Entrepreneurs of HHL e.V. (Unternehmerinnen und Unternehmer der HHL)
We bring together entrepreneurs and executives, especially those who studied at HHL — a platform for networking, for developing leadership personalities, and for the sustainable support of the university.
Formerly Gesellschaft der Freunde der HHL e.V. (GdF / Friends of HHL). Same association, new name: renamed by the members' meeting on 27 August 2026, registered on 2 November 2026. Our story
We are Entrepreneurs of HHL e.V. (Unternehmerinnen und Unternehmer der HHL), until 2026 the Gesellschaft der Freunde der HHL e.V. (GdF) — the network for entrepreneurs and executives who studied at HHL. We exist to be a platform for networking, to develop leadership personalities, and to give the university sustainable support — for everyone who wants to take responsibility and drive meaningful change.
A peer network for HHL entrepreneurs: founders, owners and executives meet, share what works and learn from each other in small, trusted formats.
We fund scholarships that open the door to an HHL education and reward outstanding talent.
We help finance the professorships that keep HHL’s teaching and research at the front.
We build ties across business, the City of Leipzig and the HHL ecosystem — from chairs and incubators to the Alumni Association and the HHL Foundation.
Our support goes to people: students we fund, graduates we honour and student initiatives we back.
At the HHL graduation on 22 August 2026, our chair Stefania Abbondi presented the Schmalenbach Scholar award to Adrian Seng and Álvaro Fernández Sacotto. HHL gives this honorary title to graduates for outstanding academic and personal performance. We fund the prize of €1,000 for each scholar.
The award is named after Eugen Schmalenbach, one of the first and most prominent alumni of the Handelshochschule Leipzig.
We fund scholarships for HHL students, so that talent decides who studies here: the Scholarship for Future Entrepreneurs and the Scholarship for Women in Business (on hhl.de still listed as GdF scholarships), each worth up to €7,500. In 2026 they go to:
How to apply for our scholarships →
Accelerate@HHL is a student-led initiative that promotes entrepreneurial thinking at HHL – Leipzig Graduate School of Management. The conference provides a casual environment for students, startups, investors and established companies to network, exchange views, and generate new ideas.
We regularly sponsor its annual conference. In 2026, "Building our tomorrow" brought 20 speakers to SpinLab Leipzig on 23 April. Next year's conference is held at SpinLab Leipzig again.
HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management
The university our association has supported for generations: the first business school in a German-speaking country, small classes, and a campus where founding a company is part of the program.
1898
Founded in 1898 as the first business school in a German-speaking country, re-founded in 1992.
Source: Where management education beganAACSB
In 2004 the first private business school in the German-speaking region accredited by AACSB International; reaccredited in 2024.
Source: Internationally accredited#1
Ranked first among small universities in Germany in the Stifterverband Gründungsradar 2025.
Source: For founders550+
Including four German unicorns: Trivago, About You, Lieferheld and IONIQ.
Source: Startups by alumniWe create meaningful connections through high-level, business-focused formats — across Saxony, Berlin, Munich, and beyond.
An exclusive circle of entrepreneurs engaging in deep, peer-to-peer exchange and strategic dialogue.
A dedicated format empowering and connecting female leaders and entrepreneurs.
Behind-the-scenes insights into leading businesses and the journeys behind them.
Request support and receive a 1:1 sparring session within 24–48 hours with a senior member.
Curated gatherings designed for high-quality exchange in a trusted setting.
High-level, business-focused formats across key locations in Saxony, Berlin, Munich, and beyond.
Click any board member to read their bio.
Become part of our vision — for your network, for your personal development, for your business growth, and to create real impact. Your fee and any donation are tax-deductible in Germany and go straight back into supporting HHL.
See membership options
Entrepreneurs of HHL e.V. is a registered non-profit; donations are tax-deductible in Germany. Scan the GiroCode with your banking app, or transfer to the account below.
Email us at gdf.vorstand@hhl.de
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