Biometrics identity startup CLEAR raises $100 million to replace everything in your wallet with touchless ID

We wrote about CLEAR back in 2019 when the New York-based biometric-based identity startup CLEAR secured new funding to accelerate platform and network expansion. CLEAR makes it simple for users to self-identify themselves by using biometrics to build a connected world that’s smarter and more secure. CLEAR becomes your key to a frictionless world. CLEAR currently powers secure, frictionless customer experiences at more than 30 airports and stadiums nationwide, and so much more to come.

Its platform instantly connects user’s life from airports to arenas and after a fast, one-time enrollment. CLEAR powers secure, frictionless customer experiences at more than 30 airports and stadiums nationwide, and so much more to come. CLEAR’s touchless ID makes it easier for you to go safer and faster through airport security, venue entrances, and beyond. CLEAR’s touchless ID also replaces everything in your wallet, like your ID, payment, and insurance cards.

Today, CLEAR, announced it has secured another $100 million in strategic funding to accelerate the company’s growth as a platform that transforms both physical and digital experiences to make it safer and easier for customers and partners. The round was led by Danny Meyer’s Enlightened Hospitality Investments, 32 Equity (the investment arm of the National Football League (NFL)), and the Partnership Fund for New York City.

To date, CLEAR has provided over 5 million members with frictionless journeys across multiple industries. This investment will continue to accelerate the company’s growth as a platform that transforms both physical and digital experiences to make them safer and easier for customers and partners.

Founded in 2010 by Caryn Seidman-Becker and Ken Cornick, CLEAR is used by more than 5 million users and 55+ locations across the United States. CLEAR links identity with different information sets, including credit cards, tickets to the game, reservations, frequent flyer numbers, flight manifests, health care identification, driver’s licenses and passports. CLEAR’s data security framework meets the highest standards for performance and for protecting sensitive information — FISMA High- and SAFETY Act-certified by the Department of Homeland Security.

CLEAR most recently launched “Health Pass,” a mobile application that makes it safer and easier for people to get back to doing what they know and love. Health Pass connects members’ identity to COVID-related information, including vaccination results, to reduce public health risk and help re-start the economy.

Health Pass is currently being used to help reimagine the future of sports, work, travel, and coming together in a post-COVID world. With vaccines being administered across the country, Health Pass securely links and validates individuals’ vaccination credentials and will have access to the majority of healthcare facilities, pharmacies, and state-authorized vaccination centers. More than 35 organizations are currently using Health Pass to create safer environments, including the National Hockey League (with whom CLEAR has signed a league-wide partnership), MGM Resorts, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and nine NBA teams.

“Since 2010, CLEAR’s vision has remained constant: to provide our members frictionless journeys that make it easy to experience what they love doing best,” said CLEAR CEO and Founder Caryn Seidman-Becker. “With this new investment and our committed partners, we are ready to double down and make this vision possible at a time when it’s more important than ever to be able to come together safely.”

“I’ve seen firsthand how powerful CLEAR’s technology can be with Health Pass creating safer working environments for our team members at Union Square Hospitality Group,” said Danny Meyer, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Enlightened Hospitality Investments. “And for many years I’ve experienced the exceptional hospitality CLEAR extends at every touchpoint. We are proud to call CLEAR a partner and thrilled to be a part of their future with our investment.”

“To reopen our brick and mortar economy and restore the personal interactions that make New York the most vibrant and connected city in the world, we need the CLEAR Health Pass. That is why we are encouraging businesses to embrace the CLEAR model so they can bring people back to the office and ensure the safety of our shops, restaurants, theaters and entertainment venues much more quickly than would otherwise be possible,” said Kathryn Wylde, President, and CEO of the Partnership for New York City.