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.