This Week in Startups E1080: Arlan Hamilton on launching Backstage Crowd, disrupting VC with syndicates, how the tech industry can be better for underrepresented founders & more
Jun 26, 2020
Arlan Hamilton, founder of Backstage Capital, is a trailblazer in supporting underrepresented founders in tech. She shares her insights on the evolving landscape of venture capital, emphasizing the role of syndicates in disrupting traditional funding models. The conversation touches on the systemic challenges faced by diverse entrepreneurs and the importance of inclusivity. Arlan also discusses her innovative Backstage Crowd initiative aimed at democratizing investment opportunities and fostering community engagement for aspiring founders.
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Focus on the Work
- Arlan Hamilton emphasizes the need for underrepresented founders to focus on their work.
- She highlights the disproportionate time spent addressing identity-related issues instead of building businesses.
Backstage Crowd Syndicate
- Arlan Hamilton's Backstage Crowd syndicate allows both accredited and non-accredited investors to participate.
- This model aims to disrupt traditional VC by democratizing access to diverse deal flow.
Overlooked Talent in Telecom
- Arlan Hamilton recounts a story about a Black founder whose satellite technology is revolutionizing telecom.
- This founder, backed by Backstage Capital and major funds, demonstrates the potential of overlooked talent.
