Applications are now open for SBC First Pitch 2026, offering five early-stage betting and gaming startups the opportunity to pitch live at SBC Summit in Lisbon and compete for a prize package worth more than €80,000.
The competition will take place on Thursday, October 1, at 3:00 p.m., on the Product Innovation Showcase Stage, where the selected startups will present their products and business strategies to an audience of investors, operators, industry executives, and specialist media.
Each finalist will have three minutes to deliver their pitch, followed by a three-minute Q&A session with a judging panel made up of investors and industry experts.
SBC First Pitch is organised in partnership with Betting Startups, building on the successful collaboration established during SBC Summit Americas earlier this year. The competition will once again be hosted by Jesse Learmonth, Founder of Betting Startups, who will guide finalists through the live pitching session.
A prize package designed to accelerate growth
The winning startup will receive a comprehensive package of services aimed at supporting business development, marketing, technology, compliance, branding, and industry exposure.
This year’s prize package includes:
- One year of API access to sports, betting, and engagement data from Are You Watching This?! and MetaBet, valued at €42,000.
- An exclusive branding or website design package from Vegas Kings, worth $3,000.
- Twelve months of access to CertiIQ™, providing market intelligence and compliance management tools across regulated markets, valued at €7,400.
- A promotional video package, social media audit, competitor analysis, and digital strategy from Square in the Air, worth €5,000.
- €4,000 in legal services credit provided by Royer Cooper Cohen Braunfeld LLC.
- Six months of advertising across SBC Media platforms, including newsletters and editorial features, valued at €11,000.
- A fully equipped 3x3m exhibition booth at SBC Summit 2027, along with four complimentary event passes, worth €15,000.
Industry experts to evaluate the finalists
The startups will pitch before a panel of experienced investors, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders. Confirmed judges 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, highlighted the value of the competition for emerging businesses.
“SBC Summit’s First Pitch competition gives startups the opportunity to get their products in front of investors, operators, partners, and media who can make a meaningful difference to their next stage of growth.
For early-stage companies, having a strong product is only the beginning. 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.”
AIStats demonstrates the competition’s impact
Last year’s winner, AIStats, an AI-powered sports statistics platform, went on to raise $1.1 million in pre-seed funding and attract more than 700,000 users worldwide following its victory.
Alongside the competition, SBC Summit will once again feature its Startup Zone, where founders can showcase their products and meet directly with investors, operators, and commercial partners. A dedicated Startup Networking Lounge will also provide an environment for more focused networking and business discussions.
Applications for SBC First Pitch 2026 close on 24 July 2026, with five finalists set to take the stage during SBC Summit in Lisbon.
Startups interested in competing in SBC First Pitch 2026 can now submit their applications through SBC’s official website.
