Captain Arun Kar (Retd.) is a UK-based,Indian-origin tech entrepreneur, investor, and former Indian Army officer who transitioned into global business after a service-related injury. He is the visionary founder of Xpertnest, a leading deep-tech and enterprise AI firm, Earthnest, an innovative sustainable materials brand, and many other ventures. As an active cross-sector investor, he closely mentors and advises CEOs to scale their operations globally. He also serves as a director leading the Global South Corridor, a strategic initiative launched at the UK Parliament to bridge trade and digital networks between emerging economies and the West.
A prominent global voice, Captain Kar was a speaker in a high-profile, CNBC-led session at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos. His cross-sector contributions earned him an invitation to deliver a distinguished guest lecture at the University of Oxford on purpose-driven enterprise governance, followed by a formal felicitation at the United Nations Headquarters in New York for his projects and philanthropic activities aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Drawing on over two decades of experience in military service and technology innovation, Arun Kar transforms visionary ideas into impactful, sustainable business solutions. As a military veteran turned technocrat and Founder of Nest Group, he champions digital transformation and empowers startups across diverse sectors—from smart cities and renewable energy to information technology. With a proven track record of strategic investments and leadership, Arun is dedicated to turning bold ambitions into tangible value for businesses, entrepreneur, and communities worldwide.
Arun Kar envisions redefining the intersection of technology and sustainability by leveraging military discipline and entrepreneurial insight to solve pressing global challenges. Committed to driving innovation for humanity and the planet, he focuses on developing cutting-edge solutions that transform industries, empower businesses, and create a lasting impact on communities worldwide.
Arun Kar’s mission is to empower visionary leaders and startups through strategic investments, mentorship, and ethical governance. By fostering innovation and sustainable growth, he is committed to turning bold ideas into impactful, real-world value, driving progress for businesses, communities, and the planet.
As a globally recognized entrepreneur and industry leader, Arun leverages his expansive cross-sector experience to build transformative ventures that accelerate growth, redefine operational excellence, and create long-term value in rapidly evolving global markets
Arun Kar is at the forefront of digital transformation, driving breakthrough IT solutions and technological innovations through ventures like Xpertnest. His work in this sector is dedicated to harnessing technology to solve complex challenges and enhance the global digital landscape.
A core pillar of his vision, Arun leverages sustainable practices and eco-friendly innovations—exemplified by Earthnest—to address environmental challenges. His commitment is reflected in initiatives that promote renewable energy and sustainable business models, ensuring long-term ecological and economic benefits.
With a focus on integrating technology into urban development, Arun envisions smarter cities that are more efficient, resilient, and sustainable. His efforts aim to revolutionize urban planning and infrastructure, transforming the way communities live and interact in a digitally driven world.
Recognizing the importance of clean and efficient transportation, Arun is passionate about pioneering advancements in electric vehicles, hydrogen automotives, and other renewable energy solutions. His investments in this sector are geared toward reshaping mobility and reducing the environmental impact of transportation.
Arun Kar had the immense honor of meeting Her Excellency, the Honourable President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. Madam President, also the Supreme Commander, expressed happiness hearing about Arun's CSR activities and extended her best wishes for grand success in all his endeavors.
Reflecting on an extraordinary evening in November 2023, Arun Kar had a special invitation to dine with The Right Honourable Rishi Sunak, MP, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Their discussions centered around leadership, innovation, sustainable growth, and addressing global challenges through transformative solutions. Arun was deeply inspired by the Prime Minister's insights and commitment to creating a positive societal impact.
During the World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos, Arun had a meaningful interaction with Shri Pralhad Joshi, Hon’ble Union Cabinet Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Government of India. Their discussion focused on the future of renewable energy and how technology and artificial intelligence can support India’s transition towards sustainable growth, clean energy innovation, and resilient infrastructure.
Arun met Shri Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Hon’ble Union Cabinet Minister for Civil Aviation, Government of India, during the World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos. Their discussion centred on the future of civil aviation and the role of technology, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence in enabling smarter, more efficient, and modern aviation infrastructure.
In April 2026, Arun attended an exclusive breakfast briefing in London hosted in the presence of the Bahrain Economic Development Board. He also had an engaging discussion with H.E. Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Bahrain’s Minister of Sustainable Development, exploring collaboration opportunities across the UK, Bahrain, and India, with a focus on sustainable growth, investment, and economic diversification.
It was a profound honour for Arun to meet the Honourable Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, during the Utkarsh Odisha event. Their discussion centred on strategic investments poised to generate substantial employment opportunities and elevate Odisha’s position on the global stage as a hub of world-class innovation. Arun underscored the importance of sustainable business practices and the transformative role of technology in accelerating the state’s growth. The meeting marked a significant step toward collaborative efforts aimed at shaping Odisha into a global epicentre of innovation and economic development.
Arun had the distinct honour of engaging in a meaningful and insightful discussion with Dr. S. Jaishankar, Honourable Minister of External Affairs, during the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) held in Bhubaneswar in 2025. Their conversation focused on transformative initiatives to accelerate Odisha’s development, with an emphasis on innovation, infrastructure, and global partnerships. Arun highlighted the immense potential of the ODOP (One District One Product) initiative in showcasing the unique strengths of Odisha’s districts on global platforms, alongside a strategic dialogue on TTT — Trade, Technology, and Tourism
In February 2026, Arun was honoured at the United Nations HQ in New York for advancing humanitarian initiatives aligned with the UN SDGs. His work has included supporting sanitation for tribal girls, polio vaccination efforts, women in sport, and the fight against plastic pollution. The recognition reflected the collective efforts of the communities, partners, and individuals who have supported this journey, reinforcing his continued commitment to creating meaningful and sustainable impact.
Learn more
Arun was honoured at the University of Oxford with the UN Global Excellence Award 2025 by the United Nations Global Peace Council on 16 December 2025 in recognition of his sincere contributions and outstanding achievements toward the growth of the society across his respective fields of work; the award acknowledges his purpose-driven leadership, impactful initiatives in innovation, sustainability, and social development.
Learn more
In July 2025, Xpertnest recognized on the UK's Growth500 list in 2025, highlighting its significant revenue growth (around 220%) demonstrating high performance based on public data compiled by experts behind the Sunday Times Rich List. The Growth500 identifies the UK's fastest-growing companies through rigorous analysis of financial filings, showcasing firms like Xpertnest that show strong revenue expansion and innovation in various sectors.
Learn more
Featured on the cover of Forbes on March 2023 as one of the Unstoppable Indians and Influential Leader Business, marking a major milestone in his career for his contributions to business, sustainability, and leadership.
Learn more
Received the prestigious Mahatma Gandhi Samman at the House of Commons, London, recognising his dedication to entrepreneurship, innovation, and global sustainability.
Learn more
Featured on the cover of Fortune India as one of the Top 40 "Unstoppable Worlds Brightest Business Minds", alongside Elon Musk, for his contributions to business and leadership.
Learn more
SME National Business Awards (December 2021)- Xpertnest was awarded the Silver Award for Best Enterprising Business at the SME National Business Awards in December 2021.
Learn more
Earthnest received the Product Innovation Award at the Southern Sustainability Expo in 2021 for its groundbreaking solutions in the sustainability sector.
Learn more
Xpertnest was named Company of the Year in 2019 by CIO Review, a leading technology publication.
Learn more
NBT (NavBharat Times) – 2022- Recognized as a Times Visionary Leader in 2022 by NavBharat Times (NBT), a prominent publication under the Times Group, acknowledging his leadership in business and innovation.
Learn more
In November 2025, Xpertnest has been recognised as one of the UK's 200 fastest-growing firms by the 2025 UK Fast Growth Index, a programme which identifies and celebrates the fastest-growing businesses across the UK
Learn more
Arun was felicitated at the Oxford Leadership Summit and formally honoured at the University of Oxford as an Eminent Guest Speaker on 16 December 2025 in acknowledgement of his extraordinary dedication, leadership, and outstanding contributions, reflecting his continued impact in inspiring excellence, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership on a global platform.
Learn more
Honoured as Business Person of the Year at the SME London Business Awards for his outstanding contributions to business and innovation.
Learn more
(WCRCINT and WCRCLEADERS – September 2022)- He was awarded the title of World's Best Emerging Business Leader 2022 by WCRCINT and WCRCLEADERS in the category of Business Consulting, presented at the esteemed House of Lords, British Parliament.
Learn more
SME National Business Awards (December 2021)- Arun Kar's company, Earthnest, won the Gold Award in the Best New Business category at the SME National Business Awards, held in December 2021.
Learn more
He is a holder of the Guinness World Record for his outstanding achievements in the Marathon in September 2021, which helped in delivering the Polio vaccine for UNICEF.
Learn more
CNBC TV18 and AsiaOne- He was honoured as the Global Indian of the Year for 2020-2021, recognized on CNBC TV18 and AsiaOne's platform for his significant contributions to business and technology.
Learn more
Featured on the cover of CIO Review in 2019 for his visionary leadership and contributions to the IT and business sectors.
Learn more
