SCHEDULE: Vivani Medical: Gregg Williams Reports 47.1% Stake
Beneficial Ownership Filing
Gregg Williams and associated entities report beneficial ownership of 47.1% of Vivani Medical, Inc. common stock, totaling over 43.2 million shares.
Summary
- Gregg Williams, along with several trusts and LLCs (Gregg G. Williams 2006 Trust, Sam Williams Family Investments LLC, Williams International Co. LLC, and Sam B. Williams 1995 Generation-Skipping Trust), collectively hold a significant stake in Vivani Medical, Inc.
- The total beneficial ownership amounts to 43,218,419 shares of common stock, representing 47.1% of the company's outstanding shares.
- This holding includes direct shares, shares issuable upon option exercise, and shares underlying warrants.
- Gregg Williams exercises sole voting and dispositive power over all these shares.
- The Reporting Persons acquired these shares for investment purposes and intend to continue holding them, with the possibility of acquiring additional securities.
- Gregg Williams has been a director of Vivani Medical since June 2009 and was appointed non-executive Chairman of the Board in March 2018, indicating control over the company.
- Several transactions for the purchase of common stock by GW Trust and Gregg Williams from the Issuer and private parties are detailed, with some closings extending into July 2026.
Sentiment
Score: 5
Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this filing as neutral, as it is a routine disclosure of beneficial ownership and does not contain new operational or financial information that would significantly alter the investment thesis.
Positives
- Significant beneficial ownership of 47.1% by Gregg Williams and associated entities indicates strong conviction and control.
- The reporting persons intend to continue holding securities for investment, suggesting long-term confidence.
- Possibility of acquiring additional securities on favorable terms indicates potential for future growth or strategic moves.
- Gregg Williams' long-standing directorship (since June 2009) and role as non-executive Chairman (since March 2018) suggest stability and experienced leadership.
Negatives
- The filing does not contain financial performance data, making it difficult to assess the company's operational health.
- The concentration of ownership with one individual and associated entities could limit liquidity or create governance concerns for minority shareholders.
Risks
- The filing does not explicitly detail risks, but the concentration of ownership could pose a risk if management decisions do not align with broader shareholder interests.
- Future acquisition of securities is subject to terms considered favorable, implying potential for dilution or unfavorable pricing if not managed carefully.
Future Outlook
The Reporting Persons expect to continue holding Issuer's securities for investment and may acquire additional securities upon terms they consider favorable. Specific future financial performance or strategic guidance is not provided in this filing.
Management Comments
- Mr. Williams has at all times from immediately prior to and since the initial public offering of the Common Stock in November 2014 been a principal shareholder and director of the Issuer and is a member of the family which co-founded the Issuer.
- The Reporting Persons will continue to evaluate their ownership, investment and voting position in the Issuer and they currently expect to continue holding Issuer's securities for investment.
- Moreover, they may acquire additional securities of the Issuer, upon terms which they consider to be favorable, in open market and in privately-negotiated transactions.
Industry Context
StockSavvy.ai notes that Schedule 13D filings are crucial for understanding significant ownership changes and potential control shifts in publicly traded companies. This filing by Gregg Williams and associated entities in Vivani Medical, Inc. highlights a substantial concentration of ownership, which is common in companies at various stages of development, particularly those with founder-led management.
Related Party Transactions
- GW Trust entered into purchase agreements with the Issuer to purchase shares of Common Stock on March 26, 2025, May 12, 2025, and August 11, 2025.
- Gregg Williams purchased shares of Common Stock from the Issuer on November 8, 2024.
- GW Trust purchased shares of Common Stock from the Issuer on October 26, 2025, and January 25, 2026.
Stakeholder Impact
- Shareholders: The significant concentration of ownership by Gregg Williams and associated entities may influence corporate strategy and decision-making, potentially impacting minority shareholder interests.
- Management: Gregg Williams' control as CEO and Chairman, combined with his substantial beneficial ownership, solidifies his influence over the company's direction.
- Creditors/Suppliers: No direct impact is indicated in this filing.
Next Steps
- The Reporting Persons will continue to evaluate their ownership, investment, and voting position in the Issuer.
- The Reporting Persons may acquire additional securities of the Issuer.
- Two closings for the purchase of 2,380,951 shares by GW Trust are expected to be completed on June 15 and July 15, 2026.
Key Dates
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 2006 | Establishment of Gregg G. Williams 2006 Trust |
| 1995 | Establishment of Sam B. Williams 1995 Generation-Skipping Trust |
| April 2005 | Gregg Williams became CEO of Williams International |
| June 2009 | Gregg Williams became a member of the Board of Directors of Vivani Medical, Inc. |
| November 2014 | Initial public offering of Vivani Medical, Inc. Common Stock |
| March 2018 | Gregg Williams appointed non-executive Chairman of the Board of Directors |
| April 27, 2023 | GW Trust purchased 408,164 shares of Common Stock at $0.98 per share. |
| April 28, 2023 | GW Trust purchased 1,632,330 shares of Common Stock at $1.10 per share. |
| November 8, 2024 | Gregg Williams purchased 3,968,253 shares of Common Stock from the Issuer at $1.26 per share. |
| January 15, 2026 | Last closing of a purchase agreement between GW Trust and the Issuer for 7,366,071 shares of Common Stock. |
| March 15, 2026 | Last closing of a purchase agreement between GW Trust and the Issuer for 2,912,621 shares of Common Stock. |
| May 15, 2026 | Date by which options exercisable within 60 days are considered for share calculation. |
| May 19, 2026 | Date of signature for the Schedule 13D filing. |
| June 15, 2026 | Expected closing date for 2,380,951 shares to be purchased by GW Trust. |
| July 15, 2026 | Last closing for purchase agreement between GW Trust and the Issuer for 7,738,095 shares of Common Stock, and expected closing for remaining shares. |
Keywords
Vivani Medical, Schedule 13D, Gregg Williams, Beneficial Ownership, Common Stock, SEC Filing, Control, Investment, Warrants, Options
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