Britain's thriving technology sector took centre stage in the City of London this week as some of the country's most innovative entrepreneurs and investors were recognised at the 2026 Enterprise Awards.
Held at the prestigious Drapers' Hall on 1 July, the awards celebrated the founders, business leaders and investors helping to shape the next generation of high-growth UK technology companies. Now in its 14th year, the Enterprise Awards has become an important fixture in the UK's innovation calendar, highlighting businesses that are solving real-world problems through technology, creativity and entrepreneurship.
Since the awards were launched, almost 120 entrepreneurs have been recognised. Collectively, their businesses now generate more than $3.1 billion in annual revenue while employing around 18,000 people worldwide, demonstrating the significant impact that British innovation continues to have on the global economy.
The evening was opened by Enterprise Awards founder John O'Connell, Executive Chair of ScaleUp Group, alongside Tola Sargeant, Chair of the Judging Panel and CEO of Archives of IT, and Paddy McGwire, Senior Partner at Silverpeak. Entrepreneurs, investors and industry leaders gathered to celebrate the individuals and organisations driving the UK's technology ecosystem forward.
This year's winners reflected the breadth of innovation taking place across the country.
Laura Earnshaw of myHappymind was named Social Enterprise Entrepreneur, recognising the company's work supporting children's mental wellbeing. Helen Murphy of Opply received the Applied AI Entrepreneur award, highlighting the growing importance of artificial intelligence in solving business challenges. Sean Williams of AutogenAI won Scale-Up Entrepreneur, while Thomas Garnett and Vlad Galu of Refute secured the Emerging Entrepreneur title.
Stephanie Eltz of Doctify was recognised as Developing Entrepreneur, and Michelle He of Abound received the prestigious Enterprise Entrepreneur award.
One of the biggest additions for 2026 was the introduction of the Founder Friendly Funds recognition. Eighteen investment funds were honoured for backing ambitious UK technology businesses, collectively making almost 400 investments worth around $600 million during 2025, covering everything from Seed funding through to Series B investment.
Tola Sargeant praised the exceptional standard of entries, saying this year's winners demonstrated commercial success alongside innovation, leadership and a commitment to creating lasting impact.
John O'Connell added that both the entrepreneurs and the newly recognised investment funds represent the people and organisations helping to shape the future of UK technology by supporting ambitious founders over the long term.
At a time when the UK continues to compete on the global technology stage, the Enterprise Awards offer a timely reminder that great ideas, backed by visionary founders and supportive investors, remain one of the country's greatest strengths.
