In this clip, Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings sit down with special guest Arlan Hamilton to discuss her incredible journey from homelessness to becoming a successful venture capitalist. Arlan opens up about her past struggles and the determination that propelled her into the world of venture capitalism, where she has made a substantial impact by investing in underrepresented and underestimated founders.
With unwavering passion and perseverance, Arlan shares her story of being homeless, sleeping on the floor of the San Francisco airport. This powerful moment in her life was not a result of a lack of ambition, but rather a temporary sacrifice she made to pursue her dreams, shedding light on the harsh reality of her circumstances. Born in Jackson, Mississippi, and raised in Dallas, Texas, Arlan’s upbringing and unprivileged background shaped her into the resilient and driven individual she is today.
As she delves into her early struggles and initial desire to enter the VC world, Arlan vividly explains her motivations and aspirations. Her determination to succeed led her to invest in over 200 companies, predominantly led by underrepresented founders, and personally funding 30 venture funds developed by women and BIPOC general partners. Her early experiences with artists and entrepreneurs required constant learning and adaptation, shaping her into an astute investor with the skills and knowledge to interact intellectually with potential partners.
The discussion further highlights the obstacles Arlan overcame to make her first investment, emphasizing the importance of being resourceful and constantly educating oneself. Her ability to connect with potential founders, offer value, and resourceful networking, even during her struggles, showcases her tenacity and unwavering commitment to her vision. Arlan’s groundbreaking first investment in Cairos, a facial and emotion recognition company in Miami, serves as a testimony to her belief in emerging technologies and underrepresented innovators. Her understanding of the industry, coupled with her resolve, led to her success as an influencer and investor.
Arlan’s inspirational journey takes a pivotal turn as she details her strategies for finding founders to invest in, providing a glimpse into her relentless pursuit of identifying and supporting promising entrepreneurs. Her tale of creating valuable connections and offering assistance, long before she had the means, epitomizes her dedication to empowering the underrepresented and underestimated communities.
In 2015, a viral Medium post titled “Dear White Venture Capitalist” became a turning point in Arlan’s journey, propelling her into the spotlight and setting the stage for her eventual success in the VC world. Understanding the impact of her remarkable story, Arlan candidly shares the reasons behind her homelessness, addressing prevalent stereotypes and misperceptions surrounding individuals facing such challenges. Her openness about financial struggles and the absence of a clear path during her younger years unravels the narrative of resilience and unwavering determination to defy the odds.
Join us in this thought-provoking episode as Arlan Hamilton exemplifies the resilience and relentless pursuit of success, offering an unfiltered, inspirational narrative from homelessness to becoming one of the most influential voices in the venture capitalism world. #EYL #ArlanHamilton #VentureCapital #Resilience #DiversityandInclusion #Startups #Entrepreneurship #UnderrepresentedFounders #ThePowerofPerseverance
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