Featured News

Clear gains funding to expand biometric ticketing

Biometric identity company Clear has secured a new round of funding as it looks to further expand its platform, as well as its ticketing and airport security network.

Clear signed a landmark deal with Major League Baseball last year, which went into effect from the start of 2019, introducing biometric ticketing at all participating ballparks.

It also linked up with NFL American football team the Seattle Seahawks, MLB’s Seattle Mariners and Major League Soccer franchise the Seattle Sounders.

The new round of financing was led by global investment management firm T. Rowe Price Associates and Revolution Growth.

“Clear has created a powerful biometric identity platform that meets consumers’ increasing expectation for security and convenience,” said Henry Ellenbogen, portfolio manager of T. Rowe Price New Horizons Fund. “We believe Clear could be much a larger company. It is building a world-class company and brand and we are excited about their continued expansion in new airports, sports venues, and other verticals.”

In addition to its sporting partnership, Clear saw significant growth in 2018 with airport deals, an agreement with Hertz rental car firm and the launch of what it claims to be the first biometric concessions solution.

It also launched its brand campaign to drive awareness of its identity membership platform, with the message that it believes a person’s eyes and fingertips are the most accurate forms of ID.

Ted Leonsis, Revolution Growth co-founder and partner, said: “The market for biometric technologies is expected to grow rapidly over the next few years and Clear is uniquely positioned to be the leader in using this technology to help consumers to access experiences beyond the airport more quickly and safely.

“We believe in Clear’s vision and its ability to use its technology for several other use cases that require identity verification to grant access.”

In addition, Clear’s platform has been certified as Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technology by the Department of Homeland Security and complies with NIST standards.

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