US-based biometrics technology developer Tascent has raised $19.5m in a series B round co-led by IT services provider NEC Corporation and asset management firm Tano Capital.
Data storage technology supplier Min Aik Technology also contributed to the round.
Founded in 2015, Tascent has developed biometric software and devices that rely on facial, iris and fingerprint authentication. The technology has been embedded in systems deployed in airports, government agencies and enterprises.
The funding will go towards an expanded product line and international growth. Tascent and NEC have partnered to further develop the iris recognition technology.
Tano Capital previously led an $18.5m series A round in 2015.
Masakazu Yamashina, executive vice-president of NEC, said: “NEC has long delivered the benefits of multimodal biometrics with our industry-leading solutions, and we expect that Tascent’s expertise in technology innovation, solution development, and product design will help NEC to further grow the biometric identity market.”