iGB L!VE 2026 Spotlights Startups as the Future of Gaming and Betting

The 2026 iGB L!VE event will run from 1st to 2nd July. Ahead of the conference, industry expert Kelly Kehn has shared her thoughts on the growing role of startups in the sector. She highlights the importance of nurturing new businesses for the future of gaming and betting markets. Kelly Kehn brings over 20 years of experience in technology to her roles as co-founder of the All-in Diversity Project and Defy the Odds. She sees supporting startups as vital, pointing out that today’s industry leaders were once fledgling companies themselves.

The global rise of sports, including major events like the FIFA World Cup and women’s tournaments, has boosted interest and funding in sports tech and betting. Kehn commended iGB L!VE London and ICE Barcelona for their commitment to fostering new ventures and securing the industry’s long-term growth.

On 30 June, iGB L!VE’s Startup Accelerator will connect early-stage founders with investors at Excel London. Kehn hopes attendees will gain key insights and build meaningful connections. She also notes that standing out is now the biggest hurdle for startups, as technology alone no longer guarantees an edge.

Networking programmes like the Accelerator often uncover unadvertised investment opportunities. Kehn adds that exited founders are particularly appealing to investors, as they understand the challenges and regulatory barriers new businesses face. The Startup Accelerator takes place the day before iGB L!VE begins. It aims to bridge gaps between innovators and funders in a rapidly evolving market. The event underscores the increasing focus on fresh talent and ideas in the gaming and betting industries.