company's Broker to ascertain the views of shareholders. Shareholder sentiment is also ascertained by the careful
monitoring of the premium/discount that the Ordinary Shares are traded at in the market when compared to those
experienced by similar companies.
The Company reports formally to shareholders twice a year. Additionally, current information is provided to
shareholders on an ongoing basis through the Company website and RNS announcements. The Company Secretary
monitors the voting of the shareholders and proxy voting is taken into consideration when votes are cast at the Annual
General Meeting.
Litigation
The Company is not engaged in any litigation or claim of material importance, nor, so far as the Directors are aware, is
any litigation or claim of material importance pending or threatened against the Company.
Internal Control and Financing
The Board is responsible for establishing and maintaining the Company's system of internal control. Internal control
systems are designed to meet the particular needs of the Company and the risks to which it is exposed, and, by their
very nature, provide reasonable, but not absolute, assurance against material misstatement or loss. The key
procedures which have been established to provide effective internal controls are as follows:
Vistra Fund Services (Guernsey) Limited is responsible for the provision of administration and Company
Secretarial duties;
The Board clearly defines the duties and responsibilities of the service providers and advisers in the terms
of their contracts; and
The Board reviews financial information produced by the Administrator on a regular basis.
The Company does not have an internal audit department. All of the Company's administrative functions are delegated
to independent third parties and it is therefore felt that there is no need for the Company to have an internal audit
facility.
The Board feels that the procedures employed by the service providers adequately mitigate the risks to which the
Company is exposed.
Risk Profile
Financial Risks
The Company's financial instruments comprise investments, cash and cash equivalents, and various items such as
receivables and payables that arise directly from the Company's operations.
The main risks arising from holding these financial instruments are market risk (including price risk, currency risk and
interest rate risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. Further details are given in note 19 to the financial statements.
Independent Auditor
PricewaterhouseCoopers CI LLP has expressed its willingness to continue to act as Auditor to the Company and a
resolution for its reappointment will be proposed at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.
Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities
The Directors are responsible for preparing financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view,
in accordance with applicable Guernsey law and International Financial Reporting Standards, of the state of affairs of
the Company and of the profit or loss of the Company for that year. In preparing those financial statements, the
Directors are required to:
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
state whether International Financial Reporting Standards have been followed, subject to any material
departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the
Company will continue in business.
15
FastForward Innovations Limited
Report of Directors (continued)
For the year ended 31 March 2020
Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities (continued)
The Directors confirm that they have complied with the above requirements in preparing the financial statements.
The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the
Company transactions, disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and enable
them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the requirements of the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008.
They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the
prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The Directors are also responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the website on which these financial statements
are published. The work carried out by the auditor does not involve consideration of these matters and, accordingly,
the auditor accepts no responsibility for any changes that may have occurred to the financial statements since they
were initially presented on the website.
Legislation in Guernsey governing the preparation and dissemination of the financial statements may differ from
legislation in other jurisdictions.
Disclosure of Information to the Auditor
The Directors who held office at the date of approval of this Report confirm that, so far as they are aware, there is no
relevant audit information of which the Company’s Auditor is unaware and each Director has taken all the steps that
he ought to have taken as a Director to make himself aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the
Company’s Auditor is aware of that information.
On behalf of the Board
Lance De Jersey
Director
Ian Burns
Director
Date: 25th August 2020
Date: 25th August 2020
16
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF FASTFORWARD INNOVATIONS LIMITED
Report on the audit of the financial statements
_________________________________________________________________________
Our opinion
In our opinion, the financial statements give a true and fair view of the financial position of FastForward Innovations
Limited (the “company”) as at 31 March 2020, and of its financial performance and its cash flows for the year then ended
in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and have been properly prepared in accordance with the
requirements of The Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008.
What we have audited
The company’s financial statements comprise:
●
●
●
●
●
the statement of financial position as at 31 March 2020;
the statement of comprehensive income for the year then ended;
the statement of changes in equity for the year then ended;
the statement of cash flows for the year then ended; and
the notes to the financial statements, which include a description of the significant accounting policies.
_________________________________________________________________________
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (“ISAs”). Our responsibilities under
those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of
our report.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Independence
We are independent of the company in accordance with the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants’ Code
of Ethics for Professional Accountants (“IESBA Code”). We have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance
with the IESBA Code.
________________________________________________________________________________
Our audit approach
Overview
Materiality
● Overall materiality was £355,000 which represents 2.5% of net assets.
Audit scope
● We conducted our audit of the company’s financial statements from
information provided by Vistra Fund Services (Guernsey) Limited (“the
administrator”) and Lance De Jersey, the Finance Director of the company.
● We conducted our audit work in Guernsey and we tailored the scope of our
audit by taking into account the types of investments held by the company, the
involvement of the parties referred to above, the accounting processes and
controls and the industry in which the company operates.
Key audit matters
● Valuation of financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss
●
● Accounting treatment of the share-based payment scheme
Impact of Covid-19 on the company
17
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF FASTFORWARD INNOVATIONS LIMITED
(CONTINUED)
Audit scope
As part of designing our audit, we determined materiality and assessed the risks of material misstatement in the financial
statements. In particular, we considered where the directors made subjective judgements; for example, in respect of
significant accounting estimates that involved making assumptions and considering future events that are inherently
uncertain. As in all of our audits, we also addressed the risk of management override of internal controls, including
among other matters, consideration of whether there was evidence of bias that represented a risk of material
misstatement due to fraud.
We tailored the scope of our audit in order to perform sufficient work to enable us to provide an opinion on the financial
statements as a whole, taking into account the structure of the company, the accounting processes and controls, and
the industry in which the company operates.
Materiality
The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of materiality. An audit is designed to obtain reasonable
assurance whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement. Misstatements may arise due to fraud
or error. They 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.
Based on our professional judgement, we determined certain quantitative thresholds for materiality, including the
overall company materiality for the financial statements as a whole as set out in the table below. These, together with
qualitative considerations, helped us to determine the scope of our audit and the nature, timing and extent of our audit
procedures and to evaluate the effect of misstatements, both individually and in aggregate on the financial statements
as a whole.
Overall company materiality
£355,000 (2019: £476,800)
How we determined it
2.5% of net assets
Rationale for the materiality benchmark
We believe net asset value is the most appropriate
basis for determining materiality since this is a key area
of focus for stakeholders in assessing the performance
of the company. It is also a generally accepted measure
used for companies in the industry.
We agreed with those charged with governance that we would report to them misstatements identified during our audit
above £17,000, as well as misstatements below that amount that, in our view, warranted reporting for qualitative
reasons.
Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the
financial statements of the current period. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial
statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.
18
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF FASTFORWARD INNOVATIONS LIMITED
(CONTINUED)
Key audit matter
How our audit addressed the Key audit matter
Valuation of financial assets designated at fair value
through profit or loss
Financial assets designated at fair value through profit
or loss at the year end of £13.4 million, as detailed
under note 13, comprise investments in early stage
private equity/venture capital entities operating
primarily in technology and life science sectors.
We held discussions with management in order to
update our understanding of the process over the
preparation and review of investment valuations and
obtained
the portfolio
performance for the year.
an understanding of
We obtained the supporting valuation workbooks and
reports
the
following substantive audit procedures:
from management and performed
The investment balance represents the most significant
balance on the statement of financial position and, due
to the high levels of management estimate and
judgment involved in valuing the investments, as
detailed under notes 3(e) and 4, is considered a key
area of focus in the audit.
●
valuation experts’
For the valuations supported by third party
independent
reports
commissioned or obtained by management
(which comprised 93% of the portfolio), we
evaluated the reliability of the reports by
considering
the experts’ credibility and
objectivity, assessed the reasonableness of
the valuation models and we reviewed the
valuation reports in order to identify any
caveats with regards to the impact of Covid-19
which could
impair the reliability of the
valuations performed;
● We performed stress analysis on certain
investments where highly judgmental inputs
or assumptions would have resulted in a range
of valuation outcomes and we did not note
material deviations in this analysis;
● We assessed the valuation methodology
applied to each investment valuation in the
portfolio and ensured the investments are
valued in accordance with the company’s
stated accounting policy; and
● We checked the mathematical accuracy of the
valuation calculations and corroborated key
inputs where appropriate.
further considered
We
the appropriateness of
disclosures made on the financial statements regarding
investment valuation in accordance with IFRS 13.
Based on the audit procedures performed and results
of our testing, we have not identified any exceptions
that required reporting to management.
19
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF FASTFORWARD INNOVATIONS LIMITED
(CONTINUED)
Key audit matter
How our audit addressed the Key audit matter
Impact of Covid-19 on the company
The development of the Covid-19 pandemic during
March 2020 has resulted in a significant impact on the
global economy and, given the timing of the pandemic,
has an impact on the year end results of the company,
with continued uncertainty affecting the markets post
year end, as disclosed under note 21.
We discussed management’s assessment of the impact
of Covid -19 on the company, and we note that the two
key areas affected by the pandemic include investment
valuation and the ability of the company to continue as
a going concern.
Based on our discussions with management and review
of the portfolio performance, we understand that there
has been a range of impact felt across the investment
portfolio with certain investments positively affected
and some suffering slightly but, given the nature of the
investments, no significant adverse impact has been
noted. Specific procedures have been performed to
address the higher risk of uncertainty in our scrutiny of
the third party valuation reports and by performing a
more detailed assessment of
the underlying
investments’ viability prospects.
With regards to the going concern assessment of the
company, we have obtained management's going
concern assessment and cash flow forecast and have
noted that management have modelled an appropriate
‘worst case’ scenario as well as formalised mitigating
actions for cash saving options should these measures
be required.
We enquired to ensure management is satisfied with
the operational resilience of all key service providers
and no issues were identified.
Based on our procedures performed we did not identify
any concerns regarding the impact of Covid-19 that
required reporting to management.
Accounting treatment of the share-based payment
scheme
The share-based payment scheme, as detailed under
note 7, has an immaterial impact on the statement of
comprehensive income in the current year (£162,000);
however the Employee stock option reserve balance is
material (£1.263 million) and due to the complexity of
IFRS 2, we have considered this to be a key audit
matter.
Our audit team included members with specialised
knowledge and experience of share-based payments
and IFRS 2 . We have updated our understanding of the
system and controls in place around the share-based
payment scheme in the current year and we note that
there have not been any new issues of options nor any
modifications to the scheme terms, the only change in
the current year was the exit of one director from the
scheme (as disclosed under note 7).
20
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF FASTFORWARD INNOVATIONS LIMITED
(CONTINUED)
Key audit matter
How our audit addressed the Key audit matter
Accounting treatment of the share-based payment
scheme (continued)
In the prior year the board engaged a third party expert
to review the initial valuation performed as at grant
date and issue an updated valuation report and the
accounting entries required to account for the scheme
over the remainder of the vesting period were agreed
between the board, the expert and the administrator.
We obtained management’s supporting workings for
the current year expense, we verified key inputs in the
computation to the valuation report and confirmed the
vesting computation and expense for the current year
is appropriate and accurate.
We have evaluated the relevant financial statement
disclosures and confirmed that the disclosures are
appropriate and in accordance with IFRS 2.
Based on the audit procedures performed and results
of our testing, we have not identified any exceptions in
the share- based payment scheme that require
reporting to management.
Other information
The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises all the information included in
the Annual Report and Audited Financial Statements (the “Annual Report”) but does not include the financial statements
and our auditor’s report thereon.
Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of
assurance conclusion thereon.
In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information identified
above and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements
or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If, based on the work we have
performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that
fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.
________________________________________________________________________________
Responsibilities of the directors for the financial statements
The directors are responsible for the preparation of financial statements that give a true and fair view in accordance
with International Financial Reporting Standards, the requirements of Guernsey law and for such internal control as the
directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the 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 the directors either intend to liquidate the company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to
do so.
21
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF FASTFORWARD INNOVATIONS LIMITED
(CONTINUED)
________________________________________________________________________________
Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
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 error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion.
Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with
ISAs will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud 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 these financial statements.
As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs, we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism
throughout the audit. We also:
●
Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error,
design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and
appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud
is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions,
misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.
● Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are
appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the
company’s internal control.
● Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and
related disclosures made by the directors.
● Conclude on the appropriateness of the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the
audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast
significant doubt on the company’s ability to continue as a going concern over a period of at least twelve months
from the date of approval of the financial statements. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are
required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such
disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to
the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the company to cease to continue
as a going concern.
● Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements, including the disclosures, and
whether the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair
presentation.
We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing
of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during
our audit.
We also provide those charged with governance with a statement that we have complied with relevant ethical
requirements regarding independence, and to communicate with them all relationships and other matters that may
reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable, related safeguards.
From the matters communicated with those charged with governance, we determine those matters that were of most
significance in the audit of the financial statements of the current period and are therefore the key audit matters. We
describe these matters in our auditor’s report unless law or regulation precludes public disclosure about the matter or
when, in extremely rare circumstances, we determine that a matter should not be communicated in our report because
the adverse consequences of doing so would reasonably be expected to outweigh the public interest benefits of such
communication.
________________________________________________________________________________
Use of this report
This independent auditor’s report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and only for the members as a body in
accordance with Section 262 of The Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008 and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving
these opinions, accept or assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is
shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.
________________________________________________________________________________
22
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF FASTFORWARD INNOVATIONS LIMITED
(CONTINUED)
Report on other legal and regulatory requirements
_________________________________________________________________________
Company Law exception reporting
Under The Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:
● we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit;
● proper accounting records have not been kept; or
●
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records.
We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.
________________________________________________________________________________
Ross Alexander Houlihan Burne
For and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers CI LLP
Chartered Accountants
Guernsey, Channel Islands
25th August 2020
23
FastForward Innovations Limited
Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the year ended 31 March 2020
Year ended Year ended
31 March
2019
£’000
31 March
2020
£’000
Notes
Net realised gain/(loss) on disposal of financial assets at fair value
through profit and loss
Net unrealised change in fair value of financial assets designated at fair
value through profit and loss
12
12
165
(1,795)
(4,148)
4,134
Interest income on investments at fair value through profit and loss
69
84
Total investment (loss)/income
(3,914)
2,423
Other Income
Bank interest income
Total other income
Expenses
Directors' remuneration and expenses
Recognition of Directors share based expense
Legal and professional fees
Other expenses
Administration fees
Adviser and broker’s fees
Loan interest
12
12
7
7
8
(427)
(162)
(172)
(147)
(97)
(74)
-
21
21
(320)
(216)
(162)
(179)
(74)
(168)
(2)
Total expenses
(1,079)
(1,121)
Net (loss)/profit before losses and gains on foreign currency exchange
(4,981)
1,323
Net foreign exchange (loss)/gain
Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the year
(15)
85
(4,996)
1,408
(Loss)/earnings per Ordinary Share – basic and diluted
10
(3.09)p
0.93p
The Company has no recognised gains or losses other than those included in the results above and therefore, no
separate Statement of Comprehensive Income has been presented.
All the items in the above statement are derived from continuing operations.
The accompanying notes on pages 28 to 47 form an integral part of these financial statements.
24
FastForward Innovations Limited
Statement of Financial Position
As at 31 March 2020
Notes
31 March 2020
£’000
31 March 2019
£’000
Non-current assets
Financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss
Current assets
Other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Total assets
Current liabilities
Payables and accruals
Total liabilities
Net assets
Equity
Share capital
Deferred share reserve
Employee stock option reserve
Other distributable reserves
Total equity
12
14
15
16
16
7
13,372
18,604
50
1,213
1,263
112
504
616
14,635
19,220
(397)
(397)
(148)
(148)
14,238
19,072
1,615
630
1,263
10,730
14,238
1,615
630
1,233
15,594
19,072
Net assets per Ordinary Share – basic and diluted
17
8.82p
11.81p
The financial statements on pages 24 to 47 were approved by the Board of Directors on 25th August 2020 and were
signed on their behalf by:
Lance De Jersey
Director
Ian Burns
Director
The accompanying notes on pages 28 to 47 form an integral part of these financial statements.
25
FastForward Innovations Limited
Statement of Changes in Equity
For the year ended 31 March 2020
Share Capital
£'000
Deferred shares
reserve*
£'000
Employee stock
option reserves
£'000
Other distributable
reserves
£'000
Total
£'000
Balance as at 31 March 2018
Note
1,307
630
1,086
10,511
13,534
Total comprehensive income for the year
Transactions with shareholders
Issue of Ordinary Shares
Costs of issuing of Ordinary shares
Employee share scheme - value
of employee services
Transfer of value of lapsed options
Balance as at 31 March 2019
Total comprehensive loss for the year
Transactions with shareholders
Employee share scheme - value
of employee services
Transfer of value of lapsed options
16
16
7
7
7
7
-
308
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,615
-
630
-
-
-
-
227
(80)
1,233
-
1,408
1,408
3,692
(97)
-
80
4,000
(97)
227
-
15,594
(4,996)
19,072
(4,996)
-
-
-
-
162
(132)
-
132
162
-
Balance as at 31 March 2020
1,615
630
1,263
10,730
14,238
The accompanying notes on pages 28 to 47 form an integral part of these financial statements.
* Refer to Note 16 for Deferred shares reserve.
26
FastForward Innovations Limited
Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended 31 March 2020
Cash flows from operating activities
Bank interest received
Interest income on investments
Other income
Adviser and broker’s fees paid
Legal and professional fees paid
Administration fees paid
Other expenses paid
Loan Interest paid
Directors’ remuneration paid
Purchase of investments
Disposal of investments
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Issue of Ordinary Shares
Costs of issuing Ordinary Shares
Net cash inflow from financing activities
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents brought forward
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
Reclassification of broker account to cash and cash equivalents
Foreign exchange movement
Cash and cash equivalents carried forward
504
667
56
(14)
1,213
The accompanying notes on pages 28 to 47 form an integral part of these financial statements.
Year ended
31 March 2020
£’000
Year ended
31 March 2019
£’000
12
96
3
(115)
(223)
(86)
(99)
(1)
(168)
-
1,248
667
-
-
-
667
21
57
-
(220)
(91)
(74)
(137)
(2)
(276)
(11,141)
8,307
(3,556)
4,000
(97)
3,903
347
72
347
-
85
504
27
FastForward Innovations Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2020
1. General Information
Fast Forward Innovations Limited (the “Company”) is an authorised closed-ended investment scheme. The Company is
domiciled and incorporated as a limited liability company in Guernsey. The registered office of the Company is 11 New
Street, St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 2PF.
The Company's objective is to invest in and/or acquire companies with significant intellectual property rights which they
are seeking to exploit, principally within the technology sector (including digital and content focused businesses) and
life sciences sectors (including biotech and pharmaceuticals). Initially, the geographical focus will be North America and
Europe though investments may also be considered in other regions to the extent that the Board considers that valuable
opportunities exist, and positive returns can be achieved. The objective of the Company is to also provide its investors
with exposure to disruptive growth opportunities that have near-term re-rating potential and would otherwise be
inaccessible.
The Company’s Ordinary Shares are traded on AIM, a market operated by the London Stock Exchange. With effect from
3 May 2018 the Company has been authorised as a Closed-ended investment scheme by the Guernsey Financial Services
Commission (the "GFSC") under Section 8 of the Protection of Investors (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 1987 and the
Authorised Closed-Ended Investment Schemes Rules.
2. Basis of Preparation
The financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting
Standards ("IFRS") and applicable legal and regulatory requirements of The Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008. The
financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates.
The areas involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are
significant to the financial statements, are disclosed in Note 4.
In the current year, the Company has adopted all the applicable new and revised standards and interpretations issued
by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") and the International Financial Reporting Interpretations
Committee ("IFRIC") of the IASB that are relevant to its operations and effective for annual reporting periods beginning
on or after 1 April 2019. The adoption of the standards and interpretations has not had a significant impact on the
content or presentation of these financial statements; refer below for additional consideration.
(a) Standards and amendments to existing standards effective 1 January 2019
There are no standards, amendments to standards or interpretations that are effective for annual periods beginning on
1 January 2019 that have a material effect on the financial statements of the Company.
(b) New standards, amendments and interpretations effective after 1 January 2019 and have not been early adopted
A number of new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations are effective for annual periods beginning
after 1 January 2019, and have not been early adopted in preparing these financial statements. None of these are
expected to have a material effect on the financial statements of the Company.
3. Significant Accounting Policies
The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These
policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.
a) Investment Income
Investment income is recognised on an accruals basis using the effective interest method and includes bank interest
and interest from debt securities. Dividend income from investments designated at fair value through profit or loss is
recognised through the Statement of Comprehensive Income within dividend income when the Company’s right to
receive payments is established.
28
FastForward Innovations Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2020
3. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
b) Expenses
All expenses are accounted for on an accruals basis and, with the exception of share issue costs, are charged through
the Statement of Comprehensive Income in the period in which they are incurred.
c) Taxation
The Company is exempt from taxation in Guernsey. However, in some jurisdictions, investment income and capital
gains are subject to withholding tax deducted at the source of the income. The Company presents the withholding tax
separately from the gross investment income, if any, in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. For the purpose of
the Statement of Cash Flows, cash inflows from financial assets are presented net of withholding taxes when applicable.
d) Share based payments
Share-based compensation benefits are provided to key employees via the Employee Share Option Plan and individual
Share Option agreements (together the “Options”). Details relating to the Options are set out in note 7 to the financial
statements.
These Options are measured at fair value at the date of grant and expensed through the Statement of Comprehensive
Income on a straight line basis over the vesting period, based on the estimate of Options that will eventually vest. For
those Options with market related vesting conditions, the fair value is determined using the Monte Carlo simulation
model at the grant date. The fair value of Options issued with non-market vesting conditions has been calculated using
the Black Scholes model.
At the end of each period, the Company revises its estimates of the number of Options that are expected to vest based
on the non-market vesting and service conditions. Should services cease be provided to the Company by any employee,
no further expense will be charged in relation to any non vested Options.
When Options expire, or Options holders no longer provide services to the Company, any amounts in relation to these
Options which have been credited to the Share Option Reserve within Equity will be transferred to Distributable
Reserves.
The Company does not operate any cash-settled Options with cash alternatives as defined in IFRS 2. All Options issued
will be settled through Equity, with all Option expenses having a corresponding increase in Equity.
e) Financial instruments
Under IFRS 9, on initial recognition, a financial asset is classified as measured at:
• Amortised cost;
• Fair value through other comprehensive income (“FVOCI”) – debt investment;
• FVOCI – equity investment; or
• Fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”).
The classification of financial assets under IFRS 9 is generally based on the business model in which a financial asset is
managed and its contractual cash flow characteristics. The Company has financial assets that are measured at FVTPL
and amortised cost.
Cash and cash equivalents and receivables are carried out at amortised cost.
Regular purchases and sales of investments are recognised on the trade date – the date on which the Company commits
to purchase or sell the investment. Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are initially recognised at fair
value. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.
Financial assets are derecognised when the rights to receive cash flows from the investments have expired or the
Company has transferred substantially all risks and rewards of ownership.
29
FastForward Innovations Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 March 2020
3. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
e) Financial instruments (continued)
Subsequent to initial recognition, all financial assets and financial liabilities at FVTPL are measured at fair value. Gains
and losses arising from changes in the fair value of the ‘financial assets or financial liabilities at FVTPL’ category are
presented in the Statement of Comprehensive Income within other net changes in fair value of financial assets and
liabilities at FVTPL.
Dividend income from financial assets at FVTPL is recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income within
dividend income when the Company’s right to receive payments is established. Interest on debt securities at fair value
through profit or loss is recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.
Fair value estimation
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction
between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value of financial assets and liabilities traded in active
markets (such as publicly traded derivatives and trading securities) are based on quoted market prices at the close of
trading on the reporting date. The Company utilises the last traded market price for both financial assets and financial
liabilities where the last traded price falls within the bid-ask spread. In circumstances where the last traded price is not
within the bid-ask spread, management will determine the point within the bid-ask spread that is most representative
of fair value.
If a significant movement in fair value occurs subsequent to the close of trading up to midnight on the year end date,
valuation techniques will be applied to determine the fair value. A significant event is any event that occurs after the
last market price for a security, close of market or close of the foreign exchange, but before the Company’s valuation
time that materially affects the integrity of the closing prices for any security, instrument, currency or securities
affected by that event so that they cannot be considered ‘readily available’ market quotations.
The fair value of financial assets and liabilities that are not traded in an active market is determined using valuation
techniques. The Company uses a variety of methods and makes assumptions that are based on market conditions
existing at each reporting date. Valuation techniques used include the use of comparable recent ordinary transactions
between market participants, reference to other instruments that are substantially the same, discounted cash flow
analysis, option pricing models and other valuation techniques commonly used by market participants making the
maximum use of market inputs and relying as little as possible on entity-specific inputs.
Transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy
Transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy are deemed to have occurred at the beginning of the reporting
period.
Financial assets at amortised cost
A financial asset is measured at amortised cost if it meets both of the following conditions and is not designated as at
FVTPL:
it is held within a business model whose objective is to hold assets to collect contractual cash flows; and
its contractual terms give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on
the principal amount outstanding.
Financial assets at amortised cost are initially measured at fair value plus transaction costs that are directly attributed
to its acquisition, unless it is a trade receivable without a significant financing component which is initially measured at
its transaction price.
These assets are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. The amortised cost is
reduced by impairment losses as detailed below.
30
FastForward Innovations Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 March 2020
3. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
e) Financial instruments (continued)
Fair values of financial assets at amortised cost, which are determined for disclosure purposes, are calculated based on
the present value of future principal and interest cash flows, discounted at the market rate of interest at the reporting
date only if the discounting is material.
(i) Receivables
Receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active
market, but also incorporate other types of contractual monetary assets.
Trade and other receivables that were classified as loans and receivables and measured at initial recognition at fair
value and subsequently measured at amortised cost under IAS 39 are now classified at amortised cost using the
effective interest.
(ii) Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are carried at amortised cost and comprise cash in current accounts, demand deposits and
other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less that are readily convertible
to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value.
(iii) Trade and other payables
Trade payables and other short-term monetary liabilities are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently carried
at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. The effect of discounting on these financial instruments is
not considered to be material.
f) Foreign currency translation
Functional and presentation currency
The Company’s Ordinary Shares are denominated in Sterling and are traded on AIM in Sterling. The primary activity of
the Company is detailed in the Investing Policy on page 2. The performance of the Company is measured and reported
to the investors in Sterling and the majority of the expenses incurred by the Company are in Sterling. Consequently,
the Board of Directors considers that Sterling is the currency that most faithfully represents the effects of the
underlying transactions, events and conditions. The financial statements are presented in Sterling, which is the
Company’s functional and presentation currency. All amounts are rounded to the nearest thousand.
Transactions and balances
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using rates approximating to the exchange
rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of
such transactions and from the translation at year end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated
in foreign currencies are recognised through the Statement of Comprehensive Income. Translation differences on non-
monetary financial assets and liabilities, such as financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss, are
recognised through the Statement of Comprehensive Income within the net unrealised change in fair value of
investments.
g) Net assets per share
The net assets per Ordinary Share disclosed on the face of the Statement of Financial Position is calculated by dividing
the net assets of the Company as at the year-end by the number of Ordinary Shares in issue at the year end.
31
FastForward Innovations Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 March 2020
3. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
h) Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing:
the profit attributable to owners of the Company, excluding any costs of servicing equity other than ordinary
shares; and
by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the financial year, adjusted for bonus
elements, if any, in ordinary shares issued during the year and excluding treasury shares.
Diluted earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share adjusts the figures used in the determination of basic earnings per share to take into
account:
the after tax effect of interest and other financing costs associated with dilutive potential ordinary shares; and
the weighted average number of additional ordinary shares that would have been outstanding assuming the
conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares.
i) Transaction costs
Transaction costs are legal and professional fees incurred to structure a deal to acquire the investments designated as
financial assets at fair value through profit or loss. They include the upfront fees and commissions paid to agents,
advisers, brokers and dealers and due diligence fees. Transaction costs, when incurred, are immediately recognised in
the Statement of Comprehensive Income as an expense.
j) Contributed equity
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Where the Company purchases its own equity share (e.g. as the result of a
share buy-back), the consideration paid, including any directly attributable incremental costs, is deducted from equity
attributable to the owners of the Company as treasury shares until the shares are cancelled or reissued. The Company
will present any Treasury shares acquired in the Statement of Changes in Equity as a deduction from contributed equity.
k) Assessment as an investment entity
Entities that meet the definition of an investment entity within IFRS 10 are required to measure their investee
companies at fair value through profit or loss. The criteria (per IFRS 10) which define an investment entity are, as
follows:
An entity that obtains funds from one or more investors for the purpose of providing those investors with
investment services;
An entity that commits to its investors that its business purpose is to invest funds solely for returns from capital
appreciation, investment income or both; and
An entity that measures and evaluates the performance of substantially all of its investments on a fair value
basis.
The Company meets the above criteria and is therefore categorised as an investment entity within IFRS 10.
4. Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the Board to make judgements, estimates and
assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income
and expenses. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors
that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of making the
judgements about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual
results may differ from these estimates.
The Board make estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates will, by
definition, seldom equal the related actual results.
The Directors believe that the underlying assumptions are appropriate and that the financial statements are fairly
presented. Estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying
amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are outlined below:
32
FastForward Innovations Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 March 2020
4. Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements (continued)
Judgements
Assessment as an investment entity
In determining the Company meeting the definition of an investment entity in accordance with IFRS 10, it has
considered the following:
the Company has raised the commitments from a number of investors in order to raise capital to invest and
to provide investor management services with respect to these private equity investments;
the Company intends to generate capital and income returns from its investments which will, in turn, be
distributed to the investors; and
the Company evaluates its investment performance on a fair value basis, in accordance with the policies set
out in these financial statements.
Although the Company met all three defining criteria, management has also assessed the business purpose of the
Company, the investment strategies for the private equity investments, the nature of any earnings from the private
equity investments and the fair value model. Management made this assessment in order to determine whether any
additional areas of judgement exist with respect to the typical characteristics of an investment entity versus those of
the Company. Management have therefore concluded that from the assessments made, the Company meets the
criteria of an investment Company within IFRS 10.
Part of the assessment in relation to meeting the business purpose aspects of the IFRS 10 criteria also requires
consideration of exit strategies. Given that the Company does not intend to hold investments indefinitely, management
have determined that the Company’s investment plans support its business purpose as an investment entity.
The Board has also concluded that the Company meets the additional characteristics of an investment entity, in that:
it holds more than one investment; the investments will predominantly be in the form of equities, derivatives and
similar securities; it has more than one investor and the majority of its investors are not related parties.
Estimates
Fair value of securities not quoted in an active market
The Company may value positions by using its own models or commissioning valuation reports from professional third
party valuers. The models used in either case are based on valuation methods and techniques generally recognised as
standard within the industry and in accordance with IPEV Guidelines. The inputs into these models are primarily
earnings multiples and discounted cash flows. The inputs in the earnings multiple’s models include observable data,
such as the earnings multiples of comparable companies to the relevant portfolio company, and unobservable data,
such as forecast earnings for the portfolio company. In discounted cash flow models, unobservable inputs are the
projected cash flows of the relevant portfolio company and the risk premium for liquidity and credit risk that are
incorporated into the discount rate. In some instances, the cost of an investment is the best measure of fair value in
the absence of further information. Models are calibrated by back-testing to actual results/exit prices achieved to
ensure that outputs are reliable, where possible.
Models use observable data, to the extent practicable. However, areas such as credit risk (both own and counterparty),
volatilities and correlations require management to make estimates. Changes in assumptions about these factors could
affect the reported fair value of financial instruments. The sensitivity to unobservable inputs is based on management’s
expectation of reasonable possible shifts in these inputs, taking into consideration historical volatility and estimations
of future market movements.
The determination of what constitutes ‘observable’ requires significant judgement by the Company. The Company
considers observable data to be market data that is readily available, regularly distributed or updated, reliable and
verifiable, not proprietary, and provided by independent sources that are actively involved in the relevant market.
33
FastForward Innovations Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 March 2020
4. Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements (continued)
Valuation of Options
The fair values of the Options are measured using the Black-Scholes model, for those options with non-market vesting
conditions, and a Monte Carlo Simulation model for those Options with market related vesting conditions.
The key estimates and assumptions which are used as inputs in these valuation models are as follows;
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
any market vesting conditions;
the expected vesting period;
the term of the options;
the expected volatility of the company’s share price as at grant date;
the risk-free rate of return available at grant date;
the company’s share price at grant date;
the expected dividends on the company’s shares over the expected term of the options; and
the exercise (strike) price of the options.
For those Options which did not vest immediately on issue, non- market vesting conditions, the expected vesting period
of the options is estimated to be 5 years from the grant date. 5 years is deemed to be a realistic timeframe in which
the performance conditions can be expected to be achieved.
However, the options can be exercised (subject to market conditions being met where applicable) at any point after
vesting and prior to the Option expiry date.
5. Segmental Information
In accordance with International Financial Reporting Standard 8: Operating Segments, it is mandatory for the Company
to present and disclose segmental information based on the internal reports that are regularly reviewed by the Board
in order to assess each segment’s performance and to allocate resources to them.
Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting used by the chief operating
decision-maker. The chief operating decision-maker, who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing
performance of the operating segments, has been identified as the board as a whole. The board is responsible for the
Company's entire portfolio and considers the business to have a single operating segment. Asset allocation decisions
are based on a single, integrated investment strategy, and the Company’s performance is evaluated on an overall basis.
6. Administration Fees
Vistra Fund Services (Guernsey) Limited was entitled to an administration fee of £50,000 per annum, amended to
£55,000 per annum with effect from 4 April 2018 and increased again to £56,265 from 1 January 2020, with an
additional fee of £2,500 (increased to £2,558 from 1 January 2020) for each formal board meeting held and £10,000
per annum for Compliance oversight services (increased to £10,230 from 1 January 2020).
The Administrator is also entitled to recover by way of reimbursement from the Company, transaction costs associated
with the provision of specific services and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in the performance of its
services to include any of the Administrator’s approved services.
In the year ended 31 March 2020, a total of £97,000 (2019: £74,000) was charged to the Statement of Comprehensive
Income, of which, £23,000 was payable at the financial reporting date (2019: £5,000).
7. Directors’ Remuneration
The Board agreed the following compensation packages for the Directors of the Company.
Lorne Abony was entitled to an annual remuneration of £250,000, payable monthly in arrears, decreased to
£100,000 per annum, effective from 1 January 2020 until his date of termination and a discretionary bonus. The
Company has also granted Mr Abony Options over 8% of the issued shares (on a fully diluted basis) at 20 pence
per share. The terms of the Options are explained below. Mr Abony resigned on 15 May 2020 and agreed to
defer payment of £250,000 in accrued but uninvoiced fees for the 2019 calendar year as at the termination date
for a period of 12 months.
34
FastForward Innovations Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 March 2020
7. Directors’ Remuneration (continued)
•
Ian Burns was entitled to an annual remuneration of £24,000, payable quarterly in arrears which was increased
to £36,000 per annum with effect from 1 January 2020.
• Ed McDermott is entitled to an annual remuneration of £50,000, payable quarterly in arrears. This was increased
to £80,000 per annum, with effect from 1 January 2020. The Company has also granted Mr McDermott Options
over 1% of the issued shares (on a fully diluted basis) at 19 pence per share and further Options over 1% of the
issued shares (on a fully diluted basis) at 25 pence per share. Terms of the Options are explained below.
• Lance De Jersey is entitled to an annual remuneration of £80,000 per annum.
•
Jim Mellon was entitled to an annual remuneration of £30,000 per annum until his resignation to 21 August
2019. Mr Mellon had a remuneration accrued of £11,774 as at 31 March 2020.
• Luke Cairns is entitled to an annual remuneration of £36,000 per annum, effective from the date of his
appointment on 3 January 2020.
Following the approval to grant Options, the number of share options held by each Director at 31 March 2020 was as
follows:
Date Granted
Options issued
% of issued
shares on fully
diluted basis
Exercise
price
(pence)
Weighted
average
contractual
remaining life
Lorne Abony
17-Feb-16
12,131,548
Ed McDermott
13-Feb-18
1,000,000
Ed McDermott
13-Feb-18
1,000,000
14,131,548
8%
1%
1%
10%
20
19
25
1
3
3
During the year 1,516,444 options issued to Mr Mellon, the former Chairman of the Company, lapsed. The total
Employee Share Option Reserve in relation to Mr Mellon of £132,000 has been transferred to Other Distributable
Reserves through the Statement of Changes in Equity.
Upon exercise the options entitle the holder to one Ordinary Share of 1p in the Issued Share Capital of the Company.
Following the grant of the Options to Mr Abony, 50% of the Options vested immediately, 25% of the Options shall vest
after 12 months (subject to the weighted average price of the Company’s ordinary shares rising above 25 pence for ten
consecutive trading days), and the balance of 25% shall vest after 24 months (subject to the weighted average price of
the Company’s Ordinary Shares rising above 35 pence for ten consecutive trading days).
On the grant of the Options to Mr McDermott 33% of the Options vested immediately, 33% of the Options vested after
12 months and the balance of 34% shall vest after 24 months, on the same weighted average share price terms as for
the other Directors, above.
The vesting terms have not yet been achieved for any of the options which did not vest immediately.
Subject to vesting (which is accelerated in the event of a change of control), the Options may only be exercised while
the party remains, or in the three month period after they cease to be, an “eligible employee” of the Company (as such
term is defined in the Option Agreements) and within a five year term from the date of grant. The Options may be
exercised on a cash-less basis subject to agreement of the Board at such time.
No Options were exercised during the year as at no point during the year did the share price of the Company exceed
the Exercise price of any of the Options which had vested.
Share Option measurement of fair value
For those Options with market related vesting conditions, the fair value is determined using the Monte Carlo simulation
model at the grant date. The fair value of Options issued with non-market vesting conditions has been calculated using
the Black Scholes model. Services and non-market performance conditions attached to the arrangements were not
taken into account in measuring fair value as explained in note 3(d) and 4.
35
FastForward Innovations Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 March 2020
7. Directors’ Remuneration (continued)
In addition, the model inputs used in the measurement of the fair values at grant dates were as follows:
Weighted Average Fair value
Share price
Exercise price
Annualised expected volatility
Annual risk free interest rate
Grant date
13-Feb-18
12.35 pence
20.13 pence
19 pence
75.48%
1.17%
Grant date
Grant date
13-Feb-18
17-Feb-16
11.82 pence
10.06 pence
20.13 pence
18.00 pence
25 pence
20 pence
75.48%
1.17%
70.09%
0.86%
The expected life of all options are 5 years from grant date and no dividends are expected to be paid. Expected volatility
has been based on an evaluation of the historical volatility of the Company’s share price. The total fair value of the
share Options issued, as at the date of granting, is estimated to be £1,617,000.
31 March 2020
Ian Burns (appointed on 12 November 2014)
Jim Mellon (appointed on 13 July 2015; resigned on 21
August 2019)
Lorne Abony (appointed on 6 January 2016)
Ed McDermott (appointed 12 February 2018)
Lance De Jersey (appointed 3 January 2019)
Luke Cairns (appointed 3 January 2020)
31 March 2019
Ian Burns (appointed on 12 November 2014)
Jim Mellon (appointed on 13 July 2015)
Lorne Abony (appointed on 6 January 2016)
Ed McDermott (appointed 12 February 2018)
Lance De Jersey (appointed 3 January 2019)
Directors’
Remuneration
£'000
27
Recognition of share
based expense
£'000
-
12
254
50
75
9
427
8
122
32
-
-
162
Directors’
Remuneration
£'000
41
18
208
40
13
320
Recognition of share
based expense
£'000
-
17
133
66
-
216
Total
£'000
27
20
376
82
75
9
589
Total
£'000
41
35
341
106
13
536
No pension contributions were paid or were payable on behalf of the Directors. Details of the Directors’ interests in
the share capital are set out in note 17.
36
FastForward Innovations Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 March 2020
8. Other expenses
Marketing expenses
Other Directors’ related expenses
Regulatory and listing fees
Registrar fees
Audit fees
Directors’ and Officers’ liability insurance
Other expenses
9. Tax effects of other comprehensive income
Year ended
31 March 2020
£'000
2
22
13
28
40
6
36
147
Year ended
31 March 2019
£'000
3
1
23
37
42
5
68
179
The Income Tax Authority of Guernsey has granted the Company exemption from Guernsey income tax under the
Income Tax (Exempt Bodies) (Guernsey) Ordinance, 1989 and the income of the Company may be distributed or
accumulated without deduction of Guernsey income tax. Exemption under the above mentioned Ordinance entails
payment by the Company of an annual fee of £1,200 for each year in which the exemption is claimed. It should be
noted, however, that interest and dividend income accruing from the Company’s investments may be subject to
withholding tax in the country of origin.
There were no tax effects arising from the other comprehensive income disclosed in the Statement of Comprehensive
Income (2019: £Nil).
10. Earnings per Ordinary Share
The loss per Ordinary Share of £3.09p (2019: earnings per Ordinary Share of 0.93p) is based on the loss for the year of
£4,996,000 (2019: income £1,408,000) and on a weighted average number of 161,500,105 Ordinary Shares in issue
during the year (2019: 151,046,997 Ordinary Shares).
The basic and diluted earnings per Ordinary Share were the same. The average share price of the Ordinary Shares
during the year was below the exercise price of the Options (exercise prices of 19.00 pence, 20.00 pence and 25.00
pence). Therefore, as at 31 March 2020 the Options had no dilutive effect.
11. Dividends
During the year ended 31 March 2020, no dividend was paid to shareholders (2019: £Nil). The Directors do not propose
a final dividend for the year ended 31 March 2020 (2019: £Nil).
12. Financial Assets and Liabilities Designated at Fair Value through Profit or Loss
31 March 2020
£'000
31 March 2019
£'000
Financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss
Fair value of investments brought forward
Purchases during the year
Disposals proceeds during the year
Realised gains/(losses) on disposals
Net unrealised (loss)/gain in fair value
Fair value of investments carried forward
18,604
1,033
(2,282)
165
(4,148)
13,372
Details of the investments held are given in the Report of the Chief Executive and at the Company’s website.
12,410
11,141
(7,286)
(1,795)
4,134
18,604
37
FastForward Innovations Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 March 2020
13. Fair value of financial instruments
IFRS 13 requires the Company to classify financial instruments at fair value using a fair value hierarchy that reflects the
significance of the inputs used in making the measurement. The fair value hierarchy has the following levels:
Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company can access
at the year-end date (Level 1);
Those involving inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or
liability, either directly (as prices) or indirectly (derived from prices) (Level 2); and
Those with inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable
inputs) (Level 3).
The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement is categorised in its entirety is determined
on the basis of the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. For this purpose,
the significance of an input is assessed against the fair value measurement in its entirety.
If a fair value measurement uses observable inputs that require significant adjustment based on unobservable inputs,
that measurement is a Level 3 measurement. Assessing the significance of a particular input to the fair value
measurement in its entirety requires judgement, considering factors specific to the asset or liability.
The determination of what constitutes ‘observable’ requires judgement by the Company. The Company considers
observable data to be that market data that is readily available, regularly distributed or updated, reliable and verifiable,
not proprietary, and provided by independent sources that are actively involved in the relevant market.
The valuations used to determine fair values are validated and periodically reviewed by experienced personnel, in most
cases this validation and review is undertaken by members of the Board, however professional third-party valuation
firms are used for some valuations and the Company also has access to a network of industry experts by virtue of the
personal networks of the directors and substantial shareholders (including Messrs Mellon and Abony). The valuations
prepared by the Company or received from third parties are in accordance with the International Private Equity and
Venture Capital Valuation Guidelines. The valuations, when relevant, are based on a mixture of:
Market approach (utilising EBITDA or Revenue multiples, industry value benchmarks and available market
prices approaches);
Income approach (utilising Discounted Cash Flow, Replacement Cost and Net Asset approaches);
Price of a recent transaction when transaction price/cost is considered indicative of fair value; and
proposed sale price.
As at 31 March 2020, 1 investment was valued as a Level 1 investment within the fair value hierarchy, with the value
being taken from the published price available as at that date (2019: 1 investment).
The remaining seven investments were included within the Level 3 category and subject to a Level 3 valuation
approach. Of these seven positions, four were valued by way of third-party valuation reports, three of which were
commissioned by the Company and the fourth by the investee company. (2019: Five of the eight Level 3 positions were
valued by third party valuers). By value, 92% of the portfolio value was ascertained by way of such third party valuations
(2019: 55%).
Whilst it is not intended that third party valuations will be commissioned for every investee company subject to Level
3 classification for each valuation point, the Board of the Company will continue to commission reports where deemed
preferable.
38
FastForward Innovations Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 March 2020
13. Fair value of financial instruments (continued)
Where investments are considered to be Level 3 investments for valuation purposes, it is required under IFRS 13 that
information be provided about the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement. In the case of
the Company a balance is necessary in providing commentary on such inputs, whilst at the same time not disclosing
information about these private companies which they have indicated cannot be published (primarily for competitive
reasons). The table below provides a summary of the valuations subject to unobservable inputs across the Company’s
investment portfolio, split by valuation methodology and an indicative aggregate value of the effect of either a more
positive or negative valuation approach, without publication of specific metrics which could be identified as relating to
any one investee company.
Valuation Basis
Aggregate
Valuation
£’000
Valuation
used
Methodologies
Positive Case
Variance*
% £’000
Negative Case Average
Variance
Variance*
% £’000
%
Combination of:
(i) Market Approach
(comparable companies
multiples, available market
prices, discounting for lack of
control / marketability); and
Third-party
valuation report
12,376
(ii) Income Approach
(discounted cash flow)
valuations.
17
2,144
8
(1,026)
9
Multiple approaches were
used for some valuations,
with weightings applied to
give a hybrid valuation*
Price
of
transaction
price)
recent
(deal
50
Deal price concluded post year
end
Nil valuation
- Directors assessment
Quoted price
946
Quoted price from an active
market
-
-
-
Total
13,372
16
-
-
-
2,114
-
-
-
-
-
-
8
(1,026)
-
-
-
8
*Variances are based upon alternative valuation approaches used by valuers resulting in greater or lesser valuations, particularly in the weighted,
hybrid valuations mentioned.
Based on above weighted average variance shown above, a further sensitivity calculation can be undertaken to
demonstrate the effect of a +/- 8% variance across the investment portfolio of the Company:
Aggregate Valuation per Financial Statements
Effect of + / - 8% variance on portfolio valuation
31 March 2020
£’000
13,372
1,070
31 March 2019
£’000
18,110
1,449
39
FastForward Innovations Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 March 2020
13. Fair value of financial instruments (continued)
A reconciliation of the opening and closing balances of assets designated at fair value through profit or loss classified
as Level 1 is shown below:
Fair value of investments brought forward
Purchases during the year
Disposals proceeds during the year
Realised (losses)/gains on disposals
Net unrealised change in fair value
Fair value of investments carried forward
31 March 2020
£'000
494
1,033
(908)
(396)
723
946
31 March 2019
£'000
6,728
1,304
(7,286)
(418)
166
494
There have been no transfers between levels during the year.
A reconciliation of the opening and closing balances of assets designated at fair value through profit or loss classified
as Level 3 is shown below:
Fair value of investments brought forward
Purchases during the year
Disposals proceeds during the year
Realised (losses)/gains on disposals
Net unrealised change in fair value
Fair value of investments carried forward
14. Other receivables
Other receivables
Amount due from Broker
Debenture interest due
Prepayments
15. Payables and accruals
Current liabilities
Payables and accruals
31 March 2020
£'000
18,110
-
(1,374)
561
(4,871)
12,426
31 March 2019
£'000
5,682
9,837
-
(1,377)
3,968
18,110
31 March 2020
£'000
7
-
-
43
50
31 March 2019
£'000
7
56
27
22
112
31 March 2020
£'000
31 March 2019
£'000
397
397
148
148
Payables and accruals include Director fee accrued for Lorne Abony amounting to £275,000 as at 31 March 2020.
Following the resignation of Lorne Abony on 15 May 2020, it was agreed to defer payment of £250,000 of these accrued
fees for 12 months.
40
FastForward Innovations Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 March 2020
16. Share Capital, Warrants and Options
Authorised:
1,910,000,000 Ordinary Shares of 1p (2019: 1,910,000,000
Ordinary Shares)
100,000,000 Deferred Shares of 0.9p (2019: 100,000,000
Deferred Shares)
Allotted, called up and fully paid:
161,500,105 Ordinary Shares of 1p (2019: 161,500,105
Ordinary Shares)
70,000,709 Deferred Shares of 0.9p (2019: 70,000,709)
Options:
Share options
Ordinary Shares
31 March 2020
£’000
31 March 2019
£’000
19,100
900
20,000
1,615
630
19,100
900
20,000
1,615
630
14,131,548
15,647,992
During the year the Company did not issue new Ordinary Shares (2019: 30,769,230 of 1p each (the "Placing Shares") at
a price of 13p per Placing Share and share issue costs amounted to £96,761).
Deferred Shares
In aggregate (not per share), the holders of Deferred Shares shall be entitled to receive up to £1 only as a preferred
dividend or distribution. The Deferred Shares have zero economic value. The holders of Deferred Shares, in respect
of their holdings of Deferred Shares, shall not have the right to receive notice of any general meeting of the
Company, nor the right to attend, speak or vote at any such general meeting. The Company has the right to
transfer the Deferred Shares to such persons as it wishes, without the consent of the holders of the Deferred
Shares, and to cancel Deferred Shares with the consent of such transferee.
Directors’ Authority to Allot Shares
The Directors are generally and unconditionally authorised to exercise all the powers of the Company to allot relevant
securities. As approved at the Company Annual General Meeting on 9 October 2019 the Directors may determine up
to a maximum aggregate nominal amount of 10% of the issued share capital during the period until the following Annual
General Meeting, this authority was increased at an Extraordinary General Meeting held on 13 July 2020 to 100% of
the issued share capital during the period until the next Annual General Meeting. The Guernsey Companies Law does
not limit the power of Directors to issue shares or impose any pre-emption rights on the issue of new shares.
Shares held in Treasury
As a result of share repurchases in prior years, at year end the Company has a total of 5,413,623 ordinary shares held
as Treasury shares (2019: 5,413,623). No shares were repurchased during the year (2019: Nil).
17. Net Assets per Ordinary Share
Basic and diluted
The basic and diluted net asset value per Ordinary Share is based on the net assets attributable to equity shareholders
of £14,238,000 (2019: £19,072,000) and on 161,500,105 Ordinary Shares (2019: 161,500,105 Ordinary Shares) in issue
at the end of the year. The share price of the Ordinary Shares at 31 March 2020 of 7.25 pence (2019: 9.59 pence) was
below the exercise price of any of the Options (lowest exercise price of 19.00 pence). Therefore, as at 31 March 2020
the Options had no dilutive effect.
41
FastForward Innovations Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 March 2020
18. Related Parties
The Directors’ remuneration for the year ended 31 March 2020 is disclosed in note 7. The Directors consider that there
is no immediate or ultimate controlling party.
Jim Mellon
Mr Mellon, Chairman of the Company until 21 August 2019, is a life tenant of a trust which owns Galloway Limited
(“Galloway”), which held 10,425,992 (31 March 2019: 10,425,991) Ordinary Shares in the Company as at 31 March
2020 and at the date of signing this report. Mr Mellon also holds 5,857,730 (31 March 2019: 5,857,730) shares directly
in his own name as at 31 March 2020. Total direct or indirect holding was 16,283,822 shares (31 March 2019:
16,283,822).
At 31 March 2020, the Company held 25,978 (31 March 2019: 25,978) Ordinary Shares in The Diabetic Boot Company
Ltd (“DBC”). Galloway also holds shares in DBC. The combined shareholding in DBC is in excess of 30%.
Mr Mellon holds 20,500,000 (31 March 2019: 20,500,000) shares in EMMAC Life Sciences Limited ("EMMAC"), which
equates to 7.1% of the shares in issue.
Mr Mellon also holds an interest in 3,783,199 shares of Juvenescence Limited, equating to 17.75% of the issued shares.
Mr Mellon also holds an interest in 3,208,542 shares in Portage Biotech, equating to 27.46% of the issued shares.
Mr Mellon was entitled to an annual remuneration of £30,000, payable quarterly in arrears.
Mr Mellon held Nil options as at 31 March 2020 (31 March 2019: 1,516,444).
Ian Burns
Mr Burns, Non-Executive Chairman of the company, is the legal and beneficial owner of Smoke Rise Holdings Limited
(“Smoke”), which held 1,374,024 (31 March 2019: 1,374,024) Ordinary Shares in the Company at 31 March 2020 and
at the date of signing this report.
Regent Mercantile Holdings Limited ("Regent"), a company in which Mr Ian Burns is a Director, is a shareholder of
Juvenescence. Regent hold 0.34% of Juvenescence (31 March 2019: 0.34%) (on a fully diluted basis).
Mr Burns is entitled to an annual remuneration of £24,000 (£36,000 annual remuneration effective as from 1 January
2020), payable quarterly in arrears.
Lorne Abony
Mr Abony, Chairman of the company till 15 May 2020, held 14,843,211 (31 March 2019: 14,843,211) Ordinary Shares
in the Company at 31 March 2020 and at the date of signing this report.
As at 31 March 2020, the Company held no non-assessable series-1 preferred stocks (31 March 2019: 2,527,059) and
1,000,000 (31 March 2019: 1,000,000) non-assessable series-2 preferred stocks in Vemo Education. Inc (“Vemo”), a
company related by virtue of common shareholdings with Mr Abony. On 13 May 2019, FastForward sold the 2,527,059
non-assessable series-1 preferred stocks.
Mr Abony holds US$1m ordinary shares of Juvenescence Limited on the same terms as the Company.
Mr Abony holds 20,833,333 shares in EMMAC, which equates to 7.2% of the shares in issue. On 19 November 2019,
Mr Abony was appointed as Chairman of the Board of Directors of EMMAC.
Mr Abony was entitled to an annual remuneration of £250,000 up to 31 December 2019, which was reduced to
£100,000 as from 1 January 2020.
Mr Abony resigned on 15 May 2020 and accepted to defer remuneration payment of £250,000 as at date of resignation
for a period of 12 months.
Mr Abony held 12,131,548 options as at 31 March 2020 (31 March 2019: 12,131,548).
42
FastForward Innovations Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 March 2020
18. Related Parties (continued)
Ed McDermott
Mr McDermott, Chief Executive Officer of the Company was until December 2018 a part of the corporate finance team
at Optiva Securities Limited, the Company’s Broker. A total of £7,472 was incurred by the Company in respect of Broker
fees to Optiva Securities Limited during the year (31 March 2019: £117,000).
Mr McDermott was a co-founder of, and is an executive Director of, EMMAC Life Sciences Limited ("EMMAC"). Mr
McDermott owns 11,250,000 (31 March 2019: 11,250,000) shares in EMMAC, which equates to 3.9% of the shares in
issue.
Mr McDermott is entitled to an annual remuneration of £80,000.
Mr McDermott held 2,000,000 options as at 31 March 2020 (31 March 2019: 2,000,000).
Lance De Jersey
Mr De Jersey, Finance Director of the Company purchased 400,000 ordinary shares in the Company during the year.
Following the purchase his holding represents 0.25% of the Company’s issued share capital.
Mr De Jersey is entitled to an annual remuneration of £80,000 per annum.
Luke Cairns
Mr Cairns, Non-Executive Director of the Company is entitled to an annual remuneration of £36,000 per annum,
effective from the date of his appointment on 3 January 2020.
19. Financial Risk Management
Treasury policies
The objective of the Company’s treasury policies is to manage the Company’s financial risk, secure cost effective
funding for the Company’s operations and to minimise the adverse effects of fluctuations in the financial markets on
the value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities on reported profitability and on cash flows of the Company.
The Company finances its activities with cash, short-term deposits, with maturities of three months or less and market
traded securities. Other financial assets and liabilities, such as receivables and payables, arise directly from the
Company’s operating activities. Derivative instruments may be used to change the economic characteristics of financial
instruments in accordance with the Company’s treasury policies.
The financial assets and liabilities of the Company were:
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Investments
Financial assets at amortised cost
Other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Financial liabilities at amortised cost
Other payables
31 March 2020
£'000
31 March 2019
£'000
13,372
18,604
7
1,213
1,220
397
90
504
594
148
The main risks arising from the Company’s financial assets and liabilities are credit risk, liquidity risk and market risk,
and are set out below, together with the policies currently applied by the Board for their management. Market risk
comprises three types of financial risk, being interest rate risk, currency risk and other price risk, being the risk that the
fair value or future cash flows will fluctuate because of changes in market prices other than from interest rate and
currency risks.
43
FastForward Innovations Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 March 2020
19. Financial Risk Management (continued)
Credit risk
The Company takes on exposure to credit risk, which is the risk that one party will cause a financial loss for the other
party by failing to discharge an obligation.
The Company’s credit risk is primarily attributable to its other receivables and cash and cash equivalents. In order to
mitigate credit risk, the Company seeks to trade only with reputable counterparties that the management believe to
be creditworthy.
The credit risk on cash and cash equivalents is limited by using banks with high credit ratings assigned by international
credit-rating agencies. At the year end, an amount of cash and cash equivalents of £1,207,000 was placed with HSBC
Bank plc (2019: £504,000). The remaining amount of cash and cash equivalent of £5,077 (2019: £56,000) was held the
Company’s broker PI Financial Corp. The Moody’s credit rating for HSBC Bank plc was Aa3 as at 31 March 2020.
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company may not be able to generate sufficient cash resources to settle its obligations
in full as they fall due or can only do so on terms that are materially disadvantageous. The Company invests in private
equities, which, by their very nature, are illiquid. The Company incurs a range of fixed expenses for which it can budget.
As such it can appropriately plan as to how to maintain a sufficient cash balances to meet its working capital
requirements.
Should it be identified that additional cash resources are required, the Company would propose to issue further equity
to the market or to sell part of the investment(s) held in market traded securities.
The contractual undiscounted cash flows of the Company’s financial liabilities, which are equal to the fair value of the
Company’s financial liabilities, comprise of payable within one year to the sum of £397,000 (2019: £148,000). The
Company has no contractual commitment to invest further in any of its existing investments.
The Board monitors the Company’s liquidity position on a regular basis. In addition, the Company’s Administrator
continually monitors the Company’s liquidity position and reports to the Board on a quarterly basis.
Market risk
(i) Price risk
The Company’s private equity investments are susceptible to price risk arising from uncertainties about future values
of the private equity investments or derivative financial instruments. This price risk is the risk that the fair value or
future cash flows will fluctuate because of changes in market prices, whether those changes are caused by factors
specific to the individual investment or financial instrument or its holder or factors affecting all similar financial
instruments or investments traded in the market, if any.
During the year, the Company did not hedge against movements in the value of its investments. Given the higher levels
of market volatility in the current year, the Directors consider 15% (2019: 10%) best represents the margin of price risk
associated with the Company risk. A 15% (2019: 10%) increase/decrease in the fair value of investments would result
in a £2,005,800 (2019: £1,860,000) increase/decrease in the net asset value.
ii) Currency risk
The Company regularly holds assets (both monetary and non-monetary) denominated in currencies other than the
functional currency (Sterling). It is therefore exposed to currency risk, as the value of the financial instruments
denominated in other currencies will fluctuate due to changes in exchange rates.
44
FastForward Innovations Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 March 2020
19. Financial Risk Management (continued)
Market risk (continued)
ii) Currency risk (continued)
Foreign currency risk, as defined in IFRS 7, arises as the values of recognised monetary assets and monetary liabilities
denominated in other currencies fluctuate due to changes in foreign exchange rates. IFRS 7 considers the foreign
exchange exposure relating to non-monetary assets and liabilities to be a component of market price risk, not foreign
currency risk. The Company monitors the exposure on all foreign-currency-denominated assets and liabilities.
The Company monitors its exposure to foreign exchange rates and, where exposure is considered significant,
appropriate measures would be adopted to minimise these exposures. As at 31 March 2020, a proportion of the net
financial assets of the Company were denominated in currencies other than Sterling as follows:
US Dollar
Cash and cash equivalents
CAD Dollar
Cash and cash equivalents
Other receivables
Net currency exposure
31 March 2020
31 March 2019
£’000
862
5
-
867
£’000
415
-
57
472
At 31 March 2020, if the exchange rate of the US Dollar had strengthened/weakened by 10% against the Sterling, with
all other variables remaining constant, the increase/(decrease) in the profit for the year would amount to +/- £86,200
(2019: +/- £41,500).
At 31 March 2020, if the exchange rate of the CAD Dollar had strengthened/weakened by 10% against the Sterling,
with all other variables remaining constant, the increase/(decrease) in the profit for the year would amount to +/- £500
(2019: +/- £5,700).
iii) Interest rate risk
The Company currently funds its operations through the use of equity. Cash at bank, the majority of which was in US
Dollars at the year end, is held at variable rates. At the year end, the Company’s financial liabilities did not suffer interest
and thus were not subject to any interest rate risk. It is unlikely that interest rates would decrease by as much as 1% as
they are currently less than 1%. Any decrease in the interest rate to a minimum of 0% would have an insignificant
impact on the interest income received by the Company.
20. Capital Management Policy and Procedures
The Company’s capital structure is derived solely from the issue of Ordinary and Deferred Shares.
The Company does not currently intend to fund any investments through debt or other borrowings but may do so if
appropriate. Investments in early stage assets are expected to be mainly in the form of equity, with debt potentially
being raised later to fund the development of such assets. Investments in later stage assets are more likely to include
an element of debt to equity gearing. The Company may also offer new Ordinary Shares by way of consideration as
well as cash, thereby helping to preserve the Company's cash for working capital and as a reserve against unforeseen
contingencies including, for example, delays in collecting accounts receivable, unexpected changes in the economic
environment and operational problems.
45
FastForward Innovations Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 March 2020
20. Capital Management Policy and Procedures (continued)
The Board monitors and reviews the structure of the Company’s capital on an ad hoc basis. This review includes:
The need to obtain funds for new investments, as and when they arise
The current and future levels of gearing
The need to buy back Ordinary Shares for cancellation or to be held in treasury, which takes account of the
difference between the net asset value per Ordinary Share and the Ordinary Share price
The current and future dividend policy; and
The current and future return of capital policy.
The Company is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements.
21. Events after the Financial Reporting Date
In March 2020, the World Health Organisation recognised an outbreak of a new virus that causes coronavirus disease
2019 ("COVID-19") as a pandemic. COVID-19 caused disruption to businesses and economic activity which has been
reflected in recent fluctuations in global stock markets. The impact of the pandemic on the day-to-day operations of
the Company is minimal by virtue of the Directors operating predominantly from home offices and the Company’s
Administrator having successfully implemented measures to allow its staff to do likewise. At an investment portfolio
level, the impact has varied from company to company as is discussed in more detail in the Chairman’s statement and
Report of Directors.
On 22 March 2020, the Company sold all of its shares (27,255 Series Seed Preferred shares) in Yooya Ltd to Yooma
Corp. The transfer was made for a value of US$61,500 (£50,000), satisfied by issue of 2,049,616 new common shares
in Yooma Corp. at an issue price of $0.03 per share. Following the Share Exchange, the Company held 7.88% of the
issued share capital of Yooma. The Company's interest in Yooma had an implied value of US$61,500 based on the terms
of the Share Exchange. The Company also made additional investment of US$1m (1,538,462 shares of US$0.65 per
share) in Yooma Corp on 19 May 2020, following this additional investment the implied value of the total holding of
3,588,078 common shares is $2,332,250.
On 15 May 2020, Mr Lorne Abony resigned as CEO and was succeeded by Mr Burns as Non-Executive Chairman and
Mr McDermott as CEO of the Company. Mr Abony agreed to defer payment of £250,000 owed by the Company for
the period of 12 months.
On 3 June 2020, it was announced that Portage had completed a consolidation (also known as a reverse stock split) of
its issued and outstanding common shares on the basis of 100 pre-consolidation common shares for each post-
consolidation common share. On 16 June 2020, the Company made a subsequent subscription of $242,850 for 24,285
Portage shares at $10 as part of a $6.78M private placing by Portage at the same price as the original cost price.
Additionally, subsequent to year end, the Company disposed of 2,428,500 shares in Portage in a number of transactions
for sales proceeds of $330,000 realising a gain of over 30% compared to the initial issue price and our carrying value as
at 31 March 2020.
On 18 June 2020, Factom filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection under the application of which they applied for
the SAFE note held by the Company to be written off. Subsequent to this filing, the Company filed motions opposing
this course of action and at the same time continued to engage with Factom management regarding the potential
conversion of the SAFE note into equity in Factom, resulting in agreement being reached for the conversion of the SAFE
note to equity (subject to approval by the US Bankruptcy Court and shareholders of Factom) as announced on 30 July
2020. Should such approvals be given, and following conversion, the Company would hold 6,311,330 shares in Factom,
representing 30.39% of the then issued share capital.
The Company granted €117,647 to Fralis LLC (Leap Gaming) on 19 June 2020 (as part of a €250K loan from existing
shareholders). The loan receivable bears interest of 1.02% per month and is repayable by 31 December 2021.
On 13 July 2020, Yooma Corp. signed a binding letter of intent with Globalive Technology Inc. (Globalive) to complete
an arm's length reverse take-over pursuant to which Globalive will acquire all of the issued and outstanding securities
of Yooma in exchange for common shares of the company.
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FastForward Innovations Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 March 2020
21. Events after the Financial Reporting Date (continued)
On 13 July 2020, the shareholders granted authority to the Directors of the Company to issue or allot equity securities
for cash, pursuant to Article 13 of the Articles or by way of a sale of treasury shares, up to a maximum of 100% of the
issued share capital of the Company.
On 22 July 2020, the Company’s investee, EMMAC Life Sciences announced the signing of a Non-Binding Letter of Intent
for Business Combination with Andina Acquisition Corp. III, a company listed on NASDAQ.
There are no other material events subsequent to year end which require disclosure.
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