Contactless palm payments are moving from sci-fi to reality and Latvia-based fintech startup Handwave is leading the charge in Europe. As Amazon One records over 8 million uses primarily in its own stores and Whole Foods locations across the US. Handwave is stepping up to offer retailers an independent, secure, and innovative alternative.
Unlike Amazon, which has the advantage of a vast store network, Handwave partners with third-party retailers to bring palm-based checkout experiences to the masses. Its hardware and software solution enables customers to make payments simply by hovering their palm over a scanner — no cards, no apps, no face or fingerprint scans needed. The system uses palm vein biometrics for secure identity verification and even supports age verification and loyalty programs.
Backed by $4.2 million in seed funding and partnerships with major financial institutions, including a new agreement with Visa. Handwave is gearing up for its first market pilots. With roots in global payment giant Worldline, the founders are leveraging their expertise to offer a lower-cost, faster checkout alternative to traditional methods — and a competitor to Amazon One.
What sets Handwave apart is its focus on price efficiency, regulatory readiness in the EU, and cutting-edge technology developed in Riga. Operating in the Baltic tech hub gives them access to world-class AI talent and enables capital-efficient growth.
As biometric payments gain momentum globally, with players like Tencent and JP Morgan also exploring the space. Handwave is positioning itself as Europe’s homegrown leader in secure, palm-based payments. With its strong value proposition and scalable model, this startup is not just waving hands — it’s making waves.
