SPAC Updates: What Changed, What’s Working, and What to Watch in 2026
Mike Blankenship kicks off a new SPAC Updates series, breaking down how the SPAC market has evolved heading into 2026. He covers SPAC 2.0 structures, sponsor economics, IPO and de-SPAC trends, capital costs, PIPE dynamics, re...
How to Choose the Right Legal Counsel and Underwriter for a SPAC
Chris Cottone explains how SPAC sponsors should think about selecting legal counsel and underwriters. He outlines why fees should never be the primary decision factor, why SPACs require highly specialized legal experience, an...
How the SPAC Model Has Matured, What Still Gets Misunderstood
Andrejka Bernatova explains how the SPAC model has evolved since the boom years and why many misconceptions still persist. She shares why SPACs should be viewed as a long-standing capital markets tool, not a short-term trend,...
What an Ideal SPAC Board Should Look Like
Chris Cottone explains how SPAC sponsors should think about board composition. From NASDAQ independence requirements to the importance of financial, legal, and M&A experience, he breaks down why a lean, well-balanced board is...
The Next Phase of the SPAC Market: Fewer Deals, Better Sponsors
Chris Sorrells shares his view on where the SPAC market is headed next. After years of excess, he explains why rationalization, more experienced sponsors, cleaner vehicles, and better capital alignment are critical for long-t...
How to Form a SPAC Entity and Where to Incorporate
Chris Cottone explains how to properly form a SPAC entity and why incorporation choice matters. He breaks down the pros and cons of Delaware, Nevada, and Cayman structures, highlighting tax considerations, litigation risk, an...
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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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