Upgraded People AB strengthens its management and takes the next step in the company’s continued growth journey. Mikael Antonsson, with solid experience in customer relations, delivery, business development and consulting, takes office as the new CEO.

Upgraded People AB announces today that Mikael Antonsson will take over as the company’s new CEO. The recruitment marks an important step in Upgraded People’s continued development as a consulting intermediary within IT, digitalization and management.

Mikael Antonsson has a solid background with experience from both the customer and supplier side and brings experience from Kalmar, Capgemini and Consid, where he has worked closely with customers, consultants and delivery organizations. With his combination of business understanding, leadership and experience from the consulting industry, he is now assigned to lead Upgraded People into the next phase.

– Upgraded People has a strong position in the market and a clear potential to continue growing. The company has built a model that creates value for both customers and consultants, and I look forward to working with the team to further develop the offering, strengthen customer relationships and accelerate the company’s growth, says Mikael Antonsson, incoming CEO of Upgraded People AB.

Upgraded People has established itself in recent years as a player in consultancy brokerage with a focus on matching the right skills with the right assignments. The company operates in a market where the demand for specialist skills in IT, technology, digitalization and management continues to be high, while more and more organizations are looking for flexible and accurate solutions for their talent supply.

– Mikael has the background, energy and business acumen required to lead Upgraded People forward. His experience in both customer development and delivery makes him the right person to take the company into the next chapter, says Anders Arvidsson, Chairman of the Board at Upgraded People AB.

As CEO, Mikael Antonsson will focus on continued growth, enhanced customer benefit and further development of Upgraded People’s position as a relevant and personal partner for public sector organizations, companies and consultants.

– For me, consultancy is fundamentally about trust, precision and long-term relationships. Clients should feel that they quickly get access to the right expertise, and consultants should feel that they get assignments where their experience really comes into its own. That is where Upgraded People has a strong foundation to build on, says Mikael Antonsson.

Mikael Antonsson will assume the role of CEO on August 17, 2026.

For more information, contact:

Nathalie Hellgren
Business coordinator and marketing
Upgraded People AB
nathalie.hellgren@upgraded.se
www.upgraded.se

About Upgraded People AB

Upgraded People is one of Northern Europe’s fastest growing companies in skills supply and strategic staffing. We offer tailor-made solutions that match the right skills with the right context – always with people at the center. Our clients are in both the public and private sectors, and we deliver resources in Sweden, Germany, Norway and Denmark. With over 1,600 consultants on assignment, we help organizations achieve their goals and visions in a sustainable way.

Upgraded People begins 2026 with continued growth and improved profitability. During the first quarter of the year, sales increased by 4.4 percent to SEK 491 million, compared to SEK 470 million in the corresponding period last year. At the same time, earnings increased by 28.0 percent.

The consulting brokerage segment is affected by several parallel market factors. The Swedish economy is in a gradual recovery, but companies’ investment decisions are still characterized by caution. At the same time, digitalization, AI, efficiency programs and the public sector’s continued need for skills are creating demand for specialists in areas where internal capacity is often insufficient.

For consulting brokers, this means that the market is not only driven by volume, but to a greater extent by relevance and matching quality. Customers are demanding shorter lead times, better selection, clearer pricing and greater security of delivery. In this environment, Upgraded People’s development in the first quarter is particularly strong: the company is growing from a high level, while the result is increasing significantly faster than sales.

The development is taking place in a market that is gradually showing signs of recovery, but where consultancy buyers remain selective, cost-conscious and clearly focused on business-critical competence. The National Institute of Economic Research estimates that the recovery in the Swedish economy will continue in 2026, even though growth slowed in the first quarter. At the same time, Almega’s services indicator shows that growth in the private services sector has strengthened, with particularly good demand in certain business services.

For consulting brokers and consulting intermediaries, this means a market with clear contrasts. After several quarters of caution among customers, there is an improved level of activity, but competition remains high and assignments are won to a greater extent through precision, accessibility and the ability to quickly match the right specialist expertise to the right need.

Against this backdrop, Upgraded People’s first quarter shows a stable development. Sales growth exceeds the broader growth rate in the private services sector, while the profit improvement indicates a more efficient business, good cost control and continued demand for the company’s consulting brokerage model. Upgraded People reported sales of SEK 470 million in the first quarter of 2025, which makes the year’s level of SEK 491 million a continued increase from a very strong comparison period.

– We are proud to start the year with both growth and clearly improved results. The market is not easy, but it rewards players who understand customer needs, have access to the right expertise and can act quickly. Our development during the first quarter shows that Upgraded People continues to be relevant in a market where quality, accuracy and long-term relationships are becoming increasingly important, says Christoffer Svensson, Team Lead Consulting Agency at Upgraded People.

Upgraded People is an independent consultancy agency and consultant matching specialists and has worked for 16 years with the appointment of business-critical competence with a focus on IT, digitalization, technology, management and the service sector. The company works without its own employed consultants and instead matches clients’ needs with specialists from a broad network of freelance consultants and consulting companies.

– Our position is built on the combination of a strong consulting network, deep understanding of our customers’ businesses and a process that makes consulting procurement both efficient and transparent. During the first quarter, we have seen that customers continue to invest in expertise when the needs are clear and linked to business-critical initiatives, says Christoffer Svensson.

About Upgraded People

Upgraded People is one of Northern Europe’s fastest growing companies in skills supply and strategic staffing. We offer tailor-made solutions that match the right skills with the right context – always with people at the center. Our clients are in both the public and private sectors, and we deliver resources in Sweden, Germany, Norway and Denmark. With over 1,600 consultants on assignment, we help organizations achieve their goals and visions in a sustainable way.

Upgraded People increases turnover to SEK 1,850 million in 2025 – strengthens positioning through strategic framework agreements and exclusive assignment for the Swedish Tax Agency.

Consulting agency Upgraded People reports revenue of SEK 1,850 million for 2025, an increase of 6.9 percent compared to the previous year. The growth comes in a year characterized by cautious investments and pressured consulting markets.

At the same time, the company has won several strategically important framework agreements in both the private and public sectors. Most significant is the new agreement with the Swedish Tax Agency, where Upgraded People becomes the exclusive partner for consultancy brokerage of IT and AI expertise. The framework agreement extends over 2 years with the possibility of a 1 + 1 year extension and has a ceiling volume of SEK 5.55 billion.

– 2025 has been a year where many players have struggled with reduced demand and severe price pressure. The fact that we are growing and winning deals of this size at the same time shows that our model is working.

Growth in a wait-and-see market

The consulting agency market has been characterized by longer decision-making processes and increased cost control during the year, especially in technology and digitalization. Despite this, Upgraded People has increased its turnover to SEK 1,850 million, driven by:

• Deeper customer relationships in the private and public sectors
• Increasing demand for specialist expertise in IT and AI
• Effective matching between clients and qualified consultants

The company’s focus on quality-assured processes and long-term collaborations has been crucial in a market where secure delivery and regulatory compliance have become increasingly important.

Exclusive framework agreement with the Swedish Tax Agency

The new agreement with the Swedish Tax Agency means that Upgraded People will have overall responsibility for the placement of IT and AI consultants within the agency. The agreement covers a ceiling volume of SEK 5.55 billion over the agreement period.

The Swedish Tax Agency is in an intensive digital development phase with increased demands for automation, data analysis and AI-based solutions. The agreement provides the agency with a unified and quality-assured delivery model for critical expertise.

– Becoming the exclusive partner of the Swedish Tax Agency in IT and AI mediation is a great trust. It places high demands on us, but it is also proof that we have the capacity and structure to handle assignments of national importance.

Several strategic framework agreements

In addition to the agreement with the Swedish Tax Agency, Upgraded People has secured several new and renewed framework agreements in both the private and public sectors during the year. These strengthen the company’s position as a leading player in qualified consultancy brokerage.

Overall, the agreements provide a stable platform for continued growth, even in a market that is expected to be selective in 2026.

Upgraded People is named Mästargasell 2025

During the year, Upgraded People was also named Mästargasell 2025 by Dagens Industri, an award given to companies that have demonstrated strong and sustainable growth over time. The award confirms the company’s long-term development and financial stability.

– Becoming a Master Gazelle is proof that our growth is not temporary, but is built on structures, relationships and consistent work year after year. It strengthens the image of Upgraded People as a safe and long-term partner, both for customers and consultants.

Looking ahead

Looking ahead to 2026, the focus is on continued profitable growth, operational efficiency and meeting the increasing demand for cutting-edge expertise in IT, AI and digital transformation.

– Our ambition is clear. We will continue to grow, but we will do so with control. The right business, the right expertise and the right partnership.

About Upgraded People

Upgraded People is one of Northern Europe’s fastest growing companies in skills supply and strategic staffing. We offer tailor-made solutions that match the right skills with the right context – always with people at the center. Our clients are in both the public and private sectors, and we deliver resources in Sweden, Germany, Norway and Denmark. With over 1,200 consultants on assignment, we help organizations achieve their goals and visions in a sustainable way.

The consultancy agency Upgraded People has won one of the largest procurements in Sweden within public administration concerning consultancy agency of IT and AI competence. The agreement, which goes under the name “IT-konsultmäklare”, has a ceiling volume of 5.55 billion SEK and runs over two years with the possibility of extension 1 + 1 year. Upgraded People is the only supplier to be awarded a framework agreement.

The agreement covers not only the Swedish Tax Agency, but also the Swedish Enforcement Authority, the Swedish Election Authority, the Swedish Payment Authority and the Swedish Tax Authority and the Swedish Research Tax Board. The Swedish Tax Agency acts as the contracting authority for all parties, and both the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish Enforcement Authority will sign separate but identical framework agreements.

A strategic investment in the digital administration of the future

The background to the procurement is the need for a flexible and efficient supply of skills that supports the Swedish Tax Agency and other authorities in their prioritized development areas. Digitalization, automation and a high degree of information security are central to ensuring that the meeting with citizens is simple, safe and legally secure.

A particular focus area is artificial intelligence (AI), which the authorities see as a key to increased efficiency, innovation and legal certainty in Swedish public administration.

Areas of expertise covered by the agreement:

• AI
• Analysis & Design
• Architecture
• Database Development
• Management & Governance
• System Development
• Security
• Technology
• Testing

This is an important milestone for Upgraded People. Being trusted as the sole supplier in a procurement of this magnitude confirms the strength of our working method and our ability to deliver the right expertise at the right time. We look forward to contributing to the digital development of the Swedish Tax Agency and other authorities, especially in AI and automation, which will play a crucial role in the future of public services.

About Upgraded People

Upgraded People is one of Northern Europe’s fastest growing companies in skills supply and strategic staffing. We offer tailor-made solutions that match the right skills with the right context – always with people at the center. Our clients are in both the public and private sectors, and we deliver resources in Sweden, Germany, Norway and Denmark. With over 1,100 consultants on assignment, we help organizations achieve their goals and visions in a sustainable way.

2025 was a year that clearly demonstrated the strength of our organization. In a market characterized by uncertainty, increased demands and rapid change, we continued to do what we do best: creating accurate matches between organizations with needs and consultants with the right skills.

Through deeper customer relationships, a growing consultant network and a consistent focus on quality, we took an even clearer position in the market. It is a year that reflects who we are – business-driven, relationship-focused and long-term.

When the right match makes a real difference

Our strategic work with both clients and consultants in finding solutions to challenging skills needs has never been more extensive than in 2025. Our role is about more than adding resources – it is about understanding businesses, contexts and people to create sustainable solutions to business-critical challenges.

Feedback from both clients and consultants shows that our presence, accessibility and understanding of the market are appreciated. In a time of increasing pace and complexity, the ability to quickly, but with precision, find the right solution has become increasingly important.

Stable growth in a changing market

Despite a challenging market situation, Upgraded People continued to develop during the year. We saw an increased demand for flexible skills solutions and for a partner who can act as an advisor, not just an intermediary.

The growth has been done with clear consideration. We have prioritized:

• long-term customer relationships
• a strong and quality-assured consulting network
• businesses where transparency and trust are at the center

By sticking to our business model and values, we have created stability, even when the surrounding conditions have changed.

The consultant network – our most important asset

Alongside our fantastic employees, one of our greatest strengths is the network of consultants who actively choose to collaborate with us. In 2025, the network has continued to grow, both in scope, depth and breadth, with specialist skills in several business and technology-related areas.

We see the consulting relationship as a partnership. This means clear communication, the right expectations and a shared responsibility for delivery. When consultants thrive and are given the right conditions, better business results are also created for our clients.

Trust from customers with high demands

During the year, we have continued to win new assignments and extend collaborations with organizations that place high demands on delivery, pace and quality. Our working method, with short decision-making paths and close dialogue, has made us a valued partner in both private and public contexts.

In 2025, Upgraded People has contributed expertise in assignments that have been crucial to our customers’ businesses – from change initiatives and system development to operational roles where the right person in the right place has been crucial.

An year to build on

When we sum up 2025, we see a year where relationships have been deepened, business has developed and trust has been created and strengthened. We have been awarded the title of Master Gazelle by Dagens Industri as we achieve gazelle status for the third year in a row. A recognition that reflects a business built on quality, consistency and long-term thinking.

With the same business focus, responsiveness, energy and commitment, we step into 2026, with a stable foundation, clear direction and continued

Since Upgraded People signed a framework agreement with the Swedish Property Administration (SFV) last fall, the collaboration has gotten off to a very good start. We already have several current and attractive assignments published on our website – and more are on the way.

As a consultant broker, we match SFV’s needs with experienced and independent consultants, and demand is currently increasing in several key areas. The assignments involve supporting SFV’s team in operational development initiatives and projects where quality, flexibility and close dialogue with the business are central.

Areas of expertise often requested within the agreement:

• Business Development & Strategy
• Usability, Information and Web
• Management and Governance
• System Development, System Management and Infrastructure
• Specialist Competencies such as BIM, GIS and Property IT
• IT Architecture
• IT and Information Security

– “Things have gone really well since we signed the framework agreement with the Swedish Property Board (SFV) last fall, and we already have several exciting assignments out there and strong demand going forward. We are therefore actively and proactively looking for consultants with a focus on business analysis, requirements management and requirements analysis, business management, IT project management, support technology and IT architecture.”, says Oskar Bolin, Upgraded People AB.

About Upgraded People

Upgraded People is one of Northern Europe’s fastest growing companies in skills supply and strategic staffing. We offer tailor-made solutions that match the right skills with the right context – always with people at the center. Our clients are in both the public and private sectors, and we deliver resources in Sweden, Germany, Norway and Denmark. With over 1,100 consultants on assignment, we help organizations achieve their goals and visions in a sustainable way.