SBC Summit Strengthens Startup Focus with BettingStartups Collaboration

August 17, 2026

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SBC Summit has partnered with BettingStartups to strengthen its support for early-stage betting and gaming companies, with the collaboration spanning both the Startup Hub and the SBC First Pitch competition.

As part of the partnership, BettingStartups will serve as the official host of the Startup Hub at SBC Summit 2026, taking place from 29 September to 1 October at the Feira Internacional de Lisboa and MEO Arena.

Located between Halls 1 and 2, the Startup Hub will feature a dedicated exhibition area and networking lounge, providing founders with a focused space to showcase their businesses and connect with investors, operators, commercial partners and media representatives.

Known as a key player in the early-stage gaming ecosystem, BettingStartups has built a reputation for supporting founders through its media platform, podcast, newsletter, events, and investment arm. By tapping into this network, the partnership will bring a curated group of high-quality startups to the event, giving attendees the chance to discover and engage with the next wave of innovative companies shaping the industry.

The collaboration will also extend to the Product Innovation Showcase Stage on Thursday, 1 October, dedicated to uncovering the next big startup in iGaming. The stage will be reserved exclusively for startups that day, giving founders the chance to present new products, technologies and business ideas to operators, investors, and other industry decision-makers, culminating in the SBC First Pitch competition.

Hosted by Jesse Learmonth (Founder, BettingStartups), First Pitch will see five selected startups present their businesses live to a panel of experienced investors and industry executives.

Each finalist will have three minutes to pitch, followed by a three-minute question-and-answer session with the judging panel. The winner will receive a prize package valued at more than €80,000, featuring services and resources designed to support the next stage of its development.

Rasmus Sojmark (Founder and CEO, SBC) said: “Startups play an important role in bringing new technology, products and ideas into the betting and gaming industry, but early-stage companies need access to the right people if they are going to turn those ideas into successful businesses.

“BettingStartups has built a strong network across the startup ecosystem and understands the challenges founders face. Expanding our partnership across the Startup Hub and First Pitch will help us attract exciting companies to Lisbon and give them a stronger platform to connect with investors, operators and potential partners.”

Jesse Learmonth (Founder, BettingStartups) added: “SBC Summit brings together decision-makers from every part of the global betting and gaming industry, making it an important platform for founders looking to build relationships and grow their businesses.

“We are excited to return as the partner for First Pitch and take on the additional role of hosting the Startup Hub. Our focus will be on bringing promising early-stage companies to Lisbon and helping them connect with the people who can support their next stage of development.”

Further details on the Startup Hub exhibitors and the five First Pitch finalists will be announced ahead of SBC Summit 2026.

Access to the Product Innovation Showcase Stage and First Pitch is included with the Conference Pass, Business Pass and VIP Pass. Operators, affiliates and regulators may also qualify for complimentary passes, subject to approval.

Explore our full range of ticket options here.

FAQs – BettingStartups supports startups at SBC Summit 2026

What is the partnership between BettingStartups and SBC Summit?
BettingStartups has partnered with SBC Summit to strengthen support for early-stage betting and gaming companies through the Startup Hub and SBC First Pitch competition.

What role will BettingStartups have at SBC Summit 2026?
BettingStartups will serve as the official host of the Startup Hub, helping bring promising early-stage companies to the event and connecting founders with investors, operators and commercial partners.

When and where will SBC Summit 2026 take place?
SBC Summit 2026 will take place from 29 September to 1 October 2026 at Feira Internacional de Lisboa and MEO Arena in Lisbon.

What is the Startup Hub at SBC Summit 2026?
The Startup Hub is a dedicated exhibition and networking area for early-stage betting, gaming and technology companies to showcase their businesses and meet investors, operators, partners and media representatives.

What is the SBC First Pitch competition?
SBC First Pitch gives five selected startups the opportunity to present their products, business models and growth strategies to investors and gaming industry executives at SBC Summit.

Who will host SBC First Pitch at SBC Summit 2026?
Jesse Learmonth, Founder of BettingStartups, will host the SBC First Pitch competition.

How long will each startup have to pitch during SBC First Pitch?
Each finalist will receive three minutes to present its business, followed by a three-minute question-and-answer session with the judging panel.

What will the SBC First Pitch winner receive?
The winning startup will receive a substantial prize package comprising services and resources intended to support its development and growth. The official First Pitch page currently lists the total grand-prize value at €139,400, so this differs from the article's statement of more than €80,000 and should be checked before publication.

What opportunities does the Startup Hub offer gaming founders?
The Startup Hub gives founders opportunities to demonstrate their products, build industry relationships and connect with potential investors, operators, suppliers, commercial partners and media.

When will the Product Innovation Showcase Stage focus on startups?
The Product Innovation Showcase Stage will be dedicated to startups on Thursday, 1 October 2026, culminating in the SBC First Pitch competition.