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.
View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter
Videos
Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry
No reviews available for this post.
Talent FAQ's
Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses and other costs
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Deposits and securing a booking
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Additional tips and takeaways
- Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
- There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
- Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
- When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
- Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
- Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
- Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
You may be interested in...
- (34)
Leah Busque Solivan is not just a speaker; she’s a visionary entrepreneur who has redefined the way we approach productivity and task management. As the founder of TaskRabbit, she revolutionized the gig economy, empowering individuals to outsource errands and tasks with ease. Leah’s journey from a software engineer at IBM to a pioneering businesswoman showcases […]
- Travels from: San Francisco, CA
- STEM Speakers
- (28)
- (2)
Jess Ekstrom is a dynamic and inspiring speaker who has captured the hearts and minds of audiences around the world with her powerful message of resilience, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership. As the founder of Headbands of Hope, a social enterprise that has donated over one million headbands to children battling cancer, Jess exemplifies the power […]
- Travels from: Raleigh, NC
- Inspirational Speakers
- (17)
Noramay Cadena is a Managing Partner at Supply Change Capital, a pioneering venture firm that strategically invests in the convergence of food, culture, and technology. With a distinguished career path deeply rooted in venture capital, Noramay’s expertise spans the realms of innovation, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment. Previously, she served as a Managing Partner at MiLA […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- STEM Speakers
- (12)
Hemant Taneja is the CEO of General Catalyst, and a founder, investor, and author of four books, including The Transformation Principles (2025). His vision for General Catalyst (GC) is to be the world’s foremost technology investment company, supporting global resilience through applied AI. I first laid out his AI thesis in the 2018 book Unscaled, […]
- Travels from: San Francisco, CA
- Business Speakers
- (14)
Gregory Robinson is a distinguished leader in aerospace and science, celebrated for his pivotal role as the former director of the $10 billion James Webb Space Telescope (Webb). With an illustrious 33-year career at NASA, he has been instrumental in shaping some of the most groundbreaking space exploration projects of our time. His expertise in […]
- Travels from: Washington, DC
- STEM Speakers
- (58)
In a world teeming with motivational speakers and thought leaders, few individuals manage to stand out quite like Vishen Lakhiani. Vishen Lakhiani journey as a keynote speaker began with a vision, a vision that would evolve into his groundbreaking concept of “The Code of the Extraordinary Mind.” Born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Vishen’s early life […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- Motivational Speakers
- (16)
Maggie Nichols joined the Eureka! Ranch in 1999 after graduating from Miami University’s Farmer School of Business. After reading an article about the Ranch during an Entrepreneurship class, she decided that the Eureka! Ranch was the place where she was going to work. Months and dozens of pestering visits later, Founder, Doug Hall, finally acquiesced […]
- Travels from: Cincinnati, OH
- Innovation Speakers
- (13)
World-famous neuroscientist, Dr. Beau Lotto, will prepare and super-motivate your audience by using the principles of neuroscience (yes, you read that right). When you step back and consider the Big Picture, the strategy makes sense. We all know the world is changing fast that’s a given. The challenge is to adapt…or die. What you need […]
- Travels from: London, UK
- Leadership Speakers
Disclaimer
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
Fee Range Information
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.