The Rise of IT Recruitment Agency Datafin
In 1999, along with the dot-com boom, Datafin emerged to bridge the gap between the tech requirements of business and the needs of digital and IT specialists.
Led by a dynamic sister duo, Lindy Levinthal and Beverly Sollinger, Datafin continues to flourish alongside the tech industry as one of South Africa’s top tech recruitment agencies. Since 2015 we have expanded our recruitment services to include Finance, HR, Marketing and Legal.
We focus on sourcing highly skilled candidates for cutting-edge companies in technology-driven industries.
We are focused on conscious, intuitive recruitment where we have brought back the human element to the now overly automated process of sourcing staff. At Datafin we conduct our business with the highest level of integrity, treating candidates and clients as equal parties in the recruitment process.
Lindy Sollinger
Director and Founder
Lindy Sollinger
Director and Founder
Bachelor of Social Sciences from the University of Cape Town (UCT), Honours in Economics from UNISA.
I started Datafin in 1999 from my flat in Seapoint in my pyjamas! Three months later I moved into an office and so the dream began! Prior to Datafin, I had worked in Financial Services Recruitment both in Cape Town and the UK. While working out a restraint of trade I sold IT training courses and entered the fast-paced world of IT.
I am in charge of all the business development at Datafin as well as managing our internal staff. Being a mom of three means that work is sometimes a whole lot easier than being at home with the kids, who aren’t always as cooperative as my colleagues, candidates or clients.
I started Datafin in 1999 from my flat in Seapoint in my pyjamas! Three months later I moved into an office and so the dream began! Prior to Datafin, I had worked in Financial Services Recruitment both in Cape Town and the UK. While working out a restraint of trade I sold IT training courses and entered the fast-paced world of IT.
I am in charge of all the business development at Datafin as well as managing our internal staff. Being a mom of three means that work is sometimes a whole lot easier than being at home with the kids, who aren’t always as cooperative as my colleagues, candidates or clients.
- Email:lindy@datafin.com
Beverly Sollinger
Director
Beverly Sollinger
Director
Bachelor of Social Sciences and Post Grad Marketing Diploma from the University of Cape Town (UCT)
I joined Datafin in 2000 and worked my way up to partner two years later. Today, I have 18 years of experience in the IT Recruitment industry and have helped candidates improve their careers as well as achieve their vocational goals along the way.
Achieving veteran status is quite a monumental task in a hardcore world like tech recruitment. I believe that my success has been achieved through determination, an ability to connect with people, industry insights and a gift that allows me to understand the requirements of both sides.
I joined Datafin in 2000 and worked my way up to partner two years later. Today, I have 18 years of experience in the IT Recruitment industry and have helped candidates improve their careers as well as achieve their vocational goals along the way.
Achieving veteran status is quite a monumental task in a hardcore world like tech recruitment. I believe that my success has been achieved through determination, an ability to connect with people, industry insights and a gift that allows me to understand the requirements of both sides.
- Email:bev@datafin.com
Taryn Roman
Senior IT Recruitment Consultant
Taryn Roman
Senior IT Recruitment Consultant
Diploma in Business Administration and Tourism
I have 13 years of IT recruitment experience and have become a part of Datafin’s furniture as their longest standing employee. I am jokingly referred to by my colleagues as the “Techy Whisperer”, this nickname was bestowed upon me because placing IT support and technician roles has become my specialty.
I like to be “on top of things” at all times when it comes to my job, but I’d consider myself easy going otherwise. I believe it’s my calm and relaxed demeanour, along with my wealth of recruitment experience, that enables me to connect with candidates and get them the job they want.
I have 13 years of IT recruitment experience and have become a part of Datafin’s furniture as their longest standing employee. I am jokingly referred to by my colleagues as the “Techy Whisperer”, this nickname was bestowed upon me because placing IT support and technician roles has become my specialty.
I like to be “on top of things” at all times when it comes to my job, but I’d consider myself easy going otherwise. I believe it’s my calm and relaxed demeanour, along with my wealth of recruitment experience, that enables me to connect with candidates and get them the job they want.
- Email:taryn@datafin.com
Michelle Roberts
Snr Generalist Recruitment Consultant
Michelle Roberts
Snr Generalist Recruitment Consultant
I am known for my creativity and ability to think outside the box to find that perfect candidate. I am highly analytical and enjoy the challenge of finding that rainbow unicorn candidate no one else can find. I have been recruiting for past 17 years and pride myself on the long-standing relationships I have with both my candidates and clients.
Although I am a Generalist Recruiter (basically anything under the sun) I have come to focus on Executive or Senior Managerial roles as well as Analyst roles from BA/BI, Credit and Risk as well as Marketing Analytics. So, calling all Nerdy Analysts! Send me your CVs.
I focus predominantly on the Financial Services and Retail industry’s, however, I cover anything that comes my way.
As an outlet for my creative flair, I have been lucky enough to be involved in the coordination of our Social Media and Marketing Strategies. So please go ahead and follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, Hashtag us (#Datafin, #Dreamjobs) and like our posts! 🙂
In a nutshell, I am the one in the office decorating desks and organising baby showers and my main goal in life is to make everyone feel special, so I really hope that your experience with me will leave you smiling.
Although I am a Generalist Recruiter (basically anything under the sun) I have come to focus on Executive or Senior Managerial roles as well as Analyst roles from BA/BI, Credit and Risk as well as Marketing Analytics. So, calling all Nerdy Analysts! Send me your CVs.
I focus predominantly on the Financial Services and Retail industry’s, however, I cover anything that comes my way.
As an outlet for my creative flair, I have been lucky enough to be involved in the coordination of our Social Media and Marketing Strategies. So please go ahead and follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, Hashtag us (#Datafin, #Dreamjobs) and like our posts! 🙂
In a nutshell, I am the one in the office decorating desks and organising baby showers and my main goal in life is to make everyone feel special, so I really hope that your experience with me will leave you smiling.
- Email:michelle@datafin.com
Chantelle Lawrence
Tech/Generalist recruiter
Chantelle Lawrence
Tech/Generalist recruiter
National Diploma in Office Management & Technology
I have been recruiting in Tech since 2012 and am a very efficient and organised person. I am best known for hunting down exceptional candidates, having a great sense of humour and baking delicious CUPCAKES!
My experience in recruitment has been eye-opening in terms of the kinds of people I meet and speak to on a daily basis as well as the different levels of difficulty in placing a role. One thing I have come to learn, is that there is a company for every type of candidate and while a candidate may not be successfully placed at some of our clients, there will always be that one client that the candidate is the perfect fit for. My superpower is sourcing the right candidate for the right job!
I have been recruiting in Tech since 2012 and am a very efficient and organised person. I am best known for hunting down exceptional candidates, having a great sense of humour and baking delicious CUPCAKES!
My experience in recruitment has been eye-opening in terms of the kinds of people I meet and speak to on a daily basis as well as the different levels of difficulty in placing a role. One thing I have come to learn, is that there is a company for every type of candidate and while a candidate may not be successfully placed at some of our clients, there will always be that one client that the candidate is the perfect fit for. My superpower is sourcing the right candidate for the right job!
- Email:chantelle@datafin.com
Bethany Sellar
Senior Tech Recruiter
Bethany Sellar
Senior Tech Recruiter
I have 5+ years’ experience in Recruitment mainly within the IT industry however, I have recruited in various industries and have found something to love in each one of them.
I’m your expert unicorn wrangler, saving the world one placement at a time. I am dedicated to finding great talent and helping candidates to find their dream career.
I am cross-functional, solution orientated, and goal-driven. Striving to bring 100% to everything that I do with enhanced skills in relationship building, research, candidate selection and recruiting with a BIG passion for people.
Whatever your profession, I'm here to help your abilities shine.
I’m your expert unicorn wrangler, saving the world one placement at a time. I am dedicated to finding great talent and helping candidates to find their dream career.
I am cross-functional, solution orientated, and goal-driven. Striving to bring 100% to everything that I do with enhanced skills in relationship building, research, candidate selection and recruiting with a BIG passion for people.
Whatever your profession, I'm here to help your abilities shine.
- Email:bethany@datafin.com
Dani Jeftha
Tech Recruiter
Dani Jeftha
Tech Recruiter
National Diploma in Hospitality Operations and Management
19 Years ago, when I left the Hospitality Industry, and stepped into my first Recruitment role, I just knew that I would never look back, and haven't.
My passion for people, networking and helping others was ignited, recruitment has taken me places and taught me so much about people, cultures, economies and the world around us in general.
I have been fortunate enough to have had Global experience in recruitment and Business Development within Africa , USA ,UK , Ireland, and the Middle East.
I spent 5 years living and working in Northern Ireland, UK, but now find myself firmly rooted back in Cape Town.
I have specialised in many fields during my time in recruitment, including hospitality, industrial, oil and gas, renewables as well as C level recruitment. I have found my home in the IT and Digital space, and what exciting times we are facing in our industry at the moment!
I am passionate , results driven and unique in my “out of the box” and sometimes unconventional methods.
I enjoy engaging with both my candidates and clients and really love making people feel good about themselves while in my presence.
Top tips : Laughter is the best medicine, kindness, and gratitude costs you nothing , so sprinkle that everywhere! Always maintain a positive mindset, and my favourite , “What you focus on ,expands.”
My other passions : Cross training in the gym , running ,hiking, yoga and being a mom to my one and only teenage daughter who is my biggest blessing.
19 Years ago, when I left the Hospitality Industry, and stepped into my first Recruitment role, I just knew that I would never look back, and haven't.
My passion for people, networking and helping others was ignited, recruitment has taken me places and taught me so much about people, cultures, economies and the world around us in general.
I have been fortunate enough to have had Global experience in recruitment and Business Development within Africa , USA ,UK , Ireland, and the Middle East.
I spent 5 years living and working in Northern Ireland, UK, but now find myself firmly rooted back in Cape Town.
I have specialised in many fields during my time in recruitment, including hospitality, industrial, oil and gas, renewables as well as C level recruitment. I have found my home in the IT and Digital space, and what exciting times we are facing in our industry at the moment!
I am passionate , results driven and unique in my “out of the box” and sometimes unconventional methods.
I enjoy engaging with both my candidates and clients and really love making people feel good about themselves while in my presence.
Top tips : Laughter is the best medicine, kindness, and gratitude costs you nothing , so sprinkle that everywhere! Always maintain a positive mindset, and my favourite , “What you focus on ,expands.”
My other passions : Cross training in the gym , running ,hiking, yoga and being a mom to my one and only teenage daughter who is my biggest blessing.
- Email:dani@datafin.com
Wendy Campbell
Recruiter
Wendy Campbell
Recruiter
23 years ago, I fell into recruitment purely by accident when sitting in a train station in London browsing through the newspaper, I saw a job advert for a recruiter.
Little did I know the choice of responding to that advert, is what has set the pace for my entire life and the love I have for people.
I have recruited locally as well as internationally, this industry is not for the faint hearted but I love it and it is what I do best,
I’m known as a woman with a big heart, who is always there to meet the needs of those out there. My passionate for what I do, and tenacious personality has helped me build some of the strongest relationships and friendships in this industry.
I always say what you see in me is what you get - Determined, Driven, Passionate and definitely able to make people enjoy a good laugh!!
Little did I know the choice of responding to that advert, is what has set the pace for my entire life and the love I have for people.
I have recruited locally as well as internationally, this industry is not for the faint hearted but I love it and it is what I do best,
I’m known as a woman with a big heart, who is always there to meet the needs of those out there. My passionate for what I do, and tenacious personality has helped me build some of the strongest relationships and friendships in this industry.
I always say what you see in me is what you get - Determined, Driven, Passionate and definitely able to make people enjoy a good laugh!!
- Email:wendy@datafin.com
Mel Owies
Customer Relationship Manager
Mel Owies
Customer Relationship Manager
2022 brought on a strong desire to step out of my comfort zone, dust off the work boots and get to it! And here I am, in the world of recruiting!
As the Customer Relationship Manager, it is my job to engage, find out your requirements and hand you over to one of our incredible recruiters.
I have previous experience in the education and business sector and co-owned an electrical business. Wherever there is room for growth, that is where you will find me.
My love for engaging with people and a great cup of coffee keeps me fuelled throughout the day! I enjoy making people feel heard, seen and if I can get a laugh – that is a bonus 😊
As the Customer Relationship Manager, it is my job to engage, find out your requirements and hand you over to one of our incredible recruiters.
I have previous experience in the education and business sector and co-owned an electrical business. Wherever there is room for growth, that is where you will find me.
My love for engaging with people and a great cup of coffee keeps me fuelled throughout the day! I enjoy making people feel heard, seen and if I can get a laugh – that is a bonus 😊
- Email:mel@datafin.com
Janis Kinnear
Recruitment Administrator / Content Writer
Janis Kinnear
Recruitment Administrator / Content Writer
National Diploma Journalism, National Diploma Office Management & Technology, MIE Background Screening Certificate.
My initial career path started in administration, later I ventured into the world of media chasing breaking news stories or delving deeper into social ills and issues affecting our communities.
I get to utilise my meticulous nature and love of crafting creative, witty copy and the OCD internal spellcheck, for my current roles as recruitment admin support and content creator.
My initial career path started in administration, later I ventured into the world of media chasing breaking news stories or delving deeper into social ills and issues affecting our communities.
I get to utilise my meticulous nature and love of crafting creative, witty copy and the OCD internal spellcheck, for my current roles as recruitment admin support and content creator.
- Email:janis@datafin.com
Stella Buley
Generalist Recruiter
Stella Buley
Generalist Recruiter
Bachelors of Social Sciences and Honors in Organizational Psychology from the University of Cape Town (UCT).
I am new to recruitment, but I believe passionately in the good that comes from matching the right person to the right job.
I am an eternal optimist who will always make the best out of any situation, and I bring this outlook into my ethos whether it’s looking for the right candidate or handling the kind of curveballs that recruitment can throw. Being in a position that allows me to connect with people daily, and to help them find a position that works best for them is amazing!
I believe that there is something out there for everyone, and hopefully we can find that something for you.
I am new to recruitment, but I believe passionately in the good that comes from matching the right person to the right job.
I am an eternal optimist who will always make the best out of any situation, and I bring this outlook into my ethos whether it’s looking for the right candidate or handling the kind of curveballs that recruitment can throw. Being in a position that allows me to connect with people daily, and to help them find a position that works best for them is amazing!
I believe that there is something out there for everyone, and hopefully we can find that something for you.
- Email:stella@datafin.com