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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT
REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of report (Date of earliest event reported):
March 10, 2026
Cartesian
Growth Corporation III
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Cayman Islands
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation) |
001-42629
(Commission File Number) |
N/A
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.) |
| |
|
|
|
505
Fifth Avenue, 15th Floor
New York, New York
(Address of principal executive offices) |
10017
(Zip Code) |
| |
|
| |
(212)
461-6363
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Not
Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report) |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K
filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
| x | Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities
Act (17 CFR 230.425) |
| ¨ | Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange
Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) |
| ¨ | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under
the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) |
| ¨ | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under
the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of
the Act:
| Title of each class |
|
Trading
Symbol(s) |
|
Name of each exchange
on
which registered |
| Units, each consisting of one Class A ordinary share and one-half of one redeemable warrant |
|
CGCTU |
|
The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC |
| Class A ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share |
|
CGCT |
|
The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC |
| Warrants, each whole warrant exercisable for one Class A ordinary share at an exercise price of $11.50 |
|
CGCTW |
|
The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant
is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging
growth company x
If
an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying
with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
On March 10, 2026, Cartesian Growth Corporation III (“Cartesian
III”) and Factorial Inc. (“Factorial”), a U.S.-based leader in solid-state battery technology, announced that Factorial
has received a strategic investment from IQT, the not-for-profit strategic investor for the U.S. national security community and America’s
allies, who joins Philenergy and POSCO Future M, two key battery supply chain partners who have previously made strategic investments
in Factorial.
A copy of the press release announcing the strategic investment is
attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.
Forward-Looking Statements
This Current Report on Form 8-K includes forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,”
“continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,”
“plan,” “predict,” “potential,” “seem,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook”
and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking
statements may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding future events or the future financial or operating performance of
Factorial or Cartesian III. For example, projections of Factorial’s future financial performance, manufacturing capabilities and
operations, Factorial’s business plans, and other projections concerning key performance metrics or milestones are forward-looking
statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors which could cause actual results to
differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements should not be relied
upon as representing Cartesian III’s and Factorial’s assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this Current Report
on Form 8-K. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements. Neither Cartesian III, Factorial
nor any of their respective affiliates undertake any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.
Additional Information about the Business Combination and Where
to Find It
This communication relates to the proposed business combination between
Factorial and Cartesian III (“Business Combination”) pursuant to that certain Business Combination Agreement, dated as of
December 17, 2025, by and among Cartesian III, Fenway MS, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and Factorial. The proposed Business
Combination will be submitted to shareholders of Cartesian III for their consideration. Cartesian III and Factorial intend to file a registration
statement on Form S-4 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which will include a definitive proxy statement
to be distributed to Cartesian III’s shareholders in connection with Cartesian III’s solicitations of proxies from its shareholders
with respect to the proposed business combination and other matters to be described in the Form S-4, as well as the prospectus relating
to the offer of the securities to be issued to the stockholders of Factorial in connection with the completion of the proposed Business
Combination. After that registration statement has been filed and declared effective, Cartesian III will mail a definitive proxy statement/prospectus
and other relevant documents relating to the proposed Business Combination and other matters to be described in the registration statement
to Factorial stockholders and Cartesian III shareholders as of a record date to be established for voting on the proposed Business Combination.
Before making any voting or investment decision, Cartesian III shareholders, Factorial stockholders, and other interested persons are
urged to read these documents and any amendments thereto, as well as any other relevant documents filed with the SEC by Cartesian III
in connection with the proposed Business Combination and other matters to be described in those documents when they become available,
because they will contain important information about Cartesian III, Factorial and the proposed Business Combination. Shareholders will
also be able to obtain free copies of the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other
documents filed by Cartesian III with the SEC, once available, without charge, at the SEC’s website located at www.sec.gov, or by
directing a written request to Cartesian Growth Corporation III, 505 Fifth Avenue, 15th Floor, New York, New York 10017.
Participants in the Solicitation
Cartesian III, Factorial, and their respective directors and executive
officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitations of proxies from Cartesian III’s shareholders with respect to the
proposed Business Combination and the other matters set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus. Information regarding Cartesian III’s
directors and executive officers, and a description of their interests in Cartesian III is contained in Cartesian III’s final prospectus
for its initial public offering filed with the SEC on May 5, 2025, which is available free of charge at the SEC’s website located
at www.sec.gov, or by directing a request to Cartesian Growth Corporation III, 505 Fifth Avenue, 15th Floor, New York, New York 10017.
Additional information regarding the interests of such participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect
interests, will be contained in the proxy statement/prospectus relating to the proposed Business Combination when it becomes available.
Shareholders, potential investors and other interested persons should read the proxy statement/prospectus carefully when it becomes available
before making any voting or investment decisions. You may obtain free copies of these documents from the sources described above.
This communication is not a substitute for the registration statement
filed by Cartesian III or for any other document that Cartesian III and Factorial may file with the SEC in connection with the proposed
Business Combination. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY
WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of other
documents filed with the SEC by Cartesian III, without charge, at the SEC’s website located at www.sec.gov.
No Offer or Solicitation
This communication shall not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation
of an offer to buy, or a recommendation to purchase, any securities, in any jurisdiction, or the solicitation of any vote, consent or
approval in any jurisdiction in connection with the proposed Business Combination or any related transactions, nor shall there be any
sale of securities in any states or jurisdictions in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. This communication is not,
and under no circumstances is to be construed as, a prospectus, an advertisement or a public offering of the securities described herein
in the United States or any other jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements
of Section 10 of the Securities Act, or exemptions therefrom. INVESTMENT IN ANY SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED
BY THE SEC OR ANY OTHER REGULATORY AUTHORITY NOR HAS ANY AUTHORITY PASSED UPON OR ENDORSED THE MERITS OF THE OFFERING OR THE ACCURACY
OR ADEQUACY OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
| Item 9.01 |
Financial Statements and Exhibits. |
(d) Exhibits
Exhibit
Number |
|
Description |
| 99.1 |
|
Press Release, dated March 10,
2026. |
| 104 |
|
Cover Page Interactive Data File, formatted in Inline XBRL |
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
| Cartesian Growth Corporation III |
|
| |
|
|
| By: |
/s/ Peter Yu |
|
| |
Name: Peter Yu |
|
| |
Title: Chief Executive Officer |
|
Date: March 10, 2026
Exhibit 99.1
Factorial Drives Solid-State Battery Expansion to Drones and Robotics
with IQT and Strategic Partners
BOSTON, MASS – March 10, 2026 –
Factorial Inc. (“Factorial”), a leader in solid-state battery technology, and Cartesian Growth Corporation III (“Cartesian
III”) announced that Factorial has received strategic investments from IQT, Philenergy, and POSCO Future M. This funding accelerates
Factorial’s expansion in high-growth sectors, including drones and mobile robotics.
IQT, the not-for-profit strategic investor for the U.S. national security
community and America’s allies, joins Philenergy and POSCO Future M, two key battery supply chain partners. Together they reinforce
Factorial’s development of a resilient battery ecosystem aligned with trusted allies and secure supply chains.
“Energy performance is becoming a major limiting factor in mobility
and intelligent systems,” said Siyu Huang CEO of Factorial. “From unmanned aerial vehicles (“UAVs”) to robotics,
incremental improvements are no longer sufficient. Support from IQT, Philenergy, and POSCO Future M accelerates our growth, particularly
in the strategic drone segment.”
This investment underscores the critical role for Factorial in bolstering
U.S. supply chain resilience and global competitiveness. Factorial’s solid-state batteries deliver high energy density and lightweight
performance that dramatically extend operational range in demanding environments. This performance profile positions the Company’s
technology as a preferred alternative to conventional lithium-ion solutions where range, weight, and thermal performance are critical.
“The ability of Factorial’s solid-state batteries to deliver
high power and operate in low-temperature environment makes them very attractive for use in high-altitude or high-latitude applications,”
said Brian Smith, Senior Partner at IQT. “We are delighted to be able to help the company accelerate and expand its footprint into
the drone, UAV, and mobile robotics market.”
About Factorial
Founded and headquartered in the greater Boston area, Factorial operates
at the forefront of solid-state battery development. Its proprietary FEST® and Solstice™ platforms deliver industry leading
performance with scalable manufacturing, developed in close collaborations with strategic customers. Mercedes-Benz' real-world road testing
in a lightly modified test vehicle achieved over 1,200 km of range on a single charge, while Stellantis-lab testing verified 77 Ah cells
demonstrating high energy density, fast-charging, and robust use for energy and power performance across temperature extremes. Factorial’s
commercial partnerships include global automotive leaders such as Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, Hyundai Motor Company, and Kia Corporation.
For more information, visit www.factorialenergy.com.
About Cartesian III
Cartesian III is a blank check company organized for the purpose of
effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, or reorganization or engaging in any other similar business
combination with one or more businesses or entities. Cartesian III is an affiliate of Cartesian Capital Group, LLC, a global private equity
firm and registered investment adviser headquartered in New York City, New York. Cartesian III is an emerging growth company as defined
in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012. For more information about Cartesian III, please visit www.cartesiangrowth.com/cgc3.
© 2026 Factorial Inc. All rights reserved. Factorial, the Factorial
logo, FEST® and Solstice™, are trademarks or registered trademarks in the United States and other countries.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this communication may be considered “forward-looking
statements.” Forward-looking statements herein generally relate to future events or the future financial or operating performance
of Factorial. For example, Factorial’s expectations regarding commercialization of its solid-state batteries, expansion into high-growth
sectors, including drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and mobile robotics, its business plans, and other projections concerning
key milestones are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,”
“should,” “expect,” “intend,” “will,” “estimate,” “anticipate,”
“believe,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “plan,” or “potentially”
or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar terminology. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties,
and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
While Factorial may elect to update such forward-looking statements in the future, it disclaims any obligation to do so.
Additional Information about the Business Combination and Where
to Find It
This communication relates to the proposed business combination between
Factorial and Cartesian III (“Business Combination”) pursuant to that certain Business Combination Agreement, dated as of
December 17, 2025, by and among Cartesian III, Fenway MS, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and Factorial. The proposed Business
Combination will be submitted to shareholders of Cartesian III for their consideration. Cartesian III and Factorial intend to file a registration
statement on Form S-4 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which will include a definitive proxy statement
to be distributed to Cartesian III’s shareholders in connection with Cartesian III’s solicitations of proxies from its shareholders
with respect to the proposed business combination and other matters to be described in the Form S-4, as well as the prospectus relating
to the offer of the securities to be issued to the stockholders of Factorial in connection with the completion of the proposed Business
Combination. After that registration statement has been filed and declared effective, Cartesian III will mail a definitive proxy statement/prospectus
and other relevant documents relating to the proposed Business Combination and other matters to be described in the registration statement
to Factorial stockholders and Cartesian III shareholders as of a record date to be established for voting on the proposed Business Combination.
Before making any voting or investment decision, Cartesian III shareholders, Factorial stockholders, and other interested persons are
urged to read these documents and any amendments thereto, as well as any other relevant documents filed with the SEC by Cartesian III
in connection with the proposed Business Combination and other matters to be described in those documents when they become available,
because they will contain important information about Cartesian III, Factorial and the proposed Business Combination. Shareholders will
also be able to obtain free copies of the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other
documents filed by Cartesian III with the SEC, once available, without charge, at the SEC’s website located at www.sec.gov, or by
directing a written request to Cartesian Growth Corporation III, 505 Fifth Avenue, 15th Floor, New York, New York 10017.
Participants in the Solicitation
Cartesian III, Factorial, and their respective directors and executive
officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitations of proxies from Cartesian III’s shareholders with respect to the
proposed Business Combination and the other matters set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus. Information regarding Cartesian III’s
directors and executive officers, and a description of their interests in Cartesian III is contained in Cartesian III’s final prospectus
for its initial public offering filed with the SEC on May 5, 2025, which is available free of charge at the SEC’s website located
at www.sec.gov, or by directing a request to Cartesian Growth Corporation III, 505 Fifth Avenue, 15th Floor, New York, New York 10017.
Additional information regarding the interests of such participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect
interests, will be contained in the proxy statement/prospectus relating to the proposed Business Combination when it becomes available.
Shareholders, potential investors and other interested persons should read the proxy statement/prospectus carefully when it becomes available
before making any voting or investment decisions. You may obtain free copies of these documents from the sources described above.
This communication is not a substitute for the registration statement
filed by Cartesian III or for any other document that Cartesian III and Factorial may file with the SEC in connection with the proposed
Business Combination. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY
WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of other
documents filed with the SEC by Cartesian III, without charge, at the SEC’s website located at www.sec.gov.
No Offer or Solicitation
This communication shall not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation
of an offer to buy, or a recommendation to purchase, any securities, in any jurisdiction, or the solicitation of any vote, consent or
approval in any jurisdiction in connection with the proposed Business Combination or any related transactions, nor shall there be any
sale of securities in any states or jurisdictions in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. This communication is not,
and under no circumstances is to be construed as, a prospectus, an advertisement or a public offering of the securities described herein
in the United States or any other jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements
of Section 10 of the Securities Act, or exemptions therefrom. INVESTMENT IN ANY SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED
BY THE SEC OR ANY OTHER REGULATORY AUTHORITY NOR HAS ANY AUTHORITY PASSED UPON OR ENDORSED THE MERITS OF THE OFFERING OR THE ACCURACY
OR ADEQUACY OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
| Investor Contact: | IR@FactorialEnergy.com; |
| Media Contact: | Factorial@antennagroup.com |
