LinkedIn has named Underdog, a rapidly growing sports betting and fantasy sports platform, the No. 3 startup in the United States on its 2025 Top Startups list. The recognition marks a significant leap from its previous ranking of No. 15 in 2024, reflecting Underdog’s fast-paced growth due to its innovation in the fantasy and sports wagering markets.
The company’s rise underscores the expanding intersection of technology, gaming, and sports entertainment in the modern startup landscape.
Underdog achieved unicorn status in 2025, reaching a $1.3 billion valuation and projecting nearly $500 million in annual revenue. The company’s rapid expansion has been fueled by a series of strategic partnerships. This includes one with the NHL’s St. Louis Blues, strengthening its footprint across the sports and gaming landscape.
Founder and CEO Jeremy Levine attributes the company’s rise to a sharp focus on “people and product,” emphasizing a culture of innovation and execution as the driving forces behind Underdog’s success.
This is highlighted by Underdog’s enhanced responsible gaming tools. The company has integrated Sportradar’s Bettor Sense, an AI-driven responsible gaming tool that monitors player behavior to detect early signs of problem gambling. Use of the feature across all its offerings shows that Underdog is taking a proactive approach to player protection.
Its platform now spans 40 states, Washington D.C., and much of Canada, supported by a growing lineup of athlete partnerships that enhance brand recognition.
Underdog’s recognition as the No. 3 startup in the U.S. highlights a major shift in how technology and innovation are reshaping the sports betting experience. For bettors, this ranking signals that Underdog is not just growing rapidly. It’s also setting new standards for product quality, safety, and user engagement in a competitive industry.
The company’s focus on cutting-edge tools like AI-driven player protection, streamlined mobile design, and creative betting formats reflects a broader move toward smarter, more responsible gaming.
As Underdog expands across more states and partnerships, bettors can expect a platform that prioritizes fairness, transparency, and entertainment, marking a step forward for the entire sports betting landscape.
Underdog is set to make its debut in the Missouri sports betting market when it officially launches on December 1, 2025. As one of the first operators to secure a Missouri license, the company is positioning itself as a key player in the new market.
Underdog has partnered with the Kansas City Royals to meet state regulatory requirements and ensure a strong local presence. At launch, bettors in Missouri can expect access to Underdog’s signature sportsbook app.
With its proven success in other states and a growing national footprint, Underdog’s entry into Missouri represents a major milestone, giving local bettors a trusted, innovative platform from day one.
