Don Ritzen

Don Ritzen is founder and CEO of Shift. Before he started Shift, he was co-founder of Amsterdam-based Rockstart, one of Europe’s most active investors in early-stage startups. Rockstart invested in more than 350 startups with a combined value of around €1.7 billion, including impact-driven companies such as Peerby, Hubsen Finch Buildings, the market leader in modular timber construction in the Netherlands.

Don led the first investment round in several successful exits, including 3D Hubs (sold for $330 million to ProtoLabs), iClinic (€27.9 million exit to Afya) and Wercker (acquired by Oracle). In addition, he was active in Rockstart’s investment committees for Web & Mobile, AI, Smart Energy, Digital Health and Colombia.

Although Don is still a shareholder and adviser at Rockstart, his full focus is now on Shift. With Shift, he is working on an international movement that helps people make their day-to-day choices more sustainable, thereby accelerating the transition to a sustainable future.