Biggest changeOur amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the sole and exclusive forum for: any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf; any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by, or other wrongdoing by, any of our current or former directors, officers, employees or our stockholders; any action asserting a claim against us arising under the DGCL, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, or our amended and restated bylaws (as either may be amended from time to time) or as to which the DGCL confers jurisdiction on the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware; and any action asserting a claim against us that is governed by the internal-affairs doctrine.
Biggest changeOur amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the sole and exclusive forum for certain actions, including derivative actions, fiduciary duty claims, claims arising under the DGCL or our organizational documents, and claims governed by the internal-affairs doctrine.
If our customers, in particular our scaled customers, decide not to continue to use our platform or decrease their usage of our platform for any reason, or if we fail to attract new customers and turn them into scaled customers or super-scaled customers, our revenue could decline, which would materially and adversely harm our business, operating results and financial condition.
If our customers, in particular our super-scaled customers, decide not to continue to use our platform or decrease their usage of our platform for any reason, or if we fail to attract new customers and turn them into super-scaled customers, our revenue could decline, which would materially and adversely harm our business, operating results and financial condition.
For example, in Europe, we are subject to the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (the “EU GDPR”) and the United Kingdom’s General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018 (the “UK GDPR”) (the EU GDPR and UK GDPR, together referred to as the “GDPR”), which impose strict requirements for processing the personal data of individuals within the EEA.
For example, in Europe, we are subject to the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (the “EU GDPR”) and the United Kingdom’s General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018 (the “UK GDPR”) (the EU GDPR and UK GDPR, together referred to as the “GDPR”), which impose strict requirements for processing the personal data of individuals within the EEA and the UK.
Risks Related to the Use and Development of Artificial Intelligence We leverage new technologies and platforms to improve business effectiveness, including the use of artificial intelligence technologies. We use AI, machine learning, and automated decision-making technologies, including proprietary AI and machine learning algorithms and models (collectively, “AI Technologies”), throughout our business, and are making significant investments in this area.
Risks Related to the Use and Development of Artificial Intelligence We leverage new technologies and platforms to improve business effectiveness, including the use of AI technologies. We use AI, machine learning, and automated decision-making technologies, including proprietary AI and machine learning algorithms and models (collectively, “AI Technologies”), throughout our business, and are making significant investments in this area.
As with many technological innovations, there are significant risks involved in developing, maintaining and deploying these technologies and there can be no assurance that the usage of or our investments in such technologies will always enhance our products or services or be beneficial to our business, including our efficiency or profitability.
As with many technological innovations, there are significant risks involved in developing, maintaining and deploying these technologies and there can be no assurance that the usage of our investments in such technologies will always enhance our products or services or be beneficial to our business, including our efficiency or profitability.
Implementation standards and enforcement practices are likely to remain uncertain for the foreseeable future, and we cannot yet determine the impact future laws, regulations, standards, or perception of their requirements may have on our business.
Implementation standards and enforcement practices are likely to remain uncertain for the foreseeable future, and we cannot yet determine the impact future laws, regulations, standards, or perception of their requirements may have on our business.
In addition, the following factors may cause our operating results to fluctuate: our usage-based pricing model makes it difficult to forecast revenues from our current customers and future prospects; changes in our pricing policies, the pricing policies of our competitors and the pricing or availability of data or other third-party services; the seasonal budgeting cycles and internal marketing budgeting and strategic purchasing priorities of our customers; the U.S. presidential election cycles potentially leading to higher revenue generation compared to non-election years; 10 our ability to retain and attract top talent; our ability to anticipate or respond to changes in the competitive landscape, or improvements in the functionality of competing solutions that reduce or eliminate one or more of our competitive advantages; our ability to maintain and expand our relationships with data centers and strategic third-party technology vendors, who provide floor space, bandwidth, cooling and physical security services on which our platform operates; our ability to successfully expand our business internationally; the emergence of significant privacy, data protection, security or other threats, regulations or requirements applicable to our business and shifting views and behaviors of consumers concerning use of data and data privacy; general economic and market conditions, including as a result of changes in U.S. trade policies, such as new or increased tariffs and retaliatory responses from other countries, and the resulting impact on our customers’ businesses; extraordinary expenses, such as litigation or other dispute-related settlement payments; and future accounting pronouncements or changes in our accounting policies.
In addition, the following factors may cause our operating results to fluctuate: our usage-based pricing model makes it difficult to forecast revenues from our current customers and future prospects; changes in our pricing policies, the pricing policies of our competitors and the pricing or availability of data or other third-party services; the seasonal budgeting cycles and internal marketing budgeting and strategic purchasing priorities of our customers; the U.S. presidential and midterm election cycles potentially leading to higher revenue generation compared to non-election years; our ability to retain and attract top talent; our ability to anticipate or respond to changes in the competitive landscape, or improvements in the functionality of competing solutions that reduce or eliminate one or more of our competitive advantages; 10 our ability to maintain and expand our relationships with data centers and strategic third-party technology vendors, who provide floor space, bandwidth, cooling and physical security services on which our platform operates; our ability to successfully expand our business internationally; the emergence of significant privacy, data protection, security or other threats, regulations or requirements applicable to our business and shifting views and behaviors of consumers concerning use of data and data privacy; general economic and market conditions, including as a result of changes in U.S. trade policies, such as new or increased tariffs and retaliatory responses from other countries, and the resulting impact on our customers’ businesses; extraordinary expenses, such as litigation or other dispute-related settlement payments; and future accounting pronouncements or changes in our accounting policies.
These provisions do the following: permit our board of directors to issue up to 200,000,000 shares of preferred stock, with any rights, preferences and privileges as they may designate; provide that the authorized number of directors may be changed only by resolution of our board of directors; provide that our board of directors will be classified into three classes of directors; 30 limit the ability of stockholders to remove directors to permit removals only “for cause” once Class B Common Stock ceases to hold more than 50% of all our outstanding common stock; provide that all vacancies, except as otherwise required by law, be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of directors then in office, even if less than a quorum; prohibit stockholder action by written consent, subject to the terms of any series of preferred stock, if the holders of shares of Class B Common Stock no longer hold at least a majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of our common stock; require advance notice for nominations of directors by stockholders and for stockholders to include matters to be considered at our annual meetings; provide certain limitations on convening special stockholder meetings; so long as any shares of Class B Common Stock remain outstanding, require the prior affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock, voting as a separate class to consummate a Change of Control Transaction (as defined in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation); provide that the restrictions set forth in Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”) shall be applicable to us in the event that no holder of Class B Common Stock owns shares of our capital stock representing at least fifteen percent of the voting power of all the then outstanding shares of our capital stock; and not provide for cumulative voting rights in election of directors.
These provisions do the following: permit our board of directors to issue up to 200,000,000 shares of preferred stock, with any rights, preferences and privileges as they may designate; provide that the authorized number of directors may be changed only by resolution of our board of directors; provide that our board of directors will be classified into three classes of directors; limit the ability of stockholders to remove directors to permit removals only “for cause” once Class B Common Stock ceases to hold more than 50% of all our outstanding common stock; provide that all vacancies, except as otherwise required by law, be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of directors then in office, even if less than a quorum; prohibit stockholder action by written consent, subject to the terms of any series of preferred stock, if the holders of shares of Class B Common Stock no longer hold at least a majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of our common stock; 32 require advance notice for nominations of directors by stockholders and for stockholders to include matters to be considered at our annual meetings; provide certain limitations on convening special stockholder meetings; so long as any shares of Class B Common Stock remain outstanding, require the prior affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock, voting as a separate class to consummate a Change of Control Transaction (as defined in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation); provide that the restrictions set forth in Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”) shall be applicable to us in the event that no holder of Class B Common Stock owns shares of our capital stock representing at least fifteen percent of the voting power of all the then outstanding shares of our capital stock; and not provide for cumulative voting rights in election of directors.
Other private entities often advocate standards of conduct or practices that significantly exceed current legal requirements and classify certain solicitations that comply with current legal requirements as impermissible “spam.” Some of these entities maintain “blacklists” of companies and individuals, and the websites, inbox service providers and IP addresses associated with those entities or individuals that 21 do not adhere to those standards of conduct or practices for commercial solicitations that the blacklisting entity believes are appropriate.
Other private entities often advocate standards of conduct or practices that significantly exceed current legal requirements and classify certain solicitations that comply with current legal requirements as impermissible “spam.” Some of these entities maintain “blacklists” of companies and individuals, and the websites, inbox service providers and IP addresses associated with those entities or individuals that do not adhere to those standards of conduct or practices for commercial solicitations that the blacklisting entity believes are appropriate.
Any failure or perceived failure by us to comply with federal, state or foreign laws or regulations, our internal policies and procedures or our contracts governing our processing of personal information could result in negative publicity, government investigations and enforcement actions, claims by third parties and damage to our reputation, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our operations, financial performance and business.
Any failure or perceived failure by us to comply with federal, state or foreign laws or regulations, our internal policies and procedures or our contracts governing our processing of personal information could result in negative publicity, regulatory and government investigations and enforcement actions, claims by third parties and damage to our reputation, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our operations, financial performance and business.
Our customers, in particular our scaled customers, typically have relationships with numerous providers and can use both our platform and those of our competitors without incurring significant costs or disruption. Our customers may also choose to decrease their overall marketing spend for any reason, including if they do not believe they are generating a sufficient return on their marketing spend.
Our customers, in particular our super-scaled customers, typically have relationships with numerous providers and can use both our platform and those of our competitors without incurring significant costs or disruption. Our customers may also choose to decrease their overall marketing spend for any reason, including if they do not believe they are generating a sufficient return on their marketing spend.
Further, if this were to happen it could harm our and/or our customers’ brand and reputation, and negatively impact our business, financial condition and operating results. Additionally, marketing may result in litigation relating to copyright or trademark infringement, public performance royalties or other claims based on the nature and content of advertising that is distributed through our platform.
Further, if this were to happen it could harm our and/or our customers’ brand and reputation, and negatively impact our business, financial condition and operating results. 24 Additionally, marketing may result in litigation relating to copyright or trademark infringement, public performance royalties or other claims based on the nature and content of advertising that is distributed through our platform.
As a result, the introduction of new entrants or technology that are superior to or that achieve greater market acceptance than our products and 11 solutions could negatively impact our revenue. In such an event, we may experience a reduction in market share and may have to respond by reducing our prices, resulting in lower profit margins for us.
As a result, the introduction of new entrants or technology that are superior to or that achieve greater market acceptance than our products and solutions could negatively impact our revenue. In such an event, we may experience a reduction in market share and may have to respond by reducing our prices, resulting in lower profit margins for us.
Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within our company will have been detected. 29 We may experience material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting in the future.
Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within our company will have been detected. We may experience material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting in the future.
If we are not able to effectively compete with these consolidated companies, we may not be able to maintain our market share and may experience a reduction in our revenue. Our industry is subject to rapid and frequent changes in technology, evolving customer needs and the frequent introduction of new and enhanced offerings by our competitors, making it intensely competitive.
If we are not able to effectively compete with these consolidated companies, we may not be able to maintain our market share and may experience a reduction in our revenue. 11 Our industry is subject to rapid and frequent changes in technology, evolving customer needs and the frequent introduction of new and enhanced offerings by our competitors, making it intensely competitive.
In particular, the nature of our business may expose us to claims related to defamation, dissemination of misinformation or news hoaxes, discrimination, 15 harassment, intellectual property right infringement, rights of publicity and privacy, personal injury torts, laws regulating hate speech or other types of content, and breach of contract, among others.
In particular, the nature of our business may expose us to claims related to defamation, dissemination of misinformation or news hoaxes, discrimination, harassment, intellectual property right infringement, rights of publicity and privacy, personal injury torts, laws regulating hate speech or other types of content, and breach of contract, among others.
In addition, electronic marketing and privacy requirements in the EU are highly restrictive and differ greatly from those currently in force in the U.S., which could cause fewer individuals in the EU to subscribe to our marketing messages and drive up our costs and risk of regulatory oversight and fines if we are found to be non-compliant.
In addition, electronic marketing and privacy requirements in the EU and UK are highly restrictive and differ greatly from those currently in force in the U.S., which could cause fewer individuals in the EU and UK to subscribe to our marketing messages and drive up our costs and risk of regulatory oversight and fines if we are found to be non-compliant.
The historical rate of wage inflation has been higher in India than in the U.S. In addition, if the Rupee strengthens against the U.S. Dollar, our costs would increase. If the cost of technology and development work in India significantly increases or the labor environment in 12 India changes unfavorably, our cost savings may be diminished.
The historical rate of wage inflation has been higher in India than in the U.S. In addition, if the Rupee strengthens against the U.S. Dollar, our costs would increase. If the cost of technology and development work in India significantly increases or the labor environment in India changes unfavorably, our cost savings may be diminished.
Any adverse outcomes of such challenges to our tax positions could result in additional taxes for prior periods, interest and penalties, as well as higher future taxes. Additionally, our future effective tax rates could be adversely affected by changes in tax laws (including tax treaties) or their interpretation.
Any adverse outcomes of such challenges to our tax positions could result in additional taxes for prior periods, interest and penalties, as well as higher future taxes. 28 Additionally, our future effective tax rates could be adversely affected by changes in tax laws (including tax treaties) or their interpretation.
To the extent that our platform depends upon the successful operation of the open 25 source software we use, any undetected errors or defects in this open source software could prevent the deployment or impair the functionality of our platform, delay new solution introductions, result in a failure of our platform and harm our reputation.
To the extent that our platform depends upon the successful operation of the open source software we use, any undetected errors or defects in this open source software could prevent the deployment or impair the functionality of our platform, delay new solution introductions, result in a failure of our platform and harm our reputation.
If scaled customers representing a significant portion of our business decide to materially reduce their use of our platform or cease using our platform altogether, our revenue could be significantly reduced, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.
If customers representing a significant portion of our business decide to materially reduce their use of our platform or cease using our platform altogether, our revenue could be significantly reduced, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.
Any such developments could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition. Our success depends on our ability to retain key members of our management team, and on our ability to hire, train, retain and motivate new employees. Our success depends upon the continued service of members of our senior management team and other key employees.
Any such developments could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition. 12 Our success depends on our ability to retain key members of our management team, and on our ability to hire, train, retain and motivate new employees. Our success depends upon the continued service of members of our senior management team and other key employees.
Evolving regulatory standards could place restrictions on the collection, management, aggregation and use of the types of data we collect, which 19 could result in a material increase in the cost of collecting or otherwise obtaining certain kinds of data and could limit the ways in which we may use or disclose data.
Evolving regulatory standards could place restrictions on the collection, management, aggregation and use of the types of data we collect, which could result in a material increase in the cost of collecting or otherwise obtaining certain kinds of data and could limit the ways in which we may use or disclose data.
The anticipated benefits of any acquisition (including our recent acquisition of LiveIntent) or investment may not be realized, and we may be exposed to unknown risks, any of which could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition, including risks arising from: difficulties in integrating the operations, technologies, product or service offerings, administrative systems and personnel of LiveIntent or any other acquired businesses, especially if those businesses operate outside of our core competency or geographies in which we currently operate; ineffectiveness or incompatibility of acquired technologies or solutions; potential loss of key employees of the acquired businesses; inability to maintain key business relationships and reputations of the acquired businesses; diversion of management attention from other business concerns; 13 litigation arising from the acquisition or the activities of the acquired businesses, including claims from terminated employees, customers, former stockholders or other third parties and intellectual property disputes; assumption of contractual obligations that contain terms that are not beneficial to us, require us to license or waive intellectual property rights, or increase our risk of liability; complications in the integration of LiveIntent or any other acquired businesses or diminished prospects; failure to generate the expected financial results related to the LiveIntent acquisition or other future acquisitions on a timely manner or at all; weak, ineffective, or incomplete data privacy compliance strategies by the acquired company resulting in our inability to use acquired data assets; failure to accurately forecast the financial or other business impacts of an acquisition; and implementation or remediation of effective controls, procedures and policies for acquired businesses.
The anticipated benefits of any acquisition (including our recent acquisition of Marigold’s Enterprise Business) or investment may not be realized, and we may be exposed to unknown risks, any of which could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition, including risks arising from: difficulties in integrating the operations, technologies, product or service offerings, administrative systems and personnel of Marigold’s Enterprise Business or any other acquired businesses, especially if those businesses operate outside of our core competency or geographies in which we currently operate; ineffectiveness or incompatibility of acquired technologies or solutions; potential loss of key employees of the acquired businesses; inability to maintain key business relationships and reputations of the acquired businesses; diversion of management attention from other business concerns; litigation arising from the acquisition or the activities of the acquired businesses, including claims from terminated employees, customers, former stockholders or other third parties and intellectual property disputes; assumption of contractual obligations that contain terms that are not beneficial to us, require us to license or waive intellectual property rights, or increase our risk of liability; complications in the integration of our recent acquisition of Marigold’s Enterprise Business or any other businesses we may acquire, or diminished prospects; 13 failure to generate the expected financial results related to the recent acquisition of Marigold’s Enterprise Business or other future acquisitions on a timely manner or at all; weak, ineffective, or incomplete data privacy compliance strategies by the acquired company resulting in our inability to use acquired data assets; failure to accurately forecast the financial or other business impacts of an acquisition; and implementation or remediation of effective controls, procedures and policies for acquired businesses.
Actual or perceived failures to comply with applicable data protection, privacy and security laws, regulations, standards and other requirements could adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition and the price of our Class A Common Stock.
Actual or perceived failures to comply with applicable data protection, privacy, security and technology laws, regulations, standards and other requirements could adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition and the price of our Class A Common Stock.
We cannot assure that our scaled customers will continue to use and increase their spend on our platform or that we will be able to attract a sufficient number of new scaled customers to continue to grow our revenue.
We cannot assure that our super-scaled customers will continue to use and increase their spend on our platform or that we will be able to attract a sufficient number of new super-scaled customers to continue to grow our revenue.
We may 27 experience ownership changes in the future as a result of future changes in our stock ownership, some of which changes may be outside our control. Similar provisions of state tax law may also apply to our state NOLs.
We may experience ownership changes in the future as a result of future changes in our stock ownership, some of which changes may be outside our control. Similar provisions of state tax law may also apply to our state NOLs.
We may not be able to replace scaled customers who decrease or cease their usage of our platform with new scaled customers that will use our platform to the same extent.
We may not be able to replace super-scaled customers who decrease or cease their usage of our platform with new super-scaled customers that will use our platform to the same extent.
The CAN-SPAM Act and the Telemarketing Sales Rule 17 and analogous state laws also impose various restrictions on marketing conducted using email, telephone, fax or text message.
The CAN-SPAM Act and the Telemarketing Sales Rule and analogous state laws also impose various restrictions on marketing conducted using email, telephone, fax or text message.
In the meantime, new or changing data privacy laws (in particular outside the EU and the U.S.) could potentially interfere with the data collection required in order to detect fraud.
In the meantime, new or changing data privacy laws (in particular outside the EU, UK and the U.S.) could potentially interfere with the data collection required in order to detect fraud.
Our communications with consumers are also subject to certain laws and regulations, including the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing (“CAN-SPAM”) Act of 2003, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 (the “TCPA”), and the Telemarketing Sales Rule and analogous state laws, that could expose us to significant damages awards, fines and other penalties that could materially impact our business.
Our communications with consumers are also subject to certain laws and regulations, including the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing (“CAN-SPAM”) Act, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (the “TCPA”), and the Telemarketing Sales Rule and analogous state laws, that could expose us to significant damages awards, fines and other penalties that could materially impact our business.
Any actual or perceived failure to comply with evolving regulatory frameworks around the development and use of artificial intelligence could adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition. The AI regulatory landscape is rapidly evolving, and we are or may become subject to numerous state, federal and foreign laws, requirements and regulations governing the use of AI.
Any actual or perceived failure to comply with evolving regulatory frameworks around the development and use of AI could adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition. The AI regulatory landscape is rapidly evolving, and we are or may become subject to numerous state, federal and foreign laws, requirements and regulations governing the use of AI.
The EU AI Act applies to companies that develop, use and/or provide artificial intelligence in the EU and – dependent on the AI use case – includes requirements around transparency, conformity assessments and monitoring, risk assessments, human oversight, security, accuracy, general purpose artificial intelligence and foundation models, and proposes fines for breach of up to 7% of worldwide annual turnover.
The EU AI Act applies to companies that develop, use and/or provide AI in the EU and – dependent on the AI use case – includes requirements around transparency, conformity assessments and monitoring, risk assessments, human oversight, security, accuracy, general purpose AI and foundation models, and proposes fines for breach of up to 7% of worldwide annual turnover.
Once fully applicable, the EU AI Act and the EU Product Liability Directive will have a material impact on the way artificial intelligence is regulated in the EU, and together with developing guidance and/or decisions in this area, likely to affect our use of artificial intelligence and our ability to provide and to improve our services, require additional compliance measures and changes to 23 our operations and processes, result in increased compliance costs and potential increases in civil claims against us, and could adversely affect our business, operations and financial condition.
Once fully applicable, the EU AI Act and the EU Product Liability Directive will have a material impact on the way AI is regulated in the EU, and together with developing guidance and/or decisions in this area, likely to affect our use of AI and our ability to provide and to improve our services, require additional compliance measures and changes to our operations and processes, result in increased compliance costs and potential increases in civil claims against us, and could adversely affect our business, operations and financial condition.
The CCPA provides for civil penalties for violations, as well as a private right of action for data breaches suffered as a result of the business’s violation of the duty to implement and maintain reasonable security procedures and practices, and this may lead to breach litigation.
The CCPA also provides for civil penalties for violations, as well as a private right of action for certain data breaches suffered as a result of the business’s violation of the duty to implement and maintain reasonable security procedures and practices, and this may lead to breach litigation.
Taxing authorities may challenge our tax positions and methodologies for valuing developed technology or intercompany arrangements, positions regarding the collection of sales and use taxes, and the jurisdictions in which we are subject to taxes, which could expose us to additional taxes.
Taxing authorities may challenge our tax positions and methodologies for valuing developed technology or intercompany arrangements, regarding the collection of sales and use taxes, and determining the jurisdictions in which we are subject to taxes, any of which could expose us to additional taxes.
New consumer tools, regulatory restrictions and potential changes to web browsers and mobile operating systems all threaten our ability to collect such data, which could harm our operating results and financial condition and adversely affect the demand for our products and solutions. Actual or perceived failures to comply with applicable data protection, privacy and security laws, regulations, standards and other requirements could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. Any unfavorable publicity or negative public perception of current data collection practices could result in additional regulations which may impact the effectiveness of our data cloud and platform. A significant inadvertent disclosure or breach of confidential and/or personal information we process, or a security breach of our or our customers’, suppliers’ or other partners’ IT Systems could be detrimental to our business, reputation, financial performance and results of operations. We depend on third-party data centers, systems and technologies to operate our business, the disruption of which could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition. If we fail to detect or prevent fraud or malware intrusion on our platform, devices, or systems, or into the systems or devices of our customers and their consumers, publishers could lose confidence in our platform, and we could 8 face legal claims and regulatory investigations, any of which could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition. The standards that private entities and inbox service providers adopt in the future to regulate the use and delivery of email may interfere with the effectiveness of our platform and our ability to conduct business. Any actual or perceived failure to comply with evolving regulatory frameworks around the development and use of artificial intelligence could adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition. The impact of our business and financial condition of incurring additional debt or issuing new debt or equity securities. Catastrophic events such as pandemics, hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, flooding, droughts and power outages, and business and operational interruption by man-made problems such as war, conflicts and acts of terrorism. • We may issue additional equity or debt securities in the future in order to raise capital.
New consumer tools, regulatory restrictions and potential changes to web browsers and mobile operating systems all threaten our ability to collect such data, which could harm our operating results and financial condition and adversely affect the demand for our products and solutions. Actual or perceived failures to comply with applicable data protection, privacy and security laws, regulations, standards and other requirements could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. Any unfavorable publicity or negative public perception of current data collection practices could result in additional regulations which may impact the effectiveness of our data cloud and platform. A significant inadvertent disclosure or breach of confidential and/or personal information we process, or a security breach of our or our customers’, suppliers’ or other partners’ IT Systems could be detrimental to our business, reputation, financial performance and results of operations. We depend on third-party data centers, systems and technologies to operate our business, the disruption of which could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition. If we fail to detect or prevent fraud or malware intrusion on our platform, devices, or systems, or into the systems or devices of our customers and their consumers, publishers could lose confidence in our platform, and we could face legal claims and regulatory investigations, any of which could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition. The standards that private entities and inbox service providers adopt in the future to regulate the use and delivery of email may interfere with the effectiveness of our platform and our ability to conduct business. 8 Any actual or perceived failure to comply with evolving regulatory frameworks around the development and use of machine learning and AI technologies and our use of artificial intelligence technologies may expose us to technical, legal, and regulatory risks, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition. The incurrence of additional debt or the issuance of new debt or equity securities. Catastrophic events such as pandemics, hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, flooding, droughts and power outages, and business and operational interruption by man-made problems such as war, conflicts and acts of terrorism. • We may issue additional equity or debt securities in the future in order to raise capital.
The technology industry is subject to intense media, political and regulatory scrutiny, including on issues related to antitrust and artificial intelligence, which exposes us to government investigations, legal actions and penalties. For instance, various regulatory agencies, including competition and consumer protection authorities, have active proceedings and investigations concerning multiple technology companies on antitrust and other issues.
The technology industry is subject to intense media, political and regulatory scrutiny, including on issues related to antitrust and AI, which exposes us to regulatory and government investigations, legal actions and penalties. For instance, various regulatory agencies, including competition and consumer protection authorities, have active proceedings and investigations concerning multiple technology companies on antitrust and other issues.
In addition, the terms of our Senior Secured Credit Facility impose limitations on our ability to repurchase shares. The share repurchase program may be modified, suspended, or terminated at any time, and we cannot guarantee that the program will be fully consummated or that it will enhance long-term stockholder value.
In addition, the terms of our Senior Secured Credit Facility impose limitations on our ability to repurchase shares. The share repurchase programs may be modified, suspended, or terminated at any time, and we cannot guarantee that the programs will be fully consummated or will enhance long-term stockholder value.
If federal or state regulators were to determine that the type of data we collect, the process we use for collecting this data or how we use it unfairly discriminates against some groups of people, laws and regulations could be interpreted or implemented to prohibit or restrict our collection or use of this data.
In addition, if federal, state or international regulators were to determine that the type of data we collect, the process we use for collecting this data or how we use it unfairly discriminates against some groups of people, laws and regulations could be interpreted or implemented to prohibit or restrict our collection or use of this data.
Additional issuances of equity securities would dilute the investment of our current stockholders and could cause the market price of our Class A Common Stock to decline. Risks Related to Our Business and Our Industry Our success and revenue growth depends on our ability to add and retain scaled customers and convert our scaled customers into super-scaled customers.
Additional issuances of equity securities would dilute the investment of our current stockholders and could cause the market price of our Class A Common Stock to decline. Risks Related to Our Business and Our Industry Our success and revenue growth depends on our ability to add, grow and retain super-scaled customers.
The most commonly used internet browsers also allow consumers to modify their browser settings to block first-party cookies (placed directly by the publisher or website owner that the consumer intends to interact with), which are not affected by changes from web browsers and operating systems, or third-party cookies (placed by parties that do not have direct relationship with the consumer), which some browsers may block by default.
Several internet browsers also allow consumers to modify their browser settings to block first-party cookies (placed directly by the publisher or website owner that the consumer intends to interact with), which are not affected by changes from web browsers and operating systems, or third-party cookies (placed by parties that do not have direct relationship with the consumer), which some browsers may block by default.
Our revenues are also impacted by political cycles in which we generally generate higher revenues in congressional elections years, and particularly presidential election years. In addition, the varying nature of our pricing mix between periods, customers and products may also make it more difficult for us to forecast our future operating results.
Our revenues are also impacted by political cycles in which we generally generate higher revenues in congressional elections years, and particularly presidential election years and, to a lesser extent, midterm election years. In addition, the varying nature of our pricing mix between periods, customers and products may also make it more difficult for us to forecast our future operating results.
Acquisitions or strategic investments could be difficult to identify and integrate (including the integration of our recent acquisition of LiveIntent), divert the attention of management and disrupt our business, dilute stockholder value and adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.
Acquisitions or strategic investments could be difficult to identify and integrate (including the integration of our recent acquisition of Marigold’s Enterprise Business), divert the attention of management and disrupt our business, dilute stockholder value and adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.
Cyberattacks are expected to accelerate on a global basis in frequency and magnitude as threat actors are becoming increasingly sophisticated in using techniques and tools, including artificial intelligence, that circumvent security controls, evade detection and remove forensic evidence.
Cyberattacks are expected to accelerate on a global basis in frequency and magnitude as threat actors are becoming increasingly sophisticated in using techniques and tools, including AI, that circumvent security controls, evade detection and remove forensic evidence.
Those shares and the shares reserved for future issuance under our equity incentive plans are and will become eligible for sale in the public market, subject to certain legal and contractual limitations. We cannot be certain whether and how many restricted stock units will satisfy their performance-based vesting conditions.
Those shares covered by these awards and the shares reserved for future issuance under our equity incentive plans are and will become eligible for sale in the public market, subject to certain legal and contractual limitations. We cannot be certain whether and how many restricted stock units will satisfy their performance-based vesting conditions.
These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: Our success and revenue growth depends on our ability to add and retain scaled customers and convert our scaled customers into super-scaled customers. We often have long sales cycles, which can result in significant time between initial contact with a potential customer and execution of a customer agreement, making it difficult to project when, if at all, we will generate revenue from those customers. We may experience fluctuations in our operating results, including during presidential elections years where we generally generate higher revenues, which could make our future operating results difficult to compare and predict. If we do not manage our growth effectively, the quality of our platform and solutions may suffer, and our business, operating results and financial condition may be adversely affected. Our industry is intensely competitive, and if we do not effectively compete against current and future competitors or fail to innovate and make the right investment decisions in our product offerings and platform, our business, operating results and financial condition could be harmed. Acquisitions or strategic investments could be difficult to identify and integrate (including the integration of our recent acquisition of LiveIntent, Inc.), divert the attention of management and disrupt our business, dilute stockholder value and adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition. The technology industry is subject to increasing scrutiny that could result in U.S. federal or state government actions that could negatively affect our business. Our business and the effectiveness of our platform depends on our ability to collect and use data online.
These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: Our success and revenue growth depends on our ability to add, grow and retain super-scaled customers. We often have long sales cycles, which can result in significant time between initial contact with a potential customer and execution of a customer agreement, making it difficult to project when, if at all, we will generate revenue from those customers. We may experience fluctuations in our operating results, including during presidential and, to a lesser extent, midterm election years where we generally generate higher revenues, which could make our future operating results difficult to compare and predict. If we do not manage our growth effectively, the quality of our platform and solutions may suffer, and our business, operating results and financial condition may be adversely affected. Our industry is intensely competitive, and if we do not effectively compete against current and future competitors or fail to innovate and make the right investment decisions in our product offerings and platform, our business, operating results and financial condition could be harmed. Acquisitions or strategic investments could be difficult to identify and integrate (including the integration of our recent acquisition of Marigold’s Enterprise Business), divert the attention of management and disrupt our business, dilute stockholder value and adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition. The technology industry is subject to increasing scrutiny that could result in U.S. federal or state government, or international regulatory actions that could negatively affect our business. Our business and the effectiveness of our platform depends on our ability to collect and use data online.
For example, in addition to enforcing Section 5 of the FTC Act, the FTC enforces the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. These laws prohibit unfair and deceptive practices, including use of biased algorithms in artificial intelligence.
For example, in addition to enforcing Section 5 of the FTC Act, the FTC enforces the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. These laws prohibit unfair and deceptive practices, including use of biased algorithms in AI.
Changes proposed by providers of major browsers to eliminate or restrict the usage of third-party cookies to track user behaviors, and to allow users to limit the collection of certain data generally or from specified websites, could impair our ability to collect user information, including personal data and usage information, that helps us provide more targeted advertising to our current and prospective consumers.
Providers of major browsers could change, eliminate or restrict the usage of third-party cookies to track user behaviors, and allow users to limit the collection of certain data generally or from specified websites, which could impair our ability to collect user information, including personal data and usage information, that helps us provide more targeted advertising to our current and prospective consumers.
The global data protection landscape is rapidly evolving, and we are or may become subject to numerous state, federal and foreign laws, requirements and regulations governing the collection, use, disclosure, retention, and security of personal information.
The global data protection landscape is rapidly evolving, and we are or may become subject to numerous state, federal and foreign laws, requirements and regulations governing the collection, use, disclosure, retention, and security of personal information and the regulation of technology more broadly.
As of December 31, 2024, our Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, David Steinberg, and his affiliates held, in aggregate 53.7% of the voting power of our outstanding capital stock. As a result, these stockholders, acting together, will have control over most matters that require approval by our stockholders, including the election of directors and approval of significant corporate transactions.
As of December 31, 2025, our Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, David Steinberg, and his affiliates held, in aggregate 52.1% of the voting power of our outstanding capital stock. As a result, these stockholders, acting together, will have control over most matters that require approval by our stockholders, including the election of directors and approval of significant corporate transactions.
A significant inadvertent disclosure or breach of confidential and/or personal information we process, or a security breach of our or our customers’, suppliers’, or other partners’ IT Systems could be detrimental to our business, reputation, financial performance and results of operations.
An unauthorized or inadvertent disclosure or breach of confidential and/or personal information we process or control, or a security breach of our or our customers’, suppliers’, or other partners’ IT Systems could be detrimental to our business, reputation, financial performance and results of operations.
New requirements relating to automated, browser-based, or one-stop opt-out mechanisms (“OOMs”) such as the Global Privacy Control, the forthcoming opt-out mechanism for data brokers established under the California Delete Act, or other OOMs that will be established in the future may result in significantly larger numbers of consumers opting out of having their data used for marketing purposes versus historical averages.
New requirements relating to automated, browser-based, or one-stop opt-out mechanisms (“OOMs”) such as the Global Privacy Control, the Delete Request and Opt-Out Platform (“DROP”) established under the California Delete Act, or other OOMs that will be established in the future may result in significantly larger numbers of consumers opting out of having their data used for marketing purposes versus historical averages.
Interest rates were at historic lows during 2020 and 2021, when the United States Federal Reserve took several steps to protect the economy from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including reducing interest rates to new historic lows. In 2022 and 2023, the United States Federal Reserve raised interest rates.
Interest rates were at historic lows during 2020 and 2021, when the United States Federal Reserve took several steps to protect the economy from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including reducing interest rates to new historic lows. In 2022 and 2023, the United States Federal Reserve raised interest rates significantly in an effort to combat inflation.
Although our board of directors has authorized this repurchase program, the program does not obligate us to repurchase any specific dollar amount or to acquire any specific number of shares. The actual timing and amount of repurchases remain subject to a variety of factors, including our stock price, trading volume, market conditions and other general business considerations.
Although our board of directors has authorized these repurchase programs, the programs do not obligate us to repurchase any specific dollar amount or to acquire any specific number of shares. The actual timing and amount of repurchases remain subject to a variety of factors, including our stock price, trading volume, market conditions and other general business considerations.
The principal way that we collect individual data is directly from the consumers when they register or interact with our platform (such as the DISQUS commenting system), or with partners’ services.
The principal way that we collect individual data is directly from the consumers when they register or interact with our platform (such as the DISQUS commenting system and LiveIntent inbox advertising), or with partners’ services.
We may experience fluctuations in our operating results, including during presidential elections years where we generally generate higher revenues, which could make our future operating results difficult to compare and predict. Consequently, we may not be able to meet our expectations or those of securities analysts and investors.
We may experience fluctuations in our operating results, including during presidential and, to a lesser extent, midterm election years where we generally generate higher revenues, which could make our future operating results difficult to compare and predict. Consequently, we may not be able to meet our expectations or those of securities analysts and investors.
The program could affect the trading price of our stock and increase volatility, and any announcement of a termination of this program may result in a decrease in the trading price of our stock. In addition, this program could diminish our cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities.
The programs could affect the trading price of our stock and increase volatility, and any announcement of a termination of these programs may result in a decrease in the trading price of our stock. In addition, these programs could diminish our cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities.
Third parties may also attempt to fraudulently induce employees to disclose sensitive information or credentials that permit access to sensitive information through a process known as social engineering. This includes disclosing data such as usernames, passwords or other information to gain access to our customers’ data or our data, including intellectual property and other confidential information.
Third parties may also attempt to fraudulently induce employees to disclose sensitive information or credentials that permit access to sensitive information through processes like social engineering or phishing. This includes disclosing data such as usernames, passwords or other information to gain access to our customers’ data or our data, including intellectual property and other confidential information.
In addition to our proprietary AI Technologies, we use AI Technologies licensed from third parties in our technologies, and our ability to continue to use such technologies at the scale we need may be dependent on access to specific third-party software and infrastructure.
In addition to our proprietary AI Technologies, we use AI Technologies licensed from third parties in our technologies, including under our partnership with OpenAI, and our ability to continue to use such technologies at the scale we need may be dependent on access to specific third-party software and infrastructure.
The operating and financial restrictions and covenants in the Senior Secured Credit Facility, as well as any future financing arrangements that we may enter into, may restrict our ability to finance our operations, engage in, expand, or otherwise pursue our business activities and strategies.
In addition, our Senior Secured Credit Facility contains customary minimum quarterly financial maintenance covenants. The operating and financial restrictions and covenants in the Senior Secured Credit Facility, as well as any future financing arrangements that we may enter into, may restrict our ability to finance our operations, engage in, expand, or otherwise pursue our business activities and strategies.
Additionally, existing and future laws, and evolving attitudes about privacy protection may impair our ability to collect, use, and maintain data points of sufficient type or quantity to develop and train our artificial intelligence algorithms.
Additionally, existing and future laws, and evolving attitudes about privacy protection and technology regulation may impair our ability to collect, use, and maintain data points of sufficient type or quantity to develop and train our AI algorithms.
This Senior Secured Credit Facility also restricts our ability, without the lender’s written consent, to, among other things: dispose of or sell our assets; make material changes in our business or management; consolidate or merge with other entities; incur additional indebtedness; create liens on our assets; pay dividends; make investments; enter into transactions with affiliates; and pay off or redeem subordinated indebtedness. 26 In addition, our Senior Secured Credit Facility contains customary minimum quarterly financial maintenance covenants.
This Senior Secured Credit Facility also restricts our ability, without the lender’s written consent, to, among other things: dispose of or sell our assets; make material changes in our business or management; consolidate or merge with other entities; incur additional indebtedness; create liens on our assets; pay dividends; make investments; enter into transactions with affiliates; and pay off or redeem subordinated indebtedness.
Our results of operations also depend on sales to enterprise customers, which make product purchasing decisions based in part or entirely on factors, or perceived factors, not directly related to the features of our platform, including, among others, a customer’s projections of business growth, uncertainty about economic conditions, capital budgets, anticipated cost savings from the implementation of our platform, potential preference for such customer’s internally-developed software solutions, perceptions about our business and platform, more favorable terms offered by potential competitors, and previous technology investments.
It is possible that we will be unable to recover any of these expenses. 9 Our results of operations also depend on sales to enterprise customers, which make product purchasing decisions based in part or entirely on factors, or perceived factors, not directly related to the features of our platform, including, among others, a customer’s projections of business growth, uncertainty about economic conditions, capital budgets, anticipated cost savings from the implementation of our platform, potential preference for such customer’s internally-developed software solutions, perceptions about our business and platform, more favorable terms offered by potential competitors, and previous technology investments.
We are continuing to evaluate the Pillar Two framework and its potential impact on future periods. We are currently unable to predict the ultimate impact of the Inflation Reduction Act and OECD requirements on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We are continuing to evaluate Pillar Two and the side-by-side framework and to assess their potential impact on future periods. We are currently unable to fully predict the ultimate impact of the Inflation Reduction Act, the OBBBA, and OECD requirements on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our success is dependent on regularly adding new customers, in particular new scaled customers, and increasing our existing customers’ usage of our platform in order to convert our scaled customers into super-scaled customers. We also continually work on converting our non-scaled customers into scaled customers.
Our success is dependent on regularly adding new customers, in particular new super-scaled customers, and increasing our existing customers’ usage of our platform in order to convert our customers into super-scaled customers.
As a result, we face numerous and evolving cybersecurity risks that threaten the confidentiality, integrity and availability of our IT Systems, and personal and confidential information. Such risks include the misappropriation of data by malicious insiders or unauthorized third parties, or other data breaches.
As a result, we face numerous and evolving cybersecurity risks that threaten the confidentiality, integrity and availability of our IT Systems, and personal and confidential information. Such risks include the misappropriation of data by diverse threat actors such as malicious insiders, state-sponsored organizations, opportunistic hackers or hacktivists or other unauthorized third parties, or other data breaches.
If we are unable to obtain adequate financing or financing on terms satisfactory to us when we require it, we may be required to delay, reduce the scope of, or eliminate material parts of our business strategy, including potential additional acquisitions or development of new technologies and geographic expansion.
If we are unable to obtain adequate financing or financing on terms satisfactory to us when we require it, we may be required to delay, reduce the scope of, or eliminate material parts of our business strategy, including potential additional acquisitions or development of new technologies and geographic expansion. 27 Our loan agreement contains operating and financial covenants that may restrict our business and financing activities.
We expect the existing legal complexity and uncertainty regarding international data transfers to continue and in particular, we expect international transfers to the U.S. and other jurisdictions more generally to continue to be subject to enhanced scrutiny by regulators.
In relation to such cross border transfers of personal data, we expect the existing legal complexity and uncertainty regarding international data transfers to continue and international transfers to the U.S. and other jurisdictions more generally to continue to be subject to enhanced scrutiny by regulators.
However, there can be no assurance that our policies, controls or procedures, will be fully implemented, complied with or effective in protecting our systems and information.
However, there can be no assurance that our cybersecurity risk management program and processes, including our policies, controls or procedures, will be fully implemented, complied with or effective in protecting our systems and information.
Office of Foreign Assets Control; compliance with foreign data privacy laws, such as the EU ePrivacy Directive, GDPR, UK data protection laws, and Brazil’s General Data Protection Law (“LGPD”), which could materially diminish our ability to collect data and/or the effectiveness of our platform; restrictions on the transfers of funds; currency exchange rate fluctuations and foreign exchange controls; economic and political instability in some countries; 14 compliance with the laws of numerous taxing jurisdictions where we conduct business, potential double taxation of our international earnings, and potentially adverse tax consequences due to changes in applicable U.S. and foreign tax laws; and the complexity and potential adverse consequences of U.S. tax laws as they relate to our international operations.
Office of Foreign Assets Control; compliance with foreign data privacy laws, such as the EU ePrivacy Directive (and its local implementations), the UK Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulation (“PECR”), EU and UK GDPR, and Brazil’s General Data Protection Law (“LGPD”), which could materially diminish our ability to collect data and/or the effectiveness of our platform; restrictions on the transfers of funds; currency exchange rate fluctuations and foreign exchange controls; economic and political instability in some countries; compliance with the laws of numerous taxing jurisdictions where we conduct business, potential double taxation of our international earnings, and potentially adverse tax consequences due to changes in applicable U.S. and foreign tax laws; and the complexity and potential adverse consequences of U.S. tax laws as they relate to our international operations. 14 As we continue to expand our business globally, our success will depend, in large part, on our ability to anticipate and effectively manage these risks.
We cannot provide assurance that we will be successful in maintaining our relationships with these external data source providers or that we will be able to continue to 16 obtain data from them on acceptable terms or at all.
We cannot provide assurance that we will be successful in maintaining our relationships with these external data source providers or that we will be able to continue to obtain data from them on acceptable terms or at all. Furthermore, we cannot provide assurance that we will be able to obtain data from alternative sources if our current sources become unavailable.
Additional capital may not be available on favorable terms, or at all, which could compromise our ability to meet our financial obligations and grow our business. We may need to raise additional capital to fund operations in the future or to finance acquisitions or other business objectives. Such additional capital may not be available on favorable terms or at all.
We may need additional capital in the future to meet our financial obligations and to pursue our business objectives. Additional capital may not be available on favorable terms, or at all, which could compromise our ability to meet our financial obligations and grow our business.
To fund acquisitions, we have in the past and may in the future pay cash, which would diminish our cash reserves, or issue additional shares of our Class A Common Stock, which could dilute current stockholders’ holdings in our company.
To fund acquisitions, we have in the past and may in the future pay cash, including in connection with the recent acquisition of Marigold’s Enterprise Business, which would diminish our cash reserves, or issue additional shares of our Class A Common Stock, which would dilute current stockholders’ holdings in our company.
Though we contractually require our customers to represent that they will follow our policies with respect to all information or content they upload to our systems, we may be exposed to potential liability if our customers do not abide by such policies.
We may face claims relating to the information or content that is made available through our platform. Though we contractually require our customers to represent that they will follow our policies with respect to all information or content they upload to our systems, we may be exposed to potential liability if our customers do not abide by such policies.
In addition to complying with government regulations, we participate in trade associations and industry self-regulatory groups that promote best practices or codes of conduct addressing data privacy. We also have agreed to follow certain practices as contractual obligations to customers (e.g. marketing agencies).
Failure to comply with industry self-regulation could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition. In addition to complying with government regulations, we participate in trade associations and industry self-regulatory groups that promote best practices or codes of conduct addressing data privacy. We also have agreed to follow certain practices as contractual obligations to customers (e.g. marketing agencies).
In addition, theft or misuse of our proprietary information could still occur by employees or contractors who have access to our technology despite the agreements we have in place with such employees and contractors that restrict the use and disclosure of our information and technology and although we enter into non-disclosure agreements with our customers, consultants, suppliers and other parties with whom we have strategic relationships and business alliances and enter into intellectual property assignment agreements with our consultants and suppliers, no assurance can be given that these agreements will not be breached. 24 While we have issued patents and have patent applications pending, we may be unable to obtain patent protection for the technology covered in our patent applications or such patent protection may not be obtained quickly enough to meet our business needs.
In addition, theft or misuse of our proprietary information could still occur by employees or contractors who have access to our technology despite the agreements we have in place with such employees and contractors that restrict the use and disclosure of our information and technology and although we enter into non-disclosure agreements with our customers, consultants, suppliers and other parties with whom we have strategic relationships and business alliances and enter into intellectual property assignment agreements with our consultants and suppliers, no assurance can be given that these agreements will not be breached.
For example, we use AI Technologies for internal business cases and also to develop and provide certain products, including the uses listed in the section titled “Business—Patented AI Engine.” We expect that increased investment will be required in the future to continuously improve our use of AI Technologies.
For example, we use AI Technologies for internal business cases and also to develop and provide certain products, including as described in the section titled “Business—AI-Native Infrastructure at Enterprise Scale.” We expect that increased investment will be required in the future to continuously improve our use of AI Technologies.
In particular, if the models underlying our AI Technologies are incorrectly designed or implemented; trained or reliant on incomplete, inadequate, inaccurate, biased or otherwise poor quality data, or on data to which we do not have sufficient rights or in relation to which we or the providers of such data have not implemented sufficient legal compliance measures; used without sufficient 22 oversight and governance to ensure their responsible use; or adversely impacted by unforeseen defects, technical challenges, cybersecurity threats or material performance issues, the performance of our products, services and business, as well as our reputation and the reputations of our customers, could suffer, or we could incur liability resulting from the violation of laws or contracts to which we are a party or civil claims.
In particular, if the models underlying our AI Technologies are incorrectly designed or implemented; trained or reliant on incomplete, inadequate, inaccurate, biased or otherwise poor quality data, or on data to which we do not have sufficient rights or in relation to which we or the providers of such data have not implemented sufficient legal compliance measures; used without sufficient oversight and governance to ensure their responsible use; or adversely impacted by unforeseen defects, technical challenges, cybersecurity threats or material performance issues, the performance of our products, services and business, as well as our reputation and the reputations of our customers, could suffer, or we could incur liability resulting from the violation of laws or contracts to which we are a party or civil claims. 25 With respect to our products or services that incorporate AI Technologies, the market for such products and services is rapidly evolving, and important assumptions about the characteristics of targeted markets, pricing, sales cycles, cost, performance, and perceived value associated with our services or products may be inaccurate.
It is therefore in the short seller’s interest for the price of the stock to decline, and some short sellers publish, or arrange for the publication of, opinions or characterizations regarding the 28 relevant issuer, often involving misrepresentations of the issuer’s business prospects and similar matters calculated to create negative market momentum, which may permit them to obtain profits for themselves as a result of selling the stock short.
It is therefore in the short seller’s interest for the price of the stock to decline, and some short sellers publish, or arrange for the publication of, opinions or characterizations regarding the relevant issuer, often involving misrepresentations of the issuer’s business prospects and similar matters calculated to create negative market momentum, which may permit them to obtain profits for themselves as a result of selling the stock short. 30 In November 2024, a short seller issued a short report regarding Zeta, resulting in a decrease in the price of our Class A Common Stock on the day the short report was issued.