Ep. 219: How the world's #1 sports betting operator accelerates startup partnerships w/ Edward & Robert from Flutter

Ep. 219 features Edward Lyttel and Rob Fulforth from Flutter to discuss the company's AlphaHub innovation program and the 2026 Affiliate Draft. They explore how Flutter collaborates with startups, what they're looking for in this year's applicants, and why community, AI-powered fan tools, and betting innovation are shaping the future of sports betting.

Hear them discuss:

• How Flutter's AlphaHub helps startups build partnerships with leading brands like FanDuel, Betfair, Paddy Power, and Sky Bet
• The goals of the 2026 Affiliate Draft and what startups can expect from the application process
• Why community-driven products continue to be one of the biggest opportunities in sports betting
• How AI-powered fan tools can improve the betting experience through better insights, visualization, and personalization
• Why Flutter believes betting is evolving into a broader entertainment experience beyond traditional sportsbooks
• Lessons from last year's Affiliate Draft and what made Verdict the winning startup
• The importance of building products that solve real fan problems before focusing on monetization
• Why niche audiences and passionate communities often create stronger startup opportunities than broad, general-purpose products
• What founders can expect from the two-day Dublin event, including mentorship, investor access, networking, and pitch coaching
• Advice for startups looking to partner with major operators and how Flutter evaluates innovation across the betting ecosystem

Applications for the 2026 Affiliate Draft are now open until August 1. Eligible startups are encouraged to apply here: https://www.alphahub.tech/programmes/affiliate-draft-2026/

Learn more 👇

➡️ Flutter website

➡️ Edward Lyttel on Linkedin

➡️ Rob Fulforth on Linkedin