Veritas expands anti-counterfeit chip to metal and glass
Veritas has launched its second-generation authentication chip capable of scanning through glass and metal to help luxury brands stop superfake counterfeits across broader product lines.
Hardware startup Veritas has unveiled the second version of its physical authentication chip, extending its anti-counterfeiting technology to hard-surface products, jewelry, trophies, and glass fragrance bottles. Developed by founder Luci Holland, a former Tesla technical product manager, the next-generation component operates directly on metallic surfaces and can be scanned through glass. Unlike static NFC tags or copied QR codes, the hardware embeds a tamper-detection wire and generates a unique, secure response each time a user taps it with a smartphone.
To showcase the upgraded hardware alongside its existing garment integrations, Veritas partnered with ATHLOS, the women’s track-and-field competition created by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian. All 18 championship crowns awarded at the event will carry the embedded chips to prove authenticity. The firm also integrated its technology into a custom pair of LeBron James’ first Nike footwear reimagined by artist Adam Port, allowing tap-to-scan access to the item's historical context.
The company supports its hardware deployment through a newly released iOS consumer application and an administrative brand portal. These digital tools enable companies to build owner verification experiences, facilitate event check-ins, form exclusive customer clubs, and offer segmented early access to product drops. Since its launch earlier this year, the platform has gained traction following a $1.75 million pre-seed funding round led by Ohanian’s Seven Seven Six. Additional investors include DoorDash co-founder Stanley Tang, Reys skincare co-founder Gloria Zhu, and former TechCrunch editor Josh Constine.
For brand managers and product designers trying to combat high-quality superfake replicas, Veritas offers an integrated hardware-software mechanism that attaches proof of provenance directly to complex luxury materials. By linking encrypted physical signals with verifiable digital profiles, manufacturers can safeguard physical supply chains while simultaneously opening new digital engagement channels for verified owners.
This is our own summary of reporting by TechCrunch AI
