Authentix

About Authentix

Authentix provides authentication and information services designed to protect the integrity of global supply chains and combat illicit trade. The company serves a diverse client base that includes central banks, governments, and commercial brand owners across various industries. Its business model revolves around creating custom-designed programs that combine physical security features with digital software solutions to mitigate counterfeiting, product diversion, and other fraudulent activities. Revenue is generated by implementing and managing these comprehensive authentication programs, which ensure product safety and protect client revenue.

The current iteration of Authentix was formed in 2003 through the merger of U.S.-based Isotag Technology and U.K.-based Biocode. This event combined the expertise of two entities whose commercial operations began in 1992. A significant milestone occurred in 2008 when the company was acquired by an investment group led by The Carlyle Group. This was followed by another acquisition in 2017 by Blue Water Energy, a private equity firm, which aimed to further grow Authentix's market position. The company has pursued an active acquisition strategy to expand its technological capabilities, acquiring five companies since 2019, including Strategic IP Information (2021), Royal Joh. Enschedé (2023), and the assets of Nanotech Security Corp. in 2024.

Kevin McKenna has served as President and CEO since May 2018. His career includes over two decades of management experience in the technology and security sectors. Prior to becoming CEO, McKenna joined Authentix in 2012 and held several leadership roles, including President of the Oil and Gas division and Chief Sales and Services Officer. His background features positions at HID Global, L-1 Identity Solutions, and IBM Global Services. McKenna is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and served for seven years as an Aviation Officer in the U.S. Army.

Authentix delivers a suite of solutions that provide visibility and traceability in complex supply chains. The company's offerings integrate overt, covert, and forensic security features into products and packaging. These include security inks, molecular markers (taggants), and tamper-evident seals. A key product is the AXIS® information management platform, a software system that manages data from authentication programs, from marking and sampling to testing and enforcement case management. For digital security, the DigiTrax™ cloud-based solution allows brand owners and consumers to authenticate products at the unit level using a smartphone. The company serves governments with fuel integrity programs to recover excise tax revenue and central banks with Level 3 authentication for banknote security. For brand owners in sectors like pharmaceuticals, spirits, and consumer goods, Authentix provides layered security solutions to protect against counterfeiting.