Episodes

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, and surrounding the table with seasoned investors and advisors create guardrails that prevent chasing hype and inflated valuations. This conversation offers a candid look at what it really takes to raise capital in challenging markets and why saying “no” is often the most imp...

In this clip, Andrejka Bernatova introduces her global background spanning investment banking, private equity, sovereign wealth investing, and executive leadership across energy and infrastructure. She shares how experience at Credit Suisse, Morgan Stanley, Blackstone, and Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund shaped her perspective, and how that journey led to building both a SPAC franchise and a private investment platform. This is the kind of operator-level experience shaping the next generatio...

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 Guest: Chris Cottone Connect with the Hosts & The SPAC Podcast: Michael Blankenship LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeblankenship/ Joshua Wilson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Thespacpodcast Disclaime...

Warrants are misunderstood, not obsolete. James C. explains how he evaluates SPAC warrants, why pricing under 25 cents still matters, and how basket strategies can create asymmetric outcomes with defined risk. This is a disciplined view of optionality, not speculation. Connect with the Guest: James Campanella Connect with the Hosts & The SPAC Podcast: Michael Blankenship LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeblankenship/ Joshua Wilson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilso...

Chris Cattone joins The SPAC Podcast to share his background and perspective from inside a multi-location family office. As a partner at Greentree Financial, Chris works closely with companies preparing for IPOs and follow-on offerings, coordinating with auditors, attorneys, and underwriters to ensure a seamless public-market process. He also explains how deep experience in quarterly and annual compliance shaped Greentree’s approach to capital markets advisory. Disclaimer: Michael J. Blankensh...

In today’s SPAC market, experience matters more than ever. James C. highlights the sponsors he’s watching and explains why repeat execution, investor trust, and deal-closing credibility separate leaders from noise. For investors, sponsor history is no longer optional homework. Disclaimer: Michael J. Blankenship is a licensed attorney and partner at Winston Taylor. Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The content of this podc...

Markets don’t recover in theory. They recover through real deals. James C. walks through the SPAC transactions he’s watching closely and explains why PIPE strength, investor quality, and deal execution will determine whether the broader SPAC comeback holds. These deals may be early indicators of what comes next. Connect with the Guest: James Campanella Connect with the Hosts & The SPAC Podcast: Michael Blankenship LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeblankenship/ Joshua Wilson LinkedIn: ...

Are SPACs still worth investing in? The answer depends on how you use them. James explains why SPACs can be a strong portfolio addition for investors who understand capital timing, yield floors, and upside optionality. Stability with asymmetric upside remains the core appeal. This is a practical view of SPACs as a portfolio tool, not a trade. Connect with the Guest: James Campanella Connect with the Hosts & The SPAC Podcast: Michael Blankenship LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeblanke...

SPAC selection isn’t about volume. It’s about sponsors. James C. breaks down the SPACs he’s invested in and why sponsor quality has become the defining factor in today’s market. From Churchill to Betsy Cohen and Cantor-backed vehicles, his approach prioritizes experience, capital access, and deal credibility. This clip offers a clear framework for how investors are thinking differently in 2024 and 2025. Connect with the Guest: James Campanella Connect with the Hosts & The SPAC Podcast: Michae...

From the NYSE trading floor in 1994 to navigating multiple SPAC booms and pullbacks, James C. has seen capital markets from every angle. In this opening clip, James shares his background, how his perspective evolved beyond the trading floor, and why the SPAC market may be entering a needed rebrand phase after years of volatility. This is context worth hearing before talking strategy. Connect with the Guest: James Campanella Connect with the Hosts & The SPAC Podcast: Michael Blankenship Linked...

In this SPAC Podcast Spotlight, Managing Director Dimitre Genov of Brookline Capital Markets outlines the structural changes reshaping SPAC IPOs since 2020. From the rise of non-managing anchor investors and the dominance of serial sponsors to the renewed use of warrants and hybrid PIPE structures, Dimitre explains how today’s IPOs look different from the last cycle. He also highlights longer transaction timelines, greater investor alignment, and the shift toward sponsors with proven track reco...

In this episode of The SPAC Podcast, co-hosts Michael Blankenship and Joshua Wilson speak with Dr. Daniele D’Alvia, Lecturer in Banking and Finance Law at Queen Mary University of London and Deputy Director of the Institute of Banking and Finance Law. Dr. D’Alvia offers a cross-border perspective on the evolving SPAC landscape—comparing U.S. and European markets. Dr. D’Alvia explains how SPAC scalability in the U.S. is supported by a more cohesive regulatory framework and a mature investment ba...

PIPE investors act as a real-time market check on a SPAC deal. Ryan McGuire explains what their participation (or hesitation) reveals about a transaction’s fairness and long-term outlook. Guest: Ryan McGuire: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanquinnmaguire/ Watch more episodes at: www.Youtube.com/@UCiOCVRrRqqmq20QNV9I43Zg Let’s Connect on LinkedIn: 👉 Michael J. Blankenship - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeblankenship/ 👉 Joshua Bruce Wilson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ To Cont...

In this episode of The SPAC Podcast, transfer agent veteran Seth Farbman explains when founders, CFOs, and pre-IPO companies should engage a transfer agent. Whether you're considering a traditional IPO or a SPAC transaction, knowing when to bring in a partner like VStock can help you avoid costly mistakes, streamline your shareholder recordkeeping, and present your company professionally to investors. Seth emphasizes the importance of acting “as if” meaning, prepare your cap table and sharehold...

How can SPACs evolve to better serve investors and ensure long-term success after the merger? In this episode of The SPAC Podcast, co-hosts Michael Blankenship and Joshua Wilson are joined by Dr. Daniele D’Alvia, Lecturer in Banking and Finance Law at Queen Mary University of London and Deputy Director of the Institute of Banking and Finance Law. Dr. D’Alvia shares his view on how the SPAC model could be improved — focusing especially on the need for stronger post-merger lock-up periods for spo...

In this SPAC Podcast Spotlight, Managing Director Dimitre Genov of Brookline Capital Markets explains how small- and mid-cap equity markets directly affect SPAC redemptions and aftermarket performance. He highlights how “risk-on” market conditions can lower redemptions, while volatility and rising interest rates often drive investors to redeem shares rather than hold post-merger equity. Dimitre also discusses how sector trends, valuations, and company narratives shape outcomes. De-SPACs in area...

DCF or Market Approach? Ryan McGuire explains how analysts decide which valuation method carries more weight in SPAC transactions and when financial forecasts can (or can’t) be trusted. Guest: Ryan McGuire: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanquinnmaguire/ Let’s Connect on LinkedIn: 👉 Michael J. Blankenship - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeblankenship/ 👉 Joshua Bruce Wilson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ To Contact Us or Collaborate: 🎙️ https://www.TheSPACPodcast.com/contact/ Di...

Chris Sorrells shares why Spring Valley remains committed to the energy and decarbonization sectors. From AI infrastructure to power security, he discusses how global shifts are reshaping the energy landscape and where the next opportunities lie. Guest: Chris Sorrells – Chairman and CEO of Spring Valley Connect with Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-sorrells-5a6a836/ Watch more episodes at: YouTube.com/@UCiOCVRrRqqmq20QNV9I43Zg Let’s Connect on LinkedIn: 👉 Michael J. Blankenship - https...

From taking NuScale Power public to launching Eagle Energy Metals, Chris Sorrells explains how nuclear energy and SMRs (small modular reactors) are reshaping the energy sector. He connects decades of experience to the growing nuclear and uranium opportunity. Guest: Chris Sorrells – Chairman and CEO of Spring Valley Connect with Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-sorrells-5a6a836/ Watch more episodes at: YouTube.com/@UCiOCVRrRqqmq20QNV9I43Zg Let’s Connect on LinkedIn: 👉 Michael J. Blanken...

What’s next for the SPAC market? Chris Sorrells predicts a period of rationalization, cleaner vehicles, and more experienced sponsors. He also shares why greater skin in the game could drive healthier deals and investor trust. Guest: Chris Sorrells – Chairman and CEO of Spring Valley Connect with Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-sorrells-5a6a836/ Watch more episodes at: YouTube.com/@UCiOCVRrRqqmq20QNV9I43Zg Let’s Connect on LinkedIn: 👉 Michael J. Blankenship - https://www.linkedin.com/...

In this episode of The SPAC Podcast, Seth Farbman shares a cautionary tale that underscores the importance of responsive and modern transfer agents in the SPAC ecosystem. Drawing from personal experience, Seth recounts a scenario where outdated communication practices—from requiring physical mail to issuing inaccurate shareholder statements—resulted in costly delays. The lesson? Technology, speed, and accuracy aren’t just conveniences—they’re essential to protecting shareholder confidence. Effe...

In this SPAC Podcast Spotlight, Managing Director Dimitre Genov of Brookline Capital Markets explains why SPACs provide a level of flexibility that traditional IPOs often lack. He shares how SPACs allow sponsors and companies to agree upfront on valuation, customize capital structures, and incorporate earnouts or contingent payouts to align interests. Dimitre also highlights the value top sponsors bring beyond capital — including strategic networks, operational expertise, and market relationshi...

In this episode of The SPAC Podcast, Michael Blankenship asks legal scholar Daniele D’Alvia a provocative question: are European SPACs more trustworthy than those in the U.S.? Daniele explains that the answer isn’t found in geography but in governance. While U.S. markets are often at the forefront of financial innovation and carry a higher risk appetite, European markets tend to be more risk-averse and disclosure-focused. Ultimately, what matters most in SPAC credibility is not the jurisdiction...

Looking ahead, Chris Sorrells shares his “crystal ball” on where Spring Valley and the SPAC market are headed. From nuclear and AI to rare earths and defense tech, he outlines where the next generation of SPAC opportunities will emerge. Guest: Chris Sorrells – Chairman and CEO of Spring Valley Connect with Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-sorrells-5a6a836/ Watch more episodes at: YouTube.com/@UCiOCVRrRqqmq20QNV9I43Zg Let’s Connect on LinkedIn: 👉 Michael J. Blankenship - https://www.lin...