Arlan Hamilton: Inspiring Innovation

  • Visionary Investor: Arlan Hamilton is a visionary investor renowned for her groundbreaking work in venture capital. Despite facing significant barriers, she founded Backstage Capital, a venture capital fund dedicated to investing in underrepresented founders, including women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
  • Champion of Diversity: Hamilton’s mission to democratize venture capital has made her a champion of diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. Through Backstage Capital, she has empowered countless entrepreneurs from marginalized communities, reshaping the landscape of innovation and opportunity.
  • Trailblazing Entrepreneur: As a self-taught investor and entrepreneur, Hamilton’s journey to success is a testament to her resilience and determination. Her unconventional path serves as inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, proving that with grit and perseverance, anything is possible.
  • Advocate for Change: Hamilton is not only an investor but also a vocal advocate for systemic change within the venture capital industry. Through her advocacy work, she sheds light on the disparities faced by underrepresented founders and pushes for greater diversity and equity in access to capital.
  • Inspiring Story: Hamilton’s remarkable story—from sleeping on airport floors to building a multi-million dollar venture capital fund—inspires audiences worldwide. Her unwavering commitment to leveling the playing field and amplifying diverse voices serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs and changemakers everywhere.

Travel & Fee Range:**

  • Travels from: San Francisco, CA, USA
  • **Fee range: $50,001 - $75,000

Keynote Topics

  • “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

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 […]

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 | Inspiring Innovation

Early Life and Background:

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.

The Birth of Backstage Capital:

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.

Investing in Diversity and Inclusion:

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.

Recognition and Impact:

Arlan Hamilton’s groundbreaking work with Backstage Capital has garnered widespread recognition and acclaim. The firm has been featured in esteemed publications such as Forbes, Fortune, The Wall Street Journal, CNN Money, Inc., Entrepreneur, and Quartz, shining a spotlight on the importance of diversity and inclusion in the tech ecosystem. Arlan herself has been lauded as a visionary leader and a driving force for change.

Why Event Planners Should Book Arlan Hamilton:

  1. Inspiring Storytelling: Arlan’s journey from homelessness to building a successful venture capital fund is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. Her compelling storytelling captivates audiences and leaves a lasting impact, inspiring individuals to overcome adversity and pursue their dreams.
  2. Thought Leadership: As a thought leader in the venture capital industry, Arlan brings a unique perspective on diversity, inclusion, and innovation. Her insights challenge conventional wisdom and spark meaningful conversations about the future of entrepreneurship and technology.
  3. Diversity and Inclusion: In today’s increasingly diverse world, fostering inclusivity is more important than ever. Arlan’s advocacy for underestimated founders resonates with audiences across industries, driving home the message that diversity isn’t just a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage.
  4. Practical Strategies: Through her experiences at Backstage Capital, Arlan offers practical strategies and actionable advice for organizations looking to foster diversity and inclusion. Whether it’s through investment opportunities or mentorship programs, she provides tangible solutions for addressing systemic barriers and driving positive change.
  5. Empowering Leadership: As a female entrepreneur and member of the LGBT community, Arlan serves as a role model for aspiring founders from diverse backgrounds. Her leadership style emphasizes empowerment, collaboration, and authenticity, inspiring individuals to embrace their unique identities and make a difference in the world.

In conclusion, Arlan Hamilton is more than just an entrepreneur – she is a visionary leader, a champion of diversity and inclusion, and a beacon of hope for underestimated founders everywhere. By booking Arlan as a speaker through Speakers Inc, event planners have the opportunity to inspire their audiences, spark meaningful conversations, and drive positive change in their organizations and communities.

This profile aims to capture the essence of Arlan Hamilton’s remarkable journey and the impact she has made through her work with Backstage Capital. It highlights her inspiring story, the mission of her venture capital firm, and why event planners should consider booking her as a speaker for their events.

View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter

Videos

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

In order to view the below you must be logged in.

  • Powerpoint Slide – For meeting and event planners
  • Gallery Images
  • High Resolution Images
  • PDF Files
  • Books and Magazine Links
  • Music List
  • Podcast Shows
  • Courses
  • + more

Talent Storefront

Explore talent products
  • (3) Views
Your First Million

In Your First Million,  she shows how anyone—no matter what they look like or how much money they have—can tap into all the new tools they have at their disposal to get their million-dollar idea off the ground. Having lived nearly her entire life below the poverty line before going on to attain wealth and success […]

  • Author: Arlan Hamilton
  • Category: Blinkist Books

You may be interested in...

  • (9)
Vishen Lakhiani

In a world teeming with motivational speakers and thought leaders, few individuals manage to stand out quite like Vishen Lakhiani. As a top inspirational keynote speaker, Vishen has transcended the boundaries of conventional personal development and self-help, captivating audiences around the globe with his unique approach to transformation and personal growth. With an unrelenting commitment […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (18)
  • (3)
Dominic Thurbon

Dominic Thurbon has cracked the code for making change happen, with the ultimate formula to drive innovation, future-proof your workforce and design brands that really matter. Dom is an internationally engaged speaker and facilitator who helps individuals and organisations drive behaviour change in the face of external disruption. He is a Partner in the Climate […]

  • Travels from: Sydney, NSW
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • (142)
Susan Oh

Susan Oh stands at the intersection of emerging technologies, impact finance, and sustainability, bringing a dynamic, forward-thinking perspective to every stage she graces. A sought-after speaker, innovator, and advocate for ethical tech, Susan’s core message centers on how we can harness the power of blockchain, AI, and decentralized finance to reshape our world for the […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • (60)
  • (5)
Deborah Perry Piscione

Deborah Perry Piscione, a renowned authority in innovation, entrepreneurship, and the future of work in the metaverse. With a distinguished career spanning decades, Deborah has garnered international recognition for her groundbreaking insights into the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and its impact on business and society. As a sought-after keynote speaker, author, and thought leader, […]

  • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
  • Innovation Speakers
  • (21)
Rachel Rodgers

Rachel Rodgers is the visionary force behind Hello Seven, a thriving enterprise dedicated to empowering women to redefine their relationship with money. As the founder of this multi-million dollar company, Rachel has emerged as a prominent figure in the realm of entrepreneurship and financial empowerment. Her accolades extend beyond the business world, as she has […]

  • Travels from: Greensboro, NC
  • Business Speakers
  • (65)
  • (7)

As the former Head of Innovation and Creativity at The Walt Disney Company, Duncan Wardle is a globally recognized expert in creative leadership and innovation. His extensive experience at one of the world’s most iconic brands has earned him a reputation as a thought leader in fostering a culture of innovation, design thinking, and disruptive […]

  • Travels from: Orlando, FL
  • Innovation Speakers
  • (14)
Brett King

Brett King is a world-renowned futurist and speaker, recognized for his profound insights into the future of business, technology, and society. As an International Bestselling Author and media personality, King has captivated audiences worldwide with his compelling narratives on the digital revolution and its implications. His groundbreaking book, Augmented, which delves into the transformative impact […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • (26)
Jim Carroll - acceleration of risk

Jim Carroll is the world’s leading global futurists, trends, and innovation experts, with a massive global blue-chip client list. Over the last 25 years, more than 2 million people have shared his insight at his events. Jim’s global client list gives him a front-row seat to the high-velocity change that is occurring as disruption comes […]

  • Travels from: Guelph, ON
  • Artificial Intelligence
Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

Our Mission:

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2025.  Designed using Voxel