Arlan Hamilton Joins 360 Venture Collective, Aims to Launch $200M Fund for Underestimated Founders

Backstage Capital Founder Transitions to Advisory Role, Announces Strategic Partnership

Arlan Hamilton, the founder of Backstage Capital, has announced her transition from managing partner to chairperson and advisor, marking a significant shift in the venture capital firm’s leadership. In her new role, Hamilton will focus on amplifying Backstage’s mission, hosting office hours, chairing the advisory board, and leveraging her platform for new opportunities.

Coinciding with this transition, Backstage Capital has unveiled a strategic partnership with 360 Venture Collective. This collaboration will see 360 Venture Collective acquire a substantial stake in Backstage’s management entity, with plans to co-manage operators, provide capital, and scale the firm. As part of this partnership, a $200 million fund launch is slated for 2025.

Backstage Capital has made its mark in the venture capital landscape, investing in over 200 companies and managing $20 million in assets. The firm has also celebrated 56 exits. However, recent years have presented challenges. In 2022, Backstage Capital reported a slowdown, shifting its focus to existing portfolio companies and reducing its team from 12 to three members. Hamilton had previously expressed frustration with limited partners and a perceived lack of support.

The current landscape for diverse founders, particularly Black founders, has seen stagnation since 2022. The partnership with 360 Ventures aims to address these challenges, ensuring sustainability and enhancing support for underestimated founders in the tech ecosystem.

Despite the changes, Hamilton remains optimistic about Backstage Capital’s future. “I’m confident in this next chapter and my continued involvement in a new capacity,” she stated, emphasizing her commitment to the firm’s mission and the broader goal of supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs in the tech industry.

This strategic move comes at a crucial time for both Backstage Capital and the wider venture capital industry, as efforts to increase diversity and inclusion in tech funding face ongoing challenges. The partnership with 360 Venture Collective represents a potential turning point, promising renewed focus and resources for underestimated founders in the years to come.