I founded Avalanche, a venture firm that invests in early-stage technology companies, and Midwest Infrastructure Partners, an investment vehicle for Wabash Valley Resources, a carbon-neutral industrial ammonia plant backed by the US Department of Energy.

Previously, I co-founded Delivery Associates, a leading public sector advisory firm that implements technology and large-scale reform worldwide. I held various senior roles and served on the board until the company received an investment from a private equity firm.

In 2012, I founded and served as the Managing Director of Pearson Ventures (prior PALF), a $65M venture fund investing in global EdTech companies. At Pearson, I invested in and served on the board of our portfolio companies. I co-founded the Global Schools Forum, a trade organization for private schools in emerging markets. I also led the strategy and implementation of Pearson’s efficacy agenda and was a founding team member of the FT125 Club, a division of the Financial Times.

I began my career as a business analyst at McKinsey & Company in San Francisco, where I served technology companies and large financial institutions through the Great Financial Crisis. While at the firm, I implemented the largest voucher scheme in Pakistan and worked on the sustainability of credit markets with the World Economic Forum, presenting at the Annual Meeting in Davos in 2011.

I am a Kauffman Fellow - Class 21, was named to the Corporate Venturing Power List, was recognized on Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2014, and was named a ‘Rising Star in Venture Capital’ in 2022 by Venture Capital Journal.

I spent my first 18 years in Minneapolis, but I’ve since moved south and am now based in Austin, Texas. In the intervening years, I lived and worked globally, including in London, San Francisco, New York, Seattle, Lagos, and Lahore. I’ve visited over 85 countries and worked with governments and/or invested in companies in more than 20 of them.

I frequently publish essays on economics, education, innovation, venture capital, corporate governance, and government policy. I also write a weekly newsletter, Declarative Statements, and regularly share insights on trends that are Obviously The Future.

I graduated from Duke University with high distinction in economics. Now I’m part of Duke’s Learning Innovation Advisory Council, where I help reimagine the future of on-campus and online learning.

I love slalom skiing, beautiful design, and reading great books. I’ve been learning web development, experimenting with letterpress and printmaking, and trying out kite surfing.