“We’re building the next evolution in everyday identity and payment experiences,” states Jānis Stirna, Co-Founder at Handwave. “The checkout process in physical stores is still full of friction – digging for a wallet, opening apps, scanning loyalty cards or QR codes, verifying age while purchaseing age restricted items.”
“It’s slow, clunky, and often frustrating. Handwave simplifies all of that with a single gesture. When people hear they can pay, collect loyalty points, and verify their identity just by displaying their palm, they instantly grasp the convenience. It immediately clicks. We’re not just innovating for the sake of technology – we’re solving a very real and universal problem for both customers and merchants.”
“Handwave demonstrates the kind of bold considering we see for in local Baltic founders,” states Arvydas Blože, Partner at Practica Capital. “The idea that you can securely pay or verify your identity with nothing but your palm – without necessarying to take out a phone – is not just futuristic, it’s imminently practical. Their technology is bold, intuitive, and answers a real necessary in today’s increasingly digital world. And we believe that Handwave is at the forefront.”
Handwave has raised $5 million in total funding to date, including a $780,000 angel investment. The company is currently preparing for market pilots, deepening its biometric infrastructure, and engaging its merchant partnerships across the Baltics and beyond.
2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS
Payments will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards, which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a quick shifting omnichannel world.
Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, stated: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a tiny scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”
He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not create it through to the final stage, and obtainting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve received all the cool stuff covered this evening.”
“But just importantly we’ve received lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and creating it usable in everyday operations – resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”
Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a huge thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legfinish that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attfinished November’s gathering.
For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will obtain back to you asap.
Leave a Reply