Eight companies took the stage for this year's Allstars Company Challenge, and the range was wide. "We had everything from magic mirrors to quantum computing, deep tech and sports tech," says Morgan.

Together, he says, they gave a clear view of the broader European tech ecosystem.

The Company Challenge is one of the Allstars' signature formats. Shortlisted companies pitch live to the room and take questions from the host, and the 2026 title went to energy technology company tem.

Reading the signals

For a journalist, the value of a line-up like this goes beyond the individual pitches. Morgan sees it as a way to read the signals: what is in the pipeline and where investor energy is going.

Bullish on Europe

The bigger question he took away is about commitment to the region. At a time when other parts of the world are actively selling their own opportunities to founders and investors, Morgan was watching for who is bullish on Europe, who plans to stay, and what they do next.

"It was a fantastic array of companies, and great for me to be up there on stage getting to ask them questions."

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Why Europe's builders matter to GP Bullhound

Morgan's question matters to GP Bullhound too. The firm advises founders on the moments that define their companies, from major raises to exits, and that work depends on Europe producing businesses that can win globally. A Company Challenge line-up spanning AI, deep tech, sports tech and consumer suggested plenty are choosing to build here.

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About the GP Bullhound Allstars Awards

Now in its 24th year, the GP Bullhound Allstars Awards recognise the founders, entrepreneurs, operators and investors building Europe's technology companies. The 2026 awards ran across 15 categories, from Deep Tech and Sports Tech to Exit of the Year and Young Entrepreneur of the Year, and brought the ecosystem together in London on 15 October.

GP Bullhound hosts the Allstars for the same reason it advises founders every day: it is bullish on European tech and the people building what comes next. The awards give that work a stage, and put the people behind it in a room with the investors, operators and peers who can help it go further.

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Stay connected

• Find out more about Company Challenge winner tem at tem.energy
• Find out more about GP Bullhound at gpbullhound.com
• Stay updated on all things Allstars on our LinkedIn page

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