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Don Ritzen

Don Ritzen

Don is a seasoned entrepreneur and investor with deep expertise in startup investments and impact-driven ventures. He guides entrepreneurs, families, and next-generation investors in allocating capital towards high-potential impact startups, helping them navigate early-stage investing and build structured impact portfolios.

As co-founder of Rockstart, one of Europe’s leading early-stage accelerator VCs, Don played a key role in developing a portfolio of 350+ startups across energy, agrifood, and emerging tech, now valued at €1.7 billion. He has personally screened thousands of companies, giving him unique insights into venture capital and startup growth.

Recently, Don has launched a new steward-owned startup: Shift, with a singular mission – to kickstart massive climate action by shifting people’s perspectives from climate doom and gloom to action. In order to inspire one million people annually, he is developing the “8th Wonder of the World”.

Beyond investing, Don is an educator and mentor, sharing his expertise through workshops, keynotes, and coaching. His “Venture-as-a-Service” model helps families and angel investors make their first investments and align their capital with their values, ensuring impact-driven investing becomes more accessible, actionable and successful.

Don brings a unique perspective by drawing on his experience of interacting with hundreds of angels and co-investing with them in Rockstarts’ portfolio. As a result, he successfully guides clients through the challenges and pitfalls of early stage investing.