In this episode, Harry and Colin talk with Katelyn Donnelly. Katelyn is the Managing Director of Avalanche VC, an early-stage venture firm investing in massive technology-driven trends starting with how people learn, earn, and own. She's previously been an active angel investor and LP in over 20 companies and funds.
Before Avalanche, she co-founded Delivery Associates, a leading public sector advisory firm driving outcomes and technology implementation worldwide. She played every role in building the company, including serving on the board until its exit to private equity in November 2022. Previously, she co-founded Pearson Ventures, a significant EdTech venture fund. Katelyn started her career at McKinsey & Company in San Francisco.
Katelyn is a published author on topics of innovation, investing, and learning. She writes a newsletter called Obviously The Future. Katelyn currently resides in Austin, Texas, and has previously lived and worked globally, including in London, Lagos, and Lahore.
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Apple -
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Segments:
0:00 - Intro
1:57 - Katelyn’s angel investing journey
5:44 - How does Katelyn view the difference between angel investing vs.a venture fund?
7:59 - What size checks and types of companies is Avalanche looking to invest in?
8:35 - What advice does Katelyn recommend to investors going from an angel to a venture type role?
13:17 - How does Katelyn view the venture market these days and what indicates success?
16:52 - What does it take to have a business that is venture backable?
18:27 - What are Katelyn’s views on more concentrated bets and higher convictions?
22:40 - Trending Twitter Thread 1 - Should advisors invest even if a small amount?
26:10 - Trending Twitter Thread 2 - Should potential investors ask who else is investing before making a decision?
Links to Additional Info:
Katelyn Donnelly
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/katelyndonnelly
Twitter - https://twitter.com/krdonnelly
Website -
https://katelyndonnelly.com/
Darren Marble Tweet -
https://twitter.com/darrenmarble/status/1667961722135801856?s=20
Rod Tweet -
https://twitter.com/rod_mallo/status/1666412126884208642?s=20
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About Colin:
Colin Gardiner has spent over a decade building startups focusing on online marketplaces. Most recently, he worked for Outdoorsy as Chief Revenue Officer. He advises marketplace/platform startups on growth, analytics, monetization, fundraising, and strategy. He also runs the rapidly growing syndicate Yonder Ventures, which invests in marketplaces and platforms and the SaaS, Fintech, Insurtech, and the technology enabling them.
Colin LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/colingardiner/
Colin Twitter - https://twitter.com/ColinGardiner
About Harry:
Harry Campbell runs The Rideshare Guy, a popular community for drivers and gig workers. He’s an active angel investor having invested over $500k of personal funds in 30+ companies and funds over the past few years, still trying to figure it all out though! Harry also has a $500k mini-fund that invests in early stage mobility, logistics, marketplaces and his network.
Interested in learning about some of the companies Harry is angel investing in and read his deal memos, for FREE - just fill out this form - https://forms.gle/eYwtDE7p9K2bepnF8\
Harry LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrygcampbell/
Harry Twitter - https://twitter.com/TheRideshareGuy
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