Fellowship
Fellow
Class
21
Current Firm
Avalanche VC
Location
United States

Katelyn Donnelly

Fellowship
Fellow
Class
21
Current Firm
Avalanche VC
Location
United States
Education

Katelyn graduated Duke University with high distinction in economics. At Duke she was president of the Duke University Union, the largest student organization on campus, and president of the debate team, competing internationally. In high school, Katelyn was a competitive slalom skier.

Professional

Katelyn is the founder of Avalanche VC, a fund that invests in pre-seed and seed-stage companies enabling decentralization and economic empowerment. Previously, Katelyn was the Managing Pearson Ventures (formerly PALF), a venture firm focused on education and education technology companies. Katelyn co-founded the fund and set investment parameters, raised $65M, and directs all investment activity. Katelyn served as a board member of Omega Schools in Ghana, SPARK Schools in South Africa, Avanti Learning Centres in India, and APEC Schools in the Philippines.

She is a prolific writer and publishes a weekly newsletter on investing and technology called Declarative Statements. Katelyn is the co-author of several industry-leading publications about the future of education including Alive in the Swamp and An Avalanche Is Coming.

Katelyn is a co-founder and board director of Delivery Associates, a government technology and implementation firm with clients spanning six continents, $30M+ revenue, and 150+ FTEs

Previously, Katelyn was a consultant with McKinsey & Company in their San Francisco and New York offices. While at McKinsey, she presented her work on credit market sustainability at the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos. She was named to the corporate venturing power list, Forbes 30 under 30, and a rising star at the Women’s Economic Forum.

Fellowship

As a member of Class 21, Katelyn served her fellowship at Pearson Ventures under the mentorship of Sir Michael Barber.