Upstream Festival is where founders, investors, and corporate changemakers come together to create new opportunities, share insights, and shape the future. Whether you're looking for funding, partnerships, top talent, or fresh perspectives, Upstream offers a curated experience designed to help you move forward.

Here’s what you’ll gain by being part of Upstream Festival 2025.

For startup founders: Scale faster, smarter

Growing a startup is tough - but you don’t have to do it alone. Upstream connects you to the right people and opportunities to help you take your business to the next level.

• Meet investors who are actively looking for new deals‍
• Pitch your startup at investor roundtables and speed-dating sessions‍
• Compete in the NL Startup Competition for a chance to pitch on the Upstream stage‍
• Find your first corporate clients - large organizations are scouting for solutions‍
• Surround yourself with founders, mentors, and industry leaders who can help you grow

 Upstream Festival is the place to make the connections that matter.

For investors: Discover high-potential startups

Upstream Festival is where Europe’s top startups and scale-ups meet investors. If you’re looking for strong deal flow and curated introductions, this is where you need to be.

• Meet vetted founders in speed networking and matchmaking sessions
• Showcase your investment focus by booking an investor table
• Gain first access to game-changing innovations across tech, sustainability, and impact
• Connect with co-investors and corporate venture teams to expand your network

Whether you’re looking for your next portfolio company or scouting for new market opportunities, Upstream connects you to the right founders.

For corporates & innovation leaders: Find solutions & stay ahead

Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation. Upstream Festival helps corporates connect with startups that are developing solutions to industry challenges.

• Meet startups working on breakthrough technologies
• Fast-track partnerships with founders ready to co-create solutions
• Engage with innovation leaders in your sector
• Scout top talent looking for their next big opportunity

If you want to stay competitive, Upstream is where you find the startups and talent shaping the future.

For ecosystem builders: Strengthen your network

If you run an accelerator, incubator, or policy initiative, Upstream is the place to connect, collaborate, and drive real impact.

• Build relationships with key stakeholders across startups, investors, and corporates
• Position your city or organization as an innovation hub
• Learn from Europe’s most successful startup ecosystems
  Support founders by connecting them to the resources they need

Upstream is the meeting place for those who build and support innovation ecosystems.

For jobseekers & talent: Find your next opportunity

Looking for a career in a fast-growing startup? Upstream Festival is your chance to meet companies that are hiring and looking for top talent.

• Connect directly with startup founders and hiring managers
• Explore career paths in the startup and scale-up ecosystem
• Attend workshops and talks to understand what startups need
• Discover roles that aren’t posted on job boards

If you're ready to take the next step in your career, Upstream is where to start.

More than an event - A place to move forward

Upstream Festival isn’t just a gathering. It’s where startups, investors, and innovators make real connections that drive progress.

Rotterdam | May 21-22, 2025
Get your ticket and start networking through Swapcard.
Register now

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