SPAC Sponsors Face Tougher Roads Ahead — Here’s Why
In this episode of The SPAC Podcast, hosts Michael Blankenship and Joshua Wilson sit down with seasoned SPAC sponsor James Graf to explore one of the most pressing issues facing the market today: why even strong private companies are hesitant to go public via SPAC.
Graf shares candid insights into the challenges sponsors now face—from widespread redemptions to post-merger underperformance. He explains why institutional resistance, weak aftermarket support, and the reputational fallout of failed de-SPACs are making it harder to attract quality targets. Yet, he also outlines the fundamental question every sponsor must ask: If no one is buying at $10, should this company go public at all?
This episode is essential for investors, bankers, and SPAC sponsors navigating today's market headwinds.
🎧 Guest: James Graf – Guest Profile
📺 Watch more episodes: https://www.thespacpodcast.com/episodes/
🔗 Follow us on LinkedIn:
– Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeblankenship/
– Joshua: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/
📌 Subscribe for weekly insights: https://www.youtube.com/@thespacpodcast
#SPACs #CapitalMarkets #SPACSponsors #InvestorEducation #SPACPodcast #PublicMarkets #DealMaking
Disclaimer:
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/
👉 Joshua Bruce Wilson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/
To Contact Us or Collaborate:
James Graf
CEO
James Graf is CEO of Graf Global Corp., his eighth SPAC as CEO, CFO and/or active director since 2011. He also serves as Interim CFO of NKGen Biotech, his last SPAC target. Previous closed transactions include Global Eagle, Videocon d2h, Williams Scotsman, Target Hospitality, Velodyne Lidar, Crown LNG and NKGen.Prior to SPAC life, Jim was an investment banker for two decades, including roles as President of Deutsche Bank’s investment bank in Hong Kong and managing director at Merrill Lynch. He later founded enterprise software company Praedea Solutions and served as a financial consultant to MGM Studios.