Kristina Kitko

Questioner
DISC Type : c

Director of Venture Science at Eli Lilly and Company

San Francisco Bay Area, United States

Overview

Kristina Kitko is the Head of AI Investment at Lilly Ventures, where she leverages her background as a neuroscientist and engineer to lead early-stage investments. Educated at Vanderbilt University and MIT, she focuses on integrating next-generation AI across the pharmaceutical value chain, particularly through strategic partnerships and external innovation.

Outside of her investment role, Kristina is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in science, having co-founded Diversify Neuro to support underrepresented neuroscientists. She is also personally invested in advancing womens health initiatives and mentoring early-career scientists, helping them bridge the gap from academia to industry.

Unique fact: Kristina transitioned from hands-on academic research in neuroscience, including work with graphene-based nanomaterials, to shaping AI strategy at a top global pharmaceutical company.

Personality Overview

Systematic

Price-Sensitive

Cautious & Analytical

They prefer to analyze every situation thoroughly.
  They generally do not appreciate an overfriendly approach and prefer to stay to-the-point. While they don't hesitate to ask questions, they are generally risk-averse and tend to be late adopters.

Topics They Care About

AI in Drug Discovery
Leads AI investment for Lilly, focusing on next-generation approaches across the pharma value chain and recently spoke on this topic at an SF-based event.
Venture Investing
Identifies and supports Seed to Series B opportunities as part of Lilly's external innovation and venture science divisions.
Diversity in STEM
Co-founded Diversify Neuro, an organization dedicated to deconstructing barriers and fostering an inclusive community for all neuroscientists.

Media Appearances

Kristina has no verified media appearances

Work History

2-2023
Director of Venture Science at Eli Lilly and Company
3-2022 - 2-2023
Corporate Strategy and Business Development Associate at Crinetics Pharmaceuticals
2-2022 - 8-2022
Project Manager at Biotech Connection - Bay Area, Inc.
6-2021 - 8-2021
Venture Fellow at Flagship Pioneering
11-2020 - 12-2022
Co-Founder at Diversify Neuro

Education

1-2019 - 3-2022
Postdoctoral Associate from Massachusetts Institute of Technology
2013 - 2018
Doctor of Philosophy - PhD from Vanderbilt University

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 9 Location : San Francisco Bay Area, United States Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : Director of Venture Science at Eli Lilly and Company
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Insights For Selling To Kristina

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Keep some extra margin in hand as they will likely negotiate the pricing
  • Tell them that you will come back if you don’t have a good answer for a question
  • Emphasise more on facts and measurable benefits

DONT's

  • Avoid rushing them, be polite and patient
  • Don’t try to be too friendly or informal with them
  • Don’t overhype the product/pitch, keep it measured

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Kristina is

  • Confidence that the product provides ROI, effective pricing and process adherence matter the most to them.

  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Kristina

  • It doesn’t come naturally to them but they can say no if they are not convinced.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Kristina move?

  • They can move at a reasonable pace while making their decisions if they have the necessary information.

  • Can Kristina take some risk or not?

  • They can take risk if they are convinced that they have analyzed the circumstances well.


You And Kristina

Personality Compatibility


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