CANNOBE PURPOSE & MISSION
CANNOBE PURPOSE
Hearing the Grass Grow! We are assembling a global force of high-caliber professionals—seasoned ladies and gents who thrive on sharing wisdom, forging powerful connections, and fueling world-changing startups.
Coming Together Now to Shape the Future
In a world defined by rapid transformation—marked by global crises, conflict, natural disasters, political stagnation, and social uncertainty—we are also witnessing remarkable progress. Technological advancements, economic prosperity, and a thriving landscape of innovative companies and start-ups offer new opportunities for shaping a better future.,
At the same time, there are millions of experienced professionals and executives who are eager to share their knowledge and expertise. Their insights can empower the next generation of founders—visionary individuals committed to making a meaningful impact on the world.
This is the mission of the Club of the Experienced.
We connect seasoned experts with innovative start-ups from all industries and regions. Free from silo thinking, we foster genuine collaboration, open exchange, and forward momentum.
Join us.
Whether you’re an experienced leader or an emerging entrepreneur—be part of this global movement. Together, we can make a difference.
SUPPORTERS & AMBASSADORS
Championing Collaboration and thus Incubation
Interested in becoming a supporter in your region? Please do not hesitate to contact us.
SHAREHOLDERS
Fueling Growth and Innovation at Cannobe
TEAM
Behind Cannobe
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.
