04/14/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/14/2025 06:36
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14AINFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant ☒
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ☐
Check the appropriate box:
☐ |
Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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☐ |
Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
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☒ |
Definitive Proxy Statement |
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☐ |
Definitive Additional Materials |
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☐ |
Soliciting Material Pursuant to § 240.14a-12 |
RAPT Therapeutics, Inc.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement if Other Than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check all boxes that apply):
☒ |
No fee required. |
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☐ |
Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. |
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
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RAPT THERAPEUTICS, INC.
561 Eccles Avenue
South San Francisco, California 94080
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON MAY 29, 2025
Dear Stockholder:
You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Annual Meeting") of RAPT Therapeutics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"). The meeting will be held virtually via live webcast at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/RAPT2025 on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time for the following purposes:
These items of business are more fully described in the attached proxy statement.
The Annual Meeting will be held in a virtual meeting format only. Online check-in will begin at 9:30 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time and you should allow ample time for the check-in procedures. You will not be able to attend the Annual Meeting in person.
The record date for the Annual Meeting is April 4, 2025. Only stockholders of record at the close of business on that date may vote at the meeting or any adjournment thereof. A complete list of record stockholders will be available for examination by any stockholder for any purpose germane to the Annual Meeting for a period of ten days ending on the day before the Annual Meeting date. If you would like to view the list, please contact us at our principal executive offices between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time at RAPT Therapeutics, Inc., Attn: Corporate Secretary, 561 Eccles Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080; telephone: (650) 489-9000.
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting of stockholders to be held via live webcast at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/RAPT2025 on May 29, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time.
The definitive proxy statement and our annual report will be available to stockholders at
www.proxyvote.com.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
/s/ Brian Wong, M.D., Ph.D. |
Brian Wong, M.D., Ph.D. President and Chief Executive Officer South San Francisco, California April 14, 2025 |
This definitive proxy statement is dated April 14, 2025 and is first being made available to stockholders on April 14, 2025.
You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting via live webcast at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/RAPT2025. Whether or not you expect to attend the meeting, please complete, date, sign and return the proxy mailed to you, or vote over the telephone or via the internet as instructed in these materials, as promptly as possible in order to ensure your representation at the Annual Meeting. Please note that if your shares are held of record by a broker, bank or other nominee and you wish to vote at the Annual Meeting, you must obtain a proxy issued in your name from that record holder.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THESE PROXY MATERIALS AND VOTING |
1 |
PROPOSAL NO. 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS |
9 |
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS MATTERS |
12 |
PROPOSAL NO. 2 RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM |
19 |
PROPOSAL NO. 3 ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION |
20 |
PROPOSAL NO. 4 ADVISORY VOTE ON FREQUENCY OF SOLICITATION OF ADVISORY STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION |
21 |
PROPOSAL NO. 5 APPROVAL OF REVERSE STOCK SPLIT PROPOSAL |
22 |
PROPOSAL NO. 6 APPROVAL OF THE COMPANY'S 2025 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN |
30 |
PROPOSAL NO. 7 APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF THE COMPANY'S 2019 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHSE PLAN |
38 |
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT |
41 |
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS |
44 |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION |
45 |
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION |
54 |
TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PERSONS AND INDEMNIFICATION |
59 |
HOUSEHOLDING OF PROXY MATERIALS |
60 |
OTHER MATTERS |
61 |
APPENDIX A: FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT OF THE AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF RAPT THERAPEUTICS, INC. |
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APPENDIX B: RAPT THERAPEUTICS, INC. 2025 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN |
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APPENDIX C: RAPT THERAPETUICS, INC. AMENDEDED AND RESTATED 2019 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN |
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RAPT THERAPEUTICS, INC.
561 Eccles Avenue
South San Francisco, California 94080
PROXY STATEMENT
FOR THE 2025 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
MAY 29, 2025
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THESE PROXY MATERIALS AND VOTING
Why did I receive a notice regarding the availability of proxy materials on the internet?
Pursuant to rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), we have elected to provide access to our proxy materials over the internet. Accordingly, we have sent you a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the "Notice") because the Board of Directors of RAPT Therapeutics, Inc. (the "Company," "RAPT," "we," "us" or "our") is soliciting your proxy to vote at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Annual Meeting"), including at any adjournments or postponements thereof. All stockholders will have the ability to access the proxy materials on the website referred to in the Notice or request to receive a printed set of the proxy materials. Instructions on how to access the proxy materials over the internet or to request a printed copy may be found in the Notice.
We intend to mail the Notice on or about April 14, 2025 to all stockholders of record entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.
Will I receive any other proxy materials by mail?
No, you will not receive any other proxy materials by mail unless you request a paper copy of proxy materials. All stockholders will have the ability to access the proxy materials online at www.proxyvote.com or may request a printed set of the proxy materials. Instructions on how to access the proxy materials or to request a printed copy may be found in the Notice.
How do I attend the Annual Meeting?
The meeting will be held virtually via live webcast at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/RAPT2025on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time. You will not be able to attend the Annual Meeting in person. To attend the meeting, you will need the 16-digit control number included in the Notice, your proxy card or the instructions that accompanied your proxy materials. If you are a beneficial stockholder, you should contact the bank, broker or other institution where you hold your account well in advance of the meeting if you have questions about obtaining your control number and proxy to vote.
Online check-in will begin at 9:30 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time and you should allow ample time for the check-in procedures. The virtual meeting has been designed to provide the same rights to participate as you would have at an in-person meeting. Information on how to vote before and during the Annual Meeting is discussed below.
Whether or not you participate in the Annual Meeting, it is important that you vote your shares.
What if I cannot find my control number?
Please note that if you do not have your control number and you are a registered stockholder, you will be able to login as a guest. To view the meeting webcast visit www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/RAPT2025 and register as a guest. If you login as a guest, you will not be able to vote your shares or ask questions during the meeting.
If you are a beneficial owner (that is, you hold your shares in an account at a bank, broker or other holder of record), you will need to contact that bank, broker or other holder of record to obtain your control number prior to the Annual Meeting.
When is the record date for the Annual Meeting?
The Board of Directors has fixed the record date for the Annual Meeting to be the close of business on April 4, 2025 (the "Record Date").
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Will I be able to ask questions at the Annual Meeting?
Stockholders will be able to submit questions online during the meeting, providing our stockholders with the opportunity for meaningful engagement with the Company. During the Annual Meeting, you may submit questions in the question box provided at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/RAPT2025. We will respond to as many inquiries at the Annual Meeting as time allows. Questions must comply with the meeting rules of conduct posted on the virtual meeting web portal.
What if I have technical difficulties or trouble accessing the virtual meeting website?
If you encounter any difficulties accessing the virtual Annual Meeting webcast during the check-in or meeting time, please call the technical support number that will be posted on the Annual Meeting website log-in page.
What if I cannot virtually attend the Annual Meeting?
You may vote your shares electronically before the meeting by internet, by proxy or by telephone as described below. You do not need to access the Annual Meeting webcast to vote if you submitted your vote via proxy, by internet or by telephone in advance of the Annual Meeting.
Who can vote at the Annual Meeting?
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on the Record Date will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. On the Record Date, there were 132,006,828 shares of common stock outstanding and entitled to vote.
Stockholder of Record: Shares Registered in Your Name
If on the Record Date your shares were registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, Equiniti Trust Company, LLC, then you are a stockholder of record. As a stockholder of record, you may vote through the internet before or during the Annual Meeting, by proxy through the internet or by telephone, or by proxy using a proxy card that you may request or that we may elect to deliver at a later time. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we urge you to vote by proxy through the internet or by telephone as instructed below or by completing a proxy card that you may request or that we may elect to deliver at a later time.
Beneficial Owner: Shares Registered in the Name of a Broker or Bank
If on the Record Date your shares were not held in your name, but rather in an account at a brokerage firm, bank, dealer or other similar organization, then you are the beneficial owner of shares held in "street name" and the Notice is being forwarded to you by that organization. The organization holding your account is considered to be the stockholder of record for purposes of voting at the Annual Meeting. As a beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker or other agent regarding how to vote the shares in your account. You must follow the instructions provided by your brokerage firm, bank, or other similar organization for your bank, broker or other stockholder of record to vote your shares per your instructions. Alternatively, many brokers and banks provide the means to grant proxies or otherwise instruct them to vote your shares by telephone and via the internet, including by providing you with a 16-digit control number via email or on your Notice or your voting instruction form. If your shares are held in an account with a broker, bank or other stockholder of record providing such a service, you may instruct them to vote your shares by telephone (by calling the number provided in the proxy materials) or over the internet as instructed by your broker, bank or other stockholder of record. If you did not receive a 16-digit control number via email or on your Notice or voting instruction form, and you wish to vote prior to or at the virtual Annual Meeting, you must follow the instructions from your broker, bank or other stockholder of record, including any requirement to obtain a valid legal proxy.
What am I voting on?
There are seven matters scheduled for a vote:
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What if another matter is properly brought before the meeting?
The Board of Directors knows of no other matters that will be presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting. If any other matters are properly brought before the meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying proxy to vote on those matters in accordance with his best judgment.
How do I vote?
Stockholder of Record: Shares Registered in Your Name
If you are a stockholder of record, you may vote through the internet before or during the Annual Meeting, by proxy through the internet or by telephone or by proxy using a proxy card that you may request or that we may elect to deliver at a later time. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we urge you to vote by proxy to ensure your vote is counted. If you are a stockholder of record and do not vote by completing your proxy card, by telephone, through the internet or online at the Annual Meeting, your shares will not be voted.
Beneficial Owner: Shares Registered in the Name of Broker or Bank
If you are a beneficial owner of shares registered in the name of your broker, bank or other agent, you should have received the Notice containing voting instructions from that organization rather than from RAPT. Follow the voting instructions in the Notice to ensure that your vote is counted. To vote through the internet during the Annual Meeting, you must obtain a valid proxy from your broker, bank or other agent. Follow the instructions from your broker or bank included with these proxy materials or contact your broker or bank to request a proxy form.
Internet proxy voting may be provided to allow you to vote your shares online, with procedures designed to ensure the authenticity and correctness of your proxy vote instructions. However, please be aware that you must bear any costs associated with your internet access, such as usage charges from internet access providers and telephone companies.
How many votes do I have?
On each matter to be voted upon, you have one vote for each share of common stock you owned as of the Record Date.
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If I am a stockholder of record and I do not vote, or if I return a proxy card or otherwise vote without giving specific voting instructions, what happens?
If you are a stockholder of record and do not vote by completing a proxy card, by telephone or through the internet before or during the Annual Meeting, your shares will not be voted.
If you return a signed and dated proxy card or otherwise vote without marking voting selections, your shares will be voted, as applicable:
If any other matter is properly presented at the meeting, your proxyholder will vote your shares using his best judgment
What are "broker non-votes"?
If you are a beneficial owner of shares held in street name and do not instruct your broker, bank or other agent how to vote your shares, the question of whether your broker, bank or other agent will still be able to vote your shares depends on whether the particular proposal is deemed to be a "routine" matter. Brokers, banks and other agents can use their discretion to vote "uninstructed" shares with respect to matters that are considered to be "routine," but not with respect to "non-routine" matters. Under applicable rules and interpretations, "non-routine" matters are matters that may substantially affect the rights or privileges of stockholders, such as mergers, stockholder proposals, elections of directors (even if not contested), executive compensation (including any advisory stockholder votes on executive compensation and on the frequency of stockholder votes on executive compensation) and certain corporate governance proposals, even if management-supported. When there is at least one "routine" matter that the broker, bank or other securities intermediary votes on, the shares that are un-voted on "non-routine" matters are counted as "broker non-votes." Accordingly, your broker, bank or other agent may not vote your shares on Proposal No. 1, Proposal No. 3, Proposal No. 4, Proposal No. 6 and Proposal No. 7 without your instructions, but may vote your shares on Proposal No. 2 and Proposal No. 5 even in the absence of your instruction. We expect broker non-votes to exist in connection with each of the non-routine proposals.
We encourage you to provide voting instructions to your broker, bank or other agent. This ensures that your shares will be voted at the Annual Meeting according to your instructions. You should receive directions from your broker, bank or other agent about how to submit your proxy to them at the time you receive this proxy statement.
If you are a beneficial owner of shares held in street name, in order to ensure your shares are voted in the way you would prefer, you mustprovide voting instructions to your broker, bank or other agent by the deadline provided in the materials you receive from your broker, bank or other agent.
Who is paying for this proxy solicitation?
We will pay for the entire cost of soliciting proxies. In addition to these proxy materials, our directors and employees may also solicit proxies. Directors and employees will not be paid any additional compensation for soliciting proxies. We may also reimburse brokerage firms, banks and other agents for the cost of forwarding proxy materials to beneficial owners.
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What does it mean if I receive more than one Notice?
If you receive more than one Notice, your shares may be registered in more than one name or in different accounts. Please follow the voting instructions on the Notices to ensure that all of your shares are voted.
Can I change my vote after submitting my proxy?
Stockholder of Record: Shares Registered in Your Name
Yes. You can revoke your proxy at any time before the final vote at the meeting. If you are the record holder of your shares, you may revoke your proxy in any one of the following ways:
Your most current proxy card or telephone or internet proxy is the one that is counted.
Beneficial Owner: Shares Registered in the Name of Broker or Bank
If your shares are held by your broker or bank as a nominee or agent, you should follow the instructions provided by your broker or bank.
How does the Board of Directors recommend stockholders should vote?
The Board of Directors recommends that you vote:
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What vote is required to approve each item and how are votes counted?
The following table summarizes the minimum vote needed to approve each proposal and the effect of abstentions and broker non-votes.
Proposal Number |
Proposal Description |
Voting Options |
Vote Required for Approval |
Effect of Abstentions |
Effect of Broker Non-Votes |
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1. |
Election of directors |
"For" or "withhold" with respect to each director nominee |
Plurality of the votes from the holders of a majority of the shares present by remote communication or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the matter; withhold votes will have no effect(1) |
Not applicable |
No effect(2) |
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2. |
Ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2025 |
"For," "against," or "abstain" |
"For" votes from the holders of a majority of the shares present by remote communication or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the matter |
Same effect as vote "against" |
Not applicable(3) |
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3 |
A non-binding advisory vote on the compensation of the Company's named executive officers |
"For," "against," or "abstain" |
"For" votes from the holders of a majority of the shares present by remote communication or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the matter(4) |
Same effect as vote "against" |
No effect |
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4. |
A non-binding advisory vote on the preferred frequency of stockholder advisory votes on the compensation of the Company's named executive officers. |
"1 year," "2 years," "3 years" or "abstain" |
"For" votes from the holders of a majority of the shares present by remote communication or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the matter(5) |
(6) |
No effect(2) |
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5. |
Approval of the Reverse Stock Split Proposal |
"For," "against," or "abstain" |
"For" votes from the holders of a majority of the shares present by remote communication or represented by proxy at the meeting and voting affirmatively or negatively on the matter |
No effect |
Not applicable(3) |
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6. |
Approval of the 2025 Plan |
"For," "against," or "abstain" |
"For" votes from the holders of a majority of the shares present by remote communication or represented by proxy at the meeting and voting affirmatively or negatively on the matter |
No effect |
No effect(2) |
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7. |
Amendment and restatement of the ESPP |
"For," "against," or "abstain" |
"For" votes from the holders of a majority of the shares present by remote |
No effect |
No effect(2) |
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Proposal Number |
Proposal Description |
Voting Options |
Vote Required for Approval |
Effect of Abstentions |
Effect of Broker Non-Votes |
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communication or represented by proxy at the meeting and voting affirmatively or negatively on the matter |
What is the quorum requirement?
A quorum of stockholders is necessary to hold a valid meeting. A quorum will be present if the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote are present at the meeting by remote communication or represented by proxy. On the Record Date there were 132,006,828 shares outstanding and entitled to vote. Thus, the holders of 66,003,415 shares must be present by remote communication or represented by proxy at the meeting to have a quorum.
Your shares will be counted towards the quorum only if you submit a valid proxy (or one is submitted on your behalf by your broker, bank or other nominee) or if you vote at the meeting by remote communication. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted towards the quorum requirement. If there is no quorum, the holders of a majority of shares present at the meeting by remote communication or represented by proxy may adjourn the meeting to another date.
How can I find out the results of the voting at the Annual Meeting?
Preliminary voting results will be announced at the Annual Meeting. In addition, final voting results will be published in a current report on Form 8-K that we expect to file within four business days after the Annual Meeting. If final voting results are not available to us in time to file a current report on Form 8-K within four business days after the meeting, we intend to file a current report on Form 8-K to publish preliminary results and, within four business days after the final results are known to us, file an additional current report on Form 8-K to publish the final results.
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When are stockholder proposals and director nominations due for next year's annual meeting?
To be considered for inclusion in our proxy materials for our 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, your proposal must be submitted in writing by December 15, 2025 to our Secretary at 561 Eccles Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, and you must comply with all applicable requirements of Rule 14a-8 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). However, if the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is advanced by more than 30 days prior to or delayed by more than 30 days after May 29, 2026, then the deadline will be a reasonable time prior to the time we begin to print and send our proxy materials.
Pursuant to our Amended and Restated Bylaws (the "Bylaws"), if you wish to submit a proposal (including a director nomination) at the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders that is not to be included in next year's proxy materials, you must do so not later than the close of business on February 28, 2026 and no earlier than the close of business on January 29, 2026; provided, however, that if the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is advanced by more than 30 days prior to or delayed by more than 30 days after May 29, 2026, your proposal must be submitted not earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the 90th day prior to such annual meeting or the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of such meeting is first made. You are advised to review our Bylaws, which contain additional requirements about advance notice of stockholder proposals and director nominations. In addition to satisfying the foregoing requirements under our Bylaws, to comply with the universal proxy rules, stockholders who intend to solicit proxies in support of director nominees other than our Board of Directors' nominees must provide in their notice any additional information required by Rule 14a-19 under the Exchange Act. In addition, the proxy solicited by our Board of Directors for the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders will confer discretionary voting authority with respect to (i) any proposal presented by a stockholder at that meeting for which RAPT has not been provided with timely notice and (ii) any proposal made in accordance with our Bylaws if (a) the 2026 proxy statement briefly describes the matter and how management proxy holders intend to vote on it, and (b) the stockholder does not comply with the requirements of Rule 14a-4(c)(2) promulgated under the Exchange Act.
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PROPOSAL NO. 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Our Board of Directors is divided into three classes. Currently, we have two directors in Class I, two directors in Class II and two directors in Class III, with each class of directors serving a staggered three-year term. Vacancies on the Board of Directors may be filled only by persons elected by a majority of the remaining directors unless the Board of Directors determines by resolution that any such vacancies will be filled by stockholders. A director elected by the Board of Directors to fill a vacancy in a class, including vacancies created by an increase in the number of directors, will serve for the remainder of the full term of that class or until the director's successor is duly elected and qualified.
The Board of Directors presently has six members. On March 21, 2025, Dr. Wendye R. Robbins notified the Board of Directors that she would not stand for election at the Annual Meeting. The Board of Directors has resolved to decrease its size to five members, effective immediately before the election of directors at the Annual Meeting. The Board of Directors would like to thank Dr. Robbins for her years of dedicated service to the Company. As a result of Dr. Robbins' departure, there is one Class III director whose term of office expires in 2025, Dr. Michael F. Giordano, and he is standing for election at the Annual Meeting. Upon the recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, the Board of Directors nominated Dr. Giordano for election at the Annual Meeting. Dr. Giordano has served as a member of our Board of Directors since January 2018 when he was appointed by the Board of Directors. If elected at the Annual Meeting, Dr. Giordano would serve until the 2028 Annual Meeting of Stockholders until his successor has been duly elected and qualified, or, if sooner, until his death, resignation or removal.
Shares represented by executed proxies will be voted, if authority to do so is not withheld, for the election of Dr. Giordano. If Dr. Giordano becomes unavailable for election as a result of an unexpected occurrence, shares that would have been voted for Dr. Giordano will instead be voted for the election of a substitute nominee proposed by our Board of Directors, or alternatively, our Board of Directors may leave a vacancy on our Board of Directors or determine that no director be elected at the Annual Meeting. Dr. Giordano has consented to being named as a nominee in this proxy statement and has agreed to serve if elected. We have no reason to believe that Dr. Giordano will be unable to serve.
The following includes a brief biography for Dr. Giordano and each of our other current directors, including their respective ages, as of March 25, 2025. Each biography includes information regarding the specific experience, qualifications, attributes or skills that led the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Board of Directors to determine that Dr. Giordano or other current director should serve as a member of the Board of Directors.
Class III Director Nominee for Election for a Three-Year Term Expiring at the 2028 Annual Meeting
Michael F. Giordano, M.D., age 67, has served on our Board of Directors since January 2018. From 1999 to 2017, Dr. Giordano worked at Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. (NYSE: BMY), a pharmaceutical company, most recently serving as Senior Vice President and Head of Development of Oncology, Immuno-Oncology and Immunosciences. Dr. Giordano has served on the board of directors of Achilles Ltd (Nasdaq: ACHL) and Oncovalent, Sumovalent and Arovalent Therapeutics (privately held biopharmaceutical companies) through 2024 and previously served as the Chief Medical Officer and on the board of directors of Epizyme, Inc. (Nasdaq: EPZM), a biopharmaceutical company, from March 2018 to August 2022. He received an M.D. from Weil Cornell Medical College and a B.A. in Natural Science from Johns Hopkins University. We believe that Dr. Giordano's extensive experience in drug development and in oncology and immuno-oncology, immunosciences and board governance and compensation provide him with the qualifications and skills to serve on the Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors Recommends
a Vote "For" the election of Dr. Giordano.
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Class I Directors Continuing in Office Until the 2026 Annual Meeting
Brian Wong, M.D., Ph.D., age 53, has served as a member of our Board of Directors and as our Chief Executive Officer since August 2015 and as our President since June 2019. Dr. Wong has also served as a Venture Partner at The Column Group since April 2022. From January 2009 to August 2015, he served as Vice President of Immunology and Discovery Research and thereafter as Senior Vice President, Research and Head of Immuno-Oncology at Five Prime Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: FPRX), a biopharmaceutical company. From 2005 to 2009, he served as Director of Research in the Inflammation Disease Biology Area at F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY), a pharmaceutical company. Dr. Wong received an M.D. from Weill Cornell Medical College and a Ph.D. in Immunology from Rockefeller University. Dr. Wong earned a B.A. in Chemistry and Biochemistry from Oberlin College. We believe that Dr. Wong's extensive experience in the life sciences industry and his medical and scientific training provide him with the qualifications and skills to serve on the Board of Directors.
Mary Ann Gray, Ph.D., age 72, has served on our Board of Directors since December 2019. Dr. Gray has been President of Gray Strategic Advisors, LLC, a biotechnology strategic planning and advisory firm, since September 2003. Previously, she served as Senior Analyst and Portfolio Manager of Federated Kaufmann Fund ("Federated"). Prior to Federated, she served as a biotechnology equity research analyst at multiple firms, including Kidder Peabody & Co., Dillon Read & Co. and Raymond James Financial, Inc. (NYSE: RJF). Earlier in her career, she worked as a senior scientist both at Schering Plough Corporation, a pharmaceutical company, and NeoRx Corporation, a biotechnology company. She currently serves on the boards of directors of Compass Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: CMPX), Keros Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: KROS) and BioAtla Inc. (Nasdaq: BCAB), and previously served on the board of directors of many public and private biotech companies including Palisade Bio, Inc. (Nasdaq: PALI) from July 2019 to March 2024, Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: SRPT) from December 2018 to June 2022, Senomyx, Inc. from September 2010 to November 2018, Juniper Pharmaceuticals, Inc. from March 2016 to August 2018, Galena Biopharma, Inc. from April 2016 to December 2017, TetraLogic Pharmaceuticals Corporation, ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: ACAD) April 2005 to June 2016 and Dyax Corp May 2004 to January 2016. Dr. Gray holds a B.S. degree from the University of South Carolina, a Ph.D. in pharmacology from the University of Vermont and completed post-doctoral work at Northwestern University School of Medicine and at the Yale University School of Medicine. We believe that Dr. Gray's extensive experience in the biotechnology industry provide her with the qualifications and skills to serve on the Board of Directors.
Class II Directors Continuing in Office Until the 2027 Annual Meeting
Linda Kozick, age 67, has served on our Board of Directors since December 2016. From January 2011 to July 2015, Ms. Kozick served as Head of Immuno-Oncology, Oncology Product and Portfolio Strategy for Opdivo and Yervoy Life Cycle Management at Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. (NYSE: BMY), a pharmaceutical company. Ms. Kozick earned an M.B.A. from Chapman University. Ms. Kozick also received an M.S. in Molecular Immunology and a B.S. in Medical Technology from SUNY Upstate Medical University. We believe that Ms. Kozick's experience in the biopharmaceutical industry and her technical training provide her with the qualifications and skills to serve on the Board of Directors.
Lori Lyons-Williams, age 47, joined our Board of Directors in November 2021 and has served as chair of the Board of Directors since January 2025. Since May 2022, she has served as President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of the board of directors of Abdera Therapeutics, a privately held biopharmaceutical company developing precision radiopharmaceuticals for cancer. Prior to Abdera, from April 2021 to April 2022, she was President and Chief Operating Officer at Neumora Therapeutics, a biotechnology company. Previously, Ms. Lyons-Williams served as Chief Commercial Officer at Dermira, Inc. (Nasdaq: DERM), a biotechnology company focused on immunology and medical dermatology, from December 2016 until its acquisition by Eli Lilly in May 2020. Prior to Dermira, Ms. Lyons-Williams was Vice President, Sales and Marketing at Allergan Ltd. (NYSE:AGN). Ms. Lyons-Williams currently serves as an independent director on the board of Contineum Therapeutics and previously served as an independent director for Five Prime Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: FPRX), a biopharmaceutical company, until its acquisition by Amgen in April 2021. Ms. Lyons-Williams earned her B.A. from Virginia Tech and her M.B.A. from Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. We believe Ms. Lyons-Williams' industry experience as an executive and director provide her with the qualifications and skills to serve on the Board of Directors.
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Director Continuing in Office Until the Annual Meeting
Wendye Robbins, M.D., age 64, has served on our Board of Directors since September 2019. Since June 2023, she has served as President & CEO of Incendia Therapeutics, Inc., a precision oncology company. From August 2016 to December 2022, Dr. Robbins served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Blade Therapeutics, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, from August 2016 to December 2022 (and was Interim CEO from May 2015 to July 2016). Dr. Robbins has also been an independent consultant to venture investors and academic scientists in company formation, strategic translational biology and drug development. Dr. Robbins served on the faculty at Stanford University School of Medicine in the Department of Anesthesia, Perioperative Care, and Pain Medicine between 2004 and 2016. Dr. Robbins completed her residency in Anesthesiology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, her internship in Internal Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and received her fellowship training in Pain Medicine from John Hopkins University School of Medicine. Dr. Robbins received an M.D. from The Medical College of Pennsylvania and a B.S. in Business Administration from the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley. We believe that Dr. Robbins' extensive experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, her industry expertise and financial knowledge provide her with the qualifications and skills to serve on the Board of Directors.
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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS MATTERS
Overview
We are committed to exercising good corporate governance practices. In furtherance of this commitment, we regularly monitor developments in the area of corporate governance and review our processes, policies and procedures in light of such developments. Key information regarding our corporate governance initiatives can be found on the Corporate Governance section of our website, www.rapt.com, including our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and the charters for our Audit, Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees. The information on, or otherwise accessible through, our website does not constitute a part of this proxy statement. We believe that our corporate governance policies and practices, including the substantial percentage of independent directors on our Board of Directors, empower our independent directors to effectively oversee our management-including the performance of our Chief Executive Officer-and provide an effective and appropriately balanced board governance structure.
Board of Directors Experience
We believe in order to provide effective decision making and oversight of the Company, our Board of Directors' experience and diversity of perspective is integral. As set forth in our Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and our Board of Directors consider diversity, age, skills and such other factors as they deem appropriate given the current needs of the Board of Directors and the Company in identifying director nominees.
We believe that our current directors possess diverse professional experiences, skills and backgrounds, in addition to, among other characteristics, high standards of personal and professional ethics and valuable knowledge of our business and our industry.
Independence of the Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors has undertaken a review of its composition, the composition of its committees and the independence of each director. Based upon information requested from and provided by each director and director nominee concerning his or her background, employment and affiliations, including family relationships, our Board of Directors has determined that Dr. Giordano, Dr. Gray, Ms. Kozick, Ms. Lyons-Williams, William Rieflin (at the time of service on the Board of Directors) and Dr. Robbins do not or did not have any relationships that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director and that each of these directors is or was otherwise "independent" as that term is defined under applicable listing standards of the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (such listing standards, the "Nasdaq Listing Rules" and "Nasdaq"). Dr. Wong is not considered independent because he currently serves as our Chief Executive Officer. In addition, our Board of Directors has determined that each member of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (that is currently a member of such committees or was during 2024) meets or met the applicable Nasdaq and SEC rules and regulations regarding "independence" and that each member is or was free of any relationship that would interfere with his or her individual exercise of independent judgment with regard to the Company. In making these independence determinations, our Board of Directors considered the current and prior relationships that each non-employee director (and Mr. Rieflin) has or had with our Company and all other facts and circumstances our Board of Directors deemed relevant in determining their independence, including the beneficial ownership of our capital stock by each non-employee director (and Mr. Rieflin).
Board Leadership Structure
The roles of chair of our Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer are currently separated, with Ms. Lyons-Williams serving as chair of our Board of Directors and Dr. Wong serving as our Chief Executive Officer. We believe that separating these positions allows our Chief Executive Officer to focus on our day-to-day business, while allowing the chair of our Board of Directors to lead the Board of Directors in its fundamental role of providing advice to and independent oversight of management. In determining to separate these roles, our Board of Directors recognized and continues to recognize the time, effort and energy that the Chief Executive Officer is required to devote to his position in the current business environment, as well as the commitment required to serve as chair of our Board of Directors, particularly as the Board of Directors' oversight responsibilities continue to grow. While our Bylaws and corporate governance guidelines do not require that our chair and Chief Executive Officer positions be separate, our Board of Directors believes that having separate positions is the appropriate leadership structure for us at this time and demonstrates our commitment to good corporate governance.
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Role of the Board of Directors in Risk Oversight
Our Board of Directors believes that risk management is an important part of establishing, updating and executing our business strategy. Our Board of Directors, as a whole and at the committee level, has oversight responsibility relating to risks that could affect the corporate strategy, business objectives, compliance, operations and the financial condition and performance of the Company. Our Board of Directors focuses its oversight on the most significant risks facing the Company and its processes to identify, prioritize, assess, manage and mitigate those risks. Our Board of Directors and its committees receive regular reports from members of the Company's senior management on areas of material risk to the Company, including strategic, operational, financial, cybersecurity, legal and regulatory risks. While our Board of Directors has an oversight role, management is principally tasked with direct responsibility for management and assessment of risks and the implementation of processes and controls to mitigate their effects on the Company.
The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing our financial reporting process on behalf of our Board of Directors and reviewing with management and our auditors, as appropriate, our major financial risk exposures, as well as overseeing our cybersecurity risk management processes, including oversight and mitigation of risks from cybersecurity threats. The Compensation Committee is responsible for overseeing our practices and policies of employee compensation as they relate to risk management and risk-taking incentives to determine whether such compensation policies and practices are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee oversees the management of risks associated with our overall compliance and corporate governance practices and the independence and composition of our Board of Directors. These committees provide regular reports to the full Board of Directors.
Meetings of the Board of Directors and Attendance
The Board of Directors met 17 times during 2024. Each director attended 75% or more of the aggregate number of meetings of the Board of Directors, and of the committees on which he or she served, held during the portion of 2024 for which he or she was a director or committee member, with the exception of Ms. Kozick, who attended 74% of such meetings.
Our policy is to encourage directors and nominees for director to attend the Annual Meeting. Five of our then-serving directors attended the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Information Regarding Committees of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors has an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee and a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The following table provides committee membership as of March 25, 2025 and meeting information for 2024 for each of these committees:
Name |
Audit |
Compensation |
Nominating |
||
Michael Giordano, M.D. |
✓* |
✓ |
|||
Mary Ann Gray, Ph.D. |
✓* |
||||
Linda Kozick |
✓ |
✓* |
|||
Wendye Robbins, M.D.(1) |
✓ |
||||
Lori Lyons-Williams (1) |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
Number of meetings |
4 |
8 |
1 |
* Committee chair
(1) On March 21, 2025, Dr. Wendye R. Robbins notified the Board of Directors that she would not stand for election at the Annual Meeting, and, accordingly, her term will expire at the Annual Meeting. Effective as of the Annual Meeting, we expect Ms. Lyons-Williams will join the Audit Committee and step down from the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
Below is a description of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The written charters of the committees are available to stockholders on the Corporate Governance section of our website at www.rapt.com. The information on, or otherwise accessible through, our website does not constitute a part of this proxy statement. Each of the committees has authority to engage legal counsel or other experts or consultants, as it deems appropriate to carry out its responsibilities.
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Audit Committee
Our Audit Committee currently consists of Dr. Mary Ann Gray, Linda Kozick and Dr. Wendye Robbins. Effective as of the Annual Meeting, we expect the Audit Committee to consist of Dr. Mary Ann Gray, Linda Kozick and Lori-Lyons Williams. The chair of our Audit Committee is and will continue to be Dr. Gray. Our Board of Directors has determined that each member of the Audit Committee and Ms. Lyons-Williams satisfies the independence requirements under the Nasdaq Listing Rules and Rule 10A-3(b)(1) of the Exchange Act. Our Board of Directors has determined that Dr. Gray, Dr. Robbins and Ms. Lyons-Williams are each an "audit committee financial expert" within the meaning of SEC regulations. Each member of our Audit Committee and Ms. Lyons-Williams can read and understand fundamental financial statements in accordance with applicable listing standards. In arriving at these determinations, our Board of Directors has examined each Audit Committee member's, as well as Ms. Lyons-Williams', scope of experience and the nature of her employment.
The primary purpose of the Audit Committee is to discharge the responsibilities of our Board of Directors with respect to our corporate accounting and financial reporting processes, systems of internal control and financial statement audits, and to oversee our independent registered public accounting firm. Specific responsibilities of our Audit Committee include:
Our Audit Committee operates under a written charter that satisfies the applicable listing standards of Nasdaq and can be accessed in the Corporate Governance section of our website at www.rapt.com. The information on, or otherwise accessible through, our website does not constitute a part of this proxy statement. Our Audit Committee meets regularly in executive session.
Report of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors
The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 with management of the Company. The Audit Committee has discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the matters required to be discussed by the applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) and the SEC. The Audit Committee has also received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent registered public accounting firm required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding the independent accountants' communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence and has discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the accounting firm's independence. Based on the foregoing, the Audit Committee has recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 for filing with the SEC.
Respectfully submitted,
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors
Mary Ann Gray, Ph.D. (Chair)
Linda Kozick
Wendye Robbins, M.D.
The material in this report is not "soliciting material," is not deemed "filed" with the SEC and is not to be incorporated by reference in any filing of the Company under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language in any such filing.
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Compensation Committee
Our Compensation Committee currently consists of Dr. Michael Giordano and Lori Lyons-Williams. The chair of our Compensation Committee is Dr. Giordano. Our Board of Directors has determined that each member of the Compensation Committee satisfies the independence requirements under the listing standards of Nasdaq and is a "non-employee director" as defined in Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act.
The primary purpose of our Compensation Committee is to discharge the responsibilities of our Board of Directors in overseeing our compensation policies, plans and programs and to review and determine the compensation to be paid to our executive officers, directors and other senior management, as appropriate. Specific responsibilities of our Compensation Committee include:
Our Compensation Committee operates under a written charter that satisfies the applicable Nasdaq Listing Rules and can be accessed in the Corporate Governance section of our website at www.rapt.com. The information on, or otherwise accessible through, our website does not constitute a part of this proxy statement.
Compensation Committee Processes and Procedures
Typically, the Compensation Committee meets several times annually and with greater frequency when necessary. The agenda for each meeting is usually developed by the chair of the Compensation Committee in consultation with our Chief Executive Officer. The Compensation Committee meets regularly in executive session. From time to time, various members of management and other employees, as well as outside advisors or consultants, may be invited by the Compensation Committee to make presentations, to provide financial or other background information or advice or to otherwise participate in Compensation Committee meetings. The Chief Executive Officer may not participate in, or be present during, any deliberations or determinations of the Compensation Committee regarding his compensation. The charter of the Compensation Committee grants the Compensation Committee full access to all books, records, facilities and personnel of the Company. In addition, under the charter, the Compensation Committee has the authority to obtain, at the expense of the Company, advice and assistance from compensation consultants, internal and external legal, accounting or other advisors and other external resources that the Compensation Committee considers necessary or appropriate in the performance of its duties. The Compensation Committee has direct responsibility for the oversight of the work of any consultants or advisers engaged for the purpose of advising the Compensation Committee. In particular, the Compensation Committee has the authority to retain, in its sole discretion, compensation consultants to assist in its evaluation of executive and director compensation, including the authority to approve the consultant's reasonable fees and other retention terms. Under the charter, the Compensation Committee may select, or receive advice from, a compensation consultant, legal counsel or other adviser to the Compensation Committee, other than in-house legal counsel and certain other types of advisers, only after taking into consideration the factors prescribed by the SEC and Nasdaq that bear upon the adviser's independence; however, there is no requirement that any adviser be independent.
During the past fiscal year, after taking into consideration the factors prescribed by the SEC and Nasdaq described above, the Compensation Committee engaged Aon plc/Radford ("Radford") as compensation consultants. The Compensation Committee requested that Radford:
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As part of its engagement, Radford was requested by the Compensation Committee to develop a comparative group of companies and to perform analyses of competitive performance and compensation levels for that group. At the request of the Compensation Committee, Radford also conducted individual interviews with senior management to learn more about the Company's business operations and strategy, key performance metrics and strategic goals, as well as the labor markets in which the Company competes. Radford ultimately developed recommendations that were presented to the Compensation Committee for its consideration. Following an active dialogue with Radford, the Compensation Committee approved the recommendations.
Historically, the Compensation Committee has made most of the significant adjustments to annual compensation, determined cash incentive and equity awards and established new performance objectives at one or more meetings held during the first quarter of the year. However, the Compensation Committee also considers matters related to individual compensation, such as compensation for new executive hires, as well as high-level strategic issues, such as the efficacy of the Company's compensation strategy, potential modifications to that strategy and new trends, plans or approaches to compensation, at various meetings throughout the year. Generally, the Compensation Committee's process comprises two related elements: the determination of compensation levels and the establishment of performance objectives for the current year. For executives other than the Chief Executive Officer, the Compensation Committee solicits and considers evaluations and recommendations submitted to the Compensation Committee by the Chief Executive Officer. In the case of the Chief Executive Officer, the evaluation of his performance is conducted by the Compensation Committee, which determines any adjustments to his compensation, as well as awards to be granted. As part of its deliberations regarding compensation for all executives and directors, the Compensation Committee may review and consider, as appropriate, materials such as financial reports and projections, operational data, tax and accounting information, tally sheets that set forth the total compensation that may become payable to executives in various hypothetical scenarios, executive and director stock ownership information, Company stock performance data, analyses of historical executive compensation levels and current Company-wide compensation levels and recommendations of the Compensation Committee's compensation consultant, including analyses of executive and director compensation paid at other companies identified by the consultant.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee currently consists of Linda Kozick, Dr. Michael Giordano and Lori Lyons-Williams. Effective as of the Annual Meeting, we expect the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee to consist of Ms. Kozick and Dr. Giordano. The chair of our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is and will continue to be Ms. Kozick. Our Board of Directors has determined that each member of our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee satisfies the independence requirements under the listing standards of Nasdaq.
Specific responsibilities of our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee include:
Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee operates under a written charter that satisfies the applicable Nasdaq Listing Rules and can be accessed in the Corporate Governance section of our website at www.rapt.com. The information on, or otherwise accessible through, our website does not constitute a part of this proxy statement.
Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee uses its network of contacts to find potential candidates for director, but may also engage, if it deems appropriate, a professional search firm. Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee conducts any appropriate inquiries into the backgrounds and qualifications of possible candidates after considering the function and needs of the Board of Directors.
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The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee believes that candidates for director should have certain minimum qualifications, including the ability to read and understand basic financial statements and having the highest personal integrity and ethics. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also intends to consider such factors as possessing relevant expertise upon which to be able to offer advice and guidance to management; having sufficient time to devote to the affairs of the Company; demonstrating excellence in his or her field; having the ability to exercise sound business judgment; having experience as a board member or executive officer of another publicly held company; having a diverse personal background, perspective and experience and having the commitment to rigorously represent the long-term interests of our stockholders. However, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee retains the right to modify these qualifications from time to time. Candidates for director nominees are reviewed in the context of the current composition of the Board of Directors, the operating requirements of RAPT and the long-term interests of stockholders. In conducting this assessment, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee typically considers diversity of background, age, skills and such other factors as it deems appropriate, given the current needs of the Board of Directors and RAPT, to maintain a balance of knowledge, experience and capability.
Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviews the service of incumbent directors whose terms are set to expire, including the number of meetings attended, level of participation, quality of performance and any other relationships and transactions that might impair the directors' independence, as well as the overall composition of the Board of Directors and the desire to add new skill sets and expertise to the Company. In the case of all director candidates, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also determines whether the nominee is independent for Nasdaq purposes, which determination is based upon applicable Nasdaq Listing Rules, applicable SEC rules and regulations and the advice of counsel, if necessary.
Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider director candidates recommended by stockholders and does not intend to alter the manner in which it evaluates candidates, including the minimum criteria set forth above, based on whether or not the candidate was recommended by a stockholder. Stockholders who wish to recommend individuals for consideration by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee to become nominees for election to the Board of Directors may do so by delivering a written recommendation to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee at the following address: 561 Eccles Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080. Submissions must include the following information, in addition to any other requirements set forth in our Bylaws and applicable law: the full name of the proposed nominee, a description of the proposed nominee's business experience for at least the previous five years, complete biographical information, a description of the proposed nominee's qualifications as a director and a representation that the nominating stockholder is a beneficial or record holder of our common stock and has been a holder for at least one year. Any such submission must be accompanied by the written consent of the proposed nominee to be named as a nominee and to serve as a director if elected.
Stockholder Communications with the Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors believes that stockholders should have an opportunity to communicate with the Board of Directors and efforts have been made to ensure that the views of stockholders are heard by the Board of Directors or individual directors, as applicable, and that appropriate responses are provided to stockholders in a timely manner.
Stockholders wishing to communicate with the Board of Directors or an individual director may send a written communication to the Board of Directors or such director c/o RAPT Therapeutics, Inc., 561 Eccles Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, Attn: Secretary. The Secretary will review each communication. The Secretary will forward such communication to the Board of Directors or to any individual director to whom the communication is addressed unless the communication contains advertisements or solicitations or is unduly hostile, threatening or similarly inappropriate, in which case the Secretary shall discard the communication.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the "Code of Conduct") that applies to all of our directors, officers and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and principal accounting officer or controller or persons performing similar functions. The Code of Conduct is available on our website at www.rapt.com. The information on, or otherwise accessible through, our website does not constitute a part of this proxy statement. We intend to promptly disclose on our website or in a Current Report on Form 8-K in the future (i) the date and nature of any amendment (other than technical, administrative or other non-substantive amendments) to the Code of Conduct that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller or persons performing similar functions and relates to any element of the code of ethics definition enumerated in Item 406(b) of Regulation S-K and (ii) the nature of any waiver, including an implicit waiver, from a provision of the Code of Conduct that is granted to one of these specified individuals that relates to one or more of the elements of the code of ethics definition enumerated in Item 406(b) of Regulation S-K, the name of such person who is granted the waiver and the date of the waiver.
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Corporate Governance Guidelines
As part of our Board of Directors' commitment to enhancing stockholder value over the long term, our Board of Directors has adopted a set of Corporate Governance Guidelines to provide the framework for the governance of the Company and to assist our Board of Directors in the exercise of its responsibilities. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines cover, among other topics, composition and structure of the Board of Directors, Board of Directors membership criteria, director independence, Board of Directors and Board of Directors committee assessments, committees of the Board of Directors, Board of Directors access to management and outside advisors and director orientation and education. The Corporate Governance Guidelines, as well as the charters for each committee of the Board of Directors, may be viewed on the Corporate Governance section of our website at www.rapt.com. The information on, or otherwise accessible through, our website does not constitute a part of this proxy statement.
Insider Trading Policies
We have adoptedinsider trading policies and procedures governing the purchase, sale, and/or other dispositions of our securities by directors, officers and employees. Our insider trading policies and procedures prohibit directors, officers and other employees from engaging in any transaction in our securities, including any purchase or sale in the open market, loan, pledge, hedge or other transfer of beneficial ownership without first obtaining pre-clearance of the transaction from our Chief Financial Officer (the "Clearing Officer"). Pursuant to our insider trading policies and procedures, our directors, officers, employees, and their designees may not trade in in options, puts, calls, or other derivative instruments related to our stock or debt. Further, directors, officers, employees, and their designees may not purchase our stock on margin, borrow against our stock held in a margin account, or pledge our stock as collateral for a loan. In addition, it is our intent to comply with the applicable laws and regulations relating to insider trading. A copy of our insider trading policy is filed as an exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024.
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PROPOSAL NO. 2
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has appointed Ernst & Young LLP as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2025 and has further directed that management submit the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm for ratification by the stockholders at the Annual Meeting. Ernst & Young LLP was engaged in 2017 and has audited the Company's financial statements since 2017. Representatives of Ernst & Young LLP are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting. They will have an opportunity to make a statement if they so desire and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.
Neither the Company's Bylaws nor other governing documents or law require stockholder ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm. However, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is submitting the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP to the stockholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate practice. If the stockholders fail to ratify the appointment, the Audit Committee will reconsider whether or not to retain Ernst & Young LLP. Even if the appointment is ratified, the Audit Committee in its discretion may direct the appointment of a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if they determine that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.
The Board of Directors Recommends
a Vote "For" Proposal No. 2.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The following table represents aggregate fees billed to RAPT for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, by Ernst & Young LLP, RAPT's independent registered public accounting firm.
Year Ended December 31, |
||||||||
2024 |
2023 |
|||||||
(in thousands) |
||||||||
Audit Fees(1) |
$ |
1,275,298 |
$ |
1,207,043 |
||||
Audit-Related Fees |
- |
- |
||||||
Tax Fees |
- |
- |
||||||
All Other Fees |
- |
- |
||||||
Total Fees |
$ |
1,275,298 |
$ |
1,207,043 |
All fees have been pre-approved by our Audit Committee.
Pre-Approval Procedures
The Audit Committee has procedures in place for the pre-approval of audit and non-audit services rendered by our independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP. The Audit Committee generally pre-approves specified services in the defined categories of audit services, audit-related services and tax services up to specified amounts. Pre-approval may also be given as part of the Audit Committee's approval of the scope of the engagement of the independent auditor or on an individual, explicit, case-by-case basis before the independent auditor is engaged to provide each service. The pre-approval of services may be delegated to one or more of the Audit Committee's members, but the decision must be reported to the full Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting.
The Audit Committee has determined that the rendering of services other than audit services by Ernst & Young LLP is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant's independence.
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PROPOSAL NO. 3
ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
In accordance with the requirements of Section 14A of the Exchange Act and the related rules of the SEC, the Company's stockholders are being asked to approve, in an advisory, non-binding vote, the compensation of the Company's named executive officers as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K, including the compensation tables and narrative discussion.
This advisory resolution, commonly referred to as a "say-on-pay" resolution, is non-binding. Although this resolution is non-binding, the Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee value the opinions of the Company's stockholders and will review and consider the voting results when making future compensation decisions for the Company's named executive officers. If stockholders approve the "one year" option as the frequency of future say-on-pay votes under Proposal No. 4, the Company expects that it will conduct its next say-on-pay vote at the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
The Company's named executive officer compensation program is designed to attract, retain and motivate the caliber of officers needed to ensure the Company's continued growth and profitability. This vote is not intended to address any specific item of compensation or any specific named executive officer, but rather the overall compensation of all of the Company's named executive officers described in this proxy statement. The Company believes that its named executive officer compensation program is competitive within the Company's industry and strongly aligned with the long-term interests of its stockholders. The Compensation Committee regularly reviews the Company's named executive officer compensation program to ensure that it achieves the desired goals of aligning the Company's named executive officer compensation structure with its stockholders' interests and current market practices.
Proposed Resolution
It is proposed that at the Annual Meeting the following resolution be adopted:
"RESOLVED, that the stockholders of RAPT Therapeutics, Inc. (the "Company") approve, on an advisory basis, compensation paid to the Company's named executive officers, as disclosed in the Company's proxy statement for the Annual Meeting, pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the SEC, including the compensation tables and narrative discussion.
The Board of Directors Recommends
a Vote "For" Proposal No. 3.
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PROPOSAL NO. 4
ADVISORY VOTE ON FREQUENCY OF SOLICITATION OF
ADVISORY STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
In accordance with the requirements of Section 14A of the Exchange Act and the related rules of the SEC, the Company's stockholders are also entitled to vote, on an advisory basis, on whether the "say-on-pay" vote, as required by Section 14A of the Exchange Act, should occur every one, two, or three years. The vote on the frequency of the say-on-pay vote, just as with the say-on-pay vote itself, is advisory only, and it also is not binding on the Company or on the Board of Directors. Although the vote is non-binding, the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors will carefully consider the outcome of the vote when determining the frequency of future stockholder advisory votes to approve the compensation of the Company's named executive officers.
After careful consideration, the Board of Directors has determined that a say-on-pay vote that occurs every year is the most appropriate alternative for the Company at this time. Therefore, the Board of Directors recommends that you vote for a "one year" frequency for the say-on-pay vote.
Although the Board of Directors recommends a say-on-pay vote be held every year, you may vote one of four choices for this Proposal No. 4 on the proxy card: "one year," "two years," "three years" or "abstain."
Proposed Resolution
It is proposed that at the Annual Meeting the following resolution be adopted:
"RESOLVED, that the option of once every one year, two years, or three years that receives stockholder approval for this resolution will be determined to be the preferred frequency with which the Company is to hold an advisory stockholder vote to approve the compensation paid to the Company's named executive officers, as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K, including the compensation tables and narrative discussion."
The Board of Directors Recommends
a Vote of "one year" for this Proposal No. 4.
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PROPOSAL NO. 5
APPROVAL OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT PROPOSAL
Background Regarding Reverse Stock Split
The Company's Board of Directors has adopted and deemed advisable, and is recommending that the Company's stockholders approve, a proposed amendment to the Company's amended and restated certificate of incorporation to effect a reverse stock split (the "Reverse Stock Split") of all of the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock at a ratio of one-for-eight and with such Reverse Stock Split to be effected at such time and date, if at all, as determined by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion. The form of the proposed amendment to the Company's amended and restated certificate of incorporation to effect the Reverse Stock Split is attached as Appendix Ato this proxy statement. However, the text of the proposed amendment is subject to revision to include such changes as may be required by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and as the Board of Directors deems necessary or advisable to effect the proposed amendment of the Company's amended and restated certificate of incorporation.
By approving this Proposal No. 5, stockholders will (i) approve an amendment to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation pursuant to which every eight outstanding shares of the Company's common stock would be combined into one share of its common stock and (ii) authorize the Board of Directors to file such amendment, as determined by the Board in the manner described herein. The Board may effect only one Reverse Stock Split as a result of this authorization. The Board of Directors may also elect not to execute any Reverse Stock Split. The Board of Directors' decision as to whether and when to effect the Reverse Stock Split will be based on a number of factors, including market conditions and existing and expected trading prices and volumes for our common stock. Although the Company's stockholders may approve the Reverse Stock Split, the Company will not effect the Reverse Stock Split if the Board of Directors does not deem it to be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. The Reverse Stock Split will take effect, if at all, after it is approved by the stockholders, is deemed by the Board of Directors to be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders, and after filing the amendment to the Company's amended and restated certificate of incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. The total number of authorized shares of common stock will remain at 500,000,000, notwithstanding the Reverse Stock Split.
In the event that approval for the Reverse Stock Split is obtained, and the Board of Directors does not execute the Reverse Stock Split within the 12-month period following the Annual Meeting, further stockholder approval would be required prior to implementing any reverse stock split.
Forward-Looking Statements
This proxy statement, including statements in "Approval of the Reverse Stock Split Proposal," contains "forward-looking statements" as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on our current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements may include statements regarding the expected or potential benefits of implementing a Reverse Stock Split as described in this proposal. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual results may differ materially from those stated or implied by forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law. Forward-looking statements should be evaluated together with the many risks and uncertainties that affect our business, particularly those mentioned under the "Risk Factors" heading of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and any subsequently filed report containing "Risk Factors."
Reasons for the Reverse Stock Split
The Board of Directors is submitting the proposed authorization for the Reverse Stock Split to the Company's stockholders for approval in order to obtain the flexibility to reduce the number of issued and outstanding shares and to potentially increase the per share trading price of our common stock, which the Board of Directors believes may benefit the Company and our stockholders in a number of potential ways:
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Accordingly, for these reasons the Company believes that granting the Board of Directors the flexibility to effect the Reverse Stock Split is in the Company's and its stockholders' best interests.
Criteria to be Used for Decision to Implement the Reverse Stock Split
In determining whether to implement the Reverse Stock Split following receipt of stockholder approval of this proposal, our Board of Directors may consider, among other things, various factors, such as:
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Effect on Outstanding Common Stock and Authorized Common Stock
If the Company effects a one-for-eight reverse stock split on the Company's outstanding common stock as of the close of business on March 25, 2025, every eight of outstanding shares of the Company's common stock would be combined into one share of its common stock such that the Company's 132,006,828 shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of such time would become 16,500,853 shares of common stock. No fractional shares of common stock will be issued as a result of the Reverse Stock Split. Instead, stockholders who otherwise would be entitled to receive fractional shares will be entitled to receive cash as set forth below under "No Fractional Shares." Each common stockholder will hold the same percentage of the outstanding common stock immediately following the Reverse Stock Split as that stockholder did immediately prior to the Reverse Stock Split, except to the extent that the Reverse Stock Split results in stockholders receiving cash in lieu of fractional shares.
While the Reverse Stock Split will not impact the absolute number of the Company's authorized shares of common stock, which will remain at 500,000,000, notwithstanding the Reverse Stock Split, it will result in an effective increase in the authorized number of shares of the Company's common stock. The Company may use the additional authorized and unissued shares of common stock resulting from the Reverse Stock Split to issue additional shares of common stock from time to time in equity financings, in connection with strategic transactions, under the Company's equity compensation plans or in connection with other matters. The Board currently has no plans, arrangements or understandings regarding the issuance of such additional authorized and unissued shares of common stock.
The Reverse Stock Split will affect all of the Company's stockholders uniformly (except as it relates to the treatment of fractional shares, which will not apply if as a result of the Reverse Stock Split a common stockholder does not hold fractional shares) and will not materially affect any stockholder's percentage ownership interests in the Company or proportionate voting power. For example, a holder of 2% of the voting power of the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock immediately prior to a Reverse Stock Split would continue to hold 2% of the voting power (assuming there is no impact as a result of the payment of cash in lieu of issuing fractional shares) of the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock immediately after such Reverse Stock Split. The Reverse Stock Split will not change the terms of the Company's common stock. The shares of new common stock will have the same voting rights and rights to dividends and distributions and will be identical in all other respects to the common stock now authorized. The common stock issued pursuant to the Reverse Stock Split will remain fully paid and non-assessable. The Reverse Stock Split is not intended as, and will not have the effect of, a "going private transaction" covered by Rule 13e-3 under the Exchange Act. The Company will continue to be subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange Act.
Effect of the Reverse Stock Split on Our Outstanding Pre-Funded Warrants and Outstanding Equity Awards, Future Awards under Our Incentive Plans, and Future Purchases under our At-The-Market Offering
If the Reverse Stock Split is implemented, the number of shares of common stock subject to outstanding pre-funded warrants and options, restricted stock unit awards and other equity awards issued by the Company, and the number of shares reserved for future issuance and all other share limits under the Company's equity incentive plans, will be reduced by the same ratio as the reduction in the outstanding shares, in each case rounded down to the nearest whole share. Correspondingly, the exercise price for individual outstanding options, on a per share basis, will be proportionally increased (resulting in the same aggregate price being required to be paid upon exercise thereof immediately preceding the Reverse Stock Split), in each case rounded up to the nearest cent. As of March 25, 2025, there were outstanding stock options to purchase an aggregate of 12,248,761 shares of common stock at a weighted-average exercise price of $9.02 per share (or $2.15 per share giving effect to the Repricing described below). At the ratio of one-for-eight, the number of shares covered by outstanding options will be reduced to one-eighth the number currently issuable, and the exercise price of outstanding options will be increased by eight times the current exercise price, rounded up to the nearest cent. In addition, because our "at-the-market offering" pursuant to the Sales Agreement with Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. and Leerink Partners LLC allows us to sell up to $150,000,000 of shares of common stock rather than a set number of shares of common stock, there will be no direct impact on the number of shares of common stock that the Company may sell under such agreement; however, as described above, the Company does expect that the Reverse Stock Split will increase the per share trading price of its common stock, and as a result thereof, the Company would expect to issue fewer shares, if any, thereunder.
No Fractional Shares; Cash Payment In Lieu of Fractional Shares
No fractional shares of common stock will be issued in connection with the Reverse Stock Split. Instead, stockholders who otherwise would be entitled to receive fractional shares will be entitled to receive cash (without interest) in an amount equal to such fraction multiplied by the closing sales price of the Company's common stock as reported on The Nasdaq Global Market (or such other principal market upon which the Company's common stock is listed) immediately preceding the effective date of the certificate of amendment to the Company's amended and restated certificate of incorporation (with such closing sales price being adjusted to give effect to the Reverse Stock Split). After the Reverse Stock Split, a stockholder otherwise entitled to a fractional interest will not have any voting, dividend or other rights with respect to such fractional interest except to receive payment as described above.
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As of March 25, 2025, there were 41 stockholders of record of the Company's common stock, of which none held fewer than eight shares of common stock. Upon stockholder approval of this Proposal No. 5, if the Board of Directors elects to implement the proposed Reverse Stock Split, stockholders owning, prior to the Reverse Stock Split, fewer than eight shares would no longer be stockholders as a result of the cash payment in lieu of any issuance of fractional shares or interests in connection with the Reverse Stock Split. The exact number by which the number of holders of the common stock would be reduced will depend on the number of stockholders that hold less than eight shares as of the effective date of the Reverse Stock Split. As a result of the Reverse Stock Split, the Company estimates that cashing out fractional stockholders would not reduce the number of stockholders of record.
Certain Risks and Potential Disadvantages Associated with Reverse Stock Split
The Company cannot assure you that the proposed Reverse Stock Split will increase its stock price for a sustained period and have the desired effect. The Company expects the Reverse Stock Split to increase the per share trading price of its common stock. However, the effect of the Reverse Stock Split upon the market price of the Company's common stock cannot be predicted with any certainty, and the history of similar reverse stock splits for companies is varied. In particular, some investors may view a reverse stock split negatively because reverse stock splits are often used in the context of a potential delisting due to failure to meet the minimum price rule of the relevant listing market. The Company is currently in compliance with the minimum price of $1.00 per share required by the Bid Price Rule, but some investors may still view a reverse stock split negatively. It is possible that the per share price of the Company's common stock after the Reverse Stock Split will not rise in proportion to the reduction in the number of shares of the Company's common stock outstanding resulting from the Reverse Stock Split, the Reverse Stock Split may not result in a per share price that would attract brokers and investors who do not trade in lower priced stocks or the price per post-Reverse Stock Split share may not exceed or remain in excess of the $1.00 minimum required for compliance with the Bid Price Rule for a sustained period of time. In addition, although the Company believes the Reverse Stock Split may enhance the desirability of our common stock to certain potential investors, the Company cannot assure you that, if implemented, its common stock will be more attractive to institutional and other long-term investors. Even if the Company implements the Reverse Stock Split, the market price of its common stock may decrease due to factors unrelated to the Reverse Stock Split. In any case, the market price of the Company's common stock may also be based on other factors which may be unrelated to the number of shares outstanding, including the Company's future performance. If the Reverse Stock Split is consummated and the trading price of the common stock declines, the percentage decline as an absolute number and as a percentage of the Company's overall market capitalization may be greater than would occur in the absence of the Reverse Stock Split. Even if the market price per post-Reverse Stock Split share of the Company's common stock remains in excess of $1.00 per share, the Company may be delisted due to a failure to meet other continued listing requirements, including requirements under the Nasdaq Listing Rules related to the minimum number of shares that must be in the public float, the minimum market value of the public float and the minimum number of "round lot" holders.
In addition, the proposed Reverse Stock Split may decrease the liquidity of the Company's common stock and result in higher transaction costs. The liquidity of the Company's common stock may be negatively impacted by a Reverse Stock Split, given the reduced number of shares that would be outstanding after the Reverse Stock Split, particularly if the stock price does not increase as a result of the Reverse Stock Split. In addition, if a Reverse Stock Split is implemented, it will increase the number of the Company's stockholders who own "odd lots" of fewer than 100 shares of common stock. Brokerage commission and other costs of transactions in odd lots are generally higher than the costs of transactions of more than 100 shares of common stock. Accordingly, a Reverse Stock Split may not achieve the desired results of increasing marketability and liquidity of the Company's common stock described above.
Potential Anti-Takeover Effect
The implementation of a Reverse Stock Split will result in an effective increase in the authorized number of shares of the Company's common stock, which may also, under certain circumstances, be construed as having an anti-takeover effect. Although not designed or intended for such purposes, the effect of the Reverse Stock Split might be to render more difficult or to discourage a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or change in control of the Company and the removal of management, which stockholders might otherwise deem favorable. For example, the authority of the Board of Directors to issue common stock might be used to create voting impediments or to frustrate an attempt by another person or entity to effect a takeover or otherwise gain control of the Company because the issuance of additional common stock would dilute the voting power of the common stock and preferred stock then outstanding. The Company's common stock could also be issued to purchasers who would support the Board of Directors in opposing a takeover bid which the Board of Directors determines not to be in the Company's best interests and those of its stockholders. The Board of Directors is not presently aware of any attempt, or contemplated attempt, to acquire control of the Company and the Reverse Stock Split is not part of any plan by the Board of Directors to recommend or implement a series of anti-takeover measures.
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Record and Beneficial Stockholders
If this Proposal No. 5 is approved by the Company's stockholders and the Board of Directors elects to implement the Reverse Stock Split, stockholders of record holding all of their shares of the Company's common stock electronically in book-entry form under the direct registration system for securities will be automatically exchanged by the exchange agent and will receive a transaction statement at their address of record indicating the number of new post-split shares of our common stock they hold after the Reverse Stock Split along with payment in lieu of any fractional shares. Non-registered stockholders holding common stock through a bank, broker or other nominee should note that such banks, brokers or other nominees may have different procedures for processing the Reverse Stock Split and making payment for fractional shares than those that would be put in place by the Company for registered stockholders. If you hold your shares with such a bank, broker or other nominee and if you have questions in this regard, you are encouraged to contact your nominee.
If this Proposal No. 5 is approved by the Company's stockholders and the Board of Directors elects to implement the Reverse Stock Split, stockholders of record holding some or all of their shares in certificate form will receive a letter of transmittal from the Company or its exchange agent, as soon as practicable after the effective date of the Reverse Stock Split. The Company's transfer agent is expected to act as "exchange agent" for the purpose of implementing the exchange of stock certificates.
Accounting Matters
The par value of the shares of the Company's common stock is not changing as a result of the implementation of the Reverse Stock Split. The Company's stated capital, which consists of the par value per share of the Company's common stock multiplied by the aggregate number of shares of its common stock issued and outstanding, will be reduced proportionately on the effective date of the Reverse Stock Split. Correspondingly, the Company's additional paid-in capital, which consists of the difference between the Company's stated capital and the aggregate amount paid to the Company upon the issuance of all currently outstanding shares of its common stock, will be increased by a number equal to the decrease in stated capital. Further, net loss per share, book value per share and other per share amounts will be increased as a result of the Reverse Stock Split because there will be fewer shares of common stock outstanding.
Possible Disadvantages of Reverse Stock Split
Even though the Board of Directors believes that the potential advantages of the Reverse Stock Split outweigh any disadvantages that might result, the following are some of the possible disadvantages of a Reverse Stock Split:
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Procedure for Effecting Reverse Stock Split
If the Company's stockholders approve the Reverse Stock Split, the Reverse Stock Split would become effective at such time as it is deemed by the Board of Directors to be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders and the Company files the amendment to the Company's amended and restated certificate of incorporation with the Secretary of State of Delaware. Even if the Reverse Stock Split is approved by the Company's stockholders, the Board of Directors has discretion not to carry out or to delay in carrying out the Reverse Stock Split. Upon the filing of the amendment, all of the Company's old common stock will be converted into new common stock as set forth in the amendment. As soon as practicable after the effective time of the Reverse Stock Split, stockholders will be notified that the Reverse Stock Split has been effected.
All of the Company's registered holders hold their shares electronically in book-entry form with the Company's transfer agent. These stockholders do not have stock certificates evidencing their ownership of the common stock. They are, however, provided with a statement reflecting the number of shares registered in their accounts. If you hold registered shares in book-entry form with the Company's transfer agent, no action needs to be taken to receive shares of common stock following the Reverse Stock Split. If a stockholder is entitled to shares following the Reverse Stock Split, a transaction statement will automatically be sent to the stockholder's address of record indicating the number of shares of common stock held following the Reverse Stock Split.
No Dissenters' or Appraisal Rights
Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, our stockholders are not entitled to dissenters' or appraisal rights with respect to the Company's proposed amendment to its amended and restated certificate of incorporation to effect the Reverse Stock Split and the Company will not independently provide its stockholders with any such right.
Certain Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Reverse Stock Split to U.S. Holders
The following summary describes certain material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Reverse Stock Split to certain U.S. Holders (as defined below) of the Company's common stock, but does not purport to be a complete analysis of all potential tax effects. This discussion is based on provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), U.S. Treasury Regulations thereunder and administrative rulings, court decisions and other legal authorities related thereto, each as in effect as of the date of this proxy statement and all of which are subject to change or differing interpretations. Any such change or differing interpretation, which may or may not be retroactive, could alter the tax consequences described herein. This discussion is included for general informational purposes only and does not purport to consider all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that might be relevant to a U.S. Holder in such U.S. Holder's particular circumstances. This summary is limited to U.S. Holders.
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The discussion below only addresses U.S. Holders who hold the Company's common stock as a capital asset within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally property held for investment). It does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income tax that may be relevant to stockholders subject to special rules, such as brokers or dealers in securities or foreign currencies, stockholders that are not U.S. Holders, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, traders in securities who mark to market, banks, financial institutions or insurance companies, mutual funds, stockholders holding their stock through individual retirement or other tax-deferred accounts, tax-exempt organizations, stockholders holding their stock as "qualified small business stock" pursuant to Section 1202 of the Code or as Section 1244 stock for purposes of the Code, stockholders who acquired their stock in connection with the exercise of employee stock options or other employee plans or compensatory arrangements, stockholders whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, partnerships or other entities classified as partnerships, S corporations or disregarded entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes (or persons holding the Company's common stock through such entities), stockholders who hold their stock as part of an integrated investment (including a "straddle," a pledge against currency risk, a hedge or other "constructive" sale or "conversion" transaction) comprised of shares of our common stock and one or more other positions, stockholders who exercise dissenters' or appraisal rights, or stockholders who may have acquired their stock in a transaction subject to the gain rollover provisions of Section 1045 of the Code. In addition, this summary does not address any tax consequences under state, local or non-U.S. tax laws, or under estate, gift, excise or other tax laws (other than certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Reverse Stock Split), the alternative minimum tax, the Medicare contribution tax on net investment income, the special tax accounting rules under Section 451(b) of the Code, the tax consequences of transactions effectuated prior or subsequent to, or concurrently with, the Reverse Stock Split (whether or not any such transactions are consummated in connection with the Reverse Stock Split), or the tax consequences to holders of options, warrants (including pre-funded warrants) or other rights to acquire the Company's common stock.
For purposes of this discussion, a "U.S. Holder" means a beneficial owner of shares of our common stock that is any of the following:
If a partnership (including any entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds shares of the Company's common stock, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership generally will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partnerships holding the Company's common stock and the partners therein should consult their tax advisors regarding the tax consequences to them of the Reverse Stock Split.
The Company's view regarding the tax consequences of the Reverse Stock Split is not binding with the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") or the courts. The Company has not sought, and does not intend to seek, any tax opinion from counsel or ruling from the IRS with respect to any of the statements made in this summary. There can be no assurance that the IRS will not take a position contrary to these statements or that a contrary position taken by the IRS would not be sustained by a court. Accordingly, each stockholder should consult with such stockholder's own tax advisor with respect to all of the potential tax consequences to such stockholder of the Reverse Stock Split.
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STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT ARISING UNDER U.S. FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL OR NON-U.S. INCOME OR NON-INCOME TAX LAW OR UNDER ANY APPLICABLE INCOME TAX TREATY.
Tax Consequences of the Reverse Stock Split
The Company intends to treat the Reverse Stock Split as a "recapitalization" for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, a U.S. Holder generally should not recognize gain or loss in the Reverse Stock Split, except with respect to cash received in lieu of a fractional share of common stock (as described below). A U.S. Holder's aggregate tax basis in the reduced number of shares of common stock should equal the U.S. Holder's aggregate tax basis in its pre-Reverse Stock Split shares of common stock exchanged (excluding any portion of such basis that is allocated to any fractional share of common stock), and such U.S. Holder's holding period in the reduced number of shares of common stock should include the holding period in its pre-Reverse Stock Split shares of the Company's common stock exchanged. U.S. Treasury Regulations provide detailed rules for allocating the tax basis and holding period of the shares of common stock surrendered to the shares of common stock received in a recapitalization pursuant to the Reverse Stock Split. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors as to application of the foregoing rules where shares of common stock were acquired at different times or at different prices.
A U.S. Holder who receives cash in lieu of a fractional share of common stock pursuant to the Reverse Stock Split is expected to recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference, if any, between the amount of cash received and the portion of the U.S. Holder's tax basis in the shares of common stock surrendered that is allocated to such fractional share of common stock. Such capital gain or loss should be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder's holding period for the common stock surrendered in the Reverse Stock Split exceeds one year at the time of the Reverse Stock Split. Long-term capital gains of non-corporate U.S. Holders are generally subject to preferential tax rates. There are limitations on the deductibility of capital losses under the Code.
A holder of common stock may be subject to information reporting and backup withholding on cash paid in lieu of fractional shares in connection with the Reverse Stock Split. To avoid backup withholding, each holder of common stock that does not otherwise establish an exemption should provide its taxpayer identification number and comply with the applicable certification procedures. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any excess amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules generally will be allowed as a refund or credit against a holder's U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the required information is timely and properly furnished to the IRS. Holders of common stock should consult their tax advisors regarding their qualification for an exemption from backup withholding and the procedures for obtaining such an exemption, as well as the procedures for obtaining a credit or refund if backup withholding is imposed.
The preceding discussion is intended only as a summary of certain material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Reverse Stock Split. It is not a complete analysis or discussion of all potential tax effects that may be important to a particular holder. All holders of the Company's common stock should consult their own tax advisors as to the specific tax consequences of the Reverse Stock Split for them, including record retention and tax reporting requirements, the applicability and effect of any U.S. federal, state, or local or non-U.S. tax laws, and the impact of any potential change in tax law.
The Board of Directors Recommends
a Vote "For" Proposal No. 5.
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PROPOSAL NO. 6
APPROVAL OF RAPT THERAPEUTICS, INC. 2025 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
Background
On March 25, 2025, our Board of Directors approved the RAPT Therapeutics, Inc. 2025 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2025 Plan"), subject to stockholder approval. Currently, we maintain the RAPT Therapeutics, Inc. 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2019 Plan") to grant stock options, restricted stock unit awards and other stock awards to our employees, consultants and directors. The 2019 Plan was approved by the Board of Directors in June 2019 and by our stockholders in July 2019. Approval of the 2025 Plan by our stockholders will allow us to grant stock options, restricted stock unit awards and other awards at levels determined appropriate by our Board of Directors and Compensation Committee. The 2025 Plan allows us to attract, retain and motivate selected employees, consultants and directors through the granting of stock-based compensation awards and cash-based performance bonus awards. Our Board of Directors believes that the 2025 Plan is an integral part of our long-term compensation philosophy and that the 2025 Plan is necessary to continue providing the appropriate levels and types of equity compensation. If the 2025 Plan is approved by our stockholders, the 2025 Plan will become effective on the date of such approval, and no further awards will be granted under the 2019 Plan following such approval. However, any awards outstanding under the 2019 Plan will continue to be governed by their existing terms.
Requested Shares
Subject to adjustment for certain changes in our capitalization, if this Proposal No. 6 is approved by our stockholders, the aggregate number of shares of common stock that may be issued under the 2025 Plan will be equal to 35,273,658, which is the sum of (i) 21,500,000 new shares, plus (ii) the number of shares available for grant under the 2019 Plan as of the effective date of the 2025 Plan, plus(iii) the number of shares that are Returning Shares, as such shares become available from time to time. "Returning Shares" are any shares subject to outstanding stock awards granted under the 2019 Plan or the Company's 2015 Stock Plan that (i) expire or terminate for any reason prior to exercise or settlement; (ii) are forfeited because of the failure to meet a contingency or condition required to vest such shares or otherwise return to the Company; or (iii) are reacquired, withheld (or not issued) to satisfy a tax withholding obligation in connection with an award or to satisfy the purchase price or exercise price of a stock award, and they will immediately be added to the share reserve as and when such shares become Returning Shares.
In addition, the share reserve will automatically increase on January 1stof each year, for a period of not more than five years, commencing on January 1stof the year following the year in which the 2025 Plan becomes effective and ending on (and including) January 1, 2030, in an amount equal to 5% of the total number of shares of all classes of common stock plus the total number of shares of such stock subject to any warrant to acquire shares of common stock for a nominal exercise price (if any), or "pre-funded warrants," in each case outstanding on the immediately preceding December 31st (rounded down to the nearest whole share). The addition of pre-funded warrants to common shares outstanding is consistent with the method we use to calculate weighted-average shares outstanding as described in Note 11 of the financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board of Directors may act prior to January 1stof a given year to provide that there will be no January 1stincrease in the share reserve for such year or that the increase in the share reserve for such year will be a lesser number of shares of common stock than would otherwise occur pursuant to the preceding sentence.
Why We Believe It Is Important to Vote to Approve the 2025 Plan
Equity Awards Are an Important Part of Our Compensation Philosophy
Our Board of Directors believes that our future success depends, in large part, on our ability to remain competitive in attracting, retaining and motivating our employees, consultants and directors and that the issuance of equity awards is a key element in accomplishing these goals. The 2025 Plan will allow us to continue to provide performance-based incentives to our eligible employees, consultants and directors, in particular as we grow our workforce to support our new strategy.
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In November 2024, we ceased development of our former lead product candidate, zelnecirnon, based on feedback from, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA"). The FDA had imposed clinical holds on two clinical trials of zelnecirnon in February 2024. During the course of addressing the challenges associated with the clinical holds, we implemented a reduction in force in July 2024, in order to streamline our operations and conserve cash resources. In December 2024, we entered into an exclusive license agreement with Shanghai Jemincare Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, a subsidiary of Jiangxi Jemincare Group Co., Ltd., under which we have exclusive rights in certain territories to develop and commercialize RPT904, a half-life extended monoclonal antibody designed to bind free human immunoglobin E, a key driver of several allergic diseases. We intend to develop RPT904 initially in food allergy and CSU, and we expect that our hiring needs will increase significantly as we prepare to initiate clinical trials and undertake research and development activities related to RPT904 and other potential product candidates.
As we seek to execute on our new strategy and expand our team to support the development of RPT904 and other potential product candidates, we believe it is imperative that we be able to attract, retain and motivate talented employees who are dedicated to our mission, including through the issuance of equity awards. Therefore, the Board of Directors believes that the 2025 Plan is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders and recommends a vote in favor of this Proposal No. 6.
The Size of Our Share Reserve Request Is Reasonable
As of March 25, 2025, we had 1,524,897 shares available for grant under the 2019 Plan. If the 2025 Plan and the new share reserve of 21,500,000 shares is approved by our stockholders, we will have 23,024,897 shares available for grant immediately after the Annual Meeting (based on shares available as of March 25, 2025). If the 2025 Plan is not approved by our stockholders, the 2019 Plan will continue in effect, but we will be limited in the grants that we will be able to make to our employees and other service providers, which could place us in a disadvantageous position as compared with our competitors, potentially resulting in reduced retention and slower or less hiring. In March 2025, we adopted an inducement plan with a reserve of 500,000 shares to make certain new hire grants in order to bridge the Company until such time as the 2025 Plan is approved (if such approval occurs), but we cannot use the inducement plan to make grants to existing employees or to directors or consultants.
A significant portion of our current capitalization is in the form of pre-funded warrants. As of December 31, 2024, we had outstanding 132,006,828 shares of common stock and pre-funded warrants to purchase an aggregate of 83,403,425 shares of common stock. Pre-funded warrants are functionally and economically equivalent to shares of common stock, except that the pre-funded warrants do not have the right to vote unless they are exercised for the underlying shares of common stock. The addition of pre-funded warrants to shares of common stock outstanding is consistent with the method we use to calculate weighted-average shares outstanding as described in Note 11 in our financial statements as reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. As a result of the significant number of outstanding pre-funded warrants as a proportion of our total capitalization, we believe that including outstanding pre-funded warrants in the calculation of the "evergreen" provision is reasonable and important to our ability to provide competitive compensation to new hires and existing employees.
We Manage Our Equity Incentive Award Use Carefully, and Dilution Is Reasonable
We continue to believe that equity awards are a vital part of our overall compensation program. However, we recognize that equity awards dilute existing stockholders, and, therefore, we must responsibly manage the growth of our equity compensation program. We are committed to effectively monitoring our equity compensation share reserve, both in terms of how large such reserve is (our "overhang," or the number of shares subject to options issued plus available to be granted as a percentage of weighted-average shares outstanding) and how quickly we use such reserve (our "burn rate," or the number of shares subject to stock options granted each year as a percentage of weighted-average number of shares outstanding), to ensure that we maximize stockholders' value by granting the appropriate number of equity incentive awards necessary to attract, reward, and retain employees.
The tables below show our total number of shares subject to outstanding stock options and our overhang under our existing equity plans and our burn rate information.
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Overhang
The following table provides certain additional information regarding all of our equity incentive plans.
|
As of March 25, 2025 |
||
Total number of shares subject to outstanding stock options |
|
12,248,761 |
|
Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding stock options |
|
$ |
9.02(1) |
Weighted-average remaining term of outstanding stock options |
|
8.6 years |
|
Total number of shares subject to outstanding full value awards |
|
- |
|
Total number of shares available for grant under equity plans |
|
1,524,897 |
|
Total number of shares outstanding |
|
132,006,828 |
|
Closing price per share of common stock as reported on The Nasdaq Global Market |
|
$ |
1.56 |
(1) |
In November 2024, the Board of Directors approved, effective November 13, 2024, a one-time repricing of certain stock options that had been granted to date under the 2019 Plan. The repricing impacted stock options with exercise prices greater than $8.00, and each stock option was repriced to have a per share exercise price of $1.57 (the "Repricing"). To be eligible to exercise the option at the new exercise price, optionholders must remain employed with us through November 13, 2025 (subject to earlier termination in certain circumstances). Any exercise of the option prior to that date will require payment of the original, higher exercise price. The weighted-average exercise price of outstanding stock options set forth above does not reflect the Repricing given the one-year holding period. After giving effect to the Repricing, the weighted-average exercise price of outstanding stock options would be $2.15. |
If the 2025 Plan and the new share reserve of 21,500,000 shares is approved by our stockholders, we will have 23,024,897 shares available for grant immediately after the Annual Meeting (based on shares available as of March 25, 2025).
Burn Rate
The following table provides detailed information regarding the activity related to all of our equity incentive plans for fiscal years 2022, 2023 and 2024.
|
Fiscal Year |
|||||
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
2022 |
|
Total number of shares subject to stock options granted |
|
1,648,459 |
1,218,608 |
1,134,482 |
||
Total number of shares subject to full value awards granted |
|
- |
- |
- |
||
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding |
|
40,761,143 |
38,338,161 |
32,540,406 |
||
Burn Rate |
|
4.0% |
|
3.2% |
|
3.5% |
Key Plan Features
The 2025 Plan includes provisions that are designed to protect our stockholders' interests and to reflect corporate governance best practices including:
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2025 Plan Description
The material features of the 2025 Plan are described below. The following description of the 2025 Plan is a summary only and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the 2025 Plan. Stockholders are urged to read the actual text of the 2025 Plan in its entirety, which is appended as Appendix Bto the copy of this proxy statement filed with the SEC, which may be accessed from the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.
Stock Awards.The 2025 Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options ("ISOs"), nonstatutory stock options ("NSOs"), stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock unit awards, performance-based stock awards, and other forms of equity compensation, which are collectively referred to as stock awards. Additionally, the 2025 Plan provides for the grant of performance cash awards. ISOs may be granted only to our employees and to any of our parent or subsidiary corporation's employees. All other awards may be granted to employees, including officers, and to non-employee directors and consultants of ours and any of our affiliates.
Share Reserve and Limits. Please see the section entitled "Requested Shares" above for details on the share reserve. The maximum number of shares that may be issued upon the exercise of ISOs under our 2025 Plan is 105,820,974 shares (with the limit being larger than the share pool in order to take account of the fact that shares may be granted, forfeited and re-granted). The maximum number of shares of common stock subject to stock awards granted under the 2025 Plan or otherwise during any one calendar year to any non-employee director, taken together with any cash fees paid by us to such non-employee director during such calendar year for service on the Board of Directors, will not exceed $750,000 in total value (calculating the value of any such stock awards based on the grant date fair value of such stock awards for financial reporting purposes), or, with respect to the calendar year in which a non-employee director is first appointed or elected to our Board of Directors, $1,000,000.
Administration.Our Board of Directors, or a duly authorized committee thereof, has the authority to administer the 2025 Plan. Our Board of Directors may also delegate to one or more of our officers the authority to (1) designate employees (other than other officers) to be recipients of certain stock awards, (2) determine the number of shares of common stock to be subject to such stock awards and (3) specify the other terms and conditions, including the strike price or purchase price and vesting schedule, applicable to such awards. Subject to the terms of the 2025 Plan, our Board of Directors or the authorized committee, referred to as the plan administrator, determines recipients, dates of grant, the numbers and types of stock awards to be granted and the terms and conditions of the stock awards, including the period of their exercisability and the vesting schedule applicable to a stock award. Subject to the limitations set forth below, the plan administrator will also determine the exercise price, strike price or purchase price of stock awards granted and the types of consideration to be paid for the stock award.
The plan administrator has the authority to modify outstanding stock awards under our 2025 Plan. Subject to the terms of our 2025 Plan, the plan administrator has the authority, without stockholder approval, to reduce the exercise, purchase or strike price of any outstanding stock award, cancel any outstanding stock award in exchange for new stock awards, cash or other consideration, or take any other action that is treated as a repricing under generally accepted accounting principles, with the consent of any adversely affected participant.
Stock Options. ISOs and NSOs are evidenced by stock option agreements adopted by the plan administrator. The plan administrator determines the exercise price for a stock option, within the terms and conditions of the 2025 Plan, provided that the exercise price of a stock option generally cannot be less than 100% of the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. Options granted under the 2025 Plan vest at the rate specified by the plan administrator.
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The plan administrator determines the term of stock options granted under the 2025 Plan, up to a maximum of 10 years. Unless the terms of an optionholder's stock option agreement provide otherwise, if an optionholder's service relationship with us, or any of our affiliates, ceases for any reason other than disability, death or cause, the optionholder may generally exercise any vested options for a period of three months following the cessation of service. The option term will automatically be extended in the event that exercise of the option following such a termination of service is prohibited by applicable securities laws or our insider trading policy. If an optionholder's service relationship with us or any of our affiliates ceases due to disability or death, or an optionholder dies within a certain period following cessation of service, the optionholder or a beneficiary may generally exercise any vested options for a period of 12 months in the event of disability and 18 months in the event of death. In the event of a termination for cause, options generally terminate immediately. In no event may an option be exercised beyond the expiration of its term.
Acceptable consideration for the purchase of common stock issued upon the exercise of a stock option will be determined by the plan administrator and may include (1) cash, check, bank draft or money order, (2) a broker-assisted cashless exercise, (3) the tender of shares of our common stock previously owned by the optionholder, (4) a net exercise of the option if it is an NSO and (5) other legal consideration approved by the plan administrator.
Unless the plan administrator provides otherwise, options generally are not transferable except by will, the laws of descent and distribution, or pursuant to a domestic relations order. An optionholder may designate a beneficiary, however, who may exercise the option following the optionholder's death.
Tax Limitations on ISOs. The aggregate fair market value, determined at the time of grant, of our common stock with respect to ISOs that are exercisable for the first time by an optionholder during any calendar year under all of our stock plans may not exceed $100,000. Options or portions thereof that exceed such limit will be treated as NSOs. No ISOs may be granted to any person who, at the time of the grant, owns or is deemed to own stock possessing more than 10% of our total combined voting power or that of any of our parent or subsidiary corporations unless (1) the option exercise price is at least 110% of the fair market value of the stock subject to the option on the date of grant and (2) the term of the ISO does not exceed five years from the date of grant.
Restricted Stock Awards. Restricted stock awards are evidenced by restricted stock award agreements adopted by the plan administrator. Restricted stock awards may be granted in consideration for (1) cash, check, bank draft or money order, (2) services rendered to us or our affiliates or (3) any other form of legal consideration. Common stock acquired under a restricted stock award may, but need not, be subject to a share repurchase option in our favor in accordance with a vesting schedule as determined by the plan administrator. Rights to acquire shares under a restricted stock award may be transferred only upon such terms and conditions as set by the plan administrator. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable award agreement, restricted stock awards that have not vested will be forfeited upon the participant's cessation of continuous service for any reason.
Restricted Stock Unit Awards. Restricted stock unit awards are evidenced by restricted stock unit award agreements adopted by the plan administrator. Restricted stock unit awards may be granted in consideration for any form of legal consideration or for no consideration. A restricted stock unit award may be settled by cash, delivery of stock, a combination of cash and stock as deemed appropriate by the plan administrator, or in any other form of consideration set forth in the restricted stock unit award agreement. Additionally, dividend equivalents may be credited in respect of shares covered by a restricted stock unit award. Rights under a restricted stock unit award may be transferred only upon such terms and conditions as set by the plan administrator. Restricted stock unit awards may be subject to vesting as determined by the plan administrator. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable award agreement, restricted stock units that have not vested will be forfeited upon the participant's cessation of continuous service for any reason.
Stock Appreciation Rights. Stock appreciation rights are evidenced by stock appreciation grant agreements adopted by the plan administrator. The plan administrator determines the strike price for a stock appreciation right, which generally cannot be less than 100% of the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. Upon the exercise of a stock appreciation right, we will pay the participant an amount in cash or stock equal to (1) the excess of the per share fair market value of our common stock on the date of exercise over the strike price, multiplied by (2) the number of shares of common stock with respect to which the stock appreciation right is exercised. A stock appreciation right granted under the 2025 Plan vests at the rate specified in the stock appreciation right agreement as determined by the plan administrator.
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The plan administrator determines the term of stock appreciation rights granted under the 2025 Plan, up to a maximum of 10 years. Unless the terms of a participant's stock appreciation right agreement provides otherwise, if a participant's service relationship with us or any of our affiliates ceases for any reason other than cause, disability or death, the participant may generally exercise any vested stock appreciation right for a period of three months following the cessation of service. The stock appreciation right term will be further extended in the event that exercise of the stock appreciation right following such a termination of service is prohibited by applicable securities laws. If a participant's service relationship with us, or any of our affiliates, ceases due to disability or death, or a participant dies within a certain period following cessation of service, the participant or a beneficiary may generally exercise any vested stock appreciation right for a period of 12 months in the event of disability and 18 months in the event of death. In the event of a termination for cause, stock appreciation rights generally terminate immediately upon the occurrence of the event giving rise to the termination of the individual for cause. In no event may a stock appreciation right be exercised beyond the expiration of its term.
Unless the plan administrator provides otherwise, stock appreciation rights generally are not transferable except by will, the laws of descent and distribution, or pursuant to a domestic relations order. A stock appreciation right holder may designate a beneficiary, however, who may exercise the stock appreciation right following the holder's death.
Performance Awards. Our 2025 Plan permits the grant of performance-based stock and cash awards. The performance goals may be based on company-wide performance or performance of one or more business units, divisions, affiliates, or business segments, and may be either absolute or relative to the performance of one or more comparable companies or the performance of one or more relevant indices. The performance goals may differ from participant to participant and from award to award.
Other Stock Awards.The plan administrator may grant other awards based in whole or in part by reference to our common stock. The plan administrator will set the number of shares under the stock award and all other terms and conditions of such awards.
Changes to Capital Structure.If there is a specified type of change in our capital structure, such as a stock split or recapitalization, appropriate adjustments will be made to (1) the class and maximum number of shares reserved for issuance under the 2025 Plan, (2) the class and maximum number of shares by which the share reserve may increase automatically each year, (3) the class and number of shares that may be issued upon the exercise of ISOs and (4) the class and number of shares and exercise price, strike price, or purchase price, if applicable, of all outstanding stock awards.
Corporate Transactions.In the event of certain specified significant corporate transactions, the plan administrator has the discretion to take any of the following actions with respect to stock awards:
Our plan administrator is not obligated to treat all stock awards, even those that are of the same type, in the same manner.
Change in Control.The plan administrator may provide, in an individual award agreement or in any other written agreement between a participant and us that the stock award will be subject to additional acceleration of vesting and exercisability or settlement in the event of a change in control.
Amendment and Termination.Our Board of Directors has the authority to amend, suspend or terminate our 2025 Plan, provided that such action does not materially impair the existing rights of any participant without such participant's written consent and provided further that certain types of amendments will require the approval of our stockholders. No ISOs may be granted after the tenth anniversary of the date our Board of Directors adopts our 2025 Plan.
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U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences
The information set forth below is a summary only and does not purport to be complete. The information is based upon current federal income tax rules and therefore is subject to change when those rules change. Because the tax consequences to any recipient may depend on his or her particular situation, each recipient should consult the recipient's tax adviser regarding the federal, state, local, and other tax consequences of the grant or exercise of an award or the disposition of stock acquired as a result of an award. The 2025 Plan is not qualified under the provisions of Section 401(a) of the Code and is not subject to any of the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.
Nonstatutory Stock Options
Generally, there is no taxation upon the grant of a nonstatutory stock option if the stock option is granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the underlying stock on the grant date. On exercise, an optionholder will recognize ordinary income equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value on the date of exercise of the stock over the exercise price. If the optionholder is employed by us or one of our affiliates, that income will be subject to withholding taxes. We will generally be entitled to a tax deduction equal to the taxable ordinary income realized by the optionholder.
Incentive Stock Options
The 2025 Plan provides for the grant of stock options that qualify as "incentive stock options," as defined in Section 422 of the Code. Under the Code, an optionholder generally is not subject to ordinary income tax upon the grant or exercise of ISOs (although, in certain circumstances, there may be an item of adjustment included for alternative minimum tax purposes). If the optionholder holds a share received on exercise of an ISO for more than two years from the date the stock option was granted and more than one year from the date the stock option was exercised, which is referred to as the required holding period, the difference, if any, between the amount realized on a sale or other taxable disposition of that share and the holder's tax basis in that share will be long-term capital gain or loss. If, however, an optionholder disposes of a share acquired on exercise of an ISO before the end of the required holding period, which is referred to as a disqualifying disposition, the optionholder generally will recognize ordinary income in the year of the disqualifying disposition equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the share on the date the ISO was exercised over the exercise price.
We are not allowed an income tax deduction with respect to the grant or exercise of an ISO or the disposition of a share acquired on exercise of an ISO after the required holding period. If there is a disqualifying disposition of a share, however, we are generally allowed a deduction in an amount equal to the ordinary income includible in income by the optionholder.
Restricted Stock Awards
Generally, the recipient of a restricted stock award will recognize ordinary income at the time the stock is received equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the stock received over any amount paid by the recipient in exchange for the stock. If, however, the stock is not vested when it is received (for example, if the employee is required to work for a period of time in order to have the right to sell the stock), the recipient generally will not recognize income until the stock becomes vested, at which time the recipient will recognize ordinary income equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the stock on the date it becomes vested over any amount paid by the recipient in exchange for the stock. A recipient may, however, file an election with the Internal Revenue Service, within 30 days following his or her receipt of the stock award, to recognize ordinary income, as of the date the recipient receives the award, equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the stock on the date the award is granted over any amount paid by the recipient for the stock. We will generally be entitled to a tax deduction equal to the taxable ordinary income realized by the recipient of the stock award.
Restricted Stock Unit Awards
Generally, the recipient of a stock unit structured to conform to the requirements of Section 409A of the Code or an exception to Section 409A of the Code will recognize ordinary income at the time the stock is delivered equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the shares received over any amount paid by the recipient in exchange for the shares. We will generally be entitled to a tax deduction equal to the taxable ordinary income realized by the recipient of the stock award.
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Stock Appreciation Rights
We may grant under the 2025 Plan stock appreciation rights separate from any other award or in tandem with other awards under the 2025 Plan. Where the stock appreciation rights are granted with a strike price equal to the fair market value of the underlying stock on the grant date, the recipient will recognize ordinary income equal to the fair market value of the stock or cash received upon such exercise. We will generally be entitled to a tax deduction equal to the taxable ordinary income realized by the recipient of the stock appreciation right.
Performance Awards
Any of the awards above may be granted with performance vesting conditions, and the tax treatment will be as set forth above, but with the fulfillment of the performance conditions being the vesting event.
Section 162(m)
Under Section 162(m) of the Code ("Section 162(m)"), compensation paid to each of the Company's "covered employees" that exceeds $1 million per taxable year is generally non-deductible. Although the Compensation Committee will continue to consider tax implications as one factor in determining executive compensation, the Compensation Committee also looks at other factors in making its decisions and retains the flexibility to provide compensation for the Company's named executive officers in a manner consistent with the goals of our executive compensation program and the best interests of the Company and its stockholders, which may include providing for compensation that is not deductible by the Company due to the deduction limit under Section 162(m).
New Plan Benefits
The Company cannot currently determine the benefits or number of shares subject to awards that may be granted in the future to executive officers, directors, and employees under the 2025 Plan. We do not presently have any current plans, proposals or arrangements, written or otherwise, to issue any of the newly available authorized shares under the 2025 Plan, except as set forth below with respect to non-employee directors. As of March 25, 2025, we have approximately 67 employees, 10 consultants and four non-employee directors who would be eligible to receive grants under the 2025 Plan. Awards granted under the 2025 Plan to our non-employee directors are not subject to set benefits or amounts under the terms of the 2025 Plan itself. However, our director compensation policy provides for certain equity award grants to our non-employee directors. On and after the date of the Annual Meeting, if this Proposal No. 6 is approved by our stockholders, any such equity award grants will be made under the 2025 Plan. If this Proposal No. 6 is not approved by our stockholders, the grants will be made under the 2019 Plan . For additional information regarding our current compensation program for non-employee directors, please see below in the section entitled "Director Compensation."
Proposed Resolution
It is proposed that at the Annual Meeting the following resolution be adopted:
"RESOLVED, that the RAPT Therapeutics, Inc. 2025 Equity Incentive Plan be, and hereby is, approved."
The Board of Directors Recommends
a Vote "For" Proposal No. 6.
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PROPOSAL NO. 7
APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF 2019 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN TO REMOVE THE EVERGREEN PROVISION AND INCREASE THE NUMBER OF SHARES RESERVED FOR ISSUANCE
The Board of Directors is asking the stockholders to approve an amendment and restatement of our 2019 Employee Stock Purchase Plan to (a) remove the "evergreen" provision pursuant to which shares are automatically added to the share pool each year, (b) add 4,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock to the number of shares reserved for issuance and (c) remove now-irrelevant references to the Company's initial public offering.
The ESPP was approved by the Board of Directors on June 27, 2019 and by our stockholders on July 19, 2019. The Amended and Restated ESPP (the "Amended 2019 ESPP") was approved by the Board of Directors on March 25, 2025. The Amended 2019 ESPP is an employee benefit program that enables qualified employees of the Company and its designated subsidiaries to purchase shares of the Company's common stock through payroll deductions. The purpose of the Amended 2019 ESPP is to secure the services of new employees, to motivate and retain the services of existing employees and to provide incentives for such individuals to exert maximum efforts toward our success and that of our affiliates. The Amended 2019 ESPP is intended to qualify for favorable federal income tax treatment under Section 423 of the Code.
We believe that the Amended 2019 ESPP provides a valuable opportunity for employees to acquire an ownership interest in the Company and provides stockholder value by aligning employee and stockholder interests. We rely on equity incentives to attract, retain and motivate our employees, and we believe that such incentives are essential to our long-term growth and future success. The proposed share increase will ensure that a sufficient reserve of common stock remains available under the Amended 2019 ESPP to allow us to continue to provide these equity incentives to our employees on a competitive level. The additional 4,000,000 shares of common stock that may be issued under the Amended 2019 ESPP is less than 2% of the total number of shares of common stock and pre-funded warrants outstanding as of March 25, 2025. As noted below, share usage under the Amended 2019 ESPP is controlled by limitations imposed by both the Code and the terms of the offerings under the Amended 2019 ESPP.
We cannot determine at this time the participants who will be able to purchase shares under the Amended 2019 ESPP, the amount of any such purchases, or the potential value of such purchases to participants as the election to participate and the amount of any purchases under the Amended 2019 ESPP will be determined by the individual employees in their sole discretion and the purchase price has not yet been determined; however, all participants are subject to the purchase limitations set forth in the Amended 2019 ESPP. Under the terms of the proposed Amended 2019 ESPP and the anticipated terms of the offerings, the number of shares of our common stock which a participant could purchase during any purchase period is limited to 10,000 shares. In addition, the fair market value of shares purchased by an individual participant in the Amended 2019 ESPP may not exceed $25,000 in any calendar year.
Should our stockholders fail to approve the Amended 2019 ESPP, the ESPP will continue to remain in effect in accordance with its current terms. However, because only 732,643 shares of our common stock remained available for issuance under the ESPP as of March 25, 2025, our ability to use this form of equity-based compensation to attract, retain and motivate our employees in what is a very competitive hiring environment would be constrained.
The Amended 2019 ESPP is attached to this proxy statement as Appendix Cand is incorporated herein by reference. The following description of the Amended 2019 ESPP is a summary of certain important provisions and does not purport to be a complete description of the Amended 2019 ESPP. Please see Appendix Cfor more detailed information.
Description of the Amended 2019 ESPP
If the Amended 2019 ESPP is approved by our stockholders, it will become effective on the date of such approval.
Share Reserve; No Evergreen.240,336 shares of common stock were originally authorized for issuance under the ESPP. The ESPP also originally provided for an annual increase in the share pool on the first day of each year beginning in 2020 and ending in 2029, equal to the lesser of (i) one percent (1%) of the shares of common stock outstanding on the last day of the immediately preceding fiscal year and (ii) 240,336 shares, but this "evergreen" provision will not be applicable following the effective date of the Amended 2019 ESPP. The Board of Directors is seeking stockholder approval to add 4,000,000 additional shares to the Amended 2019 ESPP.
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Administration. Our Board of Directors has delegated concurrent authority to administer the Amended 2019 ESPP to our Compensation Committee. The Amended 2019 ESPP is implemented through a series of offerings under which eligible employees are granted purchase rights to purchase shares of our common stock on specified dates during such offerings. Under the Amended 2019 ESPP, we may specify offerings with durations of not more than 27 months and may specify shorter purchase periods within each offering. Each offering will have one or more purchase dates on which shares of our common stock will be purchased for employees participating in the offering. An offering under the Amended 2019 ESPP may be terminated under certain circumstances. Offerings under the ESPP are currently divided into 24-month offering periods, each of which comprise four purchase periods of approximately six months each.
Payroll Deductions. Generally, all regular employees, including executive officers, employed by us or by any of our designated affiliates, may participate in the Amended 2019 ESPP and may contribute, normally through payroll deductions, up to 15% of their earnings (as defined in the ESPP) for the purchase of our common stock under the Amended 2019 ESPP. Unless otherwise determined by our Board of Directors, common stock will be purchased for the accounts of employees participating in the Amended 2019 ESPP at a price per share equal to the lower of (a) 85% of the fair market value of a share of our common stock on the first trading date of an offering or (b) 85% of the fair market value of a share of our common stock on the date of purchase.
Participation and Limitations.Employees may have to satisfy one or more of the following service requirements before participating in the Amended 2019 ESPP, as determined by our Board of Directors, including: (1) being customarily employed for more than 20 hours per week; (2) being customarily employed for more than five months per calendar year; or (3) continuous employment with us or one of our affiliates for a period of time (not to exceed two years). No employee may purchase shares under the Amended 2019 ESPP at a rate in excess of $25,000 worth of our common stock based on the fair market value per share of our common stock at the beginning of an offering for each year such a purchase right is outstanding. Finally, no employee will be eligible for the grant of any purchase rights under the Amended 2019 ESPP if immediately after such rights are granted, such employee has voting power over 5% or more of our outstanding capital stock measured by vote or value pursuant to Section 424(d) of the Code. As of March 25, 2025, approximately 67 employees of the Company and its designated subsidiaries are eligible to participate in the Amended 2019 ESPP.
Changes to Capital Structure. If there occurs a change in our capital structure through such actions as a stock split, merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, reincorporation, stock dividend, dividend in property other than cash, large nonrecurring cash dividend, liquidating dividend, combination of shares, exchange of shares, change in corporate structure or similar transaction, the Board of Directors will make appropriate adjustments to (1) the number of shares reserved under the Amended 2019 ESPP, (2) the maximum number of shares by which the share reserve may increase automatically each year, (3) the number of shares and purchase price of all outstanding purchase rights and (4) the number of shares that are subject to purchase limits under ongoing offerings.
Corporate Transactions. In the event of certain significant corporate transactions (as defined in the Amended 2019 ESPP), any then-outstanding rights to purchase our stock under the Amended 2019 ESPP may be assumed, continued or substituted for by any surviving or acquiring entity (or its parent company). If the surviving or acquiring entity (or its parent company) elects not to assume, continue or substitute for such purchase rights, then the participants' accumulated payroll contributions will be used to purchase shares of our common stock within ten business days prior to such corporate transaction, and such purchase rights will terminate immediately.
ESPP Amendments, Termination. Our Board of Directors has the authority to amend or terminate our Amended 2019 ESPP, provided that except in certain circumstances such amendment or termination may not materially impair any outstanding purchase rights without the holder's consent. We will obtain stockholder approval of any amendment to the Amended 2019 ESPP to the extent required by applicable law or listing requirements.
Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following is a summary of certain material federal income tax consequences associated with the grant and exercise of purchase rights under the Amended 2019 ESPP. The summary does not address tax rates or non-U.S., state or local tax consequences, nor does it address employment tax or other federal tax consequences except as noted.
The Amended 2019 ESPP is intended to qualify as an "employee stock purchase plan" under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code. In general, an employee will not recognize U.S. taxable income until the sale or other disposition of the shares of common stock purchased under the Amended 2019 ESPP ("ESPP Shares"). Upon such sale or disposition, the employee will generally be subject to tax in an amount that depends on the employee's holding period with respect to the ESPP Shares.
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If the ESPP Shares are sold or disposed of more than one year from the date of purchase and more than two years after the first day of the offering period in which they were purchased, or upon the employee's death while owning the ESPP Shares, the employee will recognize ordinary income in an amount generally equal to the lesser of: (i) an amount equal to 15% of the fair market value of the ESPP Shares on the first day of the offering period (or such other percentage equal to the applicable purchase price discount), and (ii) the excess of the sale price of the ESPP Shares over the purchase price. Any additional gain will be treated as long-term capital gain. If the ESPP Shares held for the periods described above are sold and the sale price is less than the purchase price, then the employee will recognize a long-term capital loss in an amount equal to the excess of the purchase price over the sale price of the ESPP Shares.
If the ESPP Shares are sold or otherwise disposed of before the expiration of the holding periods described above, other than following the employee's death while owning the ESPP Shares, the employee generally will recognize as ordinary income an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the ESPP Shares on the date the ESPP Shares were purchased over the purchase price. Any additional gain or loss on such sale or disposition will be long-term or short-term capital gain or loss, depending on the employee's holding period with respect to the ESPP Shares.
We are not entitled to a deduction for amounts taxed as ordinary income or capital gain to an employee except to the extent of ordinary income recognized upon a sale or disposition of ESPP Shares prior to the expiration of the holding periods described above.
New Plan Benefits
Because participation in the Amended 2019 ESPP is entirely within the discretion of the eligible employees, a new plan benefits table, as described in the federal proxy rules, is not provided. Because the Company cannot predict the participation levels by employees, the rate of employee contributions or the eventual purchase price under the Amended 2019 ESPP, it is not possible to determine the value of benefits that may be obtained by executive officers and other employees under the Amended 2019 ESPP. Non-employee directors are not eligible to participate in the Amended 2019 ESPP.
Plan Benefits
The table below shows, as to the listed individuals and specified groups, the number of shares of common stock purchased under the Amended 2019 ESPP since its inception, together with the weighted-average purchase price paid per share.
Name and Position |
Number of |
Weighted |
|||
Brian Wong, M.D., Ph.D. President and Chief Executive Officer |
10,374 |
$10.19 |
|||
William Ho, M.D., Ph.D. Chief Medical Officer |
10,374 |
$10.16 |
|||
Rodney Young Chief Financial Officer |
8,489 |
$11.37 |
|||
All executive officers as a group (4 persons) |
39,611 |
$10.44 |
|||
All directors who are not executive officers as a group (5 persons)(1) |
- |
- |
|||
All employees, excluding executive officers, as a group |
429,426 |
$9.15 |
(1) |
Non-employee directors are not eligible to participate in the Amended 2019 ESPP. |
The Board of Directors Recommends a Vote "For" Proposal No. 7.
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the ownership of our common stock as of March 25, 2025 (except as noted below) by:
each director and nominee for director;
each of the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table under "Executive Compensation" below (referred to throughout this proxy statement as our named executive officers);
all current executive officers and directors as a group; and
all those known by us to be beneficial owners of more than 5% of our outstanding common stock.
This table is based upon information supplied by officers and directors, as well as Schedules 13G or 13D filed with the SEC by beneficial owners of more than 5% of our common stock. In computing the number of shares beneficially owned by a person and the percentage ownership of that person, shares of our common stock subject to options and pre-funded warrants held by that person that are exercisable as of March 25, 2025 or will become exercisable within 60 days thereafter, are deemed outstanding, while such shares are not deemed outstanding for purposes of computing percentage ownership of any other person. Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes to this table and subject to community property laws where applicable, we believe that each of the stockholders named in this table has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares indicated as beneficially owned. Applicable percentages are based on 132,006,828 shares outstanding on March 25, 2025, adjusted as required by rules promulgated by the SEC.
Except as otherwise noted below, the address for persons listed in the table is c/o RAPT Therapeutics, Inc., 561 Eccles Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080.
Beneficial Ownership |
||||||||
Beneficial Owner |
Number of |
Percent of |
||||||
5% Stockholders |
||||||||
Entities affiliated with Medicxi IV LP (1) |
22,352,000 |
16.93 |
% |
|||||
Entities affiliated with Redmile Group, LLC (2) |
13,932,449 |
9.99 |
% |
|||||
Entities affiliated Deep Track Capital, LP (3) |
13,983,940 |
9.99 |
% |
|||||
TCG Crossover GP II, LLC (4) |
13,193,110 |
9.99 |
% |
|||||
OrbiMed Advisors LLC (5) |
13,135,260 |
9.99 |
% |
|||||
Entities affiliated with Foresite Capital Fund VI, L.P. (6) |
12,544,914 |
9.50 |
% |
|||||
Entities affiliated with RTW Investments, L.P. (7) |
11,764,000 |
8.91 |
% |
|||||
Entities affiliated with Biotechnology Value Fund, L.P. (8) |
11,764,000 |
8.74 |
% |
|||||
Executive Officers, Directors and Director Nominee |
||||||||
Brian Wong (9) |
1,692,872 |
1.27 |
% |
|||||
William Ho (10) |
243,302 |
* |
||||||
Rodney Young (11) |
390,821 |
* |
||||||
Michael Giordano (12) |
89,130 |
* |
||||||
Mary Ann Gray (13) |
120,155 |
* |
||||||
Linda Kozick (14) |
116,595 |
* |
||||||
Wendye Robbins (15) |
152,274 |
* |
||||||
Lori Lyons-Williams (16) |
82,230 |
* |
||||||
All executive officers and directors as a |
3,170,536 |
2.36 |
% |
* Represents beneficial ownership of less than 1%.
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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to our executive officers as of March 25, 2025:
Name |
Age |
Position |
||
Brian Wong, M.D. Ph.D.(1) |
53 |
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director |
||
Dirk Brockstedt, Ph.D. |
56 |
Chief Scientific Officer |
||
William Ho, M.D., Ph.D. |
59 |
Chief Medical Officer |
||
Rodney Young |
62 |
Chief Financial Officer |
Dirk Brockstedt, Ph.D. has served as our Chief Scientific Officer since June 2019. Prior to that he served as our Senior Vice President, Biology from January 2018 to June 2019. Since October 2017, he has also served as Executive in Residence at ShangPharma Innovation Inc., a healthcare investment company. From September 2011 to December 2017, he served as Senior Vice President of Research and Development and most recently as Executive Vice President of Research and Development at Aduro Biotech, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company. Dr. Brockstedt served as Director of Research at Anza Therapeutics, Inc. from 2007 to 2009, Director of Immunology at Cerus Corporation (Nasdaq: CERS), a biopharmaceutical company, from 2002 to 2007 and Senior Research Scientist at Aventis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. from 1999 to 2002, a pharmaceutical company. Prior to that he was a post-doctoral fellow at the Stanford School of Medicine in the Department of Pathology. Dr. Brockstedt received a Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of Kiel (graduate work performed at Stanford University) and an M.S. in Microbiology from the University of Kiel.
William Ho, M.D., Ph.D. has served as our Chief Medical Officer since May 2015. From October 2012 to February 2015, he served as the Vice President of Clinical Development at Igenica Biotherapeutics, Inc., a pharmaceutical company, and from February 2015 to June 2016, he continued at Igenica in a consulting role. From September 2005 to September 2012, he served in several positions up to Senior Medical Director in the Exploratory Clinical Development (BioOncology) group at Genentech, Inc., a biotechnology company. Dr. Ho completed his internship and residency in Internal Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, and received his fellowship training in Medical Oncology at the University of Washington and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Dr. Ho received an M.D. and a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from Stanford University and an A.B. in Molecular Biology from Princeton University.
Rodney Young has served as our Chief Financial Officer since December 2019. Prior to that, he served as Chief Financial Officer at Cellerant Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company, from June 2015 to November 2019. From May 2014 to February 2015, Mr. Young served as Chief Financial Officer at Aimmune Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company, and from September 2005 to December 2013 he served as Chief Financial Officer and Vice President, Finance and Administration at StemCells, Inc., a biotechnology company. Mr. Young earned an M.B.A. in Finance and Accounting from the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago and received his B.A. in Economics from the University of Chicago.
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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
We are a "smaller reporting company" under Item 10 of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Exchange Act and the following compensation disclosure is intended to comply with the requirements applicable to smaller reporting companies. Although the rules allow us to provide less detail about our executive compensation program than companies that are not smaller reporting companies, our Compensation Committee is committed to providing the information necessary to help stockholders understand our executive compensation-related decisions. Accordingly, this section includes supplemental narratives that describe our 2024 compensation program for our named executive officers.
Responsible Executive Compensation Practices
The following table summarizes our executive compensation practices, both the responsible practices we have implemented and the practices we have avoided, that we believe allow us to best serve our stockholders' long-term interests.
|
What we do: |
|
|
What we do not do |
|
|
✓ Performance metrics tied to company performance. The performance metrics for our annual executive bonus plan are tied to corporate performance objectives, aligning the interests of our executives with those of our stockholders. ✓ Multi-year vesting requirements. The equity awards we grant to our executive officers generally vest over multi-year periods, consistent with current market practice and our retention objectives. ✓ Double-trigger termination rights. Our agreements with our executive officers require both a change-in-control and a termination of employment for full severance benefits to be triggered. ✓ Independent Compensation Committee. Our Compensation Committee is comprised solely of independent members of our Board. ✓ Independent compensation consultant. Our Compensation Committee uses an independent compensation consultant that provides no other material services to the company. |
|
|
✗ No tax gross-ups. None of our compensation agreements and arrangements provide for tax "gross-ups." ✗ No special perquisites. We generally do not provide our executives with perquisites or other personal benefits that differ materially from those available to employees generally. ✗ No retirement plans other than 401(k). We do not provide any pension or other retirement benefits to our executive officers, except that we offer all employees the right to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k) plan under which we contribute up to $5,000 per employee. ✗ No special health or welfare benefits. We do not provide our executives with any special health or welfare benefits. Our executive officers participate in the same broad-based company-sponsored health and welfare benefits programs to our other full-time, salaried employees. ✗ Hedging, short selling and pledging prohibited. Our insider trading policy prohibits our directors, officers and employees from hedging without first obtaining pre-clearance of the transaction from the Company's Chief Financial Officer. In addition, our insider trading policy prohibits any person subject to such policy from short selling, pledging our securities or purchasing our securities on margin or holding them in a margin account at any time. |
|
We have a pay-for-performance focused executive compensation philosophy. We believe that compensation should be designed to drive company performance aimed at increasing stockholder value. We seek to achieve this by using different elements of compensation and a market-based approach to attract, retain and motivate a high-performing team of executive officers and by aligning most of the compensation of each of our executives with the Company's short- and long-term performance, as well as each such executive's individual contributions. We believe that it is important that performance- and equity-based compensation comprise a substantial portion of the total compensation of each of our executives in order to align our executives' interests with those of our stockholders. The tables below illustrate the extent to which we weight compensation towards performance- and equity-based compensation.
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The following table shows for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the compensation awarded to or paid to, or earned by, our Chief Executive Officer and each of our two other most highly compensated executive officers during the year ended December 31, 2024 (the "named executive officers").
Summary Compensation Table
Name and Principal Position |
Year |
Salary |
Bonus |
Option |
Non-Equity |
All Other |
Total |
|||||||||||||||||
Brian Wong, M.D., Ph.D. |
2024 |
630,000 |
5,927,297 |
416,000 |
6,242 |
6,979,539 |
||||||||||||||||||
President and Chief |
2023 |
605,000 |
5,730,375 |
250,000 |
6,242 |
6,591,617 |
||||||||||||||||||
William Ho, M.D., Ph.D. |
2024 |
481,000 |
1,603,438 |
221,260 |
7,322 |
2,313,020 |
||||||||||||||||||
Chief Medical Officer |
2023 |
463,000 |
1,283,604 |
150,000 |
7,322 |
1,903,926 |
||||||||||||||||||
Rodney Young |
2024 |
478,000 |
1,975,492 |
229,440 |
8,564 |
2,691,496 |
||||||||||||||||||
Chief Financial Officer |
2023 |
459,000 |
1,558,662 |
149,000 |
8,564 |
2,175,226 |
Narrative to Summary Compensation Table
Executive Compensation Elements
The primary elements of our executive compensation program for the year ended December 31, 2024 were:
In addition to these primary elements of executive compensation, we also offer our executive officers broad-based health, welfare and retirement benefits consistent with the benefits we provide to our other full-time, salaried employees, as discussed below under "-Other Elements of Compensation - Health, Welfare and Retirement Benefits."
Base Salary
Our Compensation Committee recognizes the importance of base salary as an element of compensation that helps to attract, retain and motivate our executive officers. We provide base salary as a fixed source of cash compensation to recognize each named executive officer's day-to-day responsibilities, reflective of the role, responsibilities, skills, experience and performance of our executive officers, which is designed to provide an appropriate and competitive base level of current cash income for the named executive officers. The Compensation Committee's decisions on base salary levels for the named executive officers are primarily based on its review of competitive market information for comparable positions, the executive's performance of his duties, criticality of the executive's role to the execution of our corporate goals and the executive's potential to impact future business results. Base salary is the only element of compensation that is fixed; the remainder and majority of each executive officer's potential compensation is composed of variable compensation that is designed to incentivize shorter-term (annual) or longer-term performance.
The 2024 annual base salaries of Dr. Wong, Dr. Ho and Mr. Young were initially determined and approved by the Compensation Committee in January 2024 to be $630,000, $481,000 and $478,000, respectively. In January 2025, the Compensation Committee approved increased annual base salaries for Dr. Wong, Dr. Ho and Mr. Young of $662,000, $499,000 and $502,000, respectively for the year ending December 31, 2025.
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Non-Equity Incentive Compensation Payments
In January 2025, the Compensation Committee approved annual non-equity incentive cash payments for the 2024 fiscal year for Dr. Wong, Dr. Ho and Mr. Young of $416,000, $221,260 and $229,440, respectively, based on the achievement of individual and corporate performance objectives.
Pursuant to our executive bonus plan, each named executive officer is eligible to receive a target bonus determined as a percentage of his annual base salary. Annual non-equity incentive compensation payments are variable and their purpose is to motivate and reward our executive officers for achievement of annual goals and align management and stockholder interests by linking pay and performance. Our Compensation Committee determines these target bonus percentages for each named executive officer position primarily based on the range of target bonus percentages for similar positions at peer companies. Our Compensation Committee periodically reviews and evaluates each named executive officer's target bonus percentage. The target bonus percentages for our named executive officers for the year ended December 31, 2024 are as follows:
Named Executive Officer |
|
Target Bonus % |
|
Brian Wong, M.D., Ph.D |
|
55 |
|
William Ho, M.D., Ph.D. |
|
40 |
|
Rodney Young |
|
40 |
|
In January 2024, the Compensation Committee established a mix of predefined performance objectives for our named executive officers. These performance objectives were based on the achievement of various operational, management, clinical and regulatory milestones related to our clinical development programs and business activities. After the FDA imposed clinical holds on two clinical trials of our lead product candidate, zelnecirnon, in February 2024, the Compensation Committee revised the performance objectives for our named executive officers to better reflect our business circumstances. The actual performance-based bonus paid, if any, is calculated by multiplying the executive's annual base salary, target bonus percentage and percentage achievement of the performance objectives. These were based on the achievement of adjusted clinical development goals, in-licensing and workforce retention in addition to other activities.
In January 2025, the Compensation Committee reviewed 2024 performance and determined that the performance objectives under the 2024 executive bonus plan were achieved at 120% and approved payout in the amount reflect in the column of the Summary Compensation Table above entitled "Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation."
Equity Compensation
We believe that our ability to grant equity-based awards is a valuable and necessary compensation tool that aligns the long-term financial interests of our executive officers with the financial interests of our stockholders.
In addition, we believe that our ability to grant equity-based awards helps us to attract, retain and motivate executive officers, and encourages them to devote their best efforts to our business and financial success. Vesting of equity awards is generally tied to continuous service with us and serves as an additional retention measure. Our executive officers generally are awarded an initial new hire grant upon commencement of employment, as well as annual grants. These equity awards are intended to further our success by ensuring that sustainable value creation is a key factor in our executive officers' management of our business.
Each of our named executive officers currently holds stock options under our 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2019 Plan") and/or our 2015 Stock Plan (the "2015 Plan"), that were granted subject to the general terms of the applicable plan and the applicable forms of stock option agreement thereunder. The specific vesting terms of each named executive officer's stock options are described below under "-Outstanding Equity Awards at December 31, 2024."
We currently grant all equity awards pursuant to the 2019 Plan. The size and form of these equity awards is determined by the Compensation Committee in its discretion. All options are granted with a per share exercise price equal to no less than the fair market value of a share of our common stock on the date of the grant, and generally vest on a monthly basis over 48 months, subject to the continued service with us through each vesting date. All options have a maximum term of up to 10 years from the date of grant, subject to earlier expiration following the cessation of an executive officer's continuous service with us. Option vesting is subject to acceleration as described below under "-Executive Employment Arrangements" and "-Equity Compensation Plans." Options generally remain exercisable for three months following an executive officer's termination, except in the event of a termination for cause or due to disability or death.
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The Compensation Committee uses stock options as a key tool in serving to align the interests of our executive officers and our stockholders. Stock options are inherently performance based, and automatically link executive pay to stockholder return, as the value realized, if any, by the executive from an award of stock options, is dependent upon, and directly proportionate to, appreciation in stock price. Executives will only receive value from the stock option awards if the price of the stock increases above the stock price at time of grant and remains above as the stock options continue to vest. Stock options also do not have downside protection and the awards will not provide value to the holder when the stock price is below the exercise price.
The annual equity grants to our named executive officers are evaluated and approved by the Compensation Committee in the context of each named executive officer's total compensation and take into account the market data provided by any compensation consultant engaged by the Compensation Committee in addition to the individual officer's responsibilities and performance. The Compensation Committee also takes into account the recommendations of the Chief Executive Officer with respect to appropriate grants (other than for the Chief Executive Officer) and any particular individual circumstances.
2024 Stock Option Awards
In January 2024, the Compensation Committee approved the following stock option grants to our named executive officers as part of our annual executive compensation review process, at a per share exercise price equal to the fair market value of a share of our common stock on the grant date. Each of the stock options vest in 48 equal monthly installments, measured from January 1, 2024 in each case subject to the named executive officer's continued service through each applicable vesting date.
Named Executive Officer |
|
Stock Option Grant |
|
Brian Wong, M.D., Ph.D. |
|
275,000 |
|
William Ho, M.D., Ph.D. |
|
75,000 |
|
Rodney Young |
|
90,000 |
|
Option Repricing
In November 2024, the Board of Directors approved, effective November 13, 2024, the one-time Repricing of certain stock options that had been granted to date under the 2019 Plan. The Repricing impacted stock options with exercise prices greater than $8.00, and each stock option was repriced to have a per share exercise price of $1.57. To be eligible to exercise the option at the new exercise price, optionholders must remain employed with us through November 13, 2025 (subject to earlier termination in certain circumstances). Any exercise of the option prior to that date will require payment of the original, higher exercise price. No changes were made to the vesting schedules, expiration dates of or number of shares underlying the repriced stock options. The incremental fair values from the Repricing to the impacted stock options for the named executive officers are included in the "Option Awards" column in the Summary Compensation Table above.
Employment Terms
We have entered into employment agreements or offer letters with each of our named executive officers. Descriptions of such arrangements with our named executive officers are included under the caption "-Executive Employment Arrangements" below.
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Outstanding Equity Awards at December 31, 2024
The following table shows certain information regarding outstanding equity awards at December 31, 2024 for the named executive officers.
Option Awards |
||||||||||||||||||
Grant Date |
Vesting |
Number of |
Number of |
Option |
Option |
|||||||||||||
Brian Wong, M.D., Ph.D. |
3/28/2018(1) |
1/1/2018 |
200,000 |
- |
6.18 |
3/27/2028 |
||||||||||||
3/28/2019(1) |
1/1/2019 |
66,666 |
- |
6.30 |
3/27/2029 |
|||||||||||||
10/30/2019(1) |
10/30/2019 |
83,333 |
- |
12.00(3) |
10/29/2029 |
|||||||||||||
1/30/2020(2) |
1/1/2020 |
60,000 |
- |
44.66(3) |
1/30/2030 |
|||||||||||||
1/28/2021(2) |
1/1/2021 |
146,875 |
3,125 |
19.53(3) |
1/28/2031 |
|||||||||||||
1/28/2022(2) |
1/1/2022 |
218,750 |
81,250 |
19.86(3) |
1/28/2032 |
|||||||||||||
1/31/2023(2) |
1/1/2023 |
119,791 |
130,209 |
29.05(3) |
1/31/2033 |
|||||||||||||
1/30/2024(2) |
1/1/2024 |
63,020 |
211,980 |
24.75(3) |
1/31/2034 |
|||||||||||||
William Ho, M.D., Ph.D. |
10/30/2019(1) |
10/30/2019 |
7,807 |
- |
12.00(3) |
10/29/2029 |
||||||||||||
1/30/2020(2) |
1/1/2020 |
20,000 |
- |
44.66(3) |
1/30/2030 |
|||||||||||||
1/28/2021(2) |
1/1/2021 |
53,854 |
1,146 |
19.53(3) |
1/28/2031 |
|||||||||||||
1/28/2022(2) |
1/1/2022 |
40,104 |
14,896 |
19.86(3) |
1/28/2032 |
|||||||||||||
1/31/2023(2) |
1/1/2023 |
26,833 |
29,167 |
29.05(3) |
1/31/2033 |
|||||||||||||
1/30/2024(2) |
1/1/2024 |
17,187 |
57,813 |
24.75(3) |
1/31/2034 |
|||||||||||||
Rodney Young |
12/2/2019(1) |
12/2/2019 |
140,000 |
- |
21.73(3) |
12/1/2029 |
||||||||||||
1/28/2021(2) |
1/1/2021 |
58,750 |
1,250 |
19.53(3) |
1/28/2031 |
|||||||||||||
1/28/2022(2) |
1/1/2022 |
47,395 |
17,605 |
19.86(3) |
1/28/2032 |
|||||||||||||
1/31/2023(2) |
1/1/2023 |
32,583 |
35,417 |
29.05(3) |
1/31/2033 |
|||||||||||||
1/30/2024(2) |
1/1/2024 |
20,635 |
69,365 |
24.75(3) |
1/31/2034 |
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Executive Employment Arrangements
Brian Wong
We entered into an employment letter agreement with Dr. Wong, our President and Chief Executive Officer, in July 2019. His employment letter agreement has no specific term and provides that Dr. Wong is an at-will employee. His employment letter agreement also provides that his initial annual base salary was $484,000 and that he was eligible for an annual target non-equity incentive cash payment opportunity equal to 50% of his annual base salary, based on the achievement of individual and corporate performance objectives. In January 2024, our Compensation Committee approved an increase in Dr. Wong's annual base salary to $630,000 and in January 2025, our Compensation Committee approved an additional increase in Dr. Wong's annual base salary to $662,000.
Pursuant to the employment letter agreement with Dr. Wong, if Dr. Wong's employment is terminated (other than during the 12 month period following a "change in control") either (1) by us without "cause" (and not due to Dr. Wong's death or disability) or (2) by Dr. Wong for "good reason" (as such terms are defined in Dr. Wong's employment letter agreement), then, subject to the preconditions described below, Dr. Wong will be entitled to receive the following payments and benefits: (i) continuing payments of his then-current base salary (or the level in effect before any reduction in base salary that constitutes good reason) for a period of 12 months and (ii) reimbursement of premiums for coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended ("COBRA"), for Dr. Wong and his eligible dependents, if any, for up to 12 months, or taxable monthly payments for the equivalent period in the event payment of the COBRA premiums would violate applicable law.
If Dr. Wong's employment is terminated during the 12 month period following a change in control either (1) by us without cause (and not due to Dr. Wong's death or disability) or (2) by Dr. Wong for good reason, then, subject to the preconditions described below, Dr. Wong will be entitled to receive the following payments and benefits: (i) continuing payments of his then-current base salary (or the level in effect before any reduction in base salary that constitutes good reason) for a period of 18 months; (ii) a lump sum cash payment equal to Dr. Wong's target annual non-equity incentive cash payment; (iii) reimbursement of premiums for coverage under COBRA, for Dr. Wong and his eligible dependents, if any, for up to 18 months, or taxable monthly payments for the equivalent period in the event payment of the COBRA premiums would violate applicable law; and (iv) accelerated vesting and exercisability of all outstanding equity awards.
The receipt of the severance payments and benefits described above is conditioned on Dr. Wong timely signing and not revoking a release of claims in a form acceptable to us, as well as remaining in compliance with all continuing obligations he owes to us, including those under the confidential information and inventions assignment agreement applicable to Dr. Wong.
William Ho
We entered into an employment letter agreement with Dr. Ho, our Chief Medical Officer, in July 2019. His employment letter agreement has no specific term and provides that Dr. Ho is an at-will employee. His employment letter agreement also provides that his initial annual base salary was $360,500 and that he was eligible for an annual target non-equity incentive cash payment opportunity equal to 30% of his annual base salary, based on the achievement of individual and corporate performance objectives; provided, however, that Dr. Ho's annual base salary automatically increased to $385,000 and his annual target non-equity incentive cash payment opportunity increased to 40% upon the closing of our initial public offering. In January 2024, our Compensation Committee approved an increase in Dr. Ho's annual base salary to $481,000 and in January 2025, our Compensation Committee approved an additional increase in Dr. Ho's annual base salary to $499,000.
Pursuant to the employment letter agreement with Dr. Ho, if Dr. Ho's employment is terminated (other than during the 12 month period following a "change in control") either (1) by us without "cause" (and not due to Dr. Ho's death or disability) or (2) by Dr. Ho for "good reason" (as such terms are defined in Dr. Ho's employment letter agreement), then, subject to the preconditions described below, Dr. Ho will be entitled to receive the following payments and benefits: (i) continuing payments of his then-current base salary (or the level in effect before any reduction in base salary that constitutes good reason) for a period of nine months and (ii) reimbursement of premiums for coverage under COBRA, for Dr. Ho and his eligible dependents, if any, for up to nine months, or taxable monthly payments for the equivalent period in the event payment of the COBRA premiums would violate applicable law.
If Dr. Ho's employment is terminated during the 12 month period following a change in control either (1) by us without cause (and not due to Dr. Ho's death or disability) or (2) by Dr. Ho for good reason, then, subject to the preconditions described below, Dr. Ho will be entitled to receive the following payments and benefits: (i) continuing payments of his then-current base salary (or the level in effect before any reduction in base salary that constitutes good reason) for a period of 12 months; (ii) a lump sum cash payment equal to Dr. Ho's target annual non-equity incentive cash payment; (iii) reimbursement of premiums for coverage under COBRA, for Dr. Ho and his eligible dependents, if any, for up to 12 months, or taxable monthly payments for the equivalent period in the event payment of the COBRA premiums would violate applicable law; and (iv) accelerated vesting and exercisability of all outstanding equity awards.
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The receipt of the severance payments and benefits described above is conditioned on Dr. Ho timely signing and not revoking a release of claims in a form acceptable to us, as well as remaining in compliance with all continuing obligations he owes to us, including those under the confidential information and inventions assignment agreement applicable to Dr. Ho.
Rodney Young
We entered into an employment letter agreement with Mr. Young, our Chief Financial Officer, in November 2019. His employment letter agreement has no specific term and provides that Mr. Young is an at-will employee. His employment letter agreement also provides that his initial annual base salary was $385,000 and that he was eligible for an annual target non-equity incentive cash payment opportunity equal to 40% of his annual base salary, based on the achievement of individual and corporate performance objectives. In January 2024, our Compensation Committee approved an increase to Mr. Young's annual base salary to $478,000 and in January 2025, our Compensation Committee approved an additional increase in Mr. Young's annual base salary to $502,000.
Pursuant to the employment letter agreement with Mr. Young, if Mr. Young's employment is terminated (other than during the 12 month period following a "change in control") either (1) by us without "cause" (and not due to Mr. Young's death or disability) or (2) by Mr. Young for "good reason" (as such terms are defined in Mr. Young's employment letter agreement), then, subject to the preconditions described below, Mr. Young will be entitled to receive the following payments and benefits: (i) continuing payments of his then-current base salary (or the level in effect before any reduction in base salary that constitutes good reason) for a period of nine months and (ii) reimbursement of premiums for coverage under COBRA, for Mr. Young and his eligible dependents, if any, for up to nine months, or taxable monthly payments for the equivalent period in the event payment of the COBRA premiums would violate applicable law.
If Mr. Young's employment is terminated during the 12 month period following a change in control either (1) by us without cause (and not due to Mr. Young's death or disability) or (2) by Mr. Young for good reason, then, subject to the preconditions described below, Mr. Young will be entitled to receive the following payments and benefits: (i) continuing payments of his then-current base salary (or the level in effect before any reduction in base salary that constitutes good reason) for a period of 12 months; (ii) a lump sum cash payment equal to Mr. Young's target annual non-equity incentive cash payment; (iii) reimbursement of premiums for coverage under COBRA, for Mr. Young and his eligible dependents, if any, for up to 12 months, or taxable monthly payments for the equivalent period in the event payment of the COBRA premiums would violate applicable law; and (iii) accelerated vesting and exercisability of all outstanding equity awards.
The receipt of the severance payments and benefits described above is conditioned on Mr. Young timely signing and not revoking a release of claims in a form acceptable to us, as well as remaining in compliance with all continuing obligations he owes to us, including those under the confidential information and inventions assignment agreement applicable to Mr. Young.
Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control
Regardless of the manner in which a named executive officer's service terminates, each named executive officer is entitled to receive amounts earned during his or her term of service, including unpaid salary and unused vacation.
Dr. Wong, Dr. Ho and Mr. Young are eligible to receive potential termination or change in control payments pursuant to their employment letter agreements, as described in "-Executive Employment Arrangements" above.
Policies and Practices Related to the Grant of Certain Equity Awards Close in Time to the Release of Material Nonpublic Information
From time to time, the Company grants stock options to its employees, including the named executive officers. Historically, the Company has granted new-hire option awards on or soon after a new hire's employment start date and annual refresh employee option grants in the first quarter of each fiscal year, which refresh grants are typically approved at the regularly scheduled meeting of the Compensation Committee occurring in such quarter. Also, non-employee directors receive automatic grants of initial and annual stock option awards, at the time of a director's initial appointment or election to the Board of Directors and at the time of each annual meeting of the Company's stockholders, as well as automatic grants of options elected in lieu of cash fees, pursuant to the 2024 non-employee director compensation policy (the "NED Compensation Policy"), as further described under the heading, "Director Compensation- Non-Employee Director Compensation Policy" below. Option grants are made on the regular, predetermined grant datespursuant to the 2019 Plan and the NED Compensation Policy regardless of whether there is any material nonpublic information ("MNPI") about the Company on such dates, and such grant dates are not specifically timed in relation to the Company's disclosure of MNPI. The Company has not timed the release of MNPI for the purpose of affecting the value of executive compensation.
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Other Elements of Compensation
Health, Welfare and Retirement Benefits
Our named executive officers are eligible to participate in all of our employee benefit plans, such as medical, dental, vision, group life and short and long-term disability plans, in each case on the same basis as other employees, subject to applicable laws. We provide a 401(k) plan to our employees, including our named executive officers, as discussed in the section below titled "-401(k) Plan." We also provide vacation and other paid holidays to all employees, including our named executive officers. We do not provide a pension plan for our employees and none of our named executive officers participated in a nonqualified deferred compensation plan in 2019. We generally do not provide perquisites or other personal benefits to our named executive officers.
401(k) Plan
We maintain a 401(k) plan that provides eligible U.S. employees with an opportunity to save for retirement on a tax advantaged basis. Eligible employees are able to defer eligible compensation up to certain Code limits, which are updated annually. We have the ability to make matching contributions or discretionary contributions to the 401(k) plan. Effective as of January 2023, we make 100% matching contributions or discretionary contributions to the 401(k) plan up to $5,000 per employee. The 401(k) plan is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code, with the related trust intended to be tax exempt under Section 501(a) of the Code. As a tax-qualified retirement plan, contributions to the 401(k) plan are deductible by us when made, and contributions and earnings on those amounts are not generally taxable to the employees until withdrawn or distributed from the 401(k) plan.
Clawback Policy
The SEC previously adopted final rules implementing the incentive-based compensation recovery provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act, and, subsequently, Nasdaq adopted listing standards consistent with the SEC rules. In compliance with those standards, we previously adopted an incentive compensation recoupment policy, or "clawback" policy, which applies to our executive officers, within the meaning of Section 10D of the Exchange Act and Rule 10D-1 promulgated thereunder, who were employed by the Company or a subsidiary of the Company during the applicable recovery period. Under the policy, in the event that the financial results upon which a cash or equity-based incentive award was predicated become the subject of a financial restatement that is required because of material non-compliance with financial reporting requirements, the Compensation Committee will conduct a review of awards covered by the policy and recoup any erroneously awarded incentive-based compensation to ensure that the ultimate payout gives retroactive effect to the financial results as restated. The policy covers any cash or equity-based incentive compensation award that was paid, earned or granted to a covered officer during the last completed three fiscal years immediately preceding the date on which the Company is required to prepare the accounting restatement.
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Equity Compensation Plan Information Table
The following table shows certain information with respect to all of our equity compensation plans in effect as of December 31, 2024.
Plan Category |
Number of |
Weighted- |
Number of |
|||||||||
Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders |
5,005,320 |
$ |
20.94 |
3,981,312(2) |
||||||||
Equity compensation plans not approved by stockholders |
- |
- |
- |
|||||||||
Total |
5,005,320 |
$ |
20.94 |
3,981,312(2) |
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DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
The following table shows for the year ended December 31, 2024 certain information with respect to the compensation of our non-employee directors:
Director Compensation for the year ended December 31, 2024
Name |
Fees |
Option |
All Other |
Total |
||||||||||||
William Rieflin(3)(4) |
$ |
90,000 |
$ |
142,419 |
$ |
- |
$ |
232,419 |
||||||||
Michael Giordano, M.D. |
59,000 |
$ |
142,419 |
- |
201,419 |
|||||||||||
Mary Ann Gray, Ph.D.(3) |
65,000 |
$ |
142,419 |
- |
207,419 |
|||||||||||
Linda Kozick |
49,500 |
$ |
142,419 |
- |
191,919 |
|||||||||||
Wendye Robbins, M.D.(3) |
52,500 |
$ |
142,419 |
- |
194,919 |
|||||||||||
Lori Lyons-Williams |
51,875 |
$ |
142,419 |
- |
194,294 |
Name |
Number |
|||
William Rieflin |
127,199 |
|||
Michael Giordano, M.D. |
89,130 |
|||
Mary Ann Gray, Ph.D. |
120,155 |
|||
Linda Kozick |
116,595 |
|||
Wendye Robbins, M.D. |
124,774 |
|||
Lori Lyons-Williams |
82,230 |
The table above does not include Dr. Wong because he does not receive additional compensation for services provided as a director. See "Executive Compensation" in this proxy statement for additional information on Dr. Wong's compensation.
Non-Employee Director Compensation Policy
We have adopted the NED Compensation Policy, pursuant to which our non-employee directors are eligible to receive compensation for service on our Board of Directors and committees of our Board of Directors. In 2024, pursuant to the NED Compensation Policy, each non-employee director received an annual cash retainer of $40,000 for serving on the Board of Directors while the chair of the Board of Directors received a cash retainer of $30,000 in addition to the annual retainer received by other non-employee directors for serving in that role.
The chair and members of the three committees of our Board of Directors were entitled to the following additional annual cash retainers under the NED Compensation Policy:
Board of Directors Committee |
Chair Fee |
Member Fee |
||||||
Audit Committee |
$ |
25,000 |
$ |
12,500 |
||||
Compensation Committee |
15,000 |
7,500 |
||||||
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee |
10,000 |
5,000 |
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All annual cash compensation amounts are payable in equal quarterly installments no later than 30 days following the end of each fiscal quarter in which the service occurred, pro-rated based on the days remaining in the calendar quarter. In addition, each non-employee director may elect to receive all of the annual cash compensation that such non-employee director is eligible to earn, as set forth above, in the form of stock options granted pursuant to our 2019 Plan. Such stock options will automatically be granted on the last business day in March of such fiscal year. Any such award will vest as follows: (i) 25% will vest on the last day of the first fiscal quarter during such fiscal year and (ii) 25% will vest on the last day of each subsequent fiscal quarter during such fiscal year, provided that the non-employee director is in service on the first day of the fiscal quarter of the applicable scheduled vesting date. In accordance with such elections in 2024, our non-employee directors were granted the following option awards:
Option awards |
||||||||||||||||
Name |
Grant date |
Number of |
Grant date |
Option |
Option |
|||||||||||
William Rieflin |
03/28/2024 |
11,871 |
90,000 |
8.98 |
03/27/2034 |
|||||||||||
Mary Ann Gray, Ph.D. |
03/28/2024 |
8,574 |
65,000 |
8.98 |
03/27/2034 |
|||||||||||
Wendye Robbins, M.D. |
03/28/2024 |
6,925 |
52,500 |
8.98 |
03/27/2034 |
Under the NED Compensation Policy, newly appointed non-employee directors will receive a one-time initial award of a stock option under our 2019 Plan with a grant date fair value of $400,000, determined based on the average stock price over the 30 calendar days immediately preceding the grant date. Each initial grant will vest in a series of three successive equal annual installments over the three-year period measured from the date of grant, subject to the non-employee director's continuous service through each applicable vesting date. Thereafter, each non-employee director receives an annual award of a stock option to purchase shares on the date of each Annual Meeting of Stockholders with a grant date fair value of $200,000, determined based on the average stock price over the 30 consecutive days immediately preceding the grant date. Pursuant to the NED Compensation Policy, each annual grant will vest in equal installments on each monthly anniversary of the vesting commencement date, subject to the non-employee director's continuous service through each vesting date. In addition, in the event of a change in control (as defined in the 2019 Plan) of the Company, the shares underlying such grants will vest and become exercisable immediately prior to the effectiveness of such change in control.
The exercise price per share of each stock option granted under the non-employee director compensation policy will be equal to 100% of the fair market value of a share of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. Each stock option will have a term of ten years from the date of grant, subject to earlier termination in connection with a termination of the non-employee director's continuous service with us or a corporate transaction, each as provided under the 2019 Plan.
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PAY VERSUS PERFORMANCE
As required by Section 953(a) of the Dodd-Frank Act, and Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K, we are providing the following information about the relationship between executive compensation actually paid and certain financial performance of the Company. For information on our executive compensation program and the Compensation Committee's approach, refer to the above "Narrative to Summary Compensation Table" and "Outstanding Equity Awards at December 31, 2024".
Year(1) |
Summary |
Compensation |
Average |
Average |
Value of |
Net |
||||||||||||||||||
2024 |
$ |
6,979,539 |
$ |
(4,583,490 |
) |
$ |
2,502,258 |
$ |
(604,190 |
) |
$ |
7.98 |
$ |
(129.9 |
) |
|||||||||
2023 |
$ |
6,591,617 |
$ |
6,129,349 |
$ |
2,039,576 |
$ |
1,901,921 |
$ |
125.51 |
$ |
(116.8 |
) |
Year |
Reported |
Reported |
Equity |
Compensation |
||||||||||||
2024 |
$ |
6,979,539 |
$ |
5,927,297 |
$ |
(5,635,733 |
) |
$ |
(4,583,491 |
) |
||||||
2023 |
$ |
6,591,617 |
$ |
5,730,375 |
$ |
5,268,107 |
$ |
6,129,349 |
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Year |
Year End Fair |
Changes in Fair |
Fair Value |
Change in |
Fair Value |
Dollar |
Total Equity |
|||||||||||||||||||||
2024 |
$ |
279,848 |
$ |
(3,832,011 |
) |
$ |
282,153 |
$ |
(2,365,723 |
) |
$ |
- |
$ |
- |
$ |
(5,635,733 |
) |
|||||||||||
2023 |
$ |
3,649,665 |
$ |
709,356 |
$ |
896,452 |
$ |
12,634 |
$ |
- |
$ |
- |
$ |
5,268,107 |
Year |
Average |
Average |
Average Equity |
Average |
||||||||||||
2024 |
$ |
2,502,258 |
$ |
1,789,465 |
$ |
(1,316,983 |
) |
$ |
(604,190 |
) |
||||||
2023 |
$ |
2,039,576 |
$ |
1,421,133 |
$ |
1,283,478 |
$ |
1,901,921 |
Year |
Average |
Average |
Average |
Average |
Average |
Average |
Average |
|||||||||||||||||||||
2024 |
$ |
83,954 |
$ |
(886,020 |
) |
$ |
84,644 |
$ |
(599,561 |
) |
$ |
- |
$ |
- |
$ |
(1,316,983 |
) |
|||||||||||
2023 |
$ |
905,120 |
$ |
159,922 |
$ |
222,316 |
$ |
(3,880 |
) |
$ |
- |
$ |
- |
$ |
1,283,478 |
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Analysis of the Information Presented in the Pay versus Performance Table
In accordance with Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K, we are providing the following descriptions of the relationships between information presented in the Pay Versus Performance table above. As noted above, compensation actually paid for purposes of the tabular disclosure and the following graphs was calculated in accordance with SEC rules and does not reflect the amount of compensation earned by or actually paid to our NEOs during the applicable years.
Compensation Actually Paid and Cumulative TSR
The following graph sets forth the relationship between Compensation Actually Paid to our PEO, the average of Compensation Actually Paid to our Non-PEO NEOs, and the Company's cumulative TSR over the two most recently completed fiscal years.
Compensation Actually Paid and Net Income (Loss)
The following graph sets forth the relationship between Compensation Actually Paid to our PEO, the average of Compensation Actually Paid to our Non-PEO NEOs, and the Company's net income (loss) over the two most recently completed fiscal years.
All information provided above under the "Pay Versus Performance" heading will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company under the Securities Act, whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language in any such filing, except to the extent the Company specifically incorporates such information by reference.
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TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PERSONS AND INDEMNIFICATION
The following is a summary of transactions since January 1, 2023, to which we have been a participant in which the amount involved exceeded or will exceed the lesser of $120,000 or one percent of the average of our total assets at year end for the last two completed fiscal years, and in which any of our directors, executive officers or holders of more than 5% of our capital stock or any member of the immediate family of the foregoing persons, had or will have a direct or indirect material interest, other than compensation arrangements which are described in the sections titled "Executive Compensation" and "Director Compensation."
Related-Person Transactions & SEC Compliance Policy
We have adopted a written Related-Person Transactions & SEC Compliance Policy that sets forth our policies and procedures regarding the identification, review, consideration and approval or ratification of "related-person transactions." For purposes of our policy only, a "related-person transaction" is a transaction, arrangement or relationship (or any series of similar transactions, arrangements or relationships) in which we and any "related person" are, were or will be participants involving an amount that exceeds $120,000. Transactions involving compensation for services provided to us as an employee, director, consultant or similar capacity by a related person are not covered by this policy. A related person is any executive officer, director or holder of 5% or more of our capital stock, including any of their immediate family members, and any entity owned or controlled by such persons.
Under the policy, where a transaction has been identified as a related-person transaction, management must present information regarding the proposed related-person transaction to the Audit Committee (or, where Audit Committee approval would be inappropriate, to another independent body of the Board of Directors) for consideration and approval or ratification. The presentation must include a description of, among other things, the material facts, the interests, direct and indirect, of the related persons, the benefits to us of the transaction and whether any alternative transactions were available. To identify related-person transactions in advance, we rely on information supplied by our executive officers, directors and certain significant stockholders. In considering related-person transactions, the Audit Committee takes into account the relevant available facts and circumstances including, but not limited to (a) the risks, costs and benefits to us, (b) the impact on a director's independence in the event the related person is a director, immediate family member of a director or an entity with which a director is affiliated, (c) the terms of the transaction, (d) the availability of other sources for comparable services or products and (e) the terms available to or from, as the case may be, unrelated third parties or to or from employees generally. In the event a director has an interest in the proposed transaction, the director must recuse himself or herself from the deliberations and approval. The policy requires that, in determining whether to approve, ratify or reject a related-person transaction, the Audit Committee consider, in light of known circumstances, whether the transaction is in, or is not inconsistent with, the best interests of us and our stockholders, as the Audit Committee determines in the good faith exercise of its discretion.
Certain Transactions With or Involving Related Persons
2024 Private Placement
In December 2024, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with certain accredited investors pursuant to which we issued an aggregate of 100,000,000 shares of common stock, at a price per share of $0.85, and pre-funded warrants to purchase up to 76,452,000 shares of common stock, at a price per pre-funded warrant of $0.8499, for gross proceeds of approximately $150 million. Certain of our five percent or greater stockholders, Redmile Group, LLC ("Redmile") and Perceptive Advisors LLC ("Perceptive"), participated in the private placement. Entities affiliated with Redmile purchased an aggregate of 5,984,544 shares of common stock and 11,659,456 pre-funded warrants for an aggregate purchase price of $14,996,234. Perceptive purchased an aggregate of 5,880,000 shares of common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $4,998,000. The pre-funded warrants have an exercise price of $0.0001 per share.
Indemnification Agreements
We have entered into separate indemnification agreements with our directors and officers in addition to the indemnification provided for in our Bylaws. These indemnification agreements provide, among other things, that we will indemnify our directors and officers for certain expenses, including damages, judgments, fines, penalties, settlements, costs and attorneys' fees and disbursements, incurred by a director or officer in any claim, action or proceeding arising in his or her capacity as a director or officer of the Company or in connection with service at our request for another corporation or entity. The indemnification agreements also provide for procedures that will apply in the event that a director or officer makes a claim for indemnification.
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HOUSEHOLDINGOF PROXY MATERIALS
The SEC has adopted rules that permit companies and intermediaries (e.g., brokers) to satisfy the delivery requirements for Notices of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or other Annual Meeting materials with respect to two or more stockholders sharing the same address by delivering a single Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or other Annual Meeting materials addressed to those stockholders. This process, which is commonly referred to as "householding," potentially means extra convenience for stockholders and cost savings for companies.
This year, a number of brokers with account holders who are RAPT stockholders will be "householding" our proxy materials. A single Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials will be delivered to multiple stockholders sharing an address unless contrary instructions have been received from the affected stockholders. Once you have received notice from your broker that they will be "householding" communications to your address, "householding" will continue until you are notified otherwise or until you revoke your consent. If, at any time, you no longer wish to participate in "householding" and would prefer to receive a separate Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, please notify your broker, notify our Secretary at 1-800-690-6903 or send a written request to: Secretary at RAPT, 561 Eccles Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080. Stockholders who currently receive multiple copies of the Notices of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials at their addresses and would like to request "householding" of their communications should contact their brokers.
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OTHERMATTERS
The Board of Directors knows of no other matters that will be presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting. If any other matters are properly brought before the meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying proxy to vote on such matters in accordance with their best judgment.
By Order of the Board of Directors, |
/s/ Brian Wong, M.D., Ph.D. |
Brian Wong, M.D., Ph.D. President and Chief Executive Officer |
April 14, 2025
A copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 is available without charge upon written request to: Secretary, RAPT Therapeutics, Inc., 561 Eccles Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080.
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APPENDIX A
FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT OF THE
AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF RAPT THERAPEUTICS, INC.
RAPT Therapeutics, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under and by virtue of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, hereby certifies that:
First: The name of the Company is RAPT Therapeutics, Inc. (the "Company").
Second: The date of filing of the original Certificate of Incorporation of this Company with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware was March 4, 2015 under the name FLX Bio, Inc. and the date of filing of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware was November 4, 2019.
Third: Paragraph A of Article IV of the Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation be, and it hereby is, amended and restated to read in its entirety as follows:
"A. This Company is authorized to issue two classes of stock to be designated, respectively, "Common Stock" and "Preferred Stock." The total number of shares which the Company is authorized to issue is 550,000,000 shares. 500,000,000 shares shall be Common Stock, each having a par value of $0.0001. 50,000,000 shares shall be Preferred Stock, each having a par value of $0.0001.
Effective as of the effective time of 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on [***DATE***] (the "Effective Time"), each eight (8) shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall, automatically and without any action on the part of the Company or the respective holders thereof, be combined into one (1) share of Common Stock without increasing or decreasing the par value of each share of Common Stock (the "Reverse Stock Split"); provided, however, that the Company shall issue no fractional shares of Common Stock as a result of the actions set forth herein but shall instead pay to the holder of such fractional share of Common Stock a sum in cash equal to such fraction multiplied by the closing sales price of the Common Stock as reported on The Nasdaq Global Market (or such other principal market upon which its Common Stock is listed) immediately preceding the Effective Time (with such closing sales price being adjusted to give effect to the Reverse Stock Split), such amount rounded to the nearest whole cent. The Reverse Stock Split shall be effected on a record holder-by-record holder basis, such that any fractional shares of post-Reverse Stock Split Common Stock resulting from the Reverse Stock Split and held by a single record holder shall be aggregated."
Fourth: The foregoing amendment was submitted to the stockholders of the Company for their approval, and was duly adopted in accordance with the provisions of Section 242 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
In Witness Whereof, RAPT Therapeutics, Inc. has caused this Certificate of Amendment to be signed by its Chief Executive Officer on this __ day of _____, 202__.
RAPT THERAPEUTICS, INC.
By: ___________________________
Brian Wong, M.D., Ph.D.
President and Chief Executive Officer
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APPENDIX B
RAPT THERAPEUTICS, INC.
2025 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: MARCH 25, 2025
APPROVED BY THE STOCKHOLDERS: _________, 2025
EFFECTIVE DATE: ________, 2025
B-1
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B-2
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In addition, the Share Reserve will automatically increase on January 1stof each year, for a period of not more than five years, commencing on January 1stof the year following the year in which the Effective Date occurs and ending on (and including) January 1, 2030, in an amount equal to 5% of the total number of shares of Common Stock plus the total number of shares of the Company's Common Stock subject to Pre-Funded Warrants (if any), in each case outstanding on the immediately preceding December 31st (rounded down to the nearest whole share). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board may act prior to January 1stof a given year to provide that there will be no January 1stincrease in the Share Reserve for such year or that the increase in the Share Reserve for such year will be a lesser number of shares of Common Stock than would otherwise occur pursuant to the preceding sentence.
For clarity, the Share Reserve in this Section 3(a) is a limitation on the number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to the Plan. Accordingly, this Section 3(a) does not limit the granting of Stock Awards except as provided in Section 7(a). Shares may be issued in connection with a merger or acquisition as permitted by NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(c) or, if applicable, NYSE Listed Company Manual Section 303A.08, AMEX Company Guide Section 711 or other applicable rule, and such issuance will not reduce the number of shares available for issuance under the Plan.
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Each Option or SAR will be in such form and will contain such terms and conditions as the Board deems appropriate. All Options will be separately designated Incentive Stock Options or Nonstatutory Stock Options at the time of grant, and, if certificates are issued, a separate certificate or certificates will be issued for shares of Common Stock purchased on exercise of each type of Option. If an Option is not specifically designated as an Incentive Stock Option, or if an Option is designated as an Incentive Stock Option but some portion or all of the Option fails to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option under the applicable rules, then the Option (or portion thereof) will be a Nonstatutory Stock Option. The provisions of separate Options or SARs need not be identical; provided, however, that each Award Agreement will conform to (through incorporation of provisions hereof by reference in the applicable Award Agreement or otherwise) the substance of each of the following provisions:
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The Board need not take the same action or actions with respect to all Stock Awards or portions thereof or with respect to all Participants. The Board may take different actions with respect to the vested and unvested portions of a Stock Award.
The Board may suspend or terminate the Plan at any time. No Incentive Stock Options may be granted after the tenth anniversary of the earlier of (i) the date the Plan is adopted by the Board (the "Adoption Date"), or (ii) the date the Plan is approved by the stockholders of the Company. No Awards may be granted under the Plan while the Plan is suspended or after it is terminated.
The Plan will become effective on the date that it is approved by the stockholders of the Company (the "Effective Date").
The law of the State of Delaware will govern all questions concerning the construction, validity and interpretation of this Plan, without regard to that state's conflict of laws rules.
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Notwithstanding the foregoing definition or any other provision of the Plan, the term Change in Control will not include a sale of assets, merger or other transaction effected exclusively for the purpose of changing the domicile of the Company and the definition of Change in Control (or any analogous term) in an individual written agreement between the Company or any Affiliate and the Participant will supersede the foregoing definition with respect to Awards subject to such agreement; provided, however, that if no definition of Change in Control or any analogous term is set forth in such an individual written agreement, the foregoing definition will apply.
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Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting: The Combined Document is available at www.proxyvote.com RAPT THERAPEUTICS, INC. Annual Meeting of Stockholders May 29, 2025 10:00 AM PDT This proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors The stockholder(s) hereby appoint(s) Brian Wong and Rodney Young, or either of them, as proxies, each with the power to appoint his substitute, and hereby authorize(s) them to represent and to vote, as designated on the reverse side of this ballot, all of the shares of Common Stock of RAPT Therapeutics, Inc. that the stockholder(s) is/are entitled to vote at the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at 10:00 AM, Pacific Daylight Time on Thursday, May 29, 2025, virtually via live webcast at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/RAPT2024, and any adjournment or postponement thereof. In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting of Stockholders. THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED BY THE STOCKHOLDER(S). IF NO SUCH DIRECTIONS ARE MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS' RECOMMENDATIONS AND WITH RESPECT TO SUCH OTHER BUSINESS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING OR ANY ADJOURNMENTS OR POSTPONEMENTS THEREOF, AS SAID PROXIES DEEM ADVISABLE.PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED REPLY ENVELOPE Continued and to be signed on reverse side 0000636424_2 R1.0.0.6
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APPENDIX C
RAPT THERAPEUTICS, INC.
AMENDED AND RESTATED 2019 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
Adopted by the Board of Directors: March 25, 2025
Approved by the Stockholders: ______, 2025
Effective Date: ______________, 2025
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The Company will seek to obtain from each federal, state, foreign or other regulatory commission or agency having jurisdiction over the Plan such authority as may be required to grant Purchase Rights and issue and sell shares of Common Stock thereunder unless the Company determines, in its sole discretion, that doing so would cause the Company to incur costs that are unreasonable. If, after commercially reasonable efforts, the Company is unable to obtain the authority that counsel for the Company deems necessary for the grant of Purchase Rights or the lawful issuance and sale of Common Stock under the Plan, and at a commercially reasonable cost, the Company will be relieved from any liability for failure to grant Purchase Rights and/or to issue and sell Common Stock upon exercise of such Purchase Rights.
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The Plan will become effective on the Effective Date. No Purchase Rights will be exercised unless and until the Plan has been approved by the stockholders of the Company, which approval must be within 12 months before or after the date the Plan is adopted (or if required under Section 12(a) above, materially amended) by the Board.
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As used in the Plan, the following definitions will apply to the capitalized terms indicated below:
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SCAN TO VIEW MATERIALS & VOTE RAPT THERAPEUTICS, INC. 561 ECCLES AVENUE SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94080 VOTE BY INTERNET Before The Meeting - Go to www.proxyvote.com or scan the QR Barcode above Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information. Vote by 11:59 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time on May 28, 2025. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form. During The Meeting - Go to www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/RAPT2025 You may attend the meeting via the Internet and vote during the meeting. Have the information that is printed in the box marked by the arrow available and follow the instructions. VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903 Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions. Vote by 11:59 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time on May 28, 2025. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions. VOTE BY MAIL Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717. TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS: V70511-P27479 KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED. DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY RAPT THERAPEUTICS, INC. The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following: 1 To elect one Class III director to hold office until RAPT Therapeutics, Inc.'s 2028 annual meeting of stockholders or until his successor has been duly elected and qualified. Nominee: For Withhold For Against Abstain 1a. Dr. Michael F. Giordano The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR proposals 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 and ONE YEAR for proposal 4: 5. To approve the amendment of RAPT Therapeutics, Inc.'s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to effect, at the discretion of the Board of Directors, a reverse stock split of RAPT Therapeutics Inc.'s issued and outstanding common stock, at a ratio of one-for-eight. For Against Abstain 2. Ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm of RAPT Therapeutics, Inc. for its fiscal year ending December 31, 2025. 3. To approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of RAPT Therapeutics, Inc.'s named executive officers. 4. To indicate, on an advisory basis, the preferred frequency of stockholder advisory votes on the compensation of RAPT Therapeutics, Inc.'s named executive officers. 1 Year 2 Years 3 Years Abstain 5. To approve the amendment of RAPT Therapeutics, Inc.'s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to effect, at the discretion of the Board of Directors, a reverse stock split of RAPT Therapeutics Inc.'s issued and outstanding common stock, at a ratio of one-for-eight. 6. To approve RAPT Therapeutics, Inc.'s 2025 Equity Incentive Plan. 7. To approve the amendment and restatement of RAPT Therapeutics, Inc.'s 2019 Employee Stock Purchase Plan to remove the evergreen provision and increase the aggregate number of shares of the RAPT Therapeutics, Inc.'s common stock reserved for issuance under the ESPP by 4,000,000 shares. NOTE: In their discretion, the proxyholders are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof. Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name by authorized officer. Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX] Date Signature (Joint Owners) Date
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Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting: The Combined Document is available at www.proxyvote.com. RAPT THERAPEUTICS, INC. Annual Meeting of Stockholders May 29, 2025 10:00 AM PDT This proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors The stockholder(s) hereby appoint(s) Brian Wong and Rodney Young, or either of them, as proxies, each with the power to appoint his substitute, and hereby authorize(s) them to represent and to vote, as designated on the reverse side of this ballot, all of the shares of Common Stock of RAPT Therapeutics, Inc. that the stockholder(s) is/are entitled to vote at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at 10:00 AM, Pacific Daylight Time on Thursday, May 29, 2025, virtually via live webcast at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/RAPT2025, and any adjournment or postponement thereof. In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting of Stockholders. THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED BY THE STOCKHOLDER(S). IF NO SUCH DIRECTIONS ARE MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS' RECOMMENDATIONS AND WITH RESPECT TO SUCH OTHER BUSINESS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING OR ANY ADJOURNMENTS OR POSTPONEMENTS THEREOF, AS SAID PROXIES DEEM ADVISABLE. PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED REPLY ENVELOPE Continued and to be signed on reverse side