#475: Changing The Face Of Investing & Leaving A Legacy with Arlan Hamilton

Jun 30, 2022

Arlan Hamilton, the inspiring managing partner of Backstage Capital, discusses her remarkable journey from homelessness to managing $20M in venture capital. She emphasizes the importance of supporting underrepresented founders and shares strategies for overcoming rejection in the entrepreneurial landscape. Arlan also highlights ways to attract investment while maintaining ownership of businesses, and reflects on the critical role of diversity in creating a transformative business environment. Her passion for building a legacy for future generations shines through in this engaging conversation.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

ANECDOTE

Arlan's Unconventional Path to Venture Capitalism

Arlan Hamilton, from a background of housing and financial insecurity, became a successful venture capitalist.
Despite lacking traditional VC credentials, she founded Backstage Capital, a firm now managing $20M and investing in underrepresented founders.

ANECDOTE

The Bank Account Incident

Arlan Hamilton faced a challenge when an investor couldn't send funds to her mother's personal bank account.
This prompted Arlan to quickly open a business account, demonstrating her adaptability and resolve.

ANECDOTE

Fast Company Cover Story

Arlan Hamilton was featured on the cover of Fast Company, becoming the first non-celebrity Black woman to do so.
This milestone highlighted the increasing recognition of diversity in business and tech.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

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.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Amy and Online Marketing Made Easy." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- move toward the online life and business that they desire. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!