Warning: Undefined array key "post_type_share_twitter_account" in /var/www/vhosts/casinonewsblogger.com/public_html/wp-content/themes/cryptocurrency/vslmd/share/share.php on line 24
Applications are now open for the 2026 edition of SBC First Pitch, with five early-stage betting and gaming startups set to compete for a prize package worth more than €80,000 (US$91,217) at SBC Summit in Lisbon.
The competition will take place on 1 October at the Product Innovation Showcase Stage, where the selected startups will pitch their products and business plans before investors, operators, media, and senior industry executives.
Only five startups will be chosen to compete. Each finalist will have three minutes to deliver their pitch, followed by a three-minute Q&A session with a judging panel comprising investors and industry experts.
SBC First Pitch is delivered in partnership with Betting Startups, continuing a collaboration that began at SBC Summit Americas earlier this year. The live competition will be hosted by Jesse Learmonth, Founder of Betting Startups.
The winning startup will receive a comprehensive support package covering media, marketing, technology, compliance, legal services, branding, and event exposure.
The prize package includes one year of API access to sports, gambling, and engagement data from Are You Watching This?! and MetaBet worth €42,000 (US$47,817), a brand or web design package from Vegas Kings valued at US$3,000, 12 months of platform access to support market intelligence and compliance management from CertiIQ™ worth €7,400 (US$8,425), and a promotional video package and social media strategy from Square in the Air valued at €5,000 (US$5,693).
The winner will also receive €4,000 (US$4,554) in gaming-related legal services from Royer Cooper Cohen Braunfeld LLC, six months of advertising and editorial promotion through SBC Media worth €11,000 (US$12,524), and a 3x3m exhibition booth, turnkey stand build, and four complimentary tickets for SBC Summit 2027, valued at €15,000 (US$17,078).
The judging panel will include Rob Duboff, Director at Velo Partners; Tom Waterhouse, Founder, CEO and Investor at Tom Waterhouse; and Paris Smith, Founder and CEO of Defy the Odds.
Paul Mills, Event Director at SBC, said the competition gives startups access to investors, operators, partners, and media that can support their next stage of growth.
“For early-stage companies, having a strong product is only the beginning,” he said. “First Pitch gives five selected startups a live platform to build visibility, open valuable conversations, and showcase their ideas at one of the industry’s biggest global gatherings.”
Last year’s competition was won by AIStats, an AI-powered sports statistics platform that leverages computer vision and machine learning to deliver real-time insights. Following its First Pitch victory, the company secured $1.1 million in pre-seed funding and grew its user base to more than 700,000 worldwide.
Alongside the competition, this year’s SBC Summit will feature a dedicated Startup Zone, where founders can showcase their products and connect directly with investors, operators, and commercial partners. A Startup Networking Lounge will also provide a dedicated space for business meetings and partnership discussions.
On Thursday, 1 October, the Product Innovation Showcase Stage will be devoted entirely to startup presentations, offering emerging companies an opportunity to showcase their innovations to operators, investors, affiliates, suppliers, and media attendees.
Applications for SBC First Pitch 2026 will remain open until Friday, 24 July 2026, with the five finalists announced ahead of their live presentations at SBC Summit in Lisbon.
Startups can apply for SBC First Pitch here.