Top Blockchain Startups in the UK

Over the past decade, blockchain has grown from being little more than the niche technology behind cryptocurrencies into a transformative force reshaping industries from finance to energy.

Once primarily associated with Bitcoin, it has evolved into a foundation for decentralised systems, smart contracts and next-generation data security. As governments, institutions and enterprises increasingly explore blockchain applications, the industry has matured significantly, spurred on by regulatory clarity, mainstream adoption and ongoing innovation.

Within this global shift, the UK has emerged as a dynamic hub for blockchain development. With London very clearly leading the way in fintech and digital finance, and a growing number of startups across the country, the UK’s blockchain scene is thriving – and at this point, it only seems to be growing.

 

Blockchain Technology Industry in the UK

 

Over recent years, The UK’s blockchain industry has seen considerable growth, evolving from a fringe interest into a well-supported innovation sector. With strong roots in financial services, the UK has very naturally become a hotspot for blockchain development, particularly in areas like decentralised finance (DeFi), compliance tech and digital asset infrastructure.

Supportive government initiatives, like the FCA’s regulatory sandbox, have helped startups test blockchain applications in real-world environments. Meanwhile, incubators and accelerators like Tech Nation and Seedcamp have nurtured a growing pool of blockchain talent.

The UK’s regulatory approach (more structured than the US but more flexible than parts of the EU) has made it pretty attractive to early-stage companies. Compared to global peers and competitors, the UK stands out for its combination of fintech expertise, academic research and pragmatic regulation. As blockchain continues to expand beyond crypto, the UK is well-positioned to remain a leading force in its development, and there’s a great deal of excitement surrounding what the future holds for the industry.

 

Top 10 Blockchain Startups in the UK in 2025

 

While there are plenty of budding startups and other successful companies emerging in the blockchain industry in the UK at the moment, these are the top 10 we think you should keep an eye on in 2025.

 

Elliptic

 

Founded in London in 2013 by Adam Joyce, Tom Robinson and James Smith, Elliptic is a pioneer in blockchain analytics. It provides anti-money laundering and forensic tools that are now used by major banks, cryptocurrency exchanges and law enforcement agencies.

The firm has raised significant funding and is widely regarded as a global leader in the detection and prevention of crypto-related financial crime. Elliptic was one of the first to recognise the need for trust and transparency in digital assets, building a strong client base in over 25 countries. With cutting-edge blockchain intelligence and a focus on regulatory alignment, Elliptic continues to be a cornerstone in the growth of compliant crypto markets.

 

UrbanChain

 

UrbanChain, based in Manchester and founded in 2017 by Somayeh Taheri, Mo Hajhashem and Ayesha Naureen, leverages blockchain and AI to power peer-to-peer renewable energy trading. Its platform allows consumers to purchase clean energy directly from local producers, creating a more efficient and transparent energy market.

The business has grown rapidly, with a surge in revenue and recent expansion plans into Ireland and North America. UrbanChain’s model bypasses traditional suppliers, reducing energy costs and improving traceability. It stands out for integrating advanced technologies into the UK energy sector while driving the shift towards decentralisation and sustainability.

 

 

Archax

 

Archax is a London-based digital asset exchange, custodian and broker founded in 2018 by Graham Rodford, Andrew Flatt and Matthew Pollard. It holds full FCA regulation, making it one of the first institutional-grade blockchain firms to operate under UK financial rules. Archax focuses on tokenising real-world assets such as shares, bonds and funds, enabling more efficient capital markets.

Backed by major investors, it has also gained approval to provide promotional compliance services for digital asset firms. Archax is uniquely positioned at the intersection of traditional finance and blockchain innovation, attracting hedge funds, asset managers and financial institutions looking to enter the digital asset space securely.

 

DFX Finance

 

DFX Finance is a decentralised exchange based in London, specialising in the trading of stablecoins using smart contract-based bonding curves. It aims to bring efficient, FX-style trading to the blockchain space, facilitating smooth and low-slippage conversions between fiat-backed digital currencies.

Designed for global users and institutions alike, DFX optimises capital usage while maintaining decentralisation. Although it’s an emerging player, its focus on stablecoin markets and real-world currency pairs gives it a distinctive edge. DFX is an example of how DeFi protocols can move beyond speculation to offer real utility, positioning itself as a key infrastructure layer for digital currency trading.

 

Energi Mine

 

Energi Mine was founded in 2016 by Omar Rahim in Greater Manchester with the goal of promoting energy efficiency using blockchain and AI. It developed a token-based rewards system encouraging users to reduce energy consumption, with tokens redeemable for green products, services and transport.

Energi Mine attracted attention for blending gamification with environmental responsibility, gaining recognition for its innovation. Though it started with a strong focus on consumer energy saving, it later expanded into energy trading platforms and advisory services. Its unique contribution lies in marrying clean energy objectives with blockchain technology, addressing both individual behaviour and industrial efficiency.

 

Quantum Blockchain Technologies

 

Quantum Blockchain Technologies, formerly Clear Leisure, is a publicly listed UK company that pivoted into blockchain and crypto mining in recent years. Its core innovation lies in applying AI and machine learning to optimise Bitcoin mining, aiming to improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption.

The firm claims to have developed tools that increase hashing success rates through predictive models. It’s also exploring partnerships in the blockchain R&D space. Unlike most startups, it operates as a listed entity, offering transparency and access to traditional investors. Its hybrid approach, merging AI with crypto infrastructure, sets it apart in the evolving mining landscape.

 

Gensyn

 

Gensyn is a London-based blockchain startup developing a decentralised computing protocol aimed at supporting large-scale AI workloads. Its platform allows machine learning developers to access compute resources distributed across a decentralised network, verified through blockchain technology. This enables scalable, permissionless AI training while ensuring proof of work and resource accountability.

Gensyn is part of the emerging DePIN (decentralised physical infrastructure networks) movement, blending blockchain with real-world infrastructure needs. With growing demand for high-performance computing, Gensyn’s model is gaining traction for offering flexible, decentralised alternatives to big cloud providers. Its innovative approach could significantly change how AI models are developed and deployed.

 

Neuron

 

Neuron, founded in London in 2019 by Niall Greenwood and James Dunthorne, focuses on secure machine-to-machine communication using blockchain and AI. Initially developed through the UK government’s Future Flight Challenge, Neuron’s platform enables real-time data exchange between drones and other connected devices.

It has been successfully trialled for autonomous air traffic systems, allowing for secure, low-latency communication without relying on central cloud infrastructure. Its open-source framework is lightweight, cost-effective and highly scalable. Neuron’s work in decentralised edge networking marks it as a leader in blockchain-enabled infrastructure, especially as smart cities and autonomous systems gain momentum across the UK and beyond.

 

Fnality International

 

Fnality International is a London-based consortium formed by major global banks, including Barclays, UBS and Goldman Sachs to revolutionise interbank payments using blockchain. The company’s mission is to create a global liquidity management ecosystem with blockchain-settled, 24/7 payments in multiple currencies.

Its first platform (which used a digital version of the British pound) has already gone live and is used by large financial institutions. With strong regulatory engagement and backing, Fnality offers a compliant, scalable alternative to existing payment rails. By combining the trust of traditional banking with the efficiency of decentralised ledgers, it is one of the most influential blockchain ventures in institutional finance.

 

Circulor

 

Circulor, founded in London in 2017 by Doug Johnson-Poensgen and Veera Johnson, uses blockchain to bring transparency and traceability to complex industrial supply chains. It helps major manufacturers, particularly in automotive and mining, track materials like cobalt, lithium and rubber from source to factory, ensuring ethical and sustainable sourcing.

Circulor’s platform also supports carbon footprint tracking, aligning with growing ESG and regulatory requirements. Clients include global names like Volvo, Polestar and BHP. What makes Circulor unique is its real-world focus, connecting blockchain data with physical assets across international supply chains. As sustainability becomes a priority, Circulor is at the forefront of blockchain-for-good applications.