The Starties: A Groundbreaking Awards Show Celebrating Real-Money Gaming Startups

The real-money gaming startup ecosystem will receive unprecedented recognition with the debut of The Starties, a new awards ceremony designed to spotlight emerging innovators in the industry. Scheduled for March 12, 2025, at the NEXT.io Summit in New York, the event aims to celebrate early-stage companies across multiple categories including Launch of the Year, Best Collaboration, and Startup of the Year.

Co-founded by Travis Geiger and Jesse Learmonth, The Starties distinguishes itself from traditional industry awards by focusing exclusively on startup achievements. The event promises to provide a platform for entrepreneurs who are often overlooked in conventional recognition frameworks.

The awards ceremony will feature multiple sponsoring organizations committed to supporting startup innovation, including Eberg Capital, Defy the Odds, Optimove Ignite+, and Sportradar Futures Hub. Each sponsor will present specialized awards that recognize unique contributions to the real-money gaming landscape.

With an invite-only format and limited general admission tickets, The Starties seeks to create an exclusive environment for networking and celebration. The event will include cocktail hours and is expected to be hosted by a yet-to-be-announced celebrity who organizers claim will 'blow peoples minds'.

By creating a dedicated space for real-money gaming startups, The Starties represents a significant step in acknowledging the innovative potential of early-stage companies in this rapidly evolving industry. The awards aim to not just recognize achievement, but to build a supportive community of entrepreneurs, investors, and industry disruptors.