GigCapital9 Corp., the newest special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) helmed by seasoned sponsor Avi Katz, made its public debut Tuesday, raising $220 million through its initial public offering. The Palo Alto-based firm began trading on the Nasdaq under the ticker GIXXU.

Strategic SPAC Offering

The company sold 22 million units at $10 each. Each unit consists of one Class A ordinary share and one right to receive one-fifth of an additional Class A share. Underwriters have been granted a 45-day option to purchase up to 3.3 million more units to cover potential over-allotments. The offering is slated to close Wednesday.

DLA Piper provided legal counsel to GigCapital9, while Harney Westwood & Riegels LLP handled Cayman Islands legal matters. Lucosky Brookman LLP advised the IPO underwriters.

Focused on High-Tech Growth

SPACs, often dubbed “blank check” companies, raise capital through IPOs to acquire private firms and take them public. GigCapital9 plans to target industries aligned with its management team’s expertise. According to a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filing, the firm is zeroing in on aerospace and defense services, technology, media, and telecommunications—particularly companies specializing in cybersecurity and secure communications—and businesses developing artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions.

Katz’s Proven SPAC Track Record

GigCapital9 is led by tech entrepreneur Avi Katz, who previously co-founded semiconductor firm GigPeak before selling it to Integrated Device Technology. Katz has a history of SPAC ventures under the GigCapital name. Its predecessor, GigCapital8, raised $220 million in October 2025, while GigCapital7 raised $200 million in September 2024 and announced plans to merge with nuclear energy company Hadron Energy in a $1.2 billion deal.

This latest offering continues Katz’s streak of high-profile SPAC initiatives, underscoring his focus on technology-driven growth sectors and strategic acquisitions.

DLA Piper advisors: Jeffrey C. Selman and Elena Nrtina
Harney Westwood Cayman counsel: George Weston and Christopher Hall
Lucosky Brookman underwriter advisors: Joseph M. Lucosky and Lawrence Metelitsa