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Nature of Business and Organization

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2023

Nature of Business and Organization [Abstract]

Nature of business and organization

Note 1 – Nature of business and organization

GD Culture Group Limited (“GDC” or the “Company”), formerly known as Code Chain New Continent Limited, TMSR Holding Company Limited and JM Global Holding Company is a Nevada corporation and a holding company that has no material operation of its own. The Company’ subsidiaries, Citi Profit Investment Holding Limited (“Citi Profit”), TMSR Holdings Limited (“TMSR HK”), Highlights Culture Holding Co., Limited (“Highlight HK”), Shanghai Highlight Entertainment Co., Ltd. (“Highlight WFOE”) and Makesi IoT Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (“Makesi WFOE”) are also holding companies with material operations.

Highlight WFOE has a series of contractual arrangement with Shanghai Highlight Media Co., Ltd. (“Highlight Media”) that established a VIE structure. For accounting purposes, Highlight WFOE is the primary beneficiary of Highlight Media. Accordingly, under U.S. GAAP, CCNC treats Highlight Media as the consolidated affiliated entity and has consolidated Highlight Media’s financial results in CCNC’s financial statements. Highlight Media was founded in 2016. It is an integrated marketing service agency, focusing on enterprise brand management, crisis public relations, intelligent public opinion monitoring, media PR, financial and economic we-media operation, digital face application, large-scale exhibition services and other businesses. It is committed to becoming a modern science and technology media organization that fully empowers the development of customer enterprises in the era of artificial intelligence and big data.

Prior to September 28, 2022, we also conducted business through Sichuan Wuge Network Games Co., Ltd. (“Wuge”). Makesi WFOE had a series of contractual arrangement with Wuge that established a VIE structure. Wuge focused its business on research, development and application of Internet of Things (IoT) and electronic tokens Wuge digital door signs. On September 28, 2022, Makesi WFOE entered into a termination agreement with Wuge and the Wuge Shareholders to terminate the VIE Agreements and to cancel the Shares, based on the average closing price of $0.237 per share of the Company during the 30 trading days immediately prior to the date of the termination agreement. As a result of such termination, the Company no longer treats Wuge as a consolidated affiliated entity or consolidates the financial results and balance sheet of Wuge in the Company’s consolidated financial statements under U.S. GAAP.

Prior to March 30, 2021, CCNC had an indirect subsidiary, Tongrong Technology (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd. (“Tongrong WFOE”), which is a holding company with no material operations. Tongrong WFOE had a series of contractual arrangement with Jiangsu Rong Hai Electric Power Fuel Co., Ltd. (“Rong Hai”) that established a VIE structure. Rong Hai was primarily engaged in the coal wholesales and sales of coke, steel, construction materials, mechanical equipment and steel scrap. For accounting purposes, Tongrong WFOE was the primary beneficiary of Wuge. Accordingly, under U.S. GAAP, CCNC treated Rong Hai as the consolidated affiliated entity and has consolidated Rong Hai’s financial results in CCNC’s financial statements prior to March 30, 2021. On March 30, 2021, CCNC entered into a share purchase agreement with a buyer unaffiliated with the Company (the “Buyer”), and Qihai Wang, former director of the Company (the “Payee”). Pursuant to the agreement, on March 31, 2021, CCNC sold all the issued and outstanding ordinary shares of Tongrong WFOE to the Buyer at a purchase price of $2,464,411 and caused 426,369 shares of common stock of CCNC owned by the Payee to be cancelled. The sale of Tongrong Shares included disposition of Rong Hai. As a result, as of March 31, 2021, operations of Tongrong WFOE and Rong Hai have been designated as discontinued operations.

The VIE structure involves unique risks to investors. The VIE agreements have not been tested in a court of law and the Chinese regulatory authorities could disallow this VIE structure, which would likely result in a material change in our operations and the value of our securities, including that it could cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or become worthless.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect the activities of GDC and each of the following entities:

Name		Background		Ownership
Citi Profit BVI		● A British Virgin Island company Incorporated on April 2019		100% owned by the Company

Makesi WFOE		● A PRC limited liability company and deemed a wholly foreign owned enterprise (“WFOE”) Incorporated on December 2020		100% owned by TMSR HK

Citi Profit BVI		● A British Virgin Island company		100% owned by the Company
		● Incorporated on April 2019

TMSR HK		● A Hong Kong company		100% owned by Citi Profit BVI
		● Incorporated on April 2019

Highlight HK		● A Hong Kong company		100% owned by Citi Profit BVI
		● Incorporated on November 2022

Makesi WFOE		● A PRC limited liability company and deemed a wholly foreign owned enterprise (“WFOE”)		100% owned by TMSR HK
		● Incorporated on December 2020

Highlight WFOE		● A PRC limited liability company and deemed a wholly foreign owned enterprise (“WFOE”)		100% owned by Highlight HK
		● Incorporated on January 2023

Rong Hai¹		● A PRC limited liability company		VIE of Tongrong WFOE
		● Incorporated on May 20, 2009
		● Registered capital of USD 3,171,655 (RMB 20,180,000), fully funded
		● Coal wholesales and sales of coke, steels, construction materials, mechanical equipment and steel scrap

Wuge²		● A PRC limited liability company		VIE of Makesi WFOE
		● Incorporated on July 4, 2019

Highlight Media		● A PRC limited liability company		VIE of Makesi WFOE
		● Incorporated on September 16, 2022

¹	Disposed on March 31, 2021
²	Disposed on September 28, 2022

Contractual Arrangements

Rong Hai and Wuge were and Highlight Media is controlled through contractual agreements in lieu of direct equity ownership by the Company or any of its subsidiaries. Such contractual arrangements consist of a series of five agreements, consulting services agreement, equity pledge agreement, call option agreement, voting rights proxy agreement, and operating agreement (collectively the “Contractual Arrangements”).

Material terms of each of the Rong Hai VIE Agreements are described below. The Company disposed Tongrong WFOE and Rong Hai as of March 31, 2021.

Consulting Services Agreement

Pursuant to the consulting services agreement between Rong Hai and Shengrong WFOE dated November 30, 2018 and the agreement to assign consulting services agreement among Rong Hai, Shengrong WFOE and Tongrong WFOE dated April 30, 2020, Tongrong WFOE has the exclusive right to provide consulting services to Rong Hai relating to Rong Hai’s business, including but not limited to business consulting services, human resources development, and business development. Tongrong WFOE exclusively owns any intellectual property rights arising from the performance of this agreement. Tongrong WFOE has the right to determine the service fees based on Rong Hai’s actual operation on a quarterly basis.

This consulting services agreement took effect upon execution and shall remain in full force and effective until Rong Hai’s valid operation term expires. Tongrong WFOE may, at its discretion, decide to renew or terminate this consulting services agreement.

Equity Pledge Agreement.

Under the equity pledge agreement among Shengrong WFOE, Rong Hai and the shareholders of Rong Hai dated November 30, 2018, and the agreement to assign equity pledge agreement among Rong Hai, Shengrong WFOE and Tongrong WFOE dated April 30, 2020, the shareholders pledged all of their equity interests in Rong Hai to Tongrong WFOE to guarantee Rong Hai’s performance of relevant obligations and indebtedness under the consulting services agreement. In addition, the shareholders of Rong Hai have completed the registration of the equity pledge under the agreement with the competent local authority. If Rong Hai breaches its obligation under the consulting services agreement, Tongrong WFOE, as pledgee, will be entitled to certain rights, including the right to sell the pledged equity interests.

This equity pledge agreement took effect upon execution and shall remain in full force and effective until Rong Hai and Tongrong WFOE’s satisfaction of all contractual obligations and settlement of all secured indebtedness. Upon Tongrong WFOE’s request, Rong Hai shall extend its operation period to sustain the effectiveness of this equity pledge agreement.

Call Option Agreement

Under the call option agreement among Shengrong WFOE, Rong Hai and the shareholders of Rong Hai dated November 30, 2018 and the agreement to assign call option agreement among Rong Hai, Shengrong WFOE and Tongrong WFOE dated April 30, 2020, each of the shareholders of Rong Hai irrevocably granted to WFOE or its designee an option to purchase at any time, to the extent permitted under PRC law, all or a portion of his equity interests in Rong Hai. Also, Tongrong WFOE or its designee has the right to acquire any and all of its assets of Rong Hai. Without Tongrong WFOE’s prior written consent, Rong Hai’s shareholders cannot transfer their equity interests in Rong Hai, and Rong Hai cannot transfer its assets. The acquisition price for the shares or assets will be the minimum amount of consideration permitted under the PRC law at the time of the exercise of the option.

This call option agreement shall took effect upon execution. Rong Hai and Tongrong WFOE shall not terminate this call option agreement under any circumstances for any reason unless it is early terminated by Tongrong WFOE or by the requirements under the applicable laws. This call option agreement shall be terminated provided that all equity interest or assets under this option is transferred to Tongrong WFOE or its designee.

Voting Rights Proxy Agreement

Under the voting rights proxy agreement among Shengrong WFOE and the shareholders of Rong Hai dated November 30, 2018 and the agreement to assign voting rights proxy agreement among Rong Hai, Shengrong WFOE and Tongrong WFOE dated April 30, 2020, each shareholder of Rong Hai irrevocably appointed Shengrong WFOE as its attorney-in-fact to exercise on such shareholder’s behalf any and all rights that such shareholder has in respect of his equity interests in Rong Hai, including but limited to the power to vote on its behalf on all matters of Rong Hai requiring shareholder approval in accordance with the articles of association of Rong Hai.

The voting rights proxy agreement took effect upon execution of and shall remain in effect indefinitely for the maximum period of time permitted by law in consideration of Tongrong WFOE.

Operating Agreement

Pursuant to the operating agreement among Shengrong WFOE, Rong Hai and the shareholders of Rong Hai dated November 30, 2018 and the agreement to assign operating agreement among Rong Hai, Shengrong WFOE and Tongrong WFOE dated April 30, 2020, Rong Hai and the shareholders of Rong Hai agreed not to enter into any transaction that could materially affect Rong Hai’s assets, obligations, rights or operations without prior written consent from Tongrong WFOE, including but not limited to the amendment of the articles of association of Rong Hai. Rong Hai and its shareholders agree to accept and follow our corporate policies provided by Tongrong WFOE in connection with Rong Hai’s daily operations, financial management and the employment and dismissal of Rong Hai’s employees. Rong Hai agreed that it should seek guarantee from Tongrong WFOE first if any guarantee is needed for Rong Hai’s performance of any contract or loan in the course of its business operation.

This operating agreement took effect upon execution and shall remain in full force and effective until Rong Hai’s valid operation term expires. Either party of Tongrong WFOE and Rong Hai shall complete approval or registration procedures for the extension of its business term three months prior to the expiration of its business term, for the purpose of the maintenance of the effectiveness of this operating agreement.

Material terms of each of the VIE agreements with Wuge are described below. The VIE agreements with Wuge were terminated and the Company disposed Wuge as of September 28, 2022.

Technical Consultation and Services Agreement.

Pursuant to the technical consultation and services agreement between Wuge and Tongrong WFOE dated January 3, 2020, Tongrong WFOE has the exclusive right to provide consultation services to Wuge relating to Wuge’s business, including but not limited to business consultation services, human resources development, and business development. Tongrong WFOE exclusively owns any intellectual property rights arising from the performance of this agreement. Tongrong WFOE has the right to determine the service fees based on Wuge’s actual operation on a quarterly basis. This agreement will be effective as long as Wuge exists. Tongrong WFOE may terminate this agreement at any time by giving a 30 days’ prior written notice to Wuge.

Equity Pledge Agreement.

Under the equity pledge agreement among Tongrong WFOE, Wuge and Wuge Shareholders dated January 3, 2020, Wuge Shareholders pledged all of their equity interests in Wuge to Tongrong WFOE to guarantee Wuge’s performance of relevant obligations and indebtedness under the technical consultation and services agreement. In addition, Wuge Shareholders will complete the registration of the equity pledge under the agreement with the competent local authority. If Wuge breaches its obligation under the technical consultation and services agreement, Tongrong WFOE, as pledgee, will be entitled to certain rights, including the right to sell the pledged equity interests. This pledge will remain effective until all the guaranteed obligations are performed or the Wuge Shareholders cease to be shareholders of Wuge.

Equity Option Agreement.

Under the equity option agreement among Tongrong WFOE, Wuge and Wuge Shareholders dated January 3, 2020, each of Wuge Shareholders irrevocably granted to Tongrong WFOE or its designee an option to purchase at any time, to the extent permitted under PRC law, all or a portion of his equity interests in Wuge. Also, Tongrong WFOE or its designee has the right to acquire any and all of its assets of Wuge. Without Tongrong WFOE’s prior written consent, Wuge’s shareholders cannot transfer their equity interests in Wuge and Wuge cannot transfer its assets. The acquisition price for the shares or assets will be the minimum amount of consideration permitted under the PRC law at the time of the exercise of the option. This pledge will remain effective until all options have been exercised.

Voting Rights Proxy and Financial Support Agreement.

Under the voting rights proxy and financial support agreement among Tongrong WFOE, Wuge and Wuge Shareholders dated January 3, 2020, each Wuge Shareholder irrevocably appointed Tongrong WFOE as its attorney-in-fact to exercise on such shareholder’s behalf any and all rights that such shareholder has in respect of his equity interests in Wuge, including but not limited to the power to vote on its behalf on all matters of Wuge requiring shareholder approval in accordance with the articles of association of Wuge. The proxy agreement is for a term of 20 years and can be extended by Tongrong WFOE unilaterally by prior written notice to the other parties.

On January 11, 2021, Makesi WFOE entered into a series of assignment agreements (the “Assignment Agreements”) with Tongrong WFOE, Wuge and Wuge Shareholders, pursuant to which Tongrong WFOE assign all its rights and obligations under the VIE Agreements to Makesi WFOE (the “Assignment”). The VIE Agreements and the Assignment Agreements grant Makesi WFOE with the power, rights and obligations equivalent in all material respects to those it would possess as the sole equity holder of Wuge, including absolute rights to control the management, operations, assets, property and revenue of Wuge. The Assignment does not have any impact on Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Material terms of each of the VIE agreements with Highlight Media are described below:

Technical Consultation and Services Agreement.

Pursuant to the technical consultation and services agreement between Highlight Media and Makesi WFOE dated September 16, 2022, Makesi WFOE has the exclusive right to provide consultation services to Wuge relating to Wuge’s business, including but not limited to business consultation services, human resources development, and business development. Makesi WFOE exclusively owns any intellectual property rights arising from the performance of this agreement. Makesi WFOE has the right to determine the service fees based on Wuge’s actual operation on a quarterly basis. This agreement will be effective as long as Wuge exists. Makesi WFOE may terminate this agreement at any time by giving a 30 days’ prior written notice to Wuge.

Equity Pledge Agreement.

Under the equity pledge agreement among Makesi WFOE, Wuge and Wuge Shareholders dated September 16, 2022, Wuge Shareholders pledged all of their equity interests in Wuge to Makesi WFOE to guarantee Wuge’s performance of relevant obligations and indebtedness under the technical consultation and services agreement. In addition, Wuge Shareholders will complete the registration of the equity pledge under the agreement with the competent local authority. If Wuge breaches its obligation under the technical consultation and services agreement, Makesi WFOE, as pledgee, will be entitled to certain rights, including the right to sell the pledged equity interests. This pledge will remain effective until all the guaranteed obligations are performed or the Wuge Shareholders cease to be shareholders of Wuge.

Equity Option Agreement.

Under the equity option agreement among Makesi WFOE, Wuge and Wuge Shareholders dated September 16, 2022, each of Wuge Shareholders irrevocably granted to Makesi WFOE or its designee an option to purchase at any time, to the extent permitted under PRC law, all or a portion of his equity interests in Wuge. Also, Makesi WFOE or its designee has the right to acquire any and all of its assets of Wuge. Without Makesi WFOE’s prior written consent, Wuge’s shareholders cannot transfer their equity interests in Wuge and Wuge cannot transfer its assets. The acquisition price for the shares or assets will be the minimum amount of consideration permitted under the PRC law at the time of the exercise of the option. This pledge will remain effective until all options have been exercised.

Voting Rights Proxy and Financial Support Agreement.

Under the voting rights proxy and financial support agreement among Makesi WFOE, Wuge and Wuge Shareholders dated September 16, 2022, each Wuge Shareholder irrevocably appointed Makesi WFOE as its attorney-in-fact to exercise on such shareholder’s behalf any and all rights that such shareholder has in respect of his equity interests in Wuge, including but not limited to the power to vote on its behalf on all matters of Wuge requiring shareholder approval in accordance with the articles of association of Wuge. The proxy agreement is for a term of 20 years and can be extended by Makesi WFOE unilaterally by prior written notice to the other parties.

On February 27, 2023, Highlight WFOE entered into a series of assignment agreements (the “Assignment Agreements”) with Makesi WFOE, Highlight Media and Highlight Shareholders, pursuant to which Makesi WFOE assign all its rights and obligations under the VIE Agreements to Highlight WFOE (the “Assignment”). The VIE Agreements and the Assignment Agreements grant Highlight WFOE with the power, rights and obligations equivalent in all material respects to those it would possess as the sole equity holder of Highlight Media, including absolute rights to control the management, operations, assets, property and revenue of Highlight Media. The Assignment does not have any impact on Company’s consolidated financial statements.

As of the date of this report, the Company primary operations are focused on the Highlight Media business that is in enterprise brand management service. All prior energy and Wuge digital door signs business have been disposed. Substantially all of the Company’s primary operations are conducted in the PRC.