SBC Summit Americas has announced a strategic partnership with BettingStartups to enhance support for early-stage companies, helping founders connect with investors while showcasing innovation across the Americas market.
As part of the collaboration, BettingStartups will serve as the official host of the Startup Zone at SBC Summit Americas 2026. The area will feature 13 exhibition booths and a dedicated lounge, providing startups with strong visibility on the show floor and direct access to key decision-makers, with 51% of last year’s attendees holding budget responsibility.
Recognized as a key player in the early-stage gaming ecosystem, BettingStartups has built a strong reputation for supporting founders through its media platform, podcast, newsletter, events, and investment arm. By leveraging this network, the partnership will bring a curated selection of high-potential startups to the event, allowing attendees to discover the innovations shaping the future of the industry.
A key highlight of the Startup Zone will be the First Pitch Americas Competition, taking place on Thursday, June 11 (14:00 – 14:40) on the Leaders Stage. Hosted by BettingStartups founder Jesse Learmonth, the competition will feature five selected startups pitching live to a panel of leading investors and executives.
Participants will compete for a prize package valued at $108,900, designed to accelerate growth and industry exposure. The prize includes a 3x3m exhibition booth at SBC Summit Americas 2027, along with additional contributions from Are You Watching This?!, MetaBet, AWS, GameOn, Royer Cooper Cohen Braunfeld LLC, Square in the Air, and Vegas Kings.
The judging panel includes:
- Paris Smith, Founder and CEO, Defy the Odds
- Javier Altamirano, Global Head of Startup, Sportradar
- Evan Meyer, Managing Partner, Astralus Capital Management
- Scott Secord, Partner, Cardinal Sports Capital
- Meredith McPherson, CEO and Managing Partner, DRIVE by DraftKings
Applications for the First Pitch Competition are currently open, with a submission deadline of April 17, and selected participants to be notified by May 4. The 2025 edition saw Wager Games take home the top prize.
In addition, attendees will benefit from dedicated educational content, including the workshop “Fundraising 101: Win Your First Round,” scheduled for Thursday, June 11 (11:00 – 12:00). Led by Shaun Gold, Chief Evangelist at OpenVC, the session will provide a practical roadmap for securing early-stage investment.
The partnership aims to position SBC Summit Americas as a must-attend event for startups, investors, and operators across the region. By combining SBC’s global reach with BettingStartups’ specialised ecosystem, the initiative is set to attract high-potential companies, generate pre-event momentum, and deliver unique startup-focused content.
BettingStartups will also contribute to delegate growth through targeted marketing campaigns and curated participation, aiming to drive new registrations from its engaged community.
Rasmus Sojmark, CEO & Founder of SBC, commented:
“This partnership strengthens our commitment to innovation and to supporting the next generation of companies shaping the future of gaming in the Americas. BettingStartups brings a highly engaged community and deep understanding of the startup ecosystem, elevating both the quality of exhibitors and the overall attendee experience.”
Jesse Learmonth, Founder of BettingStartups, added:
“SBC Summit Americas is a key meeting point for the industry in the region, and we’re excited to play a central role in building out its startup offering. Our focus is on bringing the most exciting early-stage companies to the event and giving founders a platform to be seen, heard, and funded.”
