SPAC Cycles Explained
In this SPAC Podcast Spotlight, Managing Director Dimitre Genov of Brookline Capital Markets breaks down the rise, fall, and correction of the SPAC market. He explains how SPACs were once primarily used for special situations, but during the 2021 boom became a go-to path for late-stage private companies, especially in tech, EV, and biotech.
Dimitre highlights the factors that fueled the boom, including low interest rates and investor appetite, and the challenges that led to the pullback, from thin due diligence to inflated valuations. He also shares how today’s environment reflects stronger discipline among sponsors, more public-ready targets, and a renewed role for SPACs in the capital markets.
Disclaimer:
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, or financial advice.
Connect with the Guest:
Dimitre Genov – Brookline Capital Markets:
https://brooklinecapmkts.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dimitre-genov-6136182/
View all of their episodes here:
https://www.thespacpodcast.com/guests/dimitre-j-genov/
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
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Contact The SPAC Podcast:
https://www.thespacpodcast.com/contact/
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/
👉 ...
Michael (00:00): So, SPACs, as we know, have had a roller coaster ride in last cycle. Can you give us a bit of a historical context? In your opinion, what drove the boom and what lessons came out of the pullback?
Dimitre Genov (03:34): Yes, SPACs have definitely had their highs and lows. Before 2020, they were mostly used for special situations, complex businesses that didn’t really fit the IPO model. During the 2021 upcycle, they became very popular. Suddenly, SPACs became the go-to option for late-stage private companies, especially in tech, EV, and biotech, that wanted faster access to public capital.
What drove that boom? You could point to lower interest rates, lots of dry powder, and investor appetite for growth stories. But that rush created excess — too many SPACs were chasing too few quality targets. Due diligence got thin. Some companies were still in R&D when they went public, often with very high valuations in the multi-billions. The pullback was inevitable.
The silver lining: the structure wasn’t the problem — it was discipline. The market has corrected. Sponsors are more experienced, targets are more public-ready, and investors are asking tougher questions. We may now be entering a phase where SPACs find their true place in the capital markets, helping both early-growth companies and special situation businesses access the U.S. public markets.