Applications for SBC Summit’s First Pitch Now Open

Applications are now open for the 2026 edition of SBC First Pitch, where five early-stage betting and gaming startups will earn the opportunity to pitch live in Lisbon for a prize package valued at more than €80,000.

Taking place on Thursday, 1 October at 15:00 on the Product Innovation Showcase Stage of SBC Summit, the competition will see the selected startups present their products and business plans in front of investors, operators, media, and senior industry decision-makers.

Only five startups will be selected to compete. Each finalist will have three minutes to pitch their product live on stage, followed by three minutes of Q&A with a judging panel made up of investors and industry experts.

SBC First Pitch is delivered in collaboration with Betting Startups, continuing the successful partnership established at SBC Summit Americas earlier this year. The competition will be hosted by Jesse Learmonth, Founder of Betting Startups, who will guide finalists through the live pitching session as they present their businesses to the judging panel and audience.

The winner will receive a prize package designed to provide practical support across media, marketing, technology, compliance, brand development, and event exposure. This year's prize package includes:

• Are You Watching This?! & MetaBet – One year of API access to sports, gambling, and engagement data, worth €42,000

• Vegas Kings – An exclusive brand or web design package, worth $3,000

• CertiIQ™ – 12 months of platform access to support market intelligence and compliance management across regulated markets, worth €7,400

• • Square in the Air – A video promo package, social media audit, competitor analysis, and social strategy guide to help the winner build their profile, worth €5,000
  • Royer Cooper Cohen Braunfeld LLC – €4,000 in credit toward gaming-related legal services provided by Royer Cooper Cohen Braunfeld LLC

• SBC Media – Six months of advertising on SBC's media sites, newsletter advertising, and featured editorials promoting the business, worth €11,000

• SBC Events – A 3x3m booth and turnkey standbuild at SBC Summit 2027, plus four complimentary tickets, worth €15,000

The startups will present their ideas before an expert judging panel featuring venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders with extensive experience in building, investing in, and scaling businesses. Confirmed judges include Rob Duboff, Director at Velo Partners; Tom Waterhouse, Founder, CEO and Investor at Tom Waterhouse; and Paris Smith, Founder & CEO of Defy the Odds.

Paul Mills, Event Director at SBC, said: “SBC Summit's First Pitch competition gives startups the opportunity to get their products in front of investors, operators, partners, and media who can make a meaningful difference to their next stage of growth.

“For early-stage companies, having a strong product is only the beginning. First Pitch gives five selected startups a live platform to build visibility, open valuable conversations, and showcase their ideas at one of the industry's biggest global gatherings.”

Last year's edition was won by AIStats, an AI-powered sports statistics platform that uses computer vision and machine learning to deliver real-time insights to consumers and businesses. The company's First Pitch victory marked a stellar year, with the business raising $1.1 million in pre-seed funding and attracting more than 700,000 users worldwide.

Complementing this year's competition is SBC Summit's Startup Zone, where founders can demo their products and connect directly with investors, operators, and commercial partners, as well as a dedicated Startup Networking Lounge built to support more focused conversations.

On Thursday, 1 October, the Product Innovation Showcase Stage will also be dedicated to startups, giving emerging companies a platform to present their products to operators, investors, affiliates, suppliers, and media.

Applications for SBC First Pitch close on Friday, 24 July 2026, with five finalists set to be selected to pitch live at SBC Summit.

Startups can apply for SBC First Pitch here.

Get your tickets for SBC Summit now!

Conference Pass (€599) – This includes access to the exhibition floor and conference stages, allowing you to network and make the most of the conference's educational agenda.

Business Pass (€799) – Access the show floor, conference sessions, and SBC Summit's brand new structured networking programme, allowing you to make more structured and meaningful connections.

VIP Pass (€999) – Enjoy full access to the SBC Summit show floor, conference, and all networking elements. You'll also receive complimentary food from the summit's food festival and access to all evening networking events.

FAQs – SBC First Pitch

What is SBC First Pitch?
SBC First Pitch is a startup competition that gives early-stage betting and gaming companies the opportunity to present their businesses to investors, operators, media and industry experts during SBC Summit.

When will SBC First Pitch 2026 take place?
The live pitching competition will take place on Thursday, 1 October 2026, during SBC Summit in Lisbon.

How many startups will be selected?
Only five early-stage startups will be chosen to compete in the live pitching event.

What is the prize for the winning startup?
The winner will receive a support package worth more than €80,000, including marketing, legal, compliance, technology, branding and exhibition opportunities.

Who can apply for SBC First Pitch?
Early-stage betting and gaming startups that meet the competition's eligibility requirements can submit an application.

Who hosts the SBC First Pitch competition?
The event is hosted by Jesse Learmonth, Founder of Betting Startups, in collaboration with SBC.

Who will judge the competition?
The judging panel includes investors and industry leaders such as Rob Duboff, Tom Waterhouse and Paris Smith.

When is the application deadline?
Applications close on Friday, 24 July 2026.

What is the Startup Zone at SBC Summit?
The Startup Zone is a dedicated exhibition area where startup founders can showcase their products and meet investors, operators and potential business partners.

Where can startups submit their applications?
Applications can be submitted through the official SBC Summit website before the application deadline.