The Starties: Pioneering Awards Celebrate Innovation in Real-Money Gaming Startups

The real-money gaming industry is set to witness a transformative awards ceremony that promises to elevate and celebrate emerging startups. The Starties, a first-of-its-kind awards show, will debut on March 12, 2025, at the NEXT.io Summit in New York, offering a fresh perspective on recognizing entrepreneurial talent in the gaming sector.

Unlike traditional industry awards that often marginalize early-stage companies, The Starties aims to place startup founders at the center of recognition. The event will feature multiple categories including Launch of the Year, Best Collaboration, Coolest Cap Table, Best Bootstrappers, and Startup of the Year, designed to comprehensively showcase the innovative potential within the real-money gaming ecosystem.

Co-founded by Travis Geiger and Jesse Learmonth, the awards reflect a commitment to building a supportive community for gaming entrepreneurs. Learmonth emphasized the event's core mission, stating that The Starties will bring together builders and disruptors who are actively shaping the future of real-money gaming.

The inaugural ceremony has secured notable sponsorship from industry leaders like Eberg Capital, Defy the Odds, Optimove Ignite+, and Sportradar Futures Hub. These sponsors represent a cross-section of investment, mentorship, and technological innovation in the gaming startup landscape.

Eberg Capital's founder, Roger Ehrenberg, highlighted the event's potential to be more than just an awards show, describing it as a foundation for community engagement among founders, investors, and industry operators.

The event will feature an invite-only format with limited general admission tickets, creating an exclusive networking opportunity for industry professionals. Nominations for startup categories are open until February 9, 2025, providing an avenue for emerging companies to gain recognition.

With its emphasis on community, innovation, and support, The Starties represents a significant milestone in acknowledging the critical role of startups in driving technological and strategic advancements in the real-money gaming industry.