Guest Spotlight: James Campanella
From the NYSE trading floor in 1994 to navigating multiple SPAC booms and pullbacks, James Campanella 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 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeblankenship/
Joshua Wilson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Thespacpodcast
Disclaimers:
The views, opinions, and statements expressed by the guest are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The SPAC Podcast, its hosts, or affiliated organizations. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, legal, tax, or accounting advice.
Michael J. Blankenship is a licensed attorney and is a partner at Winston & Strawn LLP. Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The content of this podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal, financial, or compliance advice. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of any regulatory agency, law firm, employer, or organization.
Listeners are encouraged to consult their own legal counsel, compliance professionals, or financial advisors to ensure adherence to applicable laws and regulations, including those enforced by the SEC, FINRA, and other regulatory bodies. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation, offer, or recommendation of any financial products, securities transactions, or legal services.
Let’s Connect on LinkedIn:
👉 Michael J. Blankenship - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeblankenship/
👉 ...
Mike Blankenship here with the SPAC podcast today I'm joined by James Campanella. James, why don't you give us a few minutes about yourself?
Sure. Thanks guys. I appreciate you guys inviting me. Um, I started on the New York Stock Exchange in 1994.
I worked there for 13 years where I was a member and a specialist. Uh, I was the primary specialist in W Pharmaceuticals. I was also a, uh, partner and managing director at Van the Moon and USA while I was on the floor. I left the floor in oh seven to go upstairs and learn a little bit about capital markets and everything that was going on upstairs.
'cause on the floor you were a little bit kind of guarded down there, right? Especially as a specialist, you really focused on one stock and one situation. Um, as well as managing the firm. So in 2011, I went upstairs and started trading capital markets for a fund, and I've been doing that for the last 15 years, seeing a few boom and bust over the last 15 years, as you guys can imagine, especially in the SPAC world.
Um, I kind of think of the days of, uh, I forgot what year it was, early eighties when they did death to disco in the, uh, Astrodome. I think 2021 was the death of the spac and people were, uh, just cheering it. But, you know, those were a lot of good years before that got exposed to them around 14, 15, and now seeing a little bit of a comeback, uh, here in 24, 25 with a few headwinds.
But I think we're looking for, uh, a decent rebrand in the SPAC market.
PM
I started my career on the NYSE in 1994. I became a member in 1998 and in 2001 was the WYETH Specialist at 29. I left the NYSE in 2007 because of the automation that was happening. From 2007-2011 I worked on the sell side at a few broker dealers. Since 2011 I've been a PM at a pod shop running my own portfolio consisting of all capital markets: SPACS, IPOS, Secondaries, Privates, PIPES, Warrants and Blocks. The past 4 years have been brutal for Capital Markets but there finally seems to be some light at the end of the tunnel.