Kristen Brown — Where AI Fits in the VC Workflow: A Sourcing and Diligence Perspective
Kristen Brown is a second year MBA candidate at NYU Stern School of Business with specializations in Finance and Entrepreneurship & Innovation. During her ten-year career at IBM, she built cross-functional expertise spanning Corporate Development, Finance, Market Research, Strategy, and Business Development, using data-driven insights to guide critical business decisions related to emerging tech such as Cloud, Artificial Intelligence, and Quantum Computing. Additionally, she served on the board of the IBM Black Network of New York employee resource group for eight years, leading multiple professional development, networking, and community service initiatives.
Her interest in pivoting to venture capital stems from her desire to drive impact at the heart of innovation, where startups operationalize and scale. Her passion for people is a guiding force as she is committed to community-building, creating inclusive spaces, and being a valuable resource for others. She attributes her professional success to her ability to embrace challenges, deliver high-quality work beyond her responsibilities, and cultivate lasting relationships.
Kristen is from Rock Hill, South Carolina and currently resides in New York. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Economics from Duke University. She enjoys traveling, playing percussion during basketball games in the Duke Alumni Pep Band, cooking, and DIY projects from flower arranging to installing kitchen backsplash.
Kristen joined Open Opportunity Fund as a Summer Associate in 2025 through the HBCUvc VC Training and Internship Program.
