For its first investment of 2020, Amadeus Ventures is backing mobile identity solution Airside for an undisclosed amount.
The Washington, D.C.-based startup previously raised $8 million.
Airside allows United States citizens and Canadian visitors to expedite and securely pass through U.S. Customs with a mobile passport app.
Instead of using paper documents, travelers can submit passport and customs declaration forms to the app to access the faster security lines in the airport.
The platform, which is authorized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, simplifies and speeds up the customs experience.
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Since the launch of Airside in 2009, more than eight million travelers have used the app.
With its biometrically enabled identity platform and decentralized architecture, users can manage their most sensitive information.
Hans Miller, CEO of Airside, says that its apps include “privacy by design, and we keep security at the heart of everything we do.”
“We feel this investment from Amadeus is testament to the potential of our solutions to help improve the experience for passengers worldwide.”
As part of the deal, some of Airside’s components will be integrated into Amadeus’ upcoming global platform to enable frictionless experiences for users.
Says Suzanna Chiu, head of Amadeus Ventures: “Biometrics is a key trend for the industry, and one we feel has the potential to reshape air travel as we know it today.
“Airside has developed an innovative identity management solution that presents many opportunities to improve the passenger journey.”