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About Upstream

CONNECTING STARTUPS, CAPITAL AND OPPORTUNITIES.

Upstream is where (pre)-seed startups find capital and opportunities. Whether you’re raising, investing, or looking to partner with the next generation of entrepreneurs, this community-driven festival is your gateway to capital, cutting-edge ideas, and meaningful connections. Save the date for Upstream Festival 2027: May 20,

Lisette Braakenburg van Backum
CEO / Head of Event
Shaping the festival for 6 yrs to connect ambitious founders with capital & peers. 10+ yrs building founder communities. Loves sports, singing & networking.
Robbin Hoogstraten
CCO / Head of Partnerships
12+ yrs empowering entrepreneurs to raise capital & scale. Bringing fundraising expertise to Upstream Festival. Startups are like BBQ: gather great people, build from scratch, watch it grow!
Christine Michaelis
CMO / Head of Marketing
15+ yrs experience working with startups and creating startup events across Europe. 20+ yrs experience in the communication industry. She loves exploring spirituality, meeting new people, and sports.
Bernadeta Karpavičiūtė
Head of Community and Platform
Passionate about impact via business, not politics. Inspired by global entrepreneurs; now strengthens Rotterdam/NL startup ecosystems through peer connections, communities & public-private innovation.
Kirra Pickering
Head of Program & People
Crafting 2026 content/connections for founders to learn & grow. 5 yrs scaling EU startups via programs, matchmaking, events. Loves gardening, books, travel. Aussie in Amsterdam.
Iryna Pranovich
Head of Data
Ex-data scientist, VC analyst, Product Lead; loves shaping PMF, GTM, models & connections. At Upstream since 2022, now supporting community. Runs, travels, concerts; intro/extrovert needing recharge.
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