By clicking “Accept”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.
PreferencesDenyAccept
Privacy Preference Center
When you visit websites, they may store or retrieve data in your browser. This storage is often necessary for the basic functionality of the website. The storage may be used for marketing, analytics, and personalization of the site, such as storing your preferences. Privacy is important to us, so you have the option of disabling certain types of storage that may not be necessary for the basic functioning of the website. Blocking categories may impact your experience on the website.
Reject all cookiesAllow all cookies
Manage Consent Preferences by Category
Essential
Always Active
These items are required to enable basic website functionality.
Marketing
These items are used to deliver advertising that is more relevant to you and your interests. They may also be used to limit the number of times you see an advertisement and measure the effectiveness of advertising campaigns. Advertising networks usually place them with the website operator’s permission.
Personalization
These items allow the website to remember choices you make (such as your user name, language, or the region you are in) and provide enhanced, more personal features. For example, a website may provide you with local weather reports or traffic news by storing data about your current location.
Analytics
These items help the website operator understand how its website performs, how visitors interact with the site, and whether there may be technical issues. This storage type usually doesn’t collect information that identifies a visitor.
Save preferences
ProgramSpeakersSpeeddatesPartnersAboutUpdates
view full video
Rotterdam
21.05 - 22.05 2025

everything a startup needs for grOWTH

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

Sign up to our newsletter

Impact report 2025

Discover the key insights and outcomes of Upstream 2025, held from May 21-22 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 2025 connected entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators from around the world. Download now to explore the full impact and success of this transformative event.
Download full Impact report

This was Upstream 2025

3000+

attendees

You connected with over 3000 change makers who drive the transition to a digital, carbon neutral, circular and inclusive economy. Want to be one of them? Sign up to our newsletter to stay up-to-date

Community

driven

You joined a variety of side events that took place over several days and include partner-created sessions on three key topics: access to capital, markets and talent. Check out Upstream 2025 side events.

28

speakers

We hosted more than 30 inspirational talks by leading experts, founders and artists. See the full line up.

Speakers
2025

Check out the speakers of Upstream 2025.

all speakers
Kiki Lauwers
Thorizon, CEO
Ida Tin
Femtech Assembly, Founder Clue, Co-Founder
Elise de Reus
Cradle, Co-Founder, Partnerships
Wouter de Bruijne
ParkBee, Former CCO, RSLNC Inc, Initiator
Ferdinand Grapperhaus
Next Sense, CEO
Fonger Ypma
Arctic Reflections, Founder & CEO
Deniz Wiedhaup
Yoni, CEO
Want to get notified when this year’s speakers are announced? Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to know.
All speakers

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

You discovered our thoughtfully crafted main program of fireside chats, deepdives, pitches, roundtables and speed dating. And enjoyed the best of what 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

Updates

View all updates
June 25, 2025

Insights from Ferdinand Grapperhaus at Upstream Festival: Navigating Market Pivots

During the recent Upstream Festival, Ferdinand Grapperhaus, CEO of NextSense, shared invaluable insights into the dynamics of market pivots and strategic hiring.

Read more
June 11, 2025

A Funding Perspective on the Energy Transition: Insights from Industry Leaders

Securing funding is often one of the most challenging aspects for founders. During the recent Upstream Festival, Daniel Sordi and Bertrand van Leersum shared valuable insights

Read more
May 28, 2025

Upstream 2025: The momentum was real

Upstream 2025 turned Rotterdam into a two-day convergence of founders, investors, and ecosystem builders – 48 side events, 3000+ attendees, and momentum that doesn’t stop here.

Read more
View all updates

View gallery

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

2025

View photos

2024

view photos

2023

view photos

2022

view photos

2021

view photos

Partners

Meet our partners of 2025 driving Upstream forward. Want to join forces with us and become a partner next year?
BEcome a partner 2026
Main Partners
Program Partners