56 min listen
Arlan Hamilton - from homeless to VC founder in 3 years
Arlan Hamilton - from homeless to VC founder in 3 years
ratings:
Length:
39 minutes
Released:
Nov 10, 2020
Format:
Podcast episode
Description
We are all for throwing two fingers up at the establishment, and who better to do that than an LGBTQ, black, woman investor? Meet Arlan Hamilton, Founder and Managing Partner of Backstage Capital.
Backstage Capital is a fund that invests in under-estimated founders that are defined as women, people of colour and members of the LGBTQ community, who together represent the biggest economic opportunity for investment.
Arlan’s latest book, It’s About Damn Time has been received with critical acclaim, because given the state of play in the world right now, it really is about damn time. She’s an inspiring hustler who’s come to venture capital from a completely adjacent industry.
Just a few short years ago Arlan was homeless and now, 5 years on, her $10m boutique venture fund has invested in over 130 startups. She takes capital from an increasing list of big name investors, such as Mark Cuban, who trust her decision making to back the next generation of founders.
“I didn't believe when they said things like, ‘you're not networked enough’, or ‘you're not connected enough’. I thought that was BS. But I did respect the ones who said, ‘you've got to really get your chops figured out’ and thankfully, no one could be more sure of that than myself, like, no one could be harder on me than I could be on myself.”
We chat about:
Becoming a venture capitalist
Fair feedback during fundraising
The ignorant assumptions VC make about underrepresented founders
Preparing founders for investment
The power of saying no
How she maintains her mental health
Links:
Book - It’s About Damn Time
Want to receive our podcast on a weekly basis? Subscribe to our newsletter!
Backstage Capital is a fund that invests in under-estimated founders that are defined as women, people of colour and members of the LGBTQ community, who together represent the biggest economic opportunity for investment.
Arlan’s latest book, It’s About Damn Time has been received with critical acclaim, because given the state of play in the world right now, it really is about damn time. She’s an inspiring hustler who’s come to venture capital from a completely adjacent industry.
Just a few short years ago Arlan was homeless and now, 5 years on, her $10m boutique venture fund has invested in over 130 startups. She takes capital from an increasing list of big name investors, such as Mark Cuban, who trust her decision making to back the next generation of founders.
“I didn't believe when they said things like, ‘you're not networked enough’, or ‘you're not connected enough’. I thought that was BS. But I did respect the ones who said, ‘you've got to really get your chops figured out’ and thankfully, no one could be more sure of that than myself, like, no one could be harder on me than I could be on myself.”
We chat about:
Becoming a venture capitalist
Fair feedback during fundraising
The ignorant assumptions VC make about underrepresented founders
Preparing founders for investment
The power of saying no
How she maintains her mental health
Links:
Book - It’s About Damn Time
Want to receive our podcast on a weekly basis? Subscribe to our newsletter!
Released:
Nov 10, 2020
Format:
Podcast episode
Titles in the series (100)
Skimlinks: Alicia Navarro on how to build an advertising giant: Our second Australian guest in a row for our 10th episode of Secret Lives of Leaders. This episode we have the pleasure of hosting Alicia Navarro - the co-founder and CEO of Skimlinks. Known for her energy and enthusiasm, Alicia has been in the heart of the tech scene in London for over a decade. Her company has gone through many highs and lows along the way as well as receiving over $20m in venture funding. Alicia gives us an insight into running starting and then running a high growth company as well as what she gets up to when she's not working. by Secret Leaders with Dan Murray-Serter