The partnership will strengthen the Startup Hub and SBC First Pitch competition, giving early-stage companies greater opportunities for exposure, networking and connections with investors and operators.
SBC Summit has announced a new partnership with BettingStartups to strengthen its support for early-stage betting and gaming companies. The collaboration will span both the Startup Hub and the SBC First Pitch competition, two initiatives focused on supporting innovation and the growth of emerging businesses across the industry.
As part of the agreement, BettingStartups will serve as the official host of the Startup Hub at SBC Summit 2026, taking place from 29 September to 1 October at Feira Internacional de Lisboa (FIL) and MEO Arena.
Located between Halls 1 and 2, the Startup Hub will feature a dedicated exhibition area and networking lounge, providing founders with a focused environment to showcase their businesses and connect with investors, operators, commercial partners and industry media.
BettingStartups has established itself as a key player in the early-stage gaming ecosystem through its media platform, podcast, newsletter, events and investment arm. Through this network, the partnership will bring a curated selection of innovative startups to Lisbon while creating opportunities for them to connect with key industry stakeholders.
SBC First Pitch: Five Startups to Compete in Lisbon
The collaboration will also extend to the Product Innovation Showcase Stage, which will be dedicated exclusively to discovering emerging companies and solutions in iGaming on Thursday, 1 October.
The stage will host SBC First Pitch, a competition where five selected startups will present their businesses to a panel of experienced investors and industry executives.
Hosted by Jesse Learmonth, Founder of BettingStartups, each finalist will have three minutes to pitch their business, followed by a three-minute question-and-answer session with the judging panel.
The winner will receive a prize package valued at more than €80,000, featuring services and resources designed to support the company’s next stage of development.
Rasmus Sojmark, Founder and CEO of SBC, said:
“Startups play an important role in bringing new technology, products and ideas into the betting and gaming industry, but early-stage companies need access to the right people if they are going to turn those ideas into successful businesses.
BettingStartups has built a strong network across the startup ecosystem and understands the challenges founders face. Expanding our partnership across the Startup Hub and First Pitch will help us attract exciting companies to Lisbon and give them a stronger platform to connect with investors, operators and potential partners.”
Jesse Learmonth, Founder of BettingStartups, added:
“SBC Summit brings together decision-makers from every part of the global betting and gaming industry, making it an important platform for founders looking to build relationships and grow their businesses.
We are excited to return as the partner for First Pitch and take on the additional role of hosting the Startup Hub. Our focus will be on bringing promising early-stage companies to Lisbon and helping them connect with the people who can support their next stage of development.”
Further details on the Startup Hub exhibitors and the five First Pitch finalists will be announced ahead of SBC Summit 2026.
Access to the Product Innovation Showcase Stage and SBC First Pitch is included with Conference, Business and VIP Passes. Operators, affiliates and regulators may also qualify for complimentary passes, subject to approval.
