LAS VEGAS, Aug. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Manatt Digital is sponsoring the Esports Startup Launchpad contest as part of Naruscope’s Esports & Casino Resorts conference at the SLS Las Vegas Casino and Resort on Oct. 25 and 26. Entries must be submitted no later than Oct. 4, 2016.

Designed to explore what creative minds are developing in the emerging esports industry, the contest is searching for innovative businesses to be judged by an expert panel of thought leaders. Finalists will pitch their business ideas live at the Esports & Casino Resorts conference. The winning startup will receive a $50,000 service package from Manatt Digital and Narus Advisors. Esports-focused startups at any stage of development can apply, but companies must have at least a minimum viable product built. For full details, visit www.naruscope.com/launchpad.

“Esports continues to gain incredible momentum from both the investment and startup communities, and the pitch competition will highlight some of the latest innovations in the space. At its core, the esports industry has been propelled by ongoing technology disruption and devoted community engagement, and we are excited to help showcase the opportunities in the space to not only the casino industry, but also to investors and brands at the inaugural Naruscope event,” said Eunice Shin, managing director of Manatt Digital.

“The esports sector is a thriving hive of passion and creativity,” said John Caldwell, partner, Narus Advisors. “We’re excited to collaborate with Manatt Digital on the Startup Launchpad as part of our Esports & Casino Resorts event, and give a boost to a startup that exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit of the esports space.”