A new community-driven awards show called The Starties will debut on March 12, 2025, at the NEXT.io Summit in New York, bringing unprecedented recognition to promising startups in the real-money gaming sector. Co-produced by WagerWire and BettingStartups.com, the event aims to spotlight innovative entrepreneurs who are transforming the industry.
Unlike traditional industry awards, The Starties will feature unique categories such as Launch of the Year, Best Collaboration, Coolest Cap Table, Best Bootstrappers, and Startup of the Year. The event represents a significant departure from conventional award formats by centering the narrative on startup founders and their achievements. This focus on early-stage companies and their founders marks a shift from the typical recognition given to established players, potentially influencing how the industry values innovation and risk-taking.
Jesse Learmonth, co-founder of BettingStartups.com, emphasized the event's community-driven approach, stating that The Starties will bring together builders and disruptors who are creating the future of real-money gaming. The awards seek to provide more substantial recognition than typical 'Rising Star' categories. For startups, being recognized by a community of peers and investors can open doors to funding, partnerships, and talent acquisition, making this event a potential catalyst for growth.
The inaugural event has secured notable sponsors, including Eberg Capital, a leading investment firm with extensive experience in sports and gaming. Roger Ehrenberg, Eberg Capital's founder, described The Starties as potentially more than an awards show—a foundation for community engagement among founders, investors, and industry operators. This endorsement from a prominent investor underscores the event's importance in bridging the gap between startups and capital.
Additional sponsors include Defy the Odds, which supports underrepresented founders, Optimove Ignite+, a CRM marketing platform, and Sportradar Futures Hub. These sponsors will present special awards recognizing outstanding achievements in entrepreneurship, marketing, and industry innovation. The involvement of these organizations highlights the growing ecosystem supporting diversity and technology in real-money gaming.
The awards ceremony will feature networking opportunities, cocktails, and will be hosted by an undisclosed celebrity. The event will take place at Convene in Manhattan's financial district, with a focus on celebrating the most promising early-stage companies in real-money gaming. The choice of venue in the financial district symbolizes the intersection of innovation and capital that the event aims to foster.
Nominations for The Starties are open until February 9, 2025, offering startups an opportunity to be recognized for their groundbreaking work in the industry. The event represents a significant milestone in acknowledging the critical role of innovative entrepreneurs in shaping the future of real-money gaming. By providing a platform for visibility and connection, The Starties could influence the direction of the industry by highlighting emerging trends and technologies.
