Seasoned fintech executive joins UrbanChain

The UK’s third fastest growing technology company has revealed Lee Stretton as their new Chief Technology Officer (CTO).

It comes just days after UrbanChain appointed KPMG to lead their current £50+ million Series B fundraise.

Lee boasts 25 years’ experience in tech and fintech and was recently CIO for Europe’s largest personal credit platform & API, Monevo.

Prior to that role he was Managing Director of Raisin UK, a European fintech business backed by PayPal and Ribbit Ventures.

“To say I’m excited to have joined one of the UK’s most disruptive and fast growing companies would be an understatement,” said Lee.

“UrbanChain’s energy matching platform has proved itself as revolutionary in the UK, with the company growing by more than 8,000% in the last year.

“As a technology company, I’ve joined UrbanChain to implement a technology strategy that will meet the requirements of the businesses growth plans both within the UK and to support our international expansion plans.

“It’s important that we have a unified tech solution to manage virtual power stations and optimise energy distribution, while ensuring fair prices for UrbanChain customers (generators and consumers).”

Backed by investors including leading European investment group Eurazeo, UrbanChain customers include industrial and commercial companies, office buildings, data centres, local authorities, housing associations, industrial sites and hospitals.

Headcount at the CleanTech firm has increased from 10 to 75 while their leadership team boasts over 300 years of energy and technology business experience, scaling fast growth companies to exit.

UrbanChain Founder CEO Somayeh Taheri leads the company from BASE in Manchester Science Park and recently hired energy veteran Graeme Cooper to lead their US expansion.

“Our growing pipeline also includes EVs, electric heating systems and grid management,” said Somayeh, who saw UrbanChain collect four major awards during Deloitte’s coveted UK Technology Fast 50 ceremony last year.

“Lee joins after Deloitte named UrbanChain third fastest growing UK tech company. He brings a wealth of experience and is a crucial addition to our team.

“To achieve our global expansion ambitions we will support Lee by hiring more experts that will help us execute the technology roadmap.”