Sinumy Raises ¥555 Million for Bluetooth Hands-Free Authentication Technology

Japanese startup Sinumy has raised approximately 555 million yen in a pre-Series A round to develop its Bluetooth-based hands-free authentication technology, which lets users pass through ticket gates and complete payments without touching their devices. Ten investors participated in the round, alongside loans from Sumitomo Mitsui Banking and the Japan Finance Corporation.

What is Sinumy’s technology?

Sinumy’s authentication system uses the Bluetooth signal from a smartphone to identify an individual with high precision, without the user needing to operate the device. The system is aimed at ticket gates, payments and access control, where it automatically completes the authentication step as a person walks through.

According to the company, the positioning accuracy has been improved from roughly 1.5 metres to the 10cm level, which helps prevent impersonation even in crowded environments. The company describes it as a fast and highly reliable authentication base for high-traffic settings.

Real-world testing

Sinumy has already taken the technology out of the lab. In March, it ran a demonstration of hands-free authentication gates at Shirokanedai Station in Tokyo, in a joint trial with Tokyo Metro and Toshiba. That trial was designed to show how commuters could pass through station gates without reaching for a phone or card.

The company is also strengthening its management team alongside the funding. Tomoya Yonaga has joined as director and chief operating officer, while Shunji Yamanaka, a design engineer who worked on the experience design of Suica, has been appointed as UI/UX advisor.

How the funds will be used

The proceeds will go toward productising and preparing mass production of smart gates and smart spots, expanding joint development and proof-of-concept work in gates, access control and payments, and hiring development and business development staff.

The round included mint, Theta Times Ventures, NOW, Seibu Shinkin Capital, UTEC, Mitsubishi UFJ Capital, Kobe University Capital, Investment Lab, Hokuhoku Capital and Miraido, with loans from Sumitomo Mitsui Banking and the Japan Finance Corporation.

FAQ

What does Sinumy’s technology do?

It uses Bluetooth signals from smartphones to automatically authenticate people for ticket gates, payments and access control, without requiring the user to operate the device.

How accurate is the positioning?

Sinumy says the accuracy has improved from about 1.5 metres to the 10cm level, reducing the risk of impersonation in crowded areas.

Has the technology been tested in public?

Yes, a joint trial with Tokyo Metro and Toshiba was held at Shirokanedai Station in March.

Source: The Bridge

Cover image generated by AI for illustrative purposes only.