Kristina Simmons has built, advised, and invested in leading brands, establishing herself as a trusted partner with proven venture and operational experience.
At lululemon, she was an early member of the “web team,” playing a pivotal role in launching e-commerce and managing social media and digital channels, making lululemon a pioneer in these spaces. She later led Emerging Products and Concepts, focusing on innovative initiatives such as digital products, strategic partnerships, and international expansion. Kristina then joined Andreessen Horowitz as a partner, where she supported market development, helping portfolio companies evolve into renowned brands and connecting them with global leaders. Her career path then led her to an early-stage food startup, transitioning later to advising and angel investing. At Khosla Ventures, she served as Chief of Staff and investment partner, serving on boards from Seed to Series D. Recognizing the need for a more founder-centric approach in venture capital, Kristina founded Overwater Ventures to create more value and support for early-stage companies.
How did you land your current role? Was it planned?
I created it. And yes, it was very much planned. Each chapter of my career was a deliberate step toward building a different kind of venture firm. At lululemon, I learned how culture, community, and leadership development create enduring companies and drive talent and results. At Andreessen Horowitz, I saw the force of a powerful network and how the right partners can accelerate entire sectors. At Khosla Ventures, I experienced what it means to take bold, high-conviction bets on technical founders who push the world forward.
Those lessons became the foundation for Overwater. I wanted to build a generation-defining firm that combines deep operator experience with world-class investing, one that backs breakthrough ideas early and helps founders commercialize faster. Overwater is the intentional culmination of that vision, not an accident or a pivot.
What are the key roles in your field of work, and why did you choose your current expertise?
The key roles in venture are either on the investment or operating side. Running a firm is both! At Overwater, our centre of gravity is helping founders turn breakthrough ideas into real companies. I chose this path because I’m drawn to the combination of ambition, operational depth, and long-term company building. As the Managing Partner and Founder, my focus is on working closely with founders as they commercialize new technologies, navigate early inflection points, and set the foundation for scale. The work sits at the intersection of instinct, experience, strategy, and hands-on support, which is where I do my best thinking and have the greatest impact.
Did you (or do you) have a role model in tech or business in general?
Some of my earliest role models were the people who took a bet on me and showed me what strong leadership looks like in practice. At lululemon, leaders like Christine Day modelled how to build a values-driven, high-performance culture at scale. Later in venture, I was fortunate to work alongside investors who combined conviction with real operating depth like Marc Andreeseen, Ben Horowitz, and then Vinod Khosla. Those experiences shaped how I show up as a partner to founders today and informed the kind of firm I wanted to build with Overwater.
What are you most proud of in your career, so far?
I am proud that I built Overwater from a vision into a firm that consistently wins competitive deals and supports founders when they need it most – and when they don’t even know they need it most. We back the best talent, commercialize breakthrough science, and help founders turn ambitious ideas into real companies. Seeing our founders grow, raise strong rounds, lead happy, healthy lives and scale technologies that improve the world and their industries is the most rewarding part of this work. The type of work we are doing to not only invest in cutting-edge technology, but to accelerate progress in the industries as a whole is even more exciting.
What does an average work day look like for you?
No two hours are the same! My days are a mix of hands-on time with founders, deep work on portfolio strategy, diligence on new investments, managing internal operations, meeting with LPs (limited partners aka investors in funds), and spending time out in the world with scientists and thought leaders.
Ultimately, I spend a significant amount of time helping founders think through commercialization, hiring, product, and company strategy. I also carve out time to stay close to emerging research, and connecting dots to new opportunities. Lastly, I always make time to move my body and protect my own physical and mental health, and find creative ways to encourage our founders and team to do the same.
Are there any specific skills or traits that you notice companies look for when you’re searching for roles in your field?
Resilience, grit, vision/ambition, intellectual honesty, and the ability to build trust quickly. People who are curious, resourceful, and able to execute without friction stand out immediately.
Has anyone ever tried to stop you from learning and developing in your professional life, or have you found the tech sector supportive?
Of course. Bright lights always attract bugs. My journey has not been a walk in the park. It’s been hard, long hours, and always a new challenge. If you’re doing something new or different, you will always get criticism, sceptics, and people trying to slow you down. It’s part of the job. I never let those challenges define my trajectory. I choose to surround myself with people and teams that value personal development and high performance.
Have you ever faced insecurities and anxieties during your career, and how did you overcome them?
Absolutely. Anyone doing meaningful work feels doubt at times. I’ve always focused on where I can learn and contribute the most, and where the learning curve is steepest. That usually puts me in a new space, which means getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. You have to trust yourself and your instincts. There’s always pushback. When you own your strengths, that’s when the best things happen.
On my first day at Khosla Ventures, everyone was wearing black and carrying black notebooks. I walked in wearing a colourful dress with my hair blown out and holding a metallic gold notebook. I remember thinking, “Gosh, I should have tried to fit in more.” Then I realized that standing out is part of who I am, and it’s not something to hide. Confidence is not something you wait for. It’s built through action, through delivering when it matters, and through showing up consistently as the healthiest and most present version of yourself.
Entering the world of work can be daunting. Do you have any words of advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed?
Seek out environments where you can learn rapidly and surround yourself with people who elevate you and make you better. Careers are not linear. Follow the work and people that energize you, and keep moving toward challenges that stretch you and are additive. Over time, that momentum compounds! Lastly, make sure to focus on where you get your own energy from and build that into your schedule whether it’s workouts or walks with friends.
What advice would you give other women wanting to reach their career goals in technology?
Claim your space. Develop your judgment. Stay close to the work that excites you and the people who push you to grow. Do not wait to be invited into rooms. Build the skills, show the results, and take the seat. The tech industry needs more women shaping the future, and there is real power in building a career aligned with your strengths and values.
