SBC Summit reveals the First Pitch finalists who will present innovative products.
SBC has revealed the five startups that will compete in the 2025 edition of First Pitch , presented by Soft2Bet Invest and supported by Xanada Investments.
Long a tradition at SBC Events, the competition showcases emerging startups with investor-ready concepts, aiming to impress a panel of independent judges.
The finalists will face off on the SBC Summit Technology Stage on Thursday, September 18, presenting their vision for a chance to win a prize package worth over €90.000 to accelerate their growth.
This year's finalists are:
⇒ AI Statistics – a live football results app with AI-based predictions, offering users real-time updates and data-driven insights to inform their decisions.
Betpass – a company that is redefining how iGaming operators work with affiliates, using smart technology to connect, track, and develop partnerships from start to finish.
⇒ ChatBet – an AI-powered platform that allows customers to place bets via WhatsApp or Telegram, without needing to access a betting app or website.
⇒ Live Duel – a sports prediction platform where fans place bets in real time during live events. Using blockchain, it connects global prize pools and allows creators to build communities and share rewards.
⇒ Nandemo Draft Co. – a social sports prediction and fantasy sports service that is helping global betting partners enter the Japanese market.
The winning startup will be selected by a panel of experts, including Martin Collins (Director of Business Development, Soft2Bet), Lloyd Danzig (Managing Partner, Sharp Alpha), Dee Maher (La Royale Group), Mark Phillip (CEO, Metabet), and Andrew Reader (Partner, Velo Capital Partners), with Jesse Learmonth (Founder, The Betting Startups Podcast) hosting the competition.
Martin Collins, First Pitch judge and Business Development Director at Soft2Bet, commented on the competition: “SBC First Pitch is an exceptional platform to highlight the next generation of innovators who are shaping the future of betting, gaming and entertainment. At Soft2Bet Invest, we are committed to supporting bold founders with disruptive ideas and a scalable vision.”
“This competition involves more than just capital — it provides a strategic partnership, expert product support, and the necessary backing to take the winning company to the next stage of growth.”
The winner will receive a prize package worth over €90.000, including:
⇒ Are you watching this? – One year of API access for sports data, plus comprehensive betting insights from MetaBet, worth €42.000.
⇒ SBC Events – A 3x3m booth, sponsorship mention, and four complimentary tickets to the SBC Summit 2026, worth €15.000.
⇒ SBC Media – Six months of advertising on relevant industry platforms, placement in newsletters, and two featured editorials promoting the business, worth €11.000.
AWS – 10.000 in AWS credits to support the business.
⇒ Square in the Air – One month of customized brand design support, worth €9.500.
⇒ Vegas Kings – An exclusive web design overhaul worth €3.000.
⇒ Game On – The creation and distribution of two press releases, an organized interview with a US trade publication, a short video interview to be conducted by GameOn and shared on social media, and inclusion in GameOn newsletters, valued at €2.700.
Participants can watch the First Pitch competition on the Technology Stage on Thursday, September 18, from 15:00 PM to 16:00 PM, at the Lisbon International Fair (FIL).
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