Arlan Hamilton, originator of Backstage Capital, revealed on Friday that her function at the enterprise she initiated in 2015 will transform. 

“Following 12 years of being heavily engaged in the everyday operations, I’ve resolved to move into a chairperson and advisory role,” she conveyed in a statement shared online. She was earlier a managing partner at the organization. “This transition will enable me to concentrate on what I excel at — elevating Backstage’s mission, organizing office hours with founders and investors, leading the advisory board, and introducing fresh prospects through my platform.” 

She further stated that the enterprise will form a strategic collaboration with 360 Venture Collective, which will be “obtaining a significant share in Backstage’s management entity” and joining in co-managing operators, supplying funds, and assisting the enterprise to expand. 

“Collectively, we’re unveiling a $200 million fund in 2025,” Hamilton remarked.

We have contacted Hamilton and Backstage Capital for feedback. 

Backstage Capital has endured challenging times these recent years. The business has funded over 200 companies, according to PitchBook, counting the fintech Guava and information platform Career Karma. It has about $20 million in assets under management, with 56 divestitures. However, we reported back in 2022 that even then, there seemed to be a deceleration at the business. It declared at the time that it would only support existing portfolio companies and that it would significantly reduce its team from 12 individuals to three. 

Hamilton also expressed in her podcast at the period that she was dissatisfied with limited partners, mentioning the firm found itself in a “limbo kind of situation,” because some investors assumed it already had sufficient backing, despite that not being the case. The environment for enterprises like Backstage and for founders like the ones it aids has only grown more precarious since 2022. Funding and aid to diverse founders and operators has somewhat dwindled, particularly for Black founders.

Hamilton articulated in her online statement that the company’s alliance with 360 Ventures would guarantee the enterprise remains viable “while enhancing our capacity to aid underestimated founders and create a lasting heritage,” she mentioned. 

“I’m assured that this forthcoming chapter will propel us to remarkable heights and I’m privileged to persist as part of the journey in this new role.”