Closing Bell Manifest Space: The SPAC Comeback, Military AI, & Future of Defense Tech 8/22/25
Aug 22, 2025
Matt George, Founder and CEO of Merlin, shares exciting insights into the booming SPAC landscape and its impact on the defense tech sector. He discusses his company's reverse merger valued at $800 million, paving the way for innovations in military AI and aircraft autonomy. George emphasizes the importance of collaboration in AI technologies and highlights advancements in both military and civilian aviation safety. With rapid growth, Merlin is set to expand from seven to nearly 200 employees, positioning itself as a leader in the future of aviation technology.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Use SPACs To Accelerate Growth
- Use a SPAC to access public markets quickly with committed capital when speed and balance-sheet funding matter.
- A SPAC can be efficient for scaling defense tech and enabling faster customer deliveries.
Public Markets Unlock M&A And Scale
- Public markets let defense tech firms pursue M&A and build product portfolios in ways private companies often cannot.
- Going public helps scale capabilities to regain technological leads against adversaries.
Blend AI With Traditional Flight Controls
- Merlin blends traditional flight controls with new AI skills rather than replacing autopilot wholesale.
- That hybrid approach aims to create a robust, certifiable autonomy platform.