Before Cycling, Kristen grew up in Alaska, graduated from Harvard, and worked as a Venture Capitalist
Born and Raised in Homer, Alaska
I am from Homer, Alaska, a quaint fishing village that is also the halibut fishing capital of the world. In Alaska, I cultivated my passion for the outdoors and for adventure. We spent our summers hiking, fishing, making homemade rasberry jam, and competing at local swim meets.
I learned the value of hard work as a kid working in my parents’ hotel and restaurant. I worked as a housekeeper, waitress, front desk, landscaping, and various odd jobs.
My amazing parents still live in Alaska and have supported my athletic endeavors since childhood, along with my four siblings: Katie, Andrew, William, and Nicholas.
Education
I graduated from Harvard in 2016 with a B.A. in computer science. I was a varsity rower for 2.5 years in college and placed 2nd at the Junior World rowing Championship in 2010.
For high school, I attended Phillips Academy in Massachusetts, where I was a honor roll student, varsity runner, swimmer, and rower for all four years.
Investment Associate
After graduation, I worked as an investment associate at Bessemer Venture Partners in New York, and then Threshold Ventures in Silicon Valley. Both are Venture Capital firms that specialize in early-stage software businesses. My role involved sourcing new investments, conducting due diligence on prospective investments, attending board meetings, and working with our current portfolio. I loved my job because I was supporting entrepreneurs who were risking everything to pursue their big ideas and dreams that could change the world.
In addition to investing, I am passionate about gender equality and supporting more women in technology, entrepreneurship, and investing. As an investor, I hosted free office hours for female entrepreneurs and was a cohort captain for All Raise, a community of female Venture Capitalists.
Learning to Ride
I attended a free, introductory women’s clinic for cycling in New York City in 2017, and I immediately fell in love with the sport. In mid-2018, I moved to the San Francisco Bay Area and in 2020, I began racing for the Professional UCI Team TIBCO-Silicon Valley Bank. Today, I race for the American Professional Women Team EF-Oatly-Cannondale.
I primarily road race, though I have competed in other disciplines including gravel, track, and Zwift. I represented the United States at 4 World Championships: 2020 (Zwift E-worlds), 2021 (Road Race), 2022 (Road Race and Time Trial), and 2024 (Road Race).
Q&A
What do you like to do, when you have a free day at a race and at home?
I love to go on hikes and have a picnic. I also enjoy going to the beach and swimming in the ocean.
What is your favourite book and why?
Ooh I have so many favorites! My favorite book this year is "Good for a Girl" by Lauren Fleshman. The book sheds light on the challenges of being a female athlete in a sports industry dominated by men. She discusses the structural changes that must be made in order to make sports a more welcoming and supportive environment for women so that we can succeed.
What kind of treat do you like the most?
I love fresh fruit when I can pick it myself. Right now I am really into the fresh figs in Spain. And chocolate….
What is your biggest dream, and goal?
To compete at the Olympics for Team USA.
You’re now 32 years old, where do you want to stand in 5 years time?
I'd like to win a World Championship in the next 5 years, either on the Road, Track, or Time Trial.
