What Private Companies Get Wrong About Going Public via SPAC with Larry Swets

"Do you really want to be public?" It's the first question Larry Swets asks any company eyeing a SPAC — and the one most founders answer wrong. After 30 years in capital markets and more than a dozen SPACs sponsored, he's watched companies chase billion-dollar valuations they knew weren't real, then spend five years growing into a fraction of that number. In this episode, host Michael Blankenship sits down with Larry Swets, CFA — Chairman and Co-Founder of FG Nexus and one of the most experienced operators in the SPAC and alternative capital formation ecosystem. Larry traces the arc from the 2020–2021 boom through the SEC-driven reset to today's renewed activity, unpacking why too many sponsors underestimate how hard this work is. He explains how private companies should pressure-test their public-market readiness, position their story for investors with short attention spans, and set valuation expectations the market will actually support. A candid, practitioner-level conversation on capital formation, IPO alternatives, and building a healthier SPAC ecosystem. What We Cover: - 🔑 The first question every company must answer before a SPAC - 📉 What the 2020–2021 boom and reset actually taught the market - ⚖️ Why there are too many SPACs — and too many underprepared sponsors - 💰 The real cost of chasing unsustainable valuations - 🏗️ How boring, cash-flowing businesses became top-performing SPACs - 🚀 Where SPACs beat traditional IPOs on speed and sector - 📊 Positioning your story for investors with short attention spans - 🤝 Building a healthier SPAC ecosystem for everyone Connect with Larry Swets, CFA  Website: fgnexus.io  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/larry-g-swets-jr-cfa-7400a75  X: x.com/larryswets About Winston Taylor  Winston Taylor is an international law firm with a capital markets practice that works with companies and sponsors across the SPAC and public-company lifecycle. Learn more at winstontaylor.com. Follow Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeblankenship/ Follow The SPAC Podcast  Website thespacpodcast.com · LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/thespacpodcast · YouTube youtube.com/@thespacpodcast Disclaimer: 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/