UrbanChain has revealed plans to roll out its model in the United States.聽
Graeme Cooper, who has enjoyed a storied career in the disruptive industries of telecoms and energy, will spearhead the UK headquartered company鈥檚 expansion into America.聽
Backed by investors including leading European investment group Eurazeo, UrbanChain鈥檚 tech creates local clean energy markets to connect buyers and sellers.聽
The company is now undergoing a Series B fundraise having recorded a turnover of 拢25 million in 2023-24.聽
Cooper鈥檚 high profile positions have included head of future markets at National Grid and executive director at Fred Olsen Renewables.聽
He joins UrbanChain following his recent post as global vice president at Jacobs and is based in Boston, Massachusetts.聽
鈥淚 find it incredibly exciting to have been given this opportunity by UrbanChain founders Somayeh Taheri and Mo Hajhahsem,鈥� said Cooper.聽
鈥淯rbanChain鈥檚 journey over the past several years is unique and has seen them demonstrate innovation that actively enhances the energy transition time and time again.鈥�
Cooper aims to show local electricity markets within the US the full capability of UrbanChain鈥檚 renewables model.聽
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鈥淥ur rollout into the US will first focus on California, Texas and New England,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e are exploring and looking to pioneer in a country that is energy hungry, has great complexity of size, diversity of thought and one which has multiple energy markets within it.
鈥淭his US expansion is undoubtedly the greatest opportunity for UrbanChain to grow and scale at pace.鈥�
Eurazeo became UrbanChain鈥檚 major shareholder last year with the company having also received significant backing from the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero and Innovate UK.聽
UrbanChain鈥檚 marketplace matches generators of renewable energy and consumers on a half hourly basis. These include private companies, office buildings, industrial sites, local government organisations, hospitals and many more.聽
Taheri, UrbanChain CEO and co-founder, said: 鈥淲e鈥檙e delighted to be beginning our expansion into America. Our model is proven and has been tested through major global stress events.聽
鈥淕raeme Cooper鈥檚 pedigree within our industry is exemplary and we鈥檙e very pleased that he is leading this next phase of UrbanChain鈥檚 journey as we look to scale, grow and help customers.鈥�