Your First Million Live-Arlan Hamilton
Arlan Hamilton at Your First Million LIVE
“It’s time for us to claim the wealth that belongs to us... We came for the cake, not the crumbs!” - Arlan
Chloe's jaw practically dropped when the email arrived – Arlan Hamilton wanted her to be the personal photographer for the very first Your First Million LIVE summit! It was an incredibly flattering request, and Chloe was immediately struck by Arlan's impressive ability to juggle the complexities of this major inaugural event alongside her NBC show, "In the Black." The summit was deeply moving, with so many attendees sharing powerful testimonials about how Arlan's work had positively impacted their lives. For Chloe, the experience was made even more special by the chance to meet Gary Vee, the amazing Issa Rae, and the musician Janine, plus witnessing a fantastic performance by TLC – a true full-circle moment that likely healed all the angst Chloe accumulated listening to "Waterfalls" on repeat during high school. It was like a musical balm for teenage woes! She left feeling energized and deeply inspired, already looking forward to the next summit. Arlan's generosity knows no bounds; she even recently invited Chloe to an unforgettable Beyoncé concert experience from her suite in San Diego.
Your First Million LIVE is an event designed to amplify underestimated voices and talent, and embodies Arlan Hamilton’s mission of spreading the Your First Million ethos and nurturing the next generation of catalysts. During the event, attendees received the tools, resources, and connections to empower them to thrive as they work towards their First Million!
About Arlan:
Arlan Hamilton, founder at Backstage Capital and HireRunner.co, is a serial entrepreneur, author, and prolific speaker.
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’s latest book, “Your First Million: Why You Don’t Have To Be Born Into A Legacy Of Wealth To Leave One Behind” is available now!
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.
Arlan Hamilton with guests wearing jackets at Your First Million LIVE 2024
Arlan Hamilton with Issa Rae at Your First Million LIVE 2024
Arlan Hamilton at the close of Your First Million LIVE walking with her wife