SPAC
Also called: blank-check company
ELI5
A listed shell raises money to find and merge with a company.
Used in conversation
“The SPAC must complete a business combination within its stated period.”
Definition
A special purpose acquisition company formed to raise public capital and later combine with an operating business.
Here “SPAC” means: A special purpose acquisition company formed to raise public capital and later combine with an operating business.
Pitch context
You will see “SPAC” in fundraising decks, data rooms, term sheets and investor conversations when the discussion reaches exits, liquidity & investor returns.
Why it matters: In exits, liquidity & investor returns, a loose definition can change rights, obligations, approval, disclosure or enforceability.
Caution
Meaning, enforceability and required process vary by jurisdiction and agreement; this definition is not legal advice.
Sources & evidence · 6
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- National Venture Capital Association — Model Legal DocumentsDirect source · institutional · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — Small Business Capital Formation GlossaryDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- IFRS Foundation — IFRS GlossaryDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — Exempt OfferingsSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- Y Combinator — Safe financing documentsSupporting source family · practitioner · checked 2026-08-16
- Y Combinator — Series A Term Sheet TemplateSupporting source family · practitioner · checked 2026-08-16