Arlan Hamilton

Arlan Hamilton is a serial entrepreneur, investor, author, and culture-shifter with a track record of betting on the future before it becomes obvious. She is the Founder and Chair of Backstage Capital, a venture capital firm she built from the ground up while experiencing homelessness, with a mission to invest in founders who are people of color, women, and/or LGBTQ+. Since its founding in 2015, Backstage has raised $30 million and invested in more than 200 startups led by underestimated founders.

Beyond venture, Hamilton is the co-founder of the groundbreaking women’s professional basketball league, 3XBA, expanding her vision of equity and representation into sports. She is also the founder of thriving entrepreneur communities, including Arlan’s All-Access and Inner Circle, which coach, mentor, and connect innovators worldwide. Her Your First Million YouTube channel continues that mission at scale, reaching millions with accessible lessons on entrepreneurship, wealth-building, and navigating the business landscape.

Hamilton is the author of three books: "It’s About Damn Time" (2020), her debut memoir detailing her journey from homelessness to venture capital trailblazer; "Your First Million" (2023), a practical guide to turning ideas into generational wealth; and her latest release, "Arlan’s Revenue Playbook," which continues her mission of empowering underestimated talent to build undeniable impact.