Handwave has raised $4.2 million in a seed round to launch its palm-based authentication method across Europe and the United States. The company’s technology enables payments, age verification and loyalty programs to be done “with one wave of a hand.” “Using a combination of surface palm imaging and near-infrared vein mapping, Handwave creates an encrypted biometric template that never leaves your control,” Handwave said. “The result? Secure, frictionless authentication with a single gesture — no devices, apps or wallets required.” Handwave said palm biometrics provides users with greater control than facial recognition and greater security than face scans or fingerprints. While facial recognition can be triggered passively, palm biometrics requires users to extend their hand and confirm the action. Plus, the palm’s “unique network of veins, geometry and motion” is difficult to replicate and can be verified with liveness detection. The early-stage venture capital firm focused on Baltic founders said Handwave’s biometric payments and identification platform “is redefining how we pay and prove who we are — with just a palm.” “The idea that you can securely pay or verify your identity with nothing but your palm—without even taking out a phone—is not just futuristic, it’s imminently practical,” Practica Capital Partner Arvydas Bloze said.