For entrepreneurs with a provocative vision for energy & IT; NGP is the only utility venture & innovation fund that taps into the global network of National Grid, accelerating companies with investment, innovation, incubation & biz dev; realizing the full potential of energy.

National Grid Partners

I am pleased to share an important moment for our investment team at National Grid Partners. We are welcoming a new colleague whose deep tech expertise, seasoned investing background, and thoughtful approach to working with founders align closely with our mission. As Head of Investments, I have had the privilege of working alongside Arun for many years, and his addition represents a meaningful step forward for what we hope to achieve.

A Meaningful Addition to the Investment Team

Since our launch in 2018 as the corporate venture and innovation arm of National Grid, National Grid Partners has combined decades of utility operations with disciplined venture investment to accelerate the clean energy transition. Our role is to support innovators who bring creativity, resilience, and technological insight to some of the most pressing challenges in energy.


With more than fifty portfolio companies and a global alliance of over one hundred fifty utilities, we are positioned to deploy capital, scale transformative ideas, and bring new solutions directly into the grid.

Our Mission at National Grid Partners

I first worked with Arun at Intel Capital, where he spent many years investing across a wide range of technologies. We worked together for thirteen years at Intel Capital and then continued our collaboration for another seven years in various industry roles. From the beginning, his depth of understanding and commitment to founders stood out. 


Arun has spent much of his career in deep tech fields such as robotics and data center technologies. These areas are becoming increasingly important for the energy transition, particularly as utilities pursue modern grid intelligence, automation, and resilience. He brings a thoughtful and mature investment style and a reputation for being trusted by founders. These strengths made him the right person to join our team.

Why Arun Enhances Our Vision

Arun’s background in one of the longest-running corporate venture programs in the industry gives him a unique perspective on the balance between strategic and financial returns. He understands how to build investment theses that complement the objectives of a parent company, which is essential for our work at National Grid Partners. 


As we invest in technologies that make networks more reliable, more efficient, and more sustainable, Arun’s experience will help us identify and scale the companies that can make a tangible difference. 

A Stronger Strategy for the Future

We are also pleased to welcome Mark Carlson as a Principal to our Boston investment team. Mark recently completed his MBA at Dartmouth and brings consulting experience that strengthens our diligence and sourcing capabilities. His work will include deal evaluation, portfolio support, and close collaboration with our business development team. Mark brings fresh insight and additional capacity to support our growing portfolio.

Welcoming Mark Carlson

Since 2018 we have deployed more than five hundred million dollars and recently completed our fifty fifth investment. These milestones reflect a steady evolution in how we operate and how deeply we are now integrated into National Grid’s broader strategy. 


One example of this strategic alignment is our investment in Urbint. This company provides artificial intelligence driven tools that help utilities identify risk, protect infrastructure, and keep communities safe. National Grid uses Urbint across several business units, which demonstrates the value we aim to create for both the company and the industry.


We also recently invested in Aina Climate AI Ventures. This initiative is focused on building artificial intelligence based solutions for climate and energy challenges. The announcement at the NextGrid Alliance Summit highlighted our continued commitment to scaling artificial intelligence across the grid.

Recent Milestones and Continued Momentum

With Arun and Mark joining our team, National Grid Partners is entering an exciting new phase. Arun’s deep tech and corporate venture background expands the scope of what we can evaluate and support. Mark’s expertisestrengthens our execution capability. Together, they bring new energy and insight into our mission. 


The grid is evolving rapidly as artificial intelligence, electrification, growing data center demand, and renewable integration reshape the landscape. Our mission is to help National Grid build networks that are smarter, stronger, cleaner, and more resilient. I am confident that the team we have in place will help lead this transition and continue to advance innovation across the industry. 

Looking Forward

By Pradeep Tagare, National Grid Partners

Strengthening the Next Chapter of Innovation at National Grid Partners