As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 10, 2017
Registration No. 333-215388


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 

AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
FORM S-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
 
 


Professional Diversity Network, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 

 
Delaware
 
7370
 
80-0900177
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
 
(Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number)
 
(IRS Employer
Identification Number)

801 W. Adams Street, Sixth Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60607
(312) 614-0950
(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Registrant’s Principal Executive Offices)
 
 


Chris Wesser, Esq.
Executive Vice President and Secretary
Professional Diversity Network, Inc.
801 W. Adams Street, Sixth Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60607
(312) 614-0950
(Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent For Service)
 
  


Copies to:

Stacey T. Kern, Esq.
Greenberg Traurig, LLP
77 West Wacker Drive, Suite 3100
Chicago, Illinois 60601
(312) 456-8400
 

 

 
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after this registration statement becomes effective.

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box.  ☒

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ☐

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.   ☐

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer
 
  
Accelerated filer
 
       
Non-accelerated filer
 
  
  
Smaller reporting company
 
     

 

 
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
 
 

 
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. These securities may not be sold until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and we are not soliciting offers to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
 
Subject to Completion, dated February 10, 2017
246,445 Shares

Professional Diversity Network, Inc.

COMMON STOCK
 
 


This prospectus relates to the offer and sale by the selling stockholder identified in this prospectus of up to 246,445 shares of our common stock, par value $0.01 per share, issued upon the exercise of warrants to purchase our common stock, which warrants were issued to the selling stockholder in connection with a master credit facility that closed on June 30, 2016, and which were exercised on November 7, 2016.

We are not selling any shares of our common stock and we will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the shares by the selling stockholder. We have agreed to pay certain registration expenses, other than underwriting discounts and commissions.

The selling stockholder may from time to time sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any or all of their shares of common stock in a number of different ways and at varying prices. See “Plan of Distribution” for more information.

We may amend or supplement this prospectus from time to time by filing amendments or supplements as required. You should read this entire prospectus and any amendments or supplements carefully before you make your investment decision.

Our common stock is listed on The NASDAQ Stock Market (“NASDAQ”) under the symbol “IPDN.” On February 9, 2017, the last sale price of our common stock as reported on NASDAQ was $9.90 per share.
 
 


Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. Before buying any shares, you should carefully read the discussion of material risks of investing in our common stock in “Risk Factors” beginning on page 2 of this prospectus.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
 
 


The date of this prospectus is [              ]
 
 

 
Table of Contents
 
       
 
  
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This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we have filed with the SEC pursuant to which the selling stockholder named herein may, from time to time, offer and sell or otherwise dispose of the shares of our common stock covered by this prospectus. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus is accurate on any date subsequent to the date set forth on the front cover of this prospectus or that any information we have incorporated by reference is correct on any date subsequent to the date of the document incorporated by reference, even though this prospectus is delivered or shares of common stock are sold or otherwise disposed of on a later date. It is important for you to read and consider all information contained in this prospectus, including the documents incorporated by reference therein, in making your investment decision. You should also read and consider the information in the documents to which we have referred you under the caption “Where You Can Find More Information” in this prospectus.

We have not authorized any dealer, salesman or other person to give any information or to make any representation other than those contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. You must not rely upon any information or representation not contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of our shares of common stock other than the shares of our common stock covered hereby, nor does this prospectus constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction.

This prospectus contains forward-looking statements that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. See “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this prospectus to “PDN,” “the Company,” “we,” “our,” and “us” refer to Professional Diversity Network, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries.  All share information reflects the 1-for-8 reverse stock split of our common stock effected on September 27, 2016 (the “Reverse Split”).
 
i

 
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this prospectus, is not complete, and does not contain all of the information that you should consider before making your investment decision. You should carefully read the entire prospectus, including the information presented under the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto and other documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus before making an investment decision.
 
Overview

PDN is a dynamic operator of professional networks with a focus on diversity.  Our value proposition is three-fold: (i) we provide a robust online and in-person network for our women members to make professional and personal connections (with the ability to roll out to our other affinity groups); (ii) we assist our registered users, or members, in their efforts to connect with like-minded individuals and identify career opportunities within the network; and (iii) we help employers address their workforce diversity needs by connecting them with the right candidates.

On November 7, 2016, we consummated the issuance and sale of 1,777,417 shares of common stock, to Cosmic Forward Limited, a Republic of Seychelles company wholly-owned by a group of Chinese investors (“CFL”), at a price of $9.60 per share, pursuant to the terms of our previously announced stock purchase agreement, dated August 12, 2016 (the “Purchase Agreement”), with CFL (the “Share Issuance”). At the closing of the Share Issuance, and as contemplated by the Purchase Agreement, we entered into a Stockholders’ Agreement, dated November 7, 2016 (the “Stockholders’ Agreement”), with CFL and each of its shareholders.  The Stockholders’ Agreement sets forth the agreement of the Company, CFL and the CFL shareholders relating to board representation rights, transfer restrictions, standstill provisions, voting, registration rights and other matters following the closing of the Share Issuance.
 
In addition, on November 7, 2016, we completed the purchase of 312,500 shares of common stock, at a price of $9.60 per share, net to the seller in cash, less any applicable withholding taxes and without interest, pursuant to our partial issuer tender offer as disclosed in the Company’s Offer to Purchase, dated September 28, 2016, as amended (the “Tender Offer”). As a result of the completion of the Share Issuance, the Tender Offer and the other transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement, as of November 7, 2016, CFL beneficially owned 51% of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock, on a fully-diluted basis.
 
We received approximately $9.0 million in net proceeds from the Share Issuance, after the payment for the shares repurchased in the Tender Offer, the repayment of all amounts outstanding under the Master Credit Facility (as defined below) and the payment of transaction-related expenses at the closing.
 
On January 18, 2017, we consummated the issuance and sale to CFL of an additional 312,500 shares of our common stock at a price of $9.60 per share pursuant to the terms of a stock purchase agreement dated as of January 13, 2017 (the “Second Share Issuance”). As a result of the completion of the Second Share Issuance, as of January 18, 2017, CFL beneficially owned 54.64% of our outstanding shares of common stock, on a fully diluted basis.
 
PDN received total gross proceeds of $3.0 million from the Second Share Issuance and approximately $2.8 million in net proceeds from the Second Share Issuance, after payment of transaction-related expenses.
 
At the closing of the Second Share Issuance, we entered into an amendment, dated as of January 18, 2017 to the Stockholders’ Agreement.
   
On November 4, 2016, we entered into a Confidential Settlement and Mutual Release of All Claims (the “Release”) with Matthew B. Proman (“Proman”), pursuant to which we agreed among other things that (i) we would pay to Proman $300,000 at the closing of the Share Issuance, (ii) the Separation Agreement and Mutual Release of All Claims, dated July 16, 2015 between Proman and PDN (the “Separation Agreement”) would be terminated as of November 4, 2016, and (iii) the Seller Promissory Note in the principal amount of $445,000 dated September 24, 2014 in favor of Proman (the “Promissory Note”) would be terminated as of November 4, 2016.  We have also agreed that notwithstanding the termination of the Separation Agreement pursuant to the Release, Proman’s co-sale right would be preserved and he would continue to hold the options and warrants he held as of November 4, 2016.  On November 7, 2016, we paid Proman $300,000 pursuant to the Release.
 
On November 7, 2016, in connection with the closing of the Share Issuance, we (i) repaid in full all amounts owed under the Master Credit Facility among the Company, its wholly-owned subsidiaries NAPW, Inc., Noble Voice LLC and Compliant Lead LLC, and White Winston Select Asset Funds, LLC (“White Winston” or the “selling stockholder”), dated March 30, 2016 (the “Master Credit Facility”), and (ii) terminated the Master Credit Facility and related agreements between the Company and White Winston, including the Board Representation Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2016.  All security interests created under the Master Credit Facility were released upon repayment of the amounts under and termination of the Master Credit Facility.
 
1

 
Corporate Information

Our common stock is listed on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “IPDN.” Our principal executive offices are located at 801 West Adams Street, Suite 600, Chicago, Illinois 60607, and our telephone number is (312) 614-0950. Our website address is www.prodivnet.com. Neither our website nor any information contained on our website is part of this prospectus.
 

THE OFFERING
 
Common stock offered by the
selling stockholder
246,445 shares of common stock held by the selling stockholder.
   
Common stock outstanding
3,935,351 shares.
   
Selling stockholder
White Winston Select Asset Funds, LLC. See “Selling Stockholder” for further discussion.
   
Use of proceeds
We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of our common stock by the selling stockholder in this offering. See “Use of Proceeds.”
   
Dividend policy
We have not paid cash dividends on our outstanding shares of common stock during the two most recent fiscal years. See discussion concerning dividends and restrictions in payment of dividends below under “Dividend Policy.”
   
Risk factors
Investing in our common stock involves risks. You should read carefully the “Risk Factors” section of this prospectus for a discussion of factors that you should carefully consider before deciding to invest in shares of our common stock.
   
NASDAQ ticker symbol
“IPDN”
 
RISK FACTORS

An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider each of the risk factors set forth in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, as updated by our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other SEC filings filed after such annual report, and future filings with the SEC, which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider these risks as well as other information we include or incorporate by reference in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement. Any of these risks and uncertainties could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations. If that occurs, the trading price of our common stock could decline materially and you could lose all or part of your investment.

The risks we have incorporated by reference into this prospectus are not the only risks we face. We may experience additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us, or as a result of developments occurring in the future. Conditions that we currently deem to be immaterial may also materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS


This prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  These statements concern expectations, beliefs, projections, plans and strategies, anticipated events or trends and similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts.  Specifically, this prospectus and the documents incorporated herein by reference contain forward-looking statements regarding:
 
2

 
·
our beliefs regarding our ability to create enhanced value for our members and customers;
·
our beliefs regarding the relation between the number of members or registered users and our revenues;
·
our expectations regarding future changes in our sales force;
·
the anticipated effect of the Detroit office closure on the overhead costs and supervision;
·
our expectations regarding the changes in revenues in 2017, 2018 and 2019;
·
our expectations regarding future increases in sales and marketing costs and general and administrative expenses;
·
our beliefs regarding our ability to capture and capitalize on market trends;
·
our expectations on the future growth and financial health of the online diversity recruitment industry and the industry participants, and the drivers of such growth;
·
our expectations regarding the continued membership growth;
·
our beliefs regarding the increased value derived from the synergies among our segments; and
·
our beliefs regarding our liquidity requirements, the availability of cash and capital resources to fund our business in the future and intended use of liquidity.
 
These forward-looking statements reflect our current views about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions.  We wish to caution readers that certain important factors may have affected and could in the future affect our actual results and could cause actual results to differ significantly from those expressed in any forward-looking statement.  The most important factors that could prevent us from achieving our goals, and cause the assumptions underlying forward-looking statements and the actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by those forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following:
 
·
our ability to realize the anticipated benefits from the transaction with CFL;
·
failure to realize synergies and other financial benefits from mergers and acquisitions within expected time frames, including increases in expected costs or difficulties related to integration of merger and acquisition partners;
·
inability to identify and successfully negotiate and complete additional combinations with potential merger or acquisition partners or to successfully integrate such businesses;
·
our history of operating losses;
·
we may not be able to reverse the significant decline in our revenues;
·
our limited operating history in a new and unproven market;
·
increasing competition in the market for online professional networks;
·
our ability to comply with increasing governmental regulation and other legal obligations related to privacy;
·
our ability to adapt to changing technologies and social trends and preferences;
·
our ability to attract and retain a sales and marketing team, management and other key personnel and the ability of that team to execute on the Company’s business strategies and plans;
·
our ability to obtain and maintain protection for our intellectual property;
·
any future litigation regarding our business, including intellectual property claims;
·
general and economic business conditions; and
·
legal and regulatory developments.
 
The foregoing list of important factors may not include all such factors.  You should consult our other disclosures (such as in our other filings with the SEC or in company press releases) for additional factors, risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected by us.  Please refer to Part I. Item 1A., “Risk Factors,” of our Quarterly Reports and to Part I. Item 1A., “Risk Factors,” of our Annual Report, which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus, for additional information regarding factors that could affect our results of operations, financial condition and cash flow.  You should consider these factors, risks and uncertainties when evaluating any forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement.  Forward-looking statements represent our views as of the date of this prospectus, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect the impact of circumstances or events that arise after the date of this prospectus.
 
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Forward-looking statements should not be viewed as predictions, and should not be the primary basis upon which investors evaluate us. Any of our investors should consider all risks and uncertainties disclosed in our SEC filings, described under the section entitled “Where You Can Find More Information,” all of which are accessible on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. We note that all website addresses given in this prospectus are for information only and are not intended to be an active link or to incorporate any website information into this document.


MASTER CREDIT FACILITY AND COMMON STOCK WARRANTS

The following description is a summary and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Master Credit Facility, the Warrant Agreements, and the Board Representations Agreement (all as defined below), which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, and by applicable law.

On March 30, 2016, we and our subsidiaries entered into the Master Credit Facility with White Winston. The Master Credit Facility provided for a revolving credit facility in the original principal amount up to $5,000,000, provided that the borrowings thereunder may not exceed 75% of our eligible customer receivables, as determined pursuant to the Master Credit Facility, unless otherwise approved in White Winston’s discretion. Borrowings under the Master Credit Facility bear interest at 8% per annum, subject to an increase of 700 basis points in case of an event of default.  
 
In connection with the closing of the Master Credit Facility, we issued three warrants to White Winston: (i) a warrant (the “Fixed $2.00 Warrant”) to purchase up to 125,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $2.00 per share, (ii) a warrant (the “Pro Rata Warrant”) to purchase at an exercise price of $2.00 per share a certain number of shares of our common stock, up to 218,750 shares, pro rata based on the ratio of the actual advances made under the Master Credit Facility to the maximum principal amount of the Master Credit Facility, and (iii) a warrant (the “Fixed $20 Warrant,” and together with the Fixed $2.00 Warrant and the Pro Rata Warrant, the “Warrants”) to purchase up to 125,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $20 per share.  The Fixed $2.00 Warrant and the Pro Rata Warrant are exercisable for five years from the date of issuance and the Fixed $20 Warrant is exercisable for five years beginning on December 30, 2016.

In connection with the closing of the Master Credit Facility, we also entered into a Board Representation Agreement (the “Board Representation Agreement”) with White Winston. Under the Board Representation Agreement, we granted White Winston the right to designate nominees for election to our Board from the date the principal amount outstanding under the Master Credit Facility first exceeds $2,000,000 until such time as White Winston’s ownership interest in our common stock (calculated pursuant to the terms of the Board Representation Agreement) falls below five percent for 60 consecutive days. Pursuant to the terms of the Board Representation Agreement, White Winston also received the right, subject to certain exceptions, to purchase a portion of any shares of common stock and any warrants, options, debentures or other securities exercisable or exchangeable for or convertible into shares of common stock offered for sale by us. The number of new securities White Winston was entitled to purchase were to be determined pursuant to the terms of the Board Representation Agreement in proportion to White Winston’s interest.

On August 10, 2016, we and our wholly-owned subsidiaries, NAPW, Inc., Noble Voice LLC and Compliant Lead LLC, entered into an Amendment to Master Credit Facility and Consent and Waiver Agreement (the “Amendment”) with White Winston.  Pursuant to the Amendment, White Winston consented to the acquisition of our common stock by CFL and the other transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement and waived its participation rights and board representation rights under the Board Representation Agreement in connection therewith.  In consideration for the Amendment, we agreed that the Pro Rata Warrant shall be fully exercisable, notwithstanding the pro rata formula set forth in the Warrant, and paid a fee of $15,000.  In addition, White Winston granted us an option to repurchase its outstanding, in-the-money Warrants following consummation of the Tender Offer on the terms set forth in the Amendment.
 
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We were also a party to a Consulting and Monitoring Agreement (the “Consulting Agreement”) with White Winston, pursuant to which we paid to White Winston a monthly monitoring fee at White Winston’s hourly rate and agreed to reimburse White Winston for all reasonable and necessary out of pocket fees and expenses. As of September 30, 2016, we had paid $138,325 to White Winston under the Consulting Agreement.

On November 7, 2016, in connection with the closing of the Share Issuance, we (i) repaid in full amounts owed under the Master Credit Facility and (ii) terminated the Master Credit Facility and related agreements between us and White Winston, including the Board Representation Agreement. All security interests created under the Master Credit Facility were released upon repayment of the amounts due under and the termination of the Master Credit Facility.

Pursuant to the Warrants, we are registering 246,445 shares of our common stock issued to White Winston upon the exercise of the Warrants. White Winston continues to hold the Fixed $20.00 Warrant.
 
USE OF PROCEEDS

The shares of our common stock being offered by this prospectus are solely for the account of the selling stockholder. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of these shares by the selling stockholder.
 
MARKET PRICE OF OUR COMMON STOCK

Our common stock trades publicly on NASDAQ under the symbol “IPDN”. On February 9, 2017, the last sale price of our common stock as reported on NASDAQ was $9.90 per share.

The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the high and low sales prices per share of our common stock as reported on NASDAQ: 1


 
High
   
Low
 
2014:
           
First quarter
 
$
38.00
   
$
22.88
 
Second quarter
 
$
34.16
   
$
24.88
 
Third quarter
 
$
46.00
   
$
32.08
 
Fourth quarter
 
$
40.64
   
$
34.48
 
2015:
               
First quarter
 
$
44.80
   
$
32.64
 
Second quarter
 
$
39.20
   
$
16.56
 
Third quarter
 
$
23.36
   
$
4.00
 
Fourth quarter
 
$
6.48
   
$
4.00
 
2016:
               
First quarter
 
$
4.88
   
$
2.16
 
Second quarter
 
$
5.04
   
$
3.20
 
Third quarter
 
$
8.19
   
$
3.60
 
Fourth quarter
 
$
11.98
   
$
5.28
 
2017:
               
First quarter (through February 9, 2017)
 
$
11.47    
$
8.64  
 
 
                                                              
1 All share information reflects the 1-for-8 reverse stock split of our common stock effected on September 27, 2016.
 
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DIVIDEND POLICY

We have not paid cash dividends on our outstanding common stock, and we do not currently anticipate paying cash dividends on our outstanding common stock in the near future.

While we have no current plans to pay dividends on our common stock, we will continue to evaluate the cash generated by our business and we may decide to pay a dividend in the future. Any future determinations relating to our dividend policies and the declaration, amount and payment of any future dividends on our common stock will be at the sole discretion of our board of directors and, if we elect to pay such dividends in the future, we may reduce or discontinue entirely the payment of such dividends at any time. Our board of directors may take into account general and economic conditions, our financial condition and operating results, our available cash and current and anticipated cash needs, capital requirements, contractual, legal, tax and regulatory restrictions and implications on the payment of dividends by us to our stockholders or by our subsidiaries to us, and such other factors as our board of directors may deem relevant.

In addition, under Delaware law, we may declare and pay dividends on our capital stock either out of our surplus, as defined in the relevant Delaware statutes, or if there is no such surplus, out of our net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding fiscal year. If, however, our capital, computed in accordance with the relevant Delaware statutes, has been diminished by depreciation in the value of our property, or by losses, or otherwise, to an amount less than the aggregate amount of the capital represented by the issued and outstanding stock of all classes having a preference upon the distribution of assets, we are prohibited from declaring and paying out of such net profits any dividends upon any shares of our capital stock until the deficiency has been repaired.

SELLING STOCKHOLDER

This prospectus covers the public resale of the shares of common stock received by the selling stockholder named below upon exercise of the Warrants, which we refer to collectively herein as the Shares. The selling stockholder may from time to time offer and sell pursuant to this prospectus any or all of the Shares owned by them, but makes no representation that any of the Shares will be offered for sale. The selling stockholder is not a director, officer or employee of ours or an affiliate of such person.  On June 30, 2016, we entered into the Board Representation Agreement with the selling stockholder. Pursuant to the terms of the Board Representation Agreement between us and White Winston, White Winston had the right to designate nominees for election to our Board of Directors from the date the principal amount outstanding under the Master Credit Facility first exceeded $2,000,000 until such time as White Winston’s ownership interest in our common stock (as defined in the Board Representation Agreement) fell below five percent for 60 consecutive days.  The Board Representation Agreement limited White Winston to, at most, two nominees, provided that certain terms were met and no event of default had occurred.  If an event of default had occurred and was continuing, White Winston had the right to designate two additional nominees for election to our Board of Directors. However, the aggregate number of nominees that White Winston was entitled to designate in no event could exceed (i) 50 percent of the number of directors, rounded down to the nearest whole number, if the Board is comprised of an odd number of Directors, and (ii) one less than half of the number of Directors, if the Board is comprised of an even number of Directors.

  On November 7, 2016 in connection with the closing of the Share Issuance, the Company and White Winston terminated the Board Representation Agreement. White Winston never designated any directors.

The table below presents information regarding the selling stockholder and the Shares that the selling stockholder may offer and sell from time to time under this prospectus.

The following table sets forth:
 
·
the name of the selling stockholder;
 
·
the number of Shares owned by the selling stockholder prior to the sale of the Shares covered by this prospectus;
 
6

 
·
the number of Shares that may be offered by the selling stockholder pursuant to this prospectus;
 
·
the number of Shares owned by the selling stockholder following the sale of all Shares covered by this prospectus; and
 
·
the percentage of common stock owned by the selling stockholder following the sale of all Shares covered by this prospectus.

All information with respect to common stock ownership of the selling stockholder has been furnished by or on behalf of the selling stockholder and is as of February 9, 2017. We believe, based on information supplied by the selling stockholder, that except as may otherwise be indicated in the footnotes to the table below, the selling stockholder has sole voting and dispositive power with respect to the common stock reported as beneficially owned by it. Because the selling stockholder identified in the table may sell some or all of the Shares owned by it which are included in this prospectus, and because the selling stockholder has represented to us that there are currently no agreements, arrangements or understandings with respect to the sale of any of the Shares, no estimate can be given as to the number of Shares available for resale hereby that will be held by the selling stockholder upon termination of this offering. In addition, the selling stockholder may have sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of, or may sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of, at any time and from time to time, the common stock it holds in transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act after the date on which the selling stockholder provided the information set forth on the table below. We have, therefore, assumed for the purposes of the following table, that the selling stockholder will sell all of the Shares beneficially owned by it that are covered by this prospectus, but will not sell any other shares of our common stock that it may presently own. The percent of beneficial ownership for the selling stockholder is based on 3,935,351 shares of our common stock, outstanding as of February 9, 2017.
 
Name of Selling Stockholder
 
Number of Shares of
Common Stock
Owned Prior to
Offering(1)
   
Maximum Number of
Shares of Common
Stock to be Sold
Pursuant to this
Prospectus
   
Number of Shares of
Common Stock
Beneficially Owned
After Offering(2)
   
Percentage of
Common Stock
Owned After
Offering(2)
 
White Winston Select
Asset Funds, LLC
   
371,445
     
246,445
     
125,000
     
3.08%
 

(1)
We have determined beneficial ownership in accordance with the rules of the SEC. White Winston has the sole voting power and the sole dispositive power over the Shares. Todd M. Enright, Mark Blundell and Donald Feagan, the managers (the “Managers”) of White Winston, have shared voting power and dispositive power over the Shares. White Winston’s and the Managers’ address is 265 Franklin St., Suite 1702, Boston, MA 02110.
(2)
Assumes that all of the Shares represented by this prospectus have been sold.
 
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

The following description of our common stock and preferred stock, together with the additional information we include in any applicable prospectus supplements, summarizes the material terms and provisions of the common stock and preferred stock that we may offer, in the case of our common stock, under this prospectus. It may not contain all the information that is important to you. For the complete terms of our common stock and preferred stock, please refer to our Amended & Restated Certificate of Incorporation, and our Amended & Restated Bylaws, which are incorporated by reference into the registration statement which includes this prospectus. The Delaware General Corporation Law may also affect the terms of these securities.

Authorized capital stock

Our authorized capital stock consists of
 
·
45,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share; and
 
·
1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share (“Preferred Stock”).
 
7

 
Common Stock

On February 9, 2017, 3,935,351 shares of our common stock were issued and outstanding.  As of February 9, 2017, approximately 266,055 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance upon exercise of all outstanding stock options and settlement of warrants to purchase our common stock.   All outstanding shares of our common stock are duly authorized, fully paid and non-assessable.

Dividends. Subject to preferential dividend rights of any other class or series of stock, the holders of shares of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends, including dividends of our stock, if, as and when declared by our board of directors, subject to any limitations applicable by law and to the rights of the holders, if any, of our preferred stock.

Liquidation. In the event we are liquidated, dissolved or our affairs are wound up, after we pay or make adequate provision for all of our known debts and liabilities, each holder of our common stock will be entitled to share ratably in all assets that remain, subject to any rights that are granted to the holders of any class or series of preferred stock.

Voting Rights. For all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders, each holder of our common stock is entitled to one vote for each share registered in the holder’s name. Holders of our common stock vote together as a single class. There is no cumulative voting in the election of our directors, which means that, subject to any rights to elect directors that are granted to the holders of any class or series of Preferred Stock, a majority of the votes cast at a meeting of stockholders at which a quorum is present is sufficient to elect a director.

Other Rights and Restrictions. Subject to the preferential rights of any other class or series of stock, all shares of our common stock have equal dividend, distribution, liquidation and other rights, and have no preference, appraisal or exchange rights, except for any appraisal rights provided by Delaware law. Furthermore, holders of our common stock have no conversion, sinking fund or redemption rights, or preemptive rights to subscribe for any of our securities. Our Amended & Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended & Restated Bylaws do not restrict the ability of a holder of our common stock to transfer the holder’s shares of our common stock.

The rights, powers, preferences and privileges of holders of our common stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of holders of shares of any series of preferred stock which we may designate and issue in the future.

Listing. Our common stock is listed on The Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “IPDN.”

Transfer Agent and Registrar. The transfer agent for our common stock is Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company.

Preferred Stock

Under our Amended & Restated Certificate of Incorporation we have authority, subject to any limitations prescribed by law and without further stockholder approval, to issue from time to time up to 1,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock.

The Preferred Stock is issuable in one or more series, each with such designations, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions as our board of directors may determine in resolutions providing for their issuance. As of February 9, 2017, no shares of Preferred Stock are issued or outstanding.  The issuance of preferred stock may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of us without further action by the stockholders and may adversely affect the voting and other rights of the holders of our common stock. The issuance of preferred stock with voting and conversion rights may adversely affect the voting power of the holders of common stock, including loss of voting control to others.   
 
8

 
Pursuant to our Amended & Restated Certificate of Incorporation we are authorized to issue “blank check” preferred stock which may be issued from time to time in one or more series upon authorization by our board of directors. Our board of directors, without further approval of the stockholders, is authorized to fix the dividend rights and terms, conversion rights, voting rights, redemption rights and terms, liquidation preferences, and any other rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions applicable to each series of the preferred stock. The issuance of preferred stock, while providing flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes could, among other things, adversely affect the voting power or rights of the holders of our common stock and, under certain circumstances, make it more difficult for a third party to gain control of us, discourage bids for our common stock at a premium or otherwise adversely affect the market price of the common stock.

The summaries above of selected provisions of our common stock and Preferred Stock are qualified entirely by the provisions of our Amended & Restated Certificate of Incorporation, our Amended & Restated Bylaws and our debt agreements, all of which are included or incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. You should read our Amended & Restated Certificate of Incorporation, our Amended & Restated Bylaws and our debt agreements. To the extent that any particular provision described in a prospectus supplement differs from any of the provisions described in this prospectus, then the provisions described in this prospectus will be deemed to have been superseded by that prospectus supplement.

Anti-Takeover Effects of Delaware Law, Our Amended & Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Our Amended & Restated Bylaws

Some provisions of Delaware law, our Amended & Restated Certificate of Incorporation and our Amended & Restated Bylaws contain provisions that could make the following transactions more difficult: acquisitions of us by means of a tender offer, a proxy contest or otherwise or removal of our incumbent officers and directors. These provisions may also have the effect of preventing changes in our management. It is possible that these provisions could make it more difficult to accomplish or could deter transactions that stockholders may otherwise consider to be in their best interest or in our best interests, including transactions that might result in a premium over the market price for our shares.
 
These provisions are expected to discourage coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids. These provisions are also designed to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to first negotiate with us. We believe that the benefits of increased protection and our potential ability to negotiate with the proponent of an unfriendly or unsolicited proposal to acquire or restructure us outweigh the disadvantages of discouraging these proposals because, among other things, negotiation of these proposals could result in an improvement of their terms.

Delaware Law

Section 203 of the DGCL prohibits a Delaware corporation from engaging in any business combination with any interested stockholder for a period of three years following the date that the stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless:
 
·
the transaction is approved by the board of directors before the date the interested stockholder attained that status;
 
·
upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced; or
 
·
on or after such time the business combination is approved by the board of directors and authorized at a meeting of stockholders by at least two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the interested stockholder.
 
An interested stockholder is defined as a person who, together with any affiliates or associates of such person, beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 15% or more of the outstanding voting shares of a Delaware corporation. The term “business combination” is broadly defined to include a broad array of transactions, including mergers, consolidations, sales or other dispositions of assets having a total value in excess of 10% of the consolidated assets of the corporation or all of the outstanding stock of the corporation, and some other transactions that would increase the interested stockholder’s proportionate share ownership in the corporation.
 
9

 
Our Amended & Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Our Amended & Restated Bylaws

Provisions of our Amended & Restated Certificate of Incorporation and our Amended & Restated Bylaws may delay or discourage transactions involving an actual or potential change in control or change in our management, including transactions in which stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares, or transactions that our stockholders might otherwise deem to be in their best interests. Therefore, these provisions could adversely affect the price of our common stock.

Among other things, our Amended & Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws:

·
provide that all vacancies, including newly created directorships, may, except as otherwise required by law or, if applicable, the rights of holders of a series of preferred stock, be filled by a majority of directors then in office, even if less than a quorum, or by the sole remaining director;
 
·
provide that our Amended & Restated Certificate of Incorporation may be amended by the affirmative vote of the holders of at a majority of our then outstanding voting stock;
 
·
provide that special meetings of our stockholders may only be called by a chairperson, a majority of the directors then in office, our Chief Executive Officer (or our President in the absence of our Chief Executive Officer), or stockholders holding at least 25% or more of the total voting power of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company entitled to vote; and
  
·
provide that our Amended & Restated Bylaws can be amended by our board of directors.
 
Limitations of Liability and Indemnification Matters

Our Amended & Restated Certificate of Incorporation limits the liability of our directors for monetary damages for breach of their fiduciary duty as directors, except for liability that cannot be eliminated under the DGCL. Delaware law provides that directors of a company will not be personally liable for monetary damages for breach of their fiduciary duty as directors, except for liabilities:
 
·
for any breach of their duty of loyalty to us or our stockholders;
 
·
for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;
 
·
for unlawful payment of dividend or unlawful stock repurchase or redemption, as provided under Section 174 of the DGCL; or
 
·
for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.

Any amendment, repeal or modification of these provisions will be prospective only and would not affect any limitation on liability of a director for acts or omissions that occurred prior to any such amendment, repeal or modification.

Our Amended & Restated Bylaws also provide that we will indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. If Delaware law is amended to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of a director, then the liability of our directors will be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, as so amended. Our Amended & Restated Bylaws also permit us to purchase insurance on behalf of any officer, director, employee or other agent for any liability arising out of that person’s actions as our officer, director, employee or agent, regardless of whether Delaware law would permit indemnification. We have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and officers. These agreements require us to indemnify these individuals to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law against liability that may arise by reason of their service to us, and to advance expenses incurred as a result of any proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified. We believe that the limitation of liability provision in our Amended & Restated Certificate of Incorporation and the indemnification agreements facilitates our ability to continue to attract and retain qualified individuals to serve as directors and officers.
 
 
The limitation of liability and indemnification provisions in our Amended & Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended & Restated Bylaws may discourage stockholders from bringing a lawsuit against directors for breach of their fiduciary duties. They may also reduce the likelihood of derivative litigation against directors and officers, even though an action, if successful, might benefit us and our stockholders. A stockholder’s investment may be harmed to the extent we pay the costs of settlement and damage awards against directors and officers pursuant to these indemnification provisions. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to our directors, officers and controlling persons pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, we have been advised that, in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act, and is, therefore, unenforceable. There is no pending litigation or proceeding naming any of our directors or officers as to which indemnification is being sought, nor are we aware of any pending or threatened litigation that may result in claims for indemnification by any director or officer.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company.

Listing

Our common stock is listed on NASDAQ under the symbol “IPDN.”
 
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

The selling stockholder may, from time to time, sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any or all of its Shares or interests in the Shares on any stock exchange, market or trading facility on which the shares are traded or in private transactions. The selling stockholder may sell its Shares from time to time at the prevailing market price or in privately negotiated transactions.

The selling stockholder may use any one or more of the following methods when disposing of Shares or interests therein:
 
·
ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker-dealer solicits purchasers;
 
·
block trades in which the broker-dealer will attempt to sell the shares as agent, but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction;
 
·
purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the broker-dealer for its account;
 
·
an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of the applicable exchange;
 
·
privately negotiated transactions;
 
·
short sales effected after the date the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part is declared effective by the SEC;
 
·
through the writing or settlement of options or other hedging transactions, whether through an options exchange or otherwise;
 
·
broker-dealers may agree with the selling stockholder to sell a specified number of such shares at a stipulated price per share; and
 
·
a combination of any such methods of sale.

The selling stockholder may sell the Shares at fixed prices, at prices then prevailing or related to the then current market price or at negotiated prices. The offering price of the Shares from time to time will be determined by the selling stockholder and, at the time of the determination, may be higher or lower than the market price of our common stock on NASDAQ or any other exchange or market.
 
 
The Shares may be sold directly or through broker-dealers acting as principal or agent, or pursuant to a distribution by one or more underwriters on a firm commitment or best-efforts basis. The selling stockholder may also enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers. In connection with such transactions, broker-dealers of other financial institutions may engage in short sales of our common stock in the course of hedging the positions they assume with the selling stockholder. The selling stockholder may also enter into options or other transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions which require the delivery to such broker-dealer or other financial institution of Shares offered by this prospectus, which Shares such broker-dealer or other financial institution may resell pursuant to this prospectus (as supplemented or amended to reflect such transaction). In connection with an underwritten offering, underwriters or agents may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the selling stockholder or from purchasers of the offered Shares for whom they may act as agents. In addition, underwriters may sell the Shares to or through dealers, and those dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters and/or commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act as agents. The selling stockholder and any underwriters, dealers or agents participating in a distribution of the Shares may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act, and any profit on the sale of the Shares by the selling stockholder and any commissions received by broker-dealers may be deemed to be underwriting commissions under the Securities Act.

The selling stockholder may agree to indemnify an underwriter, broker-dealer or agent against certain liabilities related to the selling of its Shares, including liabilities arising under the Securities Act. Under the Warrants entered into with the selling stockholder, we have agreed to indemnify the selling stockholder against certain liabilities related to the sale of the common stock, including certain liabilities arising under the Securities Act. Under the Warrants, we have also agreed to pay the costs, expenses and fees of registering the Shares. All underwriting fees, discounts and selling commissions or similar fees or arrangements allocable to the sale of the shares of common stock will be borne by the selling stockholder.

The selling stockholder is subject to the applicable provisions of the Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations under the Exchange Act, including Regulation M. This regulation may limit the timing of purchases and sales of any of the Shares offered in this prospectus by the selling stockholder. The anti-manipulation rules under the Exchange Act may apply to sales of shares in the market and to the activities of the selling stockholder and its affiliates. Furthermore, Regulation M may restrict the ability of any person engaged in the distribution of the Shares to engage in market-making activities for the particular securities being distributed for a period of up to five business days before the distribution. The restrictions may affect the marketability of the Shares and the ability of any person or entity to engage in market-making activities for the Shares.
 
To the extent required, this prospectus may be amended and/or supplemented from time to time to describe a specific plan of distribution. Instead of selling the Shares under this prospectus, the selling stockholder may sell the Shares in compliance with the provisions of Rule 144 under the Securities Act, if available, or pursuant to other available exemptions from the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

Under the securities laws of some states, if applicable, the securities registered hereby may be sold in those states only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers. In addition, in some states such securities may not be sold unless they have been registered or qualified for sale or an exemption from registration or qualification requirements is available and is complied with.

We cannot assure you that the selling stockholder will sell all or any portion of our common stock offered hereby.
 
LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of our common stock offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Greenberg Traurig, LLP, Chicago, Illinois.

EXPERTS

Marcum LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our consolidated financial statements and schedule included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 as set forth in its report, which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement. Our financial statements and schedule are incorporated by reference in reliance on Marcum LLP’s report, given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
 
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-1 (including the exhibits, schedules and amendments thereto) under the Securities Act, with respect to our common stock offered hereby. This prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules thereto. For further information with respect to us and the common stock offered hereby, we refer you to the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules filed therewith. Statements contained in this prospectus as to the contents of any contract, agreement or any other document are summaries of the material terms of this contract, agreement or other document and are not necessarily complete. With respect to each of these contracts, agreements or other documents filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, reference is made to the exhibits for a more complete description of the matter involved. A copy of the registration statement, and the exhibits and schedules thereto, may be inspected without charge at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. Copies of these materials may be obtained, upon payment of a duplicating fee, from the Public Reference Section of the SEC at 100 F Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the public reference facility. The SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC. The address of the SEC’s website is www.sec.gov.

We also make available free of charge on our internet website at www.prodivnet.com our annual reports on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, our current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. Information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus and you should not consider information contained on our website as part of this prospectus.
 
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE

The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” the information we have filed with the SEC. This means we can disclose important information to you without actually including the specific information in this prospectus by referring to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus.

If information in incorporated documents conflicts with information in this prospectus, you should rely on the most recent information. If information in an incorporated document conflicts with information in another incorporated document, you should rely on the most recent incorporated document. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below.
 
·
our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015;
 
·
our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2016;
 
·
our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2016;

· our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016;

· our current reports on Forms 8-K and 8-K/A filed with the SEC on April 4, 2016, July 6, 2016, August 15, 2016, August 23, 2016, September 26, 2016, October 4, 2016, October 18, 2016, November 8, 2016, December 22, 2016, December 28, 2016, January 19, 2017 and February 10, 2017;
    
·
the description of our common stock contained in our Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed on March 1, 2013  including any amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating the description.
 
 
All documents subsequently filed by us with the Commission pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, other than the information furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of Form 8-K, prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement which indicates that all securities covered by this Registration Statement have been sold or which deregisters all of the securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement and to be part of this document from the date of filing of such documents.  Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in this document, will be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Registration Statement to the extent that a statement contained in this document or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference in this document modifies or supersedes such statement.  Any such statement so modified or suspended will not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Registration Statement.   We will provide a copy of these filings (including certain exhibits that are specifically incorporated by reference therein) to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a prospectus is delivered. You may request a copy of any or all of these filings at no cost, by writing or calling us at:


801 West Adams Street, Suite 600
Chicago, Illinois 60607
(312) 614-0950
Attention: Chris Wesser, Executive Vice President and Secretary

Copies of certain information filed by us with the SEC, including our annual report and quarterly reports, are also available on our website at www.prodivnet.com. Information contained on our website or that can be accessed through our website is not incorporated by reference herein.

You should read the information relating to us in this prospectus together with the information in the documents incorporated by reference. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to incorporate information furnished to, but not filed with, the SEC.
 
 


 
 
246,445 Shares

Professional Diversity Network, Inc.
 


Common Stock
 


Prospectus
 
 


2017
 
 
 


 
 
PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
Item 13.
Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution

The following table sets forth the expenses payable by the Registrant expected to be incurred in connection with the issuance and distribution of common stock being registered hereby (other than underwriting discounts and commissions). All of such expenses are estimates, except for the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) registration fee.
 
       
SEC registration fee
 
$
276.20
 
Financial printer fees and expenses
   
810.00
 
Legal fees and expenses
   
30,000.00
 
Accounting fees and expenses
   
7,500.00
 
Total
 
$
38,586.20
 
 
Item 14.
Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

Section 145(a) of the DGCL provides, in general, that a corporation has the power to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation), because the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of any other enterprise. Such indemnity may be against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and if, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, the person did not have reasonable cause to believe the person’s conduct was unlawful.

Section 145(b) of the DGCL provides, in general, that a corporation has the power to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor because the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of any other enterprise, against any expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.

Section 145(g) of the DGCL provides, in general, that a corporation has the power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of any other enterprise, against any liability asserted against the person in any such capacity, or arising out of the person’s status as such, regardless of whether the corporation would have the power to indemnify the person against such liability under the provisions of Section 145 of the DGCL.

Article VII of the Company’s certificate of incorporation and Article VIII of the Company’s bylaws provide for indemnification to the fullest extent authorized by the DGCL for any person who is or was a party or threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that such person is or was serving as a director or officer of the Company or while a director or officer of the Company is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of any other enterprise. Such indemnification is provided only if the director or officer acted in good faith and in a manner that the director or officer reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Company, and with respect to any criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that the conduct was unlawful.
 
 
The foregoing is only a general summary of certain aspects of the DGCL, the Company’s certificate of incorporation and the Company’s bylaws dealing with indemnification of directors and officers, and does not purport to be complete. It is qualified in its entirety by reference to the detailed provisions of Section 145 of the DGCL, Article VII of the Company’s certificate of incorporation and Article VIII of the bylaws of the Company.
 
Item 15.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.
 
On January 18, 2017, we consummated the issuance and sale to Cosmic Forward Limited, a Republic of Seychelles company and controlling stockholder of PDN (“CFL”) of 312,500 shares of our common stock at a price of $9.60 per share pursuant to the terms of a stock purchase agreement dated as of January 13, 2017. The shares were issued in a transaction exempt from registration pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Rule 506(b) of Regulation D promulgated thereunder.
  
On November 7, 2016, we consummated the issuance and sale of 1,777,417 shares of our common stock, par value $0.01 per share to CFL, at a price of $9.60 per share (after giving effect to the Reverse Split), pursuant to the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement, dated August 12, 2016 with CFL.  The shares were issued in a transaction exempt from registration pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Rule 506(b) of Regulation D promulgated thereunder.

On March 30, 2016, we and certain of our subsidiaries entered into a Master Credit Facility (the “Credit Agreement”) with White Winston Select Asset Funds, LLC (“White Winston”).  Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, on June 30, 2016 we issued to White Winston the following three warrants: (i) a warrant (the “Fixed $2.00 Warrant”) to purchase up to 125,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $2.00 per share, (ii) a warrant (the “Pro Rata Warrant”) to purchase at an exercise price of $2.00 per share a certain number of shares of the Company’s common stock, up to 218,750 shares, pro rata based on the ratio of the actual advances made under the Master Credit Facility to the maximum principal amount of the Master Credit Facility, and (iii) a warrant (the “Fixed $20.00 Warrant,” and together with the Fixed $2.00 Warrant and the Pro Rata Warrant, the “Warrants”) to purchase up to 125,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $20.00 per share. The Fixed $2.00 Warrant and the Pro Rata Warrant are exercisable for five years from the date of issuance and the Fixed $20.00 Warrant is exercisable for five years beginning on December 30, 2016. The Warrants were issued in a transaction exempt from registration pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Rule 506(b) of Regulation D promulgated thereunder.

On September 24, 2014, in connection with our merger transaction (the “Merger”) with NAPW Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“Merger Sub”), NAPW, Inc., a New York corporation (“NAPW”), and Matthew B. Proman, the sole shareholder of NAPW (“Proman”), all shares of NAPW common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger were converted into and became the right to receive 638,872 shares of common stock of the Company, which were issued to Proman as sole shareholder of NAPW (the “Proman Shares”). In addition, pursuant to separate subscription agreements, 119,887 shares of common stock were issued to Star Jones, NAPW’s President and National Spokeswoman, and 29,972 shares were issued to Christopher Wesser, NAPW’s General Counsel  (together with the Proman Shares, the “Merger Shares”).  Also, at the effective time of the Merger, the Company, as additional consideration issued to Proman (i) a promissory note in the original principal amount of $445,000, (ii) an option to purchase 22,875 shares of the Company’s common stock at a price of $27.60 per share, (iii) a warrant to purchase 6,250 shares of the Company’s common stock at a price of $32.00 per share and (iv) a warrant to purchase 16,407 shares of the Company’s common stock at a price of $80.00 per share (together with the warrants issued in clause (iii), the “Proman Warrants”).  The options and warrants to be issued to Proman referenced in clauses (ii), (iii) and (iv) above are referred to as the “Merger Option Consideration.”  On September 24, 2015, the Company issued the Merger Shares and the Merger Option Consideration to the NAPW Affiliates pursuant to the Merger Agreement. The issuance of the Merger Shares is exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act (“Regulation D”).
 
The warrants issued to Proman as part of the Merger Option Consideration are currently exercisable.  The terms of each Proman Warrant provide that the exercise price of such Proman Warrant, and the number of shares of common stock for which such Proman Warrant may be exercised, are subject to adjustment to account for increases or decreases in the number of outstanding shares of common stock resulting from stock dividends, stock splits, consolidations, combinations, reclassifications or similar events.  Each Proman Warrant also contains provisions providing for “piggy-back” registration rights that allow Proman to elect to register the shares of common stock underlying such Proman Warrant along with any shares the Company registers with the SEC, subject to customary conditions and limitations, including the right of the underwriters of an offering to limit the number of shares.
 
 
The options issued to Proman as part of the Merger Option Consideration were vested on the issuance date and are exercisable at $27.60 per share for 22,875 shares of our common stock. The options can be exercised within 60 days following a change in control of the Company, which occurred on November 7, 2016 as a result of our sale of common stock to CFL.
  
As partial consideration for providing financial advisory services to the Company in connection with the Merger, on September 24, 2014, the Company issued to Aegis a warrant to purchase 6,250 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Aegis Warrant”). The Aegis Warrant entitles Aegis to purchase 6,250 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $32.00 per share. The Aegis Warrant is exercisable by Aegis at any time after September 24, 2015.  The terms of the Aegis Warrant provide that the exercise price of the Aegis Warrant, and the number of shares of common stock for which the Aegis Warrant may be exercised, are subject to adjustment to account for increases or decreases in the number of outstanding shares of our common stock resulting from stock dividends, stock splits, consolidations, combinations, reclassifications or similar events.  The Aegis Warrant also contains provisions providing for “piggy-back” registration rights that allow Aegis to elect to register the shares of common stock underlying the Aegis Warrant along with any shares the Company registers with the SEC, subject to customary conditions and limitations, including the right of the underwriters of an offering to limit the number of shares. 

Item 16.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

(a) Exhibits.

See the Exhibit Index immediately following the signature page hereto, which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

(b) Financial Statement Schedules.

None.
 
Item 17.
Undertakings.

(a) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:

(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

(i) To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement;

(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;

(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
 
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
 
(4) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser: each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.

(b) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question of whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
 
 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Chicago, State of Illinois, on February 10, 2017.
 
 
Professional Diversity Network, Inc.
     
 
By:
/s/ Maoji (Michael) Wang
 
Name:
Maoji (Michael) Wang
 
Title:
Chief Executive Officer

      
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities held on the dates indicated.
 
Signature
  
Capacity
  
Date
     
/s/ Maoji (Michael) Wang
  
 
  
 
Maoji (Michael) Wang
  
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer) and Director
  
February 10, 2017
   
/s/ Xin He
  
 
Xin He
  
Interim Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial
Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
  
February 10, 2017
         
/s/ James Kirsch*
 
James Kirsch
  
Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors
  
February 10, 2017
         
/s/ Jingbo Song*
   
Jingbo Song
  
Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors
  
February 10, 2017
         
/s/ Lee Hillman*
       
Lee Hillman
  
Director
  
February 10, 2017
         
/s/ Xiaojing Huang*
   
Xiaojing Huang
  
Director
  
February 10, 2017
 

/s/ Star Jones*
       
Star Jones
  
Director
  
February 10, 2017
     
/s/ Scott Liu*
       
Xianfang (Scott) Liu
  
Director
  
February 10, 2017
     
/s/ David J. Schramm*
       
David J. Schramm
  
Director
  
February 10, 2017
     
/s/ Maoji (Michael) Wang
       
Maoji (Michael) Wang
  
Director
  
February 10, 2017
     
/s/ Hao Zhang*        
Hao Zhang
  
Director
  
February 10, 2017
         
/s/ Christopher Wesser
       
Christopher Wesser, Attorney-in-Fact
       
         
* Signed by Power of Attorney
       
 

EXHIBIT INDEX
 
Exhibit
Number
Exhibit Title
Incorporated by Reference
to the Following
2.1
Agreement and Plan of Merger among the Company, NAPW Merger Sub, Inc., NAPW, Inc. and Matthew B. Proman, dated as of July 11, 2014 .
Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 14, 2014
2.2
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 12, 2016, by and between the Company and Cosmic Forward Limited, including as Exhibit A the form of Stockholders’ Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 15, 2016).
Exhibit 2.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 14, 2016
2.3
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 13, 2017, by and between the Company and Cosmic Forward Limited.
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 19, 2017
3(i).1
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended through October 17, 2016
Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 14, 2016
3(ii).1
Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of Professional Diversity Network, Inc., dated November 7, 2016
Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 8, 2016
4.1
Specimen Certificate for the Company’s Common Stock
Exhibit 4.1 of Amendment No. 12 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-181594), filed on February 28, 2013
4.2
Form of Underwriters’ Warrant.
Exhibit 1.1 of Amendment No.  12 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-181594), filed on February 28, 2013.
4.3
Common Stock Purchase Warrant for the Purchase of 6,000 Shares of Common Stock of Professional Diversity Network, Inc. between David Bocchi and the Company, dated as of September 24, 2014.
Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 26, 2014.
4.4
Common Stock Purchase Warrant for the Purchase of 50,000 Shares of Common Stock of Professional Diversity Network, Inc. between Matthew B. Proman and the Company, dated as of September 24, 2014.
Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 26, 2014.
4.5
Common Stock Warrant for the Purchase of 131,250 Shares of Common Stock of Professional Diversity Network, Inc. between Matthew B. Proman and the Company, dated as of September 24, 2014.
Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 26, 2014.
4.6
Warrant for the Purchase of 1,000,000 Shares of Common Stock of Professional Diversity Network, Inc. at a purchase price of $0.25 between White Winston Select Asset Funds, LLC and Professional Diversity Network, Inc., dated June 30, 2016.
Exhibit 4.6 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 6, 2016.
4.7
Warrant for the Purchase of 1,750,000 Shares of Common Stock of Professional Diversity Network, Inc. at a purchase price of $0.25 between White Winston Select Asset Funds, LLC and Professional Diversity Network, Inc., dated June 30, 2016.
Exhibit 4.7 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 6, 2016.
4.8
Warrant for the Purchase of 1,000,000 Shares of Common Stock of Professional Diversity Network, Inc. at a purchase price of $2.50 between White Winston Select Asset Funds, LLC and Professional Diversity Network, Inc., dated June 30, 2016.
Exhibit 4.8 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 15, 2016.
 
 
4.9
Stockholders’ Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2016, by and among the Company, CFL, Maoji (Michael) Wang, Jingbo Song, Yong Xiong Zheng and Nan Nan Kou
Exhibit 4.9 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 8, 2016
4.10
Amendment dated as of January 18, 2017 to Stockholders’ Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2016, by and among the Company, Cosmic Forward Limited, Maoji (Michael) Wang, Jingbo Song, Yong Xiong Zheng and Nan Nan Kou
Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 19, 2017
5.1(b)
Opinion of Greenberg Traurig, LLP (includes Exhibit 23.1, Consent of Greenberg Traurig, LLP.)
 
10.3
Seller Promissory Note from the Company to Matthew B. Proman in the principal amount of $445,000 dated September 24, 2014
Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 26, 2014.
10.6
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the Company and James Kirsch, dated as of September 24, 2014.
Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 26, 2014.
10.7
Employment Agreement between the Company and David Mecklenburger, dated as of September 24, 2014.
Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 26, 2014.
10.9
Employment Agreement between the Company and Star Jones, dated as of September 24, 2014.
Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 26, 2014
10.10
Employment Agreement between the Company and Christopher Wesser, dated as of September 24, 2014.
Exhibit 10.10 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 26, 2014
10.24
Master Credit Facility dated March 30, 2016 by and among Professional Diversity Network, Inc., NAPW, Inc., Noble Voice LLC and Compliant Lead LLC, as borrowers, and White Winston Select Asset Funds, LLC, as lender
Exhibit 10.24 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 4, 2016
10.27
Board Representation Agreement dated June 30, 2016 by and among Professional Diversity Network, Inc. and White Winston Select Asset Funds, LLC.
Exhibit 10.27 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 15, 2016
10.29
Employment Agreement between the Company and Katherine Butkevich, dated September 30, 2016.
Exhibit 10.29 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 4, 2016
10.30
Confidential Settlement and Mutual Release of All Claims between the Company and Matthew B. Proman dated November 4, 2016
Exhibit 10.30 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed November 14, 2016
21.1
Subsidiaries of the Company
Exhibit 21 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 30, 2016
23.2(a)
Consent of Marcum LLP
 
24.1(b)
Power of Attorney 
     



(a)
Filed herewith.
    
(b)
Filed previously.
 
 
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