The stage is set for the next wave of innovation in the betting and gaming industry. SBC Summit has officially opened applications for its highly anticipated First Pitch 2025 competition — offering emerging startups a rare opportunity to showcase their ideas in front of industry leaders, seasoned investors, and global decision-makers.
Set to take place at SBC Summit 2025 in Lisbon this September, First Pitch promises more than just visibility. It offers a launching pad. A total prize package exceeding €90,000 is up for grabs, designed to accelerate growth for one standout startup ready to make its mark on the global iGaming and sports betting ecosystem.
A Live Stage for Industry Disruptors
Five carefully selected startups will be invited to pitch live on stage during the summit. This isn’t just another elevator pitch — it’s a full-scale business presentation, covering everything from product viability and business models to growth strategy and market positioning.
The judging panel will feature top-tier investors and gaming industry veterans, ensuring that feedback and potential backing come from those who know exactly what it takes to build a scalable, competitive business in this space.
More Than Just Recognition — Real Support
The winner of First Pitch 2025 will walk away with a curated package of resources, tools, and services that go beyond simple funding. This includes:
- API access worth €42,000 from MetaBet and Are You Watching This?—providing real-time sports data integration tools essential for any sportsbook or fan engagement platform.
- Turnkey expo support at SBC Summit Lisbon 2026, including booth design, sponsorship visibility, and four full-access tickets (valued at €15,000).
- Six-month promotional blitz via SBC Media, including banner campaigns, newsletter placements, and featured editorial articles to help raise brand awareness (€11,000 value).
- €10,000 in AWS credits, ideal for scaling infrastructure and backend operations.
- A creative starter pack from Square in the Air—covering branding, graphic assets, and investor pitch design (€9,500 value).
- Professional design services from Vegas Kings, a leader in iGaming UX/UI, contributing a €3,000 branding or web design package.
- Media amplification from GameOn, including tailored press releases, video interviews, and curated exposure to U.S. industry press and newsletters (€2,700 value).
Who Should Apply?
SBC is calling on early-stage ventures with fresh ideas and real traction. To qualify:
- Your company must have been founded in 2022 or later
- Your core focus must be on iGaming or sports betting
- You’ve raised less than €5 million in outside funding
- You have a working MVP or prototype to demonstrate
- You’re seeking a minimum investment of €500,000
Applications are open now, but the clock is ticking. The submission deadline is Friday, July 25, 2025.
A Proving Ground for the Future of iGaming
More than just a competition, First Pitch is a signal of where the industry is headed—toward data-driven products, gamified experiences, and innovative solutions to old problems in sports betting and online casino.
Whether you’re building predictive analytics, gamification tools, blockchain integrations, or next-gen sportsbook UX—this is your chance to be seen.
For more details and to submit your application, visit SBC’s official summit page.
