Navigating Funding Challenges and Inclusivity in Venture Capital

This chapter delves into the struggles of securing investment for Backstage, recounting frustrations with unreliable investors and celebrating their accomplishments in elevating over 100 companies at the pre-seed stage. It introduces the Backstage Crowd initiative aimed at democratizing investment opportunities for diverse groups and discusses the systemic valuation disparities faced by underrepresented founders. Additionally, the chapter underscores the significance of early-stage investments in innovative technologies, emphasizing the need for a shift toward inclusivity in the venture capital landscape.