Kjartan Rist
I believe that an activist approach to venture investing is the best way to build a strong portfolio and deliver outsized returns. That means I actively support all our portfolio companies throughout their life cycle, don't mind getting my hands dirty, and get involved wherever I can be useful.
Venture capital investing

Founding Partner of Concentric, Kjartan has spent his last 20+ years focusing on the technology sector as a founder, Board member and investor. Through his international profile and network, he works closely with portfolio companies to support development and accelerate growth.
Prior to setting up Concentric, Kjartan co-founded the venture capital fund DN Capital and the merchant bank Korral Partners. In his career to date, he has been instrumental in 100+ transactions as the Principal Investor. Notable exits and companies include Shazam (Apple), toptable (Booking.com), Endeca (Oracle), Frontier Car Group (Naspers), Griffeye (Thoma Bravo) and BVNK.
Kjartan graduated from the University of Bath with an MBA from Imperial College London. Kjartan is a regular writer for Forbes Magazine and a Trustee and Board member of the global charity Right to Play.
Articles & Insights
The acceptable direction: Why families are quietly falling for dual-use technology
In this article, Simple Expert Kartan Rist discusses why family offices should embrace dual-use technologies and leverage venture capital to do the heavy lifting.
Venture capital becoming a core strategy for family offices
In this article, Simple Expert Kjartan Rist discusses the reasons why families are getting involved in VC activities. Then he outlines key considerations before they invest.
Family office perspectives on defencetech
As global conflicts intensify, family offices grapple with the ethical dilemma of investing in defencetech. In this article, Kjartan Rist discusses the shift driven by increased defence spending and the rise of dual-use technologies.
Stablecoins: A primer for family offices
In this article, Simple Expert Kjartan Rist discusses stablecoins, their growing role in traditional finance and how family offices can benefit.
Bridging the knowledge gap in venture capital
In this article, Simple Expert Kjartan Rist discusses how family offices can bridge the knowledge gaps in venture capital for future success.
Venture Capital: A long-term game for patient investors
Family offices are increasingly attracted to venture capital due to the promise of high returns, innovation and diversification. Unlike traditional asset classes, VC offers an opportunity to support and benefit from the growth of early-stage companies, often in disruptive fields. According to InvestEurope, European venture funds have consistently delivered over 20% annual returns over the […]
Navigating venture capital communication with family offices
Learn how to navigate venture capital communication with family offices to build successful, long-term partnerships. In this insight, Kjartan Rist provides actionable guidelines for effectively collaborating with family offices in the venture capital landscape, driving impactful investments and innovation.
Family offices and the rise of generative AI
Generative AI is revolutionising industries, capturing family offices’ interest as a promising investment. In this insight, Simple Expert Kjartan Rist discusses the evolution of the new technology, invest strategies, and how, with long-term capital, family offices stand to benefit greatly from this transformative technology.
Across generations: The family office attitude to venture capital
Discover how family offices are shifting from traditional wealth preservation to venture capital investments, driven by generational differences and a growing focus on sustainability and impact investing with Simple Expert Kjartan Rist.
The shift from direct investments to partner funds
In this article, Simple Expert, Kjartan Rist explains why family offices are moving away from direct investments to partner funds when participating in venture capital.
Family offices: The innovation challenge
The intersection of family offices and innovation is both complex and crucial, framing a narrative of potential, challenges, and societal impact. Simple Expert Kjartan Rist explores the growing influence of family offices in the global market and their potential to shape the future of innovation across various industries.
How family offices can access AI through venture capital
Simple Expert Kjartan Rist discusses how family offices can leverage venture capital to position themselves at the forefront of the AI revolution.
A synergistic future for family offices and venture capital
The investment landscape has changed due to the global economic downturn and evolving market dynamics, particularly in the way family offices and venture capital sectors interact. Simple expert, Kjartan Rist, shares his insights on the synergies between these two worlds.
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