Madelyn O’Farrell

Madelyn O’Farrell is an Associate at Dynamo Ventures. Prior to Dynamo, she focused on both fund and direct investments across climate, health, and education technology.

Madelyn got her start in venture while studying at the University of Utah, working with the Sorenson Impact Center’s venture team and completing several internships across venture and private equity. Her passion for backing mission-driven founders took shape while studying entrepreneurship in Seoul and supporting early-stage startups at the Seoul Global Startup Center.

Outside of work, Madelyn enjoys exploring Manhattan’s parks with a book in hand, cooking meals for friends, and volunteering at her local animal shelter. She’s energized by ideas that make the critical industries that make the world go round safer, more sustainable, and efficient.

What is an underrated book, podcast, or movie that changed how you think?

Not sure if it counts as underrated, but Fooled by Randomness details how many - particularly investors - will attribute their successes exclusively to their own skill, without considering external factors. When the macro environment turns, those assumptions can quickly unravel. It’s a great reminder to be vigilant and resist the temptation to believe you’ve figured it all out. As we like to say at Dynamo, “stay paranoid.” 

Which fictional character would you hire as a co-investor, and why?

I’d love to work with Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wear’s Prada; behind the icy exterior is a highly disciplined leader who understands markets, timing, and brand value. She’s ruthless—but rarely wrong.

Who is the most influential person in your life?

My Great Aunt Judy was incredibly ahead of her time, trailblazing her own path to a fulfilling and independent life. From entrepreneurial ventures to years spent helping the families in her community, she has always demonstrated an ambition to better herself and those around her. She consistently models the values and virtues of continuous learning, open-mindedness, and balance. She has set the tone for what I seek to build in my own life by simply being herself.