6 Asian Founders featured in Tech Nation’s Future Fifty 2025 Cohort

The Tech Nation Future Fifty programme is one of the UK’s most prestigious accelerators, annually spotlighting the country’s most promising late-stage tech scaleups. The 2025 cohort is particularly notable for its strong representation of Asian founders, whose companies are driving innovation across sectors such as sustainability, fintech, healthcare, and energy. Their inclusion not only highlights the growing diversity in the UK’s tech ecosystem but also underlines the vital role that multicultural leadership plays in shaping the future of technology.

Dimple Patel, CEO of NatureMetrics, stands at the forefront of environmental technology. NatureMetrics uses DNA-based solutions to collect and analyse biodiversity data at scale, making it easier for organisations to monitor and report on their impact on nature. Patel’s leadership is rooted in a deep commitment to sustainability, shaped by her upbringing and global experience. She has successfully positioned NatureMetrics as a key player in the push for more transparent and actionable environmental data, enabling companies and governments to make informed decisions about conservation and land management.

Michelle He, co-founder and COO of Abound, is transforming the lending landscape through open banking and artificial intelligence. With a background in AI and machine learning, He has developed a platform that analyses real-time financial data to offer fairer, more accessible credit. Abound’s mission is to break the cycle of high-interest debt and promote financial inclusion, particularly for those traditionally underserved by mainstream banks. He’s vision is to democratise access to credit, ensuring that more people can benefit from affordable financial products.

Farzana Rahman, co-founder and CEO of Hexarad, brings her clinical expertise as a consultant radiologist to the world of healthtech. Hexarad addresses critical bottlenecks in medical imaging by streamlining radiology workflows and improving diagnostic accuracy. Rahman’s experience within the NHS has given her unique insight into the challenges facing healthcare providers, and Hexarad’s technology is already making a tangible difference in patient care. By leveraging digital tools to enhance efficiency, Rahman is helping to alleviate some of the pressures on the UK’s healthcare system.

Tim Chong, co-founder and CEO of Yonder, is reimagining credit cards for a new generation of urban professionals. With roots in Australia and a background in consulting and fintech, Chong identified a gap in the market for a lifestyle-focused credit card tailored to expats and young professionals in London. Yonder’s offering combines transparent fees, customer-centric rewards, and a focus on experiences, quickly gaining popularity among city dwellers seeking more value from their financial products. Chong’s approach blends financial empowerment with cultural discovery, positioning Yonder as both a fintech innovator and a lifestyle brand.

Aseem Munshi, founder and CEO of Updraft, leverages his experience as a former HSBC executive to tackle the issue of consumer debt. Updraft uses smart algorithms and open banking data to help users escape high-interest credit card debt and manage their finances more effectively. The company’s recent £108 million funding round is a testament to investor confidence in Munshi’s vision. Updraft’s platform offers a smarter, more flexible alternative to traditional lending, empowering users to take control of their financial futures.

Somayeh Taheri, CEO and founder of Urban Chain, is revolutionising the renewable energy sector with a unique peer-to-peer exchange system. By using AI and blockchain, Urban Chain matches consumers directly with renewable energy producers, ensuring transparency, lower costs, and genuine carbon neutrality. Based in Manchester, the company serves a wide range of clients, from corporates to local authorities, delivering energy bills at least 25% lower for consumers while increasing margins for producers. Taheri’s vision is to make clean, affordable energy accessible to everyone, driving the transition to a sustainable future.

The inclusion of these Asian founders in the Tech Nation Future Fifty 2025 cohort is a powerful reminder of the value of diversity in driving technological progress. Their companies are not only scaling rapidly but also addressing some of society’s most pressing challenges, from climate change and healthcare to financial inclusion and sustainable energy. As these leaders continue to innovate and inspire, they are helping to shape a more inclusive and resilient tech landscape for the UK and beyond.

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