From fiber to funding: Dan Caruso’s next frontier

Dan Caruso considered locating in Silicon Valley, Boston or Washington, D.C., when he left WorldCom Inc. to start his own company in 1997. But he chose Colorado instead.

The move didn’t make much sense. Colorado was still known more for its ski resorts than startups. But Caruso loved the state, and so he thought that the kind of talent he wanted to hire would love it, too.

Now, his fondness for the state continues to drive his business decisions, only as a venture capitalist. In the past year, he’s focused his efforts on quantum, AI, space and digital infrastructure. He’s also funded the Roots Music Fest, a three-day music festival in Boulder, and helped bring the Sundance Film Festival to Boulder.