futura21 Launches an AI-Powered Networking Community with Start-up Pensive Labs: “ROGER”, the AI That Orchestrates Meaningful Professional Connections
30.06.2026
Geneva, 30 June 2026 – futura21, part of the Grant Alexander Group, is launching a new approach to professional networking with Roger, an AI-powered matching service designed to connect executives, senior leaders and entrepreneurs with the right people at the right time. Developed in partnership with Pensive Labs (Swiss AI Lab), Roger helps professionals taking part in futura21’s career transition programmes build valuable connections based on their projects, needs and expertise.
A network that works without an app
While traditional networking often means endless news feeds and unnecessary notifications, Roger operates through private one-to-one conversations directly on WhatsApp. There is no additional app to download and no new account to create.
Users begin by chatting with Roger, the conversational AI assistant, which gradually learns about their background, identifies their expertise and understands what they can contribute to the community.
Prioritising the quality of connections over quantity
The user journey follows a four-step process. First, users share their current needs through a conversation with Roger. The AI then regularly analyses the futura21 network to identify relevant synergies. Before suggesting any introduction, Roger checks back with the user to ensure their needs are still current. Finally, every proposed match is reviewed and validated by the futura21 team before being introduced individually.
Human oversight therefore remains central to the process. AI expands the range of possibilities without replacing professional expertise or human judgement.
Trust, privacy and user control
For futura21, confidentiality is a fundamental requirement for innovation in HR services.
Joining the network is entirely optional, with no long-term commitment. Conversations are protected through end-to-end encryption, while all data is hosted in Switzerland.
WhatsApp serves solely as the communication channel for interacting with Roger. Users remain fully in control of the information they choose to share: the more accurate and authentic their profile, the more relevant the introductions become.
A phased rollout
The platform has been introduced gradually to ensure the quality of matches. The first wave was reserved for executives and senior leaders who began their futura21 career transition programme in 2026. It was then progressively extended to members of the futura21 Entrepreneurs’ Club before opening to the wider community.
Registration takes just two minutes via WhatsApp and does not require a CV.
The community now brings together more than 200 professionals, with around 50 matches already proposed. In the longer term, futura21 aims to grow the platform to several thousand members.
“At futura21, we are convinced that professional networks are one of the most powerful drivers of successful career transitions. This platform strengthens the work we already do to build and nurture our community of executives and senior leaders, bringing together people currently taking part in our programmes, alumni now back in employment, entrepreneurs, and those who continue to pursue new professional opportunities after completing their support programme. Artificial intelligence enables us to create more relevant introductions and uncover connections that might otherwise have remained invisible. This is only the beginning: we intend to continue developing the service and expanding the community to create even greater value for our members and generate more opportunities for collaboration and professional growth,” said Romain Buob, Managing Director of Grant Alexander Switzerland and futura21.
“Our mission is to create opportunities by fostering the meetings, connections and relationships that can spark new projects. This partnership perfectly embodies that ambition. We are delighted to launch this initiative first in Switzerland alongside futura21, an organisation that shares our vision for innovation and the future of professional networking,” added Nathan Cohen, Co-founder of Pensive Labs.
About futura21
Founded in 2012, futura21 is a Swiss company specialising in supporting executives, senior leaders and experts throughout their professional careers. As a trusted partner of the Cantons of Vaud and Fribourg for career transition programmes, it provides tailored services in outplacement, career coaching, leadership development and skills enhancement.
With offices in Geneva, Lausanne and Fribourg, futura21 is supported by a dynamic community of several thousand alumni—including professionals in career transition, executives in employment and entrepreneurs—which it actively brings together to encourage networking, knowledge sharing and new professional opportunities.
Since joining the Grant Alexander Group in 2024, futura21 has continued to enhance its services through innovative approaches and artificial intelligence, while remaining firmly committed to one core belief: meaningful human relationships remain the driving force behind long-term professional success.
www.futura21.ch
About Grant Alexander
For more than 35 years, Grant Alexander has partnered with organisations and their leaders to improve performance by providing comprehensive support across all aspects of talent management and development through fully tailored solutions.
A multi-specialist HR consultancy group, Grant Alexander operates across four areas of expertise: Executive Search, Executive Interim, Leadership Advisory and Value Creation. The firm works across every industry, every business function and all levels of seniority—from executives and specialists to hard-to-find talent—both nationally and internationally.
Grant Alexander has offices throughout France (Paris, Aix-Marseille, Lille, Lyon, Nantes, Strasbourg and Toulouse) and Switzerland (Geneva, Lausanne, Fribourg and Zurich). It is also the exclusive partner for France and Switzerland of InterSearch, one of the world’s leading executive search networks.
As part of its ESG commitment, Grant Alexander has been recognised as a committed business by EcoVadis.
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