AVC Targets iGaming Innovation: Over 300 Startups Reviewed in Three Months

The technological landscape of the gaming industry is evolving rapidly. Venture capital fund AVC has screened an impressive number of over 300 startups in a period of just three months. This process is not merely about capital allocation but focuses on deep operational support. Through its close ties with the 1win ecosystem, young companies gain access to infrastructure built on more than a decade of experience in scaling products internationally. It is about much more than money; it is about market access and validating business models under real-world conditions.

Selection criteria are strictly defined. AVC primarily focuses on companies at the Seed and Series A stages. However, the fund remains open to later-stage startups if the investment case is particularly strong. Decision-makers seek teams that think long-term and possess the potential to lead their respective market segments. Beyond traditional iGaming technologies like payment processing or CRM systems, the fund is looking for innovations in Artificial Intelligence, Web3, and automation.

Numbers and facts

The results of the first three months are already tangible. Of the more than 300 startups screened, over 10 are currently in active negotiations. Three projects have reached the final stage of the selection process, and one initial deal has already been successfully closed. This structured process is guided by more than 20 leaders from product management, marketing, payments, and analytics. These experts review the solutions of portfolio companies directly for their practical viability.

“For us, the fund is more than an investment initiative — it is a strategic step. We have the experience of building businesses, a strong team and the infrastructure to help other companies grow.” - Sergei, Owner of 1win

A key aspect of the collaboration is the opportunity to run pilot projects on live infrastructure. Startups can test their technologies within an ongoing business operation before seeking a broader market launch. This minimizes risk for founders and provides valuable data on how products perform under real load conditions. Integration into existing distribution channels is also offered as an option, though it is not a mandatory requirement for investment.

Background

The role of venture capitalists in the gaming sector has shifted in recent years. It is no longer enough to simply provide financial resources. Startups today need environments where they can quickly validate hypotheses. AVC positions itself as a bridge between innovative technology and established market players. Priorities include sectors such as AI/ML, B2B SaaS, and infrastructure, as well as specific iGaming topics like affiliate technology and compliance solutions. The latter is gaining massive importance, especially in strictly regulated markets.

“Investing is a way of voting for the future of the market with our capital. We look at the technologies and formats that have the potential to reshape the industry in the coming years and want to support the teams driving that change.” - Polina Malinovskaia, CEO of AVC

Why it matters for German players

For German players, this development is indirectly significant. While AVC operates internationally, the technologies invested in—especially regarding compliance and CRM—could influence the German market in the long run. In Germany, extremely strict rules have applied since the Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021). These include a monthly deposit limit of 1,000 Euros across all providers and a one-Euro stake limit per round for virtual slot games. Monitoring these rules is conducted through systems like LUGAS.

Innovative startups specializing in compliance solutions could help providers implement these strict German requirements more efficiently and in a more user-friendly manner. When a fund like AVC invests in technologies that speed up identity checks or improve player protection monitoring through AI, users in Germany ultimately benefit from safer and smoother processes. However, it remains crucial for German players to rely exclusively on providers listed on the official whitelist of the Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL) to enjoy full legal protection.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

German casinos with a GGL license are under constant pressure to combine innovation with strict regulation. Technologies fostered by funds like AVC could serve as blueprints for B2B solutions later adapted for the German market. While providers with licenses from Malta (MGA) or Curacao often face fewer restrictive technical hurdles, GGL-licensed operators must have every software change strictly audited. Advances in automation and B2B SaaS could reduce administrative overhead for German operators and further increase system security against manipulation. Competition from technologically advanced international startups forces local providers to continuously modernize their IT infrastructure.