Item 1A. Risk Factors
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
This
Annual Report contains forward-looking information based on our current expectations. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties
described below together with all of the other information contained in this Annual Report, including our consolidated financial statements
and the related notes appearing at the end of this Annual Report, before deciding whether to invest in our securities. If any of the
following events occur, our business, financial condition and operating results may be materially adversely affected. In that event,
the trading price of our securities could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment.
Risks Related to our Search
for, Consummation of, or Inability to Consummate, a Business Combination
We
are a Cayman Islands exempted company with no operating history and no revenues, and you have no basis on which to evaluate our ability
to achieve our business objective.
We are a Cayman Islands
exempted company with no operating results, and we have yet to begin operations. Because we lack an operating history, you have no basis
upon which to evaluate our ability to achieve our business objective of completing our initial business combination with one or more
target businesses. We have no plans, arrangements or understandings with any prospective target business concerning an initial business
combination and may be unable to complete our initial business combination. If we fail to complete our initial business combination,
we will never generate any operating revenues.
Our public shareholders may not be afforded
an opportunity to vote on our proposed business combination, which means we may complete our initial business combination even though
a majority of our public shareholders do not support such a combination.
We may not hold a shareholder
vote to approve our initial business combination unless the business combination would require shareholder approval under applicable law
or stock exchange listing requirements or if we decide to hold a shareholder vote for business or other legal reasons. Except as required
by law, the decision as to whether we will seek shareholder approval of a proposed business combination or will allow shareholders to
sell their shares to us in a tender offer will be made by us, solely in our discretion, and will be based on a variety of factors, such
as the timing of the transaction and whether the terms of the transaction would otherwise require us to seek shareholder approval. Accordingly,
we may complete our initial business combination even if holders of a majority of our public shares do not approve of the business combination
we complete. Please see the section of this Annual Report entitled “Business — Shareholders May Not Have
the Ability to Approve our Initial Business Combination” for additional information.
If we seek shareholder approval of our initial
business combination, our initial shareholders have agreed to vote in favor of such initial business combination, regardless of how our
public shareholders vote.
Our initial shareholders have agreed to vote their founder shares,
private shares as well as any public shares purchased in or after the Initial Public Offering, in favor of our initial business combination
(subject to applicable securities laws) provided that in connection with any proposed business combination, our initial shareholders will
not vote any ordinary shares that they purchase after we publicly announce our intention to engage in such proposed business combination.
As a result, in addition to our initial shareholders’ founder shares and private shares, we would need (i) 3,539,585 or 30.8%
of the 11,500,000 public shares sold in the Initial Public Offering and the over-allotment to be voted in favor of an initial business
combination in order to have our initial business combination approved (assuming all outstanding shares are voted, including the EBC founder
shares, the EBC founder shares are voted in favor of the proposed initial business combination (although they are not required to do so)),
and (ii) none of the 11,500,000 public shares sold in the Initial Public Offering and the over-allotment, to be voted in favor of
an initial business combination in order to have our initial business combination approved (assuming that only the minimum number of shares
representing a quorum are voted but of those shares, the EBC founder shares are voted in favor of the proposed initial business combination
(although they are not required to do so)). Our founder shares, private shares and EBC founder shares represent approximately 28% of our
outstanding shares immediately following the completion of the Initial Public Offering. Accordingly, if we seek shareholder approval of
our initial business combination, it is more likely that the necessary shareholder approval will be received than would be the case if
our initial shareholders agreed to vote their founder shares in accordance with the majority of the votes cast by our public shareholders.
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Your only opportunity to affect the investment
decision regarding a potential business combination will be limited to the exercise of your right to redeem your shares from us for cash,
unless we seek shareholder approval of the business combination.
At the time of your investment
in us, you will not be provided with an opportunity to evaluate the specific merits or risks of one or more target businesses. Since our
board of directors may complete a business combination without seeking shareholder approval, public shareholders may not have the right
or opportunity to vote on the business combination, unless we seek such shareholder vote. Accordingly, if we do not seek shareholder approval,
your only opportunity to affect the investment decision regarding a potential business combination may be limited to exercising your redemption
rights within the period of time (which will be at least 20 business days) set forth in our tender offer documents mailed to our
public shareholders in which we describe our initial business combination.
The ability of our public shareholders to redeem
their shares for cash may make our financial condition unattractive to potential business combination targets, which may make it difficult
for us to enter into a business combination with a target.
We may seek to enter into a
business combination transaction agreement with a prospective target that requires as a closing condition that we have a minimum net worth
or a certain amount of cash. If too many public shareholders exercise their redemption rights, we would not be able to meet such closing
condition and, as a result, would not be able to proceed with the business combination. Consequently, if accepting all properly submitted
redemption requests would cause us to be unable to satisfy a closing condition, as described above, we would not proceed with such redemption
and the related business combination and may instead search for an alternate business combination. Prospective targets will be aware of
these risks and, thus, may be reluctant to enter into a business combination transaction with us.
The ability of our public shareholders to exercise
redemption rights with respect to a large number of our shares may not allow us to complete the most desirable business combination or
optimize our capital structure.
At the time we enter into an
agreement for our initial business combination, we will not know how many shareholders may exercise their redemption rights, and therefore
will need to structure the transaction based on our expectations as to the number of shares that will be submitted for redemption. If
the agreement for our initial business combination requires us to use a portion of the cash in the trust account to pay the purchase price,
or requires us to have a minimum amount of cash at closing, we will need to reserve a portion of the cash in the trust account to meet
such requirements, or arrange for third-party financing. In addition, if a larger number of shares are submitted for redemption than
we initially expected, we may need to restructure the transaction to reserve a greater portion of the cash in the trust account or arrange
for third-party financing. Raising additional third-party financing may involve dilutive equity issuances or the incurrence
of indebtedness at higher than desirable levels. The above considerations may limit our ability to complete the most desirable business
combination available to us or optimize our capital structure.
The ability of our public shareholders to exercise
redemption rights with respect to a large number of our shares could increase the probability that our initial business combination would
be unsuccessful and that you would have to wait for liquidation in order to redeem your shares.
If the agreement for our initial
business combination requires us to use a portion of the cash in the trust account to pay the purchase price or requires us to have a
minimum amount of cash at closing, the probability that our initial business combination would be unsuccessful is increased. If our initial
business combination is unsuccessful, you would not receive your pro rata portion of the trust account until we liquidate the trust account.
If you are in need of immediate liquidity, you could attempt to sell your share in the open market; however, at such time our shares may
trade at a discount to the pro rata amount per share in the trust account. In either situation, you may suffer a material loss on your
investment or lose the benefit of funds expected in connection with our redemption until we liquidate or you are able to sell your shares
in the open market.
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Our search for a business combination, and
any target business with which we ultimately consummate a business combination, may be materially adversely affected by new outbreaks,
or continuation of any existing outbreaks, of any infectious disease (such as COVID-19) and the status of debt and equity markets.
Any new outbreaks, or continuation
of any existing outbreaks, of any infectious disease (such as COVID-19) or other events (such as terrorist attacks, armed conflicts or
natural disasters) could adversely affect the economies and financial markets worldwide, and the business of any potential target business
with which we consummate an initial business combination could be materially and adversely affected. Furthermore, we may be unable to
complete an initial business combination if concerns relating to any outbreak of a disease restricts travel or limits the ability to have
meetings with potential investors or the target company’s personnel, vendors and services providers. The extent to which any new
outbreak or the continuation of any existing situation impacts our search for an initial business combination will depend on future developments,
which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted. If any such event (such as terrorist attacks, natural disasters or a significant outbreak
of other infectious diseases) continues for an extensive period of time, our ability to consummate an initial business combination, or
the operations of a target business with which we ultimately consummate an initial business combination, may be materially adversely affected.
In addition, our ability to
consummate a transaction may be dependent on the ability to raise equity and debt financing, which may be impacted by outside events (such
as terrorist attacks, natural disasters or a significant outbreak of infectious diseases), including as a result of increased market volatility,
decreased market liquidity and third-party financing being unavailable on terms acceptable to us or at all.
Our search for an initial business combination,
and any target business with which we may ultimately consummate an initial business combination, may be materially adversely affected
by current global geopolitical conditions resulting from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and the recent escalation of the Israel-Hamas
conflict.
United States and global
markets are experiencing volatility and disruption following the geopolitical instability resulting from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict
and the recent escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict. In response to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, the North Atlantic
Treaty Organization (“NATO”) deployed additional military forces to eastern Europe, and the United States, the United
Kingdom, the European Union and other countries have announced various sanctions and restrictive actions against Russia, Belarus and related
individuals and entities, including the removal of certain financial institutions from the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication
(SWIFT) payment system. Certain countries, including the United States, have also provided and may continue to provide military aid
or other assistance to Ukraine and to Israel, increasing geopolitical tensions among a number of nations. The invasion of Ukraine by Russia
and the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict and the resulting measures that have been taken, and could be taken in the future,
by NATO, the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Israel and its neighboring states and other countries have created
global security concerns that could have a lasting impact on regional and global economies. Although the length and impact of the ongoing
conflicts are highly unpredictable, they could lead to market disruptions, including significant volatility in commodity prices, credit
and capital markets, as well as supply chain interruptions and increased cyber-attacks against U.S. companies. Additionally,
any resulting sanctions could adversely affect the global economy and financial markets and lead to instability and lack of liquidity
in capital markets.
Any of the abovementioned factors,
or any other negative impact on the global economy, capital markets or other geopolitical conditions resulting from the Russian invasion
of Ukraine, the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict and subsequent sanctions or related actions, could adversely affect our search
for an initial business combination and any target business with which we may ultimately consummate an initial business combination.
The extent and duration of
the ongoing conflicts, resulting sanctions and any related market disruptions are impossible to predict, but could be substantial, particularly
if current or new sanctions continue for an extended period of time or if geopolitical tensions result in expanded military operations
on a global scale. Any such disruptions may also have the effect of heightening many of the other risks described in this section. If
these disruptions or other matters of global concern continue for an extensive period of time, our ability to consummate an initial business
combination, or the operations of a target business with which we may ultimately consummate an initial business combination, may be materially
adversely affected.
Military or other conflicts in Ukraine, the
Middle East or elsewhere may lead to increased volume and price volatility for publicly traded securities, or affect the operations or
financial condition of potential target companies, which could make it more difficult for us to consummate an initial business combination.
Military or other conflicts
in Ukraine, the Middle East or elsewhere may lead to increased volume and price volatility for publicly traded securities, or affect the
operations or financial condition of potential target companies, and to other company or industry-specific, national, regional or international
economic disruptions and economic uncertainty, any of which could make it more difficult for us to identify a business combination target
and consummate an initial business combination on acceptable commercial terms, or at all.
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Because there are many special purpose acquisition
companies evaluating targets, attractive targets may be scarce and there may be more competition for attractive targets. This could increase
the cost of our initial business combination and could even result in our inability to find a target or to consummate an initial business
combination.
Because there are many special
purpose acquisition companies evaluating targets, attractive targets may be scarce. As a result, fewer attractive targets may be available,
and it may require more time, more effort and more resources to identify a suitable target and to consummate an initial business combination.
In addition, because there
are many special purpose acquisition companies seeking to enter into an initial business combination with available targets, the competition
for available targets with attractive fundamentals or business models may increase, which could cause targets companies to demand improved
financial terms. Attractive deals could also become scarcer for other reasons, such as economic or industry sector downturns, geopolitical
tensions, or increases in the cost of additional capital needed to close business combinations or operate targets post-business combination.
This could increase the cost of, delay or otherwise complicate or frustrate our ability to find and consummate an initial business combination,
and may result in our inability to consummate an initial business combination on terms favorable to our investors.
If our initial business combination involves
a company organized under the laws of a state of the United States, it is possible a 1% U.S. federal excise tax will be imposed
on us in connection with redemptions of our ordinary shares after or in connection with such initial business combination.
On August 16, 2022, the
Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 became law in the United States, which, among other things, imposes a 1% excise tax on
the fair market value of certain repurchases (including certain redemptions) of shares by publicly traded domestic (i.e., United States)
corporations (and certain non-U.S. corporations treated as “surrogate foreign corporations”). The excise tax will apply
to share repurchases occurring in 2023 and beyond. The amount of the excise tax is generally 1% of the fair market value of the shares
repurchased at the time of the repurchase. The U.S. Department of the Treasury has been given authority to provide regulations and
other guidance to carry out, and prevent the abuse or avoidance of, the excise tax. For instance, the U.S. Department of the Treasury
issued interim guidance addressing certain key aspects of the 1% excise tax, pending forthcoming regulations which are expected to be
retroactive to January 1, 2023 when finalized. The interim guidance clarified that certain repurchases would be exempt from the excise
tax, such as where the repurchases occur in the same year that the repurchasing company undertakes a complete liquidation (as described
in Section 331 of the Internal Revenue Code). However, only limited guidance has been issued to date.
As an entity incorporated as
a Cayman Islands exempted company, the 1% excise tax is not expected to apply to redemptions of our ordinary shares (absent any regulations
and other additional guidance that may be issued in the future with retroactive effect). However, in connection with an initial business
combination involving a company organized under the laws of the United States, it is possible that we domesticate and continue as
a U.S. corporation prior to certain redemptions and, because our securities are trading on Nasdaq, it is possible that we will be
subject to the excise tax with respect to any subsequent redemptions, including redemptions in connection with the initial business combination,
that are treated as repurchases for this purpose (other than, pursuant to recently issued guidance from the U.S. Department of the
Treasury, redemptions in complete liquidation of the company). In all cases, the extent of the excise tax that may be incurred will depend
on a number of factors, including the fair market value of our shares redeemed, the extent such redemptions could be treated as dividends
and not repurchases, and the content of any regulations and other additional guidance from the U.S. Department of the Treasury that
may be issued and applicable to the redemptions. Issuances of shares by a repurchasing company in a year in which such company repurchases
shares may reduce the amount of excise tax imposed with respect to such repurchase. The excise tax is imposed on the repurchasing company
itself, not the shareholders from which shares are repurchased. The imposition of the excise tax as a result of redemptions in connection
with the initial business combination or in connection with any extension of time to consummate an initial business combination could,
however, reduce the amount of cash available to pay redemptions or reduce the cash contribution to the target business in connection with
our initial business combination, which could cause the non-redeeming shareholders of the combined company to economically bear the
impact of such excise tax.
Changes in the market for directors and officers
liability insurance could make it more difficult and more expensive for us to negotiate and complete an initial business combination.
The market for directors and
officers liability insurance for special purpose acquisition companies is subject to continual change. For instance, at various times
in recent years, the premiums charged for such policies have increased and the terms of such policies have become less favorable.
There can be no assurance that such changes will not occur in the future.
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An increased cost of directors
and officers liability insurance could make it more difficult and more expensive for us to negotiate an initial business combination.
In order to obtain directors and officers liability insurance or modify coverage as a result of becoming a public company, the post-business combination
entity may need to incur greater expense, accept less favorable terms or both. Any failure to obtain adequate directors and officers liability
insurance could have an adverse impact on the post-business combination’s ability to attract and retain qualified officers
and directors.
In addition, even after we
were to complete an initial business combination, our directors and officers could still be subject to potential liability from claims
arising from conduct alleged to have occurred prior to the initial business combination. As a result, in order to protect our directors
and officers, the post-business combination entity may need to purchase additional insurance with respect to any such claims (“run-off insurance”).
The cost of run-off insurance would be an added expense for the post-business combination entity, and could interfere with or
frustrate our ability to consummate an initial business combination on terms favorable to our investors.
The requirement that we complete our initial
business combination within the prescribed time frame may give potential target businesses leverage over us in negotiating a business
combination and may decrease our ability to conduct due diligence on potential business combination targets as we approach our dissolution
deadline, which could undermine our ability to complete our initial business combination on terms that would produce value for our shareholders.
Any potential target business
with which we enter into negotiations concerning a business combination will be aware that we must complete our initial business combination
within 18 months from the closing of the Initial Public Offering. Consequently, such target business may obtain leverage over us
in negotiating a business combination, knowing that if we do not complete our initial business combination with that particular target
business, we may be unable to complete our initial business combination with any other target business. This risk will increase as we
get closer to the timeframe described above. In addition, we may have limited time to conduct due diligence and may enter into our initial
business combination on terms that we would have rejected upon a more comprehensive investigation.
We may not be able to complete our initial
business combination within the prescribed time frame, in which case we would cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up
and we would redeem our public shares and liquidate, in which case our public shareholders may only receive $10.05 per share, or less
than such amount in certain circumstances, and our rights will expire worthless.
Our amended and restated memorandum
and articles of association provides that we must complete our initial business combination within 18 months from the closing of
the Initial Public Offering. We may not be able to find a suitable target business and complete our initial business combination within
such time period. Our ability to complete our initial business combination may be negatively impacted by general market conditions, volatility
in the capital and debt markets and the other risks described herein. If we have not completed our initial business combination within
such time period, we will: (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible
but not more than ten business days thereafter, redeem the public shares, at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the
aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, including interest earned on the funds held in the trust account withdrawals, (less
up to $100,000 of interest to pay liquidation and dissolution expenses), divided by the number of then outstanding public shares, which
redemption will completely extinguish public shareholders’ rights as shareholders (including the right to receive further liquidating
distributions, if any), subject to applicable law, and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject
to the approval of our remaining shareholders and our board of directors, dissolve and liquidate, subject in each case to our obligations
under Cayman Islands law to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law. In such case, our public shareholders
may only receive $10.05 per share or less in certain circumstances, and our rights will expire worthless. In certain circumstances, our
public shareholders may receive less than $10.05 per share on the redemption of their shares. See “ — If third parties
bring claims against us, the proceeds held in the trust account could be reduced and the per-share redemption
amount received by shareholders may be less than $10.05 per share ” and other risk factors in this section.
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If we seek shareholder approval of our initial
business combination, our initial shareholders and their affiliates may elect to purchase shares or rights from public shareholders, which
may make it more likely that we are able to consummate such initial business combination or reduce the public “float” of our
ordinary shares or rights.
If we seek shareholder approval
of our initial business combination and we do not conduct redemptions in connection with our initial business combination pursuant to
the tender offer rules, our Sponsor, directors, executive officers, advisors or any of their affiliates may purchase public shares or
rights in privately negotiated transactions or in the open market prior to the completion of our initial business combination, although
they are under no obligation or duty to do so. Any price paid for such securities may be less (but not more) than the amount a public
shareholder would receive if it elected to redeem its shares in connection with our initial business combination. In the event that our
Sponsor, directors, executive officers, advisors or any of their affiliates purchase shares in privately negotiated transactions from
public shareholders who have already elected to exercise their redemption rights, such selling shareholders would be required to revoke
their prior elections to redeem their shares.
Additionally, at any time at
or prior to our initial business combination, subject to applicable securities laws (including with respect to material nonpublic information),
our Sponsor, directors, executive officers, advisors or any of their affiliates may enter into transactions with investors and others
to provide them with incentives to acquire public shares or rights or not redeem their public shares. However, they have no current commitments,
plans or intentions to engage in such transactions and have not formulated any terms or conditions for any such transactions. None of
the funds in the trust account will be used to purchase securities in such transactions.
The purpose of any such transactions
could be to (1) decrease the number of shares to be redeemed thereby leaving more cash available for the post-combination company
or (2) satisfy a closing condition in an agreement with a target that requires us to have a minimum net worth or a certain amount
of cash at the closing of our initial business combination, where it appears that such requirement would otherwise not be met. Any such
purchases of our securities may result in the completion of our initial business combination that may not otherwise have been possible.
In addition, if such purchases
are made, the public “float” of our ordinary shares or public rights and the number of beneficial holders of our securities
may be reduced, possibly making it difficult to obtain or maintain the quotation, listing or trading of our securities on a national securities
exchange.
See “ Business —
Permitted Purchases of Our Securities ” for a description of how our Sponsor, directors, executive officers, advisors or their
affiliates will select which shareholders to purchase securities from in any private transaction.
If a shareholder fails to receive notice of
our offer to redeem our public shares in connection with our initial business combination, or fails to comply with the procedures for
tendering its shares, such shares may not be redeemed.
We will comply with the tender
offer rules or proxy rules, as applicable, when conducting redemptions in connection with our initial business combination. Despite our
compliance with these rules, if a shareholder fails to receive our tender offer or proxy materials, as applicable, such shareholder may
not become aware of the opportunity to redeem its shares. In addition, the tender offer documents or proxy materials, as applicable, that
we will furnish to holders of our public shares in connection with our initial business combination will describe the various procedures
that must be complied with in order to validly tender or redeem public shares. For example, we may require our public shareholders seeking
to exercise their redemption rights, whether they are record holders or hold their shares in “street name,” to either tender
their certificates to our transfer agent prior to the date set forth in the tender offer documents mailed to such holders, or up to two business
days prior to the vote on the proposal to approve the business combination in the event we distribute proxy materials, or to deliver their
shares to the transfer agent electronically. In the event that a shareholder fails to comply with these or any other procedures, its shares
may not be redeemed. See the section of this Annual Report entitled “Business — Redemption Rights for Public
Shareholders upon Completion of our Initial Business Combination — Tendering Share Certificates in Connection with a Tender
Offer or Redemption Rights.”
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You will not have any rights or interests in
funds from the trust account, except under certain limited circumstances. To liquidate your investment, therefore, you may be forced to
sell your public shares or rights, potentially at a loss.
Our public shareholders will
be entitled to receive funds from the trust account only upon the earliest to occur of: (i) our completion of an initial business
combination, and then only in connection with those public shares that such shareholder properly elected to redeem, subject to the limitations
described in this Annual Report, (ii) the redemption of any public shares properly submitted in connection with a shareholder vote
to amend our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association (A) to modify the substance or timing of our obligation
to allow redemption in connection with our initial business combination or to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not complete our
initial business combination within 18 months from the closing of the Initial Public Offering or (B) with respect to any other
provision relating to shareholders’ rights or pre-initial business combination activity and (iii) the redemption of our
public shares if we are unable to complete an initial business combination within 18 months from the closing of the Initial Public
Offering, subject to applicable law and as further described herein. In addition, if we are unable to complete an initial business combination
within 18 months from the closing of the Initial Public Offering for any reason, compliance with Cayman Islands law may require that
we submit a plan of dissolution to our then-existing shareholders for approval prior to the distribution of the proceeds held in
our trust account. In that case, public shareholders may be forced to wait beyond the 18 months from the closing of the Initial Public
Offering before they receive funds from our trust account. In no other circumstances will a public shareholder have any right or interest
of any kind in the trust account. Accordingly, to liquidate your investment, you may be forced to sell your public shares or rights, potentially
at a loss.
You will not be entitled to protections normally
afforded to investors of many other blank check companies.
Since the net proceeds of the
Initial Public Offering and the sale of the private units are intended to be used to complete an initial business combination with a target
business that has not been selected, we may be deemed to be a “blank check” company under the United States securities
laws. However, because we have net tangible assets in excess of $5,000,000 upon the successful completion of the Initial Public Offering
and the sale of the private units and filed a Current Report on Form 8-K incorporated by reference to this Annual Report, including
an audited balance sheet demonstrating this fact, we are exempt from rules promulgated by the SEC to protect investors in blank check
companies, such as Rule 419. Accordingly, investors will not be afforded the benefits or protections of those rules. Among other
things, this means our units will be immediately tradable.
If we seek shareholder approval of our initial
business combination and we do not conduct redemptions pursuant to the tender offer rules, and if you or a “group” of shareholders
are deemed to hold in excess of 15% of our public shares, you will lose the ability to redeem all such shares in excess of 15% of our
public shares.
If we seek shareholder approval
of our initial business combination and we do not conduct redemptions in connection with our initial business combination pursuant to
the tender offer rules, a public shareholder, together with any affiliate of such shareholder or any other person with whom such shareholder
is acting in concert or as a “group” (as defined under Section 13 of the Exchange Act), will be restricted from
seeking redemption rights with respect to more than an aggregate of 15% of the shares sold in the Initial Public Offering, which we refer
to as the “excess shares.” However, our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association does not restrict our
shareholders’ ability to vote all of their shares (including excess shares) for or against our initial business combination. Your
inability to redeem the excess shares will reduce your influence over our ability to complete our initial business combination. Accordingly,
you will continue to hold that number of shares exceeding 15% and, in order to dispose of such shares, would be required to sell your
shares in open market transactions, potentially at a loss.
Because of our limited resources and the significant
competition for business combination opportunities, it may be more difficult for us to complete our initial business combination. If we
are unable to complete our initial business combination, our public shareholders may receive only approximately $10.05 per share on our
redemption of our public shares, or less than such amount in certain circumstances, and our rights will expire worthless.
We expect to encounter intense
competition from other entities having a business objective similar to ours, including private investors (which may be individuals or
investment partnerships), other blank check companies and other entities, domestic and international, competing for the types of businesses
we intend to acquire. Many of these entities are well-established and have extensive experience in identifying and effecting, directly
or indirectly, acquisitions of companies operating in or providing services to various industries. Many of these competitors possess greater
technical, human and other resources or more local industry knowledge than we do and our financial resources will be relatively limited
when contrasted with those of many of these competitors. As a result, our ability to compete with respect to the acquisition of certain
target businesses will be limited by our available financial resources. This inherent competitive limitation gives others an advantage
in pursuing the acquisition of certain target businesses.
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If we are unable to complete
our initial business combination, our public shareholders may receive only approximately $10.05 per share, or less in certain circumstances,
on the liquidation of our trust account and our rights will expire worthless. In certain circumstances, our public shareholders may receive
less than $10.05 per share upon our liquidation. See “ — If third parties bring claims against us, the proceeds held
in the trust account could be reduced and the per-share redemption amount received by shareholders may be less
than $10.05 per share ” and other risk factors in this section.
If the net proceeds of the Initial Public Offering
and the sale of the private units not being held in the trust account are insufficient to allow us to operate for at least the next 18 months
from the closing of the Initial Public Offering, we may be unable to complete our initial business combination, in which case our public
shareholders may only receive $10.05 per share, or less than such amount in certain circumstances, and our rights will expire worthless.
We believe that the funds available
to us outside of the trust account will be sufficient to allow us to operate for at least the next 18 months from the closing of
the Initial Public Offering (as further described in this Annual Report); however, we cannot assure you that our estimate is accurate.
If the available funds are not sufficient, we might not have sufficient funds to continue searching for, or conduct due diligence with
respect to, a target business and we may be forced to liquidate. If we are unable to complete our initial business combination, our public
shareholders may receive only approximately $10.05 per share or less in certain circumstances on the liquidation of our trust account
and our rights will expire worthless. In certain circumstances, our public shareholders may receive less than $10.05 per share upon our
liquidation. See “ — If third parties bring claims against us, the proceeds held in the trust account could be reduced
and the per-share redemption amount received by shareholders may be less than $10.05 per share ” and
other risk factors in this section.
If the net proceeds of the Initial Public Offering
and the sale of the private units not being held in the trust account are insufficient, it could limit the amount available to fund our
search for a target business or businesses and complete our initial business combination and we will depend on loans from our initial
shareholders or management team to fund our search for a business combination and to complete our initial business combination. If we
are unable to obtain these loans, we may be unable to complete our initial business combination.
Of the net proceeds of the
Initial Public Offering and the sale of the private units, only approximately $500,000 will be available to us initially outside the trust
account to fund our working capital requirements. In the event that our offering expenses exceed our estimate of $500,000 (excluding underwriting
discounts), we may fund such excess with funds not to be held in the trust account. In such case, the amount of funds we intend to be
held outside the trust account would decrease by a corresponding amount. If we are required to seek additional capital, we would need
to borrow funds from our initial shareholders or their affiliates to operate, or we may be forced to liquidate. None of our initial shareholders
nor any of their affiliates is under any obligation to advance funds to us in such circumstances. Any such advances would be repaid only
from funds held outside the trust account or from funds released to us upon completion of our initial business combination. We do not
expect to seek loans from parties other than our initial shareholders or their affiliates as we do not believe third parties will be willing
to loan such funds and provide a waiver against any and all rights to seek access to funds in our trust account. If we are unable to obtain
these loans, we may be unable to complete our initial business combination. If we are unable to complete our initial business combination
because we do not have sufficient funds available to us, we will be forced to cease operations and liquidate the trust account. Consequently,
our public shareholders may only receive approximately $10.05 per share on our redemption of our public shares, and our rights will expire
worthless. In certain circumstances, our public shareholders may receive less than $10.05 per share on the redemption of their shares.
See “ — If third parties bring claims against us, the proceeds held in the trust account could be reduced and the per-share redemption
amount received by shareholders may be less than $10.05 per share ” and other risk factors in this section.
We do not have a specified maximum redemption
threshold. The absence of such a redemption threshold may make it possible for us to complete a business combination with which a substantial
majority of our shareholders do not agree.
Our amended and restated memorandum
and articles of association does not provide a specified maximum redemption threshold. As a result, we may be able to complete our initial
business combination even though a substantial majority of our public shareholders do not agree with the transaction and have redeemed
their shares.
27
If third parties bring claims against us, the
proceeds held in the trust account could be reduced and the per-share redemption amount received by shareholders may be less
than $10.05 per share.
Our placing of funds in the
trust account may not protect those funds from third-party claims against us. Although we will seek to have all vendors, service
providers, prospective target businesses or other entities with which we do business execute agreements with us waiving any right, title,
interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies held in the trust account for the benefit of our public shareholders, such parties may
not execute such agreements, or even if they execute such agreements they may not be prevented from bringing claims against the trust
account, including, but not limited to, fraudulent inducement, breach of fiduciary responsibility or other similar claims, as well as
claims challenging the enforceability of the waiver, in each case in order to gain advantage with respect to a claim against our assets,
including the funds held in the trust account. Making such a request of potential target businesses may make our acquisition proposal
less attractive to them and, to the extent prospective target businesses refuse to execute such a waiver, it may limit the field of potential
target businesses that we might pursue.
Upon redemption of our public
shares, if we are unable to complete our initial business combination within the prescribed timeframe, or upon the exercise of a redemption
right in connection with our initial business combination, we will be required to provide for payment of claims of creditors that were
not waived that may be brought against us within the 10 years following redemption. Accordingly, the per-share redemption amount
received by public shareholders could be less than the $10.05 per share initially held in the trust account, due to claims of such creditors.
Our Sponsor has agreed that it will be liable to us if and to the extent any claims by a vendor for services rendered or products sold
to us, or a prospective target business with which we have discussed entering into a transaction agreement, reduce the amount of funds
in the trust account to below (i) $10.05 per public share or (ii) such lesser amount per public share held in the trust account
as of the date of the liquidation of the trust account due to reductions in the value of the trust assets, in each case net of the interest
which may be withdrawn to pay taxes. This liability will not apply with respect to any claims by a third party who executed a waiver of
any and all rights to seek access to the trust account and except as to any claims under our indemnity of the underwriters of the Initial
Public Offering against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Moreover, in the event that an executed
waiver is deemed to be unenforceable against a third party, then our Sponsor will not be responsible to the extent of any liability for
such third-party claims. We have not independently verified whether our Sponsor has sufficient funds to satisfy their indemnity obligations
and believe that our Sponsor’s only assets are securities of our company. We have not asked our Sponsor to reserve for such indemnification
obligations. Therefore, we believe it is unlikely that our Sponsor would be able to satisfy those obligations. As a result, if any such
claims were successfully made against the trust account, the funds available for our initial business combination and redemptions could
be reduced to less than $10.05 per public share. In such event, we may not be able to complete our initial business combination, and you
would receive such lesser amount per share in connection with any redemption of your public shares. None of our officers or directors
are required to indemnify us for claims by third parties including, without limitation, claims by vendors and prospective target businesses.
Our independent directors may decide not to
enforce the indemnification obligations of our Sponsor, resulting in a reduction in the amount of funds in the trust account available
for distribution to our public shareholders.
In the event that the proceeds
in the trust account are reduced below the lesser of (i) $10.05 per public share or (ii) such lesser amount per share held in
the trust account as of the date of the liquidation of the trust account due to reductions in the value of the trust assets, in each case
net of the interest which may be withdrawn to pay taxes, and our Sponsor asserts that they are unable to satisfy their obligations or
that they have no indemnification obligations related to a particular claim, our independent directors would determine whether to take
legal action against our Sponsor to enforce its indemnification obligations.
While we currently expect that
our independent directors would take legal action on our behalf against our Sponsor to enforce its indemnification obligations to us,
it is possible that our independent directors in exercising their business judgment may choose not to do so. For example, they may determine
that the cost of such legal action is too high relative to the amount recoverable or that a favorable outcome is not likely. If our independent
directors choose not to enforce these indemnification obligations, the amount of funds in the trust account available for distribution
to our public shareholders may be reduced below $10.05 per share.
28
If, after we distribute the proceeds in the
trust account to our public shareholders, we file a bankruptcy petition or an involuntary bankruptcy petition is filed against us that
is not dismissed, a bankruptcy court may seek to recover such proceeds, and we and our board may be exposed to claims of punitive damages.
If, after we distribute the
proceeds in the trust account to our public shareholders, we file a bankruptcy petition or an involuntary bankruptcy petition is filed
against us that is not dismissed, any distributions received by shareholders could be viewed under applicable debtor/creditor and/or bankruptcy
laws as either a “preferential transfer” or a “fraudulent conveyance.” As a result, a bankruptcy court could seek
to recover all amounts received by our shareholders. In addition, our board of directors may be viewed as having breached its fiduciary
duty to our creditors and/or having acted in bad faith, thereby exposing itself and us to claims of punitive damages, by paying public
shareholders from the trust account prior to addressing the claims of creditors.
If, before distributing the proceeds in the
trust account to our public shareholders, we file a bankruptcy petition or an involuntary bankruptcy petition is filed against us that
is not dismissed, the claims of creditors in such proceeding may have priority over the claims of our shareholders and the per-share amount
that would otherwise be received by our shareholders in connection with our liquidation may be reduced.
If, before distributing the
proceeds in the trust account to our public shareholders, we file a bankruptcy petition or an involuntary bankruptcy petition is filed
against us that is not dismissed, the proceeds held in the trust account could be subject to applicable bankruptcy law, and may be included
in our bankruptcy estate and subject to the claims of third parties with priority over the claims of our shareholders. To the extent any
bankruptcy claims deplete the trust account, the per-share amount that would otherwise be received by our shareholders in connection
with our liquidation may be reduced.
Our shareholders may be held liable for claims
by third parties against us to the extent of distributions received by them upon redemption of their shares.
If we are forced to enter into
an insolvent liquidation, any distributions received by shareholders could be viewed as an unlawful payment if it was proved that immediately
following the date on which the distribution was made, we were unable to pay our debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business.
As a result, a liquidator could seek to recover some or all amounts received by our shareholders. Furthermore, our directors may be viewed
as having breached their fiduciary duties to us or our creditors and/or may have acted in bad faith, thereby exposing themselves and our
company to claims, by paying public shareholders from the trust account prior to addressing the claims of creditors. We cannot assure
you that claims will not be brought against us for these reasons. We and our directors and officers who knowingly and willfully authorized
or permitted any distribution to be paid out of our share premium account while we were unable to pay our debts as they fall due in the
ordinary course of business would be guilty of an offence and may be liable for a fine of approximately $18,000 and imprisonment for five years
in the Cayman Islands.
Because we are not limited to a particular
industry, sector, or geographic region in which to pursue our initial business combination, you will be unable to ascertain the merits
or risks of any particular target business’ operations.
We may seek to complete a business
combination with a target business in any industry or sector or geographical location. Because we have not yet selected or approached
any specific target business with respect to a business combination, there is no basis to evaluate the possible merits or risks of any
particular target business’s operations, results of operations, cash flows, liquidity, financial condition or prospects. To the
extent we complete our initial business combination, we may be affected by numerous risks inherent in the business operations with which
we combine. For example, if we combine with a financially unstable business or an entity lacking an established record of revenues or
earnings, we may be affected by the risks inherent in the business and operations of a financially unstable or a development stage entity.
Although our officers and directors will endeavor to evaluate the risks inherent in a particular target business, we cannot assure you
that we will properly ascertain or assess all the significant risk factors or that we will have adequate time to complete due diligence.
Furthermore, some of these risks may be outside of our control and leave us with no ability to control or reduce the chances that those
risks will adversely impact a target business. Accordingly, any shareholders who choose to remain shareholders following the business
combination could suffer a reduction in the value of their shares.
29
Past performance by our management team, our
advisors and our initial shareholders may not be indicative of future performance of an investment in us.
Information regarding performance
by, or businesses associated with our management team and our initial shareholders and their affiliates is presented for informational
purposes only. Past performance by our management team and our initial shareholders is not a guarantee either (i) that we will be
able to locate a suitable candidate for our initial business combination or (ii) of success with respect to any business combination
we may consummate. The majority of our officers, directors and advisors have not had management experience with special purpose acquisition
companies in the past. You should not rely on the historical record of our management team’s, our advisors’ or our initial
shareholders’ respective performance as indicative of our future performance of an investment in us or the returns we will, or are
likely to, generate going forward.
We may seek acquisition opportunities in industries
or sectors which may be outside of our management’s area of expertise.
We will consider a business
combination outside of our management’s area of expertise if a business combination candidate is presented to us and we determine
that such candidate offers an attractive acquisition opportunity for our company. In the event we elect to pursue an acquisition outside
of the areas of our management’s expertise, our management’s expertise may not be directly applicable to its evaluation or
operation, and the information contained in this Annual Report regarding the areas of our management’s expertise would not be relevant
to an understanding of the business that we elect to acquire. As a result, our management may not be able to adequately ascertain or assess
all the significant risk factors. Accordingly, any shareholders who choose to remain shareholders following our initial business combination
could suffer a reduction in the value of their shares.
Although we have identified general criteria
and guidelines that we believe are important in evaluating prospective target businesses, we may enter into our initial business combination
with a target that does not meet such criteria and guidelines, and as a result, the target business with which we enter into our initial
business combination may not have attributes entirely consistent with our general criteria and guidelines.
Although we have identified
general criteria and guidelines for evaluating prospective target businesses, it is possible that a target business with which we enter
into our initial business combination will not have all of these positive attributes. If we complete our initial business combination
with a target that does not meet some or all of these criteria and guidelines, such combination may not be as successful as a combination
with a business that does meet all of our general criteria and guidelines. In addition, if we announce a prospective business combination
with a target that does not meet our general criteria and guidelines, a greater number of shareholders may exercise their redemption rights,
which may make it difficult for us to meet any closing condition with a target business that requires us to have a minimum net worth or
a certain amount of cash. In addition, if shareholder approval of the transaction is required by law, or we decide to obtain shareholder
approval for business or other legal reasons, it may be more difficult for us to attain shareholder approval of our initial business combination
if the target business does not meet our general criteria and guidelines. If we are unable to complete our initial business combination,
our public shareholders may receive only approximately $10.05 per share, or less in certain circumstances, on the liquidation of our trust
account and our rights will expire worthless. In certain circumstances, our public shareholders may receive less than $10.05 per share
on the redemption of their shares. See “ — If third parties bring claims against us, the proceeds held in the trust
account could be reduced and the per-share redemption amount received by shareholders may be less than $10.05
per share ” and other risk factors in this section.
Transactions in connection with or in anticipation
of our initial business combination and our structure thereafter may not be tax-efficient to our shareholders and rightholders.
As a result of our business combination, our tax obligations may be more complex, burdensome and uncertain.
Although we will attempt to
structure transactions in connection with our initial business combination in a tax-efficient manner, tax structuring considerations
are complex, the relevant facts and law are uncertain and may change, and we may prioritize commercial and other considerations over tax
considerations. For example, in anticipation of or as a result of our initial business combination, we may enter into one or more transactions
that require shareholders and/or rightholders to recognize gain or income for tax purposes or otherwise increase their tax burden without
prior notice to or approval from our shareholders and rightholders. We do not intend to make any cash distributions to shareholders or
rightholders to pay taxes in connection with our business combination or thereafter. Accordingly, a shareholder or a rightholder may be
required to satisfy any liability resulting from any such transactions with cash from its own funds or by selling all or a portion of
such holder’s shares or public rights.
30
Furthermore, we will likely
effect a business combination with a target company that has business operations outside of the Cayman Islands and, possibly, business
operations in multiple jurisdictions, and we may reincorporate in a different jurisdiction in connection therewith (including, but not
limited to, the jurisdiction in which the target company or business is located). For example, in anticipation of engaging in a business
combination with certain target companies, we may convert into a U.S. company, even if such a business combination ultimately is
not achieved. If we effect any such transaction, including such a conversion, we could be subject to significant income, withholding and
other tax obligations in a number of jurisdictions with respect to income, operations and subsidiaries related to those jurisdictions.
Due to the complexity of tax obligations and filings in many jurisdictions, we may have a heightened risk related to audits or examinations
by taxing authorities. This additional complexity and risk could have an adverse effect on our after-tax profitability and financial
condition. In addition, shareholders and rightholders may be subject to additional income, withholding or other taxes with respect to
their ownership of us after any such transaction.
We are not required to obtain an opinion from
an independent investment banking firm or from an independent accounting firm, and consequently, you may have no assurance from an independent
source that the price we are paying for the business is fair to our company from a financial point of view.
Unless we complete our initial
business combination with an affiliated entity or our board cannot independently determine the fair market value of the target business
or businesses, we are not required to obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking firm or from another independent entity
that commonly renders valuation opinions that the price we are paying is fair to our company from a financial point of view. If no opinion
is obtained, our shareholders will be relying on the judgment of our board of directors, who will determine fair market value based on
standards generally accepted by the financial community. Such standards used will be disclosed in our proxy solicitation or tender offer
materials, as applicable, related to our initial business combination.
Resources could be wasted in researching acquisitions
that are not completed, which could materially adversely affect subsequent attempts to locate and acquire or merge with another business.
If we are unable to complete our initial business combination, our public shareholders may receive only approximately $10.05 per share,
or less than such amount in certain circumstances, on the liquidation of our trust account and our rights will expire worthless.
We anticipate that the investigation
of each specific target business and the negotiation, drafting and execution of relevant agreements, disclosure documents and other instruments
will require substantial management time and attention and substantial costs for accountants, attorneys and others. If we decide not to
complete a specific initial business combination, the costs incurred up to that point for the proposed transaction likely would not be
recoverable. Furthermore, if we reach an agreement relating to a specific target business, we may fail to complete our initial business
combination for any number of reasons including those beyond our control. Any such event will result in a loss to us of the related costs
incurred which could materially adversely affect subsequent attempts to locate and acquire or merge with another business. If we are unable
to complete our initial business combination, our public shareholders may receive only approximately $10.05 per share on the liquidation
of our trust account and our rights will expire worthless. In certain circumstances, our public shareholders may receive less than $10.05
per share on the redemption of their shares. See “ — If third parties bring claims against us, the proceeds held in
the trust account could be reduced and the per-share redemption amount received by shareholders may be less than
$10.05 per share ” and other risk factors in this section.
We may attempt to simultaneously complete business
combinations with multiple prospective targets, which may hinder our ability to complete our initial business combination and give rise
to increased costs and risks that could negatively impact our operations and profitability.
If we determine to simultaneously
acquire several businesses that are owned by different sellers, we will need for each of such sellers to agree that our purchase of its
business is contingent on the simultaneous closings of the other business combinations, which may make it more difficult for us, and delay
our ability, to complete our initial business combination. With multiple business combinations, we could also face additional risks, including
additional burdens and costs with respect to possible multiple negotiations and due diligence investigations (if there are multiple sellers)
and the additional risks associated with the subsequent assimilation of the operations and services or products of the acquired companies
in a single operating business. If we are unable to adequately address these risks, it could negatively impact our profitability and results
of operations.
31
We may have a limited ability to assess the
management of a prospective target business and, as a result, may complete our initial business combination with a target business whose
management may not have the skills, qualifications or abilities to manage a public company, which could, in turn, negatively impact the
value of our shareholders’ investment in us.
When evaluating the desirability
of effecting our initial business combination with a prospective target business, our ability to assess the target business’s management
may be limited due to a lack of time, resources, or information. Our assessment of the capabilities of the target’s management,
therefore, may prove to be incorrect and such management may lack the skills, qualifications, or abilities we suspected. Should the target’s
management not possess the skills, qualifications, or abilities necessary to manage a public company, the operations and profitability
of the post-combination business may be negatively impacted. Accordingly, any shareholders who choose to remain shareholders following
the business combination could suffer a reduction in the value of their shares. Such shareholders are unlikely to have a remedy for such
reduction in value.
The officers and directors
of an acquisition candidate may resign upon completion of our initial business combination. The departure of a business combination target’s
key personnel could negatively impact the operations and profitability of our post-combination business. The role of an acquisition
candidate’s key personnel upon the completion of our initial business combination cannot be ascertained at this time. Although we
contemplate that certain members of an acquisition candidate’s management team will remain associated with the acquisition candidate
following our initial business combination, it is possible that members of the management of an acquisition candidate will not wish to
remain in place.
If we complete a business combination with
a single target business, we may be solely dependent on such single business which may have a limited number of products or services.
This lack of diversification may negatively impact our operations and profitability.
Of the net proceeds from the
Initial Public Offering and the sale of the private units, up to $115,575,000 will be available to complete our initial business combination
and pay related fees and expenses. We intend to complete our initial business combination with a single target business or multiple target
businesses simultaneously. However, we may not be able to complete our initial business combination with more than one target business
because of various factors, including the existence of complex accounting issues and the requirement that we prepare and file pro forma
financial statements with the SEC that present operating results and the financial condition of several target businesses as if they had
been operated on a combined basis. By completing our initial business combination with only a single entity, our lack of diversification
may subject us to numerous economic, competitive, and regulatory developments. Further, we would not be able to diversify our operations
or benefit from the possible spreading of risks or offsetting of losses, unlike other entities which may have the resources to complete
several business combinations in different industries or different areas of a single industry. Accordingly, the prospects for our success
may be solely dependent upon the performance of a single business, property, or asset, or dependent upon the development or market acceptance
of a single or limited number of products, processes, or services.
This lack of diversification
may subject us to numerous economic, competitive, and regulatory developments, any or all of which may have a substantial adverse impact
upon the particular industry in which we may operate subsequent to our business combination.
32
Risks Related to Our
Securities
NASDAQ may delist our securities from trading
on its exchange, which could limit investors’ ability to make transactions in our securities and subject us to additional trading
restrictions.
Our units have been approved
for listing on NASDAQ and our ordinary shares and rights on or promptly after their date of separation. However, we cannot assure you
that our securities will continue to be listed on NASDAQ in the future or prior to our initial business combination. In order to continue
listing our securities on NASDAQ prior to our initial business combination, we must maintain certain financial, distribution and share
price levels. Generally, we must maintain a minimum amount in shareholders’ equity (generally $10,000,000) and a minimum number
of holders of our securities (generally 400 public holders). Additionally, in connection with our initial business combination, we will
be required to demonstrate compliance with NASDAQ’s initial listing requirements, which are more rigorous than NASDAQ’s continued
listing requirements, in order to continue to maintain the listing of our securities on NASDAQ. For instance, our share price would
generally be required to be at least $4.00 per share and our shareholders’ equity would generally be required to be at least $30 million
and we would be required to have a minimum of 400 round lot holders of our securities. We cannot assure you that we will be able to meet
those initial listing requirements at that time.
If NASDAQ delists our securities
from trading on its exchange and we are not able to list our securities on another national securities exchange, we expect our securities
could be quoted on an over-the-counter market. If this were to occur, we could face significant material adverse consequences, including:
● a limited availability of market quotations for our securities;
● reduced liquidity for our securities;
● a determination that our ordinary shares is a “penny
stock” which will require brokers trading in our ordinary shares to adhere to more stringent rules and possibly result in a reduced
level of trading activity in the secondary trading market for our securities;
● a limited amount of news and analyst coverage; and
● a decreased ability to issue additional securities or obtain
additional financing in the future.
The National Securities Markets
Improvement Act of 1996, which is a federal statute, prevents or preempts the states from regulating the sale of certain securities,
which are referred to as “covered securities.” Because our units and eventually our ordinary shares and rights will be listed
on NASDAQ, our units, ordinary shares and rights will be covered securities. Although the states are pre-empted from regulating the
sale of our securities, the federal statute does allow the states to investigate companies if there is a suspicion of fraud, and, if there
is a finding of fraudulent activity, then the states can regulate or bar the sale of covered securities in a particular case. Additionally,
certain state securities regulators view blank check companies unfavorably and might use these powers, or threaten to use these powers,
to hinder the sale of securities of blank check companies in their states. Further, if we were no longer listed on NASDAQ, our securities
would not be covered securities and we would be subject to regulation in each state in which we offer our securities.
We may issue additional ordinary shares or
preferred shares to complete our initial business combination or under an employee incentive plan after completion of our initial business
combination. Any such issuances would dilute the interest of our shareholders and likely present other risks.
Our amended and restated memorandum
and articles of association authorizes the issuance of up to 400,000,000 ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share and 100,000,000
preference shares, par value $0.0001 per share. Immediately after the Initial Public Offering and the closing of the over-allotment, there
are 15,920,833 ordinary shares issued and outstanding and no preference shares issued and outstanding. As a result, there are 384,079,467
unissued ordinary shares and 100,000,000 preference shares, respectively, available for issuance, which amount does not take into account
the ordinary shares reserved for issuance upon conversion of any outstanding rights.
33
We may issue a substantial
number of additional ordinary shares or preferred shares to complete our initial business combination or under an employee incentive plan
after completion of our initial business combination. However, our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provides,
among other things, that prior to our initial business combination, we may not issue additional shares of capital share that would entitle
the holders thereof to: (i) receive funds from the trust account; or (ii) vote as a class with our public shares. These provisions
of our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, like all provisions of our amended and restated memorandum and articles
of association, may be amended with the approval of our shareholders. However, our Sponsor, executive officers and directors have agreed,
pursuant to a written agreement with us, that they will not propose any amendment to our amended and restated memorandum and articles
of association to (A) modify the substance or timing of our obligation to provide for the redemption of our public shares in connection
with an initial business combination or to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not complete our initial business combination within
18 months from the closing of the Initial Public Offering or (B) with respect to any other material provision relating to shareholders’
rights or pre-initial business combination activity, unless we provide our public shareholders with the opportunity to redeem their
public shares upon approval of any such amendment at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit
in the trust account, including interest (which interest shall be net of taxes payable), divided by the number of then outstanding public
shares.
The issuance of additional
ordinary shares or preferred shares:
● may significantly dilute the equity interest of investors
in the Initial Public Offering;
● may subordinate the rights of holders of ordinary shares
if preferred shares are issued with rights senior to those afforded our ordinary shares;
● could cause a change of control if a substantial number of
our shares are issued, which may affect, among other things, our ability to use our net operating loss carry forwards, if any, and could
result in the resignation or removal of our present officers and directors; and
● may adversely affect prevailing market prices for our units,
ordinary shares and/or rights.
We may issue notes or other debt securities,
or otherwise incur substantial debt, to complete a business combination, which may adversely affect our leverage and financial condition
and thus negatively impact the value of our shareholders’ investment in us.
Although we have no commitments
as of the date of this Annual Report issue any notes or other debt securities, or to otherwise incur outstanding debt following the Initial
Public Offering, we may choose to incur substantial debt to complete our initial business combination. We have agreed that we will not
incur any indebtedness prior to the business combination unless we have obtained from the lender a waiver of any right, title, interest
or claim of any kind in or to the monies held in the trust account. As such, no issuance of debt will affect the per-share amount
available for redemption from the trust account. Nevertheless, the incurrence of debt could have a variety of negative effects, including:
● default and foreclosure on our assets if our operating revenues
after an initial business combination are insufficient to repay our debt obligations;
● acceleration of our obligations to repay the indebtedness
even if we make all principal and interest payments when due if we breach certain covenants that require the maintenance of certain financial
ratios or reserves without a waiver or renegotiation of that covenant;
● our immediate payment of all principal and accrued interest,
if any, if the debt security is payable on demand;
● our inability to obtain necessary additional financing if
the debt security contains covenants restricting our ability to obtain such financing while the debt security is outstanding;
● our inability to pay dividends on our ordinary shares;
● using a substantial portion of our cash flow to pay principal
and interest on our debt, which will reduce the funds available for dividends on our ordinary shares, if declared, our ability to pay
expenses, make capital expenditures and acquisitions, and fund other general corporate purposes;
● limitations on our flexibility in planning for and reacting
to changes in our business and in the industry in which we operate;
● increased vulnerability to adverse changes in general economic,
industry and competitive conditions and adverse changes in government regulation; and
● other disadvantages compared to our competitors who have
less debt.
34
The grant of registration rights to our initial
shareholders and EBC may make it more difficult to complete our initial business combination, and the future exercise of such rights may
adversely affect the market price of our ordinary shares post business combination.
Pursuant to an agreement entered
into concurrently with the issuance and sale of the securities in the Initial Public Offering, holders of the founder shares, EBC founder
shares, private units and any ordinary shares that may be issued upon conversion of working capital loans may demand that we register
such units and/or underlying securities. We will bear the cost of registering these securities. The registration and availability of such
a significant number of securities for trading in the public market may have an adverse effect on the market price of our ordinary shares
post business combination. In addition, the existence of the registration rights may make our initial business combination more costly
or difficult to conclude. This is because the shareholders of the target business may increase the equity stake they seek in the combined
entity or ask for more cash consideration to offset the negative impact on the market price of our ordinary shares that is expected when
the founder shares, EBC founder shares, private units and any private units that may be issued upon conversion of working capital loans
are registered.
Our initial shareholders contributed an aggregate
of approximately $25,000, or approximately $0.005 per founder share, and, accordingly, you will experience immediate and substantial dilution
from the purchase of our shares.
The difference between the
public offering price per share (allocating all of the unit purchase price to the shares and none to the portion of the right included
in the unit) and the pro forma net tangible book value per our shares after the Initial Public Offering constitutes the dilution to you
and the other investors in the Initial Public Offering. Our initial shareholders acquired the founder shares at a nominal price, significantly
contributing to this dilution. Upon the closing of the Initial Public Offering, and assuming no value is ascribed to the portion of the
right included in the units, you and the other public shareholders incurred an immediate and substantial dilution of approximately 97.91%
or $8.90 per share, the difference between the pro forma net tangible book value per share of $0.19 and the deemed offering price of $10.00
per unit.
Our initial shareholders paid an aggregate
of $25,000 for the founder shares, or approximately $0.005 per founder share. As a result of this low initial price, our initial shareholders
stand to make a substantial profit even if an initial business combination subsequently declines in value or is unprofitable for our public
shareholders.
As a result of the low acquisition
cost of our founder shares, our initial shareholders could make a substantial profit even if we select and consummate an initial business
combination with an acquisition target that subsequently declines in value or is unprofitable for our public shareholders. Thus, such
parties may have more of an economic incentive for us to enter into an initial business combination with a riskier, weaker-performing or
financially unstable business, or an entity lacking an established record of revenues or earnings, than would be the case if such parties
had paid the full offering price for their founder shares.
We may amend the terms of the rights in a manner
that may be adverse to holders with the approval by the holders of at least a majority of the then outstanding rights.
Our rights are issued in registered
form under a rights agreement between Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as rights agent, and us. The rights agreement
provides that the terms of the rights may be amended without the consent of any holder to cure any ambiguity or correct any defective
provision. The rights agreement requires the approval by the holders of at least a majority of the then outstanding rights in order to
make any change that adversely affects the interests of the holders of the rights.
Our rights agreement designates the courts
of the State of New York or the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York as the sole and exclusive forum for
certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by holders of our rights, which could limit the ability of rights holders
to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with our company.
Our rights agreement provides
that, subject to applicable law, (i) any action, proceeding or claim against us arising out of or relating in any way to the rights agreement,
including under the Securities Act, will be brought and enforced in the courts of the State of New York or the United States District
Court for the Southern District of New York, and (ii) that we irrevocably submit to such jurisdiction, which jurisdiction shall be the
exclusive forum for any such action, proceeding or claim. We will waive any objection to such exclusive jurisdiction and that such courts
represent an inconvenient forum.
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Notwithstanding the foregoing,
these provisions of the rights agreement do not apply to suits brought to enforce any liability or duty created by the Exchange Act or
any other claim for which the federal district courts of the United States of America are the sole and exclusive forum. Any person or
entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in any of our rights shall be deemed to have notice of and to have consented to
the forum provisions in our rights agreement. If any action, the subject matter of which is within the scope the forum provisions of the
rights agreement, is filed in a court other than a court of the State of New York or the United States District Court for the Southern
District of New York (a “foreign action”) in the name of any holder of our rights, such holder shall be deemed to have consented
to: (x) the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in the State of New York in connection with any action brought
in any such court to enforce the forum provisions (an “enforcement action”), and (y) having service of process made upon such
rights holder in any such enforcement action by service upon such rights holder’s counsel in the foreign action as agent for such
rights holder.
This choice-of-forum provision
may limit a rights holder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with our company,
which may discourage such lawsuits. Alternatively, if a court were to find this provision of our rights agreement inapplicable or unenforceable
with respect to one or more of the specified types of actions or proceedings, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving
such matters in other jurisdictions, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations
and result in a diversion of the time and resources of our management and board of directors.
Our rights may have an adverse effect on the
market price of our ordinary shares and make it more difficult to complete our initial business combination.
We issued rights as part of
the units sold in the Initial Public Offering entitling the holders to receive an aggregate of 1,150,000 ordinary. Simultaneously with
the closing of the Initial Public Offering, we issued as part of the private units rights entitled to the holders an aggregate of 38,750
ordinary shares. In addition, if our initial shareholders or their affiliates make any working capital loans, up to $1,500,000 of such
loans may be converted into working capital units, at the price of $10.00 per unit at the option of the lender. Such working capital units
would be identical to the private units sold in the private placement.
To the extent we issue ordinary
shares to complete a business combination, the potential for the issuance of a substantial number of additional ordinary shares upon conversion
of the rights could make us a less attractive acquisition vehicle to a target business. Any such issuance will increase the number of
issued and outstanding ordinary shares and reduce the value of the ordinary shares issued to complete the business combination. Therefore,
our rights may make it more difficult to complete a business combination or increase the cost of acquiring the target business.
Because we must furnish our shareholders with
target business financial statements, we may lose the ability to complete an otherwise advantageous initial business combination with
some prospective target businesses.
The federal proxy rules require
that a proxy statement with respect to a vote on a business combination meeting certain financial significance tests include target historical
and/or pro forma financial statement disclosure. We will include the same financial statement disclosure in connection with our tender
offer documents, whether or not they are required under the tender offer rules. These financial statements may be required to be prepared
in accordance with, or be reconciled to, accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or “GAAP”,
or international financial reporting standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, or “IFRS”, depending
on the circumstances and the historical financial statements may be required to be audited in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. These
financial statement requirements may limit the pool of potential target businesses we may acquire because some targets may be unable to
provide such financial statements in time for us to disclose such financial statements in accordance with federal proxy rules and complete
our initial business combination within the prescribed time frame.
36
Risks Related to Our Management
Our ability to successfully complete our initial
business combination and to be successful thereafter will be totally dependent upon the efforts of members of our management team, some
of whom may join us following our initial business combination. The loss of such people could negatively impact the operations and profitability
of our post-combination business.
Our ability to successfully
complete our initial business combination is dependent upon the efforts of members of our management team. The role of members of our
management team in the target business, however, cannot presently be ascertained. Although some members of our management team may remain
with the target business in senior management or advisory positions following our initial business combination, it is likely that some
or all of the management of the target business will remain in place. While we intend to closely scrutinize any individuals we engage
after our initial business combination, we cannot assure you that our assessment of these individuals will prove to be correct. These
individuals may be unfamiliar with the requirements of operating a company regulated by the SEC, which could cause us to have to expend
time and resources helping them become familiar with such requirements.
In addition, the officers and
directors of an acquisition candidate may resign upon completion of our initial business combination. The departure of a business combination
target’s key personnel could negatively impact the operations and profitability of our post-combination business. The role
of an acquisition candidate’s key personnel upon the completion of our initial business combination cannot be ascertained at this
time. Although we contemplate that certain members of an acquisition candidate’s management team will remain associated with the
acquisition candidate following our initial business combination, it is possible that members of the management of an acquisition candidate
will not wish to remain in place. The loss of key personnel could negatively impact the operations and profitability of our post-combination business.
Members of our management team may negotiate
employment or consulting agreements with a target business in connection with a particular business combination. These agreements may
provide for them to receive compensation following our initial business combination and as a result, may cause them to have conflicts
of interest in determining whether a particular business combination is the most advantageous.
Members of our management team
may be able to remain with us after the completion of our initial business combination only if they are able to negotiate employment or
consulting agreements in connection with the business combination. Such negotiations would take place simultaneously with the negotiation
of the business combination and could provide for such individuals to receive compensation in the form of cash payments and/or our securities
for services they would render to us after the completion of the business combination. The personal and financial interests of such individuals
may influence their motivation in identifying and selecting a target business. However, we believe the ability of such individuals to
remain with us after the completion of our initial business combination will not be the determining factor in our decision as to whether
or not we will proceed with any potential business combination. We cannot assure you that any members of our management team will remain
in senior management or advisory positions with us. The determination as to whether any members of our management team will remain with
us will be made at the time of our initial business combination.
Our officers and directors may allocate their
time to other businesses and may become officers or directors of other special purpose acquisition companies, thereby causing conflicts
of interest in their determination as to how much time to devote to our affairs and whether to present a target to us instead of our competitors.
This conflict of interest could have a negative impact on our ability to complete our initial business combination.
Our officers and directors
have fiduciary responsibilities to dedicate substantially all their business time to their respective affairs and their respective employers.
Additionally, these responsibilities may result in a conflict of interest in allocating their time between our operations and our search
for a business combination and their other businesses, including other business endeavors for which he or she may be entitled to substantial
compensation. We do not intend to have any full-time employees prior to the completion of our initial business combination. If our
officers’ and directors’ other business affairs require them to devote substantial amounts of time to such affairs in excess
of their current commitment levels, it could limit their ability to devote time to our affairs; or if they have fiduciary duty to present
a target company to our competitor instead of us, which may have a negative impact on our ability to complete our initial business combination.
For a complete discussion of our officers’ and directors’ other business affairs, please see the section of this Annual Report
entitled “Part II - Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance — Conflicts of
Interest.”
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Our officers and directors may in the future
become affiliated with entities engaged in business activities similar to those intended to be conducted by us and, accordingly, may have
conflicts of interest in allocating their time and determining to which entity a particular business opportunity should be presented.
Following the completion of
the Initial Public Offering and until we consummate our initial business combination, we intend to engage in the business of identifying
and combining with one or more businesses. Our officers and directors may become affiliated with entities (such as operating companies
or investment vehicles) that are engaged in a similar business. Our officers and directors also may become aware of business opportunities
which may be appropriate for presentation to us and the other entities in the future to which they owe certain fiduciary or contractual
duties. Accordingly, they may have conflicts of interest in determining to which entity a particular business opportunity should be presented.
These conflicts may not be resolved in our favor and a potential target business may be presented to another entity prior to its presentation
to us. Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provides that we renounce our interest in any corporate opportunity
offered to any director or officer unless such opportunity is expressly offered to such person solely in his or her capacity as a director
or officer of our company and such opportunity is one we are legally and contractually permitted to undertake and would otherwise be reasonable
for us to pursue. For a complete discussion of our officers’ and directors’ business affiliations and the potential conflicts
of interest that you should be aware of, please see the sections of this Annual Report entitled “— Executive
Officers and Directors,” “— Conflicts of Interest” and “— Certain Relationships and
Related Party Transactions” under “Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.”
Our initial shareholders and their respective
affiliates may have competitive pecuniary interests that conflict with our interests.
We have not adopted a policy
that expressly prohibits our initial shareholders or their respective affiliates from having a direct or indirect pecuniary or financial
interest in any investment to be acquired or disposed of by us or in any transaction to which we are a party or have an interest. We do
not have a policy that expressly prohibits any such persons from engaging for their own account in business activities of the types conducted
by us. Accordingly, such persons or entities may have a conflict between their interests and ours.
We may engage in a business combination with
one or more target businesses that have relationships with entities that may be affiliated with our initial shareholders which may raise
potential conflicts of interest.
In light of the involvement
of our officers and directors with other entities, we may decide to acquire one or more businesses affiliated with our initial shareholders
or their respective affiliates. Our initial shareholders are not currently aware of any specific opportunities for us to complete our
initial business combination with any entities with which they are affiliated, and there have been no preliminary discussions concerning
a business combination with any such entity or entities. Although we will not be specifically focusing on, or targeting, any transaction
with any affiliated entities, we would pursue such a transaction if we determined that acquiring such affiliated entity will be beneficial
and such transaction was approved by a majority of our independent directors. Despite our agreement to obtain an opinion from an independent
investment banking firm or from another independent entity that commonly renders valuation opinions, regarding the fairness to our company
from a financial point of view of a business combination with one or more domestic or international businesses affiliated with our initial
shareholders or their respective affiliates, potential conflicts of interest still may exist and, as a result, the terms of the business
combination may not be as advantageous to our public shareholders as they would be absent any conflicts of interest.
We may engage one or more affiliates of
our Sponsor, officers or directors or their respective affiliates to provide additional services to us, which may include acting as financial
advisor in connection with an initial business combination. These financial incentives may cause them to have potential conflicts of interest
in rendering any such additional services to us, including, for example, in connection with the sourcing and consummation of an initial
business combination.
We may engage one or more affiliates of
our Sponsor, officers or directors or their respective affiliates to provide additional services to us, including, for example, identifying
potential targets or providing financial advisory services. We may pay such affiliates customary, fair and reasonable fees or other compensation
that would be determined at that time in an arm’s length negotiation. Any such affiliates’ financial interests tied to the
consummation of a business combination transaction may give rise to potential conflicts of interest in providing any such additional services
to us, including potential conflicts of interest in connection with advising on, sourcing and consummating of an initial business combination.
38
Since our initial shareholders will lose their
entire investment in us if our initial business combination is not completed, a conflict of interest may arise in determining whether
a particular business combination target is appropriate for our initial business combination.
Our Sponsor has acquired an
aggregate 5,031,250 founder shares for an aggregate purchase price of $25,000. Subsequently, our Sponsor and our independent director
nominees forfeited an aggregate of 1,197,917 founder shares, such that our Sponsor and independent director nominees own an aggregate
of 3,833,333 founder shares (3,743,333 founder shares owned by the Sponsor and 90,000 founder shares owned by the independent director
nominees). Prior to this initial investment in our company, we had no assets, tangible or intangible. The number of founder shares issued
was determined based on the expectation that such founder shares would represent 25% of the outstanding shares after the Initial Public
Offering (excluding the EBC founder shares). In addition, our Sponsor and EBC purchased an aggregate of 387,500 private units at a price
of $10.00 per unit ($3,875,000 in the aggregate) in private placements that closed simultaneously with the closing of the Initial Public
Offering and the over-allotment. The founder shares and private units will be worthless if we do not complete an initial business combination.
Our initial shareholders have agreed (A) to vote any shares owned by them in favor of any proposed business combination (subject
to applicable securities laws) provided that in connection with any proposed business combination, our initial shareholders will not vote
any ordinary shares that they purchase after we publicly announce our intention to engage in such proposed business combination and (B) not
to redeem any founder shares in connection with a shareholder vote to approve a proposed initial business combination or amendments to
our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association prior thereto. In addition, we may obtain loans from our initial shareholders.
The personal and financial interests of our initial shareholders may influence their motivation in identifying and selecting a target
business combination, completing an initial business combination, and influencing the operation of the business following the initial
business combination.
Our initial shareholders and other insiders
may exert a substantial influence on actions requiring a shareholder vote, potentially in a manner that you do not support.
Our initial shareholders own
founder shares representing 25.8% of our issued and outstanding shares (excluding the EBC founder shares and private shares). Accordingly,
our initial shareholders and their affiliates may exert a substantial influence on actions requiring a shareholder vote, potentially in
a manner that you do not support, including amendments to our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association and approval
of major corporate transactions. If our initial shareholders purchase any additional shares in the aftermarket or in privately negotiated
transactions, this would increase their control. Factors that would be considered in making such additional purchases would include consideration
of the current trading price of our shares. In addition, our board of directors, whose members were elected by certain of our initial
shareholders, is and will be divided into three classes, each of which will generally serve for a term of three years with only one
class of directors being elected in each year. We may not hold an annual meeting of shareholders to elect new directors prior to the completion
of our initial business combination, in which case all of the current directors will continue in office until at least the completion
of the business combination. If there is an annual meeting, as a consequence of our “staggered” board of directors, only a
minority of the board of directors will be considered for election and our initial shareholders, because of their ownership position,
will have considerable influence regarding the outcome.
Post Business Combination Risks
Subsequent to the completion of our initial
business combination, we may be required to take write-downs or write-offs, restructuring and impairment or other charges
that could have a significant negative effect on our financial condition, results of operations and our share price, which could cause
you to lose some or all of your investment.
Even if we conduct extensive
due diligence on a target business with which we combine, we cannot assure you that this diligence will surface all material issues that
may be present inside a particular target business, that it would be possible to uncover all material issues through a customary amount
of due diligence, or that factors outside of the target business and outside of our control will not later arise. As a result of these
factors, we may be forced to later write-down or write-off assets, restructure our operations, or incur impairment or other
charges that could result in our reporting losses. Even if our due diligence successfully identifies certain risks, unexpected risks may
arise and previously known risks may materialize in a manner not consistent with our preliminary risk analysis. Even though these charges
may be non-cash items and not have an immediate impact on our liquidity, the fact that we report charges of this nature could contribute
to negative market perceptions about us or our securities. In addition, charges of this nature may cause us to violate net worth or other
covenants to which we may be subject as a result of assuming pre-existing debt held by a target business or by virtue of our obtaining
post-combination debt financing. Accordingly, any shareholders who choose to remain shareholders following the business combination
could suffer a reduction in the value of their shares.
39
Our success will ultimately depend upon market
acceptance of our products and services, our ability to develop and commercialize existing and new products and services and generate
revenues, and our ability to identify new markets for its technology.
Ultimately, our success will
depend on the acceptance of our products and services in the target markets. We are faced with the risk that the marketplace will not
be receptive to our products and services over competing products and that we will be unable to compete effectively. We will face challenges
of developing (or acquiring externally-developed) technology solutions that are adequate and competitive in meeting the requirements of
next-generation design challenges.
We cannot assure investors
that the products and services of the company with which we conduct a business combination, or any future products and services will gain
broad market acceptance. If the market for our products and services fails to develop or develops more slowly than expected, or if any
of the services and standards supported by us do not achieve or sustain market acceptance, our business and operating results would be
materially and adversely affected.
If we fail to adapt and respond effectively
to rapidly changing technology, evolving industry standards, changing regulations and payment methods, demand for product enhancements,
new product features, and changing business needs, requirements or preferences, our products may become less competitive.
Regardless of our target business’
industry, it will likely be subject to ongoing technological change, evolving industry standards, changing regulations, and changing customer
needs, requirements, and preferences. The success of our business will depend, in part, on our ability to adapt and respond effectively
to these changes on a timely basis, including launching new products and services. The success of any new product and service, or any
enhancements, features, or modifications to existing products and services, depends on several factors, including the timely completion,
introduction, and market acceptance of such products and services, enhancements, modifications, and new product features. If we are unable
to enhance our products or develop new products that keep pace with technological and regulatory change and changes in customer preferences
and achieve market acceptance, or if new technologies emerge that are able to deliver competitive products and services at lower prices,
more efficiently, more conveniently, or more securely than our products, our business, operating results and financial condition would
be adversely affected. Furthermore, modifications to our existing platform, products, or technology will increase our research and development
expenses. Any failure of our products and services to operate effectively could reduce the demand for our services, result in customer
dissatisfaction and adversely affect our business.
Technology platforms may not operate properly
or as we expect it to operate.
Technology platforms are expensive
and complex, their continuous development, maintenance and operation may entail unforeseen difficulties including material performance
problems or undetected defects or errors. We may encounter technical obstacles, and it is possible that we may discover additional problems
that prevent our technology from operating properly. If our platform does not function reliably, we may not be able to provide any products
or services. Errors could also cause customer dissatisfaction with us, which could cause customers to stop purchasing or working with
us. Any of these eventualities could result in a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
New or changing technologies, could cause a
disruption in our business model, which may materially impact our results of operations and financial condition.
If we fail to anticipate the
impact on our business of changing technology, our ability to successfully operate may be materially impaired. Our business could also
be affected by potential technological changes. Such changes could disrupt the demand for products from current customers, create coverage
issues or impact the frequency or severity of losses, or reduce the size of the ultimate market, causing our business to decline. We may
not be able to respond effectively to these changes, which could have a material effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
40
We may face additional and distinctive risks
if we acquire a business in certain industries, such as technology.
Business combinations with
businesses in certain industries, such as technology, may involve special considerations and risks. If we complete our initial business
combination with a technology business, we will be subject to the following risks, any of which could be detrimental to us and the business
we acquire:
● If we are unable to keep pace with evolving technology and
changes in the technology services industry, our revenues and future prospects may decline;
● Any business or company we acquire could be vulnerable to
cyberattack or theft of individual identities or personal data;
● Difficulties with any products or services we provide could
damage our reputation and business;
● A failure to comply with privacy regulations could adversely
affect relations with customers and have a negative impact on business; and
● We may not be able to protect our intellectual property and
we may be subject to infringement claims.
Any of the foregoing could
have an adverse impact on our operations following a business combination. However, our efforts in identifying prospective target businesses
will not be limited to technology businesses. Accordingly, if we acquire a target business in another industry, these risks will likely
not affect us and we will be subject to other risks attendant with the specific industry in which we operate or target business which
we acquire, none of which can be presently ascertained.
Risks Related to Acquiring and Operating a Business Outside of the
United States
We may effect a business combination with a
company located outside of the United States and if we do, we would be subject to a variety of additional risks that may negatively
impact our business operations and financial results.
If we consummate a business
combination with a target business located outside of the United States, we would be subject to any special considerations or risks
associated with companies operating in the target business’ governing jurisdiction, including any of the following:
● rules and regulations or currency redemption or corporate
withholding taxes on individuals;
● tariffs and trade barriers;
● regulations related to customs and import/export matters;
● longer payment cycles than in the United States;
● inflation;
● economic policies and market conditions;
● unexpected changes in regulatory requirements;
● challenges in managing and staffing international operations;
● tax issues, such as tax law changes and variations in tax
laws as compared to the United States;
● currency fluctuations;
● challenges in collecting accounts receivable;
● cultural and language differences;
● protection of intellectual property; and
● employment regulations.
We cannot assure you that we
would be able to adequately address these additional risks. If we were unable to do so, our operations might suffer.
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Because of the costs and difficulties inherent
in managing cross-border business operations, our results of operations may be negatively impacted.
Managing a business, operations,
personnel or assets in another country is challenging and costly. Any management that we may have (whether based abroad or in the U.S.)
may be inexperienced in cross-border business practices and unaware of significant differences in accounting rules, legal regimes
and labor practices. Even with a seasoned and experienced management team, the costs and difficulties inherent in managing cross-border business
operations, personnel and assets can be significant (and much higher than in a purely domestic business) and may negatively impact our
financial and operational performance.
If social unrest, acts of terrorism, regime
changes, changes in laws and regulations, political upheaval, or policy changes or enactments occur in a country in which we may operate
after we effect our initial business combination, it may result in a negative impact on our business.
Political events in another
country may significantly affect our business, assets or operations. Social unrest, acts of terrorism, regime changes, changes in laws
and regulations, political upheaval, and policy changes or enactments could negatively impact our business in a particular country.
The economic, political, and
social conditions, as well as government policies, of the country in which our potential target’s operations are located could affect
our business. The economy in such target’s country may differ greatly from the economies of most developed countries in many respects.
Such country’s economic growth may be uneven, both geographically and among various sectors of the economy, and such growth may
not be sustained in the future. If in the future such target’s country’s economy experiences a downturn or grows at a slower
rate than expected, there may be less demand for spending in certain industries. A decrease in demand for spending in certain industries
could materially and adversely affect the ability of that target business to become profitable after our initial business combination.
Many countries have difficult and unpredictable
legal systems and underdeveloped laws and regulations that are unclear and subject to corruption and inexperience, which may adversely
impact our results of operations and financial condition.
Our ability to seek and enforce
legal protections, including with respect to intellectual property and other property rights, or to defend ourselves with regard to legal
actions taken against us in a given country, may be difficult or impossible, which could adversely impact our operations, assets or financial
condition.
Rules and regulations in many
countries are often ambiguous or open to differing interpretation by responsible individuals and agencies at the municipal, state, regional
and federal levels. The attitudes and actions of such individuals and agencies are often difficult to predict and inconsistent.
Delay with respect to the enforcement
of particular rules and regulations, including those relating to customs, tax, environmental and labor, could cause serious disruption
to operations abroad and negatively impact our results.
If we effect a business combination with a
company located outside of the United States, the laws applicable to such company will likely govern all of our material agreements
and we may not be able to enforce our legal rights.
If we effect a business combination
with a company located outside of the United States, the laws of the country in which such company operates will govern almost all
of the material agreements relating to its operations. We cannot assure you that the target business will be able to enforce any of its
material agreements or that remedies will be available in this new jurisdiction. The system of laws and the enforcement of existing laws
in such jurisdiction may not be as certain in implementation and interpretation as in the United States. The inability to enforce
or obtain a remedy under any of our future agreements could result in a significant loss of business, business opportunities or capital.
Additionally, if we acquire a company located outside of the United States, it is likely that substantially all of our assets would
be located outside of the United States and some of our officers and directors might reside outside of the United States. As
a result, it may not be possible for investors in the United States to enforce their legal rights, to effect service of process upon
our directors or officers or to enforce judgments of United States courts predicated upon civil liabilities and criminal penalties
of our directors and officers under Federal securities laws.
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If relations between the United States
and foreign governments deteriorate, it could cause potential target businesses or their goods and services to become less attractive.
The relationship between the
United States and foreign governments could be subject to sudden fluctuation and periodic tension. For instance, the United States
may announce its intention to impose quotas on certain imports. Such import quotas may adversely affect political relations between the
two countries and result in retaliatory countermeasures by the foreign government in industries that may affect our ultimate target business.
Changes in political conditions in foreign countries and changes in the state of U.S. relations with such countries are difficult
to predict and could adversely affect our operations or cause potential target businesses or their goods and services to become less attractive.
If any dividend is declared in the future and
paid in a foreign currency, you may be disproportionately taxed on what you actually receive.
If you are a U.S. holder
of our ordinary shares, you will be taxed on the U.S. dollar value of your dividends, if any, at the time you receive them, even
if you actually receive a smaller amount of U.S. dollars when the payment is in fact converted into U.S. dollars. Specifically,
if a dividend is declared and paid in a foreign currency, the amount of the dividend distribution that you must include in your income
as a U.S. holder will be the U.S. dollar value of the payments made in the foreign currency, determined at the spot rate of
the foreign currency to the U.S. dollar on the date the dividend distribution is includible in your income, regardless of whether
the payment is in fact converted into U.S. dollars. Thus, if the value of the foreign currency decreases before you actually convert
the currency into U.S. dollars, you will be taxed on a larger amount in U.S. dollars than the U.S. dollar amount that you
will actually ultimately receive.
If our management following our initial business
combination is unfamiliar with United States securities laws, they may have to expend time and resources becoming familiar with such
laws, which could lead to various regulatory issues.
Following our initial business
combination, certain members of our management team will likely resign from their positions as officers or directors of the company and
the management of the target business at the time of the business combination will remain in place. Management of the target business
may not be familiar with United States securities laws. If new management is unfamiliar with our laws, they may have to expend time
and resources becoming familiar with such laws. This could be expensive and time-consuming and could lead to various regulatory issues,
which may adversely affect our operations.
Currency policies may cause a target business’
ability to succeed in the international markets to be diminished.
In the event we acquire a non-U.S. target,
all revenues and income would likely be received in a foreign currency, the dollar equivalent of our net assets and distributions, if
any, could be adversely affected by reductions in the value of the local currency. The value of the currencies in our target regions fluctuate
and are affected by, among other things, changes in political and economic conditions. Any change in the relative value of such currency
against our reporting currency may affect the attractiveness of any target business or, following consummation of our initial business
combination, our financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, if a currency appreciates in value against the dollar prior
to the consummation of our initial business combination, the cost of a target business as measured in dollars will increase, which may
make it less likely that we are able to consummate such transaction.
General Risk Factors
Unanticipated changes in our effective tax
rate or challenges by tax authorities could harm our future results.
We may become subject to income
taxes in various other jurisdictions in the future. Our effective tax rate could be adversely affected by changes in the allocation of
our pre-tax earnings and losses among countries with differing statutory tax rates, in certain non-deductible expenses as a
result of acquisitions, in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities, or in federal, state, local or non-U.S. tax
laws and accounting principles, including increased tax rates, new tax laws or revised interpretations of existing tax laws and precedents.
Increases in our effective tax rate would adversely affect our operating results. In addition, we may be subject to income tax audits
by various tax jurisdictions throughout the world. The application of tax laws in such jurisdictions may be subject to diverging and sometimes
conflicting interpretations by tax authorities in these jurisdictions. Although we believe our income tax liabilities are reasonably estimated
and accounted for in accordance with applicable laws and principles, an adverse resolution of one or more uncertain tax positions in any
period could have a material impact on the results of operations for that period.
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Because we are incorporated under the laws
of the Cayman Islands, you may face difficulties in protecting your interests, and your ability to protect your rights through the U.S. federal
courts may be limited.
We are an exempted company
incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands. As a result, it may be difficult for investors to effect service of process within
the United States upon our directors or executive officers, or enforce judgments obtained in the U.S. courts against our directors
or officers.
Our corporate affairs will
be governed by our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, the Companies Act (as the same may be supplemented or
amended from time to time) and the common law of the Cayman Islands. We will also be subject to the federal securities laws of the United States.
The rights of shareholders to take action against the directors, actions by minority shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of
our directors to us under Cayman Islands law are to a large extent governed by the common law of the Cayman Islands. The common law of
the Cayman Islands is derived in part from comparatively limited judicial precedent in the Cayman Islands as well as from English common
law, the decisions of whose courts are of persuasive authority, but are not binding on a court in the Cayman Islands. The rights of our
shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of our directors under Cayman Islands law are not as clearly established as what they
would be under statutes or judicial precedent in some jurisdictions in the United States. In particular, the Cayman Islands has a
less developed body of securities laws as compared to the United States, and certain states, may have more fully developed and judicially
interpreted bodies of corporate law. In addition, Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to initiate a shareholders derivative
action in a federal court of the United States.
We may not be able to complete an initial business
combination with a U.S. target company if such initial business combination is subject to U.S. foreign investment regulations and review
by a U.S. government entity such as the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), and ultimately prohibited by the
same.
Certain federally licensed
businesses in the United States, such as broadcasters and airlines, may be subject to rules or regulations that limit foreign ownership.
In addition, CFIUS is an interagency committee authorized to review certain transactions involving foreign investment in the United States
by foreign persons in order to determine the effect of such transactions on the national security of the United States. Were we considered
to be a “foreign person” under such rules and regulations, any proposed business combination between us and a U.S. business
engaged in a regulated industry or which may affect national security could be subject to such foreign ownership restrictions and/or CFIUS
review. The scope of CFIUS was expanded by the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act of 2018 (“FIRRMA”) to include
certain non-controlling investments in sensitive U.S. businesses and certain acquisitions of real estate even with no underlying
U.S. business. FIRRMA, and subsequent implementing regulations that are now in force, also subject certain categories of investments to
mandatory filings. If a potential initial business combination with a U.S. business falls within the scope of foreign ownership restrictions,
we may be unable to consummate an initial business combination with such business. In addition, if a potential initial business combination
falls within CFIUS’s jurisdiction, we may be required to make a mandatory filing or determine to submit a voluntary notice to CFIUS,
or to proceed with the initial business combination without notifying CFIUS and risk CFIUS intervention, before or after closing the initial
business combination. Our Sponsor is an entity incorporated in Singapore and is controlled by our chairman and chief executive officer,
Kanat Mynzhanov, a citizen of the United Kingdom. Therefore, if CFIUS has jurisdiction over our initial business combination, CFIUS may
decide to block or delay our initial business combination, impose conditions to mitigate national security concerns with respect to such
initial business combination or order us to divest all or a portion of a U.S. business of the combined company if we had proceeded without
first obtaining CFIUS clearance. If we were considered to be a “foreign person,” the foreign ownership limitations, and the
potential impact of CFIUS, may limit the attractiveness of a transaction with us or prevent us from pursuing certain initial business
combination opportunities that we believe would otherwise be beneficial to us and our shareholders. As a result, in such circumstances,
the pool of potential targets with which we could complete an initial business combination could be limited and we may be adversely affected
in terms of competing with other SPACs that do not have similar foreign ownership issues.
Moreover, the process of government
review, whether by CFIUS or otherwise, could be lengthy. Because we have only a limited time to complete our initial business combination,
our failure to obtain any required approvals within the requisite time period may require us to liquidate. If we liquidate, the public
shareholders may only receive $10.05 per share, and our rights will expire worthless. This will also cause you to lose any potential investment
opportunity in a target company and the chance of realizing future gains on your investment through any price appreciation of our stock
in the combined company.
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Changes in laws or regulations, or a failure
to comply with any laws and regulations, may adversely affect our business, investments and results of operations.
We are subject to laws and
regulations enacted by national, regional and local governments. In particular, we will be required to comply with certain SEC and other
legal requirements. Compliance with, and monitoring of, applicable laws and regulations may be difficult, time consuming and costly. Those
laws and regulations and their interpretation and application may also change from time to time and those changes could have a material
adverse effect on our business, investments and results of operations and ability to consummate our initial business combination. In addition,
a failure to comply with applicable laws or regulations, as interpreted and applied, could have a material adverse effect on our business,
including our ability to negotiate and complete our initial business combination and results of operations.
On January 24, 2024, the
SEC issued final rules (the “2024 SPAC Rules”), effective as of 125 days following the publication of the 2024 SPAC Rules
in the Federal Register, that formally adopted some of the SEC’s proposed rules for SPACs that were released on March 30, 2022.
The 2024 SPAC Rules, among other items, impose additional disclosure requirements in initial public offerings by SPACs and business combination
transactions involving SPACs and private operating companies; amend the financial statement requirements applicable to business combination
transactions involving such companies; update and expand guidance regarding the general use of projections in SEC filings, as well as
when projections are disclosed in connection with proposed business combination transactions; increase the potential liability of certain
participants in proposed business combination transactions; and could impact the extent to which SPACs could become subject to regulation
under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The 2024 SPAC Rules may materially adversely affect our business, including our
ability to negotiate and complete, and the costs associated with, our initial business combination, and results of operations.
We are an emerging growth company and a smaller
reporting company within the meaning of the Securities Act, and if we take advantage of certain exemptions from disclosure requirements
available to emerging growth companies and smaller reporting companies, this could make our securities less attractive to investors and
may make it more difficult to compare our performance with other public companies.
We are an “emerging growth
company” within the meaning of the Securities Act, as modified by the JOBS Act, and we may take advantage of certain exemptions
from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies including, but
not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act,
reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the
requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments
not previously approved. As a result, our shareholders may not have access to certain information they may deem important. We could be
an emerging growth company for up to five years, although circumstances could cause us to lose that status earlier, including if
the market value of our ordinary shares held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of any June 30 before that time,
in which case we would no longer be an emerging growth company as of the following December 31. We cannot predict whether investors
will find our securities less attractive because we will rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our securities less attractive
as a result of our reliance on these exemptions, the trading prices of our securities may be lower than they otherwise would be, there
may be a less active trading market for our securities and the trading prices of our securities may be more volatile.
Further, Section 102(b)(1) of
the JOBS Act exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards
until private companies (that is, those that have not had a Securities Act registration statement declared effective or do not
have a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act) are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting
standards. The JOBS Act provides that a company can elect to opt out of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements
that apply to non-emerging growth companies but any such an election to opt out is irrevocable. We have elected not to opt out of
such extended transition period, which means that when a standard is issued or revised and it has different application dates for public
or private companies, we, as an emerging growth company, can adopt the new or revised standard at the time private companies adopt the
new or revised standard. This may make comparison of our financial statements with another public company which is neither an emerging
growth company nor an emerging growth company which has opted out of using the extended transition period difficult or impossible because
of the potential differences in accounting standards used.
Additionally, we are a “smaller
reporting company” as defined in Rule 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K. Smaller reporting companies may take advantage
of certain reduced disclosure obligations, including, among other things, providing only two years of audited financial statements.
We will remain a smaller reporting company until the last day of the fiscal year in which (1) the market value of our ordinary
shares held by non-affiliates exceeds $250 million as of the end of the prior June 30 th , or (2) our annual
revenues exceeded $100 million during such completed fiscal year and the market value of our ordinary shares held by non-affiliates exceeds
$700 million as of the prior June 30 th . To the extent we take advantage of such reduced disclosure obligations, it
may also make comparison of our financial statements with other public companies difficult or impossible.
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If we are deemed to be an investment company
under the Investment Company Act, we may be required to institute burdensome compliance requirements and our activities may be restricted,
which may make it difficult for us to complete our initial business combination.
If we are deemed to be an investment
company under the Investment Company Act, our activities may be restricted, including:
● restrictions on the nature of our investments; and
● restrictions on the issuance of securities, each of which
may make it difficult for us to complete our initial business combination.
In addition, we may have imposed
upon us burdensome requirements, including:
● registration as an investment company;
● adoption of a specific form of corporate structure; and
● reporting, record keeping, voting, proxy and disclosure requirements
and other rules and regulations.
In order not to be regulated
as an investment company under the Investment Company Act, unless we can qualify for an exclusion, we must ensure that we are engaged
primarily in a business other than investing, reinvesting or trading of securities and that our activities do not include investing, reinvesting,
owning, holding or trading “investment securities” constituting more than 40% of our total assets (exclusive of U.S. government
securities and cash items) on an unconsolidated basis. Our business will be to identify and complete a business combination and thereafter
to operate the post-transaction business or assets for the long term. We do not plan to buy businesses or assets with a view to resale
or profit from their resale. We do not plan to buy unrelated businesses or assets or to be a passive investor.
We do not believe that our
anticipated principal activities will subject us to the Investment Company Act. To this end, the proceeds held in the trust account
may only be held in demand deposit or cash accounts or invested in United States “government securities” within the meaning
of Section 2(a)(16) of the Investment Company Act having a maturity of 185 days or less or in money market funds
meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the Investment Company Act which invest only in direct
U.S. government treasury obligations. Pursuant to the trust agreement, the trustee is not permitted to invest in other securities
or assets. By restricting the investment of the proceeds to these instruments, and by having a business plan targeted at acquiring and
growing businesses for the long term (rather than on buying and selling businesses in the manner of a merchant bank or private equity
fund), we intend to avoid being deemed an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act. The
trust account is intended as a holding place for funds pending the earliest to occur of: (i) the completion of our primary business
objective, which is a business combination; (ii) the redemption of any public shares properly submitted in connection with a shareholder
vote to amend our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association to modify (A) the substance or timing of our obligation
to allow redemption in connection with our initial business combination or to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not complete our
initial business combination within 18 months from the closing of the Initial Public Offering or (B) with respect to any other
provision relating to shareholders’ rights or pre-initial business combination activity; or (iii) absent a business combination,
our return of the funds held in the trust account to our public shareholders as part of our redemption of the public shares. If we do
not invest the proceeds as discussed above, we may be deemed to be subject to the Investment Company Act.
Further, under the subjective
test of a “investment company” pursuant to Section 3(a)(1)(A) of the Investment Company Act, even if the funds
deposited in the trust account were invested in the assets discussed above, such assets, other than cash, are “securities”
for purposes of the Investment Company Act and, therefore, there is a risk that we could be deemed an investment company and
subject to the Investment Company Act.
In the adopting release for
the 2024 SPAC Rules, the SEC provided guidance that a SPAC’s potential status as an “investment company” depends on
a variety of factors, such as a SPAC’s duration, asset composition, business purpose and activities and “is a question of
facts and circumstances” requiring individualized analysis. If we were deemed to be subject to compliance with and regulation under
the Investment Company Act, we would be subject to additional regulatory burdens and expenses for which we have not allotted funds.
Unless we are able to modify our activities so that we would not be deemed an investment company, we would either register as an investment
company or wind down and abandon our efforts to complete an initial business combination and instead liquidate the Company. As a result,
our public shareholders may receive only approximately $10.05 per public share, or less in certain circumstances, on the liquidation of
our trust account and would be unable to realize the potential benefits of an initial business combination, including the possible appreciation
of the combined company’s securities.
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To mitigate the risk that we might be deemed
to be an investment company for purposes of the Investment Company Act, we may, at any time, instruct the trustee to liquidate the
securities held in the trust account and instead to hold the funds in the trust account in cash until the earlier of the consummation
of our initial business combination or our liquidation. As a result, following the liquidation of securities in the trust account, the
interest earned on the funds held in the trust account may be materially reduced, which would reduce the dollar amount our public shareholders
would receive upon any redemption or liquidation of the Company.
We intend to initially hold
the funds in the trust account as cash or in U.S. government treasury obligations with a maturity of 185 days or less or in
money market funds investing solely in U.S. government treasury obligations and meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 under
the Investment Company Act. U.S. government treasury obligations are considered “securities” for purposes of the Investment
Company Act, while cash is not. As noted above, one of the factors the SEC identified as relevant to the determination of whether a SPAC
which holds securities could potentially be deemed an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act is the
SPAC’s duration. To mitigate the risk of us being deemed to be an unregistered investment company (including under the subjective
test of Section 3(a)(1)(A) of the Investment Company Act) and thus subject to regulation under the Investment Company
Act, we may, at any time, instruct Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, the trustee with respect to the trust account,
to liquidate the U.S. government treasury obligations or money market funds held in the trust account and thereafter to hold all
funds in the trust account in cash until the earlier of consummation of our initial business combination or liquidation of the company.
Following such liquidation, the rate of interest we receive on the funds held in the trust account may be materially decreased. However,
interest previously earned on the funds held in the trust account still may be released to us to pay our taxes, if any. As a result, any
decision to liquidate the securities held in the trust account and thereafter to hold all funds in the trust account in cash would reduce
the dollar amount our public shareholders would receive upon any redemption or liquidation of the company.
If we are deemed to be an investment company
for purposes of the Investment Company Act, we could be forced to liquidate and investors in our company would not be able to participate
in any benefits of owning stock in an operating business, including the potential appreciation of our stock following a business combination
and our rights would expire worthless.
As indicated above, we have
18 months from the date of the closing of the Initial Public Offering to consummate an initial business combination. It is possible
that a claim in the future could be made that we have been operating as an unregistered investment company. It is also possible that the
investment of funds from the Initial Public Offering and private placement of rights during our life as a blank check company, and the
earning and use of interest from such investment, both of which will likely continue until we consummate an initial business combination,
could increase the likelihood of us being found to have been operating as an unregistered investment company more than if we sought to
potentially mitigate this risk by holding such funds as cash. Furthermore, the longer the funds are invested in United States “government
securities” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(16) of the Investment Company Act having a maturity of 185 days
or less or in money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the Investment Company Act which
invest only in direct U.S. government treasury obligations, the greater the risk could be that we are considered an investment company.
If we are deemed to be an investment company for purposes of the Investment Company Act and found to have been operating as
an unregistered investment company, it could cause us to liquidate. If we are forced to liquidate, investors in our company would not
be able to participate in any benefits of owning stock in an operating business, including the potential appreciation of our stock following
a business combination and our rights would expire worthless.
Compliance obligations under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act may
make it more difficult for us to complete our initial business combination, require substantial financial and management resources, and
increase the time and costs of completing an acquisition.
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires
that we evaluate and report on our system of internal controls beginning with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ending
December 31, 2025. Only in the event we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer or an accelerated filer will we be required to
comply with the independent registered public accounting firm attestation requirement on our internal control over financial reporting.
Further, for as long as we remain an emerging growth company, we will not be required to comply with the independent registered public
accounting firm attestation requirement on our internal control over financial reporting. The fact that we are a blank check company makes
compliance with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act particularly burdensome on us as compared to other public companies
because a target company with which we seek to complete our business combination may not be in compliance with the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act regarding
adequacy of its internal controls. The development of the internal control of any such entity to achieve compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act may
increase the time and costs necessary to complete any such acquisition.
47
Provisions in our amended and restated memorandum
and articles of association may inhibit a takeover of us, which could limit the price investors might be willing to pay in the future
for our ordinary shares and could entrench management.
Our amended and restated memorandum
and articles of association will contain provisions that may discourage unsolicited takeover proposals that shareholders may consider
to be in their best interests. These provisions include a staggered board of directors and the ability of the board of directors to designate
the terms of and issue new series of preferred shares, which may make the removal of management more difficult and may discourage transactions
that otherwise could involve payment of a premium over prevailing market prices for our securities.
We may not hold an annual meeting of shareholders
until after the consummation of our initial business combination, which could delay the opportunity for our shareholders to elect directors.
In accordance with NASDAQ
corporate governance requirements, we are not required to hold an annual meeting until no later than one year after our first fiscal year
end following our listing on NASDAQ. There is no requirement under the Companies Act for us to hold annual or general meetings to
appoint directors. Accordingly, until we hold an annual general meeting, public shareholders may not be afforded the opportunity to discuss
company affairs with management. Our board of directors is divided into three classes with only one class of directors being appointed
in each year and each class (except for those directors appointed prior to our first annual general meeting) serving a three-year term.
Accordingly, you may not have any say in the management of our company prior to the consummation of an initial business combination.
Adverse developments affecting the financial
services industry could adversely affect our liquidity, financial condition and results of operations, either directly or through adverse
impacts on certain of our vendors and customers.
Adverse developments that affect
financial institutions, such as events involving liquidity that are rumored or actual, have in the past and may in the future lead to
bank failures and/or market-wide liquidity problems. These events could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results
of operations, either directly or through an adverse impact on certain of our vendors and customers. For example, on March 10, 2023,
Silicon Valley Bank was closed by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, which appointed the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) as receiver. Similarly, on March 12, 2023, Signature Bank was put into receivership. Since
that time, there have been reports of instability at other U.S. banks, including First Republic Bank. Although the Federal Reserve
Board, the Department of the Treasury and the FDIC have taken steps to ensure that depositors at Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank
can access all of their funds, including funds held in uninsured deposit accounts, and have taken additional steps to provide liquidity
to other banks, there is no guarantee that, in the event of the closure of other banks or financial institutions in the future, depositors
would be able to access uninsured funds or that they would be able to do so in a timely fashion.
To date, we have not experienced
any adverse impact to our liquidity, financial condition or results of operations as a result of the events described above. However,
failures of other banks or financial institutions may expose us to additional risks, either directly or through the effect on vendors
or other third parties, and may lead to significant disruptions to our operations, financial condition and reputation. Moreover, uncertainty
remains over liquidity concerns in the broader financial services industry. Our business may be adversely impacted by these developments
in ways that we cannot predict at this time, there may be additional risks that we have not yet identified, and we cannot guarantee that
we will be able to avoid negative consequences directly or indirectly from any failure of one or more banks or other financial institutions.
48