Soft2Bet CEO Uri Poliavich sat down with NEXT.io to discuss the company’s new Soft2Bet Invest Fund, the macro-environment and the future of iGaming.
NEXT: Can you walk me through the rationale for launching the fund – why does Soft2Bet want to move into this area?
UP: We started as a small startup with big ambitions to change the industry. Our company knows how it feels to be passionate about groundbreaking ideas, but lacking the means to materialise them. This was our reality during Soft2Bet’s early years.
We would like to provide others with easier and more streamlined access to achieving their dreams. The iGaming sector is standing on the threshold of the next evolution stage, however, it is at a stand-still. We want to push it forward using innovations and unique technologies.
This is the reason we chose to support ambitious startups and fresh ideas. Soft2Bet Invest Fund is our key to reshaping the outdated industry.
NEXT: What kind of projects will the Soft2Bet Invest iGaming Innovation Fund be principally interested in – what will be your niche?
UP: The Soft2Bet Invest will primarily focus on projects that push the boundaries of technology and user experience. We are particularly interested in initiatives that involve AI adoption to better understand customers and automate personalised experiences, as well as traffic differentiators which are critical in driving ROI and conversions.
Behavioural analytics is another key area which helps to provide personalised, engaging user experiences bringing fresh, effective UI/UX elements from other industries into iGaming.
We are also looking to invest in new gaming studios, unique gamification mechanics, social gaming and social media applications, as well as new retention tools.
Even if it is a new and unheard-of idea being developed in a garage, we are open to exploring new technologies within the iGaming and casual gaming spheres that demonstrate potential for significant impact in the field.
NEXT: Do you expect the fund to have an explicit focus on B2B or B2C, or will this be decided on a case-by-case basis?
UP: We are looking at entrepreneurs and startups in both the B2B and B2C spaces. Today this is one of the key pillars of Soft2Bet strategy using B2C as a ‘Proof of Concept’ environment, so we can optimise performance and fully understand the value of an entrepreneur’s proposition.
This approach allows us to validate the product’s impact on key metrics before transitioning to a B2B model, where we can sell with a proven track record of success.
NEXT: What’s your take on the macro-environment – is this a good time to be launching a fund?
UP: In a macro environment dominated by large corporations, smaller companies succeed by solving global-level challenges through innovation.
We believe that this competitive pressure is fostering a cycle of innovation across the industry. As a result, this environment presents a ripe opportunity for launching our fund, as new technology and innovation will greatly benefit the consumer.
NEXT: Do you believe some aspects of iGaming are over-hyped (for example AI or crypto)?
UP: Innovations in artificial intelligence and gamification are not just trends – they have the potential to revolutionise our industry and follow the “Blue Ocean Strategy”.
According to research, the global AI market size will reach nearly $2tn (Statista), operational companies’ costs will be reduced, and personalised gaming experiences powered by AI lead to an increase in user engagement.
This growth can largely be attributed to the continuous research and innovation directed by the tech giants and industry leaders
NEXT: How do you see the future of the iGaming industry evolving, and what role do you envision for Soft2Bet within it?
UP: Our team has a solid vision to drive the iGaming and casual gaming industries forward to expand boundaries and create new, robust, sustainable cross-industry connections.
This field is undergoing a period of transformation, shaped by cutting-edge technology, evolving market regulations, and dynamic player demands.
This is why we’re starting Soft2Bet Invest. We want to nurture and support the next wave of technological and experiential advancements in the industry.
