The Traits That Define a Rootical Founder
In this article, we'll delve into the type of exceptionally talented entrepreneurs we are looking for to join our second cohort as a Founder-in-Residence, starting in October. As a startup studio or business builder, we bring together ideas, resources, and talent. We are always on the lookout for amazing, seasoned founders and high-potentials. Is this you?
After reflecting on the 20+ profiles we have been building ventures with since 2023, we realised that typical Rootical Founders-in-Residence share a core set of traits.
Deep Empathy. Rootical founders have firsthand experience with the issues plaguing our food system. They have a deep passion for agriculture, have been in the fields, and are experienced in working alongside smallholder farmers — more often than not they come from a farming background themselves. This deep understanding of the problems within our food system drives them to actively seek out and initiate real change. They want to have a positive impact on their community they know so well.
Business Acumen. That passion for agriculture goes hand-in-hand with business acumen. Our founders are masters of sales, operations, and networking — the essential tools to execute, turn their vision into reality and build commercially viable, impactful and scalable businesses that transform the food system.
Purpose-driven. For our founders, a can-do mentality is essential. Those with PhDs and academic brilliance are action-oriented. They know it is not enough to let their ideas gather dust. They have a burning desire to translate the years of insight into real-world solutions that impact millions of people.
Grounded. They are comfortable getting their hands dirty and working alongside the people they are building solutions with and for.
Obsessed. They approach problems with a unique and innovative mindset. They believe there are better ways than the traditional career paths. They are fearless in forging their own way and obsessed about driving the change they want to see, even if it means leaving the corporate ladder behind.
Growth-mindset. While their fancy degrees and certifications might be impressive, our founders are down-to-earth, eager to learn, and unafraid of hard work. They are self-aware and humble entrepreneurs, and believe in continuous learning from farmers and fellow founders.
In a vivacious TedX Talk, Ernesto Sirolli identifies 3 types of founders: those that build it, those that sell it, and those that are good at looking after the money (they operate it, meticulously, we could say). No founder was ever found that excels in all 3 roles, according to Sirolli, and we agree.
Building it, selling it, stewarding it… what are you good at?
Building it. You are exceptionally good at some technical skill. You are a food scientist, a soil biologist, a product designer, a hydrologist, a software developer, a nutritionist, etc. With this extraordinary technical skill and subject matter expertise you are poised to become the Product lead at the innovative business we’re about to develop together.
Selling it. You are a sales superstar, ready to transform Uganda’s food system by putting your commercial talent to use and closing deals. You are a charismatic and results-oriented individual. If you're tired of just selling anything, why not co-own the business and sell an impactful solution that contributes positively to society?
Stewarding it. You are outstanding in looking after the money to steer the business towards success and its purpose. You have experience and demonstrated abilities in managing business growth and/or project execution, which, as you know, in entrepreneurship starts with yourself doing the work in the first stages of growth.
We are convinced that looking for a good representation of these 3 types, will be critical for our work in selecting and nurturing the next wave of talented founders we engage with at Rootical.
Rootical is launching a new cohort and Call for Founders in October 2024, apply now!
The 2023 Rootical Cohort during a field visit at Jero Farm in Entebbe.
