After 130 SPACs and 140 DESPACs Here's What I've Learned with Brandon Sun

After 130 SPACs and 140 DESPACs Here's What I've Learned with Brandon Sun

Author: Joshua Wilson April 21, 2026 Duration: 12:23
After 130 SPAC IPOs and 140 de-SPACs — the most of any banker he knows of — Brandon Sun shares what 13 years at the center of the blank check market actually teaches you. In this episode, Michael Blankenship sits down with Brandon Sun, Head of SPAC Investment Banking at Cohen & Company Capital Markets. With 130+ SPAC IPOs raising $45B+ in equity capital and 140 de-SPAC transactions representing $210B+ in combined enterprise value, Brandon is one of the longest-serving and most prolific S...

Tune into The SPAC Podcast: Special Purpose Acquisition Company for a clear-eyed look at one of finance's most talked-about vehicles. Hosts Michael Blankenship, a capital markets attorney and partner at Winston & Strawn LLP, and Joshua Wilson, an executive producer and capital markets advisor, steer these discussions with a practitioner's depth. They don't just report the news; they unpack the mechanics, the regulatory shifts, and the strategic plays behind each headline. You'll hear from the dealmakers, lawyers, and executives who are actively structuring these transactions, getting their unvarnished perspectives on what works, what doesn't, and what might be coming next. This podcast moves beyond the hype to examine the real-world implications of SPACs for investors, companies, and the broader market. It’s designed for anyone from seasoned professionals to curious observers who want to understand the nuances behind the acronym. Each episode feels like a detailed briefing, blending analysis with candid conversation to make a complex topic accessible. If you're navigating the SPAC landscape or simply trying to decipher its impact, this series provides the essential context you need.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

The SPAC Podcast: Special Purpose Acquisition Company
Podcast Episodes
How to Choose the Right Legal Counsel and Underwriter for a SPAC [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:34
Chris Cottone explains how SPAC sponsors should think about selecting legal counsel and underwriters. He outlines why fees should never be the primary decision factor, why SPACs require highly specialized legal experienc…
How the SPAC Model Has Matured, What Still Gets Misunderstood [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:32
Andrejka Bernatova explains how the SPAC model has evolved since the boom years and why many misconceptions still persist. She shares why SPACs should be viewed as a long-standing capital markets tool, not a short-term t…
What an Ideal SPAC Board Should Look Like [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:35
Chris Cottone explains how SPAC sponsors should think about board composition. From NASDAQ independence requirements to the importance of financial, legal, and M&A experience, he breaks down why a lean, well-balanced boa…
The Next Phase of the SPAC Market: Fewer Deals, Better Sponsors [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:31
Chris Sorrells shares his view on where the SPAC market is headed next. After years of excess, he explains why rationalization, more experienced sponsors, cleaner vehicles, and better capital alignment are critical for l…
How to Form a SPAC Entity and Where to Incorporate [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:47
Chris Cottone explains how to properly form a SPAC entity and why incorporation choice matters. He breaks down the pros and cons of Delaware, Nevada, and Cayman structures, highlighting tax considerations, litigation ris…
Why Operator Experience Is the Real Advantage in SPAC Leadership [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:50
Andrejka Bernatova explains how being both an operator and a sponsor shapes a fundamentally different approach to SPACs. She shares why the real work starts after the DESPAC, how balance sheet structure and public-compan…
What “Risk Capital” Really Means for SPAC Sponsors [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:13
Chris Cottone explains what risk capital is in a SPAC, why it’s required, and how much sponsors should realistically expect to commit. He breaks down IPO and DESPAC costs, typical risk capital ranges, and how sponsor syn…
How SPAC Structures Have Evolved and What Investors Care About Today [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:57
Chris Cottone breaks down how SPAC structures have evolved and what investors are seeing in today’s market. He explains the role of rights, warrants, and time-to-close terms, and why longer SPAC timelines are becoming mo…