Arlan Hamilton: Inspiring Innovation
Arlan Hamilton is a venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and founder of Backstage Capital who champions investment in underestimated startup founders.
Quick Facts:
- Highlights:
- Founder and managing partner of Backstage Capital
- Venture capitalist focused on investing in underestimated founders
- Built a firm that has funded more than 175 startups
- Global speaker on entrepreneurship, diversity, and innovation
- Formats: Keynote Speaker and Venture Capital Innovator
- Audiences: Entrepreneurs, startup founders, investors, technology leaders, and organizations focused on innovation, diversity in business, and venture capital.
- Outcomes:
- Insight into building startups and securing venture investment
- Strategies for overcoming barriers and disrupting traditional industries
- Inspiration to pursue innovation and create opportunities for underestimated founders
- Travels from: San Francisco, CA
- **Fee range: $50,001 - $75,000
Talent Services
Keynote Topics:
Most Popular Keynotes
- “It’s About Damn Time” – How to Turn Being Underestimated Into Your Greatest Advantage
- Breaking Rules While Breaking Ground
- Being the Change You Want to See
- Garnering Attention in a Crowded Landscape
- Launching Startups with Humanity
- Black Women in Tech
- Ecosystem Innovation
- Bootstrapping a Venture Capital Fund
- Approaching Investors
- Managing a Remote Team
Talent Short Bio
Arlan Hamilton is a groundbreaking entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and motivational speaker known for challenging the traditional venture capital landscape. As the founder and managing partner of Backstage Capital, she has dedicated her career to investing in talented founders who have historically been overlooked by the technology investment community.
Hamilton’s journey to venture capital is one of resilience and determination. Originally from Texas, she pursued a career in the music industry before experiencing homelessness in her mid-30s. Despite facing significant obstacles, she remained focused on her vision of building a venture capital firm that would fund high-potential startups led by underestimated founders.
In 2015 she launched Backstage Capital with a mission to support entrepreneurs from groups that often face barriers to funding, including women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ community. Since its founding, the firm has invested millions of dollars in more than 175 startups across multiple industries, helping innovative founders turn their ideas into thriving companies.
Read Full Bio
Arlan Hamilton is a trailblazing entrepreneur who defies the odds and inspires countless individuals with her remarkable journey. Rising from homelessness to becoming a prominent figure in the venture capital industry, she is the epitome of resilience, determination, and unwavering belief in her vision. As the Founder and Managing Partner of Backstage Capital, Arlan has not only disrupted the status quo but has also become a beacon of hope for underestimated founders around the globe.
Arlan Hamilton’s story is one of grit and perseverance. Born and raised in Texas, she had a passion for music from a young age and dreamt of working in the entertainment industry. However, her life took an unexpected turn when she found herself homeless in her mid-30s. Despite facing numerous challenges, Arlan refused to let her circumstances define her future. Instead, she channeled her resilience and determination into building something extraordinary.
In 2015, Arlan Hamilton founded Backstage Capital, a venture capital firm with a mission to support underestimated founders in the tech industry. Recognizing the systemic barriers faced by people of color, women, and LGBT individuals in accessing funding, Arlan set out to level the playing field. With a keen eye for talent and a deep understanding of the untapped potential within marginalized communities, she embarked on a journey to make a difference.
Backstage Capital is dedicated to minimizing funding disparities by investing in high-potential startups led by underestimated founders. Since its inception, the firm has invested over $15 million in 175 startups, spanning various industries and sectors. Through strategic investments and mentorship programs, Backstage Capital empowers founders to turn their visions into reality and disrupt the status quo.
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