The Startup Pitch is SiGMA Europe's own competition, run at the Malta Fairs & Conventions Centre in Ta' Qali.
It is open to early-stage startups, typically seed to Series A, that have raised no more than EUR 3 million in total funding and work in iGaming, sports betting, casino, esports, affiliate, AI, fintech, blockchain or gaming technology. Founders must be available to attend in person if selected.
Entry is free. Six finalists pitch live before judges scoring innovation, market potential, product viability, scalability, industry relevance and team. The winner takes a prize stack that includes a EUR 21,300 startup marketing package, EUR 20,000 in AWS cloud credits, up to EUR 400,000 in discounted technology tools, EUR 5,000 of education and EUR 2,000 of talent-acquisition credit plus corporate set-up discounts. Every selected startup gets Startup Lounge workspace, its logo on the Startup Village branding wall, one Premium and four Standard event passes, PR across SiGMA magazines, website and newsletters, and networking with 30 or more VCs. No equity is taken. Applications for the 2027 edition are open ahead of SiGMA Europe on 3-5 May 2027, with no closing date published.
What it actually costs you
SiGMA Europe in Ta’ Qali runs a free-to-enter pitch for early-stage companies, typically seed to Series A, that have raised no more than EUR 3 million in iGaming, betting, esports, AI, fintech, blockchain or gaming technology. Six finalists pitch live. The winner takes a stack including a EUR 21,300 marketing package and EUR 20,000 in AWS credits, while every selected startup gets lounge workspace, five passes, PR and VC networking. No equity.