Arlan Hamilton
Arlan, Founder of Backstage Capital, has spent her career investing in startups led by underestimated founders. See her recommended reads for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.
1. We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers
Why Arlan recommends this book: "Rachel has become a great friend, and I can see firsthand how much she wants to see us all win. I read parts of this book as a reference at least once per quarter now!"
2. Right Within by Minda Harts
Why Arlan recommends this book: "Minda, another wonderful friend, is so prolific in her writing, but so singular in her intention. She wants to uplift BIPOC women and use her most vulnerable moments as inspiration."
3. The Wake Up by Michelle Mijung Kim
Why Arlan recommends this book: "Michelle, yes, another friend:) knocks you off your socks within the first few pages of this book. Everyone can learn something from it and take immediate action. It's a rally cry."
4. Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
Why Arlan recommends this book: "I first read this book when I was bouncing around from place to place without a real home. During that time, I didn't know where my next meal would come from, but I felt like my time was just around the corner because of how much I related to the outliers in this book. It wasn't aspirational, it was like reading about my peers. I was just a little late to the game."
5. This Naked Mind by Annie Grace
Why Arlan recommends this book: "Without hyperbole, this book saved my life. After being addicted to alcohol for 15 years, This Naked Mind helped me stop drinking in 5 days. It's now been 6 years since I had an alcoholic beverage, and I'm thankful every day."
About the Speaker
Arlan Hamilton
Founder of Backstage Capital
Arlan Hamilton, founder at Backstage Capital and HireRunner.co, is a serial entrepreneur, author, and master multi-tasker. She founded Backstage Capital in 2015 to invest in founders who are people of color, women and/or LGBTQ. Since its founding, Backstage has raised nearly $30 million and invested in 200 startups led by underestimated founders. Arlan is also the founder of HireRunner.co, a startup that connects outstanding employee talent with inclusive companies. Arlan published her book, “It’s About Damn Time,” in 2020, detailing her journey from homelessness to venture capital trailblazer. Arlan also hosts the popular podcast “Your First Million”, and in 2018, was the first non-celebrity Black woman to grace the cover of Fast Company magazine. Arlan is a big proponent of paying it forward and supporting other underestimated people in the tech industry and beyond. She’s a limited partner in 27 funds led by emerging, underestimated managers, and she and her mother, Mrs. Earline Butler-Sims, have established scholarship programs for Black students at Oxford University, HBCU Dillard University, and Harvard Law.