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Larry Swets, CFA

Larry Swets, CFA Profile Photo

Head of Capital Markets and Reinsurance

Larry Swets, CFA
Chairman & Co-Founder, FG Nexus
Larry Swets, CFA, is a leading capital markets executive, investor, and entrepreneur with more than two decades of experience building companies, sponsoring SPACs, and helping growth businesses access the public markets. As Chairman and Co-Founder of FG Nexus, he advises companies and investors on capital formation, market strategy, and long-term value creation.
Throughout his career, Larry has founded, led, and advised numerous public and private companies. He founded Itasca Financial, an advisory and investment firm, and later sold the business to Kingsway Financial Services, where he served as Chief Executive Officer. He has also held executive and board positions at multiple publicly traded companies and investment platforms, building a reputation as a disciplined operator and long-term value creator.
Larry is widely recognized as one of the most experienced operators in the SPAC and alternative capital formation ecosystem. Over more than a decade in the sector, he has sponsored, led, and advised multiple successful special purpose acquisition companies and business combinations, helping growth companies access the public markets while creating value for investors. His transaction experience spans fintech, insurance, industrials, technology, and other high-growth industries.
A frequent commentator on IPOs, SPACs, capital markets, and entrepreneurship, Larry is known for his practical insights into how companies raise capital, scale operations, and navigate public market opportunities. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, earned a Master's Degree in Finance from DePaul University, and received his bachelor's degree from Valparaiso University.

What Private Companies Get Wrong About Going Public via SPAC with Larry Swets
July 7, 2026

What Private Companies Get Wrong About Going Public via SPAC with Larry Swets

"Do you really want to be public?" It's the first question Larry Swets asks any company eyeing a SPAC — and the one most founders answer wrong. After 30 years in capital markets and more than a dozen SPACs sponsored, he's watched companies chase billion-dollar valuations they knew weren't real, then spend five years growing into a fraction of that number. In this episode, host Michael Blankenship sits down with Larry Swets, CFA — Chairman and Co-Founder of FG Nexus and one of the most experience...