NEC Invests in PopID to Accelerate Global Expansion of Biometric Payment Solutions
NEC Orchestrating Future Fund, an ecosystem-based corporate venture capital (CVC) fund, has invested in PopID, a U.S.-based provider of face authentication payment services. The investment strengthens NEC’s position in next-generation digital transactions by combining its world-leading biometric authentication technology with PopID’s rapidly growing payment platform.
Together, NEC and PopID aim to establish a new global standard for secure, seamless, and privacy-centric digital transactions, delivering convenience for consumers and efficiency for businesses.
Strategic Value of the Investment
The new funding builds on PopID’s recent Series C round in May 2025, led by Verifone, a leader in North American in-store payment terminals, along with Visa, Cultivate Next (Chipotle’s venture arm), Commerce Ventures, PayPal, and additional leading companies. The funding enables the full-scale rollout of Verifone terminals compatible with PopID across North America.
By investing at this pivotal stage, NEC will accelerate the adoption of biometric payments, extending the global reach of its secure authentication technologies. This partnership supports NEC’s vision of creating flexible, resilient, and sustainable digital societies.
PopID’s Growing Presence and Customer Value
PopID has quickly scaled its platform to more than 1,000 merchants across the United States, including major quick-service chains such as Whataburger and Steak ‘n Shake. Through the PopID app, users register their face and can complete payments at participating stores-without the need for cards, cash or phones. This provides a faster and touch-free checkout experience, while NEC’s biometric technology ensures strong data protection by converting face data into non-reversible templates.
For consumers, the result is a secure, convenient, and hygienic way to pay. For merchants, PopID increases throughput and revenue while also reducing transaction fees by supporting debit, credit, and ACH payment rails.
NEC’s Biometric Leadership
NEC’s face authentication technology has consistently ranked No. 1 in accuracy in benchmark tests conducted by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). With operations spanning more than 50 countries, NEC is advancing the social implementation of face authentication across payments, retail, and enterprise services.
"The NEC Orchestrating Future Fund invests in startups that are pioneering new markets with cutting-edge technologies and innovative business models," said Shigeki Wada, Corporate SVP, NEC Corporation. "PopID's advanced payment service contributes to the global adoption of face authentication payments and aligns with NEC's vision of creating flexible, resilient, and sustainable societies. Together with PopID, we will accelerate our efforts to create new social value."
Norbert Gehrke
