Los Angeles · Pre-Seed–Series A · 4 people tracked
Also known as Backstage Capital Accelerator
Investment thesis
Backstage Capital centers its investment approach on backing underrepresented founders. Through its community and content channels, including a weekly newsletter, the firm surfaces news, funding opportunities, and founder stories aimed at helping historically overlooked entrepreneurs build and grow their companies.
Source: firm website, verified Aug 24, 2026.
Team · 4 people
from the firm's website & curated & public directories
What they invest in
from 102 of 199 portfolio companiesConsumer ×38Fintech ×16AI & Machine Learning ×15Media & Entertainment ×14Healthtech ×13SaaS ×12Wellness & Fitness ×12Direct to Consumer ×11
HQs:United States×78Canada×1United Kingdom×1Taiwan×1
Who they back
founder profiles across 69 portfolio companiesFounding team size:solo founder×362 founders×213 founders×104+ founders×2
Where their founders studiedfrom 46 founders with education data
University of California, Berkeley ×4Harvard Business School ×3Cornell University ×2The Wharton School ×2University of Cincinnati ×2Yale University ×2
Where their founders worked beforefrom 53 founders with career history
McKinsey & Company ×3Quake Capital ×2Southparkcommons ×2Stanford University ×2The Aspen Institute ×2The Huffington Post ×2The White House ×2
Accelerator rootsportfolio companies that came through a program
4 founders hold a PhD · 8 hold an MBA (of 49 with degree data)
Investments · 199 tracked
founders shown can be your intro pathBy year:2024 · 12020 · 22018 · 32017 · 22016 · 12015 · 110 dated
Airfordable offers flexible payment plans for flight and hotel bookings, allowing customers to pay over time without requiring upfront costs or credit checks.
B2B MarketplacesFintechTravel & HospitalityChicago, US
Ama Marfo(Co-Founder; Operations / Finance)inEmmanuel Buah(Co-Founder; Product / Tech)in
Co-investorsY Combinator
Kairos provides AI-driven identity verification tools that scan and authenticate over 4,000 types of ID documents, perform selfie-based liveness detection, run facial biometric fraud checks against blacklist databases, and estimate a user's age from a single photo.
AI & Machine LearningCybersecuritySaaSMiami, US
Carol Baldwin(Executive Officer)Marc Levinson(Executive Officer)Amanda McClureBrian Brackeen
Co-investors500 GlobalKapor CapitalNew World Angelsa16z cryptoBlackRockClimate Investment+3 more
Reflekt creates an enterprise e-commerce platform that enables shoppers to view products modeled by people who match their own characteristics, focusing on diversity and body representation in fashion and beauty retail.
ConsumerCreator EconomyE-commerceMarketing TechRetail TechSaaSSandy Springs, US
Dr. Gerald Mitchell(Co-founder)Tope(Founder)
The Juggernaut is a media technology company that publishes original journalism about South Asia and the South Asian diaspora, targeting both diaspora communities and general readers interested in the region.
ConsumerMarketing TechMedia & EntertainmentNew York City, US
Snigdha Sur(Founder)in
Co-investorsY CombinatorPrecursor VenturesBackbone Angels
Adventurely is a global club membership offering pay-as-you-go access to workspaces including hotels, restaurants, coworking studios, spas, and third spaces across a worldwide network.
B2B MarketplacesFuture of WorkPropTechWellness & FitnessNew York City, US
Co-investorsTechstars
AfroSpace is a community clubhouse that provides physical space and organizes gatherings for community groups, particularly focused on Black women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and allies.
SocialCharlotte, US
Afrocenchix makes vegan haircare products—shampoos, conditioners, oils, and moisturisers—formulated for Afro, tightly coiled, and curly hair.
ConsumerDirect to ConsumerE-commerceLondon, GB
Co-investorsBacked
A tech-enabled brick-and-mortar community space offering personalized wellness products and curated self-care for Black women and people with afros.
Akash Systems develops thermal management technology called Diamond Cooling, which integrates diamond with semiconductors to dissipate heat and improve efficiency in AI servers.
Deep TechHardwareSemiconductors
Alex Carter(Founder & CEO)Felix Ejeckam(Co-founder & CEO)inTy Mitchell(Co-Founder & Board Director)inPamit Surana(Chief Commercial Officer)inDaniel Francis(Chief Technology Officer)in
Co-investorsFounders FundKhosla VenturesAngel Collective Opportunity FundARC Angel FundBanyan VenturesCade Ventures+10 more
A Kids Co. produces children's books, kids' podcasts, and an app covering challenging and important topics for young audiences, along with a parenting podcast ("Raising Us") for grownups.
ConsumerMedia & Entertainment
Jelani Memory(Founder & CEO)
Co-investorsPortland Seed FundSuperAngel.FundThe BFM Fund
Alerje develops FAIT, a mobile app and clinical platform for food allergy oral immunotherapy (OIT), offering dose tracking, HIPAA-compliant clinic messaging, and predictive insights.
Digital HealthHealthtechMedical Devices
Javier Evelyn(Founder & CEO)in
Co-investorsChloe CapitalID VenturesJumpstart NovaMichigan RiseSeae Ventures
AMP is an online beauty marketplace curating clean, non-toxic beauty products for all textures, genders, and shades with a focus on sustainability and eco-friendly brands.
ConsumerDirect to ConsumerE-commerceWellness & FitnessLos Angeles, US
Montré Moore(Founder)inAngel Lenise Pyles(Founder)in
Co-investorsTechstarsFearless Fund
Aquaai builds bio-inspired, fishlike underwater vehicles equipped with cameras and plug-and-play sensors to collect subsurface water data, offered on a Fish-as-a-Service model.
Climate TechDeep TechRobotics
SimeonLianeSimeon P.(Founder)in
Co-investorsAd Astra VenturesCreative Destruction Lab (CDL)
Ava Carrington designs and sells luxury handbags made from vegan leather and sustainable fabrics, targeting consumers who prioritize ethical fashion.
ConsumerDirect to Consumer
Greenville, US
HAROLD HUGHES(Executive Officer)Hampton Smith, Ph.D.(Founder)inARSHAD SYED(Executive Officer)SAMOTRIA HOLMES(Executive Officer)GREG SMITH(Director)
BoardKWAME ANKU(Director)in
Co-investorsBlack Star
Beautycon hosts educational events and conferences centered on beauty, makeup, and hair culture, bringing together creators, brands, and enthusiasts for masterclasses, product discovery, and community experiences.
ConsumerCreator EconomyMedia & EntertainmentLos Angeles, US
Moj Mahdara(Executive Officer, Director)in
BoardKelly Mullins(Director)Elizabeth Braiman(Director)
Co-investorsHalogen Ventures Management Company LlcKombo VenturesMaC Venture CapitalTYLT Ventures
A sustainable personal care line made with bamboo fibers offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional toilet paper.
A tech ecosystem in underserved cities that teaches people to code, builds companies to solve major challenges, and develops infrastructure for talent and opportunity.
A subscription video platform that helps Black viewers discover and watch content created by and featuring Black creators and performers.
ConsumerMedia & EntertainmentNew York City, US
Uzo Ometu(Founder)inIyanu Obidele(Founder)in
Co-investorsTechstarsY Combinator
Co-investorsElevate Capital
Blue Fever is a social platform designed for young people to express themselves and find mental health support through private AI conversations, group journaling, and peer support communities.
AI & Machine LearningHealthtechMental HealthSocialWellness & FitnessMarina del Rey, US
Lauren Tracy(Executive Officer)
Co-investorsHalogen Ventures Management Company LlcMozilla VenturesTechstarsThe W FundAlexa FundBlueRun Ventures
A life management tool helping users collect, complete, and track tasks with community support and personalized insights.
Anastasia S. Tarpeh-Ellis(Founder)in
Co-investorsBehind Genius Ventures
Candidly develops AI-powered solutions and intelligence tools for managing student debt and financial wellness.
AI & Machine LearningFintechSaaS
Laurel Taylor(Founder)in
Co-investorsCentral Texas Angel NetworkSalesforce Ventures
CapWay was an Atlanta-based fintech offering digital banking and financial literacy tools for banking deserts; it shut down in 2024.
Co-investorsEmles Venture PartnersFearless FundIndicator Ventures
CapWay was a fintech company focused on creating inclusive financial access, but the company has ceased operations.
FintechSaaSAtlanta, US
Sheena Allen(Founder)in
Co-investorsNew Orleans Startup FundStacked CapitalY CombinatorFearless FundIndicator VenturesInitialized Capital+2 more
CareAcademy provides training, certification, and workforce management software for healthcare providers including home care agencies, home health services, senior living facilities, and hospice organizations.
EdTechHealthtechHR TechCambridge, US
Helen Adeosun(Executive Officer, Director)Helen Adeyinka Adeosun(Founder)inMadhuri Reddy(Executive Officer)
Co-investorsChloe CapitalCoalition OperatorsFirst Trust Capital PartnersImpact America FundMultiplier CapitalOne Way Ventures+8 more
Career Karma helps individuals explore and compare career training programs and matches them to education pathways based on their interests, financial needs, and learning preferences.
EdTechFuture of WorkMarketplacesSan Francisco, US
Timur Meyster(Executive Officer, Director, Promoter)Ruben A. Harris(Executive Officer, Director, Promoter)Artur Meyster(Executive Officer, Director, Promoter)Ruben Harris(Founder)in
Co-investorsChaos VenturesFlucas VenturesOssian CapitalTrousdale VenturesVista Venture PartnersBackstage AB+7 more
Carrot is a global platform providing fertility care and family-building support to millions of people.
FemTechHealthtechHR TechRedwood City, US
Tammy Sun(Founder)inDavid Utley(Executive Officer, Director)
BoardSamir Kaul(Director)
Co-investorsDrive CapitalMaven VenturesUncork Capital
Carrot is a global fertility and family-building platform that provides access to fertility care, maternity support, and family-building guidance for individuals and families.
FemTechHealthtechSan Francisco, US
Asima Ahmad(Founder/CMO)inTammy Sun(Founder)in
Co-investorsAll TurtlesAurumCore Venture CapitalCRV (Charles River Ventures)Expansion Venture CapitalF-Prime Capital+8 more
CEEK offers a virtual reality platform accessed through its VR headset and companion VR app, aimed at consumers exploring VR content.
ConsumerHardwareMedia & Entertainment
Mary S.(Founder)in
Co-investors125 Ventures
Plural is an AI-powered platform that helps enterprises and organizations analyze legislation and anticipate policy impacts through bill summarization, topic detection, advanced search, and tracking across state and federal jurisdictions.
AI & Machine LearningGovTechLegalTechMounds View, US
DAMOLA OGUNDIPE(Executive Officer, Director)Damola Ogundipe(Founder)in
Co-investorsDebut CapitalTechstarsS3 Ventures
CloudNine AI provides an associative enterprise context infrastructure that unifies and governs complex data across legacy systems without modifying source data.
AI & Machine LearningCloud ComputingData & InfrastructureDeveloper ToolsEnterprise SoftwareSanta Monica, US
Michael Brown(Founder)in
Co-investorsExpert DOJOTechstars
A production company creating diverse, premium film, TV, and digital content featuring underrepresented talent and voices.
Color Farm Media is a media production company that creates content and campaigns, including impact-focused projects.
Media & Entertainment
Couplet Coffee is a specialty coffee brand selling coffee beans, brewing equipment, subscriptions, and bundles direct to consumers, with an emphasis on an approachable, inclusive experience.
ConsumerDirect to ConsumerE-commerceLos Angeles, US
Gefen(Founder)
CurlMix creates natural hair care products designed for curly hair, particularly for women with textured and gray hair.
ConsumerWellness & FitnessChicago, US
Kim Lewis(CEO & Co-Founder)Tim Lewis(Founder)in
Co-investorsCleveland AvenueLightship CapitalNext Play VenturesOssian Capital
A holistic programming language and infrastructure platform designed to simplify backend web service development and make coding more accessible.
Darklang is a programming language and development platform designed to build CLIs and cloud applications with minimal complexity.
Cloud ComputingDeveloper Tools
Paul Biggar
Co-investorsGen CapitalNextView Ventures
Dollaride accelerates electrification of passenger van fleets in New York City by providing access to electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, financing, and workforce development for underserved communities and small fleet operators.
CleantechFintechImpact & Social GoodMobility & TransportationNew York City, US
Su Sanni(CEO)inChris Coles(CTO)in
Co-investorsAutomotive Ventures MobilityEverywhere VenturesVisible HandsThe Fund
A platform offering machine learning voicebots for small to mid-sized businesses to automate customer interactions and workflows.
Edlyft provides support and mentorship to help students succeed in computer science and secure top software engineering roles.
EdTechEnterprise SoftwareFuture of WorkHR TechSan Francisco, US
Erika Hairston(Founder)inArnelle Ansong(Founder)in
Co-investorsWestbound Equity PartnersY Combinator27V (Twenty Seven Ventures)January VenturesKapor CapitalKleiner Perkins
An e-learning platform using cognitive gaming to help student-athletes understand their position and improve preparation through virtual practice.
Fairly (also referred to as Asenion) provides an AI governance platform for managing trust, risk, security, and compliance in AI systems across their entire lifecycle.
AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareFintechGovTechKitchener, CA
Co-investorsFlying Fish VenturesLoyal VCTechstars
An industrial IoT company enabling secure communications and private exchanges between devices through distributed network technology.
Co-investorsGen CapitalPantera CapitalVTF CapitalZenStone Venture CapitalFINTOP CapitalWillow Growth Partners+1 more
A commercial fleet management company providing labor supply and goods movement with a technology-driven platform for efficiency.
Kearny, US
Pierre Laguerre(Executive Officer)in
Co-investorsChampion Hill Ventures
An app and community founded by musician Kehlani making mindfulness accessible and enjoyable through challenges and community engagement.
A platform helping individuals and organizations achieve wellness goals through team challenges and behavior change support.
Ann Arbor, US
Rachna Govani(Executive Officer, Director)Josh Hendler(Director)Ellen Gustafson(Director)
An investment app providing personalized wealth journeys and comprehensive wealth management through subscription-based financial planning.
AI & Machine LearningFintechCharlotte, US
Co-investorsTechstars
Frequency Machine helps businesses and individuals create podcasts and audio shows, offering production services to develop ideas into finished programs.
Creator EconomyMedia & Entertainment
Stacey Book(Co-Founder & CEO)Avi Glijansky(Co-Founder & Chief Production Officer)Dominique Ferrari(Co-Founder & Creative Advisor)inNeil Innes(Global Head of Audio)Joshua Book(Lead Engineer, Head of Product)
Co-investorsConsonance Investment ManagersFuture Africa
Goalsetter provides a financial literacy and goal-setting platform designed for K-12 schools, colleges, universities, and financial institutions.
AI & Machine LearningEdTechFintechSaaS
Tanya Van Court(Founder & CEO)
Co-investorsAstiaEntrepreneurs Roundtable Accelerator (ERA)PortfoliaSeae VenturesThe Players' ImpactTruStage Ventures+2 more
Goodr operates a logistics platform and network that tracks and redistributes surplus food from organizations to people experiencing food insecurity, while also managing inedible food waste diversion.
Climate TechFoodTechImpact & Social GoodLogistics & Supply ChainAtlanta, US
Jasmine Crowe-Houston(Founder)inJasmine Crowe(Executive Officer, Director)
Co-investors100 Black Angels & Allies FundAtlanta Technology AngelsBuckhill CapitalHalogen Ventures Management Company LlcR/GA VenturesTech Square Ventures+3 more
Guava is a private membership network for Black and Brown founders, offering invite-only dinners, social events, and a digital community to connect members with potential hires, partners, and investors.
Future of WorkSocial
Co-investorsPurple Sage Ventures
HabitAware makes Keen2, a vibrating awareness bracelet paired with recovery coaching and an online community to help people manage body-focused repetitive behaviors such as hair pulling, skin picking, and nail biting.
Digital HealthMental HealthWellness & FitnessSaint Louis Park, US
Aneela Idnani(Executive Officer, Promoter)Kirk Klobe(Co-founder & CTO)Sameer Kumar(Co-founder & CEO)John Pritchard(Co-founder & Lead Hardware Engineer)Aneela Idnani Kumar(Co-founder & Designer)
Vicky Hsu(Founder)in
Co-investorsAtland VenturesChaos VenturesMonozukuri VenturesThe Venture Collective
Haute Hijab designs and sells hijabs and related accessories, including underscarves and magnets, for Muslim women seeking modest fashion products.
ConsumerDirect to ConsumerE-commerceNew York, US
Melanie Elturk(Executive Officer, Director, Promoter)Ahmed Zedan(Executive Officer, Director, Promoter)
BoardAnthony Tjan(Director)
Co-investorsLightship CapitalHelmLudlow VenturesMaveron
Healthy Roots Dolls manufactures dolls designed to celebrate children's beauty and promote self-love.
ConsumerDirect to ConsumerDetroit, US
Yelitsa Jean-Charles(Executive Officer, Director)in
Co-investorsLightship CapitalThe Perkins Fund
Houston, US
Elizabeth Gore(Founder)in
Co-investorsHow Women InvestQED InvestorsSignia Venture PartnersGolden Seeds
HidrateSpark makes smart water bottles with integrated sensors and mobile app connectivity that track hydration and remind users to drink water through light and sound cues.
ConsumerHardwareHealthtechInsurTechIoTWellness & FitnessMinneapolis, US
Coleman Iverson(Executive Officer, Director, Promoter)Ngoc Nguyen(Executive Officer, Director, Promoter)Alexander Hambrock(Executive Officer, Director, Promoter)
Co-investorsTechstarsDenver Ventures
Hostfully provides property management software (PMS) and guest experience tools for short-term and vacation rental managers, supporting operations from a single listing to 100+ properties.
PropTechSaaSTravel & Hospitality
David Jacoby(Founder)inMargot Schmorak(Founder)in
Co-investorsCeltic House Asia PartnersDisruption VenturesGroundBreak VenturesTBD Angels
Houghton is a bridal fashion design studio offering wedding dresses, rental options, made-to-order, and custom designs for brides.
ConsumerBeverly Hills, US
Katharine Polk
HTC Vive manufactures virtual reality hardware and accessories, including the Vive Focus Vision headset and related add-ons for consumers and enterprises seeking immersive computing experiences.
ConsumerGamingHardwareTaoyuan, TW
Cher Wang(Founder & Chairwoman)Wenchi Chen(Co-founder)
A healthcare technology platform helping hospitals manage clinical inventory, medical device safety, and utilization efficiently.
Infinite Objects manufactures and sells framed digital displays that play video art and collectible moving prints for consumers.
ConsumerHardwareBrooklyn, US
Joe Saavedra(Founder)inRoxana Fata(Executive Officer)Alex Chung(Director)Sona Banker(Executive Officer)Nicholas Dangerfield(Executive Officer)
BoardVasudev Kulkarni(Director)
Co-investorsAdvancit CapitalBetaworksGFR FundOverton Venture CapitalSerena VenturesCourtside Ventures+1 more
Wellness & FitnessNew York City, US
Christine Strzalka(Executive Officer, Director, Promoter)Caroline Strzalka(Executive Officer, Director, Promoter)
BoardJoanne Wilson(Director)in
Co-investorsChloe CapitalMatchstick VenturesTechstars
Jewelbots makes DIY craft kits that teach children STEM concepts through hands-on building and coding projects.
ConsumerE-commerceEdTechHardwareNew York City, US
Sara ChippsBrooke Moreland
Co-investors500 GlobalTechstars
A food technology company using data and science to develop functional micro-foods and nutrient delivery systems.
Journey Foods builds AI-powered automation systems for consumer product companies to predict costs and eliminate guesswork.
AI & Machine LearningConsumerFoodTech
Co-investorsBrinc
Kiira operates a telehealth service in the United States focused on women's health, using AI to support its care model.
Healthtech
Crystal Adesanya(Founder)inCrystal Adesanya
Co-investors500 GlobalCarnrite VenturesDebut CapitalRoot and Shoot Ventures
A telehealth platform serving collegiate women with AI-driven, culturally informed women's health care.
Co-investorsNew York Venture Partners
BookClub is a social audiobook platform where groups of 3-8 people listen to books together and leave time-stamped voice notes and video reactions that unlock for others as they reach the same moments.
Creator EconomyMedia & EntertainmentSocial
Co-investorsGSV VenturesMaveronSignal Peak Ventures
A lending platform emphasizing design and automation to help people get out of debt and rebuild credit.
Oakland, US
Jerry Nemorin(Founder)inCatherine Root(Director)KG Charles-Harris(Director)Michael Snyder(Director)Roseman Nemorin(Executive Officer, Director)
Co-investorsKapor Capital
Localeur offers travel guides and local recommendations—such as restaurants and road trips—sourced from a community of locals across 200 destinations.
ConsumerSocialTravel & HospitalityAustin, US
Joah Spearman(Founder)inCate Smithson(Head of Content)
BoardHeather Brunner(Executive Officer, Director)
Co-investorsCapital Factory
Loomia manufactures flexible, washable electronic interconnects and components for integration into textiles and wearable products.
Advanced ManufacturingDeep TechHardwareIoTNew MaterialsBrooklyn, US
Co-investorsXRCREFASHIOND Ventures
LOOP provides car insurance aimed at underserved and working-class communities, using a pricing model that excludes credit score, education, and occupation from rate calculations.
FintechImpact & Social GoodInsurTech
Carey Anne Nadeau(Co-Founder & Co-CEO)
Co-investorsFoundryNew VoicesThird Sphere
Mahmee provides wraparound maternal and infant healthcare support through a team of nurses, doulas, lactation consultants, and mental health specialists, serving pregnant and postpartum families in the United States.
Digital HealthEdTechFemTechHealthtechCalifornia, US
Melissa Hanna(Founder)Linda Hanna(Co-Founder & Director of Care)Sunny W.(Founder)in
Co-investors3CC | Third Culture Capital500 GlobalMaC Venture CapitalMuse CapitalHelm
Maven provides cohort-based online courses and lightning lessons on investing, hiring, and business management topics, primarily for tech leaders and emerging investors.
AI & Machine LearningEdTech
Gagan Biyani(Founder)in
Co-investorsAndreessen HorowitzChapter OneLong Journey VenturesOak HC/FTSequoia CapitalVibe Capital+3 more
Palo Alto, US
Kate Torgersen(Executive Officer, Director)inMike Torgersen(Executive Officer, Director)
Co-investorsUrban InnovationWhite Road Investments
A software platform that increases peer-to-peer engagement and collects data at live and virtual events through real-time matching and surveying.
Birmingham, US
Ashlee Ammons(Executive Officer, Director)Kerry Schrader(Executive Officer, Director)Kerry Schrader, MBA(Founder)in
Co-investorsBlack Star
A DTC brand offering high-end vegan leather, insulated lunch bags for women combining style, functionality, and sustainability.
Modern Picnic designs insulated bags and accessories with a vegan leather exterior, including lunch bags, totes, backpacks, fanny packs, and matching food containers meant to keep meals cool while looking stylish.
ConsumerDirect to ConsumerE-commerce
Co-investorsBroad Street Angels
My Money My Future is an educational initiative that provides financial literacy and investor education to Black and Latino communities through webinars, workshops, and community events.
EdTechFintech
Ramona Ortega(Founder)
Naturalicious produces natural hair care products designed specifically for curly and textured hair.
ConsumerWellness & Fitness
Nickson offers subscription-based furniture and home goods leasing for renters, designing and setting up complete apartment furnishings including furniture, décor, kitchen and bathroom housewares, smart TVs, and a Bluetooth speaker before move-in.
ConsumerMarketplacesPropTech
Co-investorsMotley Fool Ventures
Nicolette develops technology to improve interactions between patients and healthcare providers, with a focus on better outcomes, patient experience, care team experience, and cost reduction in healthcare delivery.
Digital HealthHealthtechSector AgnosticLong Beach, US
Dr. Andrey Ostrovsky(Co-founder)Phil Martie(CEO)
Co-investorsExpert DOJOSeed HealthcareTechstarsWavemaker Three-Sixty Health
A connected vaporizer pen using patent-pending technology to gradually reduce nicotine intake and help users quit.
Nomiku makes home sous vide cooking appliances and offers a meal delivery service with pre-portioned ingredients designed for use with their circulator.
ConsumerSan Francisco, US
Lisa Q. Fetterman(Founder/CEO)inAbe Fetterman(Founder/CTO)Wipop Suppipat(Founder)in
Co-investorsWakestream VenturesY CombinatorSlow Ventures
A biotechnology company developing diagnostic tests to more effectively and quickly diagnose pneumonia, particularly in children.
Novoron develops lipoprotein-receptor small molecule therapies aimed at repairing damage and degeneration of the brain and spinal cord, including treatments for proteinopathies and neuroregeneration following traumatic injury.
BiotechDeep TechHealthtechMedical DevicesSan Diego, US
Travis Stiles(CEO & Co-founder)inShawn Gahr(COO & Co-founder)inDavid Weiner(Executive Chairman)Ryan McMillian(CFO & Financial Strategy)
BoardMichael Goguen(Director)in
Co-investorsTwo Bear Capital
O.school is an online retailer offering a curated selection of sex toys and sexual wellness resources, alongside educational content focused on inclusive, accessible, and shame-free sexual education.
Direct to ConsumerE-commerceWellness & Fitness
Andrea Barrica(Founder)in
Co-investorsBase Venture Management, Inc.
OmniSpeech develops speech technology based on research into the physiology of human speech, with applications in audio, automotive, and consumer electronics.
AI & Machine LearningDeep TechEnterprise SoftwareHardwareCollege Park, US
Dr. Carol Espy-WilsonCarol Espy-Wilson(Founder & CTO)David Przygoda(Chief Executive Officer)Reggie Van Lee(Executive Chairman)
Co-investorsMaryland TEDCOTEDCO
Dibs is a booking platform for fitness studios that uses targeted incentives to increase customer bookings and revenue.
ConsumerSaaS
A digital platform supporting Black artists and cultural institutions in monetizing and retaining creative control of NFT art.
On Second Thought builds a delay/recall platform delivered as SDKs and APIs that developers embed into messaging and peer-to-peer payment applications, letting end users "undo" sent messages or misdirected payments.
Developer ToolsFintechSaaSCambridge, US
Paladin operates a pro bono infrastructure platform that connects low-income individuals with volunteer attorneys and helps legal services organizations, law firms, and in-house legal teams manage volunteer programs.
Enterprise SoftwareLegalTechSaaSNew York City, US
Co-investorsAmerican Family Insurance Institute for Corporate and Social ImpactChaac VenturesCleveland AvenueHyde Park Venture PartnersRackhouse Venture Management LpTech Square Ventures+7 more
Pandia Health is a doctor-founded, women-led telehealth service that provides online consultations with board-certified physicians specializing in hormonal and reproductive care, along with free home delivery of prescriptions.
Digital HealthFemTechWellness & Fitness
Sophia Yen(Co-founder & Chief Medical Officer)in
Partake Foods makes allergy-friendly cookies and snacks designed for people with dietary restrictions including common allergens like peanuts, tree nuts, and shellfish.
Direct to ConsumerFoodTechNew York, US
Denise Woodard(Sole manager.)
Co-investorsCleveland AvenueFourward VenturesGold House VenturesPortfoliaWellness VenturesZintinus+5 more
Patientory provides a platform for patients to control and manage their health data, with integration for chronic disease management and remote patient monitoring.
Digital HealthHealthtech
Chrissa McFarlane(Founder)in
Co-investorsExpert DOJOR/GA Ventures
Perch is a home monitoring app that turns a spare phone, tablet, laptop or webcam into a live home camera.
Co-investorsEmles Venture Partners
A mobile app enabling users to build credit scores by reporting recurring expenses like rent and subscriptions to major credit bureaus.
Pilotly is a media research platform for concept, content, and advertising testing, serving streamers, networks, studios, and agencies in the entertainment and media industry.
AI & Machine LearningMarketing TechMedia & EntertainmentOakland, US
James Norman(CEO, Co-founder)Hector Osorio(CTO, Co-founder)
BoardJoseph Audette(Director)
Co-investors500 GlobalLaunchCapitalRevUp CapitalUpslope VenturesFounders Circle CapitalIndex Ventures
PlanetFWD offers a sustainability management platform that measures carbon footprints across Scopes 1, 2, and 3, automates life cycle assessments, and helps companies model emissions reduction strategies.
CleantechClimate TechSaaS
Julia Collins(Founder & CEO)in
Co-investorsAcre Venture PartnersBeacon VCCity LightCleo CapitalCongruent VenturesCowboy Ventures+11 more
Please Assist Me provides home management services through teams of W-2 employees called PAMs who help reduce household stress and tasks.
ConsumerFuture of WorkPropTechNashville, US
Stephanie Cummings(Executive Officer, Director)Seany Denson(Executive Officer, Director)
Co-investorsAd Astra VenturesBlack Tech Nation VenturesInnova Memphis, Inc.Techstars
A media company curating and distributing multicultural content across OTT platforms with a focus on representation.
A criminal justice technology platform reducing recidivism and supporting public safety through case management and analytics tools.
A platform that monetizes knowledge-sharing by connecting consumers with experts for one-on-one sessions, group meetings, and virtual events.
Co-investors100 Black Angels & Allies Fund
Quarrio offers a deterministic AI system that answers plain-English business questions across enterprise data sources such as CRM, ERP, and data warehouses, aiming for verified, auditable results without hallucinations.
AI & Machine LearningData & InfrastructureEnterprise Software
KG Charles-Harris(CEO)Dr. Earl Sacerdoti(Chief Scientist)Jim Cates(Chief Product Officer)
Co-investorsInnovation CatalystNew Orleans Startup Fund
Radiant provides IoT-based asset management and life safety software that tracks fixed and physical assets using RFID, BLE, GPS, and barcode technologies without requiring upfront hardware infrastructure.
Enterprise SoftwareIoTLogistics & Supply Chain
Co-investorsDERIVE VENTURESTaurus VenturesThayer Investment Partners
Seed&Spark is a crowdfunding and distribution platform for creators of storytelling projects, including filmmakers, writers, musicians, podcasters, and other performers.
Creator EconomyFintechMarketplacesMedia & EntertainmentLos Angeles, US
Emily Best(Founder)inErica Anderson(Co-founder)
Co-investorsOne Planet GroupTechstars
A social platform fostering discovery, curation, and meaningful connection within the Black diaspora across digital content.
ShearShare is a US mobile platform that connects salon and barbershop owners who have unused chairs with licensed stylists and barbers looking for space.
B2B MarketplacesMcKinney, US
Courtney Caldwell(Founder)Courtney Wiley, MBA(Founder)inCourtney Wiley CaldwellDr.Tye Caldwell
Co-investors500 GlobalChloe CapitalFearless Fund
Los Angeles, US
Brittany Chavez(Founder)in
Co-investorsDebut CapitalTechstarsHispanics in PhilanthropyPrecursor VenturesPreface Ventures
SoLo Funds operates a community lending marketplace where individual members lend to and borrow from each other for short-term needs, with optional lender protection.
ConsumerFintechInsurTechMarketplacesCincinnati, US
Travis Holoway(Executive Officer, Director)inRodney Williams(Director)
Co-investors100 Black Angels & Allies FundACME CapitalImpact America FundJumpstart VenturesMaC Venture CapitalOssian Capital+4 more
A SaaS platform offering digital customs clearing, forwarding, and supply chain services to facilitate trade across Africa.
Co-investorsConsonance Investment Managers
Co-investorsNew Voices75 & Sunny
Suma Wealth provides AI-powered financial coaching through chatbot assistants that help users budget, track spending, and build savings with personalized advice available in English and Spanish.
AI & Machine LearningConsumerFintech
Beatriz Acevedo(Founder)in
Co-investors2045 VenturesFemale FoundersHow Women InvestPortfoliaResilienceVCSilicon Valley+5 more
A financial inclusion platform providing in-culture financial education and digital savings tools to help Latino customers build generational wealth.
Co-investorsResilienceVC
A music technology company using AI to create intelligent music systems and controllers for live performance and studio recording.
Samyukktha T.(Founder)in
Co-investorsFernbrook Capital Management
A nationwide on-demand tabletop rental service making entertaining accessible through curated design packages.
Table & Teaspoon rents curated tablescape kits for events, shipping a box with dishware and step-by-step setup instructions a day or two before a party, then letting hosts return everything via a prepaid label without washing.
Circular EconomyConsumerE-commerceSan Francisco, US
Liz(Founder)
Co-investorsVentures Platform
Bea Arthur's personal brand website promoting her upcoming book "How To Make Confidence and Capitalism Work for You" (Coming 2026).
HealthtechMedia & EntertainmentMental HealthNew York City, US
Bea Arthur(Founder & Author)
Co-investorsTechstars
Co-investorsFlybridge Capital Partners
The Mentor Method provides a technology platform to help organizations build, scale, and manage mentorship programs at low cost.
HR TechSaaSAustin, US
Co-investorsTechstars
A digital news and insights platform covering the Black innovation economy and tech ecosystems.
A biannual publication documenting the history and culture of the Black LGBTQ community with artist and intellectual collaborations.
Foodstand offers a mobile app centered on group "Good Eating Challenges" that people join with friends and coworkers to build healthier eating habits, such as avoiding added sugar or eating more fruits and vegetables.
ConsumerFoodTechWellness & Fitness
Co-investorsID Ventures
The Tenth Magazine publishes affiliate-style guides and reviews of online sportsbooks and casinos for bettors in North Carolina, covering bonuses, betting markets, legal status, and game schedules.
Media & Entertainment
Tinsel designs wearable audio jewelry that combines necklaces with functional earbuds, marketed to women who want tech accessories that match their style.
ConsumerDirect to ConsumerHardware
Co-investorsLloyds Bank
TopKnot is a comparison and review platform for casino apps that aggregates data on games, payment methods, licensing, and user reviews across 500+ platforms.
ConsumerMarketplaces
Co-investorsBase Venture Management, Inc.27V (Twenty Seven Ventures)
A Platform-as-a-Service company helping cities and developers reduce costs and complexity in deploying last-mile infrastructure.
Co-investorsCoPeace CapitalAndreessen HorowitzBBG VenturesKapor CapitalWocstar Capital
Unreal Estate is a residential real estate platform offering flat-fee MLS listings and reduced-commission home buying and selling.
E-commerceFintechPropTechChicago, US
Co-investorsC2 VenturesChicago Early Growth Ventures (CEGV)Cleveland AvenueIrishAngelsOssian CapitalTechstars+2 more
Upsie offers consumer protection plans for devices, positioned as an alternative to plans sold by retailers and manufacturers, with lower prices, transparent coverage terms, and 24/7 claims service.
ConsumerFintechInsurTechBurnsville, US
Clarence Bethea(Founder & Executive Chairman)inWill(CEO)Katie(VP of Customer Experience)Chad(VP Growth Marketing)Jame(VP of Engineering)Rob(VP of Repair Operations)
Co-investorsBread And Butter Ventures, LlcMatchstick VenturesTechstarsM25True Ventures
A watch brand that supports education for children in Sub-Saharan Africa through profit-sharing.
WashLB provides mobile car washing and detailing services delivered directly to customers' parked vehicles.
ConsumerSaaSPhiladelphia, US
A music technology company that seamlessly adapts song tempo in real-time for running apps and workouts.
Co-investorsRivet VenturesBoxGroupKing River CapitalPassion CapitalSV Angel
A rental review platform that enables residents and home providers to read and write reviews about rental properties, fostering transparency in the residential renting market.
MarketplacesBrooklyn, US
Camellus Ofornedu Ezeugwu(Executive Officer)Felix Addison(Executive Officer)Ofo Ezeugwu(Founder)inNikita Korablin(Executive Officer)
Wildfang is an apparel brand offering gender-fluid clothing, reinterpreting menswear classics tailored to fit the female form across a range of sizes.
ConsumerDirect to ConsumerE-commercePortland, US
Emma McIlroy(Co-founder & CEO)Julia Parsley(Co-founder)Taralyn Thuot(Co-founder)Amy Hjorth(Executive Officer)
BoardSarmad Saghir(Director)Jonathan Whitcher(Director)
Co-investorsAssembled BrandsLong Way VenturesOregon Venture FundPortland Seed FundVTF CapitalCascade Seed Fund+1 more
Win-Win is a platform that hosts prediction tournaments hosted by influencers and celebrities where participants predict outcomes of matchups, make charitable donations, and compete for prizes while supporting nonprofit causes.
Creator EconomyFintechImpact & Social GoodSocial
Michael Tauiliili-BrownMike T. Brown
Co-investors500 GlobalDuke Capital PartnersBlack Star
An asynchronous voice messaging platform for remote teams to communicate and collaborate without real-time synchronous meetings.
Jordan Walker(Founder)in
Co-investorsSpacecadet VenturesNotable CapitalSlack Fund
An e-commerce platform delivering fresh groceries and goods at wholesale prices in reusable glass jars to eliminate plastic waste.
Co-investorsForward Venture CapitalIrishAngelsFlucas Ventures
Ayanna Howard(Founder)in
Portfolio news
latest coverage across their companiesZero · rideapart.com · Jul 22, 2026
Kairos AR · indianretailer.com · Jul 18, 2026
Ceek · intelligence360.news · Jul 17, 2026
SoLo Funds · solofunds.com · Jul 17, 2026
Tinsel · arcusglobal.com · Jul 8, 2026
Candidly · investmentnews.com · Jul 2, 2026
Paladin · marketscreener.com · Jul 1, 2026
Frequently asked questions
- How many investments has Backstage Capital made?
- Backstage Capital has 188 tracked investments.
- What stage does Backstage Capital invest at?
- Backstage Capital invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A stages.
- What is Backstage Capital's typical check size?
- Backstage Capital typically writes checks of $50K.
- What sectors does Backstage Capital focus on?
- Backstage Capital focuses on Sector Agnostic.
- Where is Backstage Capital located?
- Backstage Capital is headquartered in Los Angeles, US.
- Does Backstage Capital lead rounds?
- Backstage Capital typically participates in rounds rather than leading them.
- Who does Backstage Capital co-invest with?
- Backstage Capital most often shares deals with Techstars, 500 Global, Y Combinator, among 187 tracked co-investors.
Media · Podcasts & interviews
featuring the teamArlan Hamilton of Backstage Capital
SXSW · Arlan Hamilton
Your First Million with Backstage Capital Founder Arlan Hamilton
Technically Speaking · Arlan Hamilton
Investing in Underrepresented Tech Founders with Arlan Hamilton's Backstage Capital
Scott Hanselman · Arlan Hamilton
Arlan Hamilton, Founder & Managing Partner of Backstage Capital, joins NYSE Floor Talk
New York Stock Exchange · Arlan Hamilton
From homeless to millionaire & venture capitalist, meet Arlan Hamilton of Backstage Capital #podcast
The Style That Binds Us · Arlan Hamilton
Backstage Capital Founder Arlan Hamilton On The Secret To Writing Better Emails
ForbesWomen · Arlan Hamilton
Images
Co-investors · 45
Kapor Capital is an Oakland-based venture fund that invests in seed-stage technology companies in education, health, and consumer finance sectors. The firm focuses on companies that create both economic and social value.
Precursor Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in founders at the earliest stages, focusing on people over product.
MaC Venture Capital is a seed-stage venture capital firm that partners closely with founders, offering a multidisciplinary team, an extensive network spanning Silicon Valley, Hollywood, Washington DC, and emerging markets, and hands-on growth support.
Serena Ventures is a venture capital firm that backs founders building companies across how people live, work, move, and connect, with a global perspective and a focus on expanding access, ownership, and opportunity.
Lightship Capital is an investment firm that backs entrepreneurs and funds using modest resources to generate outsized returns, aiming to develop overlooked talent and stimulate emerging ecosystems.
An investment firm founded by operators with 12+ years of experience launching over 100 products for major brands, offering hands-on support in product strategy, MVP development, and operational scaling to portfolio companies.
Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) is a venture capital firm founded in 2009 by Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, known for pioneering the platform model with a large team of operators supporting founders across stages.
BBG Ventures is a venture firm that invests at the edges of the innovation spectrum, backing companies built on deep technology leverage as well as those addressing fundamental human needs.
New Voices Fund (NVF Capital) is a thesis-driven venture capital firm based in New York that backs consumer brands and services along with the commerce infrastructure supporting them. Its team of career investors and former founders and operators targets companies positioned to benefit from shifting consumer behaviors and an increasingly diverse, interconnected customer base, offering operational support alongside capital.
Long Journey Ventures is an early-stage venture firm that backs unconventional, 'magically weird' founders and ideas, positioning itself as a hands-on, community-oriented partner to its companies.
Everywhere Ventures is an early-stage venture firm, backed by a community of founders and operators as LPs, that writes early checks (including pre-seed) into startups across many sectors and geographies.
Vibe Capital is a $10M venture fund investing in Web3, AI, and Deep Science startups at the pre-seed and seed stage.
▶33 more co-investors
Tet VenturesVista Venture PartnersBread And Butter Ventures, LlcChingona VenturesSUPPLY CHANGE CAPITALMotley Fool VenturesCraft VenturesBessemer Venture PartnersPioneerQueensBridge Venture PartnersUpfront VenturesWEEKENDLOI VentureBedrockShaan All Accessfoobar.vcK2 GlobalBasementActive CapitalBECO CapitalForum VenturesParadox CapitalColor CapitalThe ClubSaaSholicGanas VenturesOVO FundHyperplane Venture CapitalInterlock CapitalCollab Capital42Phi VenturesInclude Venture PartnersRareBreed Ventures
Firms observed investing alongside Backstage Capital, from public investor directories. Shared companies are the overlap with Backstage Capital's recorded portfolio.
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AirTree Ventures runs Pathfinders, a free four-week in-person program in Sydney for young builders (high-school graduates up to age 23) to work on a real product, access the AirTree team and founders, and build a peer network.
August Capital is a venture capital firm that invests in a small number of companies, providing hands-on support to entrepreneurs building their businesses.
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B Capital is a global investment firm backing early to late-stage technology innovators across technology, healthcare, and energy & resilience sectors.