For seven years, Rabobank has been part of the Upstream journey. Not just as a partner, but as a consistent supporter of founders building meaningful solutions.

In 2026, that collaboration deepens. Rabobank is now the official partner of the Health & Wellbeing track at Upstream Festival – a space dedicated to founders working on one of the most urgent and complex challenges of our time.

What Rabobank actually does for healthcare startups

Rabobank’s role goes beyond traditional banking.

They support startups across three critical areas:

1. Financing that fits healthcare realities

From early-stage research to scaling, Rabobank provides tailored financing solutions that reflect the longer timelines and higher risks in healthcare innovation.

• 125+ Innovation Loans provided to healthcare startups
• €10M+ in growth financing deployed in the past year

2. Strategic guidance and sector expertise

Healthcare is complex – reimbursement models, regulations, stakeholder alignment.

Rabobank helps founders navigate:

• Market entry strategies
• Funding pathways
• Scaling challenges within healthcare systems

3. Building the ecosystem

Through events, partnerships, and collaborations, Rabobank connects:

• Startups
• Investors
• Hospitals
• Corporates

This is where their partnership with Upstream plays a key role.

A guide to the Dutch health & wellbeing ecosystem

To help founders navigate the space, here’s a simplified overview of some of the key players in the Netherlands.

Accelerators & Incubators

1. Health Inc. (by Erasmus MC & Erasmus University Rotterdam)
A leading healthtech accelerator in Rotterdam supporting startups with validation, pilots, and access to hospital networks.
🔗 https://healthinc.nl

2. UtrechtInc
One of the top university incubators in Europe, with strong programs in digital health, biotech, and life sciences.
🔗 https://utrechtinc.nl

3. YES!Delft
Deeptech-focused incubator with programs for medtech, AI in healthcare, and biotech startups.
🔗 https://yesdelft.com

4. Rockstart (Health vertical)
Global accelerator with dedicated support for impact-driven startups, including health and wellbeing solutions.
🔗 https://rockstart.com

5. Startupbootcamp (Digital Health programs)
Runs health-focused accelerator programs connecting startups to corporates, hospitals, and investors.
🔗 https://startupbootcamp.org

6. Unlock

🔗 https://unlock.bio/

Investors & funds

You can find a current overview of the investors here.

1. Rabobank

Support as outlined above.
🔗 https://www.rabobank.nl/en/business/startups-and-scale-ups 

2. Forbion
   Top-tier VC focused on biotech and life sciences, investing from early-stage to growth.
   🔗 https://forbion.com
3. Health Innovations
   Invests in digital health, medtech, and healthcare services with a strong network in the Dutch healthcare system.
   🔗 https://healthinnovations.nl
4. Gilde Healthcare
   Major European investor focused on healthcare providers, medtech, and therapeutics.
   🔗 https://gildehealthcare.com
5. Thuja Capital
   Early-stage VC focusing on biotech and medtech startups emerging from academic research.
   🔗 https://thujacapital.com
6. LSP (Life Sciences Partners)
   Large European life sciences fund investing in breakthrough therapies and technologies.
   🔗 https://lspvc.com
7. Anterra Capital
   Focuses on health, nutrition, and sustainable food systems impacting wellbeing.
   🔗 https://anterracapital.com

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Public support

1. ZonMw
Government-funded organisation supporting innovation in healthcare and wellbeing.
🔗 https://www.zonmw.nl

2. RVO (Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland)
Provides grants, subsidies, and internationalisation support for health startups.
🔗 https://www.rvo.nl

3. Health~Holland
Key public-private initiative driving innovation and collaboration in life sciences and health.
🔗 https://www.health-holland.com

Innovation Hubs & Ecosystems

1. Amsterdam Health & Technology Institute (ahti)
Connects startups with hospitals, corporates, and municipalities to scale health innovations.
🔗 https://ahti.nl

2. Medical Delta
Collaboration between universities, hospitals, and governments to accelerate health solutions.
🔗 https://medicaldelta.nl

3. Pivot Park
A leading biotech campus supporting startups with labs, funding access, and expertise.
🔗 https://pivotpark.com

4. Brightlands Maastricht Health Campus
Focuses on prevention, diagnostics, and personalised medicine.
🔗 https://brightlands.com

Community & Networks

1. Dutch Digital Health Society
Community connecting digital health startups, professionals, and policymakers.
🔗 https://dutchdigitalhealth.com

2. NL Health~Holland International
Supports startups in scaling internationally within the health sector.
🔗 https://www.health-holland.com/international

3. ROMs (Regional Development Agencies Netherlands)
Provide funding, support, and regional ecosystem access (e.g., InnovationQuarter, Oost NL).
🔗 https://www.rom-nederland.nl

How to connect with Rabobank

If you’re building in health and wellbeing and looking for support:

• Visit Rabobank’s Startup & Scale-up page
• Connect directly via LinkedIn or email
• Meet the team at ecosystem events – including Upstream

They actively engage with founders and are open to thinking along with your growth ambitions.

See you at Upstream Festival!

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