Handwave Secures $4.2M Funding To Launch Palm-Based Payments

With Handwave, you can pay, prove your age, earn loyalty points, or check in—just by scanning your palm. No need for cards, phones, apps, or facial recognition. One simple hand gesture is all it takes.

The tech lets users scan their palm using a phone camera, link their payment and ID details, and store everything securely in a digital wallet. After setup, just hover your palm over a reader to complete actions instantly.

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Unlike facial recognition, Handwave doesn’t track you. And it’s harder to fake than a fingerprint.

It works by scanning both the surface lines and the vein pattern inside your palm to create a unique, encrypted ID. With built-in two-factor authentication, Handwave promises top-level security.

“We’re building the next evolution in everyday identity and payment experiences,” says Jānis Stirna, co-founder of 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 buying 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 showing 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.”

The funding round was led by regional firm Practica Capital, with participation from FirstPick, Outlast Fund, and Inovo.vc. The capital will be used to develop the product further, obtain regulatory certifications, and run live pilots in retail environments.

“Handwave demonstrates the kind of bold thinking we look for in local Baltic founders,” said Arvydas Blože, Partner at Practica Capital.

“Their technology is bold, intuitive, and answers a real need in today’s increasingly digital world. And we believe that Handwave is at the forefront.”

So far, Handwave has secured a total of $5 million in funding, which includes a previous $780,000 angel investment. The company is now gearing up for market pilots, strengthening its biometric technology, and expanding merchant partnerships across the Baltics and other regions.

About Handwave

Founded in 2021, Handwave is revolutionizing in-store payments with palm-based tech—no phones, cards, or wallets needed. Users can pay, verify age, and earn rewards with a simple scan. Built in the EU and backed by top VCs, Handwave offers speed, security, and convenience for both customers and merchants.