McKinley Acquisition Corp has recently entered into a definitive business combination agreement with Space-Eyes, Inc., focusing on AI-driven counter drone technology and geospatial intelligence. The company also hosted and co-hosted SPAC bootcamp events in early 2026 to engage capital markets leaders and advisors.

• On July 30, 2026, McKinley Acquisition Corp entered into a definitive business combination agreement with Space-Eyes, Inc. to deliver AI-driven counter drone technology and geospatial intelligence worldwide [N1].
• The business combination includes a PIPE investment of up to approximately $75 million, involving senior secured convertible notes and warrants with specific terms and covenants [N1].
• In April 2026, McKinley Acquisition Corp and Belay Global hosted a SPAC bootcamp at CBIZ, bringing together capital markets leaders and advisors [N3].
• Due to strong attendance demand, the Belay Global SPAC Bootcamp venue was changed in April 2026 [N2].

McKinley Acquisition Corp's strategic focus on progressive industries with structural tailwinds, combined with a management team experienced in public market transactions and capital formation, positions it to identify and partner with high-growth companies. The recent definitive agreement with Space-Eyes, a company delivering AI-driven counter drone technology, aligns with its thematic investment thesis. The PIPE investment and strong liquidity ratios provide financial flexibility to support the business combination and subsequent growth initiatives. The company's active engagement in capital markets events reflects its commitment to investor relations and market readiness.

As a newly formed SPAC, McKinley Acquisition Corp faces inherent risks including the uncertainty of identifying and completing a successful business combination. The company has no operating history and had not identified a target prior to the Space-Eyes agreement. Competition from other SPACs and investment firms may limit access to attractive targets. The business combination and PIPE investment involve complex terms and covenants that may impose operational constraints. Additionally, the company's status as an emerging growth and smaller reporting company entails reduced disclosure obligations, which may affect investor perceptions. Execution risks remain in integrating and scaling the target business post-combination.

McKinley Acquisition Corp's competitive strengths derive primarily from its experienced management team and board, which possess deep expertise in capital markets, M&A, and operational scaling. The company leverages an extensive network of institutional investors, advisors, and industry relationships to source proprietary deal flow and attract high-quality business combination targets. Its focus on public market preparedness and strategic guidance aims to enhance the growth trajectory and market positioning of its target company. However, as a SPAC without operating history or identified targets prior to the Space-Eyes agreement, its moat is contingent on successful execution of its business combination strategy and the quality of the acquired business.

• Business Combination Execution Risk: The company has not completed a business combination and faces risks related to identifying, negotiating, and closing a suitable target transaction.
• Competitive Environment: Competition from other SPACs, private equity, and strategic acquirers may limit access to attractive business combination targets.
• Regulatory and Compliance Risks: As an emerging growth company and smaller reporting company, McKinley benefits from reduced disclosure requirements but may face increased scrutiny and compliance challenges post-combination.
• Financial and Operational Constraints: The PIPE investment includes senior secured convertible notes with covenants that may restrict operational flexibility and impose financial obligations.

• McKinley Acquisition Corp is a Cayman Islands exempted company formed on March 27, 2025, as a blank check company (SPAC) with the purpose of effecting a business combination with one or more operating businesses [S1].
• The company has not identified a specific business combination target but intends to focus on businesses with enterprise values between $500 million and $2 billion that are well-positioned for long-term growth [S1].
• McKinley Acquisition Corp targets companies in progressive industries experiencing innovation and structural change, including fintech, transporttech, agtech, cleantech, spacetech, and advanced AI [S1].
• The company seeks targets at an inflection point with accelerating growth potential, increasing profitability, and/or improved capital efficiency, aiming for a long-term 3–5x multiple expansion [S1].
• The management team and board have extensive experience in capital markets, public and private capital formation, M&A, and operational optimization, led by Chairman Adam Dooley and CEO Peter Wright [S1].
• The company completed its IPO on August 11, 2025, raising $150 million by selling 15 million units at $10 each, each unit consisting of one Class A ordinary share and one right to receive one-tenth of a share [S18].
• As of June 30, 2026, McKinley had cash and cash equivalents of $1,027,588 and current assets of $1,142,544 against current liabilities of $315,753, resulting in a current ratio of 3.62 and a cash ratio of 3.25 [S2].
• Net income reported for the period ending June 30, 2026, was $899,136 [S2].
• The company entered into a definitive business combination agreement with Space-Eyes, Inc. on July 30, 2026, to deliver AI-driven counter drone technology and geospatial intelligence worldwide [N1][S22].
• The business combination agreement includes a PIPE investment of up to approximately $75 million, involving senior secured convertible notes and warrants with specific terms and covenants [S19][S21].
• McKinley Acquisition Corp hosted and co-hosted SPAC bootcamp events in April 2026 to bring together capital markets leaders and advisors, indicating active engagement in the SPAC ecosystem [N3][N2].
• The company emphasizes public market preparedness, unmatched network access, end-to-end transactional expertise, and strategic capabilities as key differentiators [S1].
• McKinley Acquisition Corp is an emerging growth company and a smaller reporting company, benefiting from certain reduced disclosure obligations under the JOBS Act [S1][S8].
• The company has a disciplined due diligence process involving screening, discussions, due diligence, and negotiations with potential targets, aiming to maintain an active deal pipeline [S2].
• The company’s strategy includes partnering with businesses that can benefit from enhanced capital access, strategic guidance, and public market readiness [S1].