FST Biometrics

About FST Biometrics

FST Biometrics, founded in 2007 by Major-General Aharon Zeevi Farkash, was an Israeli company that developed biometric identification and security solutions. Farkash, a former head of the Israeli Military Intelligence Directorate, leveraged his extensive security background to pioneer the company's core technology. Initially known as FST21, the company rebranded to FST Biometrics in 2014 to align with its focus on its flagship product. The firm secured approximately $23 million in venture capital from investors including GMF Capital and Compass Ventures Group.

The company's primary offering was the In-Motion Identification (IMID) system, a non-intrusive access control solution. IMID utilized a fusion of technologies, including facial recognition, behavioral analytics, and voice recognition, to identify authorized individuals from a distance and while they were moving. This was designed to eliminate the need for physical credentials like cards or keys, offering a seamless and secure entry experience. The system was deployed in various settings such as corporate headquarters, residential buildings, and healthcare facilities. For instance, it was implemented at CN's headquarters in Montreal for its 3,000 employees and at the Israeli Diamond Exchange.

FST Biometrics targeted enterprises and secured facilities that required robust security without creating bottlenecks for authorized personnel. Its business model centered on the sale and installation of the IMID system, which could be integrated with existing security infrastructure like turnstiles and access control systems. Despite its technology and numerous deployments, FST Biometrics faced significant challenges. Reports from 2018 indicated that high operational costs and insufficient market traction led to financial difficulties. In June 2018, the company's board voted to cease operations, and the company officially shut down in July 2018, ending its eleven-year journey.