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Five Startup Finalists Announced For The Second Edition of SBC First Pitch Barcelona
Five innovative industry start-ups have been selected as finalists for the second edition of SBC First Pitch Barcelona at this month’s SBC Summit Barcelona. The finalists will compete for an exclusive prize package valued at over €60,000, to aid in the growth and development of the winning company.
The competition, powered by Yolo Investments, will serve as a platform for the five aspiring companies to present their products and business plans in front of a live audience of industry leaders. The winner will be chosen by a judging panel consisting of venture capital and investment experts.
The First Pitch Competition will be hosted at the Fira de Barcelona Montjuïc, on Wednesday 20th September, and will feature as part of the ‘Future of Technology’ conference track.
Rasmus Sojmark, CEO & Founder of SBC, said: “As event organizers, we believe that SBC First Pitch Barcelona occupies a central role in facilitating innovation in the industry. Competitions like this serve as a platform for emerging talents to showcase their groundbreaking products and services, whilst also gaining invaluable experience presenting in a public space and networking with industry elite.”
“SBC First Pitch is essentially about innovation meeting opportunity, ultimately encouraging the industry to grow, welcome new ways of thinking and foster an environment that nurtures innovation and collaboration.”
The five finalists of the SBC First Pitch Barcelona are:
- We are the Bookie: an online B2C sports betting platform with a 50% monthly Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) rebate for losing customers.
- Rdentify: a platform that identifies vulnerable customers during customer conversations in real-time and flags them to the safer gambling team and triggers customisable interventions as soon as behavioural risk has been flagged
- Snap Screen: Leveraging the user’s mobile camera to recognise live events on TV and streaming, Snap Screen is akin to a ‘Shazam for sports betting,’ allowing operators and affiliates to integrate SnapOdds into their websites.
- SQR Group: simplifies compliance and reduces fraud by enabling seamless identity verification without storing sensitive documents, using Secure QR Code® technology.
- Sport Exchange Market: a web app platform where fans can trade virtual shares of football teams, experiencing the same adrenaline as when they are betting or playing fantasy sports games
The First Pitch competition will be hosted by Anton Kaszubowski, (Managing Director, SBC Advisory Partners) and feature a star-studded judging panel of industry experts. The panel consists of Adam Rosenberg (Senior Advisor, Gaming & Leisure. Blackstone), Evert Einroos (Partner, Yolo Investments), Peter Heneghen (Senior Associate, Bettor Capital), Hilary Stewart-Jones (Independent Consultant, Harris Hagan) and Claudia de la Riva (Angel Investor, Various), who will each cast their vote to determine the winner.
The winning start-up will receive a prize package comprised of:
- A two-day workshop trip to Tallinn with Yolo Investments Founder Tim Heath, including flights, hotel, and covered expenses – valued at €25,000.
- An SBC Media promotional package including a magazine ad in SBC Leaders Magazine, two featured editorials promoting the business and a guest appearance on the iGaming Daily Podcast – valued at €7,000.
- A prize pack from Receptional, in which a dedicated team will collaborate with the winning company to provide a tailored digital marketing package – valued at €10,000.
- A Square in the Air press pack that includes a corporate video filmed on-site at the event, two press releases distributed on the Square in the Air social channels, a free social media audit, competitor analysis and a strategy guide to help build the company’s profile – valued at £5,000.
- An exclusive brand or web design package from Vegas Kings, the leading iGaming design and development agency – valued at €2,500.
- A 3x3m booth, including a turnkey standbuild, sponsorship mention, and 4 complimentary tickets for the SBC Summit 2024 – Valued at €15,000.
Last year’s edition of SBC First Pitch Barcelona saw Kero Gaming, an in-game micro-betting and interactive social platform, crowned the winner. Paradox, a parimutuel betting protocol where all the commission charged is distributed proportionally to the people who bet before you, was the runner-up.
BC Engine
BC.Game’s new CEO Kar Kheng Giam on strategy, structure and growth
Following his appointment as CEO of BC.Game in March, Kar Kheng Giam (KK) speaks about the strategic priorities shaping the company’s next phase, from strengthening operational foundations to navigating the evolving role of crypto within regulated gaming markets.
You’ve stepped into the CEO role at a pivotal time for the industry. How do you assess the current position of BC.Game?
BC.Game enters this stage from a position of strength in terms of product, user engagement and global reach.
At the same time, the broader industry is evolving. Expectations around governance, regulatory alignment and operational maturity are increasing, particularly for businesses operating across multiple jurisdictions.
So while the foundation is strong, there is a clear opportunity to further strengthen the structure of the business to support long-term, sustainable growth.
That foundation is reflected in the scale of the business today, with more than 9 million registered users and over 500,000 monthly active players, and in the progress we’ve made across licensed markets such as Anjouan, Kenya, Nigeria and Mexico.
How would you define the strategic focus for BC.Game over the next 12 to 24 months?
It comes down to three interconnected areas. First, reinforcing the operational and governance framework of the business, ensuring we are well aligned with the expectations of more established regulatory environments.
Second, continuing to invest in the product – not just in terms of content, but in the overall user experience and platform reliability.
And third, taking a disciplined approach to market expansion, focusing on jurisdictions where we can build a sustainable and compliant presence.
It’s about evolving the business in a structured and deliberate way.
You’ve highlighted governance and structure. What does that mean in practical terms?
It means putting in place the systems, processes and organisational clarity needed to operate at scale.
As companies grow internationally, complexity increases – across regulation, payments, technology and operations. Strengthening governance is about ensuring those elements are well coordinated and consistently managed.
This is not about changing what BC.Game is, but about building the framework that allows it to grow more effectively.
Why has trust become so important at this stage?
At BC.GAME’s scale, trust is no longer just about brand but increasingly becomes a business issue – it affects retention, partnerships, market entry and long-term growth.
And trust is built in very practical ways. People judge a platform by whether the rules are clear, whether communication is smooth, and whether issues actually get resolved. That’s why growth on its own is no longer enough.
Where is the most immediate trust pressure on BC.GAME showing up today?
The pressure shows up most clearly in user experience and issue handling because that’s where people feel it first.
Some of the feedback does point to response times and cases where issues stay in the same entry point for too long. When that happens often enough, it becomes bigger than a service issue, it starts to shape trust.
What changes is BC.GAME putting in place in response to these issues?
We’ve already started making changes. That includes upgrading how user issues are handled, bringing cross-functional teams in earlier, and improving how issues are identified and coordinated internally.
As the business has grown, relying too heavily on a single customer support entry point is no longer enough. The focus now is to make issue handling clearer, more stable, and better suited to the scale of the platform.
What role does organisational development play in this next phase?
As the business grows, it’s important to ensure that the organisation evolves alongside it. That includes strengthening leadership structures, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and building capabilities in key areas such as compliance and market operations.
Ultimately, strategy is only as effective as the organisation delivering it.
From a leadership perspective, how do you approach guiding a globally distributed business?
In a global organisation, alignment is critical – everyone needs to understand the strategic direction and how their role contributes to it. At the same time, there needs to be flexibility to adapt to local market dynamics.
My role is to create that balance – providing clear direction while enabling teams to execute effectively within their markets.
Finally, what does success look like for BC.Game over the next few years?
Success is about building a more structured, resilient and trusted business.
That means strengthening our position in regulated markets, continuing to evolve the product, and ensuring the organisation is equipped to operate at scale. This current period is a crucial one for us as we introduce multiple product rollouts at BC.GAME, with several key updates scheduled to go live. These include BC Engine, along with a broader upgrade to the bonus system and, of course, the World Cup.
If we can achieve that through consistent, incremental progress, then we will be well positioned for the long term.
The post BC.Game’s new CEO Kar Kheng Giam on strategy, structure and growth appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Belgrade Future Gaming 2026
NOVOMATIC to Showcase Strong Portfolio and Regional Highlights at Belgrade Future Gaming 2026
NOVOMATIC is going to participate in Belgrade Future Gaming 2026 on May 26-27. At the event, the company will showcase a powerful and regionally tailored portfolio, underlining its strong market position and long-standing commitment to Southeast Europe. Visitors to the NOVOMATIC booth can expect a carefully curated mix of high-performing linked progressive solutions, advanced game content and premium cabinet experiences – all designed to meet the specific preferences of the Balkan market.
A key highlight of this year’s showcase is the Impera Line HD Edition 10 – Balkan Special, specifically developed to address regional player demands with a customised selection of popular game content. The presentation is further strengthened by Impera PROLINK 2, delivering engaging linked progressive gameplay and multi-feature performance on international casino floors.
NOVOMATIC’s internationally successful linked progressive portfolio will be prominently featured with multiple entries from the XTENSION LINK series, including Volumes 2, 3, 4 and 5, as well as XTENSION LINK Ultimate, offering a broad range of game styles and mechanics that continue to resonate strongly with players worldwide.
Another major attraction is VISION LINK, NOVOMATIC’s latest multi-feature linked progressive concept, combining modern gameplay design, five-pot mechanics and the popular LOCK&SPIN feature to create an engaging and scalable player experience.
The showcase is complemented by the GAMINATOR X5, a proven performer known for its strong game mix and versatile customization options, allowing operators to configure tailored package setups aligned with local player preferences.
Taking center stage is the DIAMOND X QUATTRO 1.55J, NOVOMATIC’s flagship cabinet and winner of the “Best Slot Machine” category at the prestigious European Casino Awards 2026. Combining a striking 55-inch J-curved UHD display with a refined glass touch deck and premium sound experience, the DIAMOND X QUATTRO 1.55J delivers exceptional visual impact and immersive gameplay, making it a standout centerpiece on any gaming floor.
NOVOMATIC will also present a premium setup of V.I.P. X cabinets, including the V.I.P. X Royal 1.85 and the award-winning V.I.P. X Galaxy 2.65 cabinet, paired with top-performing content and demonstrating high-end gaming solutions for modern casino environments.
“With our presence at Belgrade Future Gaming, we are reaffirming NOVOMATIC’s strong commitment to Southeast Europe. Our portfolio combines proven international performance with tailored regional content. From advanced linked progressive solutions such as VISION LINK and the XTENSION LINK series to customized offerings like the Impera Line HD Edition 10 – Balkan Special, we are delivering solutions that meet the specific expectations of our partners and players in this region,” said Miloš Pejić, Regional Manager SEE at NOVOMATIC.
The post NOVOMATIC to Showcase Strong Portfolio and Regional Highlights at Belgrade Future Gaming 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Daniel Cuc
REEVO Announces New Partnership with Tuko Productions
REEVO has announced a new partnership with Tuko Productions, a well-established Italian game development studio and content provider. This collaboration further strengthens REEVO’s aggregation ecosystem, expanding its offering with a portfolio of proven, performance-driven titles developed for one of Europe’s most competitive regulated markets.
Through this partnership, Tuko’s extensive catalogue is now available on the REEVO aggregation platform, giving operators seamless access to a wide range of video slots, table games and instant games through a single, efficient integration. The addition of Tuko reinforces REEVO’s commitment to delivering high-quality content that performs across regulated environments.
For REEVO, this partnership represents another important step in building a high-performance aggregation platform that combines innovation with reliability.
Daniel Cuc, Head of Account Management at REEVO, said: “Partnering with Tuko is a strong step forward for REEVO as we continue to expand our aggregation platform with proven and high-performing content. Tuko brings a catalogue that has already demonstrated its strength in one of the most competitive regulated markets in Europe, which adds real value to our ecosystem. At REEVO, we are focused on delivering content that performs and supports operators in achieving strong results, and this partnership reinforces that commitment.”
Tuko’s portfolio reflects years of collaboration with leading operators in the Italian market, resulting in games that deliver consistent engagement and performance across a wide range of player preferences. By joining the REEVO platform, Tuko gains access to a broader international distribution network while contributing to REEVO’s growing content ecosystem.
Vincenzo Tancredi, Head of Sales at Tuko, said: “Our catalogue has been built alongside the most important operators in the Italian regulated market, and that experience is reflected in every title we deliver. Through REEVO’s aggregation platform, we are able to extend the reach of our content and bring a proven portfolio to a wider network of operators.”
The post REEVO Announces New Partnership with Tuko Productions appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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