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Xanada Pitch Contest Closes with $50K Winner, Public Choice Winner, 100+ Startups involved, and Global Founder Momentum
At this year’s NEXT Summit in Valletta, the Xanada Pitch Contest — one of the most talked-about investment events in the industry — reached its finale.
Organized by Xanada Investments, the contest brought together startups, investors, and business leaders for a high-stakes pitch competition that reflects the fund’s mission: to support bold founders building the future.
The finalists — Sweepium, Jurnii, MoneyPools, BetRaze, and StatsDrone — delivered top-tier performances during a high-stakes pitch battle on May 8 in Valetta. Each had undergone an in-depth selection process and an on-stage rehearsal that resulted in one of the highest-quality showcases the industry has seen, judged by:
- Vladimir Malakchi (CEO & Managing Partner at Xanada Investments)
- Pierre Lindh (Co-founder & Managing Director at NEXT.io)
- Dmitry Belianin (CEO & Founder at Belianin)
- Justin Paul Anastasi (CEO at VentureMax)
For many, the contest’s impact extended beyond the stage:
“The Xanada pitch contest provided our start-up with a platform to not only showcase our business to the four judges, but to the whole industry. Our pitch led to a number of concrete opportunities from investors, advisors and potential clients. It was a huge and rare opportunity to stand side by side on the biggest stage with the best of the industry”.
Fraser Dunk, CEO at Jurnii
“The Xanada Pitch Contest did everything we hoped for and more when it comes to getting investor intros. Not only did we get the attention, the interest from investors is stronger than without. Even for investors knowing we were pitching has opened doors. This event will be a pivotal moment in our growth and journey of our company. We are forever grateful to Xanada Investments and Vladimir Malakchi for putting this together to make our lives easier”.
John Wright, CEO & Co-Founder at StatsDrone
“I was really impressed with the great organisation of the event and the kindness of the team. It is important to give start-ups the stage to present their ideas and get feedback, no matter the stage. That’s exactly what we’ve received. I made so many valuable connections at the event and was contacted by interesting people afterwards. I really loved the experience, and I’m looking for more contests from Xanada Investments.”
Idir Alane, CEO at MoneyPools
The Winners
The Xanada Pitch Contest ended with two standout winners — each recognized for different strengths.
The Grand Winner was selected by a panel of expert judges, who scored each finalist across five key criteria: Idea, Business Model, Team, Market Potential, and Progress & Traction.
Meanwhile, the Public Choice Award was determined by a two-week online vote, drawing over 500 unique submissions from supporters and community members.
Sweepium, a B2B platform and game aggregator aiming to transform the sweepstakes space, took the top spot — earning the $50,000 equity investment and securing a strategic partnership with Xanada Investments.
Jurnii, a UX-focused agency powered by proprietary AI tools that deliver automated insights and design recommendations, won over the public and claimed the Public Choice Award. As part of the prize, they gained access to exclusive partner offerings from NEXT.io, Lilith PR Agency, 15M Mastery, and AffPapa — support designed to help propel their next stage of growth.
“We built Xanada Investments to be the kind of fund we wished existed when we were founders,” said Vladimir Malakchi, CEO & Managing Partner at Xanada Investments.
“This contest is just the beginning. We’re actively looking to back exceptional founders across the iGaming space — and provide them with the resources, network, and capital they need to reach their full potential. If you’ve got a product with traction, a strong team, and a scalable vision — we want to hear from you.”
Xanada Is Looking for What’s Next
The contest may be over — but opportunities with Xanada Investments are wide open. The fund continues to review early-stage startups for investment and long-term partnership.
If you’re building or scaling in iGaming, you can still pitch your ventures directly — beyond the contest — by reaching out at [email protected].
Under Xanada’s model, startups get more than just funding — they get active partners, access to a trusted network, and a fast-moving approach to growth.
The post Xanada Pitch Contest Closes with $50K Winner, Public Choice Winner, 100+ Startups involved, and Global Founder Momentum appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Mobile iGaming isn’t a trend anymore—it’s the new default. With 96% of the world’s digital population accessing the internet via smartphones, operators can no longer treat mobile as a “nice to have.” On Atlaslive, most players already come through mobile, showing just how deep this shift has gone. So they have investigated the reasons for it.
5 reasons are driving the rise of mobile play:
- Smartphones & 5G: Affordable devices and low-latency connections make betting and live casino seamless.
- Mobile-first UX: Fingerprint login, in-game wallets, and scrollable lobbies remove friction.
- New market regulations: Markets like Brazil are now opening to licensed apps, unlocking millions of players.
- Frictionless payments: From Apple Pay to Brazil’s Biometric Pix, fast deposits are now a mobile-native feature.
- User behavior shifts: Millennials and Gen Z expect short, impulsive, on-the-go sessions—and mobile delivers.
Mobile iGaming has clearly become the main arena for user activity and revenue growth. To find out more and see how operators can improve engagement and drive revenue with mobile strategies, read the full article.
About Atlaslive
Atlaslive, formerly known as Atlas-IAC, underwent a rebranding campaign in May 2024. It is a B2B software development company that specializes in creating a multifunctional and automated platform to optimize the workflow of sports betting and casino operators. Key components of the Atlaslive Platform include Sportsbook, Casino, Risk Management and Anti-Fraud Tools, CRM, Bonus Engine, Business Analytics, Payment Systems, and Retail Module. Follow the company on LinkedIn to stay updated with the latest news in iGaming technology.
The post 5 Reasons Mobile iGaming is Growing (and How to Earn from It) appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
iGaming just got a new ride. Bet It Drives, GR8 Tech’s new podcast, takes the industry’s most interesting voices out of the studio and into the fast lane. Hosted by Yevhen Krazhan, CSO, each episode is filmed entirely in a moving car, with cameras rolling and London as the backdrop.
No predictable Q&As: Bet It Drives pairs high-energy visuals with relaxed, unscripted dialogue. Shot by the award-winning crew behind campaigns for global brands, the format blends high-energy visuals with the kind of candid moments you only get when people are truly relaxed.
“Bet It Drives was born from a simple idea—great conversations happen when people feel at ease,” said Yevhen Krazhan. “Driving through London strips away the formality, lets personalities shine, and captures the pace and unpredictability that define the iGaming industry.”
The premiere kicks off with Alex Pratt, Group Managing Director of Clarion Gaming, who oversees a portfolio of leading B2B events and media brands, including ICE, iGB Affiliate, and iGaming Business. With over two decades in the iGaming industry, Pratt has been instrumental in shaping its evolution and is recognized for his insights into emerging markets, technological advancements, and fostering community within the gaming sector.
During the ride, Alex opened up about:
- ICE vs. iGB Live—which is his personal favorite, and why.
- Organizing world-class iGaming events and how major decisions like moving ICE to Barcelona come together behind the scenes.
- Partnering with big tech and how such collaborations shape the future of iGaming.
- Advice for startups attending conferences.
- Alex’s Spotify playlist and the tracks that keep him going.
- The most jaw-dropping booths he’s ever seen on the exhibition floor.
- Which panels or attendees would he ban for the greater good of the industry.
- Memorable after-parties—the kind you don’t forget, even if you wish you could.
“Alex really showed us what is happening on the front and the back of high-end igaming events,” said Krazhan. “From the strategic calls that shape entire conferences to the wild stories that never make the press, this episode is a perfect mix of insider knowledge, candid moments, and the kind of energy that makes you wish the ride was longer.”
With upcoming guests including Stephen Crystal, Rohini Sardana, and Helen Walton, Bet It Drives is set to deliver brilliant storytelling, unscripted moments, and a visual style unlike anything else in iGaming media.
Access Episode 1 with Alex Pratt on YouTube or Spotify—and buckle up.
The post GR8 Tech Hits the Road with New “Bet It Drives” Podcast—First Guest: Alex Pratt appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
With four spots, one stage and R60 000 on the line, South Africa’s sharpest squads are gearing up for a Call of Duty clash like no other.
The 2025 Hyprop MTN Shift Gaming Experience is about to get louder, faster and more intense. Hyprop, in collaboration with MTN, is introducing SHIFT COD – a Call of Duty tournament designed to test South Africa’s sharpest squads in a no-excuses, high-pressure arena. Four online qualifiers. One LAN finale. R60,000 in prize money. Only the best survive.
The format stays sharp and unforgiving: each qualifier is a single-elimination best-of-five series. Teams will battle across Hardpoint, Search and Destroy, and Control. Only the top squad from each of the four qualifier events will earn a shot at the LAN finale, taking place at Canal Walk on 12 and 13 September. Finalists will cover their own travel and accommodation, but the stage – and the spotlight – will be waiting.
“The Shift Gaming Experience is about putting real competition at the centre of public spaces and connecting people through the power of play,” said Christie Stanbridge, Brand and Campaigns Marketing Manager at Hyprop. “Adding Call of Duty to the lineup takes the intensity up a notch. We’re giving gamers a serious platform to show what they can do – live, on stage and in front of a crowd.”
The four qualifiers took place online, where teams signed up for free:
All qualifier finals were broadcast, giving fans full access to the action and allowing players to gain exposure beyond the scoreboard.
Four teams qualify for the LAN finale, where they’ll compete in a double-elimination bracket for a prize pool structured as follows:
- 1st place: R30,000
- 2nd place: R15,000
- 3rd place: R10,000
- 4th place: R5,000
Now in its third year, the Hyprop MTN Shift Gaming Experience has become one of the country’s most visible platforms for esports and casual gaming. Hosted at Hyprop-owned malls including Canal Walk, Clearwater and The Glen, the experience blends competitive tournaments with public engagement to bring gaming into the mainstream.
“MTN SHIFT isn’t about gimmicks. It’s built for players, whether you’re grinding in ranked or showing up to prove a point on LAN,” said Stanbridge. “We’ve seen how gaming can energise our spaces and create new communities. SHIFT COD builds on that energy.”
With only four LAN spots available, the window to make your mark is narrow, and the competition will be ruthless. Visit acgl.gg/mtnshift.
Remaining Tournament Dates & Venues:
SHIFT COD is part of the MTN Shift Gaming Experience which takes place at:
Capegate – Online Qualifier: 31 Aug | In-Centre Event: 5 – 7 Sep
Canal Walk – Online Qualifier: 7 Sep | In-Centre Event: 17 – 21 Sep
The post Hyprop and MTN Launch SHIFT COD Tournament as Part of 2025 Shift Gaming Experience appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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