Silvana Capaldi, Founding Chair, Dealmaker Forum Tampa Bay

July 2026 — Invest: spoke with Silvana Capaldi, co-founder of the Dealmaker Forum Tampa Bay, about the region’s evolving dealmaking landscape and the forces reshaping founder and investor behavior. She said technology, population growth, and rising deal activity are helping cement Tampa Bay’s position as a stronger hub for both capital and talent. She also underscored the importance of building stronger ties between students and business leaders. “If you want a strong community, you have to keep your youth here and show them clear career pathways,” said Capaldi.

Over the past year, what shifts have had the greatest impact on the Dealmaker Forum, both internally and across the broader market?

It has been a strong year for us. M&A activity across Tampa Bay has shaped our programming, influenced the voices we bring to the table, and informed the insights we share. As deal flow rises, more investors and advisers enter the market, and business owners become increasingly focused on valuation, strategy, and the mechanics of a transaction.

Tampa Bay has also remained a strong seller’s market, drawing in more sophisticated buyers and increasing demand for forums like ours that help stakeholders interpret what is happening on the ground.

How is the ecosystem continuing to evolve, and what has surprised you most about the pace or direction of that growth?

Technology remains the clearest driver of change. AI and cybersecurity now shape conversations across virtually every sector we touch. While automation continues to raise questions, these tools are also creating new opportunities for the people who develop, implement, and manage them.

Population growth is reinforcing that momentum. Tampa Bay’s steady inflow of talent and companies has made the region’s evolution feel measured and healthy rather than volatile, which is often a hallmark of a maturing market.

You’ve often emphasized that coachability and strong relationships distinguish successful founders. Are you seeing a shift in how founders and sellers think about the market today?

Absolutely. Not long ago, many founders did not view Tampa Bay as a place to find private equity firms, investment bankers, or highly sophisticated advisers. The assumption was that they needed to look to markets like New York or Chicago. That mindset is changing.

Today, the talent is here. I recently advised a business owner who was considering a firm in Denver, and my response was simple: Why go there before meeting the people in your own market? Part of our role is to challenge outdated assumptions and spotlight the strength of the local ecosystem.

What strategies have been most effective in helping founders and investors appreciate the depth of regional talent?

Our partnership with the University of Tampa has been especially valuable. At each event, graduating finance students present deal activity from the previous quarter. Business owners gain direct exposure to emerging talent, and students leave with meaningful real-world experience.

That pipeline matters. If you want a strong community, you have to keep young people here and show them clear career paths. Many of these students go on to secure internships or job offers through the forum, which strengthens the ecosystem as a whole.

Across Florida, what trends are defining the dealmaking environment, and how is the Dealmaker Forum helping stakeholders navigate them?

Florida is expanding in every direction, and other markets are paying close attention. Colleges in Orlando and Miami have reached out about replicating our model of connecting students, business owners, and capital providers. To me, that signals the approach is resonating well beyond Tampa Bay.

Private equity activity remains robust, from platform acquisitions to roll-up strategies. We are also seeing international buyers use business acquisitions as a gateway into Florida. Our role is to make those trends visible and offer business owners a practical place to learn from the people driving them.

Which sectors are generating the most interest and activity within your network right now?

Healthcare and senior services continue to stand out. Tampa Bay has exceptional hospitals and growing demand for wellness-oriented services that support an aging population. From senior living to elective procedures, the sector is drawing meaningful investor interest.

Construction and home-related services also remain highly active, particularly as older housing stock continues to drive remodeling demand. HVAC, plumbing, and similar trades are still seeing strong roll-up activity.

Tourism and food service are another bright spot, buoyed by population growth and a steady stream of visitors. You can see that momentum reflected in the new districts and hospitality concepts emerging across the region.

Periods of rapid change often bring pressure alongside opportunity. What challenges are dealmakers and entrepreneurs facing most acutely today?

The pace of change is a challenge in itself. AI is evolving daily, and leaders need to make time to understand how to use it effectively. Business owners cannot approach their companies the same way they did even a few years ago.

Data is another major pressure point. In a data-driven economy, companies need real-time visibility into customers, employees, and operations. Without a clear data strategy, they risk falling behind.

Talent and leadership remain equally critical. Younger professionals want meaningful work and a voice in decision-making, not repetitive tasks. Organizations that do not evolve their culture to meet that expectation will struggle to retain them.

As you look ahead over the next two to three years, what are your top goals for expanding the Dealmaker Forum’s impact?

I want to deepen our educational role. Every business owner has a unique perspective and lessons that can help shape the next generation. Many do not realize how powerful their stories can be, but when shared, they inspire young people to build, innovate, and start companies of their own.

In the years ahead, I want to strengthen the connection between experienced business owners and emerging talent. If we can help young people see what is possible, understand the journey, and imagine solutions to real problems, we will strengthen Tampa Bay’s economic future. That is at the heart of our mission and where I see the greatest opportunity for impact.