Entrepreneur of the Year 2024: How Certn co-founders Andrew McLeod and Owen Madrick are making themselves known with background checks

THE KICKOFF: Andrew McLeod and Owen Madrick aren’t just co-founders—they’re also best friends. “We like doing different things, which is what makes working together really synergistic,” says Madrick, who has a background in finance and accounting while McLeod has experience in sales and strategy.

The duo previously held executive roles at fintech firm Rent Moola, and started Victoria-based Certn when they recognized a need in the market to make it easier for individuals and organizations to access or share global background-check information—for example, for recent immigrants who want to open a bank account or rent an apartment. “It was sometimes hard to get that information quickly,” explains McLeod. “We saw all of this friction that didn’t need to exist and thought we could solve that problem.”

And they have: Certn’s systems allow you to easily access criminal record checks and other background information—for yourself, or for other individuals who have given their consent.

ACTION PLAN: Since it launched in 2017, Certn has grown both organically and through acquisitions, with some 440 employees situated around the globe.

The company’s expansion ticked up during the pandemic, when people couldn’t do background checks in person. “The world definitely went more remote, and that is something that facilitates our business because a lot of it is predicated on not feeling comfortable face-to-face with people, and helping create that trust,” explains Madrick. Certn rode that wave to $43 million in Series A funding in 2021.

CLOSING STATEMENT: According to its founders, Certn is headed toward profitability in 2025. Though the company began with a focus in the tenancy and employment space, it is now branching into financial services and telecommunications and is about to launch a verifiable credential network wallet that will allow users immediate access to their background checks.

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