ARLAN HAMILTON

Founder & Managing Partner Backstage Capital

A former tour manager for Toni Braxton and other artists, Hamilton founded Backstage Capital in 2015 with the goal of funding underrepresented founders. The Sawtelle-based firm focuses its investments in startups launched by women, people of color and members of the LGBT community. The firm has made investments in more than 170 startups and in 2018 launched an accelerator program that operates in four cities, including Los Angeles. In August, Backstage announced plans to raise a new $30 million fund. Hamilton is also the author of “It’s About Damn Time,” a 2020 book which details her personal journey and entry into the world of venture capital.