Investment Philosophy of a Venture Capital Mastermind

In this clip, join hosts Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings as they sit down with Arlan Hamilton, the founder of Backstage Capital, to discuss her investment philosophy and the challenges she’s faced in the venture capital world. Arlan Hamilton is known for her mission to provide capital to underrepresented and underestimated founders, and in this conversation, she shares her unique approach to identifying promising entrepreneurs and the emotional journey of investing in startups.

Arlan Hamilton outlines her investment philosophy, emphasizing the importance of seeking out underrepresented and underestimated founders. She explains how she evaluates founders based on the compelling nature of their product or service, as well as their resourcefulness and lived experiences. By focusing on the potential and merit of founders, she aims to create a level playing field in the startup ecosystem, challenging traditional biases and stereotypes.

The conversation delves into the interview-like process that Arlan Hamilton undergoes with founders, highlighting the mutual evaluation between herself and potential entrepreneurs. She emphasizes the value of making herself valuable to founders, prior to having the financial means to invest, thereby fostering support and recognition within the startup community.

When it comes to investing in companies, Arlan Hamilton follows her instincts and intuition, likening her approach to a “gut feeling” akin to reality TV show competitions like American Idol or The Voice. She seeks out companies that compel her and presents a challenge or opportunity that she personally couldn’t tackle, underscoring her interest in transformative and impactful ventures.

The conversation takes a reflective turn as Arlan Hamilton shares the emotional experience of not being able to invest in certain companies that later achieved significant success. She details her interactions with companies like Patreon and Part Pick, highlighting the frustration of having connected them with investment opportunities, only to miss out on their subsequent growth and success. Despite these emotional challenges, she expresses pride in the achievements of the founders she has supported.

Beyond the world of investing, Arlan Hamilton opens up about the personal toll of being a trailblazer in the venture capital space and the difficulties she has faced, including the scars and challenges of navigating the industry as a pioneer. She candidly discusses the weariness and competitive nature that have evolved over the years, shedding light on the multifaceted journey of being a prominent figure in the investment landscape.

Join EYL as they explore the dynamic world of venture capital, diversity in entrepreneurship, and the resilience of Arlan Hamilton in her pursuit of leveling the playing field for underrepresented founders. Gain valuable insights into the investment philosophy of Backstage Capital and the emotional complexities of supporting startups on the frontier of innovation.

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