Follow me on LinkedIn and you might catch some reflections along the way. If you click the 🔔 on my profile, Anna Carlsson, you’ll make sure not to miss anything I share.
While I’m here scouting the latest tech and international trends, I also deep-dived into a stack of HR Tech and AI reports before leaving. Together with my own experiences, that forms the backbone of my outlook on HR and Tech 2025/2026. It’s my attempt to help you navigate what truly matters ahead – beyond buzzwords and hyped solutions.
The US is still leading the way in HR Tech – thanks to more permissive legislation around data and AI, and a market that allows fast scaling.
Not everyone has the chance to travel here – but want a closer option? UNLEASH in Paris this October is a great alternative – and I still have a few complimentary tickets for HR leaders.
And if you are in Las Vegas this week, let me know! 👋
This edition includes:
✨ Glitter, AI and reality
👌 Anna’s activities
💡 Noted in the HR Tech industry
📅 Events & learning calendar on the website: HRdigi | Event and education calendar 2025
HR Tech Las Vegas – right at the epicenter of the HR tech world’s glitter and innovation. Everything is on display: AI-powered assistants, AI employee clones, smart skills matching, automated workflows, and the analytics platforms of the future.
🌟 It sparkles, it grabs attention – and it’s easy to get swept away. 🌟
But while I’m here to understand the possibilities, I also spent last week giving two presentations and coaching an HR director – where we had to stay grounded in the realities companies face.
And that reality often looks very different.
One thing is clear: technology is rarely the problem. Buying a new system or AI solution is maybe 10% of the work. The rest is about understanding your own environment – current state, culture, structure, and business needs.
Because it doesn’t matter how much AI you buy – if the data isn’t there.
It doesn’t matter how many sleek dashboards you have – if no one knows how to use them.
It doesn’t matter how modern your solution is – if it doesn’t create true business value.
And yet: we do need to keep up.
To be inspired, to see what’s possible, and to think differently is necessary. But it requires that we’ve done our homework. That we know where we stand, identified our gaps, and understood our real needs – both in the business and within HR.
That’s when technology creates impact – when it’s linked to a clear purpose, a plan, and an honest understanding of the current or future state.
So before your next HR system project, AI pilot, or innovation initiative – ask the simple but vital questions:
🟢 What works today – and what doesn’t?
🟢 What is actually being used – and what sits idle?
🟢 Where are the gaps – in data, competence, processes, or ownership?
🟢 How does our tech environment support the goals we have for the future?
The better you understand your current state, the easier it becomes to navigate the opportunities.
Because that’s when they become relevant – and truly value-creating.
Want me to come and talk about future challenges, choices, and strategies with your team? You can reach me at anna.carlsson@hrdigi.se.
BoardClic raises SEK 19 million to expand
Stockholm-based BoardClic, a SaaS platform for digital board evaluations and performance reviews, has raised SEK 19 million in a round led by Tom Nyman Holding. The capital will fuel expansion and product development – reflecting a growing trend of digitalising governance and board work with more data-driven methods.
https://boardclic.com/blog/boardclic-raises-sek-19-million-to-support-continued-growth
Mindler acquires Ieso Digital Health UK
Stockholm-headquartered Mindler acquires Ieso Digital Health UK, one of the NHS’s largest digital therapy providers. The deal creates a leading platform for digital mental health in the UK, combining Mindler’s European services with Ieso’s CBT and AI tools.
https://mindlercare.com/press/mindler-acquires-ieso-digital-health-uk/
Four HR areas where tech hasn’t kept up?
Fredrik Johnsson of The Talent Company highlights four areas with huge potential – where AI could now open new doors:
https://hrpeople.se/2025/09/08/teknik-som-gynnar-hr/
Nordic HR associations launch joint survey
HRföreningen, its Nordic sister organisations, and CatalystOne have launched a survey to map the current and future state of People practices in the Nordics – from digitalisation and AI to strategy and transformation. It only takes ten minutes to complete and also helps you reflect on your own organisation’s position.
https://hrforeningen.se/nyheter/the-nordic-hr-tech-survey-25-26/
Another survey on AI in Sweden
And yes, we’re lagging behind here as well:
https://hrnytt.se/aktuellt/sverige-tappar-ai-greppet-i-norden-norge-och-danmark-gar-fore/?uid=MTI4MzQwMA%3D%3D
Benify now Benifex
Did you, like me, miss that Benify rebranded as Benifex following its merger with Benefex? Maybe everyone else already knew 🫣 – but if not, now you do.
The purpose of this newsletter is to share news from the HR Tech market and highlight trends in digitalization, AI, and innovation for leaders and HR professionals.
About me
My name is Anna Carlsson, and I’m a strategic advisor and HR Tech analyst. I help HR and leadership teams make smart decisions in HR Tech, AI, and digitalization – through strategies that are clear, sustainable over time, and actionable. Assignments range from one-hour advisory calls to long-term projects where I support you all the way from current state to concrete results.
I run HR Digi, supporting HR professionals and HR Tech companies in navigating, understanding, and leading in a digital era. And it doesn’t always take major change – sometimes it’s about clarifying, prioritizing, and communicating strategically to achieve success.
Also proud memebr of Top 100 HR Tech Influencers globalt 2024 & 2025 🙏
