Breaking Boundaries in Renewable Energy
Blue Earth Summit
Where Innovation Meets Action. Returning to London, October 15-17, 2025.
A Deep Dive with Somayeh Taheri , CEO and Founder of UrbanChain
In the latest episode of the Blue Earth Podcast, we had the privilege of hosting Somayeh Taheri , the trailblazing CEO and founder of UrbanChain. As the driving force behind one of the UK’s fastest-growing tech companies, Somayeh is not just disrupting the energy sector; she’s reshaping how we think about access to energy, sustainability, and innovation.
🎧 Catch the podcast on your favourite platform. Listen to Episode 2 with Somayeh Taheri, CEO of UrbanChain, on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | YouTube
From Academia to Entrepreneurship
Somayeh’s journey began in the world of academia, where she built a foundation in engineering and sustainability. Her pivot into entrepreneurship wasn’t just a career shift but a personal mission driven by the need to solve real-world problems. During the podcast, she shared how her experiences growing up and witnessing the effects of energy poverty shaped her vision for UrbanChain.
“Energy should be in the hands of people, not monopolies,” Somayeh asserts, a belief that underpins everything UrbanChain stands for.
UrbanChain: Redefining the Energy Market
UrbanChain’s innovative Peer-to-Peer energy exchange platform is powered by cutting-edge blockchain and AI technology. This platform directly connects renewable energy generators with consumers, creating a transparent, fair, and stable market. By removing traditional middlemen, UrbanChain delivers:
The platform’s success speaks volumes. UrbanChain recorded a staggering turnover growth from £2.4 million to £24 million in just one year. This growth has earned the company recognition as the 3rd fastest-growing UK tech company by Deloitte ’s UK Fast 50 Awards.
Tackling Energy Poverty and Climate Change
At the heart of UrbanChain’s mission is addressing energy poverty and advancing climate solutions. Somayeh highlighted the importance of making energy a necessity, not a privilege. For her, the goal is not just about renewable energy adoption but ensuring equitable access to energy for everyone.
Through its Peer-to-Peer model, UrbanChain is directly contributing to decarbonisation efforts while empowering communities. The company’s work ensures that renewable energy isn’t just a luxury for the few but a viable, accessible solution for the many.
The Funding Journey: Challenges and Triumphs
Like many entrepreneurs building disruptive solutions, Somayeh’s path has been marked by challenges. From scepticism about her technology to navigating investor biases, her resilience has been key to UrbanChain’s success.
During the podcast, she shared insights into her funding journey, including:
UrbanChain’s current £20 million+ Series B fundraising round is set to accelerate its ambitious plans, including expansion into international markets. This includes a strategic move into the United States, led by Graeme Cooper MBA FEI , a renowned figure in clean energy.
Expanding Impact Globally
UrbanChain’s technology has the potential to transform energy markets worldwide. The company’s expansion into the US signals the start of a new chapter, where its Peer-to-Peer exchange model will connect even more communities to renewable energy sources.
Somayeh’s vision for UrbanChain goes beyond business growth; it’s about creating systemic change. As she shared on the podcast, “Innovation must drive impact, and impact must benefit everyone.”
Why You Should Tune In
This episode of the Blue Earth Podcast offers invaluable insights into how technology, entrepreneurship, and passion can come together to tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges. Somayeh Taheri’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to a better future.
🎧 Listen now to hear more about UrbanChain’s incredible journey, the lessons Somayeh has learned as a leader, and how her company is shaping the future of renewable energy.
Stay tuned for more stories from changemakers, innovators, and visionaries on the Blue Earth Podcast. Together, we can drive the solutions the world needs.