First Pitch Logo a part of SBC
About First Pitch 2026
SBC First Pitch brings together some of the most innovative and ambitious startups in the betting and gaming industry, offering them a unique platform to showcase their vision and compete for an exclusive prize package worth more than €80,000, designed to accelerate their growth and development.
Five standout companies will be selected to present their products, business models, and growth strategies live at SBC Summit before an audience of industry leaders, investors, and decision-makers. Following the pitches, a distinguished panel of judges with extensive experience in venture capital, mergers and acquisitions, and gaming investments will evaluate the finalists and select the winner.
1 October
3:00PM
Product Innovation Showcase Stage
APPLY TO PITCH
About First Pitch 2026
Sponsors
In Partnership with
GRAND PRIZE
Total Value €89,400
€42,000
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

€15,000
SBC Events A 3x3m booth

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

€11,000
SBC Media SBC Media promotional package

SBC Media promotional package including 6 months advertising on relevant industry news platforms, newsletter advertising and 2 featured editorials promoting the business.

€7,400
CertiIQ™ Compliance Management Platform for technical compliance CertiIQ™ is the leading Technical Compliance Management Platform in the industry

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.

€5,000
Square in the Air Square in the Air’s industry leading video

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.

€4,000
Credit toward gaming-related legal services provided by Royer Cooper Cohen Braunfeld LLC Royer Cooper Cohen Braunfeld LLC

€4,000 in credit toward gaming-related legal services provided by Royer Cooper Cohen Braunfeld LLC

€3,000
Vegas Kings An exclusive Brand or Web Design Package worth from Vegas Kings

An exclusive Brand or Web Design Package worth €3,000 from Vegas Kings, the leading iGaming Design and Development Agency.

Application Criteria
Company must have be founded no earlier than 2023.
Company must be focused on the sports betting or online casino gaming industry.
Company must be seeking investment of a minimum of €500,000.
Company must have an MVP product to discuss and showcase.
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 online casino gaming industry.
Company must be seeking investment of a minimum of €500,000.
Company must have an MVP product to discuss and showcase.
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 2026 to present at the first pitch competition. 
  • Travel is at the applicants own expense
  • Two complimentary admissions to SBC Summit will be provided to each company pitching.
2026 Host
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Host
Jesse Learmonth
BettingStartups.com
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Rob Duboff
Director
Velo Partners
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Tom Waterhouse
Founder, CEO, Investor
Tom Waterhouse
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Paris Smith
Founder/CEO
Defy the Odds
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Rob Duboff
Director
Velo Partners
photo
Tom Waterhouse
Founder, CEO, Investor
Tom Waterhouse
photo
Paris Smith
Founder/CEO
Defy the Odds
Previous Winners – 2025
AISTATS