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Louw Ca
Co-founder and MD at Outsourced CFO - Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year®
Professional Background
Louw Barnardt is a distinguished entrepreneur, finance professional, and an exemplary leader recognized as the recent Sanlam/Business Partners Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year®. His remarkable career spans various sectors, including entrepreneurship, technology commercialization, and venture finance, where he leverages his financial acumen to foster impactful changes in society. Louw is deeply motivated by the belief that successful enterprises can profoundly influence their communities and contribute to national growth.
In 2013, Louw founded the critically acclaimed financial management consultancy, Outsourced CFO (OCFO), which specializes in unlocking growth potential for scale-up companies. This innovative firm, comprised of Chartered Accountants and experienced finance professionals, is dedicated to providing tailored financial guidance that is essential for emerging businesses looking to thrive in competitive markets. Louw's leadership has propelled OCFO to recognition as one of the top two Emerging Companies in the Province at the Premier’s Entrepreneurship Recognition Awards, as well as a spot among the Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies in South Africa.
In addition to his role at OCFO, Louw is a multifaceted professional serving as an author, speaker, investor, and venture advisor. His entrepreneurial spirit is further complemented by various directorships across diverse industries, including a venture capital fund and a pioneering space satellite startup. Louw’s innovative contributions and exceptional skills have earned him significant accolades, including being named the youngest entrepreneur on SAICA's prestigious 2015 Top 35 under 35 CAs in South Africa and inclusion in the Fast Company’s Top 20 Under 30. He is also recognized as a member of the Westerwelle Foundation’s Young Founders Alumni.
In 2018, Louw’s dedication and accomplishments culminated in his recognition as one of the top Emerging Entrepreneurs in South Africa, awarded during the renowned Sanlam Business/Partners Entrepreneur of the Year® Competition. His expertise lies in scaling private companies and raising growth capital for entrepreneurial ventures, making him a formidable force in the financial landscape.
Education and Achievements
Louw's educational background is as impressive as his professional journey. He is a qualified Chartered Accountant in South Africa, having studied various specialized disciplines, including financial accounting, taxation, financial management, and auditing through SAICA. His rigorous academic training has given him a solid foundation in financial principles, which he has applied throughout his career.
Furthermore, Louw completed the Public Practice Exam and Advanced Auditing at IRBA, showcasing his commitment to maintaining high standards in financial practices. He holds a Bachelor of Accounting (BAcc) and a Bachelor of Accounting Honours (BAcc Hons) from Stellenbosch University, where he honed his analytical and strategic thinking skills crucial for his future endeavors. He has also passed Level 1 of the CFA exam, with a focus on Investments and Securities from the CFA Institute, emphasizing his strength in financial markets and investment strategies.
His commitment to continuous learning and innovation is reflected in his participation in various programs, such as his engagement at Startup Weekend, where he explored entrepreneurial ideas and strategies with like-minded individuals.
Achievements
Louw Barnardt’s achievements through his career highlight his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to innovation and advancement in finance. His accolades not only reveal his capabilities but also underscore the impact he has made within the business community.
- Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year® (2018): Louw was recognized for his outstanding contributions to entrepreneurship within South Africa, affirming his position as a leading figure among the country's emerging business leaders.
- Premier’s Entrepreneurship Recognition Awards: Under Louw's stewardship, Outsourced CFO was named one of the top two Emerging Companies in the Province, further establishing OCFO's reputation as a leader in financial management consulting.
- Fast Company Most Innovative Companies: The innovative strategies implemented at OCFO led to its recognition among South Africa's Most Innovative Companies, highlighting Louw's commitment to growth and adaptability in an ever-evolving industry.
- Top 35 under 35 CAs (2015): Louw delights in being recognized as the youngest entrepreneur on the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) list, showcasing the achievements of young leaders in finance.
- Fast Company Top 20 under 30: Louw was acknowledged on this prestigious list, celebrating influential young leaders in a variety of sectors, including entrepreneurship and finance.
- Member of the Westerwelle Foundation Young Founders Alumni: This network comprises a selective group of young entrepreneurs from around the world committed to encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation.
Through his distinguished career, Louw Barnardt exemplifies the integration of finance and entrepreneurial ambition, consistently yielding results that uplift communities and drive economic growth. Each of Louw’s achievements reflects an unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation, making him a guiding figure for aspiring entrepreneurs and established professionals alike.