# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0002099093
**File Stem:** 0001493152-26-005135
**Filing Date:** 2026-2
**Character Count:** 40977
**Document Hash:** 50f66bb9c0bff39e89e326e30682dcf4
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001493152-26-005135.hdr.sgml**: 20260204

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001493152-26-005135

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: S-1MEF

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 17

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20260204

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20260204

**EFFECTIVENESS DATE**: 20260204

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** Hennessy Capital Investment Corp. VIII
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0002099093
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** BLANK CHECKS [6770]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 05 Real Estate & Construction
- **EIN:** 981872964
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** NV
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** S-1MEF
- **SEC ACT:** 1933 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 333-293211
- **FILM NUMBER:** 26599544

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 195 US HWY 50 SUITE 207
- **CITY:** ZEPHYR COVE
- **STATE:** NV
- **ZIP:** 89448
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 847-477-8504

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 195 US HWY 50 SUITE 207
- **CITY:** ZEPHYR COVE
- **STATE:** NV
- **ZIP:** 89448

**As filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on February 4, 2026.**

**Registration No. 333-** 

**UNITED STATES**

**SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION**

**Washington, D.C. 20549**

**FORM S-1**

**REGISTRATION STATEMENT**

**UNDER**

**THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933**

**Hennessy Capital Investment Corp. VIII**

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Cayman Islands** | **6770** | **98-1872964** |
| (State or other jurisdiction of<br> incorporation or organization) | (Primary Standard Industrial<br> Classification Code Number) | (I.R.S. Employer<br> Identification Number) |

---

**195 US Hwy 50, Suite 207**

**Zephyr Cove, Nevada 89448**

**Telephone: (775) 339-1671**

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)

**Daniel J. Hennessy**

**Chairman and Chief Executive Officer**

**Hennessy Capital Investment Corp. VIII**

**195 US Hwy 50, Suite 207**

**Zephyr Cove, Nevada 89448**

**Telephone: (775) 339-1671**

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

**Copies to:**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Michael P. Heinz**<br> **Jeffrey N. Smith**<br> **Sidley Austin LLP**<br> **787 Seventh Avenue**<br> **New York, New York 10019**<br> **(212) 839-5300** | **Simon Raftopoulos**<br> **Alexandra Low**<br> **Appleby (Cayman) Ltd.**<br> **9th Floor, 60 Nexus Way** <br> **Camana Bay Grand Cayman, KY1-1104**<br> **(345) 949-4900** | **Christian O. Nagler, P.C.**<br> **Mathieu Kohmann**<br> **Kirkland & Ellis LLP**<br> **601 Lexington Ave**<br> **New York, New York 10022**<br> **(212) 446-4800** |

---

**Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:**

**As soon as practicable after the effective date of this registration statement.**

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933 check the following box. ☐

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☒ 333-291924

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer ☐ Accelerated filer ☐ Non-accelerated filer ☒ Smaller reporting company ☒ <br> Emerging growth company ☒

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 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ☐

**The Registration Statement shall become effective upon filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission in accordance with Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.**

**EXPLANATORY NOTE**

This Registration Statement on Form S-1 is being filed with respect to the registration of 4,025,000 additional units of Hennessy Capital Investment Corp. VIII, a Cayman Islands exempted company with limited liability (the "Registrant"), each consisting of one Class A ordinary share and one right to receive one-twelfth (1/12) of a Class A ordinary share upon the consummation of an initial business combination, pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and General Instruction V to Form S-1. This Registration Statement relates to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended (File No. 333-291924) (the "Prior Registration Statement"), initially filed by the Registrant on December 3, 2025, and declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") on February 4, 2026. The required opinions of counsels and related consents and accountant's consent are attached hereto and filed herewith. Pursuant to Rule 462(b), the contents of the Prior Registration Statement, including the exhibits thereto, are incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement.

**CERTIFICATION**

The Registrant hereby certifies to the Commission that (1) it has instructed its bank to pay the filing fee set forth herein by a wire transfer of such amount to the Commission's account at U.S. Bank as soon as practicable (but no later than the close of business as of February 5, 2026), (2) it will not revoke such instructions, (3) it has sufficient funds in the relevant account to cover the amount of such filing fee and (4) it will confirm receipt of such instructions by its bank during regular business hours no later than February 5, 2026.

**PART II**

**INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS**

**Item 16. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) *Exhibits*. All exhibits filed with or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-291924) are incorporated by reference into, and shall be deemed a part of, this Registration Statement, and the following additional exhibits are filed herewith, as part of this Registration Statement:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit** | **Description** |
| 5.1 | [Opinion of Sidley Austin LLP](ex5-1.htm) |
| 5.2 | [Opinion of Appleby (Cayman) Ltd.](ex5-2.htm) |
| 23.1 | [Consent of WithumSmith+Brown, PC](ex23-1.htm) |
| 23.2 | [Consent of Sidley Austin LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1)](ex5-1.htm) |
| 23.3 | [Consent of Appleby (Cayman) Ltd. (included in Exhibit 5.2)](ex5-2.htm) |
| 24.1 | [Power of Attorney (included in signature page to the Registrant's Prior Registration Statement (File No.333-291924), filed on December 3, 2025](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/2099093/000149315225026017/forms-1.htm#m_007) |
| 107 | [Filing Fee Table](ex107.htm) |

---

**SIGNATURES**

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Zephyr Cove, State of Nevada on the 4th day of February, 2026.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **HENNESSY CAPITAL INVESTMENT CORP. VIII** | **HENNESSY CAPITAL INVESTMENT CORP. VIII** |
| By: | */s/ Nicholas Geeza* |
| Name: | Nicholas Geeza |
| Title: | Chief Financial Officer |

---

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Signature** | **Title** | **Date** |
| *\** | Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer | February 4, 2026 |
| Daniel J. Hennessy | (Principal Executive Officer) |  |
| */s/ Nicholas Geeza* | Chief Financial Officer | February 4, 2026 |
| Nicholas Geeza | (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |  |
| *\** | President and Director | February 4, 2026 |
| Thomas D. Hennessy |  |  |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| \*By: | */s/ Nicholas Geeza* |
|  | Nicholas Geeza |
|  | Attorney-in-Fact |

---

**AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE**

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 6(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, the undersigned has signed this Registration Statement, solely in its capacity as the duly authorized representative of Hennessy Capital Investment Corp. VIII, in Zephyr Cove, Nevada, on the 4th day of February, 2026.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| By: | */s/ Nicholas Geeza* |
| Name: | Nicholas Geeza |
| Title: | Chief Financial Officer |

---

## Exhibit 5.1

**Exhibit 5.1**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ![](ex5-1_001.jpg) | Sidley Austin LLP<br> 787 Seventh Avenue<br> New York, NY 10019<br> +1 212 839 5300<br> +1 212 839 5599 Fax |

---

February 4, 2026

Hennessy Capital Investment Corp. VIII

195 US Hwy 50, Suite 207

Zephyr Cove, Nevada 89448

Re: *Hennessy Capital Investment Corp. VIII – Registration Statement on Form S-1*

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We refer to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 being filed by Hennessy Capital Investment Corp. VIII, a Cayman Islands exempted company (the "<u>Company</u>"), with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "<u>SEC</u>") on the date hereof pursuant to Rule 462(b) (the "<u>Additional Registration Statement</u>") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "<u>Securities Act</u>"). The Additional Registration Statement relates to the registration under the Securities Act of (i) 4,025,000 units of the Company (including an aggregate of up to 525,000 units that may be sold by the Company pursuant to the exercise of the underwriters' option to purchase such units under the Underwriting Agreement (as defined below)) (the "<u>Units</u>"), each Unit consisting of one Class A ordinary share, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Company (the "<u>Ordinary Shares</u>") and one right to receive one-twelfth (1/12) of one Ordinary Share upon the consummation of the Company's initial business combination (the "<u>Share Rights</u>") and (ii) 335,417 Ordinary Shares issuable upon conversion of the Share Rights included as part of the Units. The Additional Registration Statement incorporates by reference the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-291924), filed by the Company with the SEC under the Securities Act, as amended to the date hereof (as so amended, the "<u>Original Registration Statement</u>"). This opinion letter is in addition to our opinion letter that was filed as Exhibit 5.1 to the Original Registration Statement. The Units are to be sold by the Company pursuant to an underwriting agreement among the Company and the underwriters named therein, the form of which has been filed as Exhibit 1.1 to the Original Registration Statement (the "<u>Underwriting Agreement</u>"). This opinion letter is being delivered in accordance with the requirements of Item 601(b)(5) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act.

We have examined (i) the Original Registration Statement; (ii) the Additional Registration Statement; (iii) the form of the Underwriting Agreement; (iv) the specimen Unit certificate filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Original Registration Statement; (v) the specimen Share Right certificate filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Original Registration Statement; and (vi) the form of Share Rights Agreement to be entered into between the Company and Odyssey Transfer and Trust Company, as share rights agent (the "<u>Share Rights Agent</u>"), filed as Exhibit 4.4 to the Original Registration Statement (the "<u>Share Rights Agreement</u>"). We have also examined originals, or copies of originals certified to our satisfaction, of such agreements, documents, certificates and statements of the Company and other corporate documents and instruments, and have examined such questions of law, as we have considered relevant and necessary as a basis for this opinion letter. We have assumed the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the genuineness of all signatures, the legal capacity of all persons and the conformity with the original documents of any copies thereof submitted to us for examination. As to facts relevant to the opinions expressed herein, we have relied without independent investigation or verification upon, and assumed the accuracy and completeness of certificates, letters and oral and written statements and representations of public officials and officers and other representatives of the Company.

Sidley Austin (NY) LLP is a Delaware limited liability partnership doing business as Sidley Austin LLP and practicing in affiliation with other Sidley Austin partnerships.

![](ex5-1_001.jpg)

Hennessy Capital Investment Corp. VIII

February 4, 2026

Based on the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. The Units will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company when: (i) the Additional Registration Statement, as finally amended, shall have become effective under the Securities Act; (ii) the Company's board of directors or a duly authorized committee thereof shall have duly adopted final resolutions authorizing the issuance and sale of the Units (and the Ordinary Shares and the Share Rights comprising the Units) as contemplated by the Additional Registration Statement; and (iii) the Units shall have been duly registered on the books of the transfer agent and registrar therefor in the name or on behalf of the purchasers thereof and have been issued by the Company against payment of the agreed consideration therefor in accordance with the terms of the Underwriting Agreement as executed and delivered by the parties thereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. The Share Rights included in the Units will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company when: (i) the Additional Registration Statement, as finally amended, shall have become effective under the Securities Act; (ii) the Share Rights Agreement shall have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Share Rights Agent and duly executed and delivered by the Company; and (iii) the Units shall have been duly registered on the books of the transfer agent and registrar therefor in the name or on behalf of the purchasers thereof and have been issued by the Company against payment of the agreed consideration therefor in accordance with the terms of the Underwriting Agreement as executed and delivered by the parties thereto.

In rendering the opinions in paragraphs 1 and 2 above, we have also assumed that: (i) the Company (a) is duly incorporated and is validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, (b) has the requisite legal status and legal capacity under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization and (c) has complied and will comply with all aspects of the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization in connection with the transactions contemplated by, and the performance of its obligations under, the Underwriting Agreement and the Share Rights Agreement; (ii) the Company has the corporate power and authority to execute, deliver and perform all its obligations under the Underwriting Agreement, the Share Rights Agreement and the Units; (iii) the execution, delivery and performance of the Underwriting Agreement, the Share Rights Agreement or other applicable transaction documents to be executed by the Company have been or will be duly authorized by all necessary corporate action of the Company; (iv) neither the execution and delivery by the Company of the Underwriting Agreement and the Share Rights Agreement nor the performance by the Company of its obligations thereunder, including the issuance and sale of the Units: (a) conflicts or will conflict with the Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company, (b) constitutes or will constitute a violation of, or a default under, any lease, indenture, instrument or other agreement to which the Company or its property is subject, (c) contravenes or will contravene any order or decree of any governmental authority to which the Company or its property is subject or (d) violates or will violate any law, rule or regulation to which the Company or its property is subject (except that we do not make the assumption set forth in this clause (d) with respect to the laws of the State of New York); and (v) neither the execution and delivery by the Company of the Underwriting Agreement and the Share Rights Agreement nor the performance by the Company of its obligations thereunder, including the issuance and sale of the Units, requires or will require the consent, approval, licensing or authorization of, or any filing, recording or registration with, any governmental authority under any law, rule or regulation of any jurisdiction.

![](ex5-1_001.jpg)

Hennessy Capital Investment Corp. VIII

February 4, 2026

Our opinions are subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance, fraudulent transfer and other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights generally and to general equitable principles (regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law), including concepts of commercial reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing and the possible unavailability of specific performance or injunctive relief. We advise you that issues addressed by this opinion letter may be governed in whole or in part by other laws, but we express no opinion as to whether any relevant difference exists between the laws upon which our opinions are based and any other laws which may actually govern.

With respect to each instrument or agreement referred to in or otherwise relevant to the opinions set forth herein (each, an "<u>Instrument</u>"), we have assumed, to the extent relevant to the opinions set forth herein, that (i) each party to such Instrument (if not a natural person) was duly organized or formed, as the case may be, and at all relevant times was, is and will be validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization or formation, as the case may be, and at all relevant times had, has and will have full right, power and authority to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under such Instrument; (ii) such Instrument has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by each party thereto; and (iii) such Instrument at all relevant times was, is and will be a valid, binding and enforceable agreement or obligation, as the case may be, of, each party thereto; provided, that we make no assumption in clause (iii) insofar as such assumption relates to the Company and is expressly covered by our opinions set forth herein.

We have further assumed that the Units and the Share Rights Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of New York.

This opinion letter is limited to the laws of the State of New York (excluding the securities laws of the State of New York). We express no opinion as to the laws, rules or regulations of any other jurisdiction, including, without limitation, the federal laws of the United States of America or any state securities or blue sky laws.

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion letter as an exhibit to the Additional Registration Statement and to all references to our Firm included in or made a part of the Additional Registration Statement. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act.

---

| |
|:---|
| Very truly yours, |
| */s/ Sidley Austin LLP* |

---

## Exhibit 5.2

**Exhibit 5.2**

![](ex5-2_001.jpg)

---

| |
|:---|
| **Hennessy Capital Investment Corp. VIII** |
| 71 Fort Street<br> PO Box 500<br> George Town<br> Grand Cayman KY1-1106<br> Cayman Islands |

---

4 January, 2026

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **HENNESSY CAPITAL INVESTMENT CORP. VIII** |
| Cayman Office<br>Appleby (Cayman) Ltd.<br> 9<sup>th</sup> Floor, 60 Nexus Way<br> Camana Bay<br> PO Box 190<br> Grand Cayman KY1-1104<br> Cayman Islands | We have acted as counsel as to Cayman Islands law to **Hennessy Capital Investment Corp. VIII** (the "**Company**") in connection with the Company's registration statement on Form S-1, including all amendments or supplements thereto, filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "**Commission**") under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "**Act**") (including its exhibits, the "**Registration Statement**") for the purposes of registering with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Act the offering and sale of an additional: |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Tel +1 345 949 4900<br>applebyglobal.com<br>| (a) | up to 4,025,000 units (including up to 525,000 units, if the underwriters option to purchase additional units is exercised in full, which the several underwriters for whom Cohen & Company Capital Markets, a division of Cohen & Company Securities, LLC is acting as representative ("**Representative**"), will have a 45-day option to purchase from the Company to cover over-allotments, if any) ("**Units**") at an offering price of US$10.00 per Unit, each Unit consisting of: |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) one
 Class A ordinary share of a par value of US$0.0001 of the Company ()"**Class A Ordinary Shares** "); and

(ii) one
 right to receive one-twelfth (1/12) of one Class A Ordinary Share upon the consummation of
 an initial business combination ()"**Share Rights**" and each a "**Share Right** ").

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) all
 Class A Ordinary Shares and Share Rights issued as part of the Units; and

(c) all
 Class A Ordinary Shares that may be issued upon exercise of the Share Rights included in
 the Units.

Appleby (Cayman) Ltd. (the Legal Practice) is a company limited by shares incorporated in the Cayman Islands and approved and recognised under the Legal Practitioners (Incorporated Practice) Regulations 2006 (as amended). "Partner" is a title referring to a director, shareholder or an employee of the Legal Practice. A list of such persons can be obtained from your relationship partner.

Bermuda ■ British Virgin Islands ■ Cayman Islands ■ Guernsey ■ Hong Kong ■ Isle of Man ■ Jersey ■ Mauritius ■ Seychelles ■ Shanghai

![](ex5-2_001.jpg)

This opinion letter is given in accordance with the terms of the Legal Matters section of the Registration Statement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**1.** **Documents Reviewed** 

We have reviewed originals, copies, drafts or conformed copies of the following documents:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.1 The
 certificate of incorporation dated 15 July, 2025, and the memorandum and articles of association
 of the Company as registered or adopted on 15 July, 2025, and the amended and restated memorandum
 and articles of association of the Company as adopted at the time the Registration Statement
 becomes effective (together, the "**Memorandum and Articles** ").

1.2 The
 written resolutions of the board of directors of the Company dated 16 October, 2025, on or
 about 11 November, 2025, and on or about the date the Registration Statement becomes effective
 (together, the "**Resolutions**") and the corporate records of the Company
 maintained at its registered office in the Cayman Islands.

1.3 A
 certificate of good standing with respect to the Company issued by the Registrar of Companies
 (the "**Certificate of Good Standing** ").

1.4 The
 Registration Statement.

1.5 A
 draft of the form of the unit certificate representing the Units (the "**Unit Certificate** ").

1.6 A
 draft of the form of the share rights agreement and the share right certificate constituting
 the Share Rights (the "**Share Rights Documents** ").

1.7 A
 draft of the underwriting agreement between the Company and the Representative.

The documents listed in paragraphs 1.5 to 1.7 inclusive above shall be referred to collectively herein as the "**Documents**".

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 2 | **Assumptions** |

---

The following opinions are given only as to, and based on, circumstances and matters of fact existing and known to us on the date of this opinion letter. These opinions only relate to the laws of the Cayman Islands which are in force on the date of this opinion letter. In giving the following opinions, we have relied (without further verification) upon the completeness and accuracy, as at the date of this opinion letter, of the Certificate of Good Standing. We have also relied upon the following assumptions, which we have not independently verified:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.1 The
 choice of laws of the State of New York as the governing law of the Documents has been made
 in good faith and would be regarded as a valid and binding selection which will be upheld
 by the courts of the State of New York and any other relevant jurisdiction (other than the
 Cayman Islands) as a matter of the State of New York and all other relevant laws (other than
 the laws of the Cayman Islands).

Bermuda ■ British Virgin Islands ■ Cayman Islands ■ Guernsey ■ Hong Kong ■ Isle of Man ■ Jersey ■ Mauritius ■ Seychelles ■ Shanghai

![](ex5-2_001.jpg)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.2 Copies
 of documents, conformed copies or drafts of documents provided to us are true and complete
 copies of, or in the final forms of, the originals.

2.3 All
 signatures, initials and seals are genuine.

2.4 No
 invitation has been or will be made by or on behalf of the Company to the public in the Cayman
 Islands to subscribe for any of the Units, the Share Rights or the Ordinary Shares.

2.5 No
 monies paid to or for the account of any party under the Documents or any property received
 or disposed of by any party to the Documents, in each case in connection with the Documents
 or the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, represent or will represent
 proceeds of criminal conduct or criminal property or terrorist property (as defined in the
 Proceeds of Crime Act (As Revised) and the Terrorism Act (As Revised), respectively).

2.6 There
 is nothing under any law (other than the laws of the Cayman Islands) which would or might
 affect the opinions set out below. Specifically, we have made no independent investigation
 of the laws of New York.

Save as aforesaid we have not been instructed to undertake and have not undertaken any further enquiry or due diligence in relation to the transaction the subject of this opinion letter.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 3 | **OPINIONS** |

---

Based upon, and subject to, the foregoing assumptions and the qualifications set out below, and having regard to such legal considerations as we deem relevant, we are of the opinion that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.1 The
 Company has been duly incorporated as an exempted company with limited liability and is validly
 existing and in good standing with the Registrar of Companies under the laws of the Cayman
 Islands.

3.2 The
 Class A Ordinary Shares to be offered and issued by the Company as contemplated by the Registration
 Statement have been duly authorised for issue, and when issued by the Company against payment
 in full of the consideration as set out in the Registration Statement and in accordance with
 the terms set out in the Registration Statement, such Class A Ordinary Shares will be validly
 issued, fully paid and non-assessable. As a matter of Cayman Islands law, a share is only
 issued when it has been entered in the register of members (shareholders).

Bermuda ■ British Virgin Islands ■ Cayman Islands ■ Guernsey ■ Hong Kong ■ Isle of Man ■ Jersey ■ Mauritius ■ Seychelles ■ Shanghai

![](ex5-2_001.jpg)

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 3.3 | The execution, delivery and performance of the Unit Certificate and the Share Rights Documents have been authorised by and on behalf of the Company and, once the Unit Certificate and the Share Rights Documents have been executed and delivered by any director or officer of the Company, the Unit Certificate and the Share Rights Documents will be duly executed and delivered on behalf of the Company and will constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Company enforceable in accordance with their terms. |
| 4.0 | **QUALIFICATIONS** |

---

The opinions expressed above are subject to the following qualifications:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.1 The
 obligations assumed by the Company under the Documents will not necessarily be enforceable
 in all circumstances in accordance with their terms. In particular:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) enforcement
 may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, reorganisation, readjustment of debts
 or moratorium or other laws of general application relating to protecting or affecting the
 rights of creditors;

(b) enforcement
 may be limited by general principles of equity. For example, equitable remedies such as specific
 performance may not be available, inter alia, where damages are considered to be an adequate
 remedy;

(c) where
 obligations are to be performed in a jurisdiction outside the Cayman Islands, they may not
 be enforceable in the Cayman Islands to the extent that performance would be illegal under
 the laws of that jurisdiction; and

(d) some
 claims may become barred under relevant statutes of limitation or may be or become subject
 to defences of set off, counterclaim, estoppel and similar defences.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.2 To
 maintain the Company in good standing with the Registrar of Companies under the laws of the
 Cayman Islands, annual filing fees must be paid and returns made to the Registrar of Companies
 within the time frame prescribed by law.

Bermuda ■ British Virgin Islands ■ Cayman Islands ■ Guernsey ■ Hong Kong ■ Isle of Man ■ Jersey ■ Mauritius ■ Seychelles ■ Shanghai

![](ex5-2_001.jpg)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.3 Under
 Cayman Islands law, the register of members (shareholders) is prima facie evidence of title
 to shares and this register would not record a third-party interest in such shares. However,
 there are certain limited circumstances where an application may be made to a Cayman Islands
 court for a determination on whether the register of members reflects the correct legal position.
 Further, the Cayman Islands court has the power to order that the register of members maintained
 by a company should be rectified where it considers that the register of members does not
 reflect the correct legal position. As far as we are aware, such applications are rarely
 made in the Cayman Islands and for the purposes of the opinion given in paragraph 3.2, there
 are no circumstances or matters of fact known to us on the date of this opinion letter which
 would properly form the basis for an application for an order for rectification of the register
 of members of the Company, but if such an application were made in respect of the Class A
 Ordinary Shares, then the validity of such shares may be subject to re-examination by a Cayman
 Islands court.

4.4 In
 this opinion letter the phrase "non-assessable" means, with respect to the issuance
 of shares, that a shareholder shall not, in respect of the relevant shares and in the absence
 of a contractual arrangement, or an obligation pursuant to the memorandum and articles of
 association, to the contrary, have any obligation to make further contributions to the Company's
 assets (except in exceptional circumstances, such as involving fraud, the establishment of
 an agency relationship or an illegal or improper purpose or other circumstances in which
 a court may be prepared to pierce or lift the corporate veil).

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion letter as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the references to our firm under the headings "Legal Matters", "Risk Factors", "Shareholders' Suits" and "Enforcement of Civil Liabilities" in the prospectus included in the Registration Statement. In providing our consent, we do not thereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under section 7 of the Act or the Rules and Regulations of the Commission thereunder.

We offer no opinion: (i) as to any laws other than the laws of the Cayman Islands, and we have not, for the purposes of this opinion, made any investigation of the laws of any other jurisdiction, and we express no opinion as to the enforceability, meaning, validity, or effect of references in the Documents to statutes, rules, regulations, codes or judicial authority of any jurisdiction other than the Cayman Islands; or (ii) except to the extent that this opinion expressly provides otherwise, as to the commercial terms of, or the validity, enforceability or effect of the documents reviewed (or as to how the commercial terms of such documents reflect the intentions of the parties), the accuracy of representations, the fulfilment of warranties or conditions, the occurrence of events of default or terminating events or the existence of any conflicts or inconsistencies among the documents and any other agreements into which the Company may have entered or any other documents.

The opinions in this opinion letter are strictly limited to the matters contained in the opinions section above and do not extend to any other matters. We have not been asked to review and we therefore have not reviewed any of the ancillary documents relating to the Documents and express no opinion or observation upon the terms of any such document.

This opinion letter is addressed to you and may be relied upon by you, your counsel and purchasers of Units pursuant to the Registration Statement. This opinion letter is limited to the matters detailed herein and is not to be read as an opinion with respect to any other matter.

---

| |
|:---|
| Yours faithfully |
| */s/ Appleby (Cayman) Ltd.* |
| **Appleby (Cayman) Ltd.** |

---

Bermuda ■ British Virgin Islands ■ Cayman Islands ■ Guernsey ■ Hong Kong ■ Isle of Man ■ Jersey ■ Mauritius ■ Seychelles ■ Shanghai

## Exhibit 23.1

**Exhibit 23.1**

**CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM**

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-1 pursuant to rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of our report dated February 2, 2026, relating to the financial statements of Hennessy Capital Investment Corp. VIII as of October 21, 2025 and for the period from July 15, 2025 (inception) through October 21, 2025, appearing in the Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-291924.

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ WithumSmith+Brown, PC |
| New York, New York |
| February 4, 2026 |

---

## Ex-Filing

?xml version='1.0' encoding='ASCII'?

**Exhibit 107**

**CALCULATION OF FILING FEE TABLES**

**<u>Form S-1</u>**

(Form Type)

**<u>Hennessy Capital Investment Corp. VIII</u>**

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

Table 1: Newly Registered Securities

---

| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | <br>Security<br> Type | Fee Calculation<br>or Carry<br>Forward<br> Rule |<br>Amount<br> Registered | Proposed <br>Maximum<br>Offering<br>Price Per<br> Unit | Maximum<br>Aggregate<br>Offering<br> Price<sup>(1)</sup>  |<br>Fee Rate |<br>Amount of<br>Registration<br> Fee |
| Fees to be Paid | Equity Units, each consisting of one Class A ordinary share, par value $0.0001, and one right to receive one twelfth (1/12) of a Class A ordinary share upon the consummation an initial business combination<sup>(2)</sup> | Rule 457(a) | 4025000 | $10.00 | $40250000.00 | 0.0001381 | $5558.53 |
| Fees to be Paid | Equity Class A ordinary shares to be included as part of the Units<sup>(3)</sup> | Rule 457(a) | 4025000 |  |  |  | —<sup>(4)</sup> |
| Fees to be Paid | Equity Share Rights, one right to receive one twelfth (1/12) of a Class A ordinary share upon the consummation an initial business combination as part of the Units <sup>(3)</sup> | Rule 457(a) | 4025000 |  |  |  | —<sup>(4)</sup> |
| Fees to be Paid | Equity Class A ordinary shares underlying share rights <sup>(2) (3)</sup> | Rule 457(a) | 335417 | $10.00 | $3354170.00 | 0.0001381 | $463.21 |
|  | Total Offering Amounts |  |  |  | $43604170.00 |  | $6021.74<sup>(5)</sup> |
|  | Total Fees Previously Paid |  |  |  |  |  | $— |
|  | Net Fee Due |  |  |  |  |  | $6021.74<sup>(5)</sup> |

---

(1) Estimated
 solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(a) under the Securities Act.

(2) Represents only the additional number of securities being registered and includes 525,000 units, consisting of 525,000 Class A ordinary
shares and 525,000 rights to receive one-twelfth (1/12) of a Class A ordinary share upon the consummation an initial business combination,
which may be issued upon exercise of a 45-day option granted to the underwriters to cover over-allotments, if any.

(3) Pursuant
 to Rule 416, there are also being registered an indeterminable number of additional securities as may be issued to prevent dilution
 resulting from share splits, share capitalizations or similar transactions.

(4) No
 fee pursuant to Rule 457(g).

(5) The
 Registrant previously registered securities having a proposed maximum aggregate offering price of $218,020,830 in its Registration
 Statement on Form S-1, as amended (File No. 333-291924), which was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on
 January 4, 2026. In accordance with Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, an additional number of securities having a proposed maximum
 offering price of $43,604,170 is hereby registered, which includes securities issuable upon the exercise of the underwriters'
 over-allotment option.