ROTTERDAM, 7 August 2024 – Feyenoord Rotterdam has renewed its partnership with Atlas Safety Shoes, marking a return to a collaboration that dates back to the 2018/2019 season. This renewed relationship emphasises their shared industrial heritage and community ties.

Atlas Safety Shoes has announced the renewal of its partnership with Feyenoord Rotterdam for the 2024/2025 football season. This collaboration goes beyond mere sponsorship, representing a connection deeply rooted in the histories of both organisations.

A shared history and vision

Atlas Safety Shoes, a company with a longstanding tradition in the production of safety footwear, first partnered with Feyenoord during the 2018/2019 season. Now, the two entities are looking forward to building on this relationship once again.

Hendrik Schabsky, CEO of Atlas, commented on the renewed partnership: “Our companies share more than just a passion for football and quality. It is our mutual industrial background and the strong bond with the people involved that makes this collaboration special. By working with Feyenoord Rotterdam, we can strengthen our international partnerships and promote our shared values.”

A partnership rooted in resilience

Founded in 1908 during Rotterdam's industrial boom, Feyenoord Rotterdam is a football club with a deep connection to its community. The club's DNA is defined by its fighting spirit and determination.

Similarly, Atlas Safety Shoes, established in the Ruhr region in 1910, began by manufacturing safety shoes for the mining and steel industries. Today, with over 1,600 employees, Atlas focuses on sectors such as construction, logistics, transport, and the agricultural, metal, and offshore industries.

Directions to Feyenoord Stadium

Feyenoord Stadium (De Kuip) is located in the south of Rotterdam, easily accessible by public transport or car. The stadium is a key landmark in the area, known for its passionate supporters and rich football history. To reach De Kuip, one can take tram 23 from Rotterdam Central Station or use the A16 motorway if driving. For exact directions, use the shortcode below.

ROTTERDAM, 19 July 2024 – Rotterdam Urban Winery has introduced a new initiative transforming surplus table grapes into wine. This innovative step aims to address food waste through sustainability.

Rotterdam Urban Winery has taken a significant step in sustainable wine production by launching wines made from surplus table grapes. The initiative aims to tackle food waste, setting a new standard for sustainable practices in the wine industry. The launch event took place at Bar Stroom, where farmers, circular food entrepreneurs, and cultural figures from Rotterdam gathered to celebrate this achievement.

The birth of a sustainable winery

The concept for Rotterdam Urban Winery emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. Founder Wouter Bijl, with extensive experience in using surplus fruit for cider production, was inspired when a supplier inquired about utilising excess grapes. Initially hesitant, Bijl and his team decided to experiment, eventually securing funding through Citylab010 and a Rabobank innovation loan. This support enabled Bijl to bring his vision to fruition. 

Rotterdam Urban Winery’s mission is to make sustainable enjoyment accessible and enjoyable. “We are not pretentious, nor overly expensive, but rather enjoyable and approachable,” emphasises Bijl. “Our wines may never become a Grand Cru, but they do not need to. We are happy to contribute to the United Nations' goal of halving food waste by 2030, one sip at a time.”

Rotterdam winery rescues surplus grapes

From surplus grapes to fine wine

Each year, Dutch traders and supermarkets discard millions of kilos of table grapes due to various reasons, including geopolitical disruptions or quality standards. Rotterdam Urban Winery collects these surplus grapes and transforms them into flavourful wines. “The fact that we discard perfectly usable food is, in my opinion, absurd,” says Bijl. “We aim to combat food waste by making sustainability enjoyable, sociable, and delicious.”

Innovative laboratory with ambitious goals

Located in the Keilepand, Rotterdam Urban Winery has established a lab dedicated to continuous experimentation and improving efficiency and circularity in wine production. The team’s ambitions range from vinification and barrel ageing to employing the champagne method and even ageing wine on the seabed. “We love to experiment,” says Bijl. “I enjoy proving that things deemed impossible can actually be achieved.”

Wine selection and availability

Currently, Rotterdam Urban Winery offers two wines, which can (soon) be ordered via their website, and are available at several Rotterdam establishments, including Bar Stroom, Bar Alaska, Marseille, and Biergarten. Additional varieties, including a red wine and a brut, will be released later this year.

Sparkling White #01

A demi-sec with 7.5% alcohol, made from Thompson grapes. The wine features a light, sweet flavour with elderflower and tropical fruit aromas, offering a subtle and full taste with a pleasant acidity and finish. Perfect for sunny days on the terrace.

Sparkling Rosé #01

A sparkling sec with 9.5% alcohol, made from Sable grapes. This wine has light pink bubbles with a rich muscat aroma, a full flavour, a dry finish, and soft tannins, making it ideal for summer salads, as an aperitif, with BBQs, or with seafood.

Rotterdam has long been a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, and in recent years, it has given rise to Superconnectors, an initiative that redefines the way startups connect and grow. 

What is Superconnectors?

Superconnectors organises events globally, providing startups with opportunities to address their most critical questions. Whether it's connecting with key players in specific markets, finding the right investors, or meeting individuals with exceptional talent, Superconnectors recognises the importance of relationships in today’s business environment. In other words, Superconnectors focuses on helping startups build "social capital"—the connections and relationships that are often more critical than financial capital for growth and success.

The platform operates on the premise that the right introduction can significantly advance a startup, providing access to markets, talent, and resources that might otherwise be unavailable. Participating startups are offered opportunities to enter new markets, gain insights, and build relationships with influential decision-makers. Annually, 100 of the 600 registered startups get the chance to present their "Critical Ask" to over 400 influential connectors. Additionally, Superconnectors organises exclusive meetings during major tech conferences, providing startups with valuable networking opportunities.

Superconnectors Summit Rotterdam. Photo credit: Evgeny Astapov
Superconnectors Summit Rotterdam. Photo credit: Evgeny Astapov

Founding and inspiration

The idea for Superconnectors originated from the experiences of Jan Hein Hoogstad, a startup founder who discovered that social capital was often more valuable than financial capital. Together with Stein Fortuin, they launched the first Superconnectors event during the Upstream Festival in Rotterdam. Their aim was to create a platform that prioritises sustainable development and impactful startups.

The positive feedback from their initial event led to the formal establishment of Superconnectors, with Alexander Broekman joining as CEO in early 2022. Broekman brought extensive entrepreneurial experience, having previously built and sold a successful company. His belief in the importance of introductions and "paying it forward" has been instrumental in the development of Superconnectors. Broekman's participation in the second edition of the event during the Upstream Festival in 2022 solidified his connection with Hoogstad and Fortuin. This synergy prompted the decision to develop Superconnectors into an independent company, with Broekman taking on the role of CEO and owner.

Superconnectors CEO Alexander Broekman on stage at the 2024 Superconnectors Summit in Rotterdam. Photo credit: Evgeny Astapov

Blockchain integration

One distinctive feature of Superconnectors is the integration of blockchain technology from their partner, Kadena. This technology tracks successful connections made during events, adding a layer of trust and gamification to the networking process. Successful connections earn "karma points," fostering a community focused on mutual benefit and support.

The Superconnectors Summit

The Superconnectors Summit is a significant event that attracts participants from around the world. The 2024 summit in Rotterdam, part of the Upstream Festival, featured nearly 200 attendees and focused on introductions related to talent, market, capital, and knowledge. The event's international atmosphere and the messages from three international speakers highlighted the value of meaningful introductions.

For more information on Superconnectors and when the next summit takes polace, check out the official Superconnectors website.

ROTTERDAM, 17 April 2024 – A dynamic new chapter opens this spring for Rotterdam's skyline with the transformation of the Groot Handelsgebouw's rooftop into a vibrant events hub, The Rooftop at GHG. The new space promises a unique venue combining history with panoramic city views, fostering community and innovation.

New life at the Groot Handelsgebouw

An exciting new phase is announced for the Groot Handelsgebouw, an iconic symbol of Rotterdam's reconstruction and the home base for over 450 companies. This spring, in partnership with Révolt, a pioneer in innovative event experiences in Rotterdam, the rooftop of the Groot Handelsgebouw is set to become The Rooftop at GHG, a dynamic events location.

The historic Engels halls and terraces are being transformed into a lively hub for events and public activities. Jamestown, the real estate firm owning the Groot Handelsgebouw, commits to further activating this Rotterdam icon for both businesses and the public. “Our aim is to continue the legacy of the Groot Handelsgebouw for a new generation with site activations and programming that align with the building’s rich history while also serving the tenants and surrounding community,” says Thomas Sandlin, Head of Asset Management, Europe at Jamestown.

The Rooftop at GHG will offer various indoor spaces with adaptable halls ranging from 120 to 700 square metres and terraces from 40 to 200 square metres, capable of accommodating any type of event with basic amenities provided and the potential for customised event creation through various suppliers.

Event location: The Rooftop at Groot Handelsgebouw

Role of Révolt

Révolt, a Rotterdam-based event organisation, focuses on creating unique and memorable experiences at notable locations. With a passion for innovation and creativity, Révolt aims to push the boundaries of the events industry.

“Rotterdam is bursting with creativity and energy, and this dynamism deserves a magnificent venue. The Rooftop at GHG is designed to be a unique event space that matches the city’s ambition. It is an inspiring place where people from Rotterdam and visitors can come together, develop new ideas, and experience unforgettable moments. With a breathtaking view of the city as a backdrop, The Rooftop at GHG will become the hotspot for high-profile events,” said Yagoub, founder of Révolt and operator of venues such as Annabel and culture platform Perron, as well as festivals including REC Festival, het Vrije Volk, and Kralingse Bos Festival.

Event location: The Rooftop at Groot Handelsgebouw

Central location with a fine view

Strategically located adjacent to the Central Station, The Rooftop at GHG is perfectly accessible for both national and international visitors. The ample parking facilities, coupled with a plethora of nearby hotels and restaurants, position this venue as a prime location for events. Starting in May this year, The Rooftop at GHG will welcome its first events, marking a new chapter as Rotterdam's premier events venue with the finest view.

Directions and local information

The Rooftop at GHG is conveniently situated next to Rotterdam Central Station, making it easily accessible by public transportation. The area is known for its vibrant atmosphere, surrounded by numerous dining options and accommodation.