Backstage

rs including women, people of color, and LGBTQ entrepreneurs. Backstage Capital aims to diversify venture funding and support startups led by marginalized groups, driven by a philosophy of equity and inclusion in entrepreneurship.

Philosophy

Backstage Capital operates on the philosophy of equity, inclusion, and challenging systemic biases in venture capital by providing funding and support to underestimated founders. It values grit, determination, kindness, and meaningful innovation. Men's Backstage emphasizes creative collaboration, affordable style, and supporting emerging brands to highlight individual style.

Sustainability

Men's backstage: No explicit sustainability information found in the sources. Backstage capital: While not a fashion brand, Backstage Capital's sustainability focus is social and economic, promoting diversity and equity in entrepreneurship to create systemic change in venture funding.

Founders

Dan Mou, Background: Founder and CEO of Men's Backstage, a New York-based men's creative fashion boutique established in 2014. The brand focuses on affordable, stylish menswear combining domestic emerging and international brands.. Arlan Hamilton, Background: Founder and Managing Partner of Backstage Capital, launched in 2015. Hamilton is a Black LGBTQ entrepreneur who started the venture fund while homeless, focusing on investing in startups led by women, people of color, and LGBTQ founders to address funding disparities.

Background

Men's Backstage was formed in 2014 in New York City as a boutique blending domestic and international menswear brands, with a strong focus on creative marketing and artistic collaborations. Backstage Capital was founded in 2015 in Los Angeles by Arlan Hamilton to address the underrepresentation of marginalized groups in startup funding, growing to invest millions in over 200 startups and managing accelerator programs across multiple cities.

History

Men's Backstage emerged as a creative menswear boutique in 2014, gaining attention through innovative campaigns such as music video collaborations. Backstage Capital was founded by Arlan Hamilton in 2015 after her personal experience with homelessness and recognizing the funding gap for diverse founders. Since then, it has raised over $30 million and invested in hundreds of startups, becoming a leading voice in inclusive venture capital.