Betting Startups News for weeks of October 21 & 28, 2024

Hello, and happy Sports Equinox day to those that celebrate! ⚾🏈🏀🏒

Here at BettingStartups.com global HQ, we’ve been rolling out the ‘Quick Hits’ interviews we recorded at G2E, which you might have noticed if you follow us on Linkedin or Twitter. In the very unlikely chance you haven’t seen them in your feed, check out the collection on this YouTube playlist.

Anyways, you’re here for the latest from the industry’s early-stage ecosystem, so here it is ⤵️

📰 Headline news

Here’s some of what we saw since the last issue:

• Social betting operator Dabble contemplating IPO as it charts path towards $500m AUD in revenue (Link). Co-founder Job Robin appeared on The Betting Startups Podcast this past July: YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify

• Atlas World Sports acquires Lockspread.com to integrate DFS platform. (Link)

• Sporttrade hits 5-state milestone with Virginia launch. (Link)

• nVenue partnered with OpenBet to make its micro-betting product available to regulated operators on the OpenBet platform. (Link)

• ShotQuality partnered with RotoGrinders to distribute its NBA projections product. (Link)

• Applications now open for Pitch ICE, the startup pitch competition at ICE Barcelona in January. (Link)

Are you an industry startup with news to share? Send us your PR for inclusion here.

💬 Ink & airwaves

The best of what we’ve read, watched, and listened to:

• 🎙️ Ep. 136 of The Betting Startups Podcast featured Matt Bresler from Odditt. Recorded on-site at G2E in Las Vegas, Matt explained how Odditt's data platform helps bring closer alignment between quant teams and trading teams, the decision to pivot from his original idea, the possibility of launching a data accelerator for startups, and breaking news that Odditt has just raised new capital. Watch or listen now (30:44): YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify

• 🎙️ Ep. 137 of The Betting Startups Podcast welcomed Jack Andrews and Justin Phan from Unabated. As returning guests 3 years after first appearing on the podcast, Jack reflects on the journey growing Unabated from a startup to scale-up. They also discuss the betting tools category, why they welcome competition, maintaining product velocity, why they’ve avoided doing affiliate deals, entering the B2B data business, and the crazy story of serendipity that led Justin to recently join as Managing Director. Watch or listen now (37:52): YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify

• 📚 The Next: Volume 7 dropped, the series produced by the team at XST Capital. In this edition, XST Capital CEO Joel Simkins catches up with ShotQuality CEO Simon Gerszberg. Read it here.

• 📚 Interview with Underdog CEO Jeremy Levine on finding the balance between corporate growth and startup velocity. Read it here.

• 📚 Interview with Fliff CEO Matt Ricci on their social sportsbook product, and growing criticism of the sweepstakes model. Read it here.

🗓️ Industry event calendar

Upcoming events relevant to early-stage companies in the space:

• NEXT NYC officially returns March 12-13, 2025 - and BettingStartups.com is a media partner for this event! With an emphasis on connecting operators with suppliers, and startups with investors, join 1,200 executives at this premier conference in lower Manhattan. Tickets sell out every year, and this one will be no different, so book now! Use discount code BS1CYN52 for $100 off yours. Event Info | Buy Your Ticket

• ICE makes its debut in Barcelona January 20-22, 2025, and registration is now open. Event Info | Register Free

💼 Great gigs

Big opportunities with awesome growth-stage companies:

• HotTakes needs a creative and sports-savvy person to manage and grow their Twitter account. (Link)

• Novig is on the hunt for a Finance & Operations Director to help lead their next stage of growth. (Link)

• XST Capital is looking for its next Associates and VPs. (Link)

🤝 Deal corner

1 new deal for your consideration in this week’s issue ⤵️

The Deal Corner is presented by XST Capital Group, the industry’s leading financial strategists.