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find your next investment

If you’re actively looking for early-stage deals, want to co-invest in Europe, or simply refuse to miss the next investment opportunity, Upstream Festival is the place for you. Join other investors in Rotterdam for a day of deal flow, co-investment opportunities and real founder access.

What is Upstream?

Upstream a festival that directly connects startups, capital and opportunities. Every year we bring ambitious founders, raising pre-seed to Series A, together with the investors who can move the needle for them.

We put extra spotlight on three high-growth industry tracks while remaining fully sector-agnostic:

  • Port & Maritime – the world’s most innovative port ecosystem on your doorstep
  • Health & Wellbeing – digital health, biotech, medtech and preventative care
  • Climate & Energy – decarbonisation, energy transition and circular economy

Why Investors Keep Coming Back

Find new deals

  • vetted startups on site
  • Pre-scheduled 1:1 meetings
  • First-look at companies

‍

Meet (and Co-Invest with) the right people

  • active investors from the Netherlands, Europe, US and beyond
  • Dedicated co-investor dinners, syndicate breakfasts and informal “investor” hangouts
  • Many funds close follow-on rounds together that started with a conversation at Upstream

Real Example: From First Meeting to €250k Ticket

In 2023, Kristian De Lange (Smarter Ventures) had a casual coffee with Passionfruit during Upstream. One year later they reconnected at the festival, spent 2.5 hours in a strategy deep-dive, and closed a €250k convertible with extremely founder-friendly terms – plus ongoing support through the Venture Grower Program.

Who You’ll Meet

  • Pre-seed → Series A founders who are incorporated, revenue-generating (or traction) positive, and actively fundraising
  • Fellow investors
  • Corporate partners and ecosystem players looking for strategic investments and pilots
    • Join us on May 21 to meet co-investors and find your next investment opportunity.
    Get your tickets