Metsakuur

What Metsakuur does

Metsakuur is a Seoul-based Vision AI company founded in January 2020 by Lee Ji-hoon, specializing in proprietary face recognition technology for digital identity verification. The company's core engine, UFACE, uses deep learning to extract 512 facial feature points and performs 1:1 and 1:N matching against databases of up to 10 million identities in 0.06 seconds (KOLAS certified) with 99.99% accuracy (KISA certified). Its technology is certified across all three critical Korean government benchmarks — KISA biometric, KOLAS performance, and TTA anti-spoofing — and is the only Korean solution to pass TTA anti-spoofing testing on 22 mobile device models. Metsakuur monetizes through four streams: enterprise licensing of the UFACE SDK (SDK, On-Premise, and SaaS deployments), subscription-based SaaS via the iJANUS platform (notably iJANUS OTM online exam monitoring), hardware sales (cameras, servers, kiosks), and professional services for integration. The company has 18 employees, regional offices in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Tokyo, and serves customers across Korean Tier 1 banks (Hana, Shinhan, KB, Woori, IBK, NH, DGB), Korean government agencies (Ministry of Interior and Safety, Korea Minting and Security Corporation), Vietnamese financial institutions (Woori Bank Vietnam, NH Nonghyup Bank Vietnam), and education/certification bodies.

The company has built a position as the face recognition technology supplier for Korea's national mobile ID initiatives (mobile driver's license, mobile resident registration card), and its technology is integrated with partner hardware including Lenovo ThinkSystem SR650 V3 AI servers. Metsakuur's go-to-market combines direct enterprise sales for Tier 1 banks and government, channel partners for Southeast Asia (InfoPlus in Vietnam, Prime Solution in Thailand, KOK KOK in Laos), and event-driven demand generation at major conferences including MWC, GITEX, and Lenovo TechDay. With 600+ million cumulative user authentications and 720,000+ test-takers on iJANUS OTM, the company is positioned at the intersection of Korean fintech, digital government identity, and AI-enabled authentication — a segment projected to reach a 150 trillion KRW global digital identity verification market by 2030.

Name

Metsakuur

Legal name

(주)메사쿠어컴퍼니

Website

https://metsakuur.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Metsakuur is a Seoul-based Vision AI company that provides proprietary face recognition technology (UFACE engine) and SaaS platforms for digital identity verification, serving Korean Tier 1 banks, government mobile ID programs, Vietnamese financial institutions, and education/certification bodies across Asia and the Middle East.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Biometric Face Recognition Software

akta.pro primary industry

Facial Recognition & Biometrics (HDAAAEAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Identity Governance & Administration (IGA) (BPAMAEAC), Biometric Input Devices (Fingerprint/Face/Iris Scanners) (HDACAFAI), Identity & Access Management (SSO/MFA) for Education (EDAFALAI)

Keywords

• Face recognition software
• Biometric authentication
• Identity verification
• E-KYC solutions
• Online exam monitoring

Headquarters

HQ city

Seoul

HQ country

South Korea

HQ region

Asia

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. SaaS Subscription (iJANUS OTM): Cloud-based online exam monitoring service with monthly/annual subscription model. Provides real-time AI-powered proctoring for educational institutions, corporations, and certification bodies.
2. Software Licensing (UFACE SDK): UFACE face recognition software development kit licensed to enterprises for integration into their applications. Available via SDK, On-Premise, and SaaS deployment options.
3. Professional Services: Custom implementation, integration, and consulting services for enterprise clients deploying face recognition solutions in financial, government, and enterprise environments.
4. Hardware Sales: Face recognition cameras, servers, access control terminals, and kiosks for physical security and authentication deployments.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Metsakuur develops and sells proprietary Vision AI face recognition technology (UFACE) and a SaaS identity verification platform (iJANUS). UFACE delivers fast and accurate 1:1 and 1:N face matching for e-KYC, mobile banking login, mobile government ID, and internal access control. iJANUS is a browser-based SaaS offering online exam proctoring (iJANUS OTM) and contactless attendance management (iJANUS myPASS), supplemented by hardware products such as face recognition cameras, servers, and kiosks.

Product overview

Metsakuur is a Vision AI company offering a unified platform-plus-modules product architecture anchored by its proprietary UFACE face recognition engine, supplemented by the iJANUS SaaS platform and a suite of specialized solutions. The core product UFACE provides face recognition identity verification across multiple modalities (1:1 and 1:N matching) and is licensed as an SDK or integrated into broader platforms. iJANUS serves as the umbrella SaaS brand for online exam monitoring (iJANUS OTM) and access/attendance management (iJANUS myPASS). The portfolio includes sector-specific solutions — mobile ID (government digital ID programs), e-KYC (banking and fintech), construction site AI, and healthcare AI — all powered by the same underlying UFACE engine. The company also offers hardware products (face recognition cameras, servers, kiosks, authentication terminals) and distributes UFACE-integrated solutions on partner hardware platforms such as Lenovo servers. All offerings are designed for high-security environments including finance, public sector, education, and healthcare.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• UFACE: Face recognition AI solution (얼굴인식 AI 솔루션) providing fast and accurate identity verification and authentication services for businesses, used in e-KYC, mobile banking login, access control, and government mobile ID projects.
• iJANUS
• iJANUS OTM

Products and services

• UFACE Metsakuur's flagship Vision AI face recognition solution providing 1:1 and 1:N identity verification and authentication based on a proprietary deep learning engine extracting 512 facial feature points. KOLAS certified for 1:10M matching in 0.06s, KISA certified 99.99% accuracy, TTA certified anti-spoofing. Available via SDK, On-Premise, and SaaS deployment.
• iJANUS Integrated SaaS platform delivering real-time monitoring and identity verification for digital transformation. Web browser-based with bio-information distributed management and end-to-end encryption.
• iJANUS OTM AI-powered online exam monitoring service using face recognition for real-time examinee identity verification and misconduct detection. Triple-channel monitoring (front webcam, side mobile camera, exam screen) with AI auto-detection for seat departure, multi-person, screen, and sound anomalies. 720,000+ cumulative test-takers with 760+ days uninterrupted operation.
• iJANUS myPASS

Quantifiable outcome

• 99.99% face recognition accuracy certified by KISA
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers16 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

AI capability9 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

32 partnerships are on record, tiered core and regional.

• AiM Future (에임퓨처)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 April 2026NPU-integrated hardware product development and commercialization partnership for global edge AI market. AiM Future provides proven NPU technology already commercialized in LG Electronics home appliances. Metsakuur integrates and optimizes AI algorithms onto NPU hardware for high-performance, low-power solutions targeting smart cities, intelligent security, and embedded AI markets.
• SK Telecom (SK텔레콤)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2026Exhibiting at MWC2026 4YFN SK Telecom exhibition hall. AI accelerator program graduate. Partnership for AI face recognition solutions with Korea's largest telecom operator.
• Aranta (아란타)coreTechnology or Integration · 26 November 2025AI security technology for remote maintenance security enhancement. Integrating Metsakuur's face recognition with Aranta's online service control system. Real-time identity verification for remote access personnel to prevent unauthorized access and data leakage.
• QROWNTECH (Lebanon)regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 October 2025MOU signed at GITEX Global 2025. Middle East market partner for global business expansion based in Lebanon.
• GFB Solutions (Bahrain)regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 October 2025MOU signed at GITEX Global 2025. Partner for business expansion in Middle East region.
• IHW (아이에이치더블유)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 July 2025MOU for combining face recognition AI with ultra-low-power AI chip technology. Joint development of security hardware and software integrated solutions. Plan to create smart door and various security systems products. IHW developing analog AI chips (ACiM) with superior power efficiency.
• InfoPlus Vietnam (인포플러스)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 8 April 2025B2B financial IT specialist partnership for Vietnam market. MOU signed for face recognition technology supply to financial institutions. Partnership enabled rapid Vietnam market entry, supplying technology to Vietnam NH Nonghyup Bank and Woori Bank Vietnam.
• Yunho-sik (윤호식 부사장)coreTechnology or Integration · 19 March 2025Vice President Yun Ho-sik representing Metsakuur at GITEX 2025 showcasing face recognition AI technology to global buyers and technology experts.
• SanhajisikGi (산하정보技术有限公司)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 11 December 2024Face recognition solution supply agreement for hospitality industry. Integration with Sanha's smart kiosk and PMS systems. Deploying AI face recognition for minor accommodation prevention at hotels and lodging facilities in Korea.
• Andwise (앤드와이즈)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 November 2024MOU for technology partnership and joint marketing cooperation. Integration of face recognition security technology with CMS solutions. Development of university face recognition web login solutions and joint online exam monitoring system development. Target Southeast Asian market expansion together.
• Andwise (앤드와이즈)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 22 November 2024Joint marketing and co-marketing partnership. Integration of face recognition security technology with CMS solutions for universities. Combined offerings for domestic and global market expansion.
• Lucas AI (루카스에이아이)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 November 2024Virtual human solution development partnership. Integrating face recognition with Lucas AI's AI Receptionist and Dynamic-Scalar services. Target applications in finance, public, construction, education, and retail sectors for customized virtual human customer service.
• Shinhan Futures Lab Vietnam / Seoul Business CentercoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 22 July 2024Selected for 2025 Global Shinhan InnoBoost Open Innovation. Shinhan Vietnam Bank collaboration for face recognition-based e-KYC. One of 6 companies selected from 200 applicants for PoC and joint commercialization with Shinhan Vietnam Bank.
• Lenovo KoreacoreTechnology or Integration · 14 March 2024AI solution partner presenting UFACE face recognition at Lenovo TechDay 24. Built security appliance combining Lenovo hardware with UFACE. Lenovo IR camera integration for face recognition login and screen lock features. Joint presentations at ACC+ 2024.
• Aton (아톤)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 February 2024MOU for new authentication security solution development combining Aton's white box encryption with Metsakuur's face recognition. Technology to be embedded in mSafeBOX security device with OTP. Targeting financial apps and expanding to mobile ID market.
• KB Financial Group (KB금융)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 12 January 2024Selected for 2024 first half KB Starters program. Web-based face recognition solution for KB financial group companies. Focus on improving customer convenience and preventing financial fraud through identity theft.
• OneQ Agile Lab (하나은행)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 22 November 2023Selected for 2nd cohort of Hana Bank-SK Telecom AI Accelerator. Access to SK Telecom technology and Hana Bank financial infrastructure. Exploring mobility payment, kiosk integration, mobile ID, and customized advertising applications.
• WonforU (원포유)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2023AI face recognition new business development MOU. WonforU provides AI face recognition for special institutions (Defense, Justice, Police, hospitals). Metsakuur provides eKYC for enhanced security. Joint development of video consultation, real-time monitoring, access control, remote medical, and crime identification solutions.
• Epica (에피카)regionalTechnology or Integration · 24 October 2023Technology cooperation for vehicle recognition enhancement. Integration of Metsakuur's video-based face recognition into Epica's DWS system. Improved accuracy by eliminating need for external sensors, reducing recognition costs.
• LeoKom (레오컴)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2023Business cooperation MOU for joint platform development. LeoKom provides biometric authentication platform for financial institutions. Partnership for software, solutions, and equipment product development targeting financial sector customers.
• Microcredit Chain (마이크레딧체인)regionalStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 July 2023Metaverse e-KYC implementation MOU. Applying face recognition e-KYC to Dokdoverse metaverse platform. Enabling safe financial transactions in virtual space with digital asset protection.
• Gwangju Metropolitan CityregionalStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 June 2023MOU for AI industry ecosystem creation. Metsakuur to establish Gwangju office and local branch for talent cultivation and job creation. Collaboration on face recognition technology development and commercialization in Gwangju AI hub.
• Tillon (틸론)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 June 2023Joint development of VDI/DaaS biometric authentication platform with Tillon and LeoKom. Integrating Tillon's VDI technology with LeoKom's biometric platform and Metsakuur's face recognition. Aims to implement zero-trust security environment with multi-factor authentication.
• Raon Secure (라온시큐어)coreTechnology or Integration · 27 June 2023Biometric authentication platform cooperation MOU. Integrating face recognition technology with Raon's FIDO-based OnePass platform. Part of multi-factor authentication ecosystem expansion with palm vein, finger vein, and fingerprint technologies.
• KOK KOK (Laos)regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 7 June 2023Mobile authentication (eKYC) and new service business partnership with Laos largest mobile platform. KOK KOK operates chat, mobility, payment, and automotive services. Partnership to expand face recognition across Laos and neighboring Southeast Asian countries.
• Korea HRD Institute (한국직무능력평가연구소)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 March 2023MOU for AI exam platform joint commercialization. Combined Select-Test platform with Metsakuur's face recognition core technology. Developed Select-AI anti-cheating solution with AI monitoring replacing human proctors.
• Prime Solution and Service (Thailand)regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 December 2022Face recognition technology and localization partnership for Thailand market. Prime is leading IT system integrator for Thai public and financial sectors. Partnership to supply authentication, security, and fintech solutions to Thai market.
• Korea Minting and Security Corporation (한국조폐공사)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 27 January 2022Face recognition technology supplier for national mobile driver's license project. Collaboration with government body for digital ID infrastructure development.
• Suprima and SecuSensorcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 July 2021Strategic partnership for face authentication platform development. Suprima provides bio recognition technology, SecuSensor provides bio authentication electronic signature. Three-way collaboration for comprehensive face authentication services.
• IBK Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK기업은행)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 30 June 2021Face Bank service pilot at IBK First Lab. Testing face recognition for branch counter services without ID cards. First application of 1:N face matching (identifying person from database) in banking sector.
• Hana Bank (하나은행)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 July 2020Strategic partnership with Hana Bank including investment and technology collaboration. Face authentication platform development. AI Accelerator program participation. Pioneer in applying face recognition to Hana 1Q mobile banking.
• 1Q Agile Lab (하나원큐 애자일랩)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 June 2020Selected for 10th cohort of Hana Bank startup acceleration program. Access to Hana Bank digital innovation ecosystem and potential investment.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• IDEMIA: Global leader in biometric identity and security, including face recognition, used by banks and governments worldwide. Highly comparable to Metsakuur's UFACE for banking e-KYC, mobile ID, and national identity programs, but with a broader portfolio (cards, documents, multi-modal biometrics) and much larger scale.
• NEC Corporation (NeoFace): NEC's NeoFace face recognition engine is widely deployed in airports, public safety, and financial services globally. A long-standing competitor in the same face recognition engine space Metsakuur addresses, particularly for government and large-enterprise identity programs.
• SenseTime: Hong Kong-listed AI company with one of the largest face recognition product lines globally, including finance, public security, and mobile applications. Comparable on core face recognition capability at scale, though broader in scope (smart city, autonomous driving, generative AI) than Metsakuur's focused digital-identity play.

Direct peers

• Cognitec Systems: German face recognition vendor providing FaceVACS engine for border control, law enforcement, and commercial applications. Comparable as a core face recognition engine provider competing for similar e-KYC, access control, and government identification contracts.
• Incode Technologies: Identity verification platform focused on face biometric e-KYC for banks, fintechs, and digital-native enterprises. Competes head-to-head with Metsakuur's UFACE for non-face-to-face onboarding, mobile login, and anti-spoofing use cases in financial services.
• VisionLabs: Computer vision and face recognition company offering LUNA SDK and identity verification solutions for banking, retail, and government. Highly comparable as a face engine plus KYC platform targeting similar financial and public-sector customers across EMEA and APAC.
• Innovatrics: Slovak biometric identity provider with face and fingerprint matching engines used in national ID, e-government, and banking. Direct comparability on algorithm-based face matching performance benchmarks and on government digital ID procurement, similar to Metsakuur's KOLAS-certified UFACE positioning.
• FacePhi: Spanish face biometric authentication vendor specialized in financial sector onboarding and authentication. Comparable on banking-centric face recognition e-KYC, particularly with a profile of clients in EMEA and APAC financial institutions analogous to Metsakuur's Tier-1 Korean bank base.
• Onfido: Cloud-based digital identity verification platform with face biometric document and selfie checks used by banks and fintechs globally. Directly comparable as an e-KYC SaaS competitor pitching to the same financial-services buyer Metsakuur targets, including APAC banks.
• Ayonix: Japan-based face recognition engine vendor serving security, retail, and government applications. Comparable as a face recognition algorithm provider targeting APAC security and identity use cases, with similar product scope to Metsakuur's UFACE.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@metsakuurTV

Compliance15 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors6 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Metsakuur