Kehn, Paris, and Schneider Introduce Defy the Odds to Revolutionize iGaming Mentorship

The iGaming start-up launchpad ‘Defy the Odds’ aims to mentor and grow the next wave of industry entrepreneurs.

Backed by iGaming leaders Kelly Kehn, Paris Smith, and Sue Schneider, Defy the Odds seeks to introduce “new perspectives and innovative ideas that will shape the future of iGaming.”

This venture launchpad will establish a collaborative network to provide early-stage support, investment, and mentorship for start-ups focused on iGaming.

A key focus of the initiative is to identify and cultivate emerging talent, with a special emphasis on supporting underrepresented founding teams.

Paris Smith is the former CEO of Pinnacle Sports (2006-2023). During her 17-year CEO tenure, Pinnacle became the world’s leading low-margin sportsbook, recognised for its market beating odds and risk management practices.

Sue Schneider is the former founder of River City Group, the events organiser of the Global iGaming Summit & Expo (GiGSE), a business acquired by Clarion in 2006. Schneider has also served as a VP of Americas for SBC Global, helping to build its North American media and events portfolio.

Defy the Odds is rounded out by marketing and enterprise expert Kelly Kehn, former executive of Malta VC fund HappyHour.io, and founder of the diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) non-profit All In Diversity.

Kehn commented: “The gaming industry is at a pivotal moment, where innovation is more critical than ever. We see incredible potential in founders who bring new energy and ideas to the space but need the social capital and support to navigate the nuances of the sector.”

Defy the Odds offers tailored support to help startups at any stage, meeting their specific requirements and connecting them with industry experts and peers to share knowledge and experiences. The launchpad is actively seeking to connect with founders to help the next generation of gaming entrepreneurs reach the next level, turning “groundbreaking concepts into market-leading products.”

“Our goal with Defy the Odds is to uncover the next big ideas in gaming and help them thrive,” stated Schneider. “We believe that by supporting a diverse range of founders through our network, we will bridge innovation with opportunity and push the boundaries of what’s possible in this industry.” 

Smith added: “In an industry that’s constantly evolving, understanding the trajectory of where gaming is headed is crucial. Defy the Odds is focused on identifying founders who not only have innovative ideas but also a deep understanding of how to create products that resonate with the market’s future needs. We’re committed to helping these entrepreneurs shape the next generation of gaming experiences.”

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