Backstage Capital is part of a movement; people are interested in what we’re doing, they’re following our progress and become part of our network because we represent something larger and more important than just ourselves. Founders know that we won’t be able to invest capital in every person we meet, but we want to be real with them, we want to be

A start-up may begin with one person’s idea, but it can expand past the idea phase only with the help of other people.

Being so deeply truly yourself, as a nonnegotiable, is the answer to everything.

once I knew the rules and got my bearings, I was faster than the rest of the class. I think about this whenever I’m worried that I’m too far behind or that I don’t belong in a certain circle because I don’t have the same set of qualifications or expertise. Given the opportunity, I can succeed, even when I’m scared out of my mind.

No matter how you make a living or what your skill set is, you have to know what value you bring, place a price on your time and talent, and then accept nothing less.

knew when I saw those statistics that the mythology around Silicon Valley was basically a lie, because ingenuity, hard work, hustle, grit, and innovation aren’t traits that are prevalent only in the straight White male population.

My mind, my information, my brain trust became the assets.

someone who has always been vision focused, who has always had big ideas and small resources, I became obsessed with this industry.

You must become not just valuable but undeniably invaluable. And the way to do that is through having more knowledge about your corner of the world than anyone else.