What SPAC Investors Are Actually Looking for Right Now — Christine McNerney

Every SPAC sponsor thinks their pitch stands out. Christine McNerney has seen them all — and most don't.Christine McNerney, Associate Portfolio Manager at Periscope Capital, has been with the firm since 2012 and focused on SPACs since 2021 — from testing the waters through selective PIPE financing. Periscope itself has been active in the SPAC market since 2016.  In this episode, she breaks down exactly what separates fundable sponsor teams from forgettable ones, how Periscope evaluates de-SPAC targets, why the current market is healthier than it looks, and what private companies need to understand before going public via a blank check company. For SPAC sponsors, PIPE investors, and de-SPAC operators navigating today's capital markets landscape, this is an unfiltered look at how decisions actually get made.🎯 What We Cover:What sponsor teams consistently get wrong in testing the waters meetingsHow to articulate deal criteria beyond generic talking pointsThe ideal sponsor profile — operators vs. dealmakers and why both matterGeographic scope: why non-US targets carry additional risk and scrutinyWhat Periscope looks for first when evaluating a de-SPAC opportunityWhy equity coverage and peer set matter more than most targets realizeHow the SPAC process gives companies a valuation edge over a traditional ECM IPOLessons from 2020–2021 and what's fundamentally different in today's marketWhy repeat sponsors now represent nearly 70% of SPAC IPOs — and what that signalsAdvice for de-SPAC companies struggling with post-combination stock performance🤝 Connect with Christine McNerney: 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-mcnerney/ 🌐 https://periscopecapital.com/📩 Connect with Michael Blankenship: 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeblankenship/ 🌐 https://www.thespacpodcast.com/📩 Connect with Joshua Wilson: 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ 🌐 https://www.thespacpodcast.com/🎙️ Follow The SPAC Podcast: 🌐 https://www.thespacpodcast.com/ ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/@thespacpodcastDisclaimer: Michael J. Blankenship is a licensed attorney and partner at Winston Taylor. Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, or compliance advice. All views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the policies or positions of any regulatory agency, law firm, organization, or employer. Listeners should consult their own legal counsel, compliance teams, or financial advisors to ensure adherence to applicable regulations, including SEC, FINRA, and other industry-specific requirements. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation or recommendation for any financial products or services.Let's Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeblankenship/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ To Contact Us, Please Visit: https://www.TheSPACPodcast.com/contact/