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Xanada Investments has unveiled its Xanada Startup Contest — a global investment challenge for iGaming startups at all stages looking to showcase their vision live on stage in front of investors and industry experts.
With a $50,000 prize up for grabs and a powerhouse lineup of partner bonuses, the contest offers more than just funding; it provides real opportunities for business growth.
Vladimir Malakchi, CEO & Managing Partner at Xanada Investments, chats to SBC News to explain why this contest is a game-changer for the industry and its participants.
SBC News: Xanada Pitch Contest is making waves in the startup scene. In a market full of pitch events, what sets it apart?
Vladimir Malakchi: Most pitch contests follow a predictable script: founders present their ideas, judges give their scores, and one team walks away with a check. After that, not much happens. Many competitions focus on the event itself but don’t offer long-term support, connections, or strategic guidance to help startups turn funding into real growth. That’s where the Xanada Pitch Contest stands apart.
From the very beginning, the selection process is handled by people who know what it takes to build and scale a successful company. Startups are being evaluated by active investors and industry leaders who have a proven track record in iGaming. These are people who don’t just assess ideas but look at execution, financial sustainability and the ability of a team to deliver. The contest isn’t about picking the most exciting concept; it’s about identifying businesses that are genuinely positioned to succeed.
Beyond the competition itself, we provide the kind of strategic support that most founders struggle to access. The $50,000 equity investment is just the starting point. The winner gets direct mentorship, investor connections, media exposure and a package of financial and branding support to strengthen their market positioning. I’ll also personally sit down with the winning startup for a one-on-one session to refine their strategy and help them prepare for future funding rounds. Finalists pitch on a major industry stage, gaining exposure in front of key decision-makers who can open doors to real business opportunities.
SBC: Startups often see pitch contests as a chance to secure funding, but what’s in it for the investors? How does this contest create value beyond just selecting a winner?
VM: For startups, a pitch contest is a way to gain visibility and attract investment. But for investors, it’s about much more than just writing a check. A strong idea isn’t enough – execution is what determines success. The biggest challenge for investors isn’t finding new startups; it’s identifying which ones have the right combination of leadership, market fit, and business structure to scale. The contest acts as a filter, separating startups that are genuinely investment-ready from those that still need refinement.
By the time a startup reaches the finals, it has already been through a rigorous selection process. Founders have been evaluated not just on their pitch, but on their ability to handle scrutiny, answer tough questions, and prove they can build a scalable business. This makes it easier for investors to spot high-potential startups without wasting time on companies that aren’t ready.
Beyond individual deals, the contest builds a network where investors, business leaders, and startups can form meaningful connections. Even if a startup doesn’t secure investment immediately, the relationships built through the contest can lead to partnerships, mentorship, and future funding opportunities. It’s a structured way to bring together the right people – those who can fund, grow, and accelerate promising startups in a way that extends beyond a single event.
SBC: The competition is fierce, but how do you actually select the finalists?
VM: The selection process is built to mirror how real investment decisions are made. We’re not looking for just a great pitch; we’re looking for startups that have a solid foundation, a clear growth strategy, and founders who understand how to execute under pressure. The first stage of selection involves a full review of each application by investors, business leaders, and industry experts who actively fund and scale companies. Every startup is assessed on its business model, traction, financial clarity, and team strength.
From there, the most promising applications move forward to a deeper evaluation. At this stage, it’s no longer just about the concept – it’s about how the business operates. We look at revenue models, customer acquisition strategies, scalability, and execution plans. Founders need to show that they aren’t just building a product but a business that can grow, sustain itself, and adapt to market shifts.
By the time we reach the final event, every startup on stage has already proven its potential. The finalists are not just companies with an exciting idea; they are businesses that investors believe in, with teams that have demonstrated their ability to execute. The competition itself is a final test- how founders perform under real pressure, how they present their business, and how they engage with the investors evaluating them.
SBC: Most pitch contests focus purely on investment, but Xanada Pitch Contest offers a full winning package. What exactly does the winner get beyond the $50,000?
VM: The $50,000 equity investment is a major opportunity, but what truly accelerates a startup’s growth is the full package of strategic support and resources that come with it. Startups need the right network, the right guidance, and the right visibility to scale effectively.
One of the most valuable aspects of the prize is the direct investor mentorship. The winning startup will have a one-on-one strategic session with me, where we’ll break down their growth plans, refine execution strategies, and prepare them for future funding rounds. It’s about giving founders the insights and practical direction needed to move forward efficiently.
What is more, the winner gets major exposure through media features putting them in front of industry leaders, investors, and potential partners. They also receive a branding audit from Lilith PR Agency to strengthen their positioning and improve how they communicate their value to the market. Financially, the package includes $10,000 in AWS credits to cover operational costs and extend their runway, plus access to AWS’s global partner network with exclusive savings and discounts. For a growing startup, these resources provide a significant advantage in scaling faster and more efficiently.
SBC: For startups that don’t win the main prize, what do they still walk away with? Is there value in just participating?
VM: Absolutely. Making it to the finals already puts a startup in an elite group. Out of hundreds of applications, only a handful get the chance to pitch on a major stage, directly in front of top-tier investors and industry leaders. That kind of exposure normally takes years to build.
Beyond visibility, many startups that don’t win still attract investor interest. Some leave with potential funding opportunities, strategic partnerships, or introductions to the right people who can help drive their business forward. A strong performance in the contest can lead to conversations that turn into real business deals.
Then there’s the value of direct feedback. The judging panel doesn’t just select a winner; they evaluate every startup seriously, offering insights into what’s working, what’s missing, and what needs improvement. Even for those who don’t win, this kind of real-world investor feedback is incredibly valuable – it helps startups refine their approach, adjust their strategy, and come back stronger for future funding rounds.
Winning the main prize is an incredible opportunity, but the real benefit of the contest is in the access, connections, and knowledge that participants gain along the way. A pitch contest only lasts for a moment, but the relationships and insights startups build during the process can define their growth for years to come.
Submissions are open until April 11, 2025 here.
