The "GO PUBLIC" Framework Overview for Private Companies
In this kickoff episode of The DESPAC Podcast, host Chaz Churchwell welcomes Michael Blankenship of Winston & Strawn to unveil the Go Public Framework, a complete end-to-end system for private companies evaluating a DESPAC transaction.
The conversation covers every stage of the public-ready journey, from internal preparation and assembling your advisory bench to positioning your valuation, navigating diligence, building market trust, and preparing for life as a public company.
Listeners will learn:
• What private companies must do before entering SPAC discussions
• Why advisory structure determines deal speed and outcomes
• How to craft a compelling deal narrative
• What diligence teams look for and where companies get stuck
• How to communicate effectively with analysts and investors
• What happens at listing and launch
• Why governance, reporting, and operational discipline drive long-term success
• How public companies adapt as markets shift
This episode offers actionable, practical guidance for CEOs, CFOs, founders, and investors evaluating whether a DESPAC is the right path.
Connect With the Guest:
Michael Blankenship, Winston & Strawn LLP
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeblankenship
Connect With the Host & The DESPAC Podcast:
Chaz Churchwell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chazchurchwell/
YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@thedespacpodcast
THE DESPAC PODCAST STANDARD LEGAL DISCLAIMER
The DESPAC Podcast is for informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the views of Smooth Stone Capital, its affiliates, or any sponsoring organization.
Nothing in this podcast should be interpreted as legal advice, investment advice, tax advice, or a recommendation to pursue or avoid any transaction. Discussions may reference SPACs, DESPAC transactions, securities regulations, or public-company readiness frameworks. These conversations are educational in nature and should not be relied upon when making financial or strategic decisions.
Listeners should consult qualified legal, financial, and tax professionals before acting on any information discussed in this podcast. Any examples or scenarios mentioned are illustrative and may not reflect current market conditions or regulatory requirements.
Participation by a guest does not constitute an endorsement of any company, strategy, product, or service. References to specific firms or individuals are for context only.
Smooth Stone Capital and the DESPAC Podcast disclaim all liability arising from the use of or reliance on the information presented.
Chaz Churchwell: Hello everyone. I'm here with you on the inaugural D spac podcast for our Go Public series. I'm your host Chas Churchwell, and joining me today is the brilliant Michael Blankenship from Winston Strom. Uh, this guy is a brilliant SPAC attorney and we're here to give you an exclusive end-to-end blueprint for private companies that are looking at the possibility of going public through a d SPAC transaction.
Mike Blankenship: That's right, Chaz. We call it the Go Public Framework. It's a clear step-by-step roadmap for any private company considering the path to go public. Over the next few weeks, we'll break down each of the letters of the, the this acronym.
Chaz Churchwell: So then let's get after it. So we're gonna start with the letter G.
Because truth be told, before you can even start to go through a D SPAC process, it's all about getting ready. So we're gonna discuss critical internal prep that your company's leadership needs to work through before you even talk to a spac. This is gonna help you D spac, or pardon me. This is gonna help you, uh, take your timeframe on your D spac and cut.
Exponentially. It's also gonna help you be perceived as more valuable by the SPAC team.
Mike Blankenship: Then we'll move on to O for organizing your advisors. Your team is your foundation. We'll show you how to build a rock solid one from legal and audit to risk management with a d and o specialist.
Chaz Churchwell: Yeah. And then after that we're gonna hit you with what it's really all about.
P positioning the deal. This is where the craft that you've been putting together for your company's narrative and your defined value, this is especially where it's gonna become relevant in a crowded market.
Mike Blankenship: Then we get you to you a very important one, undergoing diligence. This is the moment your preparation's put to the test.
We'll walk you through what to expect and why every detail matters.
Chaz Churchwell: And then there's b and b is gonna stand for building market trust, going public. It's not just a transaction, it's a commitment to transparency and communication to investors in the marketplace. So here you're gonna learn what's clutch.
We're gonna share strategies for the win. Um, and then we're gonna help you figure out how to win over analysts, investors. It's gonna be clutch.
Mike Blankenship: Next, it's L for list and launch. This is a big day, a fun day. We'll talk about what happens when the deal closes and your company begins trading.
Chaz Churchwell: And then we move into I institutionalizing discipline.
We're unpacking, uh, and then we're explaining why the real work starts. After you go public and the importance of implementing formal governance and reporting
Mike Blankenship: and finally see for continuing to evolve, a public company can't stand still. We'll talk about ongoing risk management adapting to a changing market and staying ahead of the curve.
Chaz Churchwell: At the end of the day, this is not just theory that we're gonna be putting in front of you. It's practical battle tested guidance for every company considering a D spac to go public. So, get ready, pop the hood. We're gonna look inside and see what the whole process is. Make sure that you subscribe so you don't miss an episode.