Executive pay and board control in Gaia (NASDAQ: GAIA) 2026 proxy
Gaia, Inc. is asking shareholders to vote at its virtual 2026 annual meeting on April 23, 2026 to elect six directors and to approve, on an advisory basis, named executive officer compensation. The record date is March 6, 2026.
Gaia has dual-class stock; Chairman and founder Jirka Rysavy holds all 5,400,000 Class B shares and 291,682 Class A shares, giving him enough votes alone to constitute a quorum and elect all directors, and he has indicated he will vote in line with board recommendations.
The board has six members, four of whom are classified as independent, with audit and compensation committees fully composed of independent directors. Gaia highlights board diversity data and describes its pay-for-performance compensation philosophy, use of RSUs under the 2019 Long-Term Incentive Plan, and a triennial advisory say‑on‑pay cycle.
Positive
- None.
Negative
- None.
☐ | Preliminary Proxy Statement |
☐ | Confidential, For Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
☒ | Definitive Proxy Statement |
☐ | Definitive Additional Materials |
☐ | Soliciting Material under § 240.14a-12 |
☒ | No fee required |
☐ | Fee paid previously with preliminary materials |
☐ | Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11 |

1. | to elect six directors to serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until their successors are duly elected and qualified; |
2. | to approve, on an advisory basis, named executive officer compensation; and |
3. | to transact such other business as may properly be brought before our annual meeting, or any adjournment(s) or postponement(s) thereof. |
By Order of the Board of Directors | |||
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Ned Preston, CFO | |||
March 27, 2026 | |||
• | If you have shares registered in your own name, you may vote your shares in a number of ways: |
• | via the Internet at www.proxyvote.com; |
• | by telephone, if you have a proxy card and you are in the U.S. and Canada, by calling (800) 690-6903; |
• | by mailing us an executed proxy card; or |
• | via the Internet at the virtual annual meeting. |

• | Leadership Experience. Directors who have served in senior leadership positions are important to us, as they bring experience and perspective in analyzing, shaping, and overseeing the execution of important operational and policy issues at a senior level. These directors’ insights and guidance, and their ability to assess and respond to situations encountered in serving on our board, may be enhanced if their leadership experience has been developed at businesses or organizations that operated on a large scale, faced significant competition, and/or involved technology or other rapidly evolving business models. |
• | Business Development Experience. Directors who have a background in business development and in acquisitions can provide insight into developing and implementing strategies for growing our business through combination with other organizations. Useful experience in this area includes consideration of “build versus buy,” analysis of the “fit” of a proposed acquisition with a company’s strategy, the valuation of transactions, and management’s plans for integration with existing operations. |
• | Brand and Mission Experience. Directors who have brand and mission experience can provide guidance as we seek to maintain and expand brand awareness and advancement of the Company’s mission. |
• | Financial Expertise. Knowledge of financial markets, financing and funding operations, and accounting and financial reporting processes is important because it assists our directors in understanding, advising, and overseeing our capital structure, financing and investing activities, financial reporting, and internal control over such activities. |
• | Industry and Technical Expertise. Because we are a media content provider, education or experience in relevant technology is useful in understanding our research and development efforts, competing products, the various media categories that we develop, and the market segments in which we compete. |
Name | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash(1) ($) | Stock Awards(2) ($) | Option Awards(3) ($) | Total ($) | ||||||||
Kristin Frank | 31,900 | 63,251 | — | 95,151 | ||||||||
Paul Sutherland | 31,900 | 74,249 | — | 106,149 | ||||||||
Keyur Patel(4) | — | — | — | — | ||||||||
Anaal Udaybabu(4) | — | — | — | — | ||||||||
Kimberly Arem(5) | — | — | — | — | ||||||||
(1) | Amounts in the Fees Earned or Paid in Cash column includes fees for services rendered during 2025. |
(2) | Amounts in the Stock Awards column reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of RSUs granted during 2025 and have been computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. We use the intrinsic value method to calculate the fair value of these awards. At December 31, 2025, Ms. Frank had 12,025 outstanding unvested RSUs. At December 31, 2025, Mr. Sutherland had 14,116 unvested outstanding RSUs. All of these RSUs will vest on April 23, 2026. |
(3) | At December 31, 2025, Ms. Frank had 28,910 outstanding option awards all of which were exercisable. The aggregated grant date fair value was $101,552, which was recognized over the vesting period. At December 31, 2025, Mr. Sutherland had 48,936 outstanding option awards all of which were exercisable. The aggregated grant date fair value was $119,563, which was recognized over the vesting period. All outstanding option awards were fully vested as of December 31, 2025. No other directors had outstanding options at year end. |
(4) | Mr. Patel and Ms. Udaybabu have elected to forego compensation for their services as directors. |
(5) | Ms. Arem joined the board of directors on October 29, 2025 and will receive fees for services rendered in 2025 starting in Q2 2026. |
Board Diversity Matrix (As of March 6, 2026) | ||||||||||||||
Total Number of Directors | 6 | |||||||||||||
Female | Male | Non-Binary | Did Not Disclose Gender | |||||||||||
Part I: Gender Identity | ||||||||||||||
Directors | 3 | 3 | ||||||||||||
Part II: Demographic Background | ||||||||||||||
African American or Black | ||||||||||||||
Alaskan Native or Native American | ||||||||||||||
Asian | 1 | 1 | ||||||||||||
Hispanic or Latin | ||||||||||||||
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander | ||||||||||||||
White | 1 | 2 | ||||||||||||
Two or More Races or Ethnicities | ||||||||||||||
LGBTQ+ | 1 | |||||||||||||
Did Not Disclose Demographic Background | ||||||||||||||
Name | Age | Position | ||||
Jirka Rysavy | 71 | Chairman | ||||
Kiersten Medvedich | 53 | Chief Executive Officer | ||||
Ned Preston | 54 | Chief Financial Officer | ||||
Yonathan Nuta | 45 | Chief Operating Officer | ||||
Title of Class of Common Stock | Name and Address of Beneficial Owner | Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership(1) | Percent of Class(2) | Percent of Class A Assuming Full Conversion of Class B Ownership(3) | ||||||||
Class A | AWM Investment Company, Inc.(4) | 1,252,090 | 6.40% | 5.01% | ||||||||
BlackRock, Inc.(5) | 1,027,164 | 5.25% | 4.11% | |||||||||
Flint Ridge Capital LLC(6) | 1,180,000 | 6.03% | 4.72% | |||||||||
John P. Szabo, Jr.(6) | 1,950,000 | 9.96% | 7.81% | |||||||||
Koller Capital LLC(7) | 1,267,763 | 6.48% | 5.08% | |||||||||
Jirka Rysavy(8) | 5,768,225 | 23.09% | 23.09% | |||||||||
Kiersten Medvedich(9) | 93,769 | *% | *% | |||||||||
James Colquhoun(10) | 951,203 | 4.86% | 3.81% | |||||||||
Ned Preston(11) | 2,000 | *% | *% | |||||||||
Yonathan Nuta(12) | 5,541 | *% | *% | |||||||||
Paul Sutherland(13) | 347,719 | 1.78% | 1.39% | |||||||||
Kristin E. Frank(14) | 117,467 | *% | *% | |||||||||
Anaal Udaybabu | — | —% | —% | |||||||||
Keyur Patel | — | —% | —% | |||||||||
Kimberly Arem(15) | 5,000 | *% | *% | |||||||||
All directors, director nominees, and officers as a group (9 persons) | 6,339,721 | 26.02% | 25.38% | |||||||||
Class B | Jirka Rysavy(8) | 1,400,000 | 25.93% | 5.60% | ||||||||
Jirka Rysavy, LLC(8) | 4,000,000 | 74.07% | 16.01% | |||||||||
All directors, director nominees, and officers as a group (9 persons) | 5,400,000 | 100.00% | N/A | |||||||||
* | Indicates less than one percent ownership. |
— | Indicates zero beneficial ownership and zero percent of class. |
(1) | This table is based upon information supplied by officers, directors and principal shareholders directly to us or on Schedules 13D and 13G and Forms 3, 4 and 5 filed with the SEC. All beneficial ownership is direct and the beneficial owner has sole voting and investment power over the securities beneficially owned unless otherwise noted. Share amounts and percent of class include securities convertible into or exercisable for shares of our Class A common stock and restricted stock units vesting within 60 days after March 6, 2026. |
(2) | This column represents a beneficial owner’s percentage of ownership for a respective class of our common stock. |
(3) | This column represents a beneficial owner’s percentage of ownership of our Class A common stock, assuming conversion of all 5,400,000 outstanding shares of our Class B common stock. One share of our Class B common stock is convertible into one share of our Class A common stock. |
(4) | According to a report on Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 13, 2026, AWM Investment Company, Inc. (“AWM”), the investment adviser to Special Situations Cayman Fund, L.P. (“Cayman”), Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. (“SSFQP”), and Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P. (“SSPE”), has sole investment and voting power over 233,025 shares held by Cayman, 839,814 shares held by SSFQP and 179,251 shares held by SSPE. The address for AWM is c/o Special Situations Funds, 527 Madison Avenue, Suite 2600, New York, NY 10022. |
(5) | According to a report on Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on September 30, 2025, BlackRock, Inc., is the beneficial owner of 1,027,164 shares. The address for BlackRock, Inc. is 50 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001. |
(6) | According to a report on Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on May 15, 2025, Flint Ridge Capital LLC (“Flint Ridge”) is the general partner and investment adviser of Flint Ridge Partners L.P. (the “Fund”). Mr. John P. Szabo Jr. is the control person of Flint Ridge. The Fund filed jointly with the other filers but not as a member of a group and disclaims that it is a beneficial owner of any stocks covered by |
(7) | According to a report on Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on April 18, 2024, Koller Capital LLC is the investment manager of Koller Microcap Opportunities Fund LP (the “Fund”) and is the beneficial owner of 1,267,763 shares held by the Fund, and as the managing member of Koller Capital LLC, Mr. Ross Koller disclaims beneficial ownership of any of the shares held by Koller Capital LLC and the Fund. The address for Koller Capital LLC is 1343 Main Street, Suite 413, Sarasota, FL 34236. |
(8) | Consists of 291,682 shares of our Class A common stock owned directly by Mr. Rysavy and 76,543 shares of our Class A common stock issuable on March 31, 2026, upon vesting of restricted stock units. Includes 5,400,000 shares of our Class A common stock issuable upon conversion of shares of our Class B common stock, of which 1,400,000 shares are owned directly by Mr. Rysavy and 4,000,000 shares owned by Jirka Rysavy, LLLP, of which Mr. Rysavy is the sole owner and manager. According to a report on Schedule 13D filed with the SEC on May 18, 2022, Jirka Rysavy, LLLP received 4,000,000 shares of our Class B common stock as a gift from Mr. Rysavy for estate planning purposes. The address for Jirka Rysavy, LLLP is 833 W. South Boulder Road, Louisville, CO 80027. |
(9) | Consist of 49,081 shares of our Class A common stock and 10,000 shares of our Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options that are currently exercisable, and 34,688 shares of our Class A common stock issuable on March 31, 2026 upon vesting of restricted stock units. |
(10) | Consists of 951,203 shares of our Class A common stock owned by trusts controlled by Mr. Colquhoun. |
(11) | Consists of 2,000 shares of our Class A common stock. |
(12) | Consists of 5,541 shares of our Class A common stock. |
(13) | Consists of 285,207 shares of our Class A common stock, 48,396 shares of our Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options that are currently exercisable, and 14,116 shares of our Class A common stock issuable on April 23, 2026, upon vesting of restricted stock units. |
(14) | Consists of 76,532 shares of our Class A common stock, 28,910 shares of our Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options that are currently exercisable, and 12,025 shares of our Class A common stock issuable on April 23, 2026, upon vesting of restricted stock units. |
(15) | Consists of 5,000 shares of our Class A common stock. |
• | Base Salary. Base salaries for executive officers are reviewed on an annual basis and at the time of promotion or other change in responsibilities. Starting salary levels and increases in salary are based on subjective evaluation of such factors as the level of responsibility, individual performance, market value of the officer’s skill set, and relative salary differences within our company for different job levels. Consideration of the same factors and general economic conditions may also result in the reduction of an officer’s base salary. |
• | Annual Incentive Bonus. Annual incentive bonuses are awarded at the discretion of our compensation committee and generally granted based on a percentage of each executive officer’s base salary. Our executive officers’ annual incentive bonus potentials are expected to range from approximately 0% to 100% of each executive officer’s base salary, depending upon his or her position. After the end of the year, our compensation committee reviews our overall financial performance and each executive officer’s individual performance in determining whether such executive officer should be awarded a bonus. |
• | Long-Term Incentive Compensation. Long-term, performance-based compensation of executive officers and other employees takes the form of stock option awards and restricted stock units granted pursuant to the Gaia, Inc. 2019 Long-Term Incentive Plan. |
Name and Principal Position | Year | Salary(2) | Bonus(2) | Stock Awards(3) | All Other Compensation ($)(4) | Total ($) | ||||||||||||
Kiersten Medvedich(1) Chief Executive Officer and Former President | 2025 | $436,400 | $318,000 | $923,998 | $3,000 | $1,681,398 | ||||||||||||
2024 | $416,615 | $95,236 | $— | $3,300 | $515,151 | |||||||||||||
James Colquhoun(1) Former Chief Executive Officer | 2025 | $356,937 | $337,500 | $270,001 | $— | $964,438 | ||||||||||||
2024 | $450,000 | $53,527 | $— | $10,200 | $513,727 | |||||||||||||
Jirka Rysavy(1) Chairman | 2025 | $467,319 | $337,500 | $449,998 | $1,800 | $1,256,617 | ||||||||||||
2024 | $450,000 | $129,646 | $— | $4,800 | $584,446 | |||||||||||||
Ned Preston Chief Financial Officer | 2025 | $405,000 | $292,500 | $389,997 | $— | $1,087,497 | ||||||||||||
2024 | $385,385 | $49,315 | $— | $300 | $435,000 | |||||||||||||
(1) | As previously disclosed, Ms. Medvedich became our Chief Executive Officer on June 27, 2025. She previously served as our President since June 22, 2023. As previously disclosed, Mr. Colquhoun transitioned from the position of Chief Executive Officer to the position of Chief Business Development Officer on June 26, 2025. As of February 9, 2026 Mr. Colquhoun was no longer an employee. Mr. Rysavy does not receive any compensation for his service as a director. Further information about Mr. Rysavy’s compensation is provided below under the heading “Compensation of Mr. Rysavy.” |
(2) | The Salary and Bonus columns represent amounts when earned and, because of the timing of payments, do not represent amounts paid during each presented year. The annual salary for each named executive officer as of December 31, 2025 was as follows: $450,000 for Ms. Medvedich, $450,000 for Mr. Rysavy (see footnote 1), and $390,000 for Mr. Preston. Bonuses are generally given at the discretion of our compensation committee and are typically paid between April and July of the year following the year earned. |
(3) | Amounts in the Stock Awards column reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of RSUs and performance stock units (“PSUs”) granted during the applicable year and have been computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. We use the intrinsic value method to calculate the fair value of these awards. For PSUs, the fair value is based upon the probable outcome of the performance conditions, consistent with the estimate of aggregate compensation cost to be recognized over the service period determined as of the grant date under FASB ASC Topic 718. The maximum values of the 2025 PSUs at the grant date assuming the highest level of performance conditions are attained are as follows: $923,998 for Ms. Medvedich, $270,001 for Mr. Colquhoun, $449,998 for Mr. Rysavy, and $389,997 for Mr. Preston. Additional information about the assumptions that we used when valuing equity awards is set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 in Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for 2025. |
(4) | All Other Compensation for Ms. Medvedich includes a $300 cell phone allowance in 2024, and $3,000 of 401(k) company matching contributions in 2025 and 2024. All Other Compensation for Mr. Colquhoun in 2024 includes $9,900 in director compensation for the time before becoming CEO and $300 cell phone allowance in 2024. All Other Compensation for Mr. Rysavy includes a $1,800 cell phone allowance in 2025 and 2024 and $3,000 of 401(k) company matching contributions in a portion of 2024. All Other Compensation for Mr. Preston includes a $300 cell phone allowance in 2024. |
Option Awards | Stock Awards | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Name | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable(1) | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Unexercisable(1) | Option Exercise Price ($)(1) | Option Expiration Date (1) | Number of Securities Underlying Unvested RSUs (#)(1) | Market Value of Unvested RSUs ($)(1)(2) | Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights that Have not Vested (#)(1) | Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market Payout Valve of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights that Have not Vested ($)(1)(2) | ||||||||||||||||
Kiersten Medvedich(3) | 10,000 | — | 7.4 | 11/1/2026 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
— | — | — | — | 34,688 | 125,917 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
— | — | — | — | 106,012 | 384,824 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
— | — | — | — | — | — | 175,665 | 637,664 | |||||||||||||||||
James Colquhoun(4) | — | — | — | — | 162,001 | 588,064 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
— | — | — | — | — | — | 51,331 | 186,332 | |||||||||||||||||
Jirka Rysavy(5) | — | — | — | — | 76,543 | 277,851 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
— | — | — | — | 165,843 | 602,010 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
— | — | — | — | — | — | 85,551 | 310,550 | |||||||||||||||||
Ned Preston(6) | — | — | — | — | 152,439 | 553,354 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
— | — | — | — | — | — | 74,144 | 269,143 | |||||||||||||||||
(1) | This table reflects the status of option, RSU and PSU (in the columns titled “Equity Incentive Plan Awards”) awards outstanding under the Gaia, Inc. 2009 Long-Term Incentive Plan and the Gaia, Inc. 2019 Long-Term Incentive Plan as of December 31, 2025. The options vested and became exercisable at 2% per month over the 50 months beginning either (i) in the 11th month after date of grant, or (ii) in the first full month after the date of grant. The exercise price of the options is equal to or greater than the closing stock price of our Class A common stock on the date of grant. |
(2) | Based on our closing share price on December 31, 2025 the last trading day of 2025. |
(3) | Ms. Medvedich will vest 34,688 RSUs on March 31, 2026, and 106,012 on March 15, 2028, and 43,917 PSUs on March 15, 2026, 43,916 PSUs on March 15, 2027, 43,916 PSUs on March 15, 2028, and 43,916 PSUs on March 15, 2029 based on performance conditions to be determined each year, in each case, provided that Ms. Medvedich is still an employee or director of Gaia on that date. |
(4) | Mr. Colquhoun would have vested in 81,001 RSUs on March 15, 2026, and 81,000 RSUs on March 15, 2028, 12,833 PSUs on March 15, 2026, 12,833 PSUs on March 15, 2027, 12,833 PSUs on March 15, 2028, and 12,833 PSUs on March 15, 2029 (in the case of the PSUs, based on performance conditions to be determined each year), in each case provided that Mr. Colquhoun had remained an employee or director of Gaia on that date. As of February 9, 2026 Mr. Colquhoun is no longer an employee or director of Gaia. |
(5) | Mr. Rysavy will vest 76,543 RSUs on March 31, 2026, and 165,843 on March 15, 2028, and 21,388 PSUs on March 15, 2026, 21,388 PSUs on March 15, 2027, 21,388 PSUs on March 15, 2028, and 21,387 PSUs on March 15, 2029 based on performance conditions to be determined each year, in each case, provided that Mr. Rysavy is still an employee or director of Gaia on that date. |
(6) | Mr. Preston will vest 76,220 RSUs on June 22, 2026, and 76,219 on June 22, 2028, and 18,536 PSUs on March 15, 2026, 18,536 PSUs on March 15, 2027, 18,536 PSUs on March 15, 2028, and 18,536 PSUs on March 15, 2029 based on performance conditions to be determined each year, in each case, provided that Mr. Preston is still an employee of Gaia on that date. |
• | New Employees: stock option, restricted stock unit, and performance stock unit grants to new hires are effective on the first day of the new employee’s employment with us or upon approval by our compensation committee, and the exercise price for the options is set at the closing price of our Class A common stock on the day prior to approval. |
• | Existing Employees: stock option, restricted stock unit, and performance stock unit grants to existing employees are effective on the date that our compensation committee approves the grant, and the exercise price for the options is set at or above the closing price of our Class A common stock on the day prior to approval. |
Year | Summary Compensation Table Total for First Principal Executive Officer (“PEO”)(1) | Summary Compensation Table Total for Second PEO(2) | Summary Compensation Table Total for Third PEO(3) | Compensation Actually Paid to First PEO(4) | Compensation Actually Paid to Second PEO(5) | Compensation Actually Paid to Third PEO(6) | Average Summary Compensation Table Total for Non-PEO Named Executive Officers (“NEOs”)(7) | Average Compensation Actually Paid to Non-PEO NEOs(8) | Value of Initial Fixed $100 Investment Based on Total Shareholder Return(9) | Net Income (Loss) (thousands)(10) | ||||||||||||||||||||
(a) | (b) | (c) | (d) | (e) | (f) | (g) | (h) | (i) | (j) | (k) | ||||||||||||||||||||
2025 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $( | ||||||||||||||||||||
2024 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $( | ||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $( | ||||||||||||||||||||
(1) | The dollar amounts reported in column (b) are the amounts of total compensation reported for |
(2) | The dollar amounts reported in column (c) are the amounts of total compensation reported for |
(3) | The dollar amounts reported in column (d) are the amounts of total compensation reported for |
(4) | The dollar amounts reported in column (e) represents the amount of “compensation actually paid” to Mr. Rysavy, as computed in accordance with Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K, for 2023, the year in which Mr. Rysavy served as our Chief Executive Officer. The dollar amounts do not reflect the actual amount of compensation earned by or paid to Mr. Rysavy during the applicable year. In accordance with the requirements of Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K, the following adjustments were made to Mr. Rysavy’s total compensation for each year to determine the compensation actually paid. |
Year | Reported Summary Compensation Table Total for PEO | Reported Value of Equity Awards(A) | Equity Award Adjustments(B) | Compensation Actually Paid to PEO | ||||||||
2023 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||
(A) | The reported value of equity awards represents the total of the amounts reported in the “Stock Awards” column in the Summary Compensation Table for the applicable year. The amount shown for 2023 has been corrected to include the grant date fair value of equity awards made during 2023 that were inadvertently omitted from the Summary Compensation Table and this disclosure in the Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed in 2024. |
(B) | The equity award adjustments for each applicable year include the addition (or subtraction, as applicable) of the following: (i) the year-end fair value of any equity awards granted in the applicable year that are outstanding and unvested as of the end of the year; (ii) the amount of change as of the end of the applicable year (from the end of the prior fiscal year) in fair value of any awards granted in prior years that are outstanding and unvested as of the end of the applicable year; (iii) for awards that are granted and vest in same applicable year, the fair value as of the vesting date; (iv) for awards granted in prior years that vest in the applicable year, the amount equal to the change as of the vesting date (from the end of the prior fiscal year) in fair value; (v) for awards granted in prior years that are determined to fail to meet the applicable vesting conditions during the applicable year, a deduction for the amount equal to the fair value at the end of the prior fiscal year; and (vi) the dollar value of any dividends or other earnings paid on stock or option awards in the applicable year prior to the vesting date that are not otherwise reflected in the fair value of such award or included in any other component of total compensation for the applicable year. The valuation assumptions used to calculate fair values did not materially differ from those disclosed at the time of grant. The amounts shown for 2023 have been corrected due to adjustments to (A) above. These amounts deducted or added in calculating the equity award adjustments are as follows: |
Year | Year End Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted During the Year | Year over Year Change in Fair Value of Outstanding and Unvested Equity Awards | Fair Value as of Vesting Date of Equity Awards Granted and Vested in the Year | Year over Year Change in Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Prior Years that Vested in the Year | Fair Value at the End of the Prior Year of Equity Awards that Failed to Meet Vesting Conditions in the Year | Value of Dividends or other Earnings Paid on Stock or Option Awards not Otherwise Reflected in Fair Value or Total Compensation | Total Equity Award Adjustments | ||||||||||||||
2023 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
(5) | The dollar amounts reported in column (f) represent the amount of “compensation actually paid” to Mr. Colquhoun, as computed in accordance with Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K for 2025, 2024 and 2023, the years in which Mr. Colquhoun served as our Chief Executive Officer. The dollar amounts do not reflect the actual amount of compensation earned by or paid to Mr. Colquhoun during the applicable year. In accordance with the requirements of Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K, the following adjustments were made to Mr. Colquhoun’s total compensation for each year to determine the compensation actually paid. |
Year | Reported Summary Compensation Table Total for Second PEO | Reported Value of Equity Awards(A) | Equity Award Adjustments(B) | Compensation Actually Paid to Second PEO | ||||||||
2025 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||
2024 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||
2023 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||
(A) | The reported fair value of equity awards represents the total of the amounts reported in the “Stock Awards” column in the Summary Compensation Table for the applicable year. |
(B) | The equity award adjustments for each applicable year include the addition (or subtraction, as applicable) of the following: (i) the year-end fair value of any equity awards granted in the applicable year that are outstanding and unvested as of the end of the year; (ii) the amount of change as of the end of the applicable year (from the end of the prior fiscal year) in fair value of any awards granted in prior years that are outstanding and unvested as of the end of the applicable year; (iii) for awards that are granted and vest in same applicable year, the fair value as of the vesting date; (iv) for awards granted in prior years that vest in the applicable year, the amount equal to the change as of the vesting date (from the end of the prior fiscal year) in fair value; (v) for awards granted in prior years that are determined to fail to meet the applicable vesting conditions during the applicable year, a deduction for the amount equal to the fair value at the end of the prior fiscal year; and (vi) the dollar value of any dividends or other earnings paid on stock or option awards in the applicable year prior to the vesting date that are not otherwise reflected in the fair value of such award or included in any other component of total compensation for the applicable year. The valuation assumptions used to calculate fair values did not materially differ from those disclosed at the time of grant. The amounts deducted or added in calculating the equity award adjustments are as follows: |
Year | Year End Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted During the Year | Year over Year Change in Fair Value of Outstanding and Unvested Equity Awards | Fair Value as of Vesting Date of Equity Awards Granted and Vested in the Year | Year over Year Change in Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Prior Years that Vested in the Year | Fair Value at the End of the Prior Year of Equity Awards that Failed to Meet Vesting Conditions in the Year | Value of Dividends or other Earnings Paid on Stock or Option Awards not Otherwise Reflected in Fair Value or Total Compensation | Total Equity Award Adjustments | ||||||||||||||
2025 | $ | $( | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
2024 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
2023 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
(6) | The dollar amounts reported in column (g) represent the amount of “compensation actually paid” to Ms. Medvedich, as computed in accordance with Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K for 2025, the year in which Ms. Medvedich served as our Chief Executive Officer. The dollar amounts do not reflect the actual amount of compensation earned by or paid to Ms. Medvedich during the applicable year. In accordance with the requirements of Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K, the following adjustments were made to Ms. Medvedich’s total compensation for each year to determine the compensation actually paid. |
Year | Reported Summary Compensation Table Total for Third PEO | Reported Value of Equity Awards(A) | Equity Award Adjustments(B) | Compensation Actually Paid to Third PEO | ||||||||
2025 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||
(A) | The reported fair value of equity awards represents the total of the amounts reported in the “Stock Awards” column in the Summary Compensation Table for the applicable year. |
(B) | The equity award adjustments for each applicable year include the addition (or subtraction, as applicable) of the following: (i) the year-end fair value of any equity awards granted in the applicable year that are outstanding and unvested as of the end of the year; (ii) the amount of change as of the end of the applicable year (from the end of the prior fiscal year) in fair value of any awards granted in prior years that are outstanding and unvested as of the end of the applicable year; (iii) for awards that are granted and vest in same applicable year, the fair value as of the vesting date; (iv) for awards granted in prior years that vest in the applicable year, the amount equal to the change as of the vesting date (from the end of the prior fiscal year) in fair value; (v) for awards granted in prior years that are determined to fail to meet the applicable vesting conditions during the applicable year, a deduction for the amount equal to the fair value at the end of the prior fiscal year; and (vi) the dollar value of any dividends or other earnings paid on stock or |
Year | Year End Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted During the Year | Year over Year Change in Fair Value of Outstanding and Unvested Equity Awards | Fair Value as of Vesting Date of Equity Awards Granted and Vested in the Year | Year over Year Change in Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Prior Years that Vested in the Year | Fair Value at the End of the Prior Year of Equity Awards that Failed to Meet Vesting Conditions in the Year | Value of Dividends or other Earnings Paid on Stock or Option Awards not Otherwise Reflected in Fair Value or Total Compensation | Total Equity Award Adjustments | ||||||||||||||
2025 | $ | $( | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
(7) | The dollar amounts reported in column (h) represent the average of the amounts reported for our non-PEO NEOs as a group (excluding Mr. Rysavy for 2023, when he served as our PEO, Mr. Colquhoun for 2025, 2024 and 2023, when he served as our PEO, and Kiersten Medvedich for 2025, the year she served as our PEO) in the “Total” column of the Summary Compensation Table in each applicable year. The NEOs included for purposes of calculating the average amounts in each applicable year were Mr. Rysavy and Mr. Preston for 2025, Ms. Medvedich and Mr. Preston for 2024, and Mr. Preston, Mr. Tarell and Ms. Medvedich for 2023. |
(8) | The dollar amounts reported in column (i) represent the average amount of “compensation actually paid” to our non-PEO NEOs as a group, as computed in accordance with Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K. The dollar amounts do not reflect the actual average amount of compensation earned by or paid to the non-PEO NEOs as a group during the applicable year. In accordance with the requirements of Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K, the following adjustments were made to average total compensation for the non-PEO NEOs as a group for each year to determine the compensation actually paid, using the same methodology described above in Notes 3 and 4: |
Year | Average Reported Summary Compensation Table Total for Non-PEO NEOs | Average Reported Value of Equity Awards(A) | Average Equity Award Adjustments(B) | Average Compensation Actually Paid to Non-PEO NEOs | ||||||||
2025 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||
2024 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||
2023 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||
(A) | The average reported value of equity awards represents the average of the amounts reported in the “Stock Awards” column in the Summary Compensation Table for the applicable year. The amount shown for 2023 has been corrected to include the grant date fair value of equity awards made during 2023 that were inadvertently omitted from the Summary Compensation Table and this disclosure in the Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed in 2024. |
(B) | The average equity award adjustments for each applicable year include the addition (or subtraction, as applicable) of the following: (i) the average year-end fair value of any equity awards granted in the applicable year that are outstanding and unvested as of the end of the year; (ii) the average amount of change as of the end of the applicable year (from the end of the prior fiscal year) in fair value of any awards granted in prior years that are outstanding and unvested as of the end of the applicable year; (iii) for awards that are granted and vest in same applicable year, the average fair value as of the vesting date; (iv) for awards granted in prior years that vest in the applicable year, the amount equal to the average change as of the vesting date (from the end of the prior fiscal year) in fair value; (v) for awards granted in prior years that are determined to fail to meet the applicable vesting conditions during the applicable year, a deduction for the amount equal to the average fair value at the end of the prior fiscal year; and (vi) the average dollar value of any dividends or other earnings paid on stock or option awards in the applicable year prior to the vesting date that are not otherwise reflected in the fair value of such award or included in any other component of total compensation for the applicable year. The valuation assumptions used to calculate fair values did not materially differ from those disclosed at the time of grant. The amounts shown for 2023 have been corrected due to adjustments to (A) above. The amounts deducted or added in calculating the equity award adjustments are as follows: |
Year | Average Year End Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted During the Year | Year over Year Average Change in Fair Value of Outstanding and Unvested Equity Awards | Average Fair Value as of Vesting Date of Equity Awards Granted and Vested in the Year | Year over Year Average Change in Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Prior Years that Vested in the Year | Average Fair Value at the End of the Prior Year of Equity Awards that Failed to Meet Vesting Conditions in the Year | Average Value of Dividends or other Earnings Paid on Stock or Option Awards not Otherwise Reflected in Fair Value or Total Compensation | Total Average Equity Award Adjustments | ||||||||||||||
2025 | $ | $( | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
2024 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
2023 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
(9) | Cumulative TSR is calculated assuming an initial investment of $100 in our Class A common stock as of December 31, 2022 and calculating the value of such investment at the end of each year shown in the table, assuming the reinvestment of any dividends. |
(10) | The dollar amounts reported represent the amount of net income (loss) reflected in our audited financial statements for the applicable year. |


• | reviewed and discussed with management our audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 and the notes thereto; |
• | discussed with Frank, Rimerman + Co. LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 1301, “Communication with Audit Committees,” as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board; |
• | received the written disclosures and the letter from Frank, Rimerman + Co. LLP required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding Frank, Rimerman + Co. LLP’s communications with the audit committee concerning independence, and has discussed with Frank, Rimerman + Co. LLP its independence; and |
• | recommended to our board of directors that our audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2025 be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2025 for filing with the SEC in reliance upon (1) our audit committee’s reviews and discussions with management and Frank, Rimerman + Co. LLP, (2) the receipt of an opinion from Frank, Rimerman + Co. LLP, dated March 6, 2026 stating that our consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of our company and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, and the results of our operations and our cash flows for each of the years in the two year period ended December 31, 2025, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. |
Audit Committee | ||||||
Paul Sutherland, Chairperson | ||||||
Keyur Patel | ||||||
Kristin Frank | ||||||
Audit and Non-Audit Fees (in thousands) | 2025 | 2024 | ||||
Audit fees(1) | $339 | $275 | ||||
Audit-related fees(2) | 63 | 58 | ||||
Tax fees(3) | — | — | ||||
All other fees(4) | 17 | — | ||||
Total | $419 | $333 | ||||
(1) | Audit fees are fees that we have been billed for the audit of our annual consolidated financial statements included in our annual report on Form 10-K and review of unaudited consolidated financial statements included in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q; for services that are normally provided by the auditor in connection with business combination and statutory or regulatory filings or engagements; and all costs and expenses in connection with the above. |
(2) | Audit related fees are fees that are paid for significant, non-routine transactions that were not included in the original engagement letter. For 2025, this included review of the preliminary and final prospectus and professional services related to Igniton. For 2024, this included the additional fees incurred for the registration statement on Form S-1, filed with the SEC on June 17, 2024 and registration statement on Form S-3, filed with the SEC on December 12, 2024. |
(3) | Tax fees represent fees charged for services for tax advice, tax compliance, and tax planning. |
(4) | All other fees consisted of other advisory services. |
• | executive officers and directors of the Company; and |
• | persons who beneficially own more than 10% of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the Company. |


FAQ
When is Gaia (GAIA) holding its 2026 annual shareholder meeting and how can investors attend?
The 2026 annual meeting is on April 23, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Mountain Time, held virtually at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/GAIA2026. Shareholders need a 16-digit control number from their proxy card or voting instruction form to log in, vote, and submit questions online.
What key items are on the ballot at Gaia’s (GAIA) 2026 annual meeting?
Shareholders will vote to elect six directors for one-year terms and to approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of named executive officers. The board recommends voting “FOR” all director nominees and “FOR” the say‑on‑pay resolution supporting Gaia’s current executive compensation program.
How much voting control does Jirka Rysavy have over Gaia (GAIA) and how does it affect elections?
Jirka Rysavy holds all 5,400,000 Class B shares plus 291,682 Class A shares, giving him majority voting power. These holdings alone are sufficient to constitute a quorum and elect all directors, and he has indicated he will vote in favor of board‑recommended proposals.
What board independence and committee structure does Gaia (GAIA) report in its 2026 proxy?
Gaia’s six-member board includes four directors deemed independent under NASDAQ rules. The audit and compensation committees are each composed entirely of independent directors, with Paul Sutherland chairing audit and Kristin Frank chairing compensation, providing oversight of financial reporting and executive pay.
How does Gaia’s (GAIA) proxy describe its executive compensation philosophy and equity incentives?
Gaia emphasizes a pay-for-performance approach balancing salary, annual bonuses, and long-term equity. It primarily uses restricted stock units under the 2019 Long-Term Incentive Plan, tying a substantial portion of executive pay to performance and retention rather than stock price movements alone.
What does Gaia (GAIA) disclose about board diversity in its 2026 proxy statement?
Gaia voluntarily provides a board diversity matrix with six directors, including three women. It reports demographic details across racial and ethnic categories, notes one LGBTQ+ director, and explains that diversity of experience and background is considered when evaluating director candidates.
Which auditor serves Gaia (GAIA) and what were the 2025 audit fees?
Frank, Rimerman + Co. LLP is Gaia’s independent registered public accounting firm. For 2025, Gaia reports audit fees of $339,000, audit‑related fees of $63,000, and $17,000 of other fees, with all services pre‑approved by the audit committee under its established policies.
