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Founders’ Series: The Great SPAC Explosion of the 2020s
November 9, 2021 at 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Founders' Series
The Great SPAC Explosion of the 2020s
Are SPACs Better than IPOs or Acquisitions?
Tuesday, November 9, 2021
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
(Pacific time)
The popularity of using a special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC) to go public has exploded, and SPACS have significantly disrupted the path to liquidity for a growing number of startups. In 2020, there were more SPAC transactions than traditional IPOs, and this number has continued to increase substantially. So far in 2021, there have been almost four times the number of SPAC transactions than traditional IPOs, with the value of SPACs more than double that of traditional IPOs.
Despite this dramatic growth, one key question remains: are SPACs really the best exit strategy for a startup? SPACs may not be appropriate for every startup, and founders considering the SPAC option should understand the advantages and disadvantages when deciding whether a SPAC makes sense for their company.
For our next event, VLAB has assembled a panel of experts, entrepreneurs, and investors with considerable SPAC experience. The panel will examine the pros and cons of “going SPAC” and review the key elements needed for a successful SPAC. While the conversation may examine the issue more from a founder’s perspective, the panel will also discuss the opportunities and risks for investors in SPAC transactions. The panel will also review some of the important regulatory issues related to SPACs.
In addition to the moderated discussion, the panel will also field questions from the audience and provide specific, relevant advice for both what-if and real-world situations. Startups attending this event should leave with a better understanding of whether they would be a good candidate for a SPAC.
- What are the benefits of a SPAC related to pricing, speed, and flexibility?
- How should startups evaluate a SPAC vs. alternative strategies?
- What are the regulatory implications and ramifications of SPACs?
Join us on November 9 to find out.
Moderator
Manny Fernandez, Founder & Angel Investor, SF Angels Group
Panelists
Lise Buyer, Partner and Founder, Class V Group
Scott Leonard, Founder and CEO, Sustainable Opportunities Acquisition Corporation
John H. Booher, Partner, Sheppard Mullin
Free Online Event
A Note about Ticket Sales
We understand that many people may be having a rough time during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the tickets for this online event will be offered free of charge to anyone who is interested in attending.
Normally, ticket sales are our main source of revenue, so VLAB could really use your support. When you register for the event, please consider making a donation to help keep VLAB going.
VLAB is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and any help you could provide would be greatly appreciated. We thank you for your support and hope to see you soon.
About the VLAB Founders’ Series
Founders’ Series events provide a unique opportunity for startups and technologists to take part in an interactive session. Come prepared with your burning questions!
If you would like to have the rare opportunity to take the “Hot Seat” on stage to receive feedback from the speakers, please be sure to enter your question in the field below. Startup founders selected for the “Hot Seat” will be notified in advance.
For all other questions, please contact founders.series@vlab.org.
Note: Founder's Series tickets are for startup founders and are subject to approval. Please allow 24-48 hours for final ticket confirmation.