Don Ritzen

Passionate and result oriented entrepreneurial leader with nearly 10 years of experience. I have built a track record in Digital Product Development, Launch of New Businesses & business models, General Management, Lean Startup and Global Strategy with a focus on the intersection of technology, people and venturing.

Together with a great team I have co-founded a company called Rockstart where we created, launched and managed International programs for entrepreneurs in the domains of Web&Mobile, Smart Energy, Digital Health and Artificial Intelligence, both in Netherlands and LATAM. I screened 5000+ startups pitches and together with an IC selected the best 150 startups to enter one of our programs.

After entering the program the startups received follow on investment totalling 70+ million from private investors and grew from 0 to EUR 350 million in value. Don also started Rockstart’s corporate practice where he launched custom made programs and competitions for companies like Philips, Sony and Shell.

Don loves working with teams and inspiring people to become more entrepreneurial, implementing new business models, applying the latest (lean) startup methodologies and helping to innovate companies and bring new products to market. In his personal life he enjoys spending time with his family&friends, and he likes travelling, nature, squash, music and politics.