Company Description
Cartesian Growth Corporation III (CGCT) is a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) that trades on the NASDAQ exchange. The company was formed to identify and merge with a target business in the technology and innovation sectors, with a focus on companies developing transformative solutions for energy, sustainability, and industrial applications.
In late 2025, Cartesian Growth Corporation III announced a definitive business combination agreement with Factorial Inc., a developer of solid-state battery technology. Factorial specializes in advanced battery systems that offer alternatives to conventional lithium-ion batteries, with applications in electric vehicles, aerospace, defense, and industrial equipment. The company's proprietary solid-state battery platforms are designed to deliver higher energy density, improved safety characteristics, and compatibility with existing manufacturing infrastructure.
Understanding SPACs and Business Combinations
SPACs are publicly traded shell companies created specifically to acquire or merge with private companies, providing an alternative path to public markets compared to traditional initial public offerings. The SPAC structure allows private companies to access public capital markets while providing investors an opportunity to participate in growth-stage businesses. Cartesian Growth Corporation III raised capital through its initial public offering and placed those funds in a trust account, which can be used to complete a qualifying business combination or returned to shareholders if no suitable target is identified within a specified timeframe.
Solid-State Battery Technology Sector
The solid-state battery industry represents a significant advancement in energy storage technology. Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries that use liquid electrolytes, solid-state batteries employ solid electrolyte materials, which can potentially offer several advantages including higher energy density, faster charging capabilities, enhanced safety due to reduced flammability risks, and longer operational lifespans. These characteristics make solid-state batteries particularly attractive for electric vehicle manufacturers seeking to extend driving range and reduce charging times, as well as for aerospace and defense applications where weight, safety, and performance are critical factors.
Business Combination Transaction Structure
When a SPAC completes a business combination, the target company becomes a publicly traded entity by merging with or being acquired by the SPAC. Shareholders of the SPAC receive shares in the combined company, while shareholders of the target company also receive equity in the publicly traded entity. The transaction typically includes additional capital from private investment in public equity (PIPE) financing, where institutional investors commit to purchasing shares of the combined company. This structure provides the target company with both the SPAC's trust account funds and PIPE proceeds to fund operations, research and development, manufacturing scale-up, and commercial expansion.
Following completion of the business combination, the combined entity is expected to operate as a publicly traded company focused on advancing solid-state battery technology toward commercial production. The company plans to continue developing its battery platforms for automotive, aerospace, defense, and industrial markets, where demand for high-performance, safe, and energy-dense battery solutions continues to grow as electrification accelerates across multiple sectors.
Investment Considerations for SPAC Transactions
SPAC investments carry unique characteristics that differ from investing in established operating companies. Prior to the business combination closing, SPAC shareholders have the option to redeem their shares for a pro-rata portion of the trust account, allowing investors to exit if they do not wish to participate in the proposed transaction. The business combination requires approval from SPAC shareholders, and the transaction may not close if conditions are not met or if excessive redemptions occur. Post-combination, the company transitions from a SPAC structure to an operating company, which introduces different business risks related to product development, commercialization, competition, and market acceptance.
For Cartesian Growth Corporation III's announced combination with Factorial, the transaction brings together the SPAC's public market access and capital resources with Factorial's solid-state battery technology and industry partnerships. The combined company will face challenges typical of technology companies scaling from development to commercial production, including manufacturing execution, supply chain development, customer adoption timelines, and competition from both incumbent lithium-ion battery producers and other solid-state battery developers.