About I Pair U
Pioneering the Future of Corporate Talent Operations
The future of work demands agility, precision, and trust—and I Pair U is at the forefront of redefining corporate talent operations. Our AI-driven platform empowers organizations to move beyond outdated hiring models and adopt a dynamic, on-demand workforce strategy that unlocks reliable networks of top-tier talent.
By leveraging exclusive talent pools, businesses can scale their workforce capacity in real-time, access highly skilled professionals, and cultivate long-term talent relationships—all while minimizing hiring friction and enhancing operational efficiency.
With our platform, organizations don’t just fill roles; they create intelligent, future-ready talent ecosystems that drive sustained growth and competitive advantage. The future of work is evolving—it’s being redefined. Join us in shaping the next era of workforce transformation.
Our story
I Pair U was established by entrepreneurial professionals who believed the industry required more innovation, even after their successful careers at respected global companies.
2017
The IKEA Group approached Torbjörn Ekstrand, our founder, to help create a system for identifying potential future leaders within the company. Our team, many of whom are still involved in this project, worked diligently for 18 months, analyzing data sets from 97,500 employees and collaborating with thought leaders assembled globally by IKEA. By the end of the project, we presented a successful proof of concept to the board of the IKEA Group. Committed to developing a solution that empowers individuals and businesses to achieve their full potential, they leveraged their technical expertise to create an AI-powered Agile Total Workforce management system. This innovative system combines a Talent Marketplace that promotes internal mobility with a comprehensive Skills Foundation suite, offering complete visibility into workforce capabilities. I Pair U's Career Vault and Skills Foundation are central to this system. They represent a dynamic database that employs deep-learning AI to understand and enhance the relationships among various work units. By rethinking how talent is utilized, I Pair U is aiding organizations and individuals in overcoming obstacles and maintaining continuous progress.
2021 - 2024
Our journey began in 2021, fueled by Worktech Labs. In 2024, I Pair U was established to support this new initiative as the platform was ready for launch. We conducted thorough research, experimented, created prototypes, and assessed the market. Now, we are prepared to unveil our pilot. We aim to revolutionize and enhance talent matching through innovative and superior methods. We strive to adapt and leverage technology for the global market.
Our analysis of the talent matching market has revealed global trends toward contingent workforces, direct sourcing, and an innovative approach that will impress new users and transform the freelance, consulting, and contingent workforce industries. Despite the challenging job market, a large pool of talented individuals remains to draw from.
Vision - 2025 and beyond
In the future, every individual may have an "I Pair U" account that stores all their career information in one place. It could become the equivalent of an "iTunes" account for your professional life. We want you to know that our goal is to help you discover your life's purpose by guiding and shaping your career. The traditional way of presenting yourself through CVs and resumes is changing, transforming how we showcase a person's skills and experience. Your data will be a valuable asset that works for you and opens doors to new opportunities.
Torbjörn Ekstrand
Founder & CEO
Founded the company 2018
Annica Thorberg
Acting Head of Marketing & Communications
Marketing, web, PR, communication.
Petra Sundell
Acting Customer Success Lead
Leading Customer Success
Sam Cooley
Senior Architect
Leading the tech team
Our commitment to Ethical AI - Guiding principles
At iPairU, we believe that Artificial Intelligence should empower people, not replace them.
As a workforce management platform dedicated to connecting individuals and businesses, we are committed to developing and utilizing
AI in a responsible, ethical, and transparent manner. By prioritizing ethics in AI, we help shape a more equitable and transparent workforce ecosystem
—one where technology works for people, not the other way around.
Fairness & Bias Mitigation
We continuously refine our AI models to reduce biases and ensure fair opportunities for all users, regardless of background, gender, or ethnicity. Our algorithms are designed to prioritize merit-based job matching while fostering diversity and inclusion.
Transparency & Accountability
AI should be explainable and accountable. We provide clear insights into how our AI-driven recommendations and data analytics work, ensuring users understand how decisions are made. We also welcome feedback and audits to enhance trust and accountability.
Privacy & Data Protection
Security and privacy are paramount. We adhere to strict data protection policies, complying with industry standards and regulations to safeguard user information. Our AI-driven solutions operate within a framework that respects user consent and confidentiality.
Human-Centric AI
AI should augment, not replace, human decision-making. We design our tools to assist users in making informed choices rather than automating critical workforce decisions without human oversight.
Continuous Improvement & Ethical InnovationEthical AI is a journey, not a destination. We continuously monitor and improve our AI systems, integrating ethical best practices to align with evolving standards and real-world workforce needs.
Shaping the Future of Ethical AI in Workforce Management
At iPairU, we don’t just build AI—we build AI responsibly. Our mission is to enhance workforce efficiency, flexibility, and inclusivity while maintaining ethical integrity. As AI evolves, so does our commitment to ensuring it serves the best interests of individuals and businesses alike.
