Hanno Renner is the co-founder and CEO of Personio. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from the Fachhochschule Konstanz – University of Applied Sciences, Business and Design and a Master’s degree in Technology and Management from the Technical University of Munich. After working for several years as a skipper on sailing yachts, Hanno decided to become a startup captain. He led sales and human resources until Personio had 500 customers and 85 employees. Then he turned the wheel over to his experienced colleagues Martina, head of human resources, and Oliver, vice president of sales. Hanno is now focused on keeping Personio on a growth path and aligning the team with our strategic vision. He is also the point of contact for investors and external stakeholders. Hanno studied at Columbia University in New York and holds degrees in Industrial Engineering and Technology Management from the Technical University of Munich and the Center for Digital Technology and Management (CDTM).

Professional Experience

Co-Founder and CEO (June 2015 – Present)

Personio

• Leading The Intelligent HR Platform that unlocks the power of people for small and medium-sized organizations
• Built and scaled platform trusted by over 14,000 organizations managing more than 1 million employees
• Drives productivity for HR teams, managers and employees by improving HR processes and enhancing employee experience
• Developed comprehensive HR software solution focusing on automating workflows and streamlining people operations
• Successfully established company as a major player in European HR technology sector

Co-Founder and Chairman (December 2021 – Present)

Personio Foundation A charitable foundation dedicated to supporting forward-thinking nonprofit organizations operating in climate action and education sectors. Founded through allocation of 1% equity from Personio, focusing on providing unrestricted funding and HR capabilities enhancement for nonprofit organizations.

Member of the Board “Junge Digitale Wirtschaft” (July 2022 – Present)

Federal Ministry for Economics and Climate Action Contributing to Germany’s digital economy initiatives through advisory role at federal level, focusing on technological innovation and European competitiveness.

Skipper of Sailing Yachts (July 2013 – December 2016)

Quarterdeck Life Ltd International maritime operations company specializing in yacht management across Mediterranean, Caribbean & Brazil regions.

• Managed full responsibility for yachts and crews
• Led safety-critical decision making
• Held RYA Yachtmaster qualification

Co-Founder (April 2015 – December 2015)

Feedbackme Educational technology startup focused on presentation improvement:

• Developed digital platform for presentation feedback
• Created system for presentation preparation and improvement
• Implemented both style- and content-based feedback mechanisms

Hanno Renner Investment Portfolio

1. Axle Energy
   • Deal Date: August 1, 2024
   • Deal Type: Seed Round
   • Industry: Business/Productivity Software
   • Company Stage: Generating Revenue
2. Langdock
   • Deal Date: April 19, 2024
   • Industry: Automation/Workflow Software
   • Company Stage: Generating Revenue
3. Orbem
   • Deal Date: October 11, 2023
   • Industry: Electronic Equipment and Instruments
   • Company Stage: Profitable
4. Pivot
   • Deal Date: October 2, 2023
   • Industry: Business/Productivity Software
   • Company Stage: Generating Revenue
5. Amie
   • Deal Date: November 28, 2022
   • Industry: Business/Productivity Software
   • Company Stage: Generating Revenue
6. Apryl
   • Deal Date: September 9, 2022
   • Industry: Other Healthcare Technology Systems
   • Company Stage: Generating Revenue
7. Tacto
   • Deal Date: February 17, 2022
   • Industry: Business/Productivity Software
   • Company Stage: Generating Revenue
8. Zavvy
   • Deal Date: February 16, 2022
   • Industry: Business/Productivity Software
   • Company Stage: Generating Revenue
9. remberg
   • Deal Date: February 7, 2022
   • Deal Type: Early Stage VC
   • Industry: Business/Productivity Software
   • Company Stage: Generating Revenue
10. PocketLaw
    • Deal Date: February 1, 2022
    • Deal Type: Early Stage VC
    • Industry: Legal Services (B2B)
    • Company Stage: Generating Revenue

Education

• Columbia University (2014-2015) Visiting Graduate Student, Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Management
• Center for Digital Technology and Management (CDTM) (2014-2015) Honours Degree, Technology Management

Certifications

• RYA Yachtmaster (Royal Yachting Association)
• DSV Snowboard Instructor (Deutscher Skiverband e.V.)

Contact Information

• Location: Munich, Bavaria, Germany

– LinkedIn Connections: 500+

– Professional Followers: 43,297