TLGY Acquisition Corporation is interested in business opportunities in the global biopharma, B2C, and technology industries. A special purpose acquisition company on a mission to finding investment opportunities with long-term growth potential and favourable deal terms by using a private equity style investment approach. In this interview with TechBullion, CEO Jin-Goon Kim will be giving us more insight into the opportunities available at TLGY.
Please tell us more about yourself and your background in private equity and company operations?
My name is Jin-Goon Kim, and I have spent over two decades immersed in private equity and company operations as serial transformational CEO. My foundation was laid at Harvard University, where I earned my AB and MPP degrees, and at McKinsey and Dell. As a Partner at TPG Capital, I co-led pivotal investments that reaped substantial returns for investors.
I’ve had the privilege of spearheading successful transformations of industry leaders in Asia and driving investments as a partner at a top-tier private equity firm, TPG. This diverse background has given me a deep understanding of what it takes to identify, nurture, and scale businesses for long-term success. As the founder of TLGY, a SPAC that raised $230 million in its IPO, I’ve introduced an innovative model that collapses funding rounds, providing a streamlined path for creative deal structures. Harnessing years of experience in private equity and an extensive operational background, I’m determined to propel businesses forward by cultivating innovation and executing strategic initiatives that ensure long-term viability and success.
Tell us more about TLGY Acquisition Corporation and what specific solutions you provide to businesses?
At TLGY, our approach is built on the foundation of private equity principles. We’re not just about transactions; we’re about sustainable shareholder value creation and investment returns. Through our approach we address the challenges businesses typically face during their growth journey. We recognize that the traditional route, involving multiple rounds of financing and a complex IPO process, can be time-consuming, dilutive, and laden with uncertainties. TLGY’s disruptive model simplifies this process, collapsing funding rounds into a single, comprehensive “go public” transaction.
We are committed to partnering with exceptional businesses that hold the potential to become unicorns and become their capital provider of choice at early stage in their inflection point where they need large growth capital and recognition by reputable investors. Through a well-structured, performance-driven model, we’re dedicated to nurturing growth and delivering value, beyond the typical SPAC framework. TLGY paves the way for businesses to access capital efficiently while providing investors a stake in promising ventures.
Could you give us an overview of the acquisitions market and how TLGY Acquisition Corporation differentiates itself from other special purpose acquisition companies in the market?
TLGY’s distinction lies in our private equity mindset. We’re focused on being true partners for the long haul, emphasizing strategic alignment and value generation. The emphasis on long-term strategic relationships sets us apart, with participation in earlier funding rounds and ongoing business acceleration. We’re not here for quick exits; we’re here to build enduring success stories. Notably, economic alignment is a cornerstone: our model aligns the interests of all stakeholders. TLGY’s superior governance and sector focus, especially in biopharma, B2C, and sustainable tech sectors, further differentiate us.
TLGY is utilizing SPAC as an instrument to offer faster growth trajectory. TLGY’s SPAC structure is innovative, offering an attractive blend of upside potential and downside protection. This structure is meticulously designed to resolve the challenges often faced in the high redemption SPAC landscape. TLGY’s approach also caters to the diverse needs of SPAC investors, encouraging current investors to stay and providing compelling reasons for new investors to enter before DeSPAC. The introduction of non-detachable warrants, coupled with a warrant-to-common conversion mechanism at DeSPAC, provides investors with a strong incentive to roll-over pre-DeSPAC and/or refrain from redemption at DeSPAC.
In essence, TLGY offers a disruptive growth solution that’s both swift and mutually beneficial, setting us apart from traditional SPACs in the market. Our commitment is to reshape how businesses access capital and drive growth, while investors benefit from innovative ventures backed by a seasoned leadership team.
What types of businesses or industries does TLGY focus on when considering potential acquisitions? Any specific criteria a business must meet to be considered as an acquisition candidate by TLGY?
TLGY’s radar is tuned to sectors with compelling macro attributes and robust growth models. We’re keen on businesses that exhibit the potential to lead markets and deliver substantial value. It’s not just about the financials; we seek alignment of values and goals, ensuring that our investments contribute positively to a sustainable future. We look for companies that align with our disruptive growth model and offer significant value creation opportunities; companies positioned to become unicorns.
Businesses under consideration should demonstrate not only strong growth potential but also a solid foundation for realizing that potential. We want companies displaying the ability to emerge as market leaders within their sectors. Alignment with TLGY’s core values, including efficiency, innovative deal structuring, and the cultivation of long-term strategic relationships, is a fundamental requirement.
Innovation is a key factor; we prioritize businesses with innovative business models, technologies, and operational approaches that enable them to differentiate themselves within their industries. Additionally, candidates should exhibit economic alignment, as our model emphasizes fostering collaboration among founders, existing shareholders, and investors through structured earn-outs that encourage value creation.
Furthermore, sector expertise is a notable consideration. While we remain open to opportunities beyond our primary sectors, businesses operating within biopharma, B2C, and sustainable tech industries hold a special appeal due to their alignment with our vision and expertise.
Lastly, financial stability and scalability are key indicators of a candidate’s ability to effectively utilize capital and leverage our growth model to their advantage.
On your strategy, could you give us a walkthrough of the acquisition process at TLGY, from discovery to valuations, financials, projections, growth modeling and closing the deal?
Our journey starts with rigorous due diligence as a private equity would do over a period of several months, fueled by both data-driven analysis and a deep understanding of the target, almost always in close partnership with industry experts. We emphasize win-win structures with a low entry valuation and performance-based upside. Valuations consider financial performance and growth potential. We construct growth models, collaborating with companies for pragmatic projections. Tailored deal structures and negotiations prioritize economic alignment through earn-outs. Closing involves legal and regulatory aspects, guided by advisors. Moreover, the alignment of interests is paramount, ensuring that all stakeholders share a unified vision. Our goal is to create value from day one and set the stage for long-term growth.
From your wealth of experience, what must a business looking to sell do to get the best value for the business? Do you have a form of checklist you could share with us?
To get the best value when selling a business, meticulous preparation is essential. Start by organizing accurate financial statements and showcasing historical performance. Emphasize operational efficiency, competitive advantages, and growth opportunities. Present a capable management team and diverse customer base. Catalog intellectual property, ensure legal compliance, and organize documentation for due diligence in a secure data room. Transparency and disclosure build trust, while professional advisors provide expertise on deal structuring and negotiation. Stay informed about market trends and potential buyers. Anticipate in-depth due diligence and be ready to initiate the sale process when the timing aligns with industry conditions. Most importantly tell a great story about why investors would be interested in your macro tailwind, why you feel that you are a clear and differentiated winner, and what unique innovation or business model would sustain your success.
How does TLGY support its acquired companies post-acquisition to facilitate their transformational growth? Any success stories or notable examples of your most successful deals?
Supporting our acquired companies post-acquisition is a cornerstone of our approach at TLGY. We firmly believe that the real value lies in nurturing and guiding our portfolio companies toward sustained growth.
When we bring a company like Verde Bioresins into the TLGY family, it’s not just about completing a transaction. It’s the beginning of a collaborative journey. We work closely with their existing leadership team to ensure a smooth transition and effective integration. Our hands-on approach means that we roll up our sleeves and work side by side to drive transformational growth.
Now, speaking specifically about Verde, I myself (Jin-Goon) with continue to be involved in the newly formed company as Chairman of the board and I will continue to provide guidance, strategic insight and extensive experience to ensure continued growth and success. I believe this is especially crucial in an industry as dynamic as sustainable product innovation.
On the buyer and investor side of your services, any insights or investment/partnerships opportunities you would like to share with us?
In a world where many SPAC sponsors have entered the market with a mislead notion that SPAC is an easy fee business that replaces traditional IPO, we entered the market as a superior alternative to traditional private equity investment business that combines public market exit. We’re always on the lookout for like-minded investors who believe in the power of sustainable, long-term value creation. Our unique SPAC structure, with its distinct warrant mechanics, offers a compelling proposition. We are dedicated to strategic alignment that ensures enduring partnerships, extending beyond capital infusion. Investors can tap into sectors with strong growth potential, positioning TLGY as a valuable partner in creating lasting value. It’s an invitation to be part of an ecosystem that’s driven by shared goals and a dedication to transforming industries.
What is your team currently working on at TLGY Acquisition Corporation, any new deal or events on the pipeline you would like us to know?
We are currently undergoing a partnership with Verde Bioresins, a forward-thinking company in the sustainable bioplastics industry that have developed something truly remarkable called PolyEarthylene™. It’s a proprietary bioresin that’s poised to redefine how we think about plastics. It is biobased, recyclable, landfill biodegradable, and compostable solutions that we believe has the potential to truly revolutionize the industry. To us, this is a very big deal as we are able to help towards sustainable practices and long-term value creation on a global scale.
What trends should we lookout for in the acquisitions industry going forward, do you have more tips to share with our readers?
Looking ahead in the acquisitions industry, several notable trends are set to shape the landscape. Industry-specific expertise will become critical as sectors become more specialized. Sustainability and ESG considerations will play a pivotal role, with companies aligning with responsible practices gaining favor. Technology integration and data analytics will continue to drive more informed decision-making, while alternative deal structures like TLGY’s will gain traction for their efficiency and rapid capital access. SPACs will evolve with a focus on transparency and long-term value creation, as investors scrutinize structures more closely. Cross-border opportunities will persist, but understanding local dynamics will be crucial. Operational value creation will be emphasized, amplifying the importance of expertise beyond financial backing. Post-pandemic reshaping will also remain influential, particularly in industries like healthcare tech and remote work solutions. In terms of the SPAC market, we will see the market significantly shrink and mature into a few dozen serial sponsors with substantial large cap deal pedagogy and differentiated business models that can properly utilize the advantages of SPAC, as opposed to plain vanilla structures that hope to replace traditional IPO and realize quick returns. Our business is designed to discover and underwrite unicorns in the making with performance-based structure that offers win-win outcome for all parties.
