The Starties Awards Show to Debut in 2025, Recognizing Innovation in Real-Money Gaming Startups

The Starties, a new community-driven awards show, 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.

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. 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.

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 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.

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. The community-driven model and unique award categories signal a shift toward more founder-centric recognition in the sector, potentially influencing investment trends and industry collaboration. By creating a platform specifically for startups, The Starties addresses a gap in traditional industry awards that often focus on established companies, thereby fostering a more inclusive environment for emerging talent and ideas.

The involvement of sponsors like Eberg Capital and Optimove Ignite+ underscores the industry's commitment to supporting innovation, while categories such as Best Bootstrappers highlight the importance of resourcefulness in entrepreneurship. This focus on early-stage companies could accelerate growth and visibility for startups, contributing to a more dynamic and competitive real-money gaming landscape. The event's timing at the NEXT.io Summit further amplifies its impact by connecting award recipients with a broader network of industry professionals and potential partners.