Upstream - Two days of everything a startup needs for growth

30 april 2025

Upstream Festival provides a space for startups and scaleups to make the connections they need to thrive and build companies that change the world for the better.

Since the first edition in 2020, Upstream has welcomed more than 9000+ startups, scale-ups, investors, buyers and other changemakers who share, connect and create meaningful innovations for sustainable growth. Upstream is a community driven scale-up festival led by Up!Rotterdam, that unites more than 50 public and private partners from the Netherlands, including the City of Rotterdam, City of Delft, Rabobank, ICOS Capital, Techleap and many more. The 6th edition of Upstream will take place in Rotterdam, May 21 & 22, 2025.

Welcome to the 6th edition of Upstream.

Upstream Festival provides the space for startups and scaleups to make the connections they need to thrive and build companies that change the world for the better. Since the first edition in 2020, Upstream has welcomed more than 9000 startups, scale-ups, investors, buyers and other changemakers. We’re gearing up for the best edition yet. Join us May 21 & 22 for the 6th edition of Upstream.

Two days of everything a startup needs for growth

Over the course of two days you get to experience the best our Dutch startup ecosystem has to offer. On Day Zero, more than 40 co-creation partners line up their best side events across the city. On Day One, you're in for an exciting main program showcasing remarkable stories.

Day Zero - Tuesday May 21st - side events and welcome drinks
Explore the ecosystem with peers to share experience, learnings and networks;
Join independently organized side events around Rotterdam, Delft and beyond.
Join the official Upstream Unconference and Official welcome drinks

Day One - Wednesday May 22nd - inspiring speakers, roundtables, networking and more.
Learn from inspiring stories during the fireside chats, deepdives, roundtables and startup pitches
Schedule meetings with startups, investors and corporate buyers
Find your next investment / co-founder / business opportunity

Tap into the network and scale your impact

Make the most of your Upstream experience and start networking via our online event platform (Swapcard) that is live early May. There you can browse the full event calendar, browse the attendees, plan your visit and schedule meetings.

Zoetermeer, partner of Upstream

The municipality of Zoetermeer is partner of Upstream through the program "Scalebooster, strengthening start- & scale-ups" in Zoetermeer. Are you an entrepreneur with growth ambitions, based in Zoetermeer, and want more information on how Upstream can help you realize your ambition? Then get in touch with Zoetermeer's scalebooster team.

Visit Upstream!

Interested in visiting Upstream on May 22? On behalf of Zoetermeer startups, there are also several discounted tickets available. Please use our contact form to apply for the discount.