SBC Summit Opens Applications for First Pitch 2026
Portugal.- 01 July, 2026 www.zonadeazar.com SBC has officially opened applications for SBC First Pitch 2026, its startup competition dedicated to early-stage companies in the betting and gaming industry. Five startups will be selected to pitch live at SBC Summit in Lisbon, competing for a prize package worth more than €80,000.
2. News Details
The SBC First Pitch final will take place on 1 October 2026 at 15:00 on the Product Innovation Showcase Stage during SBC Summit. Each finalist will have three minutes to present their product and business plan, followed by a three-minute Q&A session with a judging panel made up of investors and industry experts.
The competition is organised in partnership with Betting Startups and will be hosted by its Founder, Jesse Learmonth.
The winning startup will receive a comprehensive support package designed to accelerate business growth. The prize includes technology services, branding, marketing support, market intelligence tools, legal services, advertising across SBC Media platforms, and a fully equipped exhibition stand at SBC Summit 2027, with a total value exceeding €80,000.
The confirmed judging panel includes Rob Duboff, Director at Velo Partners; Tom Waterhouse, Founder, CEO & Investor at Tom Waterhouse; and Paris Smith, Founder & CEO of Defy the Odds.
Applications will remain open until 24 July 2026, after which five finalists will be selected to compete live in Lisbon.
3. Industry Context
SBC continues to strengthen its commitment to innovation across the global betting and gaming industry. In addition to First Pitch, SBC Summit 2026 will feature a dedicated Startup Zone and Startup Networking Lounge, providing founders with opportunities to connect directly with investors, operators, affiliates, suppliers and strategic partners.
4. Statements
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.”
He added:
“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.”
5. Next Steps or Impact
Applications will remain open until 24 July 2026, with the five selected startups pitching live during SBC Summit Lisbon. The competition is expected to provide emerging businesses with valuable exposure, investment opportunities and strategic partnerships to support their international growth.
Edited by: @_fonta
