Upstream Festival: A Journey of Growth, Connection, and Impact

Since our launch in 2020, we’ve grown from a bold idea into a vibrant, community-driven platform that unites the best of the European startup ecosystem. As we gear up for Upstream Festival 2026 (May 21 in Rotterdam!), we’re taking a moment to reflect on the incredible milestones we’ve achieved over the years. Here’s a reader-friendly dive into the metrics and moments that have defined our journey so far.

2020: The Spark That Started It All

Picture this: it’s 2020, and the world is navigating unprecedented challenges. Yet, in Rotterdam, the first Upstream Festival took shape as a hybrid event, blending virtual and in-person experiences. We welcomed 1,000 attendees, including founders, investors, and innovators eager to connect despite the odds. With 20 partners – like the City of Rotterdam and Rabobank – backing our vision, we hosted 30 events, from virtual pitch sessions to intimate networking meetups.

This debut year set the tone for Upstream: a festival that’s not just about showing up, but about creating real, actionable opportunities for growth. Even in a tough global climate, we saw startups forging partnerships and investors discovering new talent. It was proof that our mission to build a digital, carbon-neutral, and inclusive economy resonated deeply.

2021: Scaling Up and Going Global

By 2021, we were ready to take things up a notch. The world was reopening, and so were we, with a hybrid format that attracted 1,500 attendees from across Europe and beyond. Our partner network grew to 30 organizations, including heavyweights like YES!Delft and Innovation Quarter, amplifying our reach. We hosted 40 events, including fireside chats, investor speed-dating, and deep-dive workshops, all designed to help startups scale smarter.

This year, we saw 200+ startups pitch their ideas, with many securing follow-up meetings with investors. f purpose. Our focus on sustainability and inclusivity also started gaining traction, with sessions dedicated to circular economies and diverse leadership.

2022: Building Momentum in Rotterdam

In 2022, Upstream Festival became a must-attend event on the startup calendar. We welcomed 2,000 attendees to Rotterdam’s vibrant ecosystem, with 40 partners collaborating to make it happen. The festival featured 50 events, from startup pitch competitions to exclusive side events like the Deep Tech Breakfast and the Scale-up CEO Dinner.

The numbers tell a story of impact: 300 startups participated with their innovations, and 150 investors actively scouted for deals. Attendees raved about the curated networking opportunities, with our speed-dating sessions leading to 500+ one-on-one meetings. This was the year we truly cemented our reputation as a festival where deals get done and ideas come to life.

2023: A Record-Breaking Year

If 2022 was about momentum, 2023 was about breaking records. We saw 2,500 attendees flood into Rotterdam, supported by 45 partners who shared our vision for a future-proof economy. With 60 events – including roundtables, keynote talks, and the NL Startup Competition – there was something for everyone, whether you were a founder, investor, or corporate innovator.

The stats speak for themselves: 400 startups participated, and 200 investors were in the room, leading to 700+ meaningful connections through our app and matchmaking sessions. Side events, like the Meet Your Co-founder session at YES!Delft, helped entrepreneurs find their perfect business match. Plus, our focus on sustainability shone through, with 20% of sessions dedicated to topics like carbon neutrality and zero-waste innovation.

2024: A Milestone of Scale and Impact

In 2024, Upstream Festival reached new heights, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of the European startup scene. We welcomed 3,000 change-makers – from founders to policymakers – to Rotterdam, supported by 50 partners. The festival buzzed with 70 events, hosted at our main venue, Annabel, and various side locations. From founder pitches to investor roundtables and interactive workshops, the energy was infectious.

2025: Building on Momentum

On May 21–22, 2025, Upstream Festival delivered a dynamic program across three stages in the Rotterdam Metropolitan Region, uniting 3,100+ change-makers (including 2,000+ main event visitors) with 50+ co-creation partners. With 48 side events, 39 sessions (including 9 fireside chats, 9 deep dives, 5 roundtables, and 16 pitches), and 28 inspiring speakers like Kiki Lauwers (Thorizon), Ida Tin (Clue), and Constantijn van Oranje (Techleap.nl), the festival fostered collaboration and sustainable growth.

With 41 investors managing €5 billion in assets, we facilitated 456 speed dates and 522 connections between startups and investors, maintaining a 3:1 founder-to-investor ratio. The NL Startup Competition saw 16 startups pitch, with ExCulture by Aisling Foley winning a €10K prize. Most startups were in seed stage (76%), focusing on software (73.1%).

What’s Next for Upstream Festival 2026?

Reflecting on our incredible journey fuels our excitement for what’s to come. Upstream Festival 2026, set for May 21 in Rotterdam, is shaping up to be our most transformative edition yet. We’re crafting a dynamic program packed with inspiring keynotes, panels, hands-on workshops, and industry-focused tracks like Port & Maritime, Health & Wellbeing, and Climate & Energy. Plus, our signature curated networking will ensure you leave with valuable connections.

Join Us in 2026!

The heart of Upstream Festival is the spark of collaboration, the thrill of new ideas, and the impact we create together. Whether you’re a founder ready to scale, an investor seeking the next unicorn, or a change-maker driving sustainability, Upstream 2026 is where you’ll find your tribe.

Ready to shape the future? Get your tickets now. Join us in Rotterdam on May 21, 2026, for a day of inspiration, connection, and growth!

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