How to raise startup capital

    Payment Options

        • Free
        About Course

        Arlan Hamilton will show you how to raise startup capital as she did with millions of dollars as the founder of investment fund Backstage Capital, and have generated millions of dollars in revenue as the founder of three companies — Backstage, Runner, & Arlan Was Here LLC — all for a combined $20+ million in the past 5+ years!

        Since 2015, I have invested in nearly 200 companies led by women, people of color, and LGBTQ founders! I have reviewed THOUSANDS of companies and their pitches, and NEGOTIATED with hundreds of millionaires and billionaires.

        How to raise startup capital

        Let me save you hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars by teaching you fundamental lessons, rules of the road, tips, and hacks to skip the mistakes many entrepreneurs make.

        For the more advanced entrepreneur, let’s unstick you and open up even more potential for you to raise and earn capital for your company.

        Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on  LinkedIn

        Arlan Hamilton is a remarkable entrepreneur who built a venture capital fund from the ground up, while homeless.

        She is the Founder and Managing Partner of Backstage Capital, a venture capital firm dedicated to minimizing funding disparities in tech by investing in high-potential founders who are people of color, women, and/or LGBT.

        Started in 2015, Backstage has now invested over $15M into 175 startups led by underestimated founders and has been featured in Forbes, Fortune, Wall Street Journal, CNN Money, Inc., Entrepreneur, and Quartz.

        Arlan made history by making the cover of Fast Company as the first Black woman non-celebrity to do so, and her book “It’s About Damn Time” is out on Penguin Random House’s business imprint Currency.

        Learning Points

        • How to get “in the room” — even virtually…
        • Where to find your “edge”
        • When to quit your day job
        • The huge mistake 99% of all entrepreneurs make while pitching
        • The 3 takeaways that will help you negotiate with any millionaire with confidence
        • How to get your first (or 100th) “yes” from an investor
        • The hack that will help you skip the investor route altogether
          and much more.

        • Arlan’s intro & what you’ll learn (required)
        • Student introductions! [welcome]
        • Course reading list [highly recommended]
        • Arlan’s incredible journey
        • Portfolio company testimonials: Curlmix & Uncharted Power
        • Portfolio company testimonial: Haute Hijab
        • Portfolio company testimonial: Sunhouse
        • Portfolio company short film: Haute Hijab
        • Download my 65-page action guide to complement this masterclass

        Videos

        Instructor Speaking Profiles

            Arlan Hamilton - Image 06 (March 10, 2026)
            • Inspiring Innovation

            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 […]

            • (65)

            User Reviews

            View other courses available

                speakers inc logo 2023

                If you’re here at Successful Womens Academy, there are three things I know about you: You’ve already accomplished amazing things. You’re serious about becoming the best version of yourself. You’re ready to close the gap between where you are and where you really want to be. You know it’s not just about knowing what steps […]

                • Instructor: Valorie Burton
                • Online Course
                    Components of Extraordinary Teams

                    With Components of Extraordinary Teams you CAN get the best out of the people you manage…equipping and encouraging them to deliver results that go beyond “good enough.” You CAN affirm and motivate your peers… because they see you as someone who demonstrates a leader’s finest qualities. And…You CAN impress and delight your organization’s customers by anticipating their needs and exceeding their […]

                    • Instructor: Lee Rubin
                    • Online Course

                        Every business and industry is facing an unprecedented level of digital, demographic and regulatory disruption. In this turbulent climate, it is vital to stay one step ahead with the Battle for Relevance Masterclass. Winning the Battle for Relevance Masterclass Based on Michael McQueen’s international bestselling book, this deep-dive online masterclass course will help you: Determine your […]

                        • Instructor: Michael McQueen
                        • Online Course

                            The Establish Your Executive Presence Course is designed to help you become a game-changing leader of hybrid work. Get my proven, step by step, results-focused approach to leading your team in the modern world. Imagine yourself in five years after mastering the skills of a hybrid work executive. You can connect with team members anytime, […]

                            • Instructor: Erica Dhawan
                            • Online Course

                                In order to Turn Your Entrepreneur Journey into Keynote Talk and become a professional speaker, you don’t need a special formula, years of research, or an advanced degree. To be a professional speaker, you just need a compelling story. Entrepreneurs are uniquely equipped with captivating stories of their startup journey—which makes them the perfect fit […]

                                • Instructor: Jess Ekstrom
                                • Linkedin Learning
                                    speakers inc logo 2023

                                    Your business Principles will never outperform your knowledge and build it 30X. The challenges every business faces are unique and require a unique approach to finding success. This is where so many business and entrepreneurial training programs fall short – offering a formulaic, “next big thing” approach rather than focusing on the unique and specific […]

                                    • Instructor: Brad Sugars
                                    • Online Course
                                        • Diversity Courses

                                        Learn how to refine public speaking as a skill and as a profession with the Speak Up Course. The Speak Up Course TEACHING YOU HOW TO USE YOUR VOICE FOR IMPACT, INFLUENCE AND INCOME WITH THIS SPEAK COURSE. Hayley Mulenda is a Multi-Award Winning International Speaker, Author and Change Agent who has spoken to thousands […]

                                        • Instructor: Hayley Mulenda
                                        • Online Course
                                            speakers inc logo 2023
                                            • Growth Mindset

                                            BECOME THE BEST YOU. At your own pace. Transformation through workshops and meditations. Nurture strong, trusting relationships with the people in your life. Everyone you meet serves a purpose in your life, just as you serve a purpose in theirs. Allowing your connections to thrive and flourish starts with compassion and understanding. BECOME THE BEST […]

                                            • Instructor: Jay Shetty
                                            • Online Course

                                            The profiles and artwork embedded on these pages are from various speakers and talent.

                                            WeSpeak Global provides costs that are accurate at time of publishing.

                                            These remain the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by WeSpeak Global.

                                            Course Fees listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

                                            Speakers Inc.

                                            Connecting you with the perfect speaker.

                                            We connect you with world-class speakers to create impactful, memorable events.

                                            Find the Perfect Speaker

                                            Tell us about your event and we’ll match you with the right speaker.

                                            Newsletter

                                            © All rights reserved 2026.  Designed using Voxel

                                            AI Assistant
                                            Speakers Inc Logo 2024
                                            Privacy Overview

                                            This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.