SBC Summit Teams with BettingStartups to Expand Dedicated Support for Early-Stage Gaming Founders
TL;DR — SBC Summit partners with BettingStartups to host the Startup Hub and run the First Pitch contest at its 2026 Lisbon event. Five startups get three-minute pitches plus Q&A for a prize package exceeding €80,000. The setup targets better links between founders and decision-makers.
SCCG Take — Operators gain structured access to vetted early-stage tech while startups receive targeted exposure; sustained deal flow will depend on post-event follow-through beyond the prize package.
SBC Summit has partnered with BettingStartups to strengthen its support for early-stage betting and gaming companies. The collaboration covers the Startup Hub and the SBC First Pitch competition at SBC Summit 2026, taking place from 29 September to 1 October at the Feira Internacional de Lisboa and MEO Arena.
BettingStartups will host the Startup Hub located between Halls 1 and 2. The hub features a dedicated exhibition area and networking lounge for founders to showcase businesses and connect with investors, operators, commercial partners and media representatives.
The company has built a reputation for backing founders via its media platform, podcast, newsletter, events and investment arm. The partnership will curate high-quality startups for the event and extend to the Product Innovation Showcase Stage on 1 October, reserved exclusively for startups that day.
First Pitch Competition Structure
Jesse Learmonth (Founder, BettingStartups) will host the SBC First Pitch competition. Five selected startups will each present for three minutes followed by a three-minute question-and-answer session with a panel of investors and industry executives. The winner receives a prize package valued at more than €80,000.
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.”
Where the Connection Risk Lies
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 qualify for complimentary passes subject to approval. Further details on Startup Hub exhibitors and the five First Pitch finalists will be announced ahead of the event, according to iGaming Future.
The arrangement concentrates exposure for selected founders but leaves open how many quality startups ultimately secure follow-on capital or operator trials once the event closes.
Reporting: iGaming Future
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
Curated startup exposure meets operator access; real value lives in the follow-through, not the €80,000 prize.
We work both sides of this equation daily. Operators tell us they want vetted innovation without wading through noise. Startups need credible intros, not just booth space. This structure can work if the curation holds and the investors in the room have mandate and budget—two things no contest can guarantee alone.
- Five startups pitch for three minutes each; prize package exceeds €80,000
- BettingStartups curates exhibitors and runs dedicated Startup Hub between Halls 1 and 2
- Product Innovation Showcase Stage reserved exclusively for startups on 1 October
SCCG angle: SCCG bridges this gap year-round: we connect our 545 partners—operators, platforms, suppliers—with startups that solve real problems in regulated markets. If you are evaluating or launching innovation, we broker the intros that turn pitch decks into pilots.
Gaming, betting and prediction markets — the desk’s read, every weekday.
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