Focus50plus

What Focus50plus does

Focus50plus is a Swiss non-profit association (Verein) headquartered in Zurich at Hegibachstrasse 47, operating under the dual patronage of the Schweizerischer Arbeitgeberverband (SAV) and the Schweizerischer Gewerbeverband (sgv, formal Trägerorganisation since January 2025). Founded in 2019, it functions as a national employer network dedicated to integrating and retaining workers aged 50 and above in the Swiss labor market, addressing a projected shortfall of approximately 400,000 workers over the next decade. The organization runs a structured 'trialogue' between economy, science, and politics, maintaining governance bodies including a Wirtschaftsbeirat (Business Advisory Board), a Wissenschaftlicher Think Tank, and a Beirat Wirtschaftspolitik.

The product and service surface is a network-and-knowledge platform rather than a SaaS product. Core offerings include the Personalprognose Tool for strategic workforce forecasting based on age structure, the Generationenbarometer benchmarking instrument developed with Hochschule Luzern, the focus50talk video series, scientific studies, a marketplace for partner services, and the KMUconnect annual SME dialogue platform (sold out in 2026 with 600+ participants). Technology is limited to digital tools for collaboration and knowledge sharing rather than proprietary software development.

The business model is membership- and partnership-based, structured around six tiers — Premium-Partner, Projekt-Partner, Event-Partner, Medien-Partner, Dienstleister, and Member — with fees billed annually (specific pricing is not publicly disclosed). Named premium partners include Helsana, BKW AG, Generali Switzerland, Migros, Swiss Life, Syngenta, Luzerner Kantonalbank, Ypsomed, Kuratle Group, and Arbeitgeber Banken. Operations are run by Managing Director Claudia Bally (appointed December 2022, 50% capacity) and a small secretariat housed within the SAV offices, with total headcount of 1–10.

Name

Focus50plus

Legal name

Verein focus50plus

Website

https://focus50plus.ch

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Employer Network and Workforce Demographic Services

NAICS

Management Consulting Services (54161), Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (541)

SIC

Services-Management Consulting Services (8742)

akta.pro primary industry

Competitive Intelligence & Benchmarking (BPAHALAB)

Keywords

• Employer network services
• Workforce planning tools
• Mature worker consulting
• HR policy advocacy
• Demographic workforce research

Headquarters

HQ city

Zürich

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership and Partnership Fees: Companies join as partners (Premium-Partner, Projekt-Partner, Event-Partner, Medien-Partner, Dienstleister, or regular Members) and pay fees for access to the network, events, studies, and consulting services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Focus50plus operates a national employer network and service platform under the dual patronage of the Swiss Employers' Association (SAV) and Swiss Trade Association (sgv), helping Swiss companies recruit, retain, and integrate workers aged 50plus. Core paid offerings include tiered partnerships (Premium, Project, Event, Media, Service Provider), the Personalprognose Tool for workforce forecasting, the Generationenbarometer benchmarking instrument, the focus50talk video series, a partner services Marktplatz, the KMUconnect SME dialogue platform, and scientific studies distributed via the Knowledge Hub.

Product overview

Focus50plus is a national networking and service platform for employers under the patronage of the Swiss Employer Association (SAV) and Swiss Trade Association (sgv). The platform operates through a structured trialogue between business, science, and politics. Its core offerings include the Personalprognose Tool for strategic workforce forecasting, focus50talk video series for knowledge transfer, a marketplace for partner services, good practice examples, scientific studies, and KMUconnect - a dialogue platform for SMEs. The organization observes labor market policy developments, accompanies companies, conducts studies, offers events and services, and engages in political groundwork. It is not a software/SaaS product but rather a membership-based network and advisory organization.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• KMUconnect: A dialog platform for SME companies organized by focus50plus, focused on the Power of 50plus - essential for SME future.

Products and services

• Personalprognose Tool Strategic workforce-forecasting tool that helps Swiss company leadership make decisions based on the age structure within the company and the widening gap between workers entering and leaving the labor market. Targeted at HR and executive decision-makers addressing demographic workforce planning.
• KMUconnect Annual dialogue platform for small and medium enterprises (KMU) featuring events, workshops, and World Café sessions focused on the value and integration of the 50plus generation in the workforce. Sold-out event with 600+ participants in 2026. Targeted at Swiss SMEs seeking peer learning on 50plus workforce integration.
• Marktplatz Marketplace platform for services offered by Focus50plus partners, providing Swiss employers with access to specialized services related to workforce management and 50plus employment. Targeted at HR and operational buyers seeking vetted partner providers.

Quantifiable outcome

• 82% employment rate for 50-64 year olds, up from 71% in 1991
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Schweizerischer Arbeitgeberverband (SAV)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary patron organization providing institutional backing. The Swiss Employers' Association represents the interests of Swiss employers and is a founding patron of focus50plus. President Valentin Vogt (until June 2023) and later Severin Moser have supported the initiative.
• Schweizerischer Gewerbeverband (sgv)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-patron organization representing Swiss small and medium enterprises. Became a supporting organization effective January 2025, strengthening the SME focus of focus50plus.
• HelsanaflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor health insurance company and main sponsor of KMUconnect 2026. Running pilot project 'Erfahrung trifft Zukunft' with Right Management to support experienced workers.
• BKW AGcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational energy and infrastructure company with ~12,000 employees. Daniela Aeberhard, Head of HR, represents BKW in the Economic Advisory Board. BKW actively promotes diversity and inclusion.
• Generali SwitzerlandcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPremium partner pursuing 'Life-Time-Partner' brand strategy. Anne-France Epelbaum represents Generali in the Economic Advisory Board, emphasizing the value of 50+ competencies.
• Kuratle GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFamily-owned wood trading and production company from Leibstadt. Corinne Kuratle, Head of Kuratle Academy, represents the company in the Economic Advisory Board, focusing on intergenerational collaboration.
• Luzerner Kantonalbank (LUKB)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of Switzerland's largest cantonal banks, founded in 1850. Silvana Leasi and Corina Käch engage in the Economic Advisory Board.
• YpsomedcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading Swiss medtech company from Burgdorf. Michael Zaugg, Chief Corporate Officer, represents Ypsomed in the Economic Advisory Board.
• SkyguideminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSwiss air navigation service provider with 1,500 employees at 14 locations. Project partner focused on positive working environment and employee retention.
• Arbeitgeber BankencoreGTM or Marketing PartnerNew premium partner as of February 2026, strengthening the financial sector representation in the focus50plus network.
• CRN (Companies & Returnships Network)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerService partner dedicated to promoting re-entry programs in Switzerland. Evelin Bermudez founded CRN to help companies implement and evaluate returnership programs.
• Hochschule Luzern (HSLU)coreTechnology or IntegrationScientific partner developing the Generationenbarometer and conducting research on generational management in Swiss organizations. Prof. Dr. Anina Hille leads relevant research projects.
• Ostschweizer Fachhochschule (OST)coreTechnology or IntegrationScientific partner through the Institute for Age Research (IAF), led by Prof. Dr. Sabina Misoch. Conducting studies on digital skills for workers 50+ and longevity topics.
• Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz (FHNW)coreTechnology or IntegrationScientific partner with Prof. Dr. Anja Mücke contributing research on lifecycle-oriented personnel development and age diversity management.
• Berner Fachhochschule (BFH)coreTechnology or IntegrationScientific partner with Prof. Dr. Jonathan Bennett contributing to focus50talk discussions on working beyond age 65.
• Swiss LifecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor insurance company and 5-time winner of 'Best Employer Switzerland' by Great Place to Work. Bettina Kurth, HR Head Switzerland, represents Swiss Life, demonstrating generational diversity practices.
• SyngentacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAgrochemical company recognized with 'Friendly Work Space' label. Elisabeth Vock represents Syngenta, focusing on keeping employees engaged until retirement and beyond.
• MigroscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSwitzerland's largest private employer with initiative for experienced employees 50+. Reto Parolini, Head of HR, represents Migros in the Economic Advisory Board.
• SwissmemcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry association for manufacturing companies. Active in promoting health management and continued employment for older workers.
• swissstaffingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStaffing industry association. Ariane Baer contributed white paper on the potential of women 50+ in the labor market.
• Gesundheitsförderung SchweizcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSwiss Health Promotion foundation. Eric Bürki represents the organization in the Economic Advisory Board, promoting workplace health management.
• HR TodaycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerLeading Swiss HR professional publication as media partner, providing coverage and co-organizing events like pod discussions on knowledge transfer.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Generation: A global non-profit (originally spun out of McKinsey) that prepares, places, and supports people aged 18+ into employment, with significant focus on mid-career and older workers. Highly comparable to focus50plus's mission of mobilising the 50+ workforce for employers facing structural shortages.
• AARP Foundation: The charitable arm of AARP, focused on workforce programs for low-income 50+ Americans. Comparable as a non-profit, employer-facing 50+ workforce intermediary, though operating in the US rather than Switzerland.
• Centre for Ageing Better: A UK-based charity and think tank working specifically on ageing, in particular extending working lives and age-inclusive employment. Comparable to focus50plus in its research-led, employer-engagement model focused on the 50+ workforce.
• AARP: The American Association of Retired Persons is the world's largest non-profit organization addressing the interests and economic engagement of people aged 50+. It is the closest functional analogue to focus50plus, with a similar membership model, advocacy role, and employer-outreach arm, although focused on the US market.

Broad incumbents

• ManpowerGroup: Global workforce solutions company explicitly focused on connecting people to meaningful work, including programmes targeting underutilised talent pools. A broad incumbent addressing adjacent work-force-inclusion themes with a global footprint.
• Adecco Group: Global HR solutions leader headquartered in Zurich, addressing workforce shortages across age and skill segments. Comparable as a Swiss-headquartered workforce-solutions player, though operating at vastly different scale and as a for-profit staffing leader rather than a non-profit network.
• CIPD: The UK's professional body for HR and people development, providing research, policy advocacy, and training to a broad HR audience. A broad incumbent in the workforce-research and HR-policy space that overlaps with focus50plus's advisory and thought-leadership activities, though at much greater scale.

Regional players

• Bundesverband 50 Plus: German federal association for the 50+ generation, advocating for the social, political, and economic participation of older citizens. A regional peer addressing the same demographic-longevity issues in Germany's larger but analogous labour market.
• Swissmem: Swiss industry association for the mechanical and electrical engineering industries, and a formal partner of focus50plus. Compares as a domestic Swiss employer/industry body that promotes workforce and health-management topics to its members, though without focus50plus's dedicated 50+ specialization.
• economiesuisse: The umbrella organization of the Swiss economy, representing the interests of Swiss businesses in policy and labour-market debates. Compares as a domestic policy-advocacy body engaging with demographic and workforce issues, though operating at a broader economy-wide scope rather than an age-specific focus.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/focus50plus
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@focus50plus56
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/focus50plus

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Focus50plus