Rotterdam
21.05 - 22.05 2025

Two days of everything a startup needs for grOWTH

Upstream is where innovation meets community. Join us for an electrifying blend of inspiration, collaboration, and forward-thinking. Whether you're a founder, investor or a corporate changemaker, this community-driven festival is your gateway to cutting-edge ideas, meaningful connections, and endless possibilities.

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Impact report 2024

Discover the key insights and outcomes of Upstream 2024, held from May 28-29 in Rotterdam. This comprehensive report highlights the event's significant contributions to sustainable economic growth and innovation. Featuring detailed metrics on attendance, diversity, and economic impact, the report provides a thorough analysis of how Upstream 2024 connected entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators from around the world. Download now to explore the full impact and success of this transformative event.
See report

This was Upstream 2024

2000+

attendees

Connect with over 2000 change makers who drive the transition to a digital, carbon neutral, circular and inclusive economy. Want to be one of them? Get your tickets now.

Community

driven

Join a variety of side events that take place over several days and include partner-created sessions on three key topics: access to capital, markets and talent. Check out Upstream 2024 side events.

25+

speakers

We host more than 25 inspirational talks by leading experts, founders and artists. See the full line up.

Speakers
2024

Get a taste of what to expect by checking out the speakers of Upstream.

all speakers
Sam Feldt
DJ, Platinum-Selling Artist, Music Producer & Founder
Jörgen Raymann
Lenard and Lenard, Chief Inspirational Officer
Evelien Bunnik-Remmelts
Whoppah, Co-Founder
Andrew Smith
Vinted, Senior Brand Director
Anastasia Kuskova
Sirius, Founder & CEO
Liza Rubenstein Malamud
Carbon Equity, Co-Founder & Chief Impact Officer
Sergio Panday
Roots Inspire, Founder & CEO
Sebastian Peck
Kompas VC, Partner

Why attend?

Founders

  • Connect with other founders
  • Meet investors and corporate buyers
  • Grow and scale your business

Investors

  • Find new deals
  • Meet (co-)investors
  • Showcase your expertise

Change Makers

  • Meet the startups and scale-ups
  • Learn from other innovators
  • Highlight your impact

Program

Discover our thoughtfully crafted main program of fireside chats, deepdives, pitches, roundtables and speed dating. And enjoy the best our Dutch ecosystem has to offer at the official side events. Providing you the space to thrive and build companies that change the world for the better.

Discover program
October 21, 2024

ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY: LEAD THE FUTURE OF UPSTREAM FESTIVAL

We’re looking for 3 ambitious founders to take on pivotal roles in Program, Partnerships, and Production at Upstream this year, with the exciting prospect of stepping into full leadership by 2026.

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May 7, 2024

These are the finalists of the first NL Startup Competition competing for 10,000 euros

From over a hundred applications, sixteen startups have been selected to advance to the finals of the NL Startup Competition. They will pitch on May 29th before a jury of investors, experts, and entrepreneurs, competing for 10,000 euros.

Read more
May 6, 2024

Randstad collaborates with student platform Minite to reach students

The platform that assists students in gaining relevant work experience through data-driven hiring and helps companies find valuable talent is entering into a partnership with Randstad to connect young talent with the business world.

Read more
View all updates

View gallery

Catch a glimpse of previous Upstream Festival editions or check out all the photos of previous editions.

Partners

Meet our partners driving Upstream forward. Want to join forces with us and become a partner too?
BEcome a partner
Main Partners
Program Partners
Media Partners