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.
- Based in
- Copenhagen
- Interests
- SoftwareStartupsTechnologyVenture capitalDigitalInvestments
- Services
- 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.
Are family offices competing with venture capital?
In this insight, Simple Expert Kjartan Risk explains that family offices and venture capital (VC) firms are not competitors but potential partners. Kjartan emphasises that family offices can benefit from VC expertise and networks, enhancing their investment strategies and contributing to societal advancements. By recognising their complementary strengths, family offices and VC firms can achieve synergistic growth and success in the venture investment landscape.
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.
Want to try venture investing? It isn’t as easy as you might think
Venture investing might seem like a straightforward way of achieving bumper returns. But there is more to it than some family offices realise, demanding the right balance of skills, experience, and resources.
Why should venture capital be at the heart of family office impact strategies
Impact investing is a top priority for family offices, yet defining an approach that will ‘do good’ and drive returns is fraught with challenges. However, if you’re committed to venture investing, there’s a strong argument you’re already making an impact in several ways.
Venture due diligence for family offices: Balancing thorough analysis with gut feel
‘Gut feel’ is a big part of venture investment, but that doesn’t preclude the need for thorough due diligence to assess the business fundamentals. Doing so is even more important in the current climate and particularly for those with less experience in the VC space.
An introduction to venture capital funds for family offices
VC funds don’t always receive the same attention as their colleagues in the private equity and broader asset management space, and historically they’ve sometimes been seen as a bit mysterious. Here is an overview of everything you need to know.
Family offices and venture deal flow – the holy grail
For family offices looking to grow their venture portfolios, generating, and managing deal flow is a significant challenge. From building a pipeline of startups to filtering out the most promising deals, what’s the best way to approach it?
Understanding how VCs and family offices can work together
The story of family offices has always been closely aligned with venture capital, but VC remains an under-exploited opportunity. So how can family offices and VCs forge new partnerships and work more effectively together?
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