There are moments in life that quietly change everything.
For me, 1999 was one of those years.
While the Super Cyclone devastated Odisha and the Kargil War unfolded on our nation's borders, I was a young student in Bhubaneswar trying to answer a simple but life-changing question: How do I want to serve?
With no electricity for days, no internet, no coaching institutes, and limited resources, I prepared on my own for the Combined Defence Services examination. I was fortunate to clear the examination on my first attempt, secure an All India Rank of 152, and earn the privilege of being commissioned into the Regiment of Artillery of the Indian Army.
The Army taught me lessons that no classroom ever could—leadership under pressure, resilience in uncertainty, discipline, teamwork, and the importance of making decisions when there are no perfect answers.
A medical injury brought my military career to an unexpected end, but it also opened the door to a new chapter.
After completing my Executive MBA at IIM Bangalore, I entered the corporate world with Tech Mahindra, where I spent seven years leading large-scale transformation programmes for British Telecom. Later, at KPN in the Netherlands, I had the opportunity to lead enterprise transformation and data migration initiatives that broadened my understanding of technology and business strategy.
Those experiences eventually led to co-founding Nest Group in the United Kingdom.
Today, our businesses span technology, sustainability, gaming, agriculture, and media through ventures including Xpertnest, Earthnest, and Gamenest. We continue to work on innovations in AI, geospatial intelligence, renewable energy, climate-conscious infrastructure, digital entertainment, and agri-tech.
Beyond business, I remain committed to giving back through initiatives supporting healthcare, community development, and cultural heritage.
When I look back, I don't see a straight line. I see setbacks, unexpected turns, difficult decisions, and opportunities disguised as challenges.
If there is one lesson my journey has reinforced, it is this:
Your circumstances do not define your destination. Your response to them does.
I remain deeply grateful to my family, mentors, colleagues, friends, and every member of our teams who have been part of this journey. Whatever we have built has never been the achievement of one individual—it has always been the result of collective effort, shared values, and the belief that meaningful impact is possible.
The journey continues, and I am as excited about the future as I was when I first chose to serve over two decades ago.
#Leadership #Entrepreneurship #IndianArmy #Veteran #Technology #ArtificialIntelligence #Sustainability #Innovation #Startup #Business #Odisha #UnitedKingdom #Resilience #NestGroup
We're teaming up with @Xpertnest to bring you an immersive experience of The Classic for visitors and fans further afield!
Watch out for our Virtual Reality Headsets near the Village Green, and live footage from the heart of The Classic too!
Read more: https://t.co/mSEQ9lRFGA
Congrats to Xpertnest for being ranked among UK's top 500 fastest-growing companies (), with a 220% growth rate! A milestone for outstanding tech innovation. https://t.co/U4xNEGg0Vy
The UK Fast Growth Index 2025 Gala Event
A huge congratulations to Captain Arun Kar for his outstanding and visionary leadership, under which XpertNest has been recognised and awarded as one of the Fastest Growing Firms in the UK in The UK Fast Growth Index 2025.
[COMING UP] While AI dominates headlines worldwide, the use of AI and advanced technologies will influence nations’ decision regarding the expansion and sustaining future growth.
CNBC Africa speaks to Arun Kar, Founder of Xpertnest about the role of technology in building today’s economies and how to deploy innovation at scale.
🗓️Thursday 22 January
🕓13:30 CAT
@arunkar06@Xpertnest
#WEF26 #AfricaAtWE
[ICYMI] As AI continued to dominate global conversations last week, advanced technologies increasingly shaped how countries think about long-term growth and resilience.
CNBC Africa spoke to Arun Kar, Founder of Xpertnest, on the role of technology in building modern economies and how innovation can be deployed at scale.
#WEF26 #CNBCAfrica
UK-Based Odia Entrepreneur Arun Kar Honoured at the United Nations Headquarters, New York for Humanitarian Initiatives Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals | Odisha Diary, Latest Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha https://t.co/7nWbet3kn7
#WATCH | Bhubaneswar, Odisha | KIIT Vice Chancellor Prof (Dr) Sarabjeet Singh says, "Since 2012, Reliance Foundation has been doing huge activities for social upliftment of marginalised people in the areas of sports, as well as education. We were happy that Nita Ambani came to the state of Odisha and KIIT and KISS... At KISS, she was conferred one of the highest humanitarian awards, given to some of the best statesmen, policy makers and people who did so well for the society. D.Litt. was given to her in recognition of her efforts and making Reliance Foundation a beautiful organisation serving mankind and society..." (16.03)
For clarity, my professional association with Biswanath Patnaik lasted approximately 18 months and ended in 2024 when the funding commitments he represented as an investment partner were not fulfilled. No funds were ever received from Biswanath Patnaik, including those referenced through documentation from his UK solicitor. This situation resulted in financial losses and disruption to long-standing professional relationships.
The bonds listed on AFRINEX were structured as debt instruments, as suggested by Biswanath Patnaik. They were never subscribed to or purchased, and no funds were received from Biswanath Patnaik, any investor, or any party in connection with these bonds. The delisting process was initiated much earlier and, as with any exchange process, involves fees and procedural steps that take time. Xpertnest has already been delisted and Earthnest will follow shortly.
Xpertnest and Earthnest are independent companies have no association with Biswanath Patnaik.
India-EU FTA: Game changer ahead
Sharing my take in this Times of India piece on the "breakthrough" deal. This can shift India from low-cost talent to global standards leader in digital, green tech—if we nail upskilling, compliance, and sustainable logistics.
https://t.co/aRT7aN9qmX
This was never about charity. It is our responsibility. 🤍
Nidhi and I were grateful to support and help address a long-pending need for 46 young girls in Nabarangpur—safe sanitation, menstrual care, and dignity.
Deep gratitude to Dr. Bibhuti Bhusan Pattnayak & Swagatika Tripathy for their tireless on-ground efforts.
Sometimes, quiet acts leave the deepest impact. 💙
Aligned with #SDG3 #SDG5 #SDG6 @UN