Tell us about your company or firm.
Roo Capital is an investment firm based in Miami and New York. We invest in early (pre-seed, seed, series A) and growth stage (series B & C) businesses across software + AI, healthcare, and cybersecurity. Roo supports its founders with a unique “Capital + Talent + Growth” model, providing hiring and hands-on scaling support. A partner, not just a check.
What is one “must do” (or must not do!) piece of advice you have for founders growing a startup?
If I had to choose one “must do,” it would be: never outsource ownership of your people. Founders naturally obsess over product, customers, and capital, but the team is what turns all three into results. Hire deliberately, set clear expectations, and invest in your people. Use a hiring process that allows the candidate to interact in several different settings (in the office and a dinner or lunch). Watch how they treat people (the waitstaff, host) at that dinner or lunch.
What excites you most about Florida’s future as a place to invest and/or grow a startup?
Florida is attracting elite firms from fast growing startups who want a better business environment that is more supportive and has less red tape. It is exciting to see every part of the ecosystem come together. Miami in particular, where we are based, is a very international city, and the blending of ideas from around the world, combined with the energy that the founders are bringing, is creating some very valuable companies solving very big problems.
What are you currently reading or listening to?
I am reading two right now: “All the Difference” by Susan Brady and “Cancel Me If You Can” by Dave Portnoy, which is entertaining and shows someone who embodies the word “perseverance”
Who or what is your greatest source of inspiration?
My Mentors. I have been fortunate enough to have 3 great mentors in my life who have helped me in immeasurable ways. One of which is my mother, who at 74, still works as a full-time pharmacist in her pharmacies in Charleston, SC, serving people.
Could you share some words of wisdom for success in business or life?
“Feet In Buildings” (F.I.B.). Building trust is a long process. Whether it’s working with founders or LPs – building trust requires patience, genuine connection, and immense amount of effort from both sides. Get your feet in your customers, investors, partners, family, friends’ buildings and homes (i.e. go see them in person at their place) Go the extra mile and see people in person. Break bread or visit their office if you can – whatever it takes to see people face-to-face. This has built countless great relationships, sales, and LPs for our funds. Too many people just sit on Zoom or on a call because it is easier and less effort to go see people in person.
Can you tell us about a mentor or someone who has had a positive influence on you?
My mother, Deb DaPore. Born in a small town in NY, put herself through college and pharmacy school, moved our family to Charleston, SC for better opportunities and continues to be servant to countless people in her community as a pharmacist of over 50 years and small business owner. She is fearless, kind, has a moral compass of titanium, and has shown my sister and I perseverance and resilience, which are two of my core values that have helped shape my success.
