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SPACInsider

spacinsider

Market analysis and commentary focused on the SPAC market you can only get here.

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S6 · E23
Wednesday · 27 min
The Robotaxi Pure-Play: Inside May Mobility’s $1.48 Billion SPAC Deal
This week, we speak with Edwin Olson, CEO and co-founder of May Mobility, and Andrew Sung, President and CFO of ACP Holdings Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ:ACGC) to discuss the $1.48 billion business combination they announced in September. There is more than one way to get an robotaxi on the road, but there are not currently ways for public market investors to invest in a pure play robotaxi business. One SPAC transaction heading to close now would change that. Edwin explains why the company has committed to a capital-light focus on autonomous technology alone and allowed partners to complete the build around it. How has this affected how fast May Mobility has been able to get robotaxis on the road, and what tradeoffs does that strategy have around expenses and margin? Andrew gets into how ACP decided that now was the right time to partner in bringing May Mobility to the public markets, and how his team approached putting a value on May Mobility as a one-of-kind business in the space. ---- Important Disclosure: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Discussions may include forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties. Listeners are encouraged to review relevant SEC filings at www.sec.gov before making investment decisions. Views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect those of SPACInsider. SPACInsider produces its podcasts as independent editorial content and does not accept compensation in exchange for podcast appearances.
S6 · E26
October 28 · 25 min
Agility and Churchill Capital XI Chart a Path for Humanoid Robotics
This week, we speak with Michael Beer, CFO of Agility Robotics, and Daniel Diez, Chief Business Officer of the company. Together, we discuss Agility’s $2.5 billion business combination with Churchill Capital Corp. XI (NASDAQ:CCXI). SPACs have a knack for being the first to bring cutting edge new technologies to public market investors. Now, one of the most prominent SPAC teams is set to create a unique pure play in humanoid robotics. Michael explains how the company’s two different pricing models offer customers competitive options while getting its Digit robots deployed quickly. Daniel discusses the jobs Digit robots are already performing and how the next-generation Digit 5 models could expand their capabilities even further. Forward-Looking Statements and Transaction Information This podcast contains forward-looking statements regarding Agility Robotics, Inc. (“Agility”), including its technology, commercial operations, financial outlook and proposed business combination with Churchill Capital Corp XI (“CCXI”). Actual results may differ materially due to risks and uncertainties, including challenges in scaling production, customer adoption, achieving projected costs and completing the transaction. Additional risks are described in CCXI's SEC filings. Investors are urged to read the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant SEC filings regarding the proposed transaction before making any voting or investment decision, as they contain important information. These documents are available free of charge at www.sec.gov, and copies may be requested from CCXI free of charge. CCXI, Agility and certain of their directors, officers and employees may be participants in the solicitation of proxies relating to the transaction. Information about these participants and their interests is included in the definitive proxy statement/prospectus available at www.sec.gov.
S6 · E25
October 21 · 21 min
Elroy Air on Expanding the Role of Drones in Defense and Logistics
This week, we speak with Andrew Clare, CEO of Elroy Air, which announced a $961 million business combination with Inflection Point Acquisition Corp. VII (NASDAQ:IPXG) in June. Drones are suddenly everywhere, but very few can handle jobs that require heavy lift along with vertical takeoff. Elroy Air not only aims to change that, but its drones are taking on those challenges now. Andrew explains how it has developed a modular heavy drone for both defense and commercial missions that is already taking on hard jobs in both sectors. And, how the company aims to put proceeds from this transaction to use in the next critical stages of Elroy Air’s strategy.
S6 · E24
October 7 · 28 min
Nth Cycle and Kensington Capital VI on the Critical Minerals Refining Gap
This week, we speak with Megan O’Connor, CEO of Nth Cycle, and Justin Mirro, CEO of Kensington Capital Acquisition Corp. VI (NYSE:KCA.U). The two announced a $585 million business combination in July. A number of transactions have brought rare earth miners public at a time of acute need due to trade snares and growing awareness of their strategic importance. But, the biggest missing piece in the critical minerals space is arguably not in the exploitation of these resources, but rather on the refining side. Megan explains how the company has developed a modular refining solution that is built to hit the ground running in the industry, and how the company has set itself up with multiple revenue models for both resiliency and growth. Justin lays out how this unique setup, along with the structure of the deal itself, hold what he believes are the ideal properties that SPAC transactions are built for.
S6 · E23
September 24 · 32 min
Mobilewalla on the Data Behind Agentic AI
This week, we speak with Anindya Datta, CEO of Mobilewalla, and Bala Padmakumar, CEO and Chairman of SPACSphere Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ:SSAC). The two announced a $250 million business combination in June. Agentic AI is here and already at work in a number of industries, but the question of which model can win is increasingly defined by who has the data to back it up. Anindya explains how Mobilewalla’s long tail of data forms the backbone of its own AI offerings, and how it has innovated internally to give it an edge. Bala gets into why he sees Mobilewalla as standing above the noise in the AI space and how SPACSphere concluded it was ready for the public markets.
S6 · E22
September 11 · 28 min
EigenQ on Preparing Cybersecurity for the Quantum Era
This week, we speak with Dr. José Rosas-Bustos, CEO of EigenQ, and Dan Nash, CEO and Chairman of Silicon Valley Acquisition Corp. The two announced a $2.93 billion business combination in June. As quantum computers advance the speed and complexity of computing, cybersecurity counter-measures will need to keep up. EigenQ is developing defensive quantum server hardware to do just that. Jose explains how EigenQ has positioned itself to take advantage of the acute short-term need to protect sensitive server infrastructure from potential quantum-powered hacking threats and how it has integrated its products with strategic partners to accelerate deployments. Dan gets into why EigenQ has the potential for a unique financial trajectory in the quantum technology space, and how it stacks up against a comps universe that is increasingly populated by high-performing de-SPACs.
S6 · E21
September 3 · 26 min
Trasteel on Trade Disruption and a Changing Steel Market
This week, we speak with Gianfranco Imperato, CEO of Trasteel, and Jamie Karson, Vice Chairman of Sizzle Acquisition Corp. II (NASDAQ:SZZL). The two announced a $1.3 billion business combination in April. It has been an interesting year for steel as it has been the target of trade restrictions and supply chain snares. In the center of that all has been steel producing and trading platform Trasteel. Gianfranco explains how the company has been an active consolidator in the industry that has managed to avoid certain operational risks despite an ever-changing steel pricing situation. He also gets into how the company has been able to leverage its global platform to be opportunistic when trade disruptions shake up the market. Jamie tells us why Sizzle II admired Trasteel’s financial discipline and why it sees the company’s business as being upstream of some of the world’s biggest investment trends of the moment.
S6 · E20
September 1 · 45 min
Podcast: The State of the SPAC Market, from the Floor of the NYSE (Audio Version)
For our first-ever video podcast episode, we headed to the floor of the New York Stock Exchange to speak with Allyson Satin, COO of the Ares SPACs, and Paul Wood, Co-Head of SPAC Investment Banking at BTIG.. 2026 has already been a breakout year for SPAC issuance, and deals are moving through the pipeline faster than they have in years. We discuss what's driving the rebound, why sponsor quality is rising to the top, and how SPACs are competing with a strong traditional IPO market. Plus, we look ahead to the fall and Q4 for any positive or negative catalysts that could affect the SPAC market. Give it a listen.
S6 · E19
September 1 · 45 min· Video
The State of the SPAC Market, with Ares's Allyson Satin and BTIG's Paul Wood
This week, we speak with Allyson Satin, COO of the Ares SPACs, and Paul Wood, Co-Head of SPAC Investment Banking at BTIG. 2026 has already been a breakout year for SPAC issuance, and deals are moving through the pipeline faster than they have in years. We discuss what's driving the rebound, why sponsor quality is rising to the top, and how SPACs are competing with a strong traditional IPO market. Plus, we look ahead to the fall and Q4 for any positive or negative catalysts that could affect the SPAC market. Give it a listen.
S6 · E18
August 26 · 27 min
ZincFive and Spark I (SPKL) on Powering Data Centers Beyond Lithium-Ion
This week, we speak with Tod Higinbotham, CEO of battery maker ZincFive and Jim Rhee, Chairman and CEO of Spark I Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ:SPKL). The two announced a $752 million combination in June. Lithium-ion batteries have dominated much of the conversation in cutting-edge technology. But, what if there was a battery chemistry based on more available materials that were more recyclable and that were an even better fit for certain data center energy needs? Tod explains how ZincFive’s nickel and zinc-based battery chemistry is uniquely suited to providing high-density backup power to data centers, and how this SPAC transaction will help it meet the ballooning demand for its products.
S6 · E16
July 29 · 25 min
Forge Nano’s Paul Lichty on Building Better Batteries and Chips at the Atomic Level
This week, we speak with Paul Lichty, Co-Founder and CEO of Forge Nano. He explains how Forge Nano’s atomic layer deposition approach can build better batteries and semiconductors while maximizing the rarest materials these require. And, how its manufacturing plans and growing sales pipeline led the company into a $1.3 billion business combination with Archimedes Tech SPAC Partners II Co. (NASDAQ:ATII). Investment has poured into the companies making the chips and batteries needed for cutting age technology to work. Now, a company that has pioneered a new way of building those key components at the atomic level, is going public, via a SPAC.
S6 · E15
July 16 · 1 hr
Replay: Revisiting the 2024 SPAC Market Roundtable Predictions
This week, on a SPACInsider Podcast Replay, we revisit a September 2024 discussion from the beginning of the current SPAC cycle. SPACInsider founder Kristi Marvin was joined by Ed Kovary, Head of SPAC Capital Markets at BTIG, Nick Skibo, Managing Partner at Gritstone Asset Management, and Dimitre Genov, Managing Director at Brookline Capital Markets. Together, the panel brought perspectives from the banking, investing and advisory sides of SPAC transactions. They discussed the resurgence of anchor investors, how market participants were adapting as the previous cycle wound down, and the early signs that a broader reset was taking shape. Looking back nearly two years later, which of their predictions came to fruition, and how clearly could they see the next SPAC cycle beginning?
S6 · E15
June 17 · 31 min
Dr. Wasiq Bokhari, CEO of Quantum Computing Firm Pasqal
This week, we speak with Dr. Wasiq Bokhari, CEO of quantum computing firm Pasqal, to discuss its $1.98 billion combination with Bleichroeder Acquisition Corp. II (NASDAQ:BBCQ). Quantum computers are plugged in and doing real commercial work, but, how can you get them to collaborate with CPUs and GPUs on a single problem? Pasqal believes it may have the answer. Wasiq explains how the company has worked to build a full-stack approach to commercializing quantum solutions and where it has already demonstrated quantum advantage. He also gets into how it is developing software to make engaging with quantum computers easier, and how it can break down problems into the parts that quantum computers, CPUs and GPUs are each best poised to solve the fastest.
S6 · E14
June 11 · 26 min
Inside IQM’s $1.7B Quantum Computing Deal with Real Asset Acquisition Corp.
This week, we speak with IQM CEO and Co-Founder Jan Goetz, and Peter Ort, CEO and Co-Chairman of Real Asset Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ:RAAQ) about their $1.7 billion dollar combination, announced in February. As more quantum computing companies go public via SPACs, the industry is going global. Jan explains why IQM has based its own business model on selling quantum computing hardware and why he believes this enhances the company’s pipeline over time. Peter lays out the Real Asset’s team long engagement in the quantum computing space and why it chose IQM as the next big play in this emerging technology.
S6 · E15
May 21 · 28 min
Carlos Domingo on Securitize, Tokenization and Its SPAC Deal with Cantor Equity Partners II
This week, we speak with Carlos Domingo, Founder and CEO of Securitize. Securitize is working to close a business combination with Cantor Equity Partners II (NASDAQ:CEPT). As the use of stablecoins spreads, the opportunity to create digital tokens of other assets is spreading as well. For public investors, there will soon also be an opportunity to invest in one of the companies making that process happen. Carlos discusses how Securitize has driven key partnerships with financial institutions into a profitable position within the tokenization space, and why Cantor Equity Partners II’s structure was a major factor why Securitize chose it as the company's route to the public markets. Give it a listen.
S6 · E14
May 15 · 33 min
What Comes Next for Crypto Treasury SPACs? Vik Mittal and Ivan Deryugin Weigh In
This week, on a special edition of the SPACInsider Podcast, we speak with Vik Mittal, managing member of Meteora Capital and Ivan Deryugin, head of research for the Americas at United First Partners. Together we discuss why the digital asset treasury strategy quickly turned from a SPAC-favorite play to falling out of favor over the past year. Ivan gets into the numbers on how some of these deals have become misaligned, particularly as crypto prices dropped. Vik shares his perspective as a both a PIPE investor in some of these transactions and as a SPAC sponsor searching in the space. What is to become of these pending deals, and how might SPACs play in the crypto space next? --------- Disclaimer: This podcast includes discussions of cryptocurrency, digital assets, special purpose acquisition companies (“SPACs”), and other publicly traded securities. Mr. Mittal participates in this podcast in his capacity as a portfolio manager at Meteora Capital Partners, LP (“Meteora”). Mr. Deryugin participates in this podcast in his capacity as a research analyst at United First Partners, LLC (“UFP”), a broker-dealer registered with FINRA (CRD # 155456). All statements, examples, scenarios, tickers, and transactions referenced by Mr. Mittal and Mr. Deryugin are hypothetical in nature and are provided solely for general informational and discussion purposes. Nothing discussed should be relied upon as fact, forecast, recommendation, or commitment. Nothing in this podcast constitutes financial, investment, legal, tax, or accounting advice, nor is it a recommendation, offer, or solicitation to buy or sell any security, digital asset, or financial instrument. Cryptocurrency and digital asset markets are highly volatile, speculative, and carry significant risk, including the risk of total loss. SPAC and equity investments likewise carry substantial risk. All opinions expressed by Mr. Mittal and Mr. Deryugin are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Meteora, UFP, or their respective affiliates. Any references to specific companies, tickers, or transactions are illustrative only and should not be interpreted as investment advice or solicitations. Meteora and its affiliates, employees, and managed funds may hold long or short positions in any securities, digital assets, or financial instruments discussed, and may buy, sell, or otherwise change such positions at any time without notice. UFP does not hold proprietary positions in the securities or digital assets discussed and may from time to time act as agent or facilitator on behalf of institutional clients in connection with securities referenced herein. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and actual outcomes may differ materially from those discussed. Listeners should conduct their own independent research and consult a licensed financial, legal, and tax professional before making any investment decision.
S6 · E13
May 13 · 27 min
ONE Nuclear’s Richard Taylor and Dan Hennessy on Meeting Surging Power Demand
This week, we speak with Richard Taylor, Co-founder, CEO and Chairman of ONE Nuclear and Dan Hennessy, Chairman of Hennessy Capital Investment Corp. VII (NASDAQ:HVII). The two announced a $1.1 billion combination in October. Energy demand is ballooning and the clock is ticking to keep up. That has led ONE Nuclear to a multi-technology approach to get more capacity online as fast as possible. Richard lays out why his company has designed its plants to use natural gas first before converting to nuclear and how its partnerships with third parties have accelerated that plan. Dan explains why he believes ONE Nuclear’s strategy gives public investors a compelling entry point, and why analysts are already taking note of the company’s trajectory.
S6 · E12
May 6 · 28 min
AIR CEO Stuart Brazier on AIR’s $1.7B SPAC Deal and the Business of Hookah
This week, we speak with Stuart Brazier, CEO of Advanced Inhalation Rituals, or AIR, to discuss his company’s $1.7 billion combination with Cantor Equity Partners III (Nasdaq: CAEP). SPACs often bring companies from emerging technology sectors into the public markets, but sometimes it is their role to list companies that have already established themselves, albeit in something of a niche. Stuart explains how the AIR’s profitable position in the high-margin hookah-shisha market gave it options on how to come public, and why it chose the SPAC route for that journey. How is this lifestyle brand growing and where? And, what additional revenue streams are there still to be had from its 600-year-old core product?
S6 · E11
April 29 · 25 min
General Fusion’s Greg Twinney and Spring Valley III’s Chris Sorrells on Their $724M Fusion Deal
This week, we speak with Greg Twinney, CEO of General Fusion, and Chris Sorrells, CEO and Chairman of Spring Valley Acquisition Corp. III (NASDAQ:SVAC). The two announced a $724 million combination in January. Fusion technology may sound like the future, but it is set to come to the public markets very soon. Greg explains General Fusion’s path to expand its technology beyond its first plant into commercialization in the 2030s, and what advantages fusion power plants can provide over nuclear fission reactors. Chris lays out why now is the right time to bring General Fusion to the public markets, and how the Spring Valley team put a price on the opportunity at this stage in its development. Give it a listen.
#44
April 20 · 30 min
Inside Key Mining’s $303M deal with Compass Digital Acquisition Corp.
Titanium, copper and water. What do they have in common? All will be products of one of the latest companies to head to the public markets via a SPAC transaction. This week, we speak with Key Mining founders Cesar Lopez and John Ryan as well as Compass Digital Acquisition Corp. CEO Tom Hennessy to break down their $303 million business combination. Cesar and John discuss how they brought together a signature titanium mining project in Chile with a water desalination project that is set to support it. They lay out why they are combining these two assets with a copper project in Arizona and how both stand to benefit from the critical metals incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act. Tom explains how this company fits in his growing family of SPAC transactions and what the roadmap ahead looks like for it beyond close and the listing this deal brings.

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