424B5

424B5 1 d599661d424b5.htm 424B5 424B5

Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration No. 333-235657

PROSPECTUS

LOGO

Up to $50,000,000 of Shares

Common Stock

We have entered into a sales agreement with Jefferies LLC, or Jefferies, relating to shares of our common stock offered by this prospectus. In accordance with the terms of the sales agreement, we may offer and sell shares of our common stock from time to time through Jefferies, acting as sales agent.

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “VAPO.” On December 19, 2019 the last reported sale price of our common stock was $11.71 per share.

Sales of our common stock, if any, under this prospectus may be made in sales deemed to be “at-the-market” equity offerings as defined in Rule 415 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act. Jefferies will act as sales agent on a best efforts basis and use commercially reasonable efforts to sell on our behalf all of the shares of common stock requested to be sold by us, consistent with its normal trading and sales practices, on mutually agreed terms between Jefferies and us. There is no arrangement for funds to be received in any escrow, trust or similar arrangement.

Jefferies will be entitled to compensation at a commission rate of 3.0% of the gross sales price per share sold. In connection with the sale of our common stock on our behalf, Jefferies will be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act and the compensation of Jefferies will be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts.

Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. Before making an investment decision, please read the information under the heading “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-4 of this prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

JEFFERIES

The date of this prospectus is December 30, 2019.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Prospectus


	Page
About this Prospectus		S-1

Prospectus Summary		S-2

The Offering		S-3

Risk Factors		S-4

Forward-Looking Statements		S-5

Use of Proceeds		S-7

Dilution		S-8

Plan of Distribution		S-9

Description of Common Stock		S-11

Legal Matters		S-14

Experts		S-14

Where You Can Find More Information		S-14

Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference		S-15

Accompanying Prospectus


	Page
About this Prospectus		1

Our Company		2

Risk Factors		3

Forward-Looking Statements		4

Use of Proceeds		6

Plan of Distribution		7

Description of Common Stock		9

Description of Preferred Stock		12

Description of Warrants		13

Description of Debt Securities		14

Description of Units		21

Where You Can Find More Information		22

Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference		22

Legal Matters		23

Experts		23

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, utilizing a “shelf” registration process, on December 20, 2019. Under the shelf registration process, we may offer shares of our common stock from time to time under this prospectus at prices and on terms to be determined by market conditions at the time of offering. This prospectus includes or incorporates by reference important information about us, our common stock, and other matters you should know before investing. You should read this prospectus as well as additional information described under the sections of this prospectus entitled “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference” before making an investment decision.

You should rely only on this prospectus and the information incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus or in any free writing prospectus that we may authorize for use in connection with this offering. We have not, and Jefferies has not, authorized anyone to provide you with information that is in addition to, or different from, that contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not, and Jefferies is not, making an offer to sell or soliciting an offer to buy our securities in any jurisdiction in which an offer or solicitation is not authorized or in which the person making that offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so or to anyone to whom it is unlawful to make an offer or solicitation. You should not assume that the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than as of the date of this prospectus or in the case of the documents incorporated by reference, the date of such documents regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or any sale of shares of our common stock. Our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

We are offering to sell, and seeking offers to buy, shares of common stock only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. The distribution of this prospectus and the offering of the common stock in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons outside the United States who come into possession of this prospectus must inform themselves about, and observe any restrictions relating to, the offering of the common stock and the distribution of this prospectus outside the United States. This prospectus does not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities offered by this prospectus by any person in any jurisdiction in which it is unlawful for such person to make such an offer or solicitation.

References in this prospectus to “Vapotherm,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our” and similar terms refer to Vapotherm, Inc. and our subsidiary on a consolidated basis, as appropriate, unless we state otherwise or the context otherwise requires.

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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

The items in the following summary are described in more detail elsewhere in this prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference herein. This summary provides an overview of selected information and does not contain all the information you should consider before investing in our common stock. Therefore, you should read the entire prospectus and any free writing prospectus that we have authorized for use in connection with this offering carefully, including the “Risk Factors” section and other documents or information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus before making any investment decision.

OUR COMPANY

Overview

We are a global medical technology company focused on the development and commercialization of our proprietary Hi-VNI Technology products that are used to treat patients of all ages suffering from respiratory distress. Our Hi-VNI Technology delivers noninvasive ventilatory support by providing heated, humidified and oxygenated air at a high velocity to patients through a comfortable small-bore nasal interface. Our Precision Flow systems, which use Hi-VNI Technology, are clinically validated alternatives to, and address many limitations of, the current standard of care for the treatment of respiratory distress in a hospital setting.

Corporate Information

We were originally incorporated in Maryland in 1999. In 2012, our current Chief Executive Officer and other current members of our management team joined the Company. Shortly thereafter, we relocated our corporate headquarters from Maryland to New Hampshire, where we rebuilt our manufacturing operation, and then in 2013 we reincorporated in Delaware. Our principal executive offices are located at 100 Domain Drive, Exeter, NH 03833. Our telephone number is (866) 410-9986. Our website address is www.vapotherm.com. We have included our website address in this prospectus solely as an inactive textual reference. The information contained on the website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and should not be considered part of this prospectus.

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THE OFFERING

Common stock offered by us

Shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $50.0 million.

Common stock to be outstanding after this offering

Up to 25,339,034 shares (as more fully described in the notes following this table), assuming sales of 4,269,855 shares of our common stock in this offering at an offering price of $11.71 per share, which was the last reported sale price of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on December 19, 2019. The actual number of shares issued will vary depending on how many shares we choose to sell and the sales price under this offering.

Manner of offering

“At-the-market” offering that may be made from time to time through our sales agent, Jefferies. See “Plan of Distribution” on page S-12.

Use of proceeds

If we receive all $50.0 million of gross proceeds from the sale of the shares of our common stock under this prospectus, we anticipate that our net proceeds, after deducting the commissions and estimated expenses payable by us, will be approximately $48.3 million. We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering to fund sales and marketing, product development and research and development activities, and for working capital and other general corporate purposes. See “Use of Proceeds” on page S-10.

Risk factors

You should read the “Risk Factors” section of this prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus for a discussion of factors to consider before deciding to purchase shares of our common stock.

The New York Stock Exchange symbol

VAPO

The number of shares of common stock shown above to be outstanding after this offering is based on 21,069,179 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2019, which includes 267,566 shares of unvested restricted stock, and excludes:

•

1,407,448 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of options outstanding to purchase shares of our common stock as of September 30, 2019 at a weighted average exercise price of $11.44 per share;

•

900,543 additional shares of our common stock reserved for future issuance under our 2018 Equity Incentive Plan, or 2018 Plan, as of September 30, 2019, as well as shares of our common stock that may be issued pursuant to provisions of our 2018 Plan that automatically increase the common stock reserve under our 2018 Plan;

•

182,076 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants to purchase shares of our common stock outstanding as of September 30, 2019 at a weighted average exercise price of $14.84 per share; and

•

339,121 shares of our common stock reserved for future issuance under our 2018 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, or ESPP, as of September 30, 2019, as well as shares of our common stock that may be issued pursuant to provisions in our ESPP that automatically increase the common stock reserve under the ESPP.

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RISK FACTORS

You should consider carefully the risks described below and discussed under the section captioned “Risk Factors” contained in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 and in our subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and annual reports on Form 10-K, as updated by our subsequent filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, each of which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus in their entirety, together with other information in this prospectus, and the information and documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus, and any free writing prospectus that we have authorized for use in connection with this offering before you make a decision to invest in our common stock. If any of the following events actually occur, our business, operating results, prospects or financial condition could be materially and adversely affected. This could cause the trading price of our common stock to decline and you may lose all or part of your investment. The risks described below are not the only ones that we face. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also affect our business operations.

Risks Related to this Offering

Investors in this offering will suffer immediate and substantial dilution of their investment.

If you purchase common stock in this offering, you will pay more for your shares than our as adjusted net tangible book value per share. Based upon an assumed public offering price of $11.71 per share, the last reported sale price of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on December 19, 2019, you will incur immediate and substantial dilution of $7.27 per share, representing the difference between our assumed public offering price and our as adjusted net tangible book value per share. To the extent outstanding stock options are exercised, new investors may incur further dilution. See “Dilution” for additional information.

We will have broad discretion in the use of the net proceeds from this offering and may invest or spend the proceeds in ways which you do not agree with or that may not yield a return.

We currently intend to use the net proceeds from this offering to fund sales and marketing, product development and research and development activities, and for working capital and other general corporate purposes, as described in “Use of Proceeds.” Although we currently intend to use the net proceeds from this offering in such a manner, we will have broad discretion in the application of the net proceeds. We may use the net proceeds for purposes that do not yield a significant return or any return at all for our stockholders.

The actual number of shares we will issue under the sales agreement, at any one time or in total, is uncertain.

Subject to certain limitations in the sales agreement and compliance with applicable law, we have the discretion to deliver an issuance notice to Jefferies at any time throughout the term of the sales agreement. The number of shares that are sold by Jefferies after delivering an issuance notice will fluctuate based on the market price of our common stock during the sales period and limits we set with Jefferies. Because the price per share of each share sold will fluctuate based on the market price of our common stock during the sales period, it is not possible at this stage to predict the number of shares that will be ultimately issued.

The common stock offered hereby will be sold in “at the market offerings,” and investors who buy shares at different times will likely pay different prices.

Investors who purchase shares in this offering at different times will likely pay different prices, and so may experience different outcomes in their investment results. We will have discretion, subject to market demand, to vary the timing, prices, and numbers of shares sold, and there is no minimum or maximum sales price. Investors may experience a decline in the value of their shares as a result of share sales made at prices lower than the prices they paid.

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus and the other documents we have filed with the SEC that are incorporated herein by reference contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, including statements regarding our strategy, future operations, future financial position, future revenues, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management, are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “target,” “project,” “contemplate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential” or “continue” and the negative of these terms and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements we make. In particular, you should consider the numerous risks described in the “Risk Factors” section of this prospectus and under “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 and any subsequent Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, each incorporated by reference in this prospectus. See “Where You Can Find More Information.”

Although we believe the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance or achievements. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Unless required by law, we will not undertake and we specifically disclaim any obligation to release publicly the result of any revisions which may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of events, whether or not anticipated. In that respect, we wish to caution readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made.

The documents incorporated by reference herein include statistical and other industry and market data that we obtained from industry publications and research, surveys and studies conducted by third parties. Industry publications and third party research, surveys and studies generally indicate that their information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, although they do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such information. While we believe these industry publications and third party research, surveys and studies are reliable, we have not independently verified such data.

These risks and uncertainties include, among other things:

•

estimates regarding the annual total addressable market for our Precision Flow systems, future results of operations, financial position, capital requirements and our needs for additional financing;

•

commercial success and market acceptance of our Precision Flow systems and any future products we may seek to commercialize;

•

competitive companies and technologies in our industry;

•

our ability to enhance our Hi-VNI Technology, expand our indications and develop and commercialize additional products;

•

our business model and strategic plans for our products, technologies and business, including our implementation thereof;

•

our ability to accurately forecast customer demand for our products and manage our inventory;

•

our ability to expand, manage and maintain our direct sales and marketing organization, and to market and sell our Hi-VNI Technology in markets outside of the United States;

•

our ability to hire and retain our senior management and other highly qualified personnel;

•

our ability to obtain additional financing in this or future offerings;

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•

our ability to commercialize or obtain regulatory approvals for our products, or the effect of delays in commercializing or obtaining regulatory approvals;

•

United States Food and Drug Administration or other United States or foreign regulatory actions affecting us or the healthcare industry generally, including healthcare reform measures in the United States and international markets;

•

the timing or likelihood of regulatory filings and approvals;

•

our ability to establish and maintain intellectual property protection for our products, including our Hi-VNI Technology and Precision Flow systems or avoid claims of infringement;

•

the volatility of the trading price of our common stock;

•

our expectations regarding the use of proceeds from this offering; and

•

our expectations about market trends.

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USE OF PROCEEDS

If we receive all $50.0 million of gross proceeds from the sale of the shares of our common stock under this prospectus, we anticipate that the net proceeds we will receive from this offering will be approximately $48.3 million, after deducting the commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. The amount of the proceeds from this offering will depend upon the number of shares of our common stock sold and the market price at which they are sold. There can be no assurance that we will be able to sell any shares under or fully utilize the sales agreement with Jefferies as a source of financing.

We currently estimate that we will use the net proceeds from this offering as follows:

•

to fund sales and marketing activities;

•

to fund product development and research and development activities; and

•

the balance to fund working capital and other general corporate purposes.

Our expected use of net proceeds from this offering represents our current intentions based upon our present plans and business condition. As of the date of this prospectus, we cannot predict with complete certainty all of the particular uses for the net proceeds to be received upon the completion of this offering or the actual amounts that we will spend on the uses set forth above.

We may find it necessary or advisable to use the net proceeds for other purposes, and we will have broad discretion in the application of the net proceeds. Pending the uses described above, we plan to invest the net proceeds from this offering in short-term, interest-bearing obligations, investment-grade instruments, certificates of deposit or direct or guaranteed obligations of the U.S. government.

S-7

DILUTION

If you invest in our common stock in this offering, your ownership interest will be diluted immediately to the extent of the difference between the amount per share paid by purchasers and the pro forma net tangible book value per share of our common stock after this offering.

Our historical net tangible book value as of September 30, 2019 was $64.2 million, or $3.05 per share of our common stock. Historical net tangible book value per share represents the amount of our total tangible assets less total liabilities, divided by 21,069,179 shares of our common stock outstanding at September 30, 2019. Outstanding common stock includes 20,801,613 shares of common stock outstanding as of September 30, 2019 plus 267,566 shares of unvested restricted stock which are not included as issued and outstanding for accounting purposes and are not included in our consolidated financial statements.

After giving effect to the assumed sale of 4,269,855 shares of common stock by us in this offering at the assumed public offering price of $11.71 per share, which was the last reported sale price of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on December 19, 2019, less the commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, our pro-forma net tangible book value as of September 30, 2019 would have been $112.5 million, or $4.44 per share. This represents an immediate increase in pro forma net tangible book value per share of $1.39 to existing stockholders and immediate dilution of $7.27 in pro forma net tangible book value per share to new investors purchasing common stock in this offering.

Dilution per share to new investors is determined by subtracting pro forma net tangible book value per share after this offering from the assumed public offering price per share paid by new investors. The following table illustrates this dilution on a per share basis.


Assumed public offering price per share			$	11.71
Net tangible book value per share as of September 30, 2019	$	3.05
Increase in net tangible book value per share attributable to new investors	$	1.39

Pro forma net tangible book value per share after this offering			$	4.44

Dilution per share to new investors			$	7.27

•

900,543 additional shares of our common stock reserved for future issuance under our 2018 Plan, as of September 30, 2019, as well as shares of our common stock that may be issued pursuant to provisions of our 2018 Plan that automatically increase the common stock reserve under our 2018 Plan;

•

339,121 shares of our common stock reserved for future issuance under our ESPP, as of September 30, 2019, as well as shares of our common stock that may be issued pursuant to provisions in our ESPP that automatically increase the common stock reserve under the ESPP.

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We have entered into a sales agreement with Jefferies, under which we may offer and sell up to $50,000,000 of our shares of common stock from time to time through Jefferies acting as agent. Sales of our shares of common stock, if any, under this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus will be made by any method that is deemed to be an “at the market offering” as defined in Rule 415(a)(4) under the Securities Act.

Each time we wish to issue and sell our shares of common stock under the sales agreement, we will notify Jefferies of the number of shares to be issued, the dates on which such sales are anticipated to be made, any limitation on the number of shares to be sold in any one day and any minimum price below which sales may not be made. Once we have so instructed Jefferies, unless Jefferies declines to accept the terms of such notice, Jefferies has agreed to use its commercially reasonable efforts consistent with its normal trading and sales practices to sell such shares up to the amount specified on such terms. The obligations of Jefferies under the sales agreement to sell our shares of common stock are subject to a number of conditions that we must meet.

The settlement of sales of shares between us and Jefferies is generally anticipated to occur on the second trading day following the date on which the sale was made. Sales of our shares of common stock as contemplated in this prospectus supplement will be settled through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company or by such other means as we and Jefferies may agree upon. There is no arrangement for funds to be received in an escrow, trust or similar arrangement.

We will pay Jefferies a commission of 3.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds we receive from each sale of our shares of common stock. Because there is no minimum offering amount required as a condition to close this offering, the actual total public offering amount, commissions and proceeds to us, if any, are not determinable at this time. In addition, we have agreed to reimburse Jefferies for the fees and disbursements of its counsel, payable upon execution of the sales agreement, in an amount not to exceed $50,000. We estimate that the total expenses for the offering, excluding any commissions or expense reimbursement payable to Jefferies under the terms of the sales agreement, will be approximately $0.2 million. The remaining sale proceeds, after deducting any other transaction fees, will equal our net proceeds from the sale of such shares.

Jefferies will provide written confirmation to us before the open on the New York Stock Exchange on the day following each day on which our shares of common stock are sold under the sales agreement. Each confirmation will include the number of shares sold on that day, the aggregate gross proceeds of such sales and the proceeds to us.

In connection with the sale of our shares of common stock on our behalf, Jefferies will be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act, and the compensation of Jefferies will be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts. We have agreed to indemnify Jefferies against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. We have also agreed to contribute to payments Jefferies may be required to make in respect of such liabilities.

The offering of our shares of common stock pursuant to the sales agreement will terminate upon the earlier of (i) the sale of all shares of common stock subject to the sales agreement and (ii) the termination of the sales agreement as permitted therein. We and Jefferies may each terminate the sales agreement at any time upon ten days’ prior notice.

This summary of the material provisions of the sales agreement does not purport to be a complete statement of its terms and conditions. A copy of the sales agreement is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus supplement forms a part.

Jefferies and its affiliates may in the future provide various investment banking, commercial banking, financial advisory and other financial services for us and our affiliates, for which services they may in the future receive

S-9

customary fees. In the course of its business, Jefferies may actively trade our securities for its own account or for the accounts of customers, and, accordingly, Jefferies may at any time hold long or short positions in such securities.

A prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus in electronic format may be made available on a website maintained by Jefferies, and Jefferies may distribute the prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus electronically.

S-10

DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK

The following summary of the terms of our common stock does not purport to be complete. You should refer to our certificate of incorporation and by-laws, both of which are on file with the SEC as exhibits to previous filings. The summary below is also qualified by provisions of applicable law.

General

Our authorized capital stock consists of 175,000,000 shares of our common stock, par value $0.001 per share. As of September 30, 2019, we had outstanding 21,069,179 shares of common stock held of record by 175 stockholders.

Holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders and do not have cumulative voting rights. An election of directors by our stockholders shall be determined by a plurality of the votes cast by the stockholders entitled to vote on the election. Holders of common stock are entitled to receive proportionately any dividends as may be declared by our board of directors, subject to any preferential dividend rights of any series of preferred stock that we may designate and issue in the future.

In the event of our liquidation or dissolution, the holders of common stock are entitled to receive proportionately our net assets available for distribution to stockholders after the payment of all debts and other liabilities and subject to the prior rights of any outstanding preferred stock. Holders of common stock have no preemptive, subscription, redemption or conversion rights. The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of common stock are subject to and may be adversely affected by the rights of the holders of shares of any series of preferred stock that we may designate and issue in the future.

Delaware Anti-Takeover Law and Certain Charter and By-law Provisions

Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law

We are subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or DGCL. In general, Section 203 prohibits a publicly-held Delaware corporation from engaging in a “business combination” with an “interested stockholder” for a three-year period following the time that this stockholder becomes an interested stockholder, unless the business combination is approved in a prescribed manner. A “business combination” includes, among other things, a merger, asset or stock sale or other transaction resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder. An “interested stockholder” is a person who, together with affiliates and associates, owns, or did own within three years prior to the determination of interested stockholder status, 15% or more of the corporation’s voting stock.

Under Section 203, a business combination between a corporation and an interested stockholder is prohibited unless it satisfies one of the following conditions: before the stockholder became interested, our board of directors approved either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder; upon consummation of the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the voting stock outstanding, shares owned by persons who are directors and also officers, and employee stock plans, in some instances; or at or after the time the stockholder became interested, the business combination was approved by our board of directors of the corporation and authorized at an annual or special meeting of the stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock which is not owned by the interested stockholder.

A Delaware corporation may “opt out” of these provisions with an express provision in its original certificate of incorporation or an express provision in its certificate of incorporation or by-laws resulting from a stockholders’

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amendment approved by at least a majority of the outstanding voting shares. We have not opted out of these provisions. As a result, mergers or other takeover or change in control attempts of us may be discouraged or prevented.

Anti-Takeover Effects of Our Certificate of Incorporation and Our By-Laws

Our certificate of incorporation and by-laws contain certain provisions that are intended to enhance the likelihood of continuity and stability in the composition of our board of directors but which may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a future takeover or change in control of us unless such takeover or change in control is approved by our board of directors.

These provisions include:

Classified board. Our certificate of incorporation provides that our board of directors be divided into three classes of directors, with the classes as nearly equal in number as possible. As a result, approximately one-third of our board of directors will be elected each year. The classification of directors has the effect of making it more difficult for stockholders to change the composition of our board. Our certificate of incorporation also provides that, subject to any rights of holders of preferred stock to elect additional directors under specified circumstances, the number of directors will be fixed exclusively pursuant to a resolution adopted by our board of directors. Our board of directors currently has eight members.

Action by written consent; special meetings of stockholders. Our certificate of incorporation provides that stockholder action can be taken only at an annual or special meeting of stockholders and cannot be taken by written consent in lieu of a meeting. Our certificate of incorporation and our by-laws also provide that, except as otherwise required by law, special meetings of the stockholders can only be called pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of our board of directors. Except as described above, stockholders are not permitted to call a special meeting or to require our board of directors to call a special meeting.

Removal of directors. Our certificate of incorporation provides that our directors may be removed only for cause by the affirmative vote of at least 75% of the voting power of our outstanding shares of capital stock, voting together as a single class. This requirement of a supermajority vote to remove directors could enable a minority of our stockholders to prevent a change in the composition of our board.

Advance notice procedures. Our by-laws have an advance notice procedure for stockholder proposals to be brought before an annual meeting of our stockholders, including proposed nominations of persons for election to the board of directors. Stockholders at an annual meeting are only be able to consider proposals or nominations specified in the notice of meeting or brought before the meeting by or at the direction of our board of directors or by a stockholder who was a stockholder of record on the record date for the meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has given our Secretary timely written notice, in proper form, of the stockholder’s intention to bring that business before the meeting. Although the by-laws do not give our board of directors the power to approve or disapprove stockholder nominations of candidates or proposals regarding other business to be conducted at a special or annual meeting, the by-laws may have the effect of precluding the conduct of certain business at a meeting if the proper procedures are not followed or may discourage or deter a potential acquirer from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect its own slate of directors or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us.

Supermajority approval requirements. The DGCL generally provides that the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares entitled to vote on any matter is required to amend a corporation’s certificate of incorporation or by-laws, unless either a corporation’s certificate of incorporation or by-laws requires a greater percentage. Our certificate of incorporation and by-laws provide that the affirmative vote of holders of at least 75% of the total votes eligible to be cast in the election of directors will be required to amend, alter, change or repeal specified provisions. This requirement of a supermajority vote to approve amendments to our certificate of incorporation and by-laws could enable a minority of our stockholders to exercise veto power over any such amendments.

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Authorized but unissued shares. Our authorized but unissued shares of common stock and preferred stock are available for future issuance without stockholder approval. These additional shares may be utilized for a variety of corporate purposes, including future public offerings to raise additional capital, corporate acquisitions and employee benefit plans. The existence of authorized but unissued shares of common stock and preferred stock could render more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of a majority of our common stock by means of a proxy contest, tender offer, merger or otherwise.

Exclusive forum. Our certificate of incorporation requires, to the fullest extent permitted by law, that derivative actions brought in the name of the Company, actions against directors, officers and employees for breach of a fiduciary duty and other similar actions may be brought only in specified courts in the State of Delaware. Although we believe this provision benefits us by providing increased consistency in the application of Delaware law in the types of lawsuits to which it applies, the provision may have the effect of discouraging lawsuits against our directors and officers.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

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

Listing

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “VAPO.”

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LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the issuance of the securities offered hereby will be passed upon by our counsel, Ropes & Gray LLP, Boston, Massachusetts. Jefferies is being represented in connection with this offering by Latham & Watkins LLP.

EXPERTS

The audited consolidated financial statements incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement have been so incorporated by reference in reliance upon the report of Grant Thornton LLP, independent registered public accountants, upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We have filed a registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC for the securities offered by this prospectus. This prospectus does not include all of the information contained in the registration statement. You should refer to the registration statement and its exhibits for additional information.

We are subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act and, in accordance with the Exchange Act, are required to file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy and information statements and other information with the SEC. Such annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy and information statements and other information can be reviewed by accessing the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. This information is also available on the investor relations section of our website, which is located at www.vapotherm.com. Information on, or accessible through, our website is not part of this prospectus.

S-14

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” information we have filed with it into our registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to other documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus. We incorporate by reference into this prospectus the documents listed below and any additional documents that we file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act on or after the date we file this prospectus, except for information “furnished” under Items 2.02, 7.01 or 9.01 on Form 8-K or other information “furnished” to the SEC which is not deemed filed and not incorporated in this prospectus until the termination of the offering of securities described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

We hereby incorporate by reference the following documents and information:

•

our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, filed on March 22, 2019;

•

our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2019, June 30, 2019, and September 30, 2019, filed on May 10, 2019, July 29, 2019, and November 5, 2019, respectively;

•

the information in our proxy statement filed on April 24, 2019, to the extent incorporated by reference in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018;

•

our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 19, 2019; and

•

the description of our common stock contained in our Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed with the SEC on November 9, 2018, and any amendment or report filed with the SEC for the purpose of updating such description.

We will provide to each person, including any beneficial owners, to whom a prospectus is delivered, upon written or oral request of any such person, a copy of the reports and documents that have been incorporated by reference into this prospectus, at no cost. Any such request should be directed to: Vapotherm, Inc., 100 Domain Drive, Exeter, NH 03833; Attention: Investor Relations. These documents are also available on the Investor Relations section of our website, which is located at http://investors.vapotherm.com, or as described under “Where You Can Find More Information” above. The reference to our website address does not constitute incorporation by reference of the information contained on our websites.

Any statement in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for the purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus.

S-15

PROSPECTUS

$200,000,000

LOGO

Common Stock

Preferred Stock

Warrants

Debt Securities

Units

We may offer and sell from time to time, in one or more series or issuances and on terms that we will determine at the time of the offering, any combination of the securities described in this prospectus, up to an aggregate amount of $200,000,000.

We will provide specific terms of any offering in a supplement to this prospectus. Any prospectus supplement may also add, update, or change information contained in this prospectus. You should carefully read this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement as well as the documents incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus before you purchase any of the securities offered hereby.

These securities may be offered and sold in the same offering or in separate offerings; to or through underwriters, dealers, and agents; or directly to purchasers. The names of any underwriters, dealers, or agents involved in the sale of our securities and their compensation will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. Before making an investment decision, please read the information under the heading “Risk Factors” beginning on page 3 of this prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “VAPO.” On December 19, 2019, the last reported sale price of our common stock was $11.71 per share.

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

Prospectus dated December 30, 2019

TABLE OF CONTENTS


	Page
About this Prospectus		1

Our Company		2

Risk Factors		3

Forward-Looking Statements		4

Use of Proceeds		6

Plan of Distribution		7

Description of Common Stock		9

Description of Preferred Stock		12

Description of Warrants		13

Description of Debt Securities		14

Description of Units		21

Where You Can Find More Information		22

Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference		22

Legal Matters		23

Experts		23

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is a part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, using a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may offer to sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings up to a total dollar amount of $200,000,000. Each time we sell securities under this prospectus, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including all documents incorporated herein and therein by reference, together with additional information described under “Where You Can Find More Information” below.

This prospectus does not include all of the information that is in the registration statement. We omitted certain parts of the registration statement from this prospectus as permitted by the SEC. We refer you to the registration statement and its exhibits for additional information about us and the securities that may be sold under this prospectus.

We have not authorized any dealer, agent or other person to give any information or to make any representation other than those contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement. You must not rely upon any information or representation not contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or an accompanying prospectus supplement. This prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement, if any, do not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other than the registered securities to which they relate, nor do this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement, if any, is accurate on any date subsequent to the date set forth on the front of the document or that any information we have incorporated by reference is correct on any date subsequent to the date of the document incorporated by reference, even though this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement is delivered or securities are sold on a later date.

OUR COMPANY

Overview

Corporate Information

RISK FACTORS

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. See “Item 1A—Risk Factors” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K incorporated by reference in this prospectus and in any subsequent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the “Risk Factors” section in the applicable prospectus supplement for a discussion of the factors you should carefully consider before deciding to purchase our securities. Before you invest in our securities, you should carefully consider these risks as well as other information we include or incorporate by reference into this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement. The risks and uncertainties we have described are not the only ones facing our Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also affect our business operations. The occurrence of any of these risks might cause you to lose all or part of your investment in the offered securities. The discussion of risks includes or refers to forward-looking statements; you should read the explanation of the qualifications and limitations on such forward-looking statements discussed elsewhere in this prospectus.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus, any prospectus supplement and the other documents we have filed with the SEC that are incorporated herein by reference contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, including statements regarding our strategy, future operations, future financial position, future revenues, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management, are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “target,” “project,” “contemplate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential” or “continue” and the negative of these terms and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements we make. In particular, you should consider the numerous risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, each incorporated by reference in this prospectus, and in the “Risk Factors” section in the applicable prospectus supplement. See “Where You Can Find More Information.”

This prospectus, any prospectus supplement and the other documents incorporated by reference herein and therein include statistical and other industry and market data that we obtained from industry publications and research, surveys and studies conducted by third parties. Industry publications and third party research, surveys and studies generally indicate that their information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, although they do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such information. While we believe these industry publications and third party research, surveys and studies are reliable, we have not independently verified such data.

These risks and uncertainties include, among other things:

•

estimates regarding the annual total addressable market for our Precision Flow systems, future results of operations, financial position, capital requirements and our needs for additional financing;

•

commercial success and market acceptance of our Precision Flow systems and any future products we may seek to commercialize;

•

competitive companies and technologies in our industry;

•

our ability to enhance our Hi-VNI Technology, expand our indications and develop and commercialize additional products;

•

our business model and strategic plans for our products, technologies and business, including our implementation thereof;

•

our ability to accurately forecast customer demand for our products and manage our inventory;

•

our ability to expand, manage and maintain our direct sales and marketing organization, and to market and sell our Hi-VNI Technology in markets outside of the United States;

•

our ability to hire and retain our senior management and other highly qualified personnel;

•

our ability to obtain additional financing in this or future offerings;

•

our ability to commercialize or obtain regulatory approvals for our products, or the effect of delays in commercializing or obtaining regulatory approvals;

•

the timing or likelihood of regulatory filings and approvals;

•

our ability to establish and maintain intellectual property protection for our products, including our Hi-VNI Technology and Precision Flow systems or avoid claims of infringement;

•

the volatility of the trading price of our common stock;

•

our expectations regarding the use of proceeds from this offering; and

•

our expectations about market trends.

USE OF PROCEEDS

Except as otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, we intend to use the net proceeds we receive from our sale of the securities covered by this prospectus for general corporate purposes, which may include working capital, capital expenditures, research and development expenditures, clinical trial expenditures, commercial expenditures, possible acquisitions, in-license or other investment in products, technologies or businesses that are complementary to our business. Additional information on the use of net proceeds we receive from the sale of securities covered by this prospectus may be set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the specific offering.

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We may sell securities in any of the ways described below or in any combination:

•

through one or more underwriters;

•

through dealers, who may act as agents or principal (including a block trade in which a broker or dealer so engaged will attempt to sell the shares as agent but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction);

•

through one or more agents;

•

through registered direct offerings;

•

as part of a collaboration with a third party;

•

as part of an acquisition or merger with a third party;

•

through at-the-market issuances;

•

in privately negotiated transactions; or

•

directly to purchasers or to a single purchaser.

The distribution of the securities by us may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions:

•

at a fixed price, or prices, which may be changed from time to time;

•

at market prices prevailing at the time of sale;

•

at prices related to such prevailing market prices; or

•

at negotiated prices.

Each prospectus supplement will describe the method of distribution of the securities and any applicable restrictions.

The prospectus supplement will describe the terms of the offering of the securities, including the following, as applicable:

•

the terms of the securities being offered, including the public offering price of the securities and the proceeds to us;

•

the name or names of any underwriters, dealers or agents and the amounts of securities underwritten or purchased by each of them;

•

any underwriting discounts and commissions or agency fees and other items constituting underwriters’ or agents’ compensation;

•

any options under which underwriters may purchase additional securities from us;

•

any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers; and

•

any securities exchanges on which the securities may be listed.

Only the agents or underwriters named in each prospectus supplement are agents or underwriters in connection with the securities being offered thereby.

We may authorize underwriters, dealers or other persons acting as our agents to solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase securities from us pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. Each contract will be for an amount not less than, and the aggregate

amount of securities sold pursuant to such contracts shall not be less nor more than, the respective amounts stated in each applicable prospectus supplement. Institutions with whom the contracts, when authorized, may be made include commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and charitable institutions and other institutions, but shall in all cases be subject to our approval. Delayed delivery contracts will be subject only to those conditions set forth in each applicable prospectus supplement, and each prospectus supplement will set forth any commissions we pay for solicitation of these contracts.

We may indemnify agents, underwriters, dealers, or other third parties who participate in the distribution of securities against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and agree to contribute to payments which these agents, underwriters, dealers, or other third parties may be required to make. Agents, underwriters, dealers and such other third parties may be customers of, engage in transactions with, or perform services for us in the ordinary course of business. We may also use underwriters or such other third parties with whom we have a material relationship. We will describe the nature of any such relationship in the applicable prospectus supplement.

One or more firms, referred to as “remarketing firms,” may also offer or sell the securities, if a prospectus supplement so indicates, in connection with a remarketing arrangement upon their purchase. Remarketing firms will act as principals for their own accounts or as our agents. These remarketing firms will offer or sell the securities in accordance with the terms of the securities. Each prospectus supplement will identify and describe any remarketing firm and the terms of its agreement, if any, with us and will describe the remarketing firm’s compensation. Remarketing firms may be deemed to be underwriters in connection with the securities they remarket. Remarketing firms may be entitled under agreements that may be entered into with us to indemnification by us against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and may engage in transactions with or perform services for us in the ordinary course of business.

Certain underwriters may use this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement for offers and sales related to market-making transactions in the securities. These underwriters may act as principal or agent in these transactions, and the sales will be made at prices related to prevailing market prices at the time of sale. Any underwriters involved in the sale of the securities may qualify as “underwriters” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(11) of the Securities Act. In addition, the underwriters’ commissions, discounts or concessions may qualify as underwriters’ compensation under the Securities Act and the rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Underwriters may make a market in our common stock, but will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. We can make no assurance as to the development, maintenance or liquidity of any trading market for the securities.

Certain persons participating in an offering may engage in overallotment, stabilizing transactions, short covering transactions and penalty bids in accordance with rules and regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. Overallotment involves sales in excess of the offering size, which create a short position. Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase the underlying security so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum. Short covering transactions involve purchases of the securities in the open market after the distribution is completed to cover short positions. Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a dealer when the securities originally sold by the dealer are purchased in a short covering transaction to cover short positions. Those activities may cause the price of the securities to be higher than it would otherwise be. If commenced, the underwriters may discontinue any of the activities at any time.

DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK

General

Delaware Anti-Takeover Law and Certain Charter and By-law Provisions

Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law

Anti-Takeover Effects of Our Certificate of Incorporation and Our By-Laws

These provisions include:

Transfer Agent and Registrar

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

Listing

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “VAPO.”

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK

Under the terms of our certificate of incorporation, our board of directors is authorized to issue up to 25,000,000 shares of our preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share, in one or more series without stockholder approval. Our board of directors has the discretion to determine the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions, including voting rights, dividend rights, conversion rights, redemption privileges and liquidation preferences, of each series of preferred stock. No shares of preferred stock are currently outstanding. It is not possible to state the actual effect of the issuance of any shares of preferred stock upon the rights of the holders of common stock until the board of directors determines the specific rights of the holders of preferred stock. However, effects of the issuance of preferred stock include restricting dividends on common stock, diluting the voting power of common stock, impairing the liquidation rights of common stock, and making it more difficult for a third party to acquire us, which could have the effect of discouraging a third party from acquiring, or deterring a third party from paying a premium to acquire, a majority of our outstanding voting stock.

If we offer a specific class or series of preferred stock under this prospectus, we will describe the terms of the preferred stock in the prospectus supplement for such offering and will file a copy of the certificate establishing the terms of the preferred stock with the SEC. To the extent required, this description will include:

•

the title and stated value;

•

the number of shares offered, the liquidation preference per share and the purchase price;

•

the dividend rate(s), period(s) and/or payment date(s), or method(s) of calculation for such dividends;

•

whether dividends will be cumulative or non-cumulative and, if cumulative, the date from which dividends will accumulate;

•

the procedures for any auction and remarketing, if any;

•

the provisions for a sinking fund, if any;

•

the provisions for redemption, if applicable;

•

any listing of the preferred stock on any securities exchange or market;

•

whether the preferred stock will be convertible into our common stock, and, if applicable, the conversion price (or how it will be calculated) and conversion period;

•

whether the preferred stock will be exchangeable into debt securities, and, if applicable, the exchange price (or how it will be calculated) and exchange period;

•

voting rights, if any, of the preferred stock;

•

a discussion of any material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to the preferred stock;

•

the relative ranking and preferences of the preferred stock as to dividend rights and rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Company; and

•

any material limitations on issuance of any class or series of preferred stock ranking senior to or on a parity with the series of preferred stock as to dividend rights and rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company.

The preferred stock offered by this prospectus, when issued, will not have, or be subject to, any preemptive or similar rights.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for any series or class of preferred stock will be set forth in each applicable prospectus supplement.

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

We may issue warrants to purchase shares of our common stock, preferred stock and/or debt securities in one or more series together with other securities or separately, as described in each applicable prospectus supplement. Below is a description of certain general terms and provisions of the warrants that we may offer. Particular terms of the warrants will be described in the applicable warrant agreements and the applicable prospectus supplement for the warrants.

The applicable prospectus supplement will contain, where applicable, the following terms of and other information relating to the warrants:

•

the specific designation and aggregate number of, and the price at which we will issue, the warrants;

•

the currency or currency units in which the offering price, if any, and the exercise price are payable;

•

the designation, amount and terms of the securities purchasable upon exercise of the warrants;

•

if applicable, the exercise price for shares of our common stock and the number of shares of common stock to be received upon exercise of the warrants;

•

if applicable, the exercise price for shares of our preferred stock, the number of shares of preferred stock to be received upon exercise, and a description of that class or series of our preferred stock;

•

if applicable, the exercise price for our debt securities, the amount of our debt securities to be received upon exercise, and a description of that series of debt securities;

•

the date on which the right to exercise the warrants will begin and the date on which that right will expire or, if the warrants may not be continuously exercised throughout that period, the specific date or dates on which the warrants may be exercised;

•

whether the warrants will be issued in fully registered form or bearer form, in definitive or global form or in any combination of these forms, although, in any case, the form of a warrant included in a unit will correspond to the form of the unit and of any security included in that unit;

•

any applicable material U.S. federal income tax consequences;

•

the identity of the warrant agent for the warrants and of any other depositaries, execution or paying agents, transfer agents, registrars or other agents;

•

the proposed listing, if any, of the warrants or any securities purchasable upon exercise of the warrants on any securities exchange;

•

if applicable, the date from and after which the warrants and the common stock, preferred stock and/or debt securities will be separately transferable;

•

if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of the warrants that may be exercised at any one time;

•

information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any;

•

the anti-dilution provisions of the warrants, if any;

•

any redemption or call provisions;

•

whether the warrants are to be sold separately or with other securities as parts of units; and

•

any additional terms of the warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of the warrants.

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

We may issue the debt securities offered by this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement under an indenture to be entered into between us and the trustee identified in the applicable prospectus supplement. The terms of the debt securities will include those stated in the indenture and those made part of the indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as in effect on the date of the indenture. We have filed a copy of the form of indenture as an exhibit to the registration statement in which this prospectus is included. The indenture will be subject to and governed by the terms of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939.

We may offer under this prospectus debt securities that, unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, will represent direct, unsecured obligations of the Company and will rank equally with all of our other unsecured indebtedness.

The following statements relating to the debt securities and the indenture are summaries, qualified in their entirety by reference to the detailed provisions of the indenture.

General

We may issue the debt securities in one or more series with the same or various maturities, at par, at a premium, or at a discount. We will describe the particular terms of each series of debt securities in a prospectus supplement relating to that series, which we will file with the SEC.

The prospectus supplement will set forth, to the extent required, the following terms of the debt securities in respect of which the prospectus supplement is delivered:

•

the title of the series;

•

the aggregate principal amount;

•

the issue price or prices, expressed as a percentage of the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities;

•

any limit on the aggregate principal amount;

•

the date or dates on which principal is payable;

•

the interest rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable) or, if applicable, the method used to determine such rate or rates;

•

the date or dates from which interest, if any, will be payable and any regular record date for the interest payable;

•

the place or places where principal and, if applicable, premium and interest, are payable;

•

the terms and conditions upon which we may, or the holders may require us to, redeem or repurchase the debt securities;

•

the denominations in which such debt securities may be issuable, if other than denominations of $1,000 or any integral multiple of that number;

•

whether the debt securities are to be issuable in the form of certificated securities (as described below) or global securities (as described below);

•

the portion of principal amount that will be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity date if other than the principal amount of the debt securities;

•

the currency of denomination;

•

the designation of the currency, currencies or currency units in which payment of principal and, if applicable, premium and interest, will be made;

•

if payments of principal and, if applicable, premium or interest, on the debt securities are to be made in one or more currencies or currency units other than the currency of denomination, the manner in which the exchange rate with respect to such payments will be determined;

•

if amounts of principal and, if applicable, premium and interest may be determined by reference to an index based on a currency or currencies or by reference to a commodity, commodity index, stock exchange index or financial index, then the manner in which such amounts will be determined;

•

the provisions, if any, relating to any collateral provided for such debt securities;

•

any addition to or change in the covenants and/or the acceleration provisions described in this prospectus or in the indenture;

•

any events of default, if not otherwise described below under “Events of Default”;

•

the terms and conditions, if any, for conversion into or exchange for shares of our common stock or preferred stock;

•

any depositaries, interest rate calculation agents, exchange rate calculation agents or other agents; and

•

the terms and conditions, if any, upon which the debt securities shall be subordinated in right of payment to other indebtedness of the Company.

We may issue discount debt securities that provide for an amount less than the stated principal amount to be due and payable upon acceleration of the maturity of such debt securities in accordance with the terms of the indenture. We may also issue debt securities in bearer form, with or without coupons. If we issue discount debt securities or debt securities in bearer form, we will describe material U.S. federal income tax considerations and other material special considerations which apply to these debt securities in the applicable prospectus supplement.

We may issue debt securities denominated in or payable in a foreign currency or currencies or a foreign currency unit or units. If we do, we will describe the restrictions, elections, and general tax considerations relating to the debt securities and the foreign currency or currencies or foreign currency unit or units in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Exchange and/or Conversion Rights

We may issue debt securities which can be exchanged for or converted into shares of our common stock or preferred stock. If we do, we will describe the terms of exchange or conversion in the prospectus supplement relating to these debt securities.

Transfer and Exchange

We may issue debt securities that will be represented by either:

•

“book-entry securities,” which means that there will be one or more global securities registered in the name of a depositary or a nominee of a depositary; or

•

“certificated securities,” which means that they will be represented by a certificate issued in definitive registered form.

We will specify in the prospectus supplement applicable to a particular offering whether the debt securities offered will be book-entry or certificated securities.

Certificated Debt Securities

If you hold certificated debt securities, you may transfer or exchange such debt securities at the trustee’s office or at the paying agent’s office or agency in accordance with the terms of the indenture. You will not be charged a

service charge for any transfer or exchange of certificated debt securities but may be required to pay an amount sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection with such transfer or exchange.

You may effect the transfer of certificated debt securities and of the right to receive the principal of, premium, and/or interest, if any, on the certificated debt securities only by surrendering the certificate representing the certificated debt securities and having us or the trustee issue a new certificate to the new holder.

Global Securities

If we decide to issue debt securities in the form of one or more global securities, then we will register the global securities in the name of the depositary for the global securities or the nominee of the depositary, and the global securities will be delivered by the trustee to the depositary for credit to the accounts of the holders of beneficial interests in the debt securities.

The prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of the depositary arrangement for debt securities of a series that are issued in global form. None of our Company, the trustee, any payment agent or the security registrar will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in a global debt security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to these beneficial ownership interests.

No Protection in the Event of Change of Control

The indenture does not have any covenants or other provisions providing for a put or increased interest or otherwise that would afford holders of our debt securities additional protection in the event of a recapitalization transaction, a change of control of the Company, or a highly leveraged transaction. If we offer any covenants or provisions of this type with respect to any debt securities covered by this prospectus, we will describe them in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Covenants

Unless otherwise indicated in this prospectus or the applicable prospectus supplement, our debt securities will not have the benefit of any covenants that limit or restrict our business or operations, the pledging of our assets or the incurrence by us of indebtedness. We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement any material covenants in respect of a series of debt securities.

Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets

We have agreed in the indenture that we will not consolidate with or merge into any other person or convey, transfer, sell or lease our properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any person, unless:

•

the person formed by the consolidation or into or with which we are merged or the person to which our properties and assets are conveyed, transferred, sold or leased, is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the U.S., any state or the District of Columbia or a corporation or comparable legal entity organized under the laws of a foreign jurisdiction and, if we are not the surviving person, the surviving person has expressly assumed all of our obligations, including the payment of the principal of and, premium, if any, and interest on the debt securities and the performance of the other covenants under the indenture; and

•

immediately before and immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no event of default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an event of default, has occurred and is continuing under the indenture.

Events of Default

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the following events will be events of default under the indenture with respect to debt securities of any series:

•

we fail to pay any principal or premium, if any, when it becomes due;

•

we fail to pay any interest within 30 days after it becomes due;

•

we fail to observe or perform any other covenant in the debt securities or the indenture for 60 days after written notice specifying the failure from the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series; and

•

certain events involving bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of Vapotherm or any of our significant subsidiaries.

The trustee may withhold notice to the holders of the debt securities of any series of any default, except in payment of principal of or premium, if any, or interest on the debt securities of a series, if the trustee considers it to be in the best interest of the holders of the debt securities of that series to do so.

If an event of default (other than an event of default resulting from certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization) occurs, and is continuing, then the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may accelerate the maturity of the debt securities. If this happens, the entire principal amount, plus the premium, if any, of all the outstanding debt securities of the affected series plus accrued interest to the date of acceleration will be immediately due and payable. At any time after the acceleration, but before a judgment or decree based on such acceleration is obtained by the trustee, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of outstanding debt securities of such series may rescind and annul such acceleration if:

•

all events of default (other than nonpayment of accelerated principal, premium or interest) have been cured or waived;

•

all lawful interest on overdue interest and overdue principal has been paid; and

•

the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree.

In addition, if the acceleration occurs at any time when we have outstanding indebtedness which is senior to the debt securities, the payment of the principal amount of outstanding debt securities may be subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment of any amounts due under the senior indebtedness, in which case the holders of debt securities will be entitled to payment under the terms prescribed in the instruments evidencing the senior indebtedness and the indenture.

If an event of default resulting from certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization occurs, the principal, premium and interest amount with respect to all of the debt securities of any series will be due and payable immediately without any declaration or other act on the part of the trustee or the holders of the debt securities of that series.

The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series will have the right to waive any existing default or compliance with any provision of the indenture or the debt securities of that series and to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee, subject to certain limitations specified in the indenture.

No holder of any debt security of a series will have any right to institute any proceeding with respect to the indenture or for any remedy under the indenture, unless:

•

the holder gives to the trustee written notice of a continuing event of default;

•

the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the affected series make a written request and offer reasonable indemnity to the trustee to institute a proceeding as trustee;

•

the trustee fails to institute a proceeding within 60 days after such request; and

•

the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the affected series do not give the trustee a direction inconsistent with such request during such 60-day period.

These limitations do not, however, apply to a suit instituted for payment on debt securities of any series on or after the due dates expressed in the debt securities.

We will periodically deliver certificates to the trustee regarding our compliance with our obligations under the indenture.

Modification and Waiver

From time to time, we and the trustee may, without the consent of holders of the debt securities of one or more series, amend the indenture or the debt securities of one or more series, or supplement the indenture, for certain specified purposes, including:

•

to provide that the surviving entity following a change of control of Vapotherm permitted under the indenture will assume all of our obligations under the indenture and debt securities;

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to provide for certificated debt securities in addition to uncertificated debt securities;

•

to comply with any requirements of the SEC under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939;

•

to provide for the issuance of and establish the form and terms and conditions of debt securities of any series as permitted by the indenture;

•

to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency, or make any other change that does not materially and adversely affect the rights of any holder; and

•

to appoint a successor trustee under the indenture with respect to one or more series.

From time to time we and the trustee may, with the consent of holders of at least a majority in principal amount of an outstanding series of debt securities, amend or supplement the indenture or the debt securities series, or waive compliance in a particular instance by us with any provision of the indenture or the debt securities. We may not, however, without the consent of each holder affected by such action, modify or supplement the indenture or the debt securities or waive compliance with any provision of the indenture or the debt securities in order to:

•

reduce the amount of debt securities whose holders must consent to an amendment, supplement, or waiver to the indenture or such debt security;

•

reduce the rate of or change the time for payment of interest or reduce the amount of or postpone the date for payment of sinking fund or analogous obligations;

•

reduce the principal of or change the stated maturity of the debt securities;

•

make any debt security payable in money other than that stated in the debt security;

•

change the amount or time of any payment required or reduce the premium payable upon any redemption, or change the time before which no such redemption may be made;

•

waive a default in the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the debt securities or a redemption payment;

•

waive a redemption payment with respect to any debt securities or change any provision with respect to redemption of debt securities; or

•

take any other action otherwise prohibited by the indenture to be taken without the consent of each holder affected by the action.

Defeasance of Debt Securities and Certain Covenants in Certain Circumstances

The indenture permits us, at any time, to elect to discharge our obligations with respect to one or more series of debt securities by following certain procedures described in the indenture. These procedures will allow us either:

•

to defease and be discharged from any and all of our obligations with respect to any debt securities except for the following obligations (which discharge is referred to as “legal defeasance”):

(1)

to register the transfer or exchange of such debt securities;

(2)

to replace temporary or mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen debt securities;

(3)

to compensate and indemnify the trustee; or

(4)

to maintain an office or agency in respect of the debt securities and to hold monies for payment in trust; or

•

to be released from our obligations with respect to the debt securities under certain covenants contained in the indenture, as well as any additional covenants which may be contained in an applicable supplemental indenture (which release is referred to as “covenant defeasance”).

In order to exercise either defeasance option, we must deposit with the trustee or other qualifying trustee, in trust for that purpose:

•

money;

•

U.S. Government Obligations (as described below) or Foreign Government Obligations (as described below) which through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in accordance with their terms will provide money; or

•

a combination of money and/or U.S. Government Obligations and/or Foreign Government Obligations sufficient in the written opinion of a nationally-recognized firm of independent accountants (solely in the case of any U.S. Government Obligations or Foreign Government Obligations) to provide money;

which in each case specified above, provides a sufficient amount to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the debt securities of the series, on the scheduled due dates or on a selected date of redemption in accordance with the terms of the indenture.

In addition, defeasance may be effected only if, among other things:

•

in the case of either legal or covenant defeasance, we deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel, as specified in the indenture, stating that as a result of the defeasance neither the trust nor the trustee will be required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940;

•

in the case of legal defeasance, we deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel stating that we have received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling to the effect that, or there has been a change in any applicable federal income tax law with the effect that (and the opinion shall confirm that), the holders of outstanding debt securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes solely as a result of such legal defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner, including as a result of prepayment, and at the same times as would have been the case if legal defeasance had not occurred;

•

in the case of covenant defeasance, we deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that the holders of the outstanding debt securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of covenant defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if covenant defeasance had not occurred; and

•

certain other conditions described in the indenture are satisfied.

If we fail to comply with our remaining obligations under the indenture and any applicable supplemental indenture after a covenant defeasance of the indenture and any applicable supplemental indenture, and the debt securities are declared due and payable because of the occurrence of any undefeased event of default, the amount of money and/or U.S. Government Obligations and/or Foreign Government Obligations on deposit with the trustee could be insufficient to pay amounts due under the debt securities of the affected series at the time of acceleration. We will, however, remain liable in respect of these payments.

The term “U.S. Government Obligations” as used in the above discussion means securities which are direct obligations of or non-callable obligations guaranteed by the United States of America for the payment of which obligation or guarantee the full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged.

The term “Foreign Government Obligations” as used in the above discussion means, with respect to debt securities of any series that are denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars (1) direct obligations of the government that issued or caused to be issued such currency for the payment of which obligations its full faith and credit is pledged or (2) obligations of a person controlled or supervised by or acting as an agent or instrumentality of such government the timely payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by that government, which in either case under clauses (1) or (2), are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer.

Regarding the Trustee

We will identify the trustee with respect to any series of debt securities in the prospectus supplement relating to the applicable debt securities. You should note that if the trustee becomes a creditor of Vapotherm, the indenture and the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 limit the rights of the trustee to obtain payment of claims in certain cases, or to realize on certain property received in respect of any such claim, as security or otherwise. The trustee and its affiliates may engage in, and will be permitted to continue to engage in, other transactions with us and our affiliates. If, however, the trustee acquires any “conflicting interest” within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, it must eliminate such conflict or resign.

The holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding debt securities of any series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the trustee. If an event of default occurs and is continuing, the trustee, in the exercise of its rights and powers, must use the degree of care and skill of a prudent person in the conduct of his or her own affairs. Subject to that provision, the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture at the request of any of the holders of the debt securities, unless they have offered to the trustee reasonable indemnity or security.

DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

We may issue units consisting of any combination of the other types of securities offered under this prospectus in one or more series. We may evidence each series of units by unit certificates that we will issue under a separate agreement. We may enter into unit agreements with a unit agent. Each unit agent will be a bank or trust company that we select. We will indicate the name and address of the unit agent in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of units.

The following description, together with the additional information included in any applicable prospectus supplement, summarizes the general features of the units that we may offer under this prospectus. You should read any prospectus supplement and any free writing prospectus that we may authorize to be provided to you related to the series of units being offered, as well as the complete unit agreements that contain the terms of the units. Specific unit agreements will contain additional important terms and provisions and we will file as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, or will incorporate by reference from another report that we file with the SEC, the form of each unit agreement relating to units offered under this prospectus.

If we offer any units, certain terms of that series of units will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement, including, without limitation, the following, as applicable:

•

the title of the series of units;

•

identification and description of the separate constituent securities comprising the units;

•

the price or prices at which the units will be issued;

•

the date, if any, on and after which the constituent securities comprising the units will be separately transferable;

•

a discussion of certain United States federal income tax considerations applicable to the units; and

•

any other terms of the units and their constituent securities.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

We hereby incorporate by reference the following documents and information:

•

our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, filed on March 22, 2019;

•

our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2019, June 30, 2019, and September 30, 2019, filed on May 10, 2019, July 29, 2019, and November 5, 2019, respectively;

•

the information in our proxy statement filed on April 24, 2019, to the extent incorporated by reference in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018;

•

our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 19, 2019; and

•

LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the issuance of the securities offered pursuant to this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Ropes & Gray LLP, Boston, Massachusetts. The validity of any securities will be passed upon for any underwriters or agents by counsel that we will name in the applicable prospectus supplement.

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Up to $50,000,000 of Shares

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December 30, 2019