As we gear up to release this week’s AI Startup Weekly, I find myself more energised than ever by the sheer velocity of our industry.
It’s one thing to talk about the convergence of AI and Gaming in theory, but it’s another to see it unfolding in real-time. This week’s briefing is a testament to that momentum, and it’s a preview of the ecosystem we are building right here from Malta and Gozo.
We’re spotlighting some truly pioneering startups, from BetSymphony’s work in conversational AI to Mindway AI’s critical advancements in responsible gaming. When I see a company like Kero Sports close a funding round for its micro-betting tech, it validates everything we champion at Elevate AI. It proves that a sharp focus on a commercially viable product, our Revenue First philosophy in action, is precisely what excites investors and moves the market forward. These are not just interesting projects; they are scalable businesses solving real industry problems, and they represent the exact calibre of founder we are dedicated to supporting.
The market data in the briefing backs this up, showing a clear trend: while the broader market might be consolidating, capital is flowing directly to high-impact AI solutions. This is the wave we are riding, and the upcoming events like SiGMA here in Malta will only amplify these conversations. The energy is palpable, and it feels like the entire industry is leaning into this new frontier.This momentum couldn’t be better timed. The progress we’re seeing across the sector mirrors the incredible work happening behind the scenes here at Elevate AI.
We’ve been building something special, and I’m thrilled to announce that we have some massive news of our own on the horizon. I can’t share the details just yet, but let’s just say that our mission to establish Gozo as a global launchpad for AI ventures is about to take a significant leap forward.
Stay tuned. The next chapter is going to be big.
Keith Zammit – Founder & CEO, Elevate AI
iGaming AI Startups in the Spotlight
This week, we are turning the spotlight on three trailblazing startups that exemplify the innovative application of AI in the Gaming sector.
BetSymphony: Revolutionising Player Interaction with Conversational AI
Malta-based BetSymphony has just launched BetHarmony, a groundbreaking conversational AI agent designed to create a hyper-personalised player experience. Moving beyond static menus, BetHarmony engages users with voice-navigated, curated bet suggestions, game recommendations, and timely promotions. This launch marks a significant step towards a more intuitive and immersive iGaming interface, aiming to redefine player engagement and retention.
Mindway AI: Championing Responsible Gaming Through Strategic Partnerships
Danish firm Mindway AI continues to solidify its position as a leader in responsible gaming solutions. The company has recently announced a series of strategic partnerships to integrate its GameScanner technology across multiple platforms. This AI-driven tool analyses player behaviour in real-time to detect at-risk patterns, enabling operators to intervene proactively. These collaborations underscore a growing industry-wide commitment to player welfare, with AI as a critical component.
Kero Sports Fuelling the Future of Micro-Betting with Fresh Capital
Micro-betting specialist Kero Sports has successfully closed a new funding round, securing significant investment to expand its innovative AI-powered platform. The company’s technology generates real-time, in-play betting opportunities, creating a more dynamic and engaging experience for users. This fresh injection of capital will allow Kero Sports to further develop its predictive analytics and expand its reach with more operator partnerships, signalling strong investor confidence in the future of AI-driven, real-time gaming markets.
Section 2: General Startup News
The AI and Gaming sectors are buzzing with activity. Here is what you need to know:
TILKI Secures $2.2M to Revolutionize AI-Powered Game Creation
London-based gametech startup TILKI raised $2.2 million in pre-seed funding led by Twin Path Ventures, with participation from Atlas Sgr, XTX Ventures, and SFC Capital. Founded in 2024 by Barn Cleave, TILKI is developing an AI-powered game creation platform that enables creators to build immersive, dynamic video games without coding experience. The platform operates on three layers: overall game vision, player event records, and individual player histories, allowing for endless personalized interactions. TILKI plans to launch its closed beta in six months and establish a marketplace for game components sharing.
UNLV International Gaming Institute Launches AI Research Hub for Gaming Industry
The UNLV International Gaming Institute launched a new AI Research Hub (AiR Hub) on August 19, 2025, specifically focused on addressing critical challenges in the gaming industry’s digital transformation. Co-founded by Kasra Ghaharian (Director of Research) and Simo Dragicevic (IGI Adjunct Fellow), the hub will tackle key questions around AI transformation in gaming operations, governance frameworks for AI implementation, and responsible AI practices integration with academic research. The initiative has received financial support from various industry stakeholders and will feature an industry advisory panel to ensure practical relevance.
Palladio AI Receives Investment from Griffin Gaming Partners
San Francisco-based Palladio AI secured funding from Griffin Gaming Partners to develop an intelligence platform for product-led teams in the gaming industry. Founded by David Purdy and George Zhang, the company aims to help product teams identify problems early, prioritize quickly, and act before momentum is lost. The platform is currently in closed beta with select partners, with an early focus on mobile games where quick decision-making is crucial. Palladio AI is actively hiring across machine learning, AI, data, and engineering roles to scale their operations.
These developments showcase the continued momentum in AI-driven iGaming innovation, from content creation and academic research to product intelligence platforms, highlighting the industry’s commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence for enhanced gaming experiences and operational efficiency.
Section 3: Upcoming Events
Mark your calendars for these key industry events happening next week and into September:
SiGMA World – SiGMA Euro-Med 2025 (1-3 September, Malta)
A premier event for the iGaming and emerging tech sectors in the Mediterranean. This is a must-attend for networking with industry leaders and discovering the latest innovations.
EGR Global EGR Power US Summit (8 September, California, USA)
An exclusive gathering of senior executives from the most powerful and influential online gaming companies in North America. The summit will focus on the key challenges and opportunities in the rapidly evolving US market.
SBC SBC Summit 2025 (16-18 September, Lisbon, Portugal)
A major global event for the sports betting and iGaming industry, bringing together decision-makers from around the world to discuss the future of the sector. The agenda is packed with content on innovation, technology, and market trends.
Section 4: Freebie of the week
This week’s freebie is here to supercharge your fundraising efforts! 🚀 We are giving away a specially curated list of over 60 active VCs and investors with a dedicated focus on the Gaming sector. On top of that, we’ve included a broader, more comprehensive database of over 300 investors and venture capitalists spanning all major industries to help you find the perfect match for your venture.