About U-Path

From inclusive tech to systemic change — we build what’s next for real impact, not hype.

Why u-path?

From inclusive tech to systemic change; we build what’s next for real impact, not hype.

u-path is a global advisory and investment platform operating at the intersection of innovation, strategy, and impact. Rooted in the transformative principles of Theory U, we work with founders, corporates, and ecosystem leaders to shape a more inclusive, sustainable, and dynamic future, with clarity, intention, and real-world results.

Whether we’re supporting the spinout of a corporate venture, helping scale an assistive tech startup, or advising a Fortune 500 on building a CVC unit, our goal is the same: to turn vision into action and potential into progress.

We are u-path

Global Expertise, Local Impact

We are operators, investors, and builders working at the intersection of corporates, venture, and emerging technology.

U-Path brings together a global network of experienced leaders who don’t just advise, they execute, connect, and scale across markets.

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Europe, USA

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Philipp Willigmann

Functional Role

Founder & CEO

Corporate Venture Capital

Ecosystem building

Board Advisor

Growth & Strategic Partnerships

Mobility, Climate & Assistive Tech

Founder of U-Path and builder of global platforms at the intersection of corporate venture, innovation, and strategic capital. Focused on aligning emerging technologies with the institutions and capital required to scale them. Venture Partner at a EU, US, LatAm VC and former Chief Strategy Officer, Founder & Head of Vontier Ventures, where he built and deployed a $100M+ corporate venture portfolio. Brings 20+ years of experience across Fortune 500 and startups, and works closely with boards and executive teams on growth, innovation, and strategic capital allocation across mobility, energy, and inclusive technologies.

USA

Sam Abidi

Functional Role

Venture Advisor

Commercial Strategy & GTM

Fundraising & Strategic Partnerships

Robotics, AI & Autonomy

Enterprise Sales

Chief Commercial Officer and operator with deep experience commercializing robotics, AI, and autonomy. Works with startups and corporates on go-to-market, enterprise partnerships, and scaling revenue. Strong track record in turning complex technologies into real deployments with Fortune 500 customers.

Europe, USA

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Sigune Choe

Functional Role

Venture Advisor

Fundraising & Capital Strategy

DeepTech Commercialization

Robotics, Space & Drones

Ecosystem Building

Globally active entrepreneur and advisor with nearly two decades in deep-tech financing and commercialization. Focuses on robotics, drones, clean, and space technologies. Supports startups and corporates in fundraising, growth strategy, and turning breakthrough technologies into commercial traction through strong ecosystem partnerships.

Singapore / Vietnam

Chrystie Dao

Functional Role

Venture Advisor, Southeast Asia

Health Tech

Ecosystem Building

Growth & GTM Strategy

Global Market Expansion

Venture builder and executive with 25+ years across banking, tech, and startups. Supports founders and corporates in scaling across Southeast Asia, with a focus on market entry, partnerships, and growth execution. Deeply embedded in the region’s innovation ecosystem, with a strong track record in building ventures and mobilizing capital.

Europe

Lars Graf

Functional Role

Venture Advisor & CTO Consultant

Fractional CTO

Interim CEO/VP Product Management

Board Advisory

Startup Acceleration

Silicon Valley software entrepreneur with nearly four decades of experience building and scaling technology companies. Supports startups as fractional CTO and product leader, focusing on MVP development, platform architecture, and scaling engineering teams.

Europe

Sebastian Graf

Functional Role

CTO Consultant & Tech Due Diligence

Robotics & Advanced Manufacturing

AI & Automation

Climate Tech

Technical Due Diligence

Technology strategist specializing in AI, robotics, and advanced manufacturing. Supports VCs and corporates on technical due diligence and product strategy. Brings deep expertise in photonics, automation, and scaling complex hardware and software systems.

Korea

Naia Jang

Functional Role

Global Accelerator & Ecosystem Lead

Startup Acceleration

Open Innovation

Cross-Border Programs

Global Market Expansion

Operator at the intersection of startups, corporates, and ecosystems. Designs and leads international accelerator programs, with deep expertise in the Korean market. Supports companies on market entry, partnerships, and navigating Asian innovation ecosystems.

USA

Irina Lanina

Functional Role

Venture Advisor

Venture Capital

Growth & GTM Strategy

Fundraising Strategy

Life Science & Health Care

Venture advisor with 15+ years across Fortune Global 500 and early-stage investing. Supports founders on fundraising, investor positioning, and growth strategy, with a focus on life sciences and healthcare. Combines corporate discipline with hands-on early-stage execution.

USA & Japan

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Dennis Liu

Functional Role

Venture Advisor & Operating Partner

Corporate Venture & Strategic Partnerships

Tech Scouting & Dealflow Access

DeepTech (AI, Robotics, Energy, Mobility)

Cross-Border (US–Japan)

Fractional operating partner working at the intersection of startups, corporates, and venture capital. Supports startups in securing pilots, commercial partnerships, and strategic capital, while enabling corporates and CVCs to access high-quality dealflow and innovation ecosystems. Formerly led Ford’s Silicon Valley corporate development and CVC efforts. Advisor to Millennium’s New Horizons fund ($500M AUM), focused on AI, robotics, and deeptech

Japan

Christian Schmitz

Functional Role

Venture Advisor - Japan

Market Expansion (Japan–Europe)

Growth & GTM Strategy

Mobility & Climate Tech

Ecosystem Building

Operator and entrepreneur with 20+ years across corporates and startups. Founder of PDIE Group and Rice Exchange. Works with companies expanding between Japan and Europe, focusing on market entry, partnerships, and scaling purpose-driven innovation

Deep Listening - Co-Creation - Agile Execution

Our Unique Approach

We don’t do consulting theater — and we don’t hand over a deck and disappear. What sets U-Path apart is not just what we do, but how we do it: with clarity, humility, and a relentless focus on results.

Our work is anchored in four guiding principles:

Sustainability

We prioritize growth strategies that are not only financially sound, but socially and environmentally responsible. From climate tech to inclusive mobility, our portfolio reflects a belief in progress that serves both people and planet.

Transformation

True change doesn’t come from checklists, it comes from evolving how teams think, act, and lead. We help organizations build internal capabilities, embrace agility, and stay relevant in a world of constant change.

Long-term Partnerships

We’re not here for one-off projects. We work alongside our clients through inflection points, leadership shifts, and scale journeys, building trust, unlocking value, and aligning our success with theirs

Ecosystem Building

Change doesn’t happen in silos. We bring together founders, corporates, investors, and experts to foster the connections that drive systemic innovation.

One flagship initiative is the CVC & Open Innovation Summit, co-hosted with partners like BorgWarner, Danaher Corporation, Bosch Ventures, and others — a platform that embodies our belief in building bridges that shape the future.

Mission and Values

The Theory Behind U-Path

At u-path, our name reflects our mission: helping clients move through uncertainty with purpose and emerge stronger. Inspired by Otto Scharmer’s Theory U, we believe that meaningful transformation requires deep understanding, intentional action, and collaborative leadership.

What is Theory U?

Theory U is a roadmap for transformation built around a three-phase journey:

  • Sensing – Letting go of assumptions and observing the system with fresh eyes.

  • Presencing – Connecting to a deeper purpose and co-creating a shared vision.

  • Creating – Bringing new solutions to life through rapid experimentation and intentional scaling.

At u-pth, we guide ventures and corporates through their own U-shaped transformations — from challenge to clarity to lasting change

From refining a startup’s go-to-market plan to supporting a corporate’s new venture unit, our approach is grounded in:

🔹 Deep Listening — We start by understanding the full context, not just the surface problem.
🔹 Co-Creation — We work side by side with founders and execs to define solutions, not dictate them.
🔹 Agile Execution — We stay close through pilots, scaling, and pivots — and we stay accountable to outcomes.

We’re not just advisors. We’re strategy partners, board-level allies, and growth catalysts.

Strategic Growth

We enable sustainable growth through strategic partnerships, market insights, and proven methodologies that accelerate innovation and create competitive advantages.

Data-Driven Decisions

Our approach combines deep market intelligence with quantitative analysis to drive informed decision-making and optimize innovation outcomes.

Innovation Excellence

We implement proven processes and frameworks that transform corporate innovation initiatives into successful, scalable programs.

Global Perspective

Our worldwide presence and diverse team provide unique insights into global innovation trends and opportunities.

What are you waiting for?

Let’s Build What’s Next

If you’re navigating uncertainty, scaling something meaningful, or simply ready for your next growth chapter — we’d love to meet you

© 2026 U-Path • All rights reserved.