Mārtiņš Pleps is a Latvian entrepreneur best known for founding Handwave, a next-generation biometric startup focused on palm-based payment and identification systems. Established in 2021 in Riga, Latvia, Handwave has gained significant attention for its innovative technology aimed at replacing traditional cards and tickets with biometric solutions. The company has recently made news for its substantial seed funding and partnerships.
In recent years, Mārtiņš Pleps and Handwave have made substantial strides in the financial technology sector with several notable developments:
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mārtiņš Pleps |
| Born | [Exact date unknown], Latvia |
| Nationality | Latvian |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, Founder of Handwave |
| Known For | Biometric technology innovations |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Education | Not specified |
Information regarding Mārtiņš Pleps' early life and education is limited in public sources. However, as a native of Latvia, it is likely that Pleps pursued at least part of his educational journey within the country. His background in technology and entrepreneurship suggests training in fields related to business, finance, or engineering, although specific details about his academic credentials or early career are not readily available.
Mārtiņš Pleps' career trajectory is marked by his significant contribution to biometric technology:
As of 2025, Mārtiņš Pleps continues to lead Handwave as it enters a critical phase of market expansion. The collaboration with Visa and ongoing live retail pilots illustrate the growing impact of Handwave's solutions in the financial sector. His leadership focuses on further integrating biometric identification in everyday transactions, which could significantly shape the future landscape of payments and identity verification.
Mārtiņš Pleps stands out as a pioneering figure in the world of biometric technology, particularly through his work with Handwave. His visionary approach to integrating biometrics with financial transactions has attracted considerable attention and investment, establishing Handwave as a key player in the industry. As the company moves forward with technological innovations and strategic partnerships, Pleps' influence could pave the way for broader adoption of biometric solutions, ultimately transforming how people interact with financial systems worldwide.