SPACs are entities formed to raise capital through IPOs with the sole purpose of acquiring operating businesses or assets. These acquisitions can be done through mergers, share exchanges, or other similar methods. Prior to the acquisition or business combination, SPACs are listed as investment vehicles with no prior operating history and revenue-generating business/asset at IPO.

ADX is the first exchange in the UAE to enable the listing of SPACs

SPAC Sponsor

SPACs are generally founded and initially financed by experienced and reputable founding shareholders (typically sponsors). These sponsors are usually considered the management team that forms the SPAC entity to acquire or merge with a private operating company. Sponsors may include but are not limited to, private equity or venture capital firms and asset managers with expertise and a track record in identifying acquisition targets for shareholders.

A Good SPAC Sponsor

A SPAC sponsor will generally require in-depth M&A and public company experience and a proven ability to execute acquisitions of high-quality targets.

They will be expected to show a track record of value creation and successful business operations. They will also need strong credibility with investors and expansive deal-sourcing networks with executives, board members, and other investors.

SPAC sponsors are usually either:

1. A PE fund, VC fund, sovereign wealth fund, or individual investor who wants to benefit from the potentially attractive financial returns available.
2. A senior, highly experienced business executive who wants to explore opportunities beyond their current funding or better served by a larger group of investors.
3. A company that wants to access a substantial amount of capital for new projects