Stretton Joins UrbanChain as New CTO
Portfolio - People | Jan 09, 2025 | Business Cloud
UrbanChain, recognized as the third fastest-growing technology company in the UK, has welcomed Lee Stretton as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO). This move follows the announcement of KPMG being appointed to lead a £50 million-plus Series B fundraise. With substantial experience in the FinTech sector, having held previous roles at Monevo and Raisin UK, Stretton will steer UrbanChain's technology strategy to support its UK growth and international expansion plans. UrbanChain, a Manchester-based company, is notable for its energy matching platform, which has driven substantial growth. Their clientele includes a diverse range of sectors such as industrial sites and hospitals. As part of its expansion, the company has also hired Graeme Cooper to focus on their US market penetration. UrbanChain's leadership team, led by CEO Somayeh Taheri, has seen dramatic expansion with plans for global operations while supported by investment from entities like Eurazeo.
Sectors
- CleanTech
- Technology
- Venture Capital
Geography
- United Kingdom – UrbanChain is based in Manchester, UK, and its growth and operations are primarily centered in this geography.
Industry
- CleanTech – UrbanChain operates within the CleanTech sector, focusing on sustainable energy solutions and optimizing energy distribution through innovative technology.
- Technology – UrbanChain is positioned as a rapidly growing technology company with a platform that revolutionizes energy matching and distribution.
- Venture Capital – The article discusses UrbanChain's Series B fundraising efforts through KPMG, indicating investor involvement in scaling their operations.
Financials
- 50 million+ GBP – The Series B fundraise amount led by KPMG for UrbanChain.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| UrbanChain | Target Company | Company | A Manchester-based CleanTech firm recognized as one of the fastest-growing tech companies in the UK. |
| Lee Stretton | CTO | People | Recently appointed CTO of UrbanChain with 25 years of experience in the technology and FinTech sectors. |
| KPMG | Corporate Finance Advisor | Company | Appointed by UrbanChain to lead their £50 million-plus Series B fundraising efforts. |
| Somayeh Taheri | CEO | People | Founder and CEO of UrbanChain, leading the company from Manchester Science Park. |
| Graeme Cooper | US Expansion Lead | People | Recently hired energy veteran tasked with leading UrbanChain's expansion into the US market. |
| Eurazeo | Investor | Company | A leading European investment group backing UrbanChain. |