Backstage Capital Announces the Return of its Apprenticeship Program, Now Called "Backstage Catalyst"

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[Los Angeles, CA / New York, NY, May 1] - Backstage Capital is excited to announce the return of its highly successful apprenticeship program, now rebranded as "Backstage Catalyst." The program aims to train a total of 100 investment apprentices by Backstage Capital's 10th anniversary in September 2025, including the 20 apprentices from its 2021 pilot cohort, focusing on providing opportunities to underrepresented and underestimated apprentices.

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The four-month program is designed to foster innovation, growth, and support for investors from all backgrounds. Each year, the cohort of apprentices will invest a carveout of $1 million into diverse founders through a series of virtual and in-person pitch competitions hosted by Backstage Capital.

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Thanks to generous underwriting and scholarships from partners, the Backstage Catalyst program is offered free of charge to all participants. Backstage Capital is proud to partner with leading organizations such as Anita B.org, DCVC, Sway VC, and Bloomberg Beta in this initiative. Additional partners will be announced in the coming weeks.

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The company is also pleased to introduce "The Catalyst Scholarship" underwritten by Holly Anderson Levow, specifically designed for women and non-binary apprentices participating in the Backstage Catalyst program. This scholarship demonstrates longtime collaborators, Backstage Capital’s and Levow’s, ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the world of venture capital and entrepreneurship.

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Upon graduating from the program, apprentices convene at an in-person summit. For those who wish to continue their work in venture, Backstage will help match them with aligned, in-network funds. Alternatively, Backstage will set the stage for graduates to start their own fund, become an angel investor, or apply their learnings to their own startup ventures.

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In the 2021 pilot cohort, several apprentices were catalyzed by their experience and connections made during the program. They now work with Backstage partners on special projects, such as the Anita B "PitcHer" competition, which will be held live at the Grace Hopper Celebration in September.

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Applications for the Backstage Catalyst apprenticeship program are open starting today. Aspiring apprentices are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this unique, cost-free opportunity to gain valuable experience and insights into the world of investment and entrepreneurship.

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Arlan Hamilton and Brittany Davis, partners at Backstage Capital, jointly said, "We're thrilled to see the return and expansion of the Backstage Catalyst program. It's an opportunity to provide unparalleled access and support to the next generation of investors, driving a more diverse and inclusive venture capital ecosystem. Together, we can break down barriers and create lasting change."

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Backstage Capital initially set out to invest in 100 startups by 2020 when it launched in 2015. The firm not only achieved this goal but also surpassed it, investing in over 200 startups, showcasing the impact of setting ambitious goals like training 100 investment apprentices by its 10th anniversary.
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