What Smart Targets Look For in a SPAC (And What Most Miss)

In this episode of The DESPAC Podcast, host Chaz Churchwell interviews Chris Cottone, Vice President at Greentree Financial, a family office active in IPO and SPAC advisory since 1999.Chris shares practical insight from years of experience advising companies through both IPOs and DESPAC transactions.Topics covered include:What types of SPACs targets should evaluateHow promote structure and dilution impact outcomesThe importance of having PCAOB audits completed earlyValuation discipline and post-close market correction riskUnderstanding redemption variabilityCapital recycling strategies: PIPEs, non-redemption agreements, follow-on financingBoard composition and long-term sponsor alignmentChris also discusses how integrity, long-term thinking, and preparation shape successful public transitions.For private companies exploring a DESPAC, this episode delivers a grounded, operator-focused perspective on how to approach the process strategically and defensibly.The DESPAC Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in this content constitutes legal, investment, tax, or financial advice, nor a recommendation to pursue or avoid any transaction. Consult qualified legal, financial, and tax professionals before acting on any information discussed. News Theme 1 by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/THE DESPAC PODCAST  DISCLAIMERThe DESPAC Podcast is for informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the views of One Iron Network LLC, its affiliates, or any sponsoring organization.Nothing in this podcast should be interpreted as legal advice, investment advice, tax advice, or a recommendation to pursue or avoid any transaction. Discussions may reference SPACs, DESPAC transactions, securities regulations, or public-company readiness frameworks. These conversations are educational in nature and should not be relied upon when making financial or strategic decisions.Listeners should consult qualified legal, financial, and tax professionals before acting on any information discussed in this podcast. Any examples or scenarios mentioned are illustrative and may not reflect current market conditions or regulatory requirements.Participation by a guest does not constitute an endorsement of any company, strategy, product, or service. References to specific firms or individuals are for context only.One Iron Network LLC and the DESPAC Podcast disclaim all liability arising from the use of or reliance on the information presented.