Startup NFCkey of a graduate of Moscow Polytechnic University raised 20 million rubles

Rosbiotech invested 17 million rubles and the Innovation Promotion Fund provided a subsidy of 3 million rubles, valuing the company at 50 million rubles. The press service of Moscow Polytechnic University informed RB.RU that as a result of the transaction the valuation increased, but it was difficult to give exact figures.

The NFC key lock can be opened by bringing a smartphone with an NFC chip close to it. The lock works without an Internet connection or Bluetooth, and is also compatible with Android and iOS.

The money received will be used to purchase components, carry out security audits, expand the staff of specialists and develop our own microcontroller.

The project is planned to be implemented in 1.5 years and is divided into four stages:

• In the first stage, the team will complete development, test the system and its security, and prepare to enter the market.

• The second stage includes conducting security audits and starting sales.

• In the third, the company plans to develop additional products related to locks.

• The fourth stage involves entering the market with related products and trying to “go international.”

In June 2024, NFCkey won a 150,000 ruble grant at the Moscow Innovators competition.

NFCkey was founded in the spring of 2023. The startup team includes eight students and graduates of Moscow universities: prominent technical specialist and web developer Alexander Kovshik, backend developer Nikita Podkolzin, designer Polina Sycheva and others.

According to the Kontur.Focus system, the 100% owner of NFCkey is Startup Studio RBU LLC. In turn, it is owned by the Scientific and Production Association Pakhra LLC (40% stake), the Fund for Infrastructure and Educational Programs (35%) and the Russian Biotechnological University (25%).