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.
Upstream 2026 will happen on May 21 in Rotterdam at the Van Nelle Fabriek. You can pre-register for your ticket here.
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Upstream connects startups, capital, and opportunities. Launched in 2020, the festival brings together the very best of the startup ecosystem – spotlighting ambitious founders and forward-thinking investors. It’s a celebration of collaboration, powered by co-creation partners from across the Netherlands.
Yes, you will be able to pre-book meetings with investors in the speeddating area via our event platform. In addition, the NL Startup Competition x Draper hosts their yearly pitch competition, check out their website to sign-up.
We have pre-registration open for startups and investors. The startup tickets are for founders and employees of an incorporated startup or scale-up, with an innovative and scalable business model. IMPORTANT: If you're a service provider, agency, it-firm, studio, accelerator, etc please choose attendee pass. We will review your details and hold the right to cancel your ticket if you don't meet the criteria.
Side events will happen all week, from May 18-20. Your Upstream ticket will give you access to the main event on May 21 and the online community. Side events are independently organized and handle their own registration, allowing you to also sign up without a ticket for Upstream.
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We'll be exchanging scale for depth at Upstream. Less is more. Quality over quantity. Depth over breadth.
Because when every attendee in the room is relevant, all you need to do is make sure they know how to find each other. We don't just want to create a 'sit and listen' event. Startup events have a massive potential of adding value by creating (serendipitous) connections. However: that requires participation, not attendance.
We're cutting back on the number of stages and talks and swapping them for smaller-scale tipi-sessions where experts will be hosting hands-on workshops on topics that every startup needs. A much larger part of the venue will be dedicated to the facilitation of both spontaneous and pre-booked meetings. We're making it easier to find the right people both on- and offline.
Upstream Festival 2026 is a cashless event. You will only be able to pay by card for your food, drinks and anything else.
Yes, there are lockers available at the location.
Parking: available on-site for €8 per vehicle
Arrival instructions: visitors drive through the barrier and follow Upstream signage to the designated parking areas
- EV charging: 17 public charging stations in total
- Availability is limited
Reduced mobility parking: designated disabled parking spaces on Fabrieksstraat, opposite Entrance 2
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Arriving by car
Parking: available on-site for €8 per vehicle
Arrival instructions: visitors drive through the barrier and follow Upstream signage to the designated parking areas
EV charging: 17 public charging stations in total (Availability is limited)
Reduced mobility parking: designated disabled parking spaces on Fabrieksstraat, opposite Entrance 2
Arriving by bicycle
Cyclists can access Van Nelle Fabriek via the main entrances.
Signage will guide visitors to the event area.
Public transport
From Rotterdam Central Station: Take bus line 38 towards Schiedam
Departs from the busplatforms at Rotterdam Central
Travel time to Beukelsbrug / Van Nelle Fabriek: approx. 8 minutes
Frequency: typically every 10 minutes
From the stop, it’s a short 2-minute walk to the main entrance (follow pedestrian signage)
From Schiedam Central Station: Take bus line 38 in the opposite direction to Beukelsbrug / Van Nelle Fabriek
Travel time: approx. 8 minutes, plus a short walk to the venue
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Your Upstream ticket gave 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.
If your ticket type is sold out, please check the event website to join the waitlist.
Additionally, you may contact the event organizers for further assistance info@upstreamfestival.com.
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Upon purchasing your ticket, you (or the person buying your ticket) will have received your invoice as an attachment to your first 'pending approval' email. In addition, you should be able to download your invoice on our portal accessible via the 'view tickets' link in your confirmation email. Still can't find it? Drop us an email at info@upstreamfestival.com
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We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience for all participants. The event is wheelchair accessible. You can find out how to access the location here. If you require any specific accommodations or extra support due to a disability, medical condition, or other special considerations, please let us know.
Yes, you will be able to purchase lunch, dinner and snacks at the venue. Please note that you can only pay by card.
Are you coming to Upstream 2026? Why not share on socials that you are?! Click here to spread the love.