Upstream Startup Festival 2025

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.

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 🍻 ?

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.

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!

Also check out other Business events in Rotterdam, Festivals in Rotterdam, Workshops in Rotterdam.