First Pitch Logo a part of SBC
About First Pitch 2026 Americas
About First Pitch 2026 Americas
SBC First Pitch brings together some of the most exciting startups within the betting and gaming industry to compete for a chance to win an exclusive prize package, valued near $100,000+ to assist in the winner’s development and growth plans.
Five companies will be selected to pitch their products and business plans at SBC Summit Americas 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.
June 11
2.40pm - 3.20pm
Leaders Stage
In Partnership with
GRAND PRIZE
Total Value is $104,500
$48,000
Are You Watching This?! & MetaBet One Year of API Access

One Year of API Access to Sports, Gambling, and Engagement Data from Are You Watching This?! and MetaBet.

$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.

$3,500
GameOn Press releases, an interview and video interview shared to their social media

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.

$5,000
Royer Cooper Cohen Braunfeld LLC Credit for legal services

$5,000 in credit toward gaming-related legal services provided by Royer Cooper Cohen Braunfeld LLC.

$5,000
Square in the Air Video package, social media audit and competitor analysis

Square in the Air’s industry leading video team offers a winner’s video package, which would be filmed in person on-site at the event after the competition, with publication augmented by pushes on SITA social channels. In addition, SITA offers a free social media audit and competitor analysis, as well as a strategy guide to help build the winner’s profile.

$3,000
Vegas Kings Web Design Package worth $3,000.

An exclusive Brand or Web Design Package from Vegas Kings, the leading iGaming Design and Development Agency.

$11,000
SBC Media SBC Media promotional package

SBC Media promotional package including, 6 months of advertising on either SBC Americas, SBC Noticias or SBC Notcicias.Br, including newsletter advertising and 2 featured editorials promoting the business.

$15,000
SBC Events A 3x3m booth.

A 3x3m booth, including a turnkey standbuild, sponsorship mention, and 4 complimentary tickets for the SBC Summit Americas in 2027.

$4,000
CertiIQ™ CertiIQ™ Compliance Management Platform for technical compliance

CertiIQ™ is the leading Technical Compliance Management Platform in the industry, helping operators and suppliers in regulated markets meet their regulatory obligations and manage their certification reports. The winner will receive 12 months of access to the platform's 'Starter' plan, plus 1 of the 3 compliance tool add-ons.

Application Criteria
Company must have be founded no earlier than 2023
Company must be focused on the sports betting or the online gaming industry
Company must be seeking investment of a minimum of $500,000
Company must have raised no more than $5 million on outside financing
Company must have an MVP product to discuss and showcase
Company must have be founded no earlier than 2023
Company must be focused on the sports betting or the online gaming industry
Company must be seeking investment of a minimum of $500,000
Company must have raised no more than $5 million on outside financing
Company must have an MVP product to discuss and showcase
Availability & Presence:
  • At least one representative from the company must be present at SBC Summit Americas 2026 to present at the first pitch competition. 
  • Travel is at the applicants own expense
  • Two complimentary admissions to SBC Summit Americas will be provided to each company pitching
  • Ability to have a presence in the start-up zone (purchase a turn-key kiosk) and be named as a short listed company on signage around the start-up zone
Host & Judges
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Host
Jesse Learmonth
BettingStartups.com
Judges
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Paris Smith
Founder/CEO
DefytheOdds
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Evan Meyer
Managing Partner
Astralus Capital Management
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Scott Secord
Partner
Cardinal Sports Capital
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Meredith McPherson
CEO & Managing Partner
DRIVE by Draft Kings
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Mickey Blayvas
Founder & General Partner
Key Element Capital
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Paris Smith
Founder/CEO
DefytheOdds
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Evan Meyer
Managing Partner
Astralus Capital Management
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Scott Secord
Partner
Cardinal Sports Capital
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Meredith McPherson
CEO & Managing Partner
DRIVE by Draft Kings
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Mickey Blayvas
Founder & General Partner
Key Element Capital
Previous Winners – 2025
Wager Games