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Terns Pharmaceuticals

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FY2016 Annual Report · Terns Pharmaceuticals
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Report and Accounts
For the year ended 31 December 2016

Company Information

DIRECTORS

SECRETARY

REGISTERED OFFICE

Angus Forrest
Alan Howarth
Bruce Leith 
Sarah Payne 
Albert Sisto

Sarah Payne

9 Catherine Place
London 
SW1E 6DX

COMPANY’S REGISTERED NUMBER

5131386

AUDITORS

NOMINATED ADVISOR AND JOINT BROKER

JOINT BROKER

REGISTRARS

BANKERS

CORPORATE LAWYERS

Grant Thornton UK LLP
Melton Street
London
NW1 2EP

W H Ireland Limited
24 Martin Lane
London
EC4R 0DR

Whitman Howard Limited
1-3 Mount Street
London
W1K 3NB

Share Registrars Limited
The Courtyard
17 West Street
Farnham 
Surrey
GU9 7DR

Handelsbanken
5th Floor
13 Charles II Street
London
SW1Y 4QU

Reed Smith
The Broadgate Tower
20 Primrose Street
London 
EC2A 2RS

1

Highlights of 2016

(cid:129) Achieved a 560% uplift in net asset value and a profit for the year

(cid:129) Our investee company, Device Authority, acquired a venture backed Silicon Valley technology company

with a base of  operations in North America and nine patents to strengthen the business

(cid:129) Completed our first sale of  a business and its assets, Concerto, to Ingram Micro

(cid:129) Led  a  £2.5  million  investment  into  Device  Authority in  October  2016, strengthening  our  ownership

position.

Finances further strengthened

31 December 

Total Assets

Net Assets

Profit/(loss)

Contents

Company Information

1 Highlights of  2016

2 Chairman’s Statement

5 Our Markets

8 Strategic Report

2016
£’000

11,465

11,188

5,297

2015
£’000

1,825

1,692

(185)

2014
£’000

1,367

944

(54)

20 Report on Directors’ Remuneration

21 Independent Auditor’s Report

23 Income Statement and Statement of  

Comprehensive Income

24 Statement of  Financial Position

11 Investment Report

25 Statement of  Changes in Equity

14 Board of  Directors

26 Statement of  Cash Flows

15 Directors’ Report

27 Notes to the Financial Statements

18 Corporate Governance and Compliance

43 Notice of  2017 Annual General Meeting

2

Chairman’s Statement
For the year ended 31 December 2016

criteria to focus on building companies
with technologies and services that
enable the growth and operation of

“Tern has sharpened its investment
the Internet of  Things.”

I am pleased to present our annual report for the fiscal
year ended 31 December 2016.

Over  the  course  of   the  year,  the  Tern  team  began
executing  on  the  next  phase  of   its business  model,
designed  to  create  a  sound  financial  structure  and  to
establish a platform for sustainable growth. I am gratified
to report that we have accomplished these objectives. In
2016, Tern achieved a 560% uplift in net asset value and
recognised  a  profit  for  the  year,  whilst  controlling
administrative expenses  (£455,000  for  the  year  after
deducting  one-time  costs  of   £155,000 which include
exceptional legal costs, write off  of  the Device Authority
facility fee on the convertible loan note and non-recurring
advice relating to fund raising activities). We focused on
working  closely  with  our  portfolio  companies  to  bring
them  in-line  with  best  operating  practices,  creating
strategic force multiplying relationships and controlling
expenses  to  ensure  growth  and  continuous  value
creation.

Overview

Tern’s fundamental goal is to find interesting technology
opportunities that lead to significant returns and create
value for shareholders. In 2016, the Board of  Directors
and  management  focused  on  two  primary  objectives:
firstly, we took a hard look at our capabilities, with the
result  that  we  sharpened  the  focus  of   our  investment
strategy. Then, to successfully position the company to
execute  this  investment  strategy,  we  aligned  our
management  structure,  our  investment  portfolio,  and
identified additional 2017 initiatives that would help us
bring these plans to fruition. 

Secondly, in 2016 the Board focused on ensuring that
Device Authority Limited (formerly Cryptosoft Limited)
was  positioned  for  success  in  the  rapidly  evolving
Internet  of   Things  (“IoT”)  market.  Beginning  with  the
acquisition of  Fremont-based Device Authority Inc. by
Cryptosoft  Limited,  we  worked  with  management  to
define and execute a series of  strategic initiatives which
included  the  development  of   a  series  of   valuable,
mutually beneficial relationships with a number of  the
world’s  leading  technology  companies,  and  additional
actions detailed below.

Tern’s investment strategy 

Tern now 
focuses on  building  companies  with
technologies  and  services  within  the  fast-growing
Internet of  Things market. This reflects our assessment
of   where  we  see  potential  and  where  we  believe  our
assets and experience can add value to companies and
ultimately create strong returns for shareholders. 

The  increasing  need  for  unique  security  solutions  to
underpin  the  growth  of   the  IoT  applications  is  widely
recognised  and  in  2016,  Device  Authority  Limited
(“Device  Authority”),  Tern’s  flagship  investment,  was
repeatedly recognised by industry experts and analysts
as a core participant. 

Our experience with Device Authority puts us in a strong
position to seek out and build companies in other areas
of  the IoT market. In working with Device Authority, we
have gained practical knowledge of  what is required to
successfully build a company in the space, substantial
expertise 
IoT  ecosystem  and  a  web  of
relationships  with  a  number of   the  world’s  leading
technology companies.

the 

in 

Management realignment

The Board concluded that, as an experienced technology
company executive, I would serve as the most effective
leader  for  the  Company.  In  making  this  decision,  the
Board  placed  particular  emphasis  on  several  broad
aspects  of   my  background:  experience  as  a  senior
operating  executive  at  technology  companies,  board-
level  participation  in  the  growth  of   many  successful
technology  start-ups,  practical  knowledge  of   the  IoT
ecosystem  developed  over  the  past  two  years  as  the
Chairman of  Device Authority, and resulting high-level
relationships with executives at technology companies
now involved in the IoT market.

the  Board  also
In  realigning  our  management, 
recognised  that  the  Company  would  benefit  from
additional  senior-level  expertise  in  technology.  As  a
result, we anticipate recruiting in 2017 a Chairman for
the Board who will bring skills and experiences that are
complementary to the Board.

3

Chairman’s Statement
For the year ended 31 December 2016

The Board and I would like to thank Angus Forrest, who
previously served as Chairman and founder of  Tern, for
bringing us to this stage of our development. Angus brings
a wealth of  transactional management expertise to the
Company and will continue to oversee this critical aspect
of  Tern’s activities. 

Device Authority: Poised for growth

In 2016, Tern’s management team worked extensively with
the  management  of   Device  Authority,  our  flagship
investment, to ensure it is positioned for success in 2017
and beyond.

During 2015 and into 2016, Cryptosoft Limited and Device
Authority Inc (a United States based firm, whose owners
included Alsop Louie Partners, one of  the leading venture
capital firms in Silicon Valley) established ever deeper ties
through  an  OEM  partnership.  As  the  complementary
capabilities  of   the  two  business  became  clear,  it  was
agreed that a merger was in the best interests of  both
companies  and  their  shareholders. Additionally,  with
Device Authority Inc’s headquarters in Fremont, CA, and
Cryptosoft’s headquarters in Bracknell, the combined firm
would have a strong presence in two critical hubs for IoT
and exposure to prospective customers and partners.

In  April  2016,  Cryptosoft  announced  the  acquisition  of
Device  Authority  Inc  and  chose  to  use  the  Device
Authority  name  as  the  continuing  brand.  The  resulting
company,  Device  Authority  Limited,  was  valued  at
£13.6 million  (post  new  money)  and  represented  an
increase in the asset value of  Cryptosoft to £6.1 million
(pre new money) on the 21 April 2016 from £961,439 at
31 December 2015.

The  new  Device  Authority  Limited  realised  several
milestones in 2016 that are noteworthy. They included:
(1) The company reported its first significant customer, a
key goal outlined in last year’s annual report; (2) Device
Authority’s Internet of  Things Security Solution has been
formally reviewed and analysed, and deemed effective by
a number of  the world’s leading analysts and technology
companies,  including  Gartner,  PTC’s  ThingWorx,  Intel,
Dell,  amongst others. This  included  being  named  a
Gartner “Cool Vendor.”

Rationalising the investment portfolio

In June 2016, Tern made an offer to buy certain assets of
Flexiant  Limited  for  £75,000.  Tern  was an  early  stage
investor  in  Flexiant  Limited.  The  2016  purchase  price
included two divisions of  Flexiant Limited, Concerto and
what  is  now  flexiOPS  Limited  (previously  Flexiant
Research), a profitable technology consulting company.
We believe that flexiOPS may be the source of  valuable
technology  expertise  to  assist  current  and  future  Tern
portfolio companies.

“Device Authority’s Internet of  Things

Security Solution has been formally
reviewed and analysed, and deemed
effective by a number of  the world’s
leading analysts and technology
companies, including Gartner, PTC’s
ThingWorx, Intel, Dell, amongst

others. ”

In  November  2016,  the  Company  announced  that  it
completed  the  sale  of   the  assets  and  business  of
Concerto, a multi cloud management software business,
to Ingram Micro, the world’s largest technology distributor
and a leading technology sales, marketing and logistics
company  for  the  IT  industry  worldwide.  The  total
consideration was $500,000 in cash, payable $425,000
on completion with $75,000 at the end of  12 months. Tern
acquired Concerto alongside Flexiant Research in June
2016  for  a  combined  total  of   £75,000  in  cash.  The
valuations  of   the  two  businesses  were  not  disclosed
separately  at  the  time  of   the  acquisition.  The  Board
believes the sale of  Concerto represented good value,
and  the  realised  funds  are being used  to  create  new
opportunities. Tern retains its stake in flexiOPS Limited
which remains profitable. The sale of  Concerto is our first
portfolio company exit and represents an overall profit, net
of  all costs on this sale of  £150,043, while still retaining
the profitable flexiOPS. 

Year-end funding and related activities

In  October  2016,  the  Company  announced  that  it had
invested £2 million in Device Authority Ltd, as the lead
investor  in  a  £2.5  million  funding  round.  Alsop  Louie
Partners and all existing A Preference shareholders also
participated and took up their pro-rata share. Following
this  fund-raising  Tern  now  owns  56.9%  of   the  issued
capital  of   Device  Authority  Ltd  and  50.6%  of   the  A
preference shares. The funding is being used to expand
Device Authority’s sales and marketing teams to respond
to their new and growing go to market partnerships and
to  meet  the  increased  demand  in  the  Industrial  and
Healthcare IoT markets. In addition, Device Authority is
expanding its  development  team  to  accelerate  product
development  and  innovation  in  its  recently  launched
KeyScaler™ IoT security platform. 

We believe that the benefits of  this strengthened financial
position and increased ownership, will ensure that Device
Authority and Tern can each execute on their respective
strategies and subsequently yield superior results for our
shareholders.

4

Chairman’s Statement
For the year ended 31 December 2016

“In 2016, we undertook a series of

initiatives at Tern to position the
company for lasting success. With
these underlying building blocks now in
place, we approach 2017 with

optimism and confidence.”

Moving into 2017 and beyond

For Tern, 2016 was, in many ways, a period where we put
the final building blocks in place to position the Company
for success. With much of  this positioning now in place,
we approach 2017 with optimism and confidence.

Events after the operating period

On  31  January  2017  Device  Authority  was  pleased  to
announce  the  appointment  of   George  Samenuk  to  the
Device  Authority  board  as  a  non-executive  Director.
George Samenuk, is the former Chairman and CEO of
McAfee  (NYSE:  MFE),  the  world’s  largest  dedicated
software security business. Mr Samenuk has served on
the boards of  Symbol Technologies (sold to Motorola for
$3.9  billion)  and  other  privately-owned  companies.  He
also spent over twenty years at IBM, holding a variety of
executive positions and ended his career there as General
Manager of  the Americas, responsible for $45 billion in
revenue. 

Finally, I would like to thank all of  our shareholders for the
support and enthusiasm, all our portfolio employees for
their commitment and our Directors for their dedication to
the Company and its mission

Albert Sisto
Chairman

Date: 16 February 2017

5

Our Markets

Overview

The Internet of Things (IOT) Ecosystem

The  Internet  of   Things  is  experiencing  dramatic  and
accelerating growth. To achieve the large and accelerated
growth  which  is  widely  anticipated,  the  market  for  IoT
enablement services must necessarily grow at a similar
pace.

The  Internet  of   Things  (IoT)  is  a  growing  network  of
connected  objects  able  to  collect  and  share  data  via
embedded  sensors  and  gateways.  The  IoT  also  turns
“dumb”  stand-alone  devices  into  “smart”  connected
devices that can receive real-time operating instructions
based  on  the  information  collected  and  shared.  The
accelerating  proliferation  of   IoT  devices  is  upending
traditional  practices  across  a  wide  range  of   industries
(notably in such diverse areas as healthcare, agriculture,
the smart home, insurance, and connected vehicles) and
across a wide range of  functions throughout industries
(such  as  supply  chain  and  logistics  management,
manufacturing, and inventory management). We see this
as an opportunity for Tern to create value by investing in
companies with global reach that provide critical “must
have”  solutions  for  IoT. Through  the  introduction  of
automation,  unlocking  previously  unavailable  real-time
information, and data analytics, the IoT is transforming the
way people and groups interact with the world, and the
way businesses function and deliver value to customers.

A Business Insider BI Intelligence report, dated January
2017, projects that in 2021 the number of  installed IoT
devices worldwide will rise to 22.5 billion, an increase from
6.6 billion in 2016. This same report concludes that annual
spending on the IoT will “rise from just under $400 billion
in 2016 to $1.35 trillion in 2022,” and projects “a total of
$4.8  trillion  in  IoT  spending  over  the  next  five  years.”
Numerous other analyst’s sources project similarly high
worldwide IoT growth and spending.

The IoT enablement ecosystem

The IoT ecosystem, which supports the creation, launch,
and operations of  IoT devices, has seven distinct layers:

(cid:129) Hardware (the IoT devices themselves);

(cid:129) Networks (traditional LAN/WAN, public wireless and
mesh, which connect IoT solutions to applications and
users);

(cid:129) Remotes (which manage the IoT solution and provide

the user interface);

(cid:129) Applications  Platforms  (that  provide  operating  and
support services such as data analytics and storage);

(cid:129) Development  Platforms 

(which 

facilitate 

the

development of  IoT applications);

(cid:129) Security Platforms (that protect the IoT solutions), and;

(cid:129) System  Integration  Providers  and  Platforms  (which
enable solutions to seamlessly slot into operations).

All  the  seven  layers  require  a  wide  range  of   services,
products and technologies geared to specific uses in key
segments,  suggesting  a  significant  opportunity  for
essential IoT enablement.

As  IoT  growth  occurs,  significant  new  investment
opportunities  are  emerging.  In  the  same  way  that  the
developers of  the automobile could not fully envision the
subsequent  supporting  industry  of   paved  roads,  stop
signs and later traffic lights, petrol stations (reflecting a
new, ultimately global oil industry), and manufacturing and
sourcing facilities for individual car components such as
batteries and tyres, the IoT is quickly creating the need for
entirely new types of  support services. In addition, the
rapid pace of  change means that these new opportunities
are also emerging at an accelerated rate.

6

Our Markets

An  initial  demonstration  of   the  wide  range  of   IoT
enablement technologies that are needed to ensure the
success  of   IoT  adoption  is  PTC’s  (NYSE)  ThingWorx
marketplace. PTC is the leading development platform for
the creation of  IoT applications. At the same time, it has
recognised the need for third-party companies, including
our  portfolio  company, Device  Authority,  to  provide  the
wide range of  specialised products and services which no
single  technology  company  can  expect  to  own  and
operate.

is  an  early
The  PTC  ThingWorx  marketplace 
demonstration  of   what  we  believe  will  be  a  market
characterised by robust demand and growth.

As these new IoT enablement opportunities emerge, the
Directors believe Tern’s experience and relationships in
this arena will both allow it to rapidly assess the value of
purchasing specific companies, and to create value for
shareholders by building their success.

IoT Enablement: Investment focus

Within the IoT enablement ecosystem, Tern will work to
identify and invest in companies that provide products or
services  which  meet  the  needs  of   a  broad  number  of
potential  customers,  and  which  do  not  depend  on  the
success of  any one device or piece of  equipment.

Our  investment  in  Cryptosoft,  now  Device  Authority,  is
indicative of  this approach. As detailed above, security
solutions are critical to all aspects of  IoT applications. As
a consequence, the potential market for Device Authority’s
platform is large, growing, and varied.

Within  the  seven  layers  of   IoT  enablement,  Tern
anticipates that it will focus its investment efforts in three
areas:

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

IoT security solutions;

IoT systems integration companies; and

IoT data analytics firms.

IoT security solutions

Indeed,  the  recent  BI  Intelligence  report,  referenced
earlier, recognised the security solutions as one of  the five
cornerstones of  IoT applications.

Effective IoT security solutions serve, at minimum, a dual
purpose: first, they ensure the integrity and privacy of the
data  generated  by  IoT  devices  and  moving  through  IoT
networks. Second, through autonomous authentication and
attestation, prevent IoT devices from malicious hackers who
could conceivably take unauthorised control of IoT devices
and/or their applications and instigate malicious actions
with potentially devastating consequences. One example
of the importance of IoT security solutions is the protection
of   connected  healthcare  devices  for  individuals,  that
provide therapies in response to commands received over
the  device’s  IoT  network. Specifically  designed  and
implemented IoT Security solutions prevent malicious third-
parties from taking control of such devices, and potentially
threatening the lives of their users.

With  this  widespread  recognition  of   ever  increasing
importance, numerous analyses have determined that the
market  for  IoT  security  applications  and  services  will
experience high growth in the coming years. Last year, a
sample of  industry reports projected compound annual
growth rates in spending on IoT security solutions over the
next four to five years to be between 36% and 55%.

In our view, the specific growth rates are not important,
but the central message of  these many analyses is: the
market for IoT security enablement solutions is poised to
grow rapidly.

IoT systems integrators

to  help 

their  clients 

The directors see value in emerging IoT system integration
opportunities. Companies with contextual knowledge of
vertical applications, for example, medical devices, are well
through  a  deep
positioned 
understanding of  specific industry use cases and clients’
operations. This guidance enables such companies to add
value  by  leveraging  the  value  of   their  IoT  solutions. In
short, selectively seeking investments in specific industrial
integration or automation companies enhances the rapid
transformational impact of  IoT solutions, with associated
rewards for these companies and shareholders.

With  our  flagship  investment  in  Device  Authority,  the
market for IoT security enablement services merits special
attention.

IoT data analytics

The  promise  of   the  IoT  is  the  ability  to  connect  smart
devices to the Internet enabling the continuous collection
and exchange of  data and instructions to such. Over the
past year, the critical importance of  effective IoT security
solutions  and  managed  services,  for  the  growth  and
adoption  of   the  IoT,  has  been  increasingly  recognised
across  the  spectrum  of   industry  analysts,  industry
participants, and the press.

Access to new and valuable data is at the heart of  the IoT.
The IoT’s embedded sensors provide a stream of  real-
time data, across industries and function, that has never
existed  before.  In  addition,  the  rapid  ability  to  derive
meaning from this data, and to quickly respond to new
information  is  central  to  the  promise  of   the  IoT.  For
example, autonomous driving vehicles will only be viable
when the data associated with each vehicle’s activities
can  be  processed  and  assessed  so  that  a  continuous

7

Our Markets

stream of  near real-time commands flow in response to
the  changing  data  received  as  each  vehicle’s  trip
progresses.

Many IoT data analytics firms certainly exist. However, the
directors’ practical experience in IoT enablement suggests
that a wide range of  new data analytics capabilities will
be needed over the next several years, for many different
uses. Tern will, therefore, be assessing opportunities in
this fast-growing market.

Investment Focus: Summary

Tern’s sharpened investment focus reflects our hands-on
experience in the IoT enablement market. The directors
believe that this refined vision enables us to seek out high
growth  opportunities,  offering  the  opportunity  to  build
large, successful companies, while minimising risk.

Tern anticipates that, over the next several years, it will
successfully  buy  and  build  several  IoT  enablement
companies. Our  success  will,  in  part,  be  based  on  the
Company’s existing expertise, experience, and wide range
of   relationships  with  the  leading  global  technology
companies participating in the IoT space. Moreover, future
investments in this area will provide ever greater expertise
and experience and an ever-broader base of  beneficial
relationships.
In  summary,  the  directors  believe  the
development of  multiple IoT enablement companies will
create  a  powerful  base,  equivalent  to  a  form  of   scale
economics, that will benefit Tern portfolio companies, and
provide shareholders with significant returns. Ultimately,
Tern seeks to become the pre-eminent UK-based creator
of  leading IoT enablement companies.

8

Strategic Report
For the year ended 31 December 2016

“Tern has turned its vision into reality twice in the past year

creating  shareholder  value  by  acquiring  technology
companies  with  world  class  products  which  have  not
achieved their full potential. Concerto software was realised
in the year and Device Authority was materially revalued
from  new
following  an  acquisition  and 

investment 

investors.”

9

Strategic Report
For the year ended 31 December 2016

Business review
The Company is positioned as a quoted platform to invest in, develop and sell private software companies with proven
technology, based in the UK but with global opportunities and ambition. These businesses are predominantly in the
cloud, Internet of  Things and mobile sectors. A more detailed review of  the activity and progress of  the business,
including the portfolio of  investments, is contained in the Chairman’s Statement on pages 2-4 and Investment Report
on pages 11-13, which form part of  the Strategic Report. 

Future developments
As explained in the Chairman’s Statement the Company has undertaken a series of  initiatives to position the Company
for lasting success and has continued to build a portfolio of  investments and a pipeline of  investment opportunities in
IoT enablement. It is also in the process of  recruiting a new Chairman to bring further technology experience to the
Board.

Key performance indicators
Whilst the Company currently has limited investments in unquoted companies, as referred to above, the Company’s
principal activity is that of  investing in companies. Accordingly, the Company’s financial Key Performance Indicators
(KPIs) are the return on investments and the net assets position of  the Company including net assets per share. These
indicators are monitored closely by the Board and the details of  performance against these are given below.

(cid:129)

The return on investments: 

(cid:129) Realised – Concerto was sold in November 2016 for $500,000 with direct costs, including investment cost, of

£98,811, resulting in a profit after all costs of  £150,043.

(cid:129) Unrealised – Device Authority Limited, Push Technology Limited and Seal Software Group Limited have been
revalued in line with IFRS to a level consistent with recent fund raisings. The unrealised gain on Device Authority
Limited has arisen due to the acquisition of  Device Authority Inc by Device Authority Limited (formerly Cryptosoft
Limited). Device Authority is an early stage business in an emerging market where there is a lack of  comparative
businesses available on which to provide a comparable valuation and therefore valuation was based on the
price of  shares in the most recent fund raise, which is taken as fair value and an unrealised gain of  £6.1 million
was recognised.

(cid:129)

The net assets of  the Company at 31 December 2016 totalled £11,187,739 (2015: £1,691,881). The net assets per
ordinary share as at 31 December 2016 were 9.44p (2015: 2.70p). 

The Company has non-financial KPIs which are also monitored regularly by the Board. These non-financial KPIs are
focused around the number and quality of  investment opportunities seen and the impact on the pipeline.

Financial risk management objectives and policies
The Company’s policy in respect of  financial instruments and risk profile is set out in Note 2 to the financial statements.

Principal business risks and uncertainties
The management of  the business and the nature of  the Company’s strategy are subject to a number of  risks. The
directors have set out below the principal risks facing the business. Where possible, processes are in place to monitor
and mitigate such risks. The Company operates a system of  internal control and risk management in order to provide
assurance that the Board is managing risk whilst achieving its business objectives with the assistance of  the Audit
Committee. No system can fully eliminate risk and, therefore, the understanding of  operational risk is central to the
management process.

Identifying, evaluating and managing the principal risks and uncertainties facing the Company is an integral part of  the
way the business operates. The Company has policies and procedures in place throughout its operations, embedded
within the management structure and as part of  the normal operating processes. Market and economic conditions are
recognised as one of  the principal risks in the current trading environment. This risk is mitigated by the close monitoring
of  trading conditions and the performance of  the Company’s investment portfolio. The Company is affected by a number
of  risks and uncertainties, not all of  which are wholly within its control as they relate to the wider macroeconomic and
legislative environment within which the Company operates.

10

Strategic Report
For the year ended 31 December 2016

To enable shareholders to appreciate what the business considers are the main operational risks, they are briefly
outlined below: 

Risk 
The Company is unable to
retain key individuals

Reliance
on key
people

Potential impact 
(cid:129)

Loss of  knowledge and
expertise

(cid:129) Disruption for the Company
or its investment companies

Strategy
The Company offers a
remuneration package designed
to attract, motivate and retain key
individuals

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

Investment may require
additional finance
Inability to create maximum
value in a timely fashion

(cid:129) Difficulty in realising

investment

Investment
risk

An investment fails to perform
as anticipated:
(cid:129)

Investee companies may
be operating in highly
competitive markets with
rapid technological change
Investee companies may
be companies in early
stage of  commercial
development.  Generation
of  significant revenues is
difficult to predict and not
guaranteed.

(cid:129)

Liquidity

The Company is unable to
raise new funds

(cid:129) May have a detrimental effect
on the Company’s ability to
cover administration and
other costs 

(cid:129) May adversely affect returns
of  investee companies if  they
need to raise further funds

Key individuals in the investment
companies are offered an
attractive remuneration package
and either shares or share option
incentives

The Company actively takes an
influential role in the strategic
direction of  its investments and
monitors all investments regularly

The Company’s strategy has
been formulated by the
management team with a strong
track record of  generating gains
from early stage companies
within the technology sector

The Company is building a
portfolio of  investments to
insulate itself  against poor
performance of  any one

The Company will maintain
sufficient cash balance to finance
itself  for a prudent period, or
ensure that it has access to
funds

Assessment of business risk
The Board regularly reviews operating and strategic risks, with the assistance of  its committees. The Company’s
operating procedures include a system for reporting financial and non-financial information to the Board including: 

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

reports from management with a review of  the business at each Board meeting, focusing on any new decisions/risks
arising; 

reports on the performance of  investments; 

reports on selection criteria of  new investments; 

discussion with senior personnel; and 

consideration of  reports prepared by third parties. 

The Strategic Report was approved and authorised for issue by the Board of  Directors on 16 February 2017 and was
signed on its behalf  by:

Angus Forrest
Director

16 February 2017

11

Investment Report
For the year ended 31 December 2016

The Company’s current investment portfolio consists of  the following investments, all of  which are unquoted:

Device Authority Limited

Market segment: Data Security software

Equity ownership: 56.9% ‘A’ Shares

Cost: £4.34 million

Valuation: £10.47 million

Valuation is based on the price of  shares in the most recent fund raise, which is taken as fair value.

Device Authority Limited (formerly Cryptosoft Limited) is an Internet of  Things (IoT) security automation company.
Device Authority Limited provides simple, innovative solutions to address the challenges of  securing applications and
their devices while using the Internet with a robust, end-to-end security architecture that delivers efficiencies at scale.
The Device Authority KeyScaler™ IoT security platform is purpose-built to address these challenges through automated
device provisioning, credential management, secure updates and policy-driven data encryption.

In April 2016 Cryptosoft Limited acquired Device Authority Inc. based in Fremont, CA. Subsequently Cryptosoft Limited
changed its company name to Device Authority Limited. Post the acquisition, progress has been made throughout 2016
to strengthen the management team within Device Authority Limited including a new Chief  Technology Officer and
Financial Controller. The acquisition of  the Device Authority Inc technology has enhanced the software offerings from
Cryptosoft.  Device Authority Inc software adds policy driven key and certificate management, to Cryptosoft’s original
IoT Data security software platform.

In Q4 2016, Device Authority Limited launched the merged software platform KeyScaler.  The goal of  the integrated
solution is to deliver rapid security automation and active security posture enforcement to address the new and evolving
security challenges of  the IoT market. The KeyScaler platform allows customers to securely register, provision and
update their devices through active, policy-based security controls which are designed to protect IoT applications and
services. Device Authority Limited have also adapted the software to integrate seamlessly with several of  its Go-to-
Market partners, including PTC’s ThingWorx Platform, Intel, DigiCert, Dell, Cumulocity and others. Specific details,
videos and white papers can be reviewed on the Device Authority Limited website. 

Device  Authority  Limited  will  continue  to  focus  on  building  its  contract  base  and  device  registrations,  as  well  as
developing its strategic alliances and OEM integration of  the KeyScaler platform. Focus is also being driven to the
thoughts around developing a white labelled version of  KeyScaler and co-branding with other IoT platform providers. 

Key announcements in 2016 included:

(cid:129) Device Authority Limited was awarded the coveted Cool Vendor Award by Gartner, May 2016, this follows Device

Authority Inc. winning the same award in 2015. 

(cid:129)

In June 2016 Device Authority Limited was also awarded the InfoSecurity and TechUK Award for the ‘UK’s Most
Innovative Small Cyber Security Company.

(cid:129) Device Authority Limited secured its first OEM contract in June 2016 with MachineShop Inc, an IoT middleware

supplier, to provide its services-based technology in a variety of  deployment models.

(cid:129)

In April 2016 PTC’s primary EMEA integration partner, InVMA, signed to partner Device Authority Limited. InVMA
and Device Authority Limited have since jointly presented at events such as PTC Forum Europe and IoT Solutions
World Congress.

(cid:129) Marketing and selling alliance partnerships were also signed with Intel, Dell, Symantec, Cumulocity and DigiCert. 

(cid:129)

The Company invested £2 million in Device Authority Limited as the lead investor in a £2.5 million funding round.
At 31 December 2016, the Company owned 56.9% of  the issued capital of  Device Authority Ltd and 50.6% of  the
A preference shares.

For more information visit: www.deviceauthority.com

12

Investment Report
For the year ended 31 December 2016

flexiOPS Limited

Market segment: Project management of  research and innovation projects in technology

Equity ownership: 100%

Cost: £37,500*

Valuation: £37,500

* Cost is 50% of  the purchase price of  two business units flexiOPS and Concerto. Concerto was sold in 2016.
Valuation is based on cost, which is taken as fair value.

flexiOPS Limited (“flexiOPS”), was an established business unit of  Flexiant Limited. It runs project management and
innovation technology projects with associated grant funding, many of  these projects are incorporated in the Flexiscale
Technologies Limited FCO product. It works across a portfolio of  projects including Horizon 2020, the European
Commission’s EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, whose purpose is securing Europe’s global
competitiveness.

flexiOPS will work with other Tern portfolio companies on their innovation projects together with sourcing associated
grant funding.

For more information visit: www.flexiOPS.com

Push Technology Limited

Market segment: Data distribution software

Equity ownership: <1%

Cost: £120,197

Valuation: £34,205

Valuation is based on the price of  shares in the most recent fund raise, which is taken as fair value.

Push Technology Limited (“Push”) significantly enhances the ability of  organisations to communicate in real-time. This
includes direct communication as well as indirect for example by refreshing data displayed information in real time
rather than when a user explicitly asks for an update. Interactive applications are infinitely more engaging, updating in
real-time as new data becomes available.

Key announcements in 2016 included:

(cid:129) New standard product with new SaaS business model released.

(cid:129) Upgraded products released for enterprise and SaaS solutions.

(cid:129) New bank customers.

For more information visit: www.pushtechnology.com. 

13

Investment Report
For the year ended 31 December 2016

Seal Software Group Limited

Market segment: Database Analytics and Search software

Equity ownership: <1%

Cost: £50,000

Valuation: £62,714

Valuation is based on the price of  shares in the most recent fundraise, which is taken as fair value.

Seal Software Group Limited (“Seal”) specialises in writing software which performs complex analysis of  contractual
data. Seal Software is specifically designed to locate and examine contractual documents and extract and present key
contractual information related to language, clauses, clause combinations, and the significant contextual metadata held
within them.

In 2016 Seal unveiled a new version of  its leading contract discovery and analytics solution called Version 5.0. The
new version introduces two major capabilities, the first called “Analyse This Now” (ATN) and the second is “User Driven
Machine Learning” (UDML). Both are designed to empower business users, putting more of  the capabilities of  Seal in
their hands, and removing work from legal operations or other administrative resources. Version 5 reduces the costs,
and speeds the time for many contract management and analysis processes.

In 2016 the notable events included:

(cid:129) Winner of  Awards including: Legal Tech News Innovation Award, Silver Stevie Award, IACCM Innovation Award,

2016 KMWorld Promise Award.

(cid:129) Seal was the 148th Fastest Growing Company in Deloitte’s 2016 Technology Fast 500.

(cid:129) Customer numbers top 100 in March 2016.

Customers include Dropbox, Microsoft, Bosch, hp, Merck, Vodafone and many other multi-national organisations.

For more information visit: www.seal-software.com

14

Board of Directors

Al Sisto
Chief  Executive Officer

Al’s  an  IT  industry  veteran  with  more  than  25  years  senior  executive  level
experience.  As Chief  Operating Officer at RSA Data Security Inc, the leading
security software company, he led its transformation from a passive patent licensing
operation to an aggressive, sales oriented software company. At RSA he negotiated
partnership  agreements  with  IBM,  Intel,  Compaq,  Cisco  and  Nortel.    Al  was
Chairman, President and CEO of  Phoenix Technologies Limited, the global BIOS
software  company.  He  revitalised  Phoenix  through  the  acquisition  of   Internet
appliance  business,  Ravisent  Technologies;  investing  in  semiconductor  and
microprocessor designer Transmeta and spinning off  Silicon Corporation.  

Sarah Payne
Finance Director

Sarah qualified with Ernst & Young as a Chartered Accountant before joining its
corporate  finance  team.  She  then  spent  six  years  with  the  BBC,  firstly  within
commercial and investment strategy and then as Head of  Financial Planning and
Analysis. For the seven years before joining Tern Plc, Sarah was an outsourced
Finance Director for SME businesses principally within high tech markets.

Angus Forrest
Operations Director

After 20 years as a venture capitalist, Angus is a specialist in growing b2b sales
driven companies. As co-founder and Chief  Executive of  Billam Plc, an AIM quoted
investment company formed in 2000, Angus was instrumental in investing in Cybit,
a pre-revenue telematics business. He was personally responsible for changing
Cybit’s business model, introducing technology, arranging the IPO, recruiting a new
Chairman and CEO and assisted with its first acquisition, the Fleetstar division of
Trafficmaster. Cybit is now the largest telematics business in Europe.

Bruce Leith
Business Development Director

Bruce  began  his  career  with  IBM  and  has  extensive  international  sales
management and board level experience in the software industry including senior
level positions at DataWorks Corporation, London Bridge Software International
and Codestream. Specialising in delivering high growth, high profit results through
product development, portfolio repositioning and geographical expansion, Bruce
was involved in the successful sales of a number of companies including Interactive
UK, London Bridge and Codestream. Bruce is also an active angel investor in
several high growth software businesses.

Alan Howarth
Non-Executive Director

Alan  has  extensive  experience  as  a  Chairman  and  Non-Executive  Director  of
private and public companies. He is a specialist in building and selling technology
businesses. Previously, Alan was a partner at Ernst & Young and is one of  the
founding partners of  the EY Management Consulting practice in the UK. For the
last fifteen years he has been managing a portfolio of non-executive appointments. 

15

Directors’ Report
For the year ended 31 December 2016

The directors present their annual report and the audited financial statements of  Tern plc (the ”Company”) for the year
ended 31 December 2016.

The Company is registered as a public limited company (plc). The Company’s Ordinary shares of  0.02p each are traded
on AIM of  the London Stock Exchange.

Principal activities

The principal activity of  the Company is investing in unquoted and quoted companies to achieve capital growth.

Results and dividends

The results for the period are shown in the income statement and statement of  comprehensive income on page 23.

The profit for the year was £5,296,633  (2015: £185,121 loss).

The directors do not recommend payment of  a dividend.

Events after the reporting period

On 31 January 2017, Device Authority, the Company’s largest investment, announced the appointment of  George
Samenuk as a non-executive director.

Political and charitable contributions

No political or charitable donations were made during the period.

Control procedures

Operational procedures have been developed for each of the Company’s operating businesses that embody key controls
over relevant areas. The implications of  changes in law and regulations are taken into account by the Company.

The Board has considered the need for an internal audit function but has decided that this is not justified at present
given the size of  the Company. However, it will keep the decision under review on an annual basis.

Going concern

The financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis because, as set out in detail in Note 1.3, the
Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence
for the foreseeable future.

Directors and directors’ interests

The directors who held office during the year and their interests in the ordinary shares of  the Company are as follows:

A G P Forrest
A M Howarth
B H Leith
S L Payne
A E Sisto

At 31 December 2016
Ordinary shares

At 31 December 2015
Ordinary shares

6,359,602
–
5,957,233
–
6,263,333

6,276,269
–
6,173,900
–
6,180,000

The  interests  of   the  directors  in  options  granted  by  the  Company  are  disclosed  under  the  “Report  on  Directors
Remuneration”.

16

Directors’ Report
For the year ended 31 December 2016

Significant shareholdings

As at 16 February 2017, the company had been notified of  the following shareholdings of  3% or more of  the share
capital.

City Absolute Equity Fund
M J Clark
A G P Forrest
A E Sisto
B H Leith
Hargreave Hale Limited

Number of  
Ordinary
Shares 
7,142,857
7,100,000
6,359,602
6,263,333
5,957,233
4,366,666

Percentage of
Issued Shares
Held
6.0%
6.0%
5.4%
5.3%
5.0%
3.7%

Statement of directors’ responsibilities

The  directors  are  responsible  for  preparing  the  directors’  report  and  the  financial  statements  in  accordance  with
applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial period. Under that law the directors
have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
as adopted for use in the European Union. Under company law the directors must not approve the financial statements
unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of  the state of  affairs of  the Company and of  the profit or
loss of  the Company for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the directors are required to:

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

state whether the Company financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the
European Union subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and

prepare the accounts on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will
continue in business.

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the
Company’s transactions and 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 Companies Act 2006. 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.

Disclosure of information

In the case of  each person who was a director at the time this report was approved:

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

so far as that director is aware there is no relevant available information of  which the company’s auditors are
unaware; and

that director has taken all steps that the director ought to have taken as a director to make himself  aware of  any
relevant audit information and to establish that the Company’s auditors were aware of  that information.

Publication of accounts on the company website

Financial statements are published on the Company’s website. The maintenance and integrity of  the website is the
responsibility of  the directors. The directors’ responsibility also extends to the financial statements contained therein.

17

Directors’ Report
For the year ended 31 December 2016

Independent auditors

The auditor, Grant Thornton UK LLP, was appointed on 15 December 2016 in accordance with section 160 (2) of  the
Companies Act 2006. In accordance with S489 (4) of the Companies Act 2006, a resolution to re-appoint Grant Thornton
UK LLP as auditor will be put to the members at the annual general meeting to be held on 16 March 2017.

Signed on behalf  of  the board

Sarah Payne
Director

16 February 2017

18

Corporate Governance and Compliance
For the year ended 31 December 2016

The Company’s shares are traded on AIM and, accordingly, adoption of the revised UK Corporate Governance Code
is not mandatory. Whilst the Company does not voluntarily adopt all provisions of  the Code, the Company has drawn
upon best practice available and has sought to comply with a number of  the provisions of  the Code in so far as it
considers them to be appropriate for a company of  this size and nature. Over the past three years as the Company
developed from early stage to established, steps have been taken to increase compliance with more provisions of  the
Corporate Governance Code. In 2016 the first Board Committees were established. The Board is accountable to the
Company’s shareholders for good corporate governance. This report and the Report on Directors’ Remuneration
describe how the Company applies the provisions of  good corporate governance. A fuller version is available on the
Company’s website (www.ternplc.com) under Investors.

Directors

The Company supports the concept of  effective Board leadership and control of  the Company. The Board is responsible
for approving Company policy and strategy. All directors have access to advice from the company secretary and
independent professionals at the Company’s expense.

The Board consists of four executive directors and one non-executive director. The non-executive director is independent
of  management and any business or other relationship which could interfere with the exercise of  his independent
judgement.

The Board members are listed on page 14.

Board committees
Audit Committee

The Audit Committee was established in November 2016 and is chaired by Alan Howarth.

There were no Audit Committee meetings in 2016. Prior to the establishment of  this committee, these responsibilities
were undertaken by the Board.

Remuneration Committee

The Remuneration Committee was established in November 2016 and is chaired by Alan Howarth.

There  were  no  Remuneration  Committee  meetings  in  2016.  Prior  to  the  establishment  of   this  committee,  these
responsibilities were undertaken by the Board.

Relations with shareholders

The  Company  values  the  views  of   its  shareholders  and  recognises  their  interest  in  the  Company’s  strategy  and
performance, Board membership and quality of  management. It therefore encourages shareholders to offer their views.

The Company’s website (www.ternplc.com) maintains up to date news flow for shareholders and other interested parties.

The AGM provides an opportunity for shareholders, particularly private investors, to question the Board on issues
arising.

The notice convening the AGM is the notice of  the meeting sent to shareholders with this report. A separate motion will
be put to the meeting on each substantial issue.

Appointment of directors

The Board deals with all matters relating to the appointment of  directors including determining the specification,
identifying suitable candidates and selection of  the appointee. No separate nominations committee has been formed.

Throughout the year the Articles of  Association have required each director to seek re-election after no more than three
years in office. Therefore, the Board considers it inappropriate that non-executive directors be appointed for a fixed
term as recommended by the Code.

19

Corporate Governance and Compliance
For the year ended 31 December 2016

Accountability and audit

The Board endeavours to present a balanced and understandable assessment of the Company’s position and prospects
in all reports as well as in the information required to be presented by statutory requirements. All financial information
published by the Company is subject to the approval of  the Audit Committee.

The Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing the Company’s internal control and risk management systems, and
reviewing and monitoring the requirement for an internal audit function and the effectiveness of  the external audit. The
Committee is responsible for maintaining a system of  internal control to safeguard shareholders’ investments and the
Company’s assets and for reviewing its effectiveness. Such a system is designed to manage, but not eliminate, the risk
of  failure to achieve business objectives. There are inherent limitations in any control system and accordingly even the
most effective systems can provide only reasonable, and not absolute, assurance against material misstatement or
loss.

Activities of  the Audit Committee include monitoring the integrity of  the Company’s financial statements and other
formal announcements relating to the Company’s financial performance and reviewing significant financial reporting
judgements contained in them.

The Audit Committee advises the Board on the appointment, reappointment and removal of  the external auditor,
considers its effectiveness and approves its remuneration and terms of  engagement, which includes developing and
implementing a policy on the provision of  non-audit services by the external audit firm. It also reviews and monitors the
independence and objectivity of  the external auditor.

Alan Howarth
Director

16 February 2017

20

Report on Directors’ Renumeration
For the year ended 31 December 2016

The Remuneration Committee submits its Report on Directors’ Remuneration for the year ended 31 December 2016. 

Remuneration policy

The Remuneration Committee is responsible for agreeing the framework and remuneration policy for the executive
directors and is chaired by Alan Howarth. Prior to the formation of  the Remuneration Committee in November 2016,
these responsibilities were undertaken by the Board as a whole.

The following Remuneration Report is presented for the year ended 31 December 2016.

The policy of  the Remuneration Committee is to provide executive remuneration packages designed to attract, motivate
and retain directors of  the calibre necessary to manage the Company and to reward them for enhancing shareholder
value and return. It aims to provide sufficient levels of remuneration to do this but to avoid paying more than is necessary.

There are three main elements of  the directors’ remuneration package being basic annual salary, performance related
bonus and share option incentives.

All directors’ salaries are reviewed annually by the Remuneration Committee.

Directors’ remuneration

The remuneration of each director, excluding share options awards, during the year ended 31 December 2016 is detailed
in the table below:

Salary and 
fees
£
48,000
–
15,000
24,000
54,500
–
52,490
193,990
15,317
209,307

Pension
payments
£
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Other 
benefits
£
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Annual
bonuses
£
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

2016
Total
£
48,000
–
15,000
24,000
54,500
–
52,490
193,990
15,317
209,307

2015
Total
£
32,000
12,750
2,500
16,000
19,215
6,000
24,000
112,465
95,818
208,283

A G P Forrest
M J Clark
A M Howarth
B H Leith
S L Payne
L Read
A E Sisto

Share based payment charge
Total remuneration

Directors’ share options

The Director’s outstanding share options as at 31 December 2016 are shown in the table below:

Outstanding
at 31
December
2015
500,000
–
500,000
500,000
500,000
2,000,000

Granted
during the
period

–
250,000
–
–
–
250,000

Exercised Outstanding
at 31
during the
December
period
2016
500,000
250,000
500,000
500,000
500,000
2,250,000

–
–
–
–
–
–

Option
Price

9p
13p
9p
15.25p
9p

A G P Forrest
A M Howarth
B H Leith
S L Payne
A E Sisto

Exercise period

16 Feb 2015 – 15 Feb 2022
23 Feb 2016 – 22 Feb 2023
16 Feb 2015 – 15 Feb 2022
29 Oct 2015 – 28 Oct 2022
16 Feb 2015 – 15 Feb 2022

All directors’ share options vest immediately on issue.

Further detail on options granted in the year is set out in Note 17.

Alan Howarth

16 February 2017

21

Independent Auditor’s Report
For the year ended 31 December 2016

We have audited the financial statements of  Tern PLC for the year ended 31 December 2016 which comprise the
income statement and statement of  comprehensive income, statement of  financial position, statement of changes in
equity, the statement of  cash flows and the related notes. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in
their preparation is applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European
Union.

This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of  Part 16 of  the
Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company’s members those
matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted
by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company’s members as
a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Respective responsibilities of directors and auditor

As explained more fully in the Statement of  Directors’ Responsibilities set out on page 16, the directors are responsible
for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility
is to audit and express an opinion on the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and International
Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s
Ethical Standards for Auditors.

Scope of the audit of the financial statements

A description of  the scope of  an audit of  financial statements is provided on the Financial Reporting Council’s website
at www.frc.org.uk/auditscopeukprivate.

Opinion on financial statements

In our opinion the financial statements:

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

give a true and fair view of  the state of  the company’s affairs as at 31 December 2016 and of  its profit for the year
then ended;

have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union; and

have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of  the Companies Act 2006.

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of  the audit:

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

the information given in the Strategic Report and Directors’ Report for the financial year for which the financial
statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements.

the Strategic Report and Directors’ Report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

22

Independent Auditor’s Report
For the year ended 31 December 2016

Matter on which we are required to report under the Companies Act 2006

In the light of  the knowledge and understanding of  the company and its environment obtained in the course of  the
audit, we have not identified any material misstatements in the Strategic Report and Directors’ Report.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of  the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to
you if, in our opinion:

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from
branches not visited by us; or

the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or

certain disclosures of  directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or

we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

Nicholas Watson
Senior Statutory Auditor
for and on behalf  of  Grant Thornton UK LLP
Statutory Auditor, Chartered Accountants
London

16 February 2017

23

Income Statement and Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the year ended 31 December 2016

Turnover

Sale of  investment

Movement in fair value of  investments

Cost of  investment sold

Gross profit

Administration costs

Share based payment charge

Operating profit/(loss)

Finance income

Finance costs

Profit/(Loss) before tax

Tax

Notes

17

6

7

8

2016
£

69,715

383,489

5,758,480

(98,811)

6,112,873

(609,680)

(191,299)

5,311,894

1,198

(16,459)

2015
£

162,500

–

63,492

–

225,992

(298,896)

(99,523)

(172,427)

11,786

(24,480)

5,296,633

(185,121)

–

–

Profit/(loss) for the period

5,296,633

(185,121)

Since there is no other comprehensive income, the loss for the period is the same as the total comprehensive income
for the period.

EARNINGS PER SHARE:
Basic profit/(loss) per share

Fully diluted profit/(loss) per share

9

6.4 pence

6.4 pence

(0.37) pence

(0.37) pence

The accompanying accounting policies and notes are an integral part of  these financial statements.

24

Statement of Financial Position
As at 31 December 2016

ASSETS

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

Investments held for trading

Loans to investee companies

CURRENT ASSETS

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

TOTAL ASSETS

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

Share capital

Share premium

Loan note equity reserve

Share option and warrant reserve

Retained earnings

CURRENT LIABILITIES

Trade and other payables

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

Borrowings

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

TOTAL LIABILITIES

TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

Notes

2016
£

2015
£

10

10

11

12

13

13

14

16

10,601,330

–

810,350

619,413

10,601,330

1,429,763

100,515

762,851

863,366

117,042

278,456

395,498

11,464,696

1,825,261

1,325,270

12,390,310

20,650

1,088,595

(3,637,086)

11,187,739

172,517

172,517

104,440

104,440

276,957

11,464,696

1,314,118

8,393,536

20,650

897,296

(8,933,719)

1,691,881

35,986

35,986

97,394

97,394

133,380

1,825,261

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of  Directors on 16 February 2017 and
were signed on its behalf  by:

Sarah Payne
Director

Company number 05131386

The accompanying accounting policies and notes are an integral part of  these financial statements.

25

Statement of Changes in Equity
For the year ended 31 December 2016

Share
capital
£

Share
premium
£

Loan note Option and
warrant
reserve
£

equity
reserve
£

Retained
earnings
£

Total
equity
£

Balance at 31 December 2014

1,310,613

7,563,193

53,624

797,773

(8,781,572)

943,631

Total comprehensive income

–

–

Transactions with owners

Issue of  share capital

Share issue costs

Transfer on conversion of  
convertible loan notes

Share based payment charge

3,505

865,243

–

–

–

(34,900)

–

–

–

–

–

(32,974)

–

–

–

–

(185,121)

(185,121)

–

–

868,748

(34,900)

32,974

–

–

99,523

–

99,523

Balance at 31 December 2015

1,314,118

8,393,536

20,650

897,296

(8,933,719)

1,691,881

Total comprehensive income

–

–

Transactions with owners

Issue of  share capital

11,152

4,210,311

Share issue costs

Share based payment charge

–

–

(213,537)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

191,299

5,296,633

5,296,633

–

–

—

4,221,463

(213,537)

191,299

Balance at 31 December 2016

1,325,270

12,390,310

20,650

1,088,595

(3,637,086) 11,187,739

Share capital

The amount subscribed for shares at nominal value.

Share premium

This represents the excess of  the amount subscribed for share capital over the nominal value of  the respective shares
net of  share issue expenses.

Loan note equity reserve

This represents the equity component of  convertible loans issued.

Option and warrant reserve

This represents the calculated value of  the options and warrants issued.

Retained earnings

Cumulative loss of  the Company.

The accompanying accounting policies and notes are an integral part of  these financial statements.

26

Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended 31 December 2016

OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net cash used in operations

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of investments

Loan to investee companies

Net cash used in investing activities

FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds on issues of shares
Share issue expenses
Proceeds from exercise of warrants
Repayment of loan stock

Interest received

Net cash from financing activities

Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of  year

Cash and cash equivalents at end of  year

Notes

2016
£

2015
£

19

(64,729)

(79,159)

(3,460,000)

(114,880)

–

(610,000)

(3,460,000)

(724,880)

4,217,500
(213,537)
3,963
–

1,198

4,009,124

484,395

278,456

762,851

720,000
(34,900)
10,748
(50,000)

2,373

648,221

(155,818)

434,274

278,456

The accompanying accounting policies and notes are an integral part of  these financial statements.

27

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2016

1.

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of  these financial statements are set out below.

1.1

GENERAL INFORMATION
Tern plc is an investing company specialising in private software companies, predominantly in the Internet of
Things.

The Company is a public limited company, incorporated in England and Wales, with its shares traded on AIM,
a market of  that name operated by the London Stock Exchange.

The address of Tern’s registered office is 9 Catherine Place, London, SW1E 6DX. Items included in the financial
statements of  the Company are measured in Pound Sterling, which is the Company’s presentational and
functional currency.

1.2

BASIS OF PREPARATION
The financial statements of  the Company have been prepared in accordance with International Financial
Reporting Standards (IFRSs) adopted by the European Union (EU) and therefore the financial statements
comply with Article 4 of  the EU IAS Regulation.

IFRS is subject to amendment and interpretation by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and
the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) and there is an ongoing process of
review and endorsement by the European Commission. The financial statements have been prepared on the
basis of  the recognition and measurement principles of the IFRS that were applicable at 31 December 2016.

The preparation of  financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires
the use of  estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of  assets and liabilities at the date of
the financial statements and the reported amounts of  revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Although these estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of  the amount, event or actions, actual
results may ultimately differ from those estimates.

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis. Historical cost is generally based on
the fair value of  the consideration given in exchange for the assets. The principal accounting policies set out
below have been consistently applied to all periods presented, except where stated.

In accordance with IFRS 10, par 4 the Company has taken the exemption not to present consolidated financial
statements as it is an investing company that measures all of  its investments at fair value through the income
statement.

1.3

GOING CONCERN
The financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis.

The directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate resources to continue operating
for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the
Company’s financial statements.

1.4

STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE
Issued International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and Interpretations (IFRICS) relevant to
Group operations

Management has not yet made an assessment of  the impact of  IFRS9, effective for periods beginning on or
after 1 January 2018.

Standards, interpretations and amendments to published standards that are not yet effective

There are no other IFRS or IFRIC interpretations that are not yet effective that would be expected to have a
material impact on the Company.

28

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2016

1.

1.5

1.6

ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

TURNOVER
Turnover is recognised, as amounts are invoiced, earned and become payable, with adjustment for any amount
that is considered uncollectable. Turnover reflects fees charged for management services and is recognised
rateably over the life of  the contract and the provision of  such services.

TAXATION
The charge for current tax is based on the results for the period as adjusted for items which are non-assessable
or disallowed. It is calculated using rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the statement of
financial position date.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognised where the carrying amount of  an asset or liability in the
statement of  financial position differs to its tax base, except for differences arising on:

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

the initial recognition of  an asset or liability which is not a business combination and at the time of  the
transaction affects neither accounting or taxable profit; and

investments in subsidiaries and jointly controlled entities where the Company is able to control the timing
of  the reversal of  the difference and it is probable that the difference will not reverse in the foreseeable
future.

Recognition of  deferred tax assets is restricted to those instances where it is probable that the taxable profit
will be available against which the differences can be utilised.

The amount of  the asset or liability is determined using tax rates that have been enacted or substantially
enacted  by  the  reporting  date  and  are  expected  to  apply  when  the  deferred  tax  liabilities/(assets)  are
settled/(recovered). Deferred tax balances are not discounted.

1.7

IMPAIRMENT OF FINANCIAL ASSETS
Assets carried at cost
If  there is objective evidence that an impairment loss on an unquoted equity instrument that is not carried at
fair value because its fair value cannot be reliably measured, has been incurred, the amount of  the loss is
measured as the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of  estimated future
cash flows discounted at the current market rate of  return for a similar financial asset.

Assets carried at amortised cost
If there is objective evidence that an impairment loss on loans and receivables carried at amortised cost has
been incurred, the amount of the loss is measured as the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and
the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the financial asset’s original effective interest rate.
The carrying amount of the asset is reduced, with the amount of the loss recognised in administration costs.

If in a subsequent period, the amount of the impairment loss decreases and the decrease can be related objectively
to an event occurring after the impairment charge was recognised, the previously recognised impairment loss is
reversed. Any subsequent reversal of an impairment loss is recognised in the income statement, to the extent that
the carrying value of the asset does not exceed its amortised cost at the reversal date.

1.8

1.9

INVESTMENTS
Investments are recognised at fair value through the income statement and designated as held for trading.

TRADE RECEIVABLES
Trade receivables are recognised initially at fair value less provision for impairment. A provision for impairment
of  trade receivables is established when there is objective evidence that the Company will not be able to collect
all amounts due according to the original terms of  receivables. The amount of  the provision is the difference
between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of  estimated future cash flows discounted at the
effective interest rate. The amount of  the provision is recognised in the income statement.

29

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2016

1.

1.10

1.11

1.12

1.13

1.14

ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash and cash equivalents are carried in the statement of  financial position at cost. Cash and cash equivalents
comprise cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short term highly liquid investments with original
maturities of  three months or less and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are included within borrowings in
current liabilities on the statement of  financial position.

TRADE PAYABLES
Trade payables are initially measured at fair value and are subsequently measured at amortised cost, using
the effective interest rate method.

EQUITY INSTRUMENTS
Equity instruments are recorded at the proceeds received net of  direct issue costs.

CONVERTIBLE LOANS
Convertible loans are accounted for as compound instruments. The fair value of  the liability portion of  the
convertible loan notes is determined using a market interest rate for an equivalent non-convertible loan note.
This amount is recorded as a liability on an amortised cost basis until extinguished on conversion or maturity
of  the loan notes. The remainder of  the proceeds is allocated to the conversion option, which is recognised
and included in shareholders’ equity, net of  tax effects, and is not subsequently re-measured.

SHARE BASED PAYMENTS
All share based payments are accounted for in accordance with IFRS 2 – “Share-based payments”. The
Company  issues  equity-settled  share  based  payments  in  the  form  of   share  options  to  certain  directors,
employees and advisors. Equity settled share based payments are measured at fair value at the date of  grant.
The fair value determined at the grant date of  equity-settled share based payments is expensed on a straight
line basis over the vesting period, based on the Company’s estimate of  shares that will eventually vest.

Fair value is estimated using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The expected life used in the model has been
adjusted, on the basis of  management’s best estimate for the effects of  non-transferability, exercise restrictions
and behavioural considerations. At each statement of  financial position date, the Company revises its estimate
of  the number of  equity instruments expected to vest as a result of  the effect of  non-market based vesting
conditions. The impact of  the revision of  the original estimates, if  any, is recognised in profit or loss such that
the cumulative expense reflects the revised estimate, with a corresponding adjustment to retained earnings.

2.

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

The Company uses a limited number of  financial instruments, comprising cash, short-term deposits, loans
and overdrafts and various items such as trade receivables and payables, which arise directly from operations.
The Company does not trade in financial instruments.

2.1

FINANCIAL RISK FACTORS
The Company’s financial instruments comprise its investment portfolio, cash balances, debtors and creditors
that arise directly from its operations. The Company is exposed to market risk through the use of  financial
instruments and specifically to liquidity risk, market price risk and credit risk, which result from the Company’s
operating activities.

The Board’s policy for managing these risks is summarised below.

30

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2016

2.

2.1

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (continued)

FINANCIAL RISK FACTORS (continued)

Liquidity risk
The Company makes investments in private companies for the medium term. The Company manages this risk
by holding cash to support its investments and for working capital. The Company has no borrowings, save
convertible loans from the directors. Whilst the Company has no quoted investments at present, if  it holds such
investments these may be sold to meet the Company’s funding requirements.

As the Company has no significant interest bearing assets, the Company’s income and operating cash flows
are substantially independent of  changes in market interest rates.

The following table shows the contractual maturities of  the Company’s financial liabilities, including repayments
of  both principal and interest where applicable.

As at 31 December 2016

6 months or less

1 to 2 years

Total contractual cash flows

Trade and
other Payables
£

77,567

–

77,567

Convertible
Loans
£

104,440

–

104,440

Total
£

182,007

–

182,007

Market price risk
When the Company owns quoted investments, it will be exposed to market price risk as shown by movements
in the value of  its equity investments. Any such risk will be regularly monitored by the directors.

The investments currently held are not liquid as all the investments are unquoted.

Credit risk
The Company’s primary credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents and deposits with banks and other
financial institutions. The credit risk on liquid funds is limited because the counterparties are banks with high
credit ratings assigned by international credit-rating agencies.

2.2

2.3

CAPITAL RISK MANAGEMENT
The Company’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Company’s ability to continue as a
going concern in order to provide returns for shareholders, benefits for other stakeholders and to maintain an
optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of  capital.

The Company monitors capital on the basis of  carrying amount of  equity, less cash and cash equivalents as
presented on the face of  the statement of  financial position. In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure,
the Company may adjust the amount of  dividends paid to shareholders, return capital to shareholders, issue
new shares or sell assets to reduce debt.

FAIR VALUE ESTIMATION
The nominal value less impairment provision of  trade receivables and payables is assumed to approximate
their fair values. The fair value of  financial liabilities for disclosure purposes is estimated by discounting the
future contractual cash flows at the current market interest rate that is available to the Company for similar
financial instruments.

31

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2016

3.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS

Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors,
including expectations of  future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

The Company makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates
will, by definition, rarely equal the related actual results. The 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.

Income taxes
Judgement is required in determining the Company’s provision for income tax. Where the final tax outcome is
different from the amounts that were initially recorded, the differences will impact the income tax and deferred
tax provisions in the period in which such determination is made.

Fair value of financial instruments
The Company holds investments that have been designated as held for trading on initial recognition. Where
practicable the Company determines the fair value of  these financial instruments that are not quoted (Level 3)
using the most recent bid price at which a transaction has been carried out. These techniques are significantly
affected by certain key assumptions, such as market liquidity. Given the nature of  the investments being early
stage business, other valuation methods such as discounted cash flow analysis assess estimates of  future
cash flows to derive fair value estimates cannot always be substantiated by comparison with independent
markets and, in many cases, may not be capable of  being realised immediately.

The reason for the increase in valuation is due to Device Authority Limited (formerly Cryptosoft Limited) merging
with Device Authority Inc. As a result of  merging the shareholders of  the combined entity valued the combined
business on acquisition at £13.6 million (post new money). Device Authority is an early stage business in an
emerging market where there is a lack of  comparative businesses available on which to provide a comparable
valuation and therfore valuation was based on the price of  shares in the most recent fund raise, which is taken
as fair value and an unrealised gain of  £6.1 million was recognised.

Share based payments
The calculation of  the fair value of  equity-settled share based awards and the resulting charge to the statement
of  comprehensive income requires assumptions to be made regarding future events and market conditions.
These assumptions include the future volatility of  the Company’s share price. These assumptions are then
applied to a recognised valuation model in order to calculate the fair value of  the awards. Details of  these
assumptions are set out in Note 17.

4.

SEGMENTAL REPORTING

The accounting policy for identifying segments is based on internal management reporting information that is
regularly reviewed by the chief  operating decision maker, which is identified as the Board of  Directors.

In  identifying  its  operating  segments,  management  generally  follows  the  Company’s  service  lines  which
represent the main products and services provided by the Company. The directors believe that the Company’s
continuing investment operations comprise one segment.

32

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2016

5.

STAFF COSTS

Staff  costs for the Company during the period, including directors

Wages and salaries

Consultancy fees

Social security costs

Share based payment charge

Total staff  costs

2016
£

117,052

76,938

6,681

15,317

215,988

2015
£

69,965

42,500

5,523

95,818

213,806

The average number of  people (including executive directors) employed by the Company during the period
was:

Directors

Total

2016
No

5

5

2015
No

4.5

4.5

DIRECTORS’ AND REMUNERATION
Other than directors the Company had no employees. Total remuneration paid to directors during the period
was as follows:

Directors’ remuneration

– Salaries and benefits

– Consultancy fees

– Share based payment charge

Total directors’ remuneration

2016
£

117,052

76,938

15,317

209,307

2015
£

69,965

42,500

95,818

208,283

Total remuneration of  the highest paid director (including share based 
payment charge) was

54,500

47,970

A summary of  remuneration paid to each director, including pension payments, is included in the Report on
Directors’ Remuneration (page 20).

6.

OPERATING PROFIT/(LOSS)

Profit/(Loss) from operations has been arrived at after charging:

Remuneration of  directors

Bad debt recovery

Auditor’s remuneration

– Audit services

– Tax compliance services

2016
£

215,988

–

20,000

3,500

2015
£

213,806

(37,500)

12,000

1,500

33

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2016

6.

OPERATING PROFIT/(LOSS) (continued)

Device Authority auditors’ remuneration

– Audit services

– Tax compliance services

– Research and development tax credits

7.

FINANCE COSTS

Interest charge in respect of  shareholder convertible loan notes

Write back of  interest charged on investee company convertible loan note

8.

TAXATION

Taxation attributable to the Company

2016
£

14,000

3,500

5,000

2016
£

7,046

9,413

16,459

2016
£

–

2015
£

4,500

3,000

–

2015
£

24,480

–

24,480

2015
£

–

Domestic income tax is calculated at 20% (2015: 20%) of  the estimated assessable profit for the period. The
charge for the period can be reconciled to the loss per the income statement as follows:

Profit/(Loss) before tax

Tax at domestic income tax rate

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes

Share based payment charge

Fair value movement

Unutilised tax losses

Tax (credit)/expense

2016
£

5,296,633

1,059,327

996

38,260

(1,151,696)

53,113

–

2015
£

(185,121)

(37,024)

891

19,905

(12,698)

28,926

–

The Company has unutilised losses of  approximately £5.1 million (2015: £4.8 million) resulting in a deferred
tax asset of  approximately £1.0 million (2015: £1.0 million). The Company has not recognised a deferred tax
asset in respect of  these losses as there is insufficient evidence of  future taxable profits.

34

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2016

9.

EARNINGS PER SHARE

Profit/(loss) for the purposes of  basic and fully diluted earnings per share

5,296,633

(185,121)

2016
£

2015
£

Weighted average number of  ordinary shares:

For calculation of  basic earnings per share

For calculation of  fully diluted earnings per share

Earnings per share:

Basic earnings/(loss) per share

Fully diluted earnings/(loss) per share

10.

NON­CURRENT ASSETS

INVESTMENTS HELD FOR TRADING

Cost of  investments brought forward

Additions

Conversion of  loan note to equity

Sale of  investment

Cost of  investments carried forward

Fair value adjustment to investments

Fair value of  investments carried forward

All the investments held by the Company are Level 3 investments as defined in Note 15.

LOANS TO INVESTEE COMPANIES

Loans to investee companies

Interest

Total Loans

2016
£

–

–

–

During the year loan the loan facility provided to Device Authority was converted into new ordinary A shares
of  Device Authority Limited at par.

2016
Number

2015
Number

82,298,281

82,298,281

49,375,127

49,375,127

2016

2015

6.4 pence

6.4 pence

(0.37 pence)

(0.37 pence)

2016
£

810,350

3,460,000

610,000

(37,500)

4,842,850

5,758,480

10,601,330

2015
£

631,978

114,880

–

–

746,858

63,492

810,350

2015
£

610,000

9,413

619,413

35

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2016

11.

TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

Trade receivables

Prepayments

Social security and other taxes

Other receivables

Total

2016
£

1,034

32,033

6,472

60,976

100,515

2015
£

82,000

10,042

–

25,000

117,042

In 2016, other receivables included an amount of  £60,976 in respect of  deferred consideration on the sale of
Concerto.

The directors consider that the carrying amount of  trade and other receivables approximates to their fair value.
There is no provision for bad debt.

The other classes within trade and other receivables do not contain impaired assets.

The  maximum  exposure  to  credit  risk  at  the  reporting  date  is  the  fair  value  of   each  class  of   receivable
mentioned above. The Company does not hold any collateral as security.

12.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash at bank and on hand

2016
£

2015
£

762,851

278,456

36

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2016

13.

ISSUED SHARE CAPITAL

ISSUED AND FULLY PAID:

At 31 December 2015

Ordinary shares of  £0.0002

Deferred shares of  £29.999

Deferred shares of  £0.00099

Number of  shares
No.

Nominal value
£

Share premium
£

62,755,569

12,550

42,247

1,267,368

34,545,072

34,200

97,342,888

1,314,118

8,393,536

Ordinary shares issued for cash

Ordinary shares issued on exercise of  warrant

Ordinary shares issued on conversion of  loan stock

Share issue expenses

52,157,723

198,151

3,400,000

–

10,432

4,164,568

40

680

–

3,923

41,820

(213,537)

At 31 December 2016

Ordinary shares of  £0.0002

Deferred shares of  £29.999

Deferred shares of  £0.00099

153,098,762

1,325,270

12,390,310

118,511,443

23,702

42,247

1,267,368

34,545,072

34,200

153,098,762

1,325,270

12,390,310

On 19 February 2016, 9,166,666 ordinary shares were issued at 12p per share for cash as the result of  a
private placing, raising £1,100,000 before expenses.

On 19 July 2016, 6,562,500 ordinary shares were issued at 8p per share for cash as the result of  a private
placing, raising £525,000 before expenses.

On 7 October 2016, 36,428,557 ordinary shares were issued at 7p per share for cash as the result of  a private
placing, raising £2,550,000 before expenses.

During the year 3,400,000 ordinary shares of  0.02p were issued to a previous director of  the Company on
conversion of  loan stock at 1.25p per share.

During the year 198,151 ordinary shares of  0.02p were issued to warrant holders on exercise of  warrants at
2p per share.

14.

TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

Trade payables

Accruals

Other taxes and social security

Total

2016
£

73,554

94,950

4,013

172,517

2015
£

4,375

28,000

3,611

35,986

The directors consider that the carrying amount of  trade payables approximates to their fair value.

37

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2016

15.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT

FINANCIAL ASSETS
The Company classifies its financial instruments in the following categories: at fair value through profit or loss,
held to maturity, loans and receivables, and available-for-sale. The classification depends on the purpose for
which  the  financial  instrument  was  acquired.  Management  determines  the  classification  of   its  financial
instruments at initial recognition and re-evaluates this designation at each financial period end.

When financial assets are recognised initially, they are measured at fair value, being the transaction price plus
directly attributable transaction costs.

Investments held for trading
All investments determined upon initial recognition as held at fair value through profit or loss are designated
as investments held for trading. Investment transactions are accounted for on a trade date basis. Asset sales
are recognised at the trade date of  the disposal. Assets are sold at their fair value, which comprises the
proceeds of  sale less any transaction cost. The fair value of  the financial instruments in the statement of
financial position is based on the quoted bid price at the statement of  financial position date, with no deduction
for any estimated future selling cost. Unquoted investments are valued by the directors using primary valuation
techniques such as recent transactions, last price and net asset value. Changes in the fair value of  investments
held at fair value through profit or loss and gains and losses on disposal are recognised in the statement of
comprehensive income as “movement in fair value of  investments”. Investments are initially measured at fair
value plus incidental acquisition costs. Subsequently, they are measured at fair value in accordance with IAS 39.
This is either the bid price or the last traded price, depending on the convention of  the exchange on which the
investment is quoted.

The Company determines the fair value of  its investments based on the following hierarchy:

LEVEL 1 – Where financial instruments are traded in active financial markets, fair value is determined by
reference to the appropriate quoted market price at the reporting date. Active markets are those in which
transactions occur in significant frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an on-going basis. 

LEVEL 2 – If there is no active market, fair value is established using valuation techniques, including discounted
cash flow models. The inputs to these models are taken from observable market data including recent arm’s
length market transactions, and comparisons to the current fair value of  similar instruments; but where this is
not feasible, inputs such as liquidity risk, credit risk and volatility are used. 

LEVEL 3 – Valuations in this level are those with inputs that are not based on observable market data.

The following table shows the Levels within the hierarchy of  investments measured at fair value on a recurring
basis at 31 December 2016 and 31 December 2015:

31 December 2016

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Investments held for trading (£)

–

–

10,601,330

10,601,330

31 December 2015

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Investments held for trading (£)

–

–

810,350

810,350

The fair value assessment was made by the directors’ using the price of the shares in the most recent fundraise,
where this was available. If  no such fundraise had occurred then the cost of  the investment was used, which
the directors assessed equated to fair value.

Loans and receivables
Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not
quoted in an active market, do not qualify as trading assets and have not been designated as either fair value
through profit or loss or available-for-sale. Such assets are carried at amortised cost using the effective interest
rate method. Gains and losses are recognised in the statement of  comprehensive income when the loans and
receivables are derecognised or impaired, as well as through the amortisation process.

38

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2016

16.

BORROWINGS

SHAREHOLDER LOANS
On 16 August 2013, the Company entered into an agreement for the issue of  £200,000 convertible loan notes
repayable on 1 January 2015 if  not converted prior to that date, this date was subsequently extended to
1 January 2016 in December 2014. The Shareholder Loans are interest free and unsecured and may be
converted at 2.016p per share at any time prior to the redemption date. In December 2016 the repayment date
for the balance of  the loan outstanding was extended to 1 January 2019. On 1 January 2016 and 31 December
2016, £15,000 of  this loan was outstanding. Assuming full conversion, this would convert into 744,047 ordinary
shares.

On 30 July 2014, the Company issued a convertible loan note for £100,000, interest free and repayable on
1 January 2016. In December 2016, the repayment date for the balance of  the loan outstanding was extended
to  1  January  2019.  The  loan  is  convertible  at  1.25p  per  share  at  any  time  prior  to  the  redemption  date.
On 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2016 £41,500 of  the loan was outstanding. Assuming full conversion,
this would convert into 3,320,000 ordinary shares.

On 17 September 2014, the Company issued £200,000 convertible loan notes, interest free and repayable on
1  January  2016.  The  loan  is  convertible  at  1.25p  per  share  at  any  time  prior  to  the  redemption  date.  In
December 2016 the repayment date for the balance of  the loan outstanding was extended to 1 January 2019.
On 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2016 £55,500 of  the loan was outstanding. Assuming full conversion,
this would convert to 4,440,000 ordinary shares.

The net proceeds from the issue of  the Shareholder Loans have been split between the liability element and
an equity component, representing the fair value of  the embedded option to convert the liability into equity of
the Company.

Liability brought forward

Adjustment to equity component on extension of  convertible loan

Loan notes converted

Interest charge

Liability at 31 December

LOAN MATURITY ANALYSIS

Non-current liabilities – More than one year, but not more than five years

2016
£

97,394

–

–

7,046

104,440

2016
£

104,440

104,440

2015
£

260,914

(247)

(187,753)

24,480

97,394

2015
£

97,394

97,394

39

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2016

17.

SHARE BASED PAYMENTS

WARRANTS
On 15 September 2014, 396,302 warrants were issued to the vendor of  Device Authority Limited, exercisable
at any time prior to 12 September 2017. 198,151 of  the warrants exercisable at 2p per share and 198,151 are
exercisable at 4p per share. During the year 198,151 of  the warrants were exercised at 2p per share. The
estimated fair value of  these warrants at the date of  issue is not considered material.

On 25 November 2014, 1,260,000 warrants were issued on a one for ten basis to subscribers to the placing
for 12,600,000 shares at 3p per share on that date. The warrants are exercisable at 3p per share at any time
prior to 3 December 2017. As at 31 December 2016 905,645 warrants remained outstanding.

On 7 October 2016, 18,214,277 warrants were issued on a one for every two shares to subscribers in the fund-
raising round on that date. In that round, 36,428,557 shares were issued at 7p per share. The warrants are
exercisable at 12p per share at any time prior to 12 April 2018. None of  these warrants were exercised during
the year.

The estimated fair value of  the warrants issued in 2016 was calculated by applying the Black-Scholes option
pricing model. The assumptions used in the calculation were as follows:

Share price at date of  grant
Exercise price
Expected dividend
Contractual life
Risk free rate
Estimated fair value of  each warrant

8.0 pence
12.0 pence
Nil
1.5 years from vesting date
2.5%
0.97 pence

A total share based payment charge of £175,982 was expensed in 2016 in respect of  the warrants issued.

The number of  warrants outstanding at 31 December 2016 was as follows:

Date of
issue

At 31 Dec
2015

Issued

Exercised

Lapsed

12.09.14

12.09.14

25.11.14

07.10.16

198,151

198,151

905,645

–

–

–

–

18,214,277

(198,151)

–

–

–

1,301,947

18,214,277

(198,151)

–

–

–

–

–

At 31 Dec
2016

Exercise Exercisable
on or
Price per
before
share

–

198,151

905,645

2.0p

4.0p

3.0p

12.09.17

12.09.17

3.12.17

18,214,277

12.0p

12.04.18

19,318,073

40

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2016

17.

SHARE BASED PAYMENT CHARGES (continued)

OPTIONS
The Company operates an equity settled share based remuneration scheme for directors and advisors. Under
the directors’ scheme options may be granted to purchase shares which must be exercised within seven years
from the date of  the grant.

The exercise price of  directors’ options outstanding at the end of  the 2015 varied between 9p and 15.25p with
a weighted average exercise price of  10p. The options issued in 2016 had an exercise price of  13p with an
exercise price of  12.5p. The directors’ options vest immediately on issue.

In 2015 share options were issued to a professional adviser as part of  their fees. Under the advisors’ scheme
options may be granted to purchase shares which must be exercised within five years from the date of  grant.
The advisor options vest quarterly over the first twelve months.

The Black Scholes method was used to calculate the fair value of  options at the date of  grant.

The table below lists the inputs to the model used for the options granted during the year:

Weighted average share price at date of  grant

Weighted average exercise price

7.5 pence

10 pence

13 pence

14.25 pence

12.5 pence

15 pence

Directors (2015) Directors (2016)

Advisors

Expected volatility

Vesting period

Contractual life

Risk free rate

50%

1

7 years

0.48%

50%

1

7 years

0.48%

50%

4

5 years

0.48%

A total share based payment charge of  £15,317 was expensed in 2016 (2015: £99,523) in respect of  the
options granted, of  this £15,317 (2015: £95,818) related to options issued to directors during the year.

The share options held as at 31 December 2016 are set out in the table below:

Outstanding at
31 December
2015

Granted
during the
period

Exercised Outstanding at
31 December
during the
2016
period

Option
Price

Exercisable
on or
before

Directors

Total Directors

Other

1,500,000

500,000

–

–

–

250,000

2,000,000

1,000,000

250,000

250,000

–

–

Total Options

3,250,000

250,000

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,500,000

9p

15 Feb 2022

500,000

15.25p

28 Oct 2022

250,000

13p

22 Feb 2023

2,250,000

1,000,000

250,000

3,500,000

9p

15p

15 Feb 2022

16 Dec 2020

Note: A detailed breakdown of  directors’ options is set out in the Report on Directors’ Remuneration.

41

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2016

18.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

During 2014, £300,000 was advanced by the directors by way of interest free convertible loans. At 31 December
2016, the balance of  loans unconverted was £104,440 (2015: £97,394), plus an additional £20,650 relating to
equity (2015: £20,650).

Device Authority Limited, a company in which Tern has a controlling shareholding, is also considered a related
party.  During  the  year  Tern  invoiced  Device  Authority  Limited £39,715 (2015:  £161,363)  in  respect  of
management services, facility fees and expenses. At the year-end Tern was owed £nil in trade receivables by
Device Authority Limited (2015: £82,000). Tern has also provided a loan facility to Device Authority Limited.
The  loan  was  converted  into  equity  during  the  year.  As  at  31  December  2016,  £nil  was  outstanding
(2015: 619,432).

flexiOPS Limited, a company wholly owned by Tern, is also considered a related party. During the year Tern
invoiced flexiOPS £30,000 (2015: nil) in respect of  management services. At the year-end Tern was owed
£1,034 in trade receivables by flexiOPS Limited.

During the year, Leith Partners Limited, a company in which Bruce Leith has a controlling shareholding, invoiced
the Company £24,000 for management services (2015: £18,200). There were no amounts outstanding to or
from the company at 31 December 2016.

During the year, Sixth Bridge LLC, a company in which Al Sisto has a controlling shareholding, invoiced the
Company £37,938 for management services (2015: £24,000). There were no amounts outstanding to or from
the company at 31 December 2016.

During the year, Alan Howarth & Associates Limited, a company in which Alan Howarth has a controlling
shareholding, invoiced the Company £15,000 for management services (2015: £3,000). There were no amounts
outstanding to or from the company at 31 December 2016.

19.

CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS

Profit/(Loss) for the year

Adjustments for items not included in cash flow:

Movement in fair value of  investments

Share based payment charge

Cost of  investment sold

Finance expense

Finance income

2016
£

2015
£

5,296,633

(185,121)

(5,758,480)

191,299

37,500

16,459

(1,198)

(63,492)

99,523

–

24,480

(11,786)

Operating cash flows before movements in working capital

(217,787)

(136,396)

Adjustments for changes in working capital:

(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables

Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables

Cash used in operations

16,527

136,531

(64,729)

184,014

(126,777)

(79,159)

42

Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2016

20.

OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS

Year to
31 Dec 2016
£

Year to
31 Dec 2015
£

Minimum lease payments under operating leases recognised
as an expense in the period

3,125

3,125

At the period end date, the Group had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under
non-cancellable leases which fall due as follows:

Land and Buildings:

Within one year

21.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

31 Dec 2016
£

31 Dec 2015
£

3,125

3,125

The Group uses financial instruments, other than derivatives, comprising cash to provide funding for the Group’s
operations.

CATEGORIES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The IAS 39 categories of  financial asset included in the statement of  financial position and the headings in
which they are included are as follows:

FINANCIAL ASSETS:

Cash and bank balances

Loans and receivables

Loans

Other receivables

Fair value through income statement

Investments held for trading

2016
£

2015
£

762,851

278,456

–

62,010

619,413

82,000

10,601,330

810,350

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES AT AMORTISED COST:
The IAS 39 categories of  financial liabilities included in the statement of  financial position and the headings in
which they are included are as follows:

Trade and other payables

Accruals

Borrowings

2016
£

73,554

94,950

104,440

2015
£

4,375

28,000

97,394

22.

EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD

On 31 January 2017, Device Authority, the Company’s largest investment, announced the appointment of
George Samenuk as a non-executive director.

23.

ULTIMATE CONTROLLING PARTY

The directors do not consider there to be a single ultimate controlling party.

43

Notice of 2017 Annual General Meeting

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 2017 Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held at 9.30 am on 16 March
2017 at the offices of Reed Smith, The Broadgate Tower, 20 Primrose Street, London, EC2A 2RS for the following
purposes:

ORDINARY BUSINESS
To consider, and if  thought fit, to pass the following resolutions as ordinary resolutions:

1.

2.

3.

To receive and adopt the Company’s annual accounts for the financial year ended 31 December 2016, together
with the Directors’ Report and Auditors’ Report on those accounts.

To  re-appoint  Grant  Thornton  UK  LLP  as  auditors  to  hold  office  from  the  conclusion  of   the  meeting  to  the
conclusion of  the next meeting at which the accounts are laid before the Company at a remuneration to be
determined by the directors.

Mr Al Sisto retires by rotation, in accordance with the Articles of  Association of  the Company, having consented
to be considered for re-election, and is hereby re-elected as director.

SPECIAL BUSINESS
To consider, and if  thought fit, to pass the following resolutions, of  which resolution 4 will be proposed as an ordinary
resolution and resolutions 5 and 6 will be proposed as special resolutions:

4.

That for the purpose of  section 551 of  the Companies Act 2006 (the Act) the directors of  the Company be and
are hereby generally and unconditionally authorised to exercise all powers of the Company to allot equity securities
(within the meaning of  Section 560 of  the Act) up to an aggregate nominal amount of  £50,000 provided that this
authority shall expire (unless previously renewed, varied or revoked by the Company in general meeting) at the
conclusion of  the next annual general meeting of  the Company, save that the Company may before such expiry
make an offer or agreement which would or might require relevant equity securities to be allotted after such expiry
and the board may allot relevant equity securities in pursuance of  such an offer or agreement as if  the authority
conferred hereby had not expired.

This authority is in substitution for all subsisting authorities previously conferred upon the directors for the purposes
of  section 551 of  the Act, without prejudice to any allotments made pursuant to the terms of  such authorities.

5.

That, subject to the passing of  resolution 4 above, the directors of  the Company be and are hereby empowered
pursuant to section 570 of  the Act to allot equity securities (within the meaning of  section 560 of  the Act) pursuant
to the authority conferred by resolution 4 above as if  section 561 of  the Act did not apply to any such allotment
provided that the power conferred by this resolution shall be limited to:

5.1

the allotment of  equity securities for cash in connection with an issue or offer of  equity securities (including,
without limitation, under a rights issue, open offer or similar arrangement) to holders of  equity securities in
proportion (as nearly as may be practicable) to their respective holdings of  equity securities subject only to
such exclusions or other arrangements as the board may consider necessary or expedient to deal with
fractional entitlements or legal or practical problems under the laws of  any territory, or the requirements of
any regulatory body or stock exchange in any territory; and

5.2

the allotment (otherwise than pursuant to sub-paragraph 5.1 of  this resolution (5) of  equity securities up to
an aggregate nominal value of  £50,000.

The  power  conferred  by  this  resolution  5  shall  expire  (unless  previously  renewed,  revoked  or  varied  by  the
Company in general meeting), at such time as the general authority conferred on the board by resolution 4 above
expires, except that the Company may at any time before such expiry make any offer or agreement which would
or might require equity securities to be allotted after such expiry and the directors of  the Company may allot or
sell equity securities for cash in pursuance of  such an offer or agreement as if  the authority conferred hereby
had not expired.

44

Notice of 2017 Annual General Meeting

6.

That the Company be and is hereby generally and unconditionally authorised to make market purchases (within
the meaning of  section 693(4) of  the 2006 Act) of  its Ordinary Shares provided that:

6.1

6.2

6.3

6.4

6.5

the maximum number of  Ordinary Shares authorised to be purchased is 10% of  the entire issued share
capital of  the Company;

the minimum price which may be paid for an Ordinary Share is £0.0002;

the maximum price which may be paid for an Ordinary Share is an amount equal to 105% of  the average
of   the  middle-market  prices  shown  in  the  quotation  for  an  Ordinary  Share  as  derived  from  the  Stock
Exchange Alternative Trading Service of the Stock Exchange for the 5 business days immediately preceding
the day on which the Ordinary Share is purchased;

the authority hereby conferred shall expire on the earlier of  the date falling 15 months after the Annual
General Meeting or on the conclusion of  the next annual general meeting of  the Company to be held in
2018; and

the Company may make a contract to purchase its Ordinary Shares under the authority hereby conferred
prior to the expiry of  such authority, which contract will or may be executed wholly or partly after the expiry
of  such contract.

By Order of  the Board
Sarah Payne,
Company Secretary
Dated 16 February 2017

Notes to the AGM notice

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

In accordance with Regulation 41 of  the Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001 and by paragraph 18(c) of
The Companies Act (Consequential Amendments) (Uncertificated Securities) Order 2009, only those members
entered on the Company’s register of  members not later than 9.30 am on Tuesday 14 March 2017, or if  the
meeting is adjourned, Shareholders entered on the Company’s register of  members not later than 2 days before
the time fixed for the adjourned meeting (excluding non-business days) shall be entitled to attend and vote at the
meeting.

A member of  the Company entitled to attend and vote at this meeting is entitled to appoint a proxy (or proxies) to
attend, speak and vote in his place. A proxy need not be a member of  the Company. You can only appoint a proxy
using the procedures set out in these notes and the notes to the Form of  Proxy.

To be effective, the Form of  Proxy must be deposited at the office of  the Company’s registrars, Share Registrars
Limited, The Courtyard, 17 West Street, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7DR so as to be received not later than 9.30 am
on Tuesday 14 March 2017, or if  the meeting is adjourned, not later than 48 hours before the time fixed for the
adjourned meeting.

To change your proxy instructions simply submit a new proxy appointment using the methods set out above and
in the notes to the Form of  Proxy. Note that the cut-off  times for receipt of  proxy appointments (see above) also
apply in relation to amended instructions; any amended proxy appointment received after the relevant cut-off
time will be disregarded.

Where you have appointed a proxy and would like to change the instructions, please contact the Company’s
registrars, Share Registrars Limited, The Courtyard, 17 West Street, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7DR.

In order to revoke a proxy instruction you will need to inform the Company by sending a signed hard copy notice
clearly stating your intention to revoke your proxy appointment to the Company’s registrars, Share Registrars
Limited, The Courtyard, 17 West Street, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7DR. In the case of a member which is a company,
the revocation notice must be executed under its common seal or signed on its behalf by an officer of the company
or an attorney for the company. Any power of  attorney or any other authority under which the revocation notice is
signed (or a duly certified copy of  such power or authority) must be included with the revocation notice.

In either case, the revocation notice must be received by the Company’s registrars, Share Registrars Limited,
The Courtyard, 17 West Street, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7DR no later than 9.30 am on Tuesday 14 March 2017.

45

Notice of 2017 Annual General Meeting

If  you attempt to revoke your proxy appointment but the revocation is received after the time specified above, then
your proxy appointment will remain valid.

Appointment of  a proxy does not preclude you from attending the Meeting and voting in person. If  you have
appointed a proxy and attend the Meeting in person, your proxy appointment will automatically be terminated.

6.

CREST members who wish to appoint a proxy or proxies by utilising the CREST electronic proxy appointment
service may do so by utilising the procedures described in the CREST Manual. CREST Personal Members or
other CREST sponsored members, and those CREST members who have appointed a voting service provider(s),
should refer to their CREST sponsor or voting service provider(s), who will be able to take the appropriate action
on their behalf.

In  order  for  a  proxy  appointment  made  by  means  of   CREST  to  be  valid,  the  appropriate  CREST  message
(a ‘CREST Proxy Instruction’) must be properly authenticated in accordance with CRESTCo’s specifications and
must contain the information required for such instructions, as described in the CREST Manual. The message,
regardless of  whether it relates to the appointment of  a proxy or to an amendment to the instruction given to a
previously appointed proxy must, in order to be valid, be transmitted so as to be received by our agent Share
Registrars (ID 7RA36) by the latest time(s) for receipt of  proxy appointments specified in the notice of  meeting.
For this purpose, the time of  receipt will be taken to be the time (as determined by the timestamp applied to the
message by the CREST Applications Host) from which the issuer’s agent is able to retrieve the message by
enquiry to CREST in the manner prescribed by CREST. The Company may treat as invalid a CREST Proxy
Instruction in the circumstances set out in Regulation 35(5)(a) of  the Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001.

CREST members and, where applicable, their CREST sponsors or voting service providers should note that
CRESTCo does not make available special procedures in CREST for any particular messages. Normal system
timings  and  limitations  will  therefore  apply  in  relation  to  the  input  of   CREST  Proxy  Instructions.  It  is  the
responsibility of  the CREST member concerned to take (or, if  the CREST member is a CREST personal member
or sponsored member or has appointed a voting service provider(s), to procure that his CREST sponsor or voting
service provider(s) take(s)) such action as shall be necessary to ensure that a message is transmitted by means
of  the CREST system by any particular time. In this connection, CREST members and, where applicable, their
CREST sponsors or voting service providers are referred, in particular, to those sections of  the CREST Manual
concerning practical limitations of  the CREST system and timings.

Perivan Financial Print    243733

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