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ProgramSpeakersSpeeddatesPartnersAboutUpdates

May 28, 2025

Upstream 2025: The momentum was real

Upstream 2025 turned Rotterdam into a two-day convergence of founders, investors, and ecosystem builders – 48 side events, 3000+ attendees, and momentum that doesn’t stop here.

Two days. 50 side events. Hundreds of new connections. Thousands of conversations that will shape what’s next.

This year, the festival once again turned Rotterdam into a hub for founders, investors and change makers. With over 3000+ attendees, 48 side events, roundtables and three packed stages, Upstream confirmed what we already knew: the Dutch startup scene is alive, growing on a European level, and more connected than ever.

What made this year different?

Day Zero kicked off with 48 side events across the city – a record number – from ecosystem dinners, icebath pitching to Crossfit – all providing a unique opportunities for founders and investors to engage in some physical activity while energizing themselves. 

Day One brought the energy to annabel and beyond.
We saw:

  • 28 speakers sharing sharp insights, founder stories, and unfiltered advice

  • 456 speed dates between startups and investors

  • 16 startups pitching on stage in front of a jury for the NL Startup Competition

  • A high-impact 3:1 founder-to-investor ratio that made every meeting count

Attendees used the Upstream app to schedule meetings, explore the full program, and make the most of every moment – from deep dives and roundtables to quick coffee catch-ups in the courtyard.

Connections that go beyond the badge

On average, each participant made a lot of new connections during the festival. And while the numbers are impressive, the real power of Upstream lies in what happens after: follow-up calls, investor interest, new hires, product pilots, partnerships started over beers and sealed with follow-through.

A community effort

Upstream isn’t just an event – it’s a movement powered by the community. From our main partners and program partners to the organisers of every side event, this is a festival co-created by the ecosystem, for the ecosystem.

A special shoutout to Rabobank, who used the festival as the launchpad for their new Innovation Contribution – a funding initiative for early-stage startups in South Holland. That’s what Upstream is about: not just ideas, but action.

See you in 2026?

If you were there – you know. If you weren’t, don’t worry. We’ll be back. And based on the momentum we’ve seen, it’s only going to get better. Save the date for May 21.

Until then, keep building. Keep showing up.
And keep pushing things upstream.

PS: Don’t forget to check out our picture gallery and recap videos here. 

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