He is developing a technological approach to one of the digital world's major challenges: establishing trust and validating identity. His work has gained the backing of several investors.

Shaun Strydom, a South African chartered accountant and technology entrepreneur specializing in digital identity issues, is the founder and Executive Director of Contactable, an integrated digital identity platform.

Founded in 2009, Contactable is a South African technology firm focused on orchestrating identity processes. Its platform centralizes client onboarding, Know Your Customer (KYC) verification, and digital identity proof into a single environment. It offers automated, fully digital workflows that allow for verification to be completed in seconds.

The Integrated Identity Platform (IIP) developed by Contactable aims to streamline compliance and identity management, helping companies avoid multiple licenses, complex integrations, or fragmented software solutions. The model functions like an on-demand service: organizations gain access to full identity and compliance capabilities without owning the underlying technical components, simultaneously reducing friction for the end-user.

The system relies on minimal data, such as a name or identity number, to activate verification checks with trusted third-party providers, bureaus, and agencies. This automation allows for configurable validation based on each company’s specific risk and compliance rules.

In September 2025, Contactable announced a funding round of $13.5 million USD. The round was led by Venture Capitalworks, with participation from Fireball Capital, Ke Nako Capital, and MAVOVO.

"This partnership with Venture Capitalworks will allow us to deepen our customer partnerships, extend our reach into underserved markets and enhance our ability to deliver secure, trusted digital identity solutions where they are needed most," Strydom said following the announcement.

In addition to Contactable, Strydom co-founded BOUNCE Inc Sub-Saharan Africa in 2011, a company specializing in indoor action and adventure entertainment, where he remains a shareholder and founding member.

Strydom is a qualified accountant. He earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Pretoria in 1993, followed by a bachelor's degree in accounting theory (1994) and a post-graduate diploma in strategic management and corporate governance (2000) from the University of South Africa.

His professional career began at Deloitte in 2002, where he held a partner-level position. In 2003, he joined Blue Financial Services, first as Chief Financial Officer and later as Director of Strategic Projects. In 2006, he became Executive Director of Group Business Development and Taxation at Absa Bank.

Melchior Koba