Arlan Hamilton
PROFILE
Arlan Hamilton, founder at Backstage Capital, is a serial entrepreneur, author, and prolific speaker.
She founded Backstage Capital in 2015 to invest in founders who are people of color, women and/or LGBTQ+. Since its founding, Backstage has raised $30 million and invested in more than 200 startups led by underestimated founders. Arlan has also co-founded several companies, including the new thrilling women’s sports league, 3XBA.
Arlan published her debut book, “It’s About Damn Time,” in 2020, detailing her journey from homelessness to venture capital trailblazer. Arlan was the first non-celebrity Black woman to grace the cover of Fast Company magazine. Her latest book, “Your First Million: Why You Don’t Have To Be Born Into A Legacy Of Wealth To Leave One Behind”, shows how anyone can tap into new tools, platforms, and funding sources to get their million-dollar idea off the ground.
Arlan is a big proponent of paying it forward and supporting other underestimated people in the tech industry and beyond. She and her mother, Mrs. Earline Butler-Sims, have established scholarship programs for Black students at Oxford University, HBCU Dillard University, and Harvard Law, as well as establishing scholarships for Black pilots and inventors.
SPEAKING TOPICS
Write Your Own Headlines
Arlan Hamilton, founder at Backstage Capital and HireRunner.co, is a serial entrepreneur, author of “It’s About Damn Time”, and master multi-tasker. Despite not having a background in finance or venture capital, she has raised millions of dollars in funding for over 200 companies and has become a leading advocate for diversity and inclusion. Hear her remarkable journey from homelessness to successful venture capitalist and entrepreneur, and be prepared to be inspired to write your own headlines.
Being the Change You Want to See
Breaking Rules While Breaking Ground
Launching Startups with Humanity
Bootstrapping a Venture Capital Fund
