Naren Balakrishnan
Senior Advisor Leadership

Email
naren.balakrishnan@csga-global.org

LinkedIn Profile
https://www.linkedin.com/in/narenbalakrishnan/

Biography

With over 20 years’ experience in information technology, including the last 16 years in professional services and consulting, Naren is a seasoned tech professional and funding expert. He holds an Honours Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science from the University of Toronto. Naren helps companies access Government funding programs and helps companies in a variety industries to file maximized and substantiated tax credit claims. His clients represent a number of industries including Telecommunications, Software/IT, Electronics, Financial Services Institutions, Aerospace and Defence, Health-IT and Bio-Technology. He assists clients in a number of areas including: determination of eligible expenditures, preparation of technical reports, review of documentation, incorporating best practices to maximize claim size and handling potential CRA matters including audit defense.

Naren is heavily involved in business development initiatives, working with international companies to enter the Canadian market, developing strategic partnerships with technology associations and working closely with start-up companies to help them get to the next level. He also works to mentor, connect and introduce companies to other accounting and business functions including cyber-security at Grant Thornton. He is well connected within the Canadian funding ecosystem including working with groups such as the big banks, lending agencies, the BDC, EDC, VC groups and works closely with Angel groups. He held past roles at notable companies including KPMG and IBM.

About Grant Thornton

Grant Thornton LLP is a leading Canadian accounting and business advisory firm providing audit, tax and advisory services—locally and across Canada to dynamic privately owned, publicly listed and public sector organizations.