SBC Summit expands startup focus for Lisbon

• BettingStartups will officially host the Startup Hub at SBC Summit 2026, running from 29 September to 1 October in Lisbon.
• The partnership also covers the SBC First Pitch competition, where five finalists compete for a prize package worth more than €80,000.
• The Startup Hub sits between Halls 1 and 2 at the Feira Internacional de Lisboa and MEO Arena, giving founders a dedicated exhibition and networking space.

SBC has named BettingStartups official host of the Startup Hub at SBC Summit 2026, extending a partnership that already covers the SBC First Pitch competition.

The Lisbon event runs from 29 September to 1 October at the Feira Internacional de Lisboa and MEO Arena.

A dedicated space for founders

The Startup Hub sits between Halls 1 and 2, pairing an exhibition area with a networking lounge where founders can meet investors, operators, commercial partners and media under one roof.

BettingStartups has spent recent years building out a media platform, podcast, newsletter, events programme and investment arm focused on early-stage gaming companies. SBC wants that network to bring a sharper, more curated set of startups to Lisbon than the show floor has attracted before.

The Hub joins a wider set of additions to this year’s agenda, including a new emerging markets track and a prearranged meetings programme for delegates.

First Pitch takes the stage

On Thursday, 1 October, the Product Innovation Showcase Stage is reserved entirely for startups, giving founders a slot to present new products and technologies directly to investors, operators and other decision-makers.

The day closes with SBC First Pitch, hosted by Jesse Learmonth, founder of BettingStartups. Five selected startups each get three minutes to pitch, followed by three minutes of questions from a panel of investors and industry executives.

The winner takes home a prize package worth more than €80,000 in services and resources. SBC has not yet named the Startup Hub exhibitors or the five First Pitch finalists; both are expected ahead of the event.

Founders and funding

Rasmus Sojmark, Founder and CEO of 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 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.”

BettingStartups ran a comparable Startup Zone and First Pitch Americas competition at SBC’s Fort Lauderdale event earlier in 2026. Lisbon is a considerably bigger stage: SBC expects around 40,000 attendees across the three days, spanning operators, suppliers, affiliates and regulators.

Access to the Product Innovation Showcase Stage and First Pitch is included with SBC’s Conference, Business and VIP passes, and operators, affiliates and regulators may qualify for complimentary passes subject to approval.

For the startups selected, three minutes on stage in front of that audience is a rare shot at the kind of visibility a seed round alone rarely buys.