Against the adjusted management scorecard, the Company met 85.5% of its target. The Company’s achievements included (i) obtaining significant reductions in operating expenses, (ii) notably reducing the Company’s cash burn, (iii) executing business initiatives related to the Company’s on-going transformation, and (iv) progressing the Company’s innovation strategy through the commercial release of Venus Versa Pro in the United States. Based on the board of directors’ assessment of the Company’s performance, the performance of each of the Messrs. De Silva, Varghese and Portaro, the important achievements described above, and the existence of significant challenges to the business, discretionary cash awards in the amounts of $315,000, $208,250, and $144,000 respectively were awarded for performance in 2023. These awards are payable by or before the end of the third quarter of fiscal year 2024.
Terms and Conditions of 2024 Transaction Completion Bonuses – Messrs. De Silva, Varghese and Portaro
On February 8, 2024, the board of directors approved the award of transaction completion bonuses to Messrs. De Silva, Varghese and Portaro (each an “Awardee”) to be paid in accordance with transaction completion bonus award letters (each an “Award Letter”) upon completion of a Strategic Transaction (as defined in the Award Letters). The Awardees are each eligible to receive a transaction completion bonus that will be paid in the form of cash and/or cash equivalents in the manner and ratio proscribed by the respective Award Letters. The bonus amounts for each Awardee are subject to a range calculated based on the size of the Strategic Transaction. Mr. De Silva’s transaction completion bonus payment ranges from $500,000 to $1,125,000. Dr. Varghese’s transaction completion bonus payment ranges from $320,000 to $720,000. Mr. Portaro’s transaction completion bonus payment ranges from $120,000 to $270,000.
In addition, each bonus payment is contingent upon the satisfaction of certain terms and conditions set forth in the respective Award Letters, including, but not limited to, (a) the successful completion of a Strategic Transaction resulting in a change of control, as determined by the board of directors, within the time period prescribed in the Award Letters and (b) the Awardee is an active, full-time employee of the Company, in good standing as determined in the reasonable discretion of the board of directors, on the Payment Date (as defined in the Award Letters).
Terms and Conditions of Employee Arrangements with our NEOs
Employment Agreements
We have agreements with each of the NEOs. These agreements set forth the terms and conditions of employment of each NEO, including base salary, initial equity award grants, and standard employee benefit plan participation. Our board of directors or the compensation committee reviews each NEO’s base salary from time to time to ensure compensation adequately reflects the NEO’s qualifications, experience, role and responsibilities.
The Company employed Mr. De Silva as Chief Executive Officer, beginning in October 2022 and continues as Chief Executive Officer of the Company currently. Mr. De Silva’s employment agreement effective October 2, 2022, provided for an annual base salary of $525,000 and provided for an undefined term. Per his employment agreement he was eligible to receive a prorated discretionary annual target bonus of 75% of his annual base salary, based upon achievement of annual performance targets and is eligible to receive other customary benefits. Mr. De Silva received an inducement grant of stock options upon commencement of employment in 2022 as included above in Outstanding Equity Awards at 2023 Fiscal Year-End Table. Mr. De Silva’s agreement included a non-competition and non-solicitation clause, which continue for 12 months beyond termination. Pursuant to his agreement, upon termination of employment by us for Cause, Mr. De Silva will not be eligible to receive any payments from us.
The Company employed Dr. Varghese as President & Chief Business Officer, beginning in October 2022 and was promoted to President & Chief Innovation and Business Officer in February 2023 and to President & Chief Operating Officer of the Company on October 16, 2023. Dr. Varghese’s employment agreement, effective October 17, 2022, as amended on October 16, 2023, provided for an annual salary of $425,000 and provided for an undefined term. Per his employment agreement, he was eligible to receive a prorated discretionary annual target bonus of 65% of his annual base salary, based upon achievement of annual performance targets and is eligible to receive other customary benefits. Dr. Varghese received an inducement grant of stock options upon commencement of employment in 2022 as included above in Outstanding Equity Awards at 2023 Fiscal Year-End Table. Dr. Varghese’s agreement included a non-competition and non-solicitation clause, which continue for 12 months beyond termination. Pursuant to his agreement, upon termination of employment by us for Cause, Dr. Varghese will not be eligible to receive any payments from us.
The Company employed Mr. Portaro as Vice President, EMEA, beginning May 2021. Mr. Portaro was promoted to President, Global Sales beginning October 2021 and continuing as Executive Vice President & General Manager,