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March 13, 2025 32 mins

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, c

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