How do you identify and capitalize on the biggest upcoming trends?
Katelyn Donnelly, GP of Avalanche Ventures, unveils her unique investment strategy focusing on "avalanches" – inevitable market trends driven by societal and technological shifts. In this episode, Katelyn shares her insights on what VCs look for in early-stage startups, emphasizing the importance of founders building their life's work and understanding the nuances of early-stage venture capital.
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Here’s what you’ll find in this episode:
00:10 Avalanche Ventures Thesis
01:13 Identifying Market Trends
04:04 KatelynDonnelly's Background
06:28 Avalanche Ventures Investment Focus
07:28 Examples of Avalanche Investments
11:15 Solo GP Experience
13:03 Evaluating Investment Opportunities
14:41 Cold Emailing Advice for Founders
19:29 Austin's Startup Ecosystem
20:49 Venture Capital Insights
28:17 Future Market Trends
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ABOUT KATELYN DONNELLY
Katelyn Donnelly is the Managing Partner of Avalanche VC, an early-stage venture firm that invests in technology companies transforming how people learn, earn, and own. Her extensive background includes co-founding Delivery Associates, a leading public sector advisory firm, and serving as Managing Director of Pearson Ventures, a global EdTech venture fund. Donnelly's career also features time at McKinsey & Company, and she has been recognized for her achievements, including being named to Forbes 30 Under 30. She is actively involved in shaping the future of education and technology, and is a member of Duke University's Learning Innovation Advisory Council.
Connect with Katelyn:
Katelyn's Website: https://katelyndonnelly.com/
Avalanche VC Website: https://www.avalanche.vc/
ABOUT JASON
Jason Kirby is the co-founder of Thunder VC. He is a serial entrepreneur with 4 multi-million exits and decades of experience in fundraising and business building. He has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs in his career on fundraising, investing, capital strategy, and business development.
You can reach out to Jason through:
Email: jason@thunder.vc
LinkedIn: Jason Kirby
ABOUT FUNDRAISING DEMYSTIFIED
Our goal is simple: to equip you with the knowledge, inspiration, and guidance to navigate the labyrinthine world of fundraising. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking seed funding or an established founder looking to scale your business, this podcast will provide you with the tools you need to conquer the fundraising landscape. Thank you for being a loyal subscriber to Fundraising Demystified. We appreciate your support and are excited to continue bringing you more inspiring stories from successful founders.
