This article announces the five finalists for the First Pitch competition at SBC Summit 2025. Here’s a summary of the key information:

Competition Overview:

• The First Pitch event at SBC Summit 2025 has revealed five finalists competing for a prize package worth over €90,000
• The competition will take place on Thursday, September 18 at the Technology Stage of the SBC Summit
• This event provides emerging companies an opportunity to showcase innovative products that could transform the industry

The Five Finalists:

1. AIstats: A live football scores app with AI-powered predictions, providing real-time updates and data-driven insights
2. Betpass: A company revolutionizing iGaming operator-affiliate relationships using smart technology to connect, track, and grow partnerships
3. ChatBet: An AI-powered platform enabling customers to place bets via WhatsApp or Telegram without accessing an app or website
4. LiveDuel: A sports prediction platform for real-time picks during live events, using blockchain to connect global prize pools and build communities
5. Nandemo Draft Co.: A social sports prediction and fantasy sports service helping global betting partners enter the Japanese market

Event Organization:

• Presented by Soft2Bet Invest and backed by Xanada Investments
• Jesse Learmonth, Founder of The Betting Startups Podcast, will host the panel

Judging Panel: The winner will be selected by a panel of industry tech visionaries:

• Martin Collions (Chief Development Business Officer, Soft2Bet)
• Lloyd Danzig (Managing Partner, Sharp Alpha)
• Dee Maher (La Royale Group)
• Mark Phillip (CEO, Metabet)
• Andrew Reader (Partner, Velo Capital Partners)

Executive Commentary:

• Martin Collins emphasized that SBC First Pitch is “an exceptional platform to spotlight the next generation of innovators shaping the future of betting, gaming, and entertainment”
• He highlighted Soft2Bet Invest’s commitment to “championing bold founders with disruptive ideas and scalable vision”
• Collins noted that this competition represents an opportunity for promising companies to reach their next growth stage