Backstage Capital

Backstage Capital, founded in 2015 by Arlan Hamilton, is a venture capital firm that focuses on investing in startups led by underrepresented founders, including women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. The firm is headquartered in Los Angeles and has invested in over 200 companies, making it a significant player in promoting diversity within the venture capital industry. Among Backstage Capital’s notable investments is Goalsetter, an app-based savings management platform designed for kids and families. Another key investment is Hello Alice, an online networking platform that supports businesses in launching and growing. The firm has also backed The Riveter, which provides co-working spaces tailored for women entrepreneurs, and CareAcademy, a company offering professional training for home caregivers. Additionally, Career Karma, a platform that offers career guidance and reviews of bootcamps, is part of Backstage Capital’s portfolio. The firm has seen several successful exits, including Upsie, a warranty service for consumer electronics, and Foodstand, a platform that promotes healthy eating habits. Radiant RFID, which provides asset tracking solutions, is another successful exit. Backstage Capital continues to champion diversity in the startup ecosystem by offering not only capital but also strategic support to help founders succeed. Their approach underscores the potential of overlooked and underestimated founders, proving that diversity is a competitive advantage in business.