CANNOBE PURPOSE

Empowering Collaboration and Innovation Across Generations. The first incubator of its kind. Fully independent and private.

At Cannobe, we are driven by the belief that experience, innovation, and collaboration know no boundaries—neither by age nor industry. Our mission is to create a global community where professionals, innovators, and visionaries come together to share knowledge, inspire one another, and drive impactful change.

Cannobe is offering a platform where startups and projects connect with seasoned experts. We believe that wisdom gained over decades of experience should continue to shape the future. That’s why Cannobe is especially valuable for retired professionals, who remain actively involved by sharing their insights, staying connected to relevant projects, and engaging with dynamic networks.

Cannobe empowers lifelong learning, collaboration, and curiosity—keeping you connected, engaged, and making a difference, no matter where you are in your journey. Together, we build a future shaped by those who have led before, those who lead now, and those who are ready to lead tomorrow.

CANNOBE MISSION STATEMENT

The First Ever Cross-generational Incubator

Our mission at Cannobe is to create a vibrant, global community where experienced professionals, innovators, and startups collaborate to drive meaningful change. By bridging generations, we empower experienced  professionals to stay actively involved, sharing their knowledge, network and expertise with emerging ventures. Together, we foster innovation, growth, and lasting connections that shape a better future.

SUPPORTERS & AMBASSADORS

Championing Collaboration and thus Incubation

Dr. Monika Pasetti

BERLIN, GER

1716368773-Agil Workshop

Simone Märten-Hosemann

BERLIN, GER

Dirk Nessenius

BERLIN, GER

Peter Mayer

NEW YORK, USA

Dirk Hohlmeier

BERLIN, GER

Michael Schoeps

BAMBERG, GER

Hanns-Peter Wiese

PULLACH, GER

Jochen Schmidt

BAD HOMBURG, GER

Andreas Schweitzer

LONDON, GB

Moshé Saldinger

Zikhron Ya’akov, ISRAEL

Marlin Kinzey

NEW YORK, USA

Dr. Kerstin Gernig

BERLIN, GER

Michael A. Froehls

AUSTIN TEXAS, USA

Thomas Paul

BERLIN, GERMANY

Dr Lukas M Stahl

Santa Monica, USA

Andreas Zimmermann

München, GER

Prof. Dr. Anabel Ternès
von Hattburg

Berlin, GER

Ulrich Rienth

Berlin, GER

Rolf Kellner

Halle, Westfalen, GER

Interested in becoming a supporter in your region? Please do not hesitate to contact us.

SHAREHOLDERS

Fueling Growth and Innovation at Cannobe

Stefan Ritt

LÜBECK, GER

Ulf Leonhard

CEO, FOUNDER

Hans-Eike von Oppeln-Bronikowski

BERLIN, GER

Rainer Weichhaus

Berlin, Germany

Helmut Hartl

München, Germany

Dr. Ulrike Tremel

München, GER

Dr. Andreas Kittel

Potsdam, GER

Joachim Spitzley

BERLIN, GER

Hubertus von Engelbrechten

SAN FRANCISCO, USA

Bernhard Prinz zur Lippe-Weissenfeld

ROM, ITA

Ferdinand Von Westphalen

Meschede, Ger

Stefan Peter

Cologne, Ger

TEAM

Behind Cannobe

Ulf Leonhard

CEO, FOUNDER

Till Helmbold

BRAND MANAGEMENT & MARKETING

ULF LEONHARD

Founder and driving force behind Cannobe

Born on December 21, 1959, in Bonn-Beuel, Ulf Leonhard has built a remarkable career marked by innovation, leadership, and a deep commitment to fostering meaningful connections in business. With a degree in business administration (Diplom-Kaufmann) from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, graduating with distinction in 1986, Ulf has over three decades of diverse experience across global markets and industries. His professional journey includes internships in Caracas, Venezuela, and Johannesburg, South Africa, during his studies—giving him early exposure to international business landscapes.

Starting as a consultant for IT and strategy firms in Germany, Ulf quickly climbed the ranks, holding key leadership positions, including managing the Stauferkreis Kapitalbeteiligungsgesellschaft. In 1993, he founded CONTINUA Unternehmensentwicklung, providing strategic advice to family-owned businesses, managing corporate succession, and securing capital partnerships with national and international investors.

Ulf’s entrepreneurial spirit flourished with initiatives like the “Deutsche Präsenzbörse,” Germany’s first privately organized venture capital event, and the “European Venture Market,” an international platform for venture capital exchange. These ventures made him a pioneer in the corporate finance and investment community. His later projects, including Leonhard Ventures and the launch of platforms like “Watervent” and “Spitze bleiben,” solidified his reputation as a leader in facilitating high-level business networking and investment opportunities.

In 2021, Ulf faced a personal tragedy with the loss of his wife, Gabriele, to cancer. This moment deeply shaped his life, inspiring him to create the platform “Withoutu,” supporting those who are grieving. Rebuilding his life in her memory, Ulf relocated to Potsdam in 2017, where he continues to channel his passion for innovation and community building through Cannobe.

Today, Ulf Leonhard’s vision with Cannobe reflects his lifelong mission: creating a global network where experienced professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovators come together to collaborate, share insights, and shape the future. His leadership and personal experiences make Cannobe a unique platform for fostering connections that transcend industries and generations.