UAE-based Relik has successfully completed a seed funding round with backing from KBW Ventures, Naatt Holding, Fort Holding, and Ayman Sejiny. Founded in 2023 by Walid Tarabih and later joined by John Tsioris, Relik is an AI-driven authentication platform that assists collectors, brands, and marketplaces in verifying authenticity. The newly acquired funds will enable Relik to introduce additional products and extend its reach into sectors such as sports, luxury, and heritage markets.
Relik is pioneering a blend of AI and advanced security technologies to authenticate collectibles, art, and cultural treasures. The investment will expedite the launch of the Relik Vault, a tamper-proof platform that offers brands, artists, and institutions the tools to safeguard their assets and enhance consumer trust through verifiable provenance.
Walid Tarabih emphasized the importance of authenticity in a world increasingly challenged by counterfeits, which not only affect economies but also erase identity and creativity. HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud of KBW Ventures highlighted Relik’s role in establishing a new global standard for truth and trust amidst rising counterfeiting and AI-generated content.
Relik’s technology provides physical assets with a unique “digital DNA,” allowing for instantaneous verification using just a smart device, eliminating the need for external hardware like NFC chips or QR codes. With the operational expertise of John Tsioris, Relik is poised for significant growth, having already formed partnerships with sports legends, museums, and auction houses, all united by the belief in the importance of authenticity.
