Transforming urban spaces into green oases.

The story behind
Upperbloom
The story behind
Upperbloom
Founded
2020
FUNDED
2021, 2022
THEME
Climate
STAGE
Early Growth
WHY WE INVESTED

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Upperbloom was founded by entrepreneurs Sam van der Zanden and Tom van Ruitenbeek with a vision to bring greenery back into the heart of urban environments. Their mission? To transform city spaces into lush, green oases by adorning the terraces of restaurants, bars, hotels, and businesses with beautifully filled flower boxes.

The idea took root in 2018 when Sam’s mother gifted him a vibrant flower box that transformed the look of his balcony, inspiring him to spend more time outdoors. Realizing the impact plants could have on both small and large spaces, Sam immersed himself in learning about plants, connecting with local growers, and eventually began selling filled planters.

Teaming up with Tom, what started as a small-scale project has grown into the professional service that Upperbloom is today. Partnering with growers and horticultural experts, they curate fresh, seasonal plant sets each year. In collaboration with Pantar Amsterdam, a plant nursery and sheltered workspace, Upperbloom ensures every planter is cultivated and filled with the utmost care.

Upperbloom's unique approach not only beautifies urban spaces but also fosters sustainability and social responsibility, creating a greener future for cities everywhere.

team behind
the company
Sam van der Zanden
Founder
Tom van Ruitenbeek
Co-founder
Sam van der Zanden
Founder
Tom Ruitenbeek
Co-founder

When we first met Shawn, we instantly felt a personal connection. She is the type of entrepreneur who sees more than just the business model you have come up with or the numbers you put on the board. Looking back, we have made some very big steps in a very short time. Like us, Shawn believes the quality of city-life can be improved with the power of plants and flowers.

- Sam van der Zanden, co-founder of Upperbloom


Shawn has been great at helping us further cultivate our ideas, growing the business and making us work better and smarter. The support we got from her and her team has been amazing and we hope to continue working with her for many more years!


- Business partner Tom van Ruitenbeek