Why Founders Should Consider a SPAC Instead of a Traditional IPO | Peter Wright

Going public is one of the most important decisions a founder can make. But choosing the right path to the public markets is just as critical as the decision itself.In this interview, host Michael Blankenship sits down with Peter Wright, founder of McKinley SPAC and a longtime capital markets advisor with experience across more than 30 SPAC transactions.Peter shares insights from his career as both a sell-side and buy-side research analyst before entering the SPAC market during its early growth phase. He explains why founders evaluating a path to the public markets should consider SPAC mergers alongside traditional IPOs.The conversation explores how SPACs provide founders with deal certainty, valuation certainty, and capital certainty while potentially reducing the timeline to becoming a public company. Peter also addresses common misconceptions about SPACs, how dilution works in these transactions, and why capital market strategy is critical to long-term success after the listing.Peter also shares how his team evaluates target companies, the industries they believe are positioned for growth, and why sectors such as space technology, fintech, and EV mobility are attracting significant attention.If you’re a founder considering the public markets, or an investor interested in the evolution of the SPAC ecosystem, this conversation offers a practical look at how deals are evaluated and structured today.Disclaimer: Michael J. Blankenship is a licensed attorney and 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 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/