Why Operator Experience Is the Real Advantage in SPAC Leadership
Andrejka Bernatova explains how being both an operator and a sponsor shapes a fundamentally different approach to SPACs. She shares why the real work starts after the DESPAC, how balance sheet structure and public-company rea...
What “Risk Capital” Really Means for SPAC Sponsors
Chris Cottone explains what risk capital is in a SPAC, why it’s required, and how much sponsors should realistically expect to commit. He breaks down IPO and DESPAC costs, typical risk capital ranges, and how sponsor syndicat...
How SPAC Structures Have Evolved and What Investors Care About Today
Chris Cottone breaks down how SPAC structures have evolved and what investors are seeing in today’s market. He explains the role of rights, warrants, and time-to-close terms, and why longer SPAC timelines are becoming more at...
Why Discipline Wins When Capital Is Hard to Raise
In this episode, Andrejka Bernatova shares why her team was able to complete one of the largest equity raises since 2021 while many others struggled. She explains how disciplined decision-making, operator-level experience, an...
Guest Spotlight: Andrejka Bernatova
In this clip, Andrejka Bernatov a introduces her global background spanning investment banking, private equity, sovereign wealth investing, and executive leadership across energy and infrastructure. She shares how experience ...
What’s the Right Size for a SPAC?
What’s the ideal size for a SPAC? Chris Cattone explains why the sweet spot is often between $100M and $150M in trust, balancing fee efficiency, target quality, and flexibility through the DESPAC process. Connect with the Gue...
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About the Hosts
Podcast Host / Office Managing Partner / International Capital Mkts Co-Chair / Corporate Attorney
Mike is the managing partner of Winston’s Houston office, co-chair of the firm’s Capital Markets Practice, and a member of the firm’s Executive Committee. He focuses his practice on corporate finance and securities law, including securities offerings, public company advisory, special purpose acquisition company offerings, private equity and venture capital transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and general corporate representation.
Executive Producer / Podcast Host
Joshua Wilson is a licensed real estate broker, holds the series 79 & 63, and is Executive Producer of multiple strategic media brands. He has launched over 20 podcast and YouTube shows, with several reaching the top 3%, 5%, and 10% globally in their verticals. As a trusted connector among founders, family offices, and investment platforms, Josh brings a relational, strategic lens to SPACs, IPOs, M&A, and private placements—blending insight, curiosity, and communication to spotlight the people and deals shaping the capital markets.
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