Nerdy (NRDY) - 2021 Q4 - Annual Report

Learning and Development - The company has accumulated millions of hours of recorded live instruction and over 100 million usable data points to optimize learning on its platform [85]. - The AI-powered matching engine has identified over 800,000 successful Learner-to-Expert matches since 2012, enhancing the learning experience [85]. - The company has built a rich database of learning interactions to create personalized learning pathways, which serve as a competitive advantage [85]. - The company offers unlimited free classes and 52 hours of free tutoring to its employees, promoting their development and engagement [94]. Diversity and Inclusion - Approximately 68% of the company's employees are women, and about 31% are racially and ethnically diverse, reflecting its commitment to diversity and inclusion [95]. Financial Performance - The company has experienced significant net losses since its formation, with net losses of $30.679 million, $24.663 million, and $22.439 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively [127]. - Revenue increased from $90,452 thousand in 2019 to $140,664 thousand in 2021, reflecting a growth rate of approximately 55.5% over two years [171]. - The average revenue per Active Learner in 2021 was $1.1 thousand [138]. - The company anticipates increased competition from both established and emerging companies, which could lead to pricing pressure and reduced revenue [177]. Operational Challenges - The company expects operating expenses to increase significantly in the foreseeable future, which may hinder achieving and maintaining profitability [128]. - The company has a limited operating history, making it difficult to predict future financial and operating results, particularly for newer products and services [124]. - The company may face challenges in integrating new services into its platform and achieving satisfactory financial results from them [125]. - The company faces challenges in managing significant growth due to factors such as personal engagement of learners, potential circumvention of the platform, and timing of school funding cycles [173]. Regulatory and Compliance Risks - The company is subject to various regulatory and administrative investigations, which could impact its financial condition and operations [98]. - The company prioritizes data privacy and security, implementing safeguards to protect personal information and comply with evolving regulations [105]. - The ongoing evolution of privacy and data security laws may require the company to take additional measures to comply and maintain information security [111]. - The company is subject to various privacy and data protection requirements, including the European General Data Protection Regulation and Canada's Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act [111]. Employee and Contractor Management - In 2021, the company had approximately 17 thousand Active Experts with independent contractor agreements [137]. - The company is subject to potential legal proceedings that could classify independent contractors as employees, which may lead to substantial costs and operational impacts [137]. - The company plans to hire a significant number of additional employees and independent contractors to support its growth strategy [171]. Marketing and Consumer Awareness - The company has invested millions of dollars to drive consumer awareness of its online learning solutions, which are still not widely recognized by many potential users [86]. - The company relies heavily on marketing and sales efforts to attract new Learners, which constitutes a substantial portion of its expenses [140]. Cybersecurity and Data Protection - Security breaches could lead to unauthorized disclosure of data, resulting in loss of users and potential costly litigation [191]. - Cybersecurity threats, including malware and hacking, pose risks to the company's operations and could lead to significant reputational damage and financial losses [198]. - The company must navigate complex and inconsistent privacy regulations across jurisdictions, which may require costly adaptations to its platform [210]. Internal Controls and Governance - The company did not maintain effective controls over its accounting and reporting requirements, leading to material weaknesses [144]. - Management developed a comprehensive remediation plan to address material weaknesses, including expanding finance and IT teams [146]. - The company is investing in enhancing internal controls over financial reporting, including risk assessments and compliance monitoring [23]. Tax and Financial Obligations - The Tax Receivable Agreement (TRA) requires the company to pay 85% of net cash savings from tax benefits realized post-Reverse Recapitalization [279]. - The company expects substantial payment obligations under the TRA, which are dependent on various future events [281]. - Payments under the TRA may be accelerated and could significantly exceed actual tax benefits realized [282]. Market and Economic Conditions - Changes in consumer spending levels and economic conditions, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, may affect demand for the company's offerings [146]. - The company has observed a drop in college and graduate school attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting demand for academic support [181]. - Seasonal trends in education, particularly during late summer and fall, significantly impact traffic and demand for the company's offerings [180].