Emerging Growth Company

The Company is an “emerging growth company,” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act, as modified by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”), and it may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in its periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved.

Further, Section 102(b)(1) of the JOBS Act exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies (that is, those that have not had a Securities Act registration statement declared effective or do not have a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act) are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting standards. The JOBS Act provides that an emerging growth company can elect to opt out of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements that apply to non-emerging growth companies but any such election to opt out is irrevocable. The Company has elected not to opt out of such extended transition period which means that when a standard is issued or revised and it has different application dates for public or private companies, the Company, as an emerging growth company, can adopt the new or revised standard at the time private companies adopt the new or revised standard. This may make comparison of the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements with another public company which is neither an emerging growth company nor an emerging growth company which has opted out of using the extended transition period difficult or impossible because of the potential differences in accounting standards used.

Emerging Growth Company

The Company is an “emerging growth company,” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act, as modified by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”), and it may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in its periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved.

Further, Section 102(b)(1) of the JOBS Act exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies (that is, those that have not had a Securities Act registration statement declared effective or do not have a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act) are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting standards. The JOBS Act provides that an emerging growth company can elect to opt out of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements that apply to non-emerging growth companies but any such election to opt out is irrevocable. The Company has elected not to opt out of such extended transition period which means that when a standard is issued or revised and it has different application dates for public or private companies, the Company, as an emerging growth company, can adopt the new or revised standard at the time private companies adopt the new or revised standard. This may make comparison of the Company’s financial statements with another public company which is neither an emerging growth company nor an emerging growth company which has opted out of using the extended transition period difficult or impossible because of the potential differences in accounting standards used.

Emerging Growth Company

The Company is an “emerging growth company,” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act, as modified by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”), and it may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in its periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved.

Further, Section 102(b)(1) of the JOBS Act exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies (that is, those that have not had a Securities Act registration statement declared effective or do not have a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act) are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting standards. The JOBS Act provides that an emerging growth company can elect to opt out of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements that apply to non-emerging growth companies but any such election to opt out is irrevocable. The Company has elected not to opt out of such extended transition period which means that when a standard is issued or revised and it has different application dates for public or private companies, the Company, as an emerging growth company, can adopt the new or revised standard at the time private companies adopt the new or revised standard. This may make comparison of the Company’s consolidated financial statements with another public company which is neither an emerging growth company nor an emerging growth company which has opted out of using the extended transition period difficult or impossible because of the potential differences in accounting standards used.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all short-term investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. The Company had $8,412 and $48,126 in cash and no cash equivalents, outside of the funds held in the Trust Account, as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all short-term investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. The Company had $48,126 and $503,204 in cash and no cash equivalents, outside of the funds held in the Trust Account, as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Marketable Securities Held in Trust Account

Marketable Securities Held in Trust Account

At September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the assets held in the Trust Account of $49,992,699 and $234,716,046, respectively, were invested in money market funds.

Marketable Securities Held in Trust Account

At December 31, 2022 and 2021, the assets held in the Trust Account of $234,716,046 and $232,320,844, respectively, were invested in money market funds.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, loans to affiliates, and investments. The Company holds cash at financial institutions that the Company believes are high credit quality financial institutions and limits the amount of credit exposure with any one bank and conducts ongoing evaluations of the creditworthiness of the banks with which it does business. As of December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2023, there were one and four customers, respectively, that represented 10% or greater of the Company’s accounts receivable balance. The Company expects limited credit risk arising from its long-term investments as these primarily entail investments in the Company’s affiliates that have a credit rating that is above the minimum allowable credit rating defined in the Company’s investment policy. As a part of its risk management process, the Company limits its credit risk with respect to long-term investments by performing periodic evaluations of the credit standing of counterparties to its investments.

In respect of the Company’s revenue, there were three and four customers that each accounted for more than 10% of total revenue for the nine months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively; and there were two and five customers that accounted for more than 10% of total revenue for the three months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The following table shows the amount of revenue derived from each customer exceeding 10% of the Company’s revenue during the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:


	Three Months Ended December 31,						Nine Months Ended December 31,
	2023			2022			2023			2022
Customer 1		13.9	%		16.2	%		14.4	%		16.5	%
Customer 2		12.9	%		15.6	%		12.7	%		15.4	%
Customer 3		n/a			14.7	%		10.3	%		12.8	%
Customer 4		n/a			10.0	%		n/a			10.1	%
Customer 5		n/a			10.0	%		n/a			n/a

Accounts receivable, net

The Company records a receivable when an unconditional right to consideration exists, such that only the passage of time is required before payment of consideration is due. Timing of revenue recognition may differ from the timing of invoicing to customers. If revenue recognized on a contract exceeds the billings, then the Company records an unbilled receivable for that excess amount, which is included as part of accounts receivable, net in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Prior to the Company’s adoption of ASU 2016-13, Topic 326 Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (“Topic 326”), the accounts receivable balance was reduced by an allowance for doubtful accounts that was determined based on the Company’s assessment of the collectability of customer accounts. Under Topic 326, accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount, net of allowance for credit losses. The Company regularly reviews the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses based on a combination of factors. In establishing any required allowance, management considers historical losses adjusted for current market conditions, the current receivables aging, current payment terms and expectations of forward-looking loss estimates. Allowance for credit losses was $1,233 as of December 31, 2023 and allowance for doubtful accounts was $0 as of March 31, 2023, and is classified within “Accounts Receivable, net” in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. See “Recent accounting pronouncements adopted” section below for information pertaining to the adoption of Topic 326.

The following tables provides details of the Company’s allowance for credit losses:

Schedule of allowance for credit losses
	Nine Months Ended December 31, 2023
Opening balance as of March 31, 2023	$	-
Transition period adjustment on accounts receivables (through retained earnings) pursuant to ASC 326		149
Adjusted balance as of April 1, 2023	$	149
Additions charged to cost and expense		1,084
Closing balance as of December 31, 2023	$	1,233

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist of a cash account in a financial institution which, at times may exceed the Federal depository insurance coverage of $250,000. At September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company had not experienced losses on this account and management believes the Company is not exposed to significant risks on such account.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist of a cash account in a financial institution which, at times may exceed the Federal depository insurance coverage of $250,000. At December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had not experienced losses on this account and management believes the Company is not exposed to significant risks on such account.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value should maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the condensed consolidated financial statements are categorized based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair value.

Hierarchical levels which are directly related to the amount of subjectivity associated with the inputs to the valuation of these assets or liabilities are as follows:

Level 1 – Inputs are unadjusted, quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date.

Level 2 – Inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly. Such prices may be based upon quoted prices for identical or comparable securities in active markets or inputs not quoted on active markets but corroborated by market data.

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and reflect management’s best estimate of what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. Consideration is given to the risk inherent in the valuation technique and the risk inherent in the inputs to the model.

A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received for sale of an asset or paid for transfer of a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. GAAP establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). These tiers include:

Level 1 - Valuations based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access. Valuation adjustments and block discounts are not being applied. Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, valuation of these securities does not entail a significant degree of judgment.

Level 2 - Valuations based on (i) quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities, (ii) quoted prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar assets, (iii) inputs other than quoted prices for the assets of liabilities, or (iv) inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by market through correlation or other means.

Level 3 - Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received for sale of an asset or paid for transfer of a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. GAAP establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). These tiers include:

Level 1 - Valuations based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access. Valuation adjustments and block discounts are not being applied. Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, valuation of these securities does not entail a significant degree of judgment.

Level 2 - Valuations based on (i) quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities, (ii) quoted prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar assets, (iii) inputs other than quoted prices for the assets of liabilities, or (iv) inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by market through correlation or other means.

Level 3 - Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.

Offering Costs

Offering Costs

Offering costs consist of legal, accounting, underwriting and other costs incurred through the condensed balance sheet date that are directly related to the Initial Public Offering. Upon the completion of the Initial Public Offering, the offering costs were allocated using the relative fair values of the Company’s Class A ordinary shares and its Public Warrants and Private Placement Warrants. The costs allocated to warrants were recognized in other expenses and those related to the Company’s Class A ordinary shares were charged against the carrying value of Class A ordinary shares. The Company complies with the requirements of the ASC 340-10-S99-1.

Offering Costs

Offering costs consist of legal, accounting, underwriting and other costs incurred through the balance sheet date that are directly related to the Initial Public Offering. Upon the completion of the Initial Public Offering, the offering costs were allocated using the relative fair values of the Company’s Class A ordinary shares and its Public Warrants and Private Placement Warrants. The costs allocated to warrants were recognized in other expenses and those related to the Company’s Class A ordinary shares were charged against the carrying value of Class A ordinary shares. The Company complies with the requirements of the ASC 340-10-S99-1.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

The Company follows the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes under FASB ASC 740, “Income Taxes.” Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that included the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. Deferred tax assets were deemed immaterial as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

FASB ASC 740 prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. There were no unrecognized tax benefits as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. No amounts were accrued for the payment of interest and penalties as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022. The Company is currently not aware of any issues under review that could result in significant payments, accruals, or material deviation from its position. There is currently no taxation imposed on income by the Government of the Cayman Islands. Consequently, income taxes are not reflected in the Company’s financial statement.

Income Taxes

The Company follows the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes under FASB ASC 740, “Income Taxes.” Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that included the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. Deferred tax assets were deemed immaterial as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.

FASB ASC 740 prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. There were no unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2022 and 2021. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. No amounts were accrued for the payment of interest and penalties as of December 31, 2022 and 2021. The Company is currently not aware of any issues under review that could result in significant payments, accruals, or material deviation from its position. There is currently no taxation imposed on income by the Government of the Cayman Islands. Consequently, income taxes are not reflected in the Company’s financial statement.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company evaluates its financial instruments to determine if such instruments are derivatives or contain features that qualify as embedded derivatives in accordance with ASC Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging”. For derivative financial instruments that are accounted for as liabilities, the derivative instrument is initially recorded at its fair value on the grant date and is then re-valued at each reporting date, with changes in the fair value reported in the statements of operations. The classification of derivative instruments, including whether such instruments should be recorded as liabilities or as equity, is evaluated at the end of each reporting period. Derivative liabilities are classified in the balance sheet as current or noncurrent based on whether or not net-cash settlement or conversion of the instrument could be required within 12 months of the balance sheet date.

Periods after the Demerger Transactions

Periods after the Demerger Transactions

Beginning May 25, 2023 and for the interim period ended December 31, 2023, following the demerger of the fintech and investing businesses, the condensed consolidated financial statements of ATI have been prepared from the financial records of Aark Singapore Pte. Ltd., Aeries Technology Group Business Accelerators Pvt Ltd., its subsidiaries (“ATGBA”) and controlled trust on a condensed consolidated basis.

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting

The Company operates as one operating segment. The Company’s chief operating decision maker is its chief executive officer, who reviews financial information presented on a consolidated basis for the purposes of making operating decisions, assessing financial performance and allocating resources.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Except for the Warrants and FPA as described above, the fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities, which qualify as financial instruments under the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” approximates the carrying amounts represented in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Long-Term Investments

Long-Term Investments

The Company’s long-term investments consist of debt and non-marketable equity investments in privately held companies in which the Company does not have a controlling interest or significant influence, which have maturities in excess of one year and the Company does not intend to sell.

Debt investments of mandatorily redeemable preference shares, which are classified as held-to-maturity since the Company has the intent and contractual ability to hold these securities to maturity. These investments are reported at amortized cost and are subject to an ongoing impairment evaluation. Income from these investments is recorded in “Interest income” in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Under Topic 326, expected credit losses are recorded and reduced from the amortized cost of the held-to-maturity securities. Expected credit losses for long-term investments are calculated using a probability of default method. Credit losses are recorded within “Selling, general & administrative expenses” in the condensed consolidated statements of operations when an event or circumstance indicates a decline in value has occurred. Allowance for credit losses was $129 as of December 31, 2023. See “Recent accounting pronouncements adopted” section below for information pertaining to the adoption of ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.

The following tables provides details of the Company’s allowance for credit losses:

Schedule of allowance for credit losses
	Nine Months Ended December 31, 2023
Opening balance as of March 31, 2023	$	-
Transition period adjustment on long term investments (through retained earnings) pursuant to ASC 326		126
Adjusted balance as of April 1, 2023	$	126
Additions charged to change in provision for credit losses		3
Closing balance as of December 31, 2023	$	129

The Company includes these long-term investments in “Long-term investments” on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.