Upstream
Upstream is the event where early-stage startups and investors come together to accelerate growth. Founders, investors and innovation partners meet around funding, strategic collaborations and peer learning. A community-driven festival focused on real connections and concrete opportunities.
Whether you're raising capital, investing or wanting to learn from other founders, Upstream is the place to strengthen your network and start new collaborations.
Focus areas
Upstream is open to innovations from all sectors, with an extra focus on three key areas:
- Climate & Energy
- Health & Wellbeing
- Port & Maritime
These tracks form the heart of the program. Together with partners, they are translated into substantive sessions, targeted matchmaking and the presence of specialized investors who know these areas inside out.
What to expect?
- Inspiring talks from founders, investors and experts
- Speed dates and curated networking
- Focus on access to capital, markets and talent
- Side events spread across Rotterdam
Pendant Upstream 2025 came more than 3,000 participants together, with 28 speakers and a wide range of sessions and community events. In 2026, we will continue to build on this.
Upstream is the event where early-stage startups and investors come together to accelerate growth. Founders, investors and innovation partners meet around funding, strategic collaborations and peer learning. A community-driven festival focused on real connections and concrete opportunities.
Whether you're raising capital, investing or wanting to learn from other founders, Upstream is the place to strengthen your network and start new collaborations.
Focus areas
Upstream is open to innovations from all sectors, with an extra focus on three key areas:
- Climate & Energy
- Health & Wellbeing
- Port & Maritime
These tracks form the heart of the program. Together with partners, they are translated into substantive sessions, targeted matchmaking and the presence of specialized investors who know these areas inside out.
What to expect?
- Inspiring talks from founders, investors and experts
- Speed dates and curated networking
- Focus on access to capital, markets and talent
- Side events spread across Rotterdam
Pendant Upstream 2025 came more than 3,000 participants together, with 28 speakers and a wide range of sessions and community events. In 2026, we will continue to build on this.