How Do You Even Seek Out Investors?

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I love talking to people who were able to rise above and make a million wonderful things happen, when on paper no one would ever probably bet on you in that way. And so i'm a big fan of am ownership and keeping as much ownership of your company as you can for as long as you can. So being non dilutive, meaning not taking on money just because you think you should, or because you can't. There's definitely different reasons that you would go out and seek capital. But ultimately, it comes down to truly know how much money you need to make the next milestone happen,. What does it mean when you reach that milestone, what does it mean for your company?

From living in the SFO airport to running $20M in VC funds, Arlan shares her incredible journey

My guest on this episode is an absolute inspiration -- and I don’t say that lightly. Her name is Arlan Hamilton, and she is the managing partner of Backstage Capital, a company that she founded while houseless.

Backstage Capital is a new kind of Venture Capitalism (VC) -- one that invests in founders who are people of color, women, and/or LGBTQ+. Arlan identifies as all three.

And as if running 20 million dollars in VC funds isn’t enough to fill her plate, she’s also an author, speaker, and host of her own podcast, Your First Million. Her other company, Runner, connects inclusive companies with operations talent.

Arlan is doing really big things in a really big way. I admire her so much -- not only is she making the business landscape a heck of a lot better for underrepresented founders and entrepreneurs, but she is creating a legacy for generations to come.

I am SO excited for you to hear this important conversation, sweet friend, because it’s pretty powerful. In our interview, you’ll hear:

Arlan’s journey to becoming an activist entrepreneur
Ways you can support people of color, women, and the LGBTQ+ entrepreneurial communities
How to deal with rejection while still moving forward
What you can do to be a good candidate for gaining an investor

I hope this episode is just as insightful and inspiring for you as it was for me. So if you’re ready to meet Arlan, pop in your Airpods, get comfy, and enjoy!

Here’s a glance at this episode...

[03:07] A decade ago, Arlan Hamilton didn't know what a venture capitalist was. Now, she represents people who aren't traditionally represented in the venture capital space.
[04:03] She had big goals and dreams, but she didn't think that venture capital would get her somewhere.
[10:39] Arlan was on the cover of Fast Company, along with other black women on the cover were Oprah, Beyoncé, and Serena Williams. Her venture capital firm has invested in over 200 companies so far.
[25:53] Before you attempt to fundraise, get dialed in on what you truly need. When making a pitch, lean in to what is great about your company. Investors like it when you can show profit or have a large waiting list.
[33:44] Runner is another company Arlan has that connects talent with great companies. It helps inclusive companies find assistants.
[41:39] Arlan shares the amazing story of how she ended up sitting in the front row of a Janet Jackson concert, and how later in life, she was able to do the same for other concert goers.

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