[Program name] by waterhouse vc

You know the industry. Now build what it needs.

Some of the best businesses in wagering, racing and gaming haven't been started yet. The people who could build them are already here, in trading, product, data, compliance, payments and operations.

[Program name] is Waterhouse VC's search for those people. Selected founders are eligible for up to A$250k of investment and a UK market access program around Royal Ascot in June 2027. You don't need a company or a pitch deck to apply.

Three ways in

1. I already have an early-stage business. You're building for the industry and want capital, customers and a network to go further.

2. I know an important industry problem and want to build the solution. You've seen it up close and you know who would pay to fix it.

3. I could build an exceptional business, but I need the right idea, co-founder or opportunity. You bring the experience and drive. We can bring problems we've already started validating, and introductions to potential co-founders.

What selected founders get

• Up to A$250k of potential investment.

• Six weeks to test your idea with real customers, with direct access to WVC's network of operators, suppliers and investors.

• A place at an invite-only final event, presenting to WVC investors and industry leaders.

• A UK market access program around Royal Ascot, with meetings with UK operators, suppliers, potential customers and investors.

What we look for

We back B2B technology businesses that sell to operators, suppliers, racing bodies, syndicates or regulators. We're not looking for new consumer betting brands.

We care about evidence: what you've built, what you understand about the customer, and whether they'll commit. A polished pitch matters far less.

How it works

1. Apply. A short, confidential expression of interest. It takes about 10 minutes.

2. Talk to us. A confidential call with the WVC team.

3. Show us. A short practical exercise built on real customer conversations.

4. Validate. Three to five finalist teams spend six weeks testing their business with potential customers. [If approved: each team receives A$5,000 towards time and costs.]

5. Present. Finalists present what they've validated at an invite-only event in Sydney in May 2027. There's no public vote.

6. Invest and go global. Selected founders receive investment offers and join us in London in June 2027.

Confidential from the first conversation

Initial discussions are confidential, and we won't contact your employer without your permission.

Please don't share anything that belongs to your current or former employer. That includes code, data, customer information and confidential plans. Tell us about the problem, not your employer's secrets.

Investment terms in brief

• Investment is not a prize and is not guaranteed. Selected founders may receive up to A$250k, subject to due diligence, investment approval and agreed terms.

• Investment may be released in stages, linked to agreed milestones.

• Waterhouse VC receives an option in every company selected through [Program name]. For businesses built from WVC ideas, relationships or validation work, the starting position is a 20% option. For existing businesses, option terms are agreed as part of the investment.

• We may select no one, one founder or several.

• Read the [full program terms].

Key dates

• Applications open: [TBC]

• Applications close: [TBC]

• Validation sprint: [TBC]

• Final event, Sydney: [TBC]

• UK program, London and Royal Ascot: [TBC]

Know someone who should be running a company?

Tell us who. Nominations are confidential. We'll reach out to them directly and won't mention you unless you want us to. [Nominate someone]

Eligibility

individuals aged 18 or over, solo or in teams, building B2B technology for wagering, racing or gaming. Any location.

Confidentiality

How WVC treats what applicants share. No NDA is needed at the expression-of-interest stage.

Employer obligations

Applicants confirm they won't disclose employer IP or confidential information, and remain responsible for their own restraints and IP assignment clauses.

Selection

At WVC's discretion. WVC may select no one, one founder or several. Timing may change.

Finalist participation

Time commitment, any stipend, the participation agreement and who owns work created during the sprint.

Investment

Up to A$250k per selected company, possibly in stages, subject to due diligence, investment approval and agreed terms. Names the investing entity. No obligation on either side.

WVC option

The 20% starting position for businesses built from WVC ideas, relationships or validation work, and how option terms are set for existing businesses.

UK program

For selected founders only. Approved travel covered, not a prize, not transferable and no cash alternative.

Privacy

Collection notice, use, storage, retention and access, linked to WVC's Privacy Policy.

General

WVC may change or cancel the program. Not an offer of a financial product. NSW law applies.

Frequently asked questions

Application form