PODCAST EPISODES

In this Bonus Episode, I am thrilled to chat with Arlan Hamilton, founder and managing partner of Backstage Capital, a seed investment fund dedicated to minimizing funding disparities in tech by backing high-potential startup founders who are people of color, women, and/or LGBTQ. Completely self-taught and lacking money and connections, Arlan has upended Silicon Valley, tapping into the innovation, intelligence, and drive of underrepresented founders. Arlan has been lauded by Forbes as “pioneering” and her personal story going from homeless to running a multi-million dollar venture fund continues to awe. She recently published the inspiring book and business guide, It’s About Damn Time: How to Turn Being Underestimated Into Your Greatest Advantage.

Topics Covered: 

• Arlan’s journey into venture capital and drive to change the landscape 
• Disparities in funding for founders who are people of color, women, and LGBTQ
• Myths of meritocracy in venture capital
• The business model of private equity
• Why investing in diverse founders makes good business sense
• The distinction between privilege and entitlement and the privilege Arlan holds

Resources: 

• You can sign up for Arlan’s free 8-week VIP Mastermind class at https://www.itsaboutdamntime.com/vip

Highlights:

• “When we walk out of the door as women, when I walk out of the door as queer, when we walk out the door as people of color, we are already walking into an unjust world.”
• “In many cases diverse founders are doing more with less.”

Connect with Arlan: 

On her website: https://www.itsaboutdamntime.com/

On Twitter: @arlanwashere

On Instagram: @arlanwashere

Other References: 

•  Arlan Hamilton, Dear White Venture Capitalists: If you’re reading this, it’s (almost!) too late

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