Upstream Startup Festival 2025
Join inspiring entrepreneurs, daring investors and bold changemakers for two days everything a startup needs for growth, in Rotterdam.
Date and time
Location
Rotterdam
Location will be announced soon 30XX Rotterdam NetherlandsRefund Policy
Agenda
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Official side events
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Upstream Unconference
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Upstream Pre-registration Drinks
7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Evening Side Events
About this event
- Event lasts 1 day 1 hour
Welcome to 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 welcomed more than 12000 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.
Get ready for two days of everything a startup needs for growth
Over the course of two days you get to experience the best the Dutch startup ecosystem has to offer. On Day Zero, you'll find a wide range of side events across the city. Your best way to prepare for an exciting main program in our central venue on Day One.
Day zero - Wednesday May 21st - join the side events and pre-registration drinks
- Explore the ecosystem with your peers to share experience, learnings and networks;
- Join independently organized side events around Rotterdam, Delft and beyond.
- Join the official Upstream Unconference and Official Pre-registration drinks
Day one - Thursday May 22nd - join the main event - all day
- Schedule meetings with startups, investors and corporate buyers
- Learn from inspiring stories on funding during the fireside chats and roundtables.
- Find your next investment / co-founder / business opportunity
Oh, and did we mention networking drinks both days 🍻 ?
Tap into the network and scale your impact
Make the most of Upstream and start networking via our event platform, swapcard that will be live early May. There you can browse the full event calendar, browse the attendees, plan your visit and schedule meetings.
Get your ticket today 🚀
Please note that you can purchase max one startup / investor / student pass per order, to ensure you get access to swapcard. Need 10 or more or want to become an exhibitor? Contact us!
Frequently asked questions
This year, you will find the networking area, fireside chats, pitch competition, roundtables and much more in our main venue. And there's more than 30 side events to choose from. Check our website for the latest update.
We kick off with a full day of side events for you to explore the ecosystem (Day Zero). The next day (Day One), we combine an inspiring program with the possibility for super effective networking with investors and corporate buyers in our main venue from dusk till dawn.
Your Upstream ticket gives you access to the main venue and the online community. Side events are independently organized and handle their own registration, allowing you to sign up without a ticket for Upstream.
Upstream is a non-profit startup event that started in 2020, as an umbrella event for the best our startup ecosystem has to offer. It is made possible by Up!Rotterdam and co-creation partners across the Netherlands. We thank our partners for their continued support.
At this point, you can only buy one investor / startup / student ticket at a time. Attendee tickets can be bought up to 5. Make sure to use a unique emailadress for each ticket. For group bookings (10 tickets or more) contact info@upstreamfestival.com
You may purchase a startup, investor, attendee or student ticket. Please refer to the tickets for the requirements. Please note that we will need to cancel your ticket if your information shows that you applied for the wrong ticket.
As we strive for an optimum experience for founders and investors, we limit the number of tickets to the main event. In case your category is sold out, you can enter a waitlist. In the meantime, check out the side events to which you can sign up even without an Upstream ticket.
We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience for all participants. If you require any specific accommodations or extra support due to a disability, medical condition, or other special considerations, please let us know.
You’ll receive an invitation to Swapcard in the beginning of May at the email address used for your ticket purchase. There, you connect and schedule meetings with other attendees, bookmark your favorite sessions and sign up for roundtables. Login via https://app.swapcard.com/event/upstream-2025
We have a limited number of meeting tables for investors and corporate buyers available in our main venue. Conditions apply. Please send an email to robbin@uprotterdam.com for more information.
Organised by
Welcome to Upstream Festival. The leading startup and scale-up event in the Netherlands, built by more than 40 co-creation partners. Founded in 2020.