Actaclear
Actaclear is a secure identity company that has carved out a niche in biometric verification and expedited security screening.
Profile
Actaclear provides biometric identity verification to expedite security screenings at airports, retail locations, and corporate environments.
Actaclear is a secure identity company that has carved out a niche in biometric verification and expedited security screening. Founded in the early 2020s, the company initially focused on airport security but has since expanded into retail and corporate environments. Its flagship product, CLEAR+, uses biometric data to streamline identity verification, reducing wait times at security checkpoints.
The company went public in recent years and has shown consistent revenue growth, with Q1 2026 revenue reaching $253 million, a 19.7% year-over-year increase. CLEAR's operational achievements include a network of 60 CLEAR+ airports and 277 retail locations offering TSA PreCheck enrollment. The company has also launched eGates at 43 airports and CLEAR Concierge, a premium airport service, at 32 locations.
CLEAR1, another product line, has seen bookings increase fivefold year-over-year. Financially, Actaclear is robust, with Q1 2026 net income of $56.4 million and a 31.9% Adjusted EBITDA margin. The company has also returned $56.4 million to shareholders via dividends and share repurchases in Q1 2026. What's interesting now is the company's aggressive expansion into new verticals and its ability to maintain profitability while scaling.
Who buys this
- Airports and airlines seeking to reduce passenger wait times
- Retail chains looking to enhance customer experience with faster checkouts
- Corporate campuses requiring secure, efficient employee access
- Government agencies needing streamlined identity verification
- Event venues aiming to speed up entry processes
Strengths and what to watch
Strengths
- Strong revenue growth, with Q1 2026 revenue up 19.7% year-over-year
- Expanding network of 60 CLEAR+ airports and 277 retail locations
- High profitability metrics, including a 31.9% Adjusted EBITDA margin in Q1 2026
Watch for
- Dependence on airport traffic, which is vulnerable to economic downturns and travel disruptions
- Regulatory risks associated with handling biometric data
- Competition from other identity verification providers and potential commoditization of biometric tech
Recent moves
Key Information
- Founded
- 2020
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Actaclear do?
Actaclear provides biometric identity verification to speed up security checks at airports, retail stores, and corporate buildings. Its CLEAR+ system uses biometric data like fingerprints or facial recognition to verify identities, reducing wait times at checkpoints while maintaining security standards across various industries.
How does Actaclear's CLEAR+ system work?
CLEAR+ uses biometric data such as fingerprints or facial recognition to verify identities instantly. The system links biometric markers to pre-verified credentials, allowing users to bypass traditional ID checks at airports, retail locations, and corporate security points while maintaining rigorous security protocols.
Where can I use Actaclear's services?
Actaclear operates at 60 airports with CLEAR+ lanes, 277 retail locations for TSA PreCheck enrollment, and corporate campuses. Their eGates are available at 43 airports, while premium CLEAR Concierge service is offered at 32 locations, focusing on high-traffic travel and retail environments.
Is Actaclear financially stable?
Actaclear reported strong Q1 2026 results with $253 million revenue (19.7% YoY growth) and $56.4 million net income. The company maintains a healthy 31.9% Adjusted EBITDA margin and returned $56.4 million to shareholders through dividends and buybacks, demonstrating financial stability during expansion.
What industries use Actaclear's technology?
Actaclear serves airports reducing passenger wait times, retailers speeding up checkouts, corporate campuses managing secure access, government agencies streamlining verification, and event venues accelerating entry. Each sector benefits from biometric authentication that balances speed with security in high-traffic environments.
What are the risks of using Actaclear?
Key risks include dependence on airport traffic vulnerable to economic shifts, regulatory challenges around biometric data handling, and competition from other identity verification providers. While profitable, Actaclear must navigate these industry-specific challenges as biometric technology becomes more widespread.
Sources
- ir.clearme.com — Q1 2026 financial results and operational achievements
- www.pkware.com — Context on cybersecurity trends impacting identity verification
- techcrunch.com — Broader tech industry context
- www.informationweek.com — Tech industry layoffs and restructuring trends