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SBC First Pitch, the premier startup competition in the betting and gaming industry, brings together some of the most innovative emerging companies to compete for a chance to win an exclusive prize package valued at €90,000+, designed to support the winner’s growth and development plans. The 2025 edition is presented by Soft2Bet Invest.
SBC First Pitch, the premier startup competition in the betting and gaming industry, brings together some of the most innovative emerging companies to compete for a chance to win an exclusive prize package valued at €90,000+, designed to support the winner’s growth and development plans. The 2025 edition is presented by Soft2Bet Invest.
Five companies will be selected to pitch their products and business plans at SBC Summit in front of an audience of industry leaders and investment experts. The winner will be chosen by a judging panel with significant expertise in venture capital and investments within the industry.
Five companies will be selected to pitch their products and business plans at SBC Summit in front of an audience of industry leaders and investment experts. The winner will be chosen by a judging panel with significant expertise in venture capital and investments within the industry.
Deadline for entries is Friday, July 25 2025
Deadline for entries is Friday, July 25 2025
Thursday, September 18, 2025
15:00 - 16:00
Technology Stage
GRAND PRIZE
GRAND PRIZE
Valued at €93,200
€42,000
MetaBet & Are You Watching This?
One Year of API Access to Sports Data
This prize includes API access to real-time sports data from Are You Watching This? and comprehensive betting insights from MetaBet.
€15,000
SBC Events
A 3x3m booth
This includes a turnkey standbuild, sponsorship mention, and 4 complimentary tickets for the SBC Summit Lisbon in 2026.
€11,000
SBC Media
SBC Media promotional package
Including 6 months advertising on relevant industry news platforms, newsletter advertising and 2 featured editorials promoting the business.
€10,000
AWS
€10,000 in promotional credits to the winner, subject to terms and conditions.
You can use your AWS Credits for eligible AWS services and support from infrastructure technologies like compute, storage, and databases–to emerging technologies, such as generative AI, machine learning and artificial intelligence.
€9,500
Square in the Air
Design Starter Pack
Kickstart your brand with one month of expert design support, including branding analysis, creative direction development, graphics for social media and professional assets for investor decks and sales materials—everything you need to launch with confidence and style.
€3,000
Vegas Kings
An exclusive Brand or Web Design Package worth €3,000 from Vegas Kings, the leading iGaming Design and Development.
€2,700
Game On
Media Package
The draft and distribution of two press releases, an interview arranged with a US-facing trade publication, a short video interview to be carried out by GameOn and shared on social media, and inclusion in the GameOn newsletters.
Finalists
Finalists
Josh Swerdlow
CEO / Co-Founder
ChatBet
Alexey Vorobey
Co-Founder
AIstats
Bruno Cândido Barroso
CEO
Betpass
Keigo Namiki
Co-founder, CFO
Nandemo Draft
Will Martin
CEO
LiveDuel
Application Criteria
Application Criteria
Overall Eligibility:
Overall Eligibility:
Availability and Presence
Availability and Presence
- At least one representative from the company must be present at SBC Summit 2025 to present at the pitch competition.
- Travel is at the applicant's own expense
- Two complimentary admissions to SBC Summit will be provided to each company pitching
- A dedicated showcase area will be provided at no-cost to the company in the start up area
Host & Judges
Host & Judges
Host
Kelly Kehn
Defy the Odds
CEO/Co-founder
Judges
Judges
Martin Collins
Chief Business Development Officer
Soft2Bet
Mark Phillip
CEO
Metabet
Tomash Devenishek
CEO
Kero Sports
Andrew Reader
Partner
Velo Capital Partners
Paris Smith
Founder/CEO
DefytheOdds
Martin Collins
Chief Business Development Officer
Soft2Bet
Mark Phillip
CEO
Metabet
Tomash Devenishek
CEO
Kero Sports
Andrew Reader
Partner
Velo Capital Partners
Paris Smith
Founder/CEO
DefytheOdds
