Stanford Seminar - Underestimated

Discover the inspiring journey of Arlan Hamilton, founder and managing partner of Backstage Capital, in this Stanford seminar. Learn how Hamilton built a venture capital fund from scratch while homeless, dedicating it to minimizing funding disparities in tech by investing in high-potential founders who are people of color, women, and/or LGBT. Explore the unique approach of Backstage Capital, which has invested nearly $7 million into 120 startups led by underestimated founders since 2015. Gain insights into Hamilton's motivations, the challenges she faced, and her vision for supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs. Delve into topics such as childhood influences, superhero strengths, fundraising strategies, identity, and principle-driven entrepreneurship. Understand the fund's focus on Black women, its response to injustice, and Hamilton's resilience in the face of setbacks. Get valuable advice on perseverance, working with portfolio companies, identifying promising technologies, and recognizing industry trends. This thought-provoking seminar offers a fresh perspective on venture capital and the untapped potential of underestimated founders in the tech industry.