Behind every connection: Meet the partners powering Upstream 2025

Upstream Festival was never meant to be a stage-and-audience kind of event. It’s built on collaboration – between founders and investors, corporates and creatives,change makers and people building real things. None of that would happen without the partners who choose to show up, support, and shape the experience.

This year, our main and program partners are once again helping us make Upstream what it is: a two-day get together of ambition, momentum, and the people pushing the startup ecosystem forward.

Main partners

• Gemeente Rotterdam
• Gemeente Delft
• Province Zuid-Holland
• Rabobank

Program Partners

• Gemeente Zoetermeer
• Port of Rotterdam
• Achmena Impact Ventures
• Techleap

Let’s hear from our partners why they support us:

Gemeente Delft

"In Delft, innovation is in our DNA. It's how we’ve been creating history for centuries. With among others the TU Delft, YES!Delft, the Buccaneer and a thriving deep tech startup scene, partnering with Upstream is a powerful way to connect our ideas and talent with the region, and shape the future together." - Monique Martens, Andrew Buskens, City of Delft 

‍Port of Rotterdam

“The Port of Rotterdam proudly partners with Upstream 2025 aiming to unite startups and scale-ups to drive sustainable growth within the port. During this event we strive to make valuable connections, fostering collaborations that build a robust innovation ecosystem. Together, we want to accelerate innovations and transitions throughout the port and the city.”

‍Zoetermeer

“At Zoetermeer, we believe in building the future. Not just in our city, but across the region. With the Dutch Innovation Park as our regional home base for digital innovators, partnering with Upstream is a natural fit to connect, scale, and amplify impact together.” Harold Beffers, City of Zoetermeer

Rabobank

“The main reason why we actually joined Upstream right at the beginning is because we bet on Upstream to get the whole ecosystem together so we are able to get in contact with the ecosystem and see what kind of new ideas are in place or where we can also lend a hand. I really enjoy looking at the development that Upstream has made, it's not just a Rotterdam party anymore. It's getting bigger and bigger. It is one of the few events in the Netherlands where you actually only have founders, investors, and corporates that can help startups grow. For me, it's really the event of the year.” Robin Hempel, Rabobank

"As a cooperative bank, we invest in the future. Upstream Festival brings together today’s innovators to shape the world of tomorrow. That’s why we are proud to be a partner as Rabobank." Juultje van der Wijk, Cooperative Director Rabobank

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Achmena Impact Ventures

"At Achmea Impact Ventures, we believe real change starts with bold founders. That’s why we’re joining Upstream Festival – to connect with founders, start-ups, and ecosystem partners who are shaping a better future. From early-stage ideas to fast-growing ventures, we provide capital, expertise, and hands-on support to help founders build momentum and scale with impact. Let's meet, share ideas, and explore how we can grow together."

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These are the organisations that don’t just put their logos on banners – they invest their time, knowledge, and networks to make the ecosystem stronger.

We’re proud to be working alongside this group of believers, builders, and backers. They’re not here to spectate. They’re here to connect – and make things happen.

If you see them at Upstream 2025, say hello. 

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