Announcing:
Backstage Catalyst

Applications are are now closed. Stay tuned for info on future Cohorts.

Backstage Catalyst is a revolutionary investor apprenticeship program by Backstage Capital. Our Catalyst program empowers underestimated individuals and allies by providing an immersive, hands-on experience in venture capital. Through mentorship, networking, and tailored educational resources, our apprentices gain valuable skills and insights to become the next generation of influential investors.

Backstage’s impact on the startup ecosystem

200+

Startups led by underestimated founders backed

10,000+

Startups who have applied for investment

40+

“Crew” (team) members who have influenced the firm since 2015

$20M+

Investment dollars directly allocated

$2B+

Enterprise market value of “headliner” portfolio

60+

Apprentices who have graduated from our Catalyst program pilot

Our 2023 Class

The 2023 Backstage Catalyst apprentices will master essential skills, fostering innovation and collaboration, now significantly influencing the tech and entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Olyvia Dean
Vivienne Heyhoe
Lisa Hanson
Sophie Purgavie
Temilola Agbede
Stephanie Hekker
Mary Rose Saint-Cyr
Elan Drennon
Danish F. Khan
Christina Luna
Carlin Scrudato
Bec Vaughan
Angelo Francisco
Adam Grant
Shanell Farmer
Soufieh Hakimzadeh
Tiffany Yu
Stephanie von Behr
Samantha Kidjo
Ramel J. Wallace
Prentiss Jamar Haney
Kalish Nesbitt
Jyoti Lamba
Juan Ortega
Jae C. Henderson
Chandana Papudesu
Anne-Michele Harrington
Adrienne Blanks
Sowmya Hariharan
Shannon McCabe
Susan Levison
Monica Baesa
Leo Lu
Lana Schupbach
Giovanni Anthony Bryden
Denise N Bronner, PHD
Brittni Abiolu
Audrey Wu

In the news

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Sara Gepp PitcHER
I first started following Arlan Hamilton on Twitter in 2018, after she had appeared on a podcast. While I’ve since forgotten the name of that podcast, what truly resonated with me was Arlan’s unwavering perseverance and her belief in her own capabilities.
The Fearless Fund Conference
Members of the Backstage Catalyst 2023 cohort, Adrienne Blanks and Kalish Nesbitt, share their reflections on their journey to the Fearless Fund conference, which took place on August 18, 2023.
Backstage Capital & Bain Capital Ventures Breakfast
On Wednesday June 14, 2023, I attended a Breakfast & Networking Event at the Bain Capital Ventures offices in San Francisco.
How Backstage Capital is creating the next generation of venture capitalists
Backstage Catalyst
Backstage Capital Announces the Return of its Apprenticeship Program, Now Called "Backstage Catalyst"

Join Us

Join our transformative cohort to accelerate your career, gain invaluable skills, expand your network, and create lasting impact within the tech ecosystem.

APPLY NOW