The SiGMA Asia 2025 Startup Pitch, held at the SMX Convention Center in Manila, brought together five of the most promising startups in the iGaming industry. After an intense round of live pitches and judge deliberation, SavageTech emerged as the clear winner, securing a substantial prize package designed to accelerate their next stage of growth.
Backed by partners such as R77, Chips CSB, AWS and ZBX, the prize includes over �21,000 in marketing support with exhibition space and digital promotion, �10,000 in AWS credits plus expert tech mentorship and specialised iGaming training from the iGaming Academy. Additional perks include recruitment support from r77, branding services from Chips, blockchain venture resources via ZBX and up to �400,000 in SaaS and cloud infrastructure credits from tech giants like Nvidia and Notion, collectively offering a launchpad worth over half a million euros.
Setting the stage
The judging panel was a formidable group of industry veterans with diverse expertise. Oliver De Bono, CEO of Quantum Gaming, provided insights into crypto platforms and global tech ecosystems. Joe Pisano, founder of Jade Entertainment, contributed invaluable local industry knowledge from the Philippines. Eoin Kirwan, founding partner of Ionic Group, emphasised product-market fit and monetisation, while Dan Ciobanu, CEO of Remote2All, focused on digital engagement and scalability.
Before the pitches began, the judges shared what they were looking for. Dan highlighted scalability as crucial, while Joe sought true disruption within the sector. Oliver stressed the importance of preparation and execution, noting ��Have you done your homework? Confidence and the ability to execute are key.�� Eoin reminded founders not to overlook seamless user experiences and the strength of small, elite teams.
The startup pitches
First on stage was OneZero, led by Igor Slezin, presenting an esports betting platform allowing players to wager on their own real-time in-game performance. Igor described how their AI-driven fairness verification and dual B2C/B2B model aim to shake up traditional betting by making it more personal and engaging. Though still in testing, OneZero is targeting Asian markets where esports popularity is soaring.
Next came SavageTech, founded by Tom Jang Lemke, who introduced their avatar-based gamification solution for sportsbooks. Drawing on his esports background, Tom explained how their platform enhances player retention through customisable, evolving avatars that create narrative-driven engagement. His journey started 12 months ago on the same SiGMA Stage, from a reluctant public speaker to confident pitch presenter.
LIKED followed, Co- Founder Anna Oshkalo presenting their social-first affiliate platform designed for the Philippine market that connects licensed operators with vetted local influencers. The team emphasised building a data-driven, performance-focused channel without upfront fees, aiming to co-create with operators and affiliates for mutual growth.
Co-founder and CEO of DeuceXR, Fraser then wowed the audience with their vision of a virtual reality 바카라 universe, Celestial Dragon Nexus, blending XR/VR technology with blockchain transparency. Deuce painted a future of immersive mobile-first gaming where entertainment and decentralisation coexist.
Finally, Fabulous Gaming, led by Drew Lee, showcased BetFi, a crypto 바카라 platform that merges traditional iGaming, sports betting and profit-sharing models using blockchain. Their pitch underscored the promise and challenges of Web3 integration in gaming.
SavageTech��s journey
The spotlight ultimately fell on SavageTech, whose pitch not only impressed the judges with its innovative approach but also highlighted a compelling story of personal growth. Tom Jang Lemke��s journey from a first-timer at to a polished and passionate presenter was remarked upon by the judges and himself alike.
Tom shared his reaction to the win with SiGMA, ��I��ve been traveling all around the globe participating in pitch competitions, and honestly, I��m overwhelmed.�� Reflecting on the growth he��s experienced over the past year, Tom recalled how one of the judges, Eoin, had witnessed his struggle with public speaking during last year��s event. ��I hate public speaking, but I pushed through, and they recognised that,�� he said. ��Being able to tell the story, it looked like that made the difference.��?
For Tom, the win was about more than just personal achievement but a major milestone for his company. ��It means so much to the company to get this kind of exposure,�� he explained. ��Creating this kind of ecosystem for startups to grow is so important.�� This commitment to fostering innovation and community was a message he had emphasised during his pitch and it clearly struck a chord. He closed the interview with a sincere shoutout to those who had supported the journey, from his team to the investors and partners.
Fueling growth
Winning the SiGMA Asia 2025 Startup Pitch marks a major breakthrough for SavageTech, serving as a launchpad for their next phase of growth and recognition in the ever-evolving gaming space. Beyond validation from industry leaders, the victory equips the team with critical resources that empower them to scale faster and smarter. Blask, the Startup Pitch winner of SiGMA Asia 2024, stands as a testament to sustained success and innovation in the iGaming industry. Led by CEO & Co-Founder Max T., Blask has continued to leverage AI and data analytics to drive growth and push the boundaries of the sector since their win.The Startup Pitch provides a unique platform for emerging companies like SavageTech and Blask to gain industry recognition and attract crucial resources.
For startups, it��s a chance to sharpen their story, prove their value and accelerate growth on a global stage. With SiGMA Asia 2025 continuing to unfold, the excitement is far from over. If you think you have the next big idea in gaming, apply now to be part of the next SiGMA Startup Pitch and showcase your innovation on a global stage.
Stay tuned for more inspiring pitches, insightful panels and groundbreaking announcements in the coming days. Whether you��re an industry insider, investor or enthusiast, keep a close eye on SiGMA Asia to catch the next wave of innovation shaping the future of iGaming.
