Don Ritzen
About Don Ritzen
Don Ritzen is the CEO and Founder of Shift and a co-founder of Rockstart, where he has played a significant role in early-stage investments and entrepreneurship. He has held various advisory and leadership positions in multiple organizations, focusing on sectors such as sustainability and emerging technology.
Work at Shift
Don Ritzen serves as the Founder and CEO of Shift, a role he has held since 2021. Based in the Amsterdam Area, Netherlands, he leads the organization in its mission to support and empower entrepreneurs. Ritzen's leadership focuses on fostering innovation and collaboration within the startup ecosystem.
Current Advisory Roles
Ritzen is actively involved in several advisory roles. Since 2019, he has been an Advisory Board Member at Refugees Forward in the Amsterdam Area. He also serves as an Advisor at Rockstart and KokeRoo Tech B.V., both roles he has maintained since 2019 and 2020, respectively. Additionally, he is a Founding Member of We Are Impact Collective, which he joined in 2023.
Previous Experience at HARBOUR.SPACE
Ritzen worked at HARBOUR.SPACE from 2019 to 2022, where he held the positions of Visiting Professor and Program Director of High Tech Entrepreneurship. During his tenure in the Barcelona Area, Spain, he contributed to the education and mentorship of aspiring entrepreneurs in high-tech sectors.
Investment and Entrepreneurship Background
Ritzen has a strong background in investment and entrepreneurship. He co-founded Rockstart, which has invested in over 250 early-stage startups, achieving significant follow-on funding. His experience includes serving as an Early Stage Investor at Owlin and PastBook since 2012, and he has led investment rounds in successful companies like 3D Hubs and iClinic.
Education and Expertise
Don Ritzen studied at Utrecht University, where he earned a Master's degree in International Economics and Business in 2010. He also completed a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Social Sciences from 2004 to 2009. His academic background supports his expertise in entrepreneurship, investment, and economic development.