Relik, a UAE based authentication startup, has closed a seed funding round backed by KBW Ventures, Naatt Holding, Fort Holding, and Ayman Sejiny. Founded in 2023 by Walid Tarabih and later joined by John Tsioris, Relik is building AI powered systems to protect authenticity in a world flooded with fakes. The funding supports product expansion and sector growth across sports, luxury, and heritage markets.Tackling a Growing Global Counterfeit CrisisHow Relik’s Technology WorksThe Role of Relik VaultStrong Leadership and Strategic BackingExpanding Across High Value Markets Tackling a Growing Global Counterfeit Crisis Counterfeiting continues to rise at an alarming pace. The global counterfeit market now exceeds an estimated $467 billion. Generative AI further blurs the line between real and artificial. Relik positions itself at the center of this crisis with tools designed to restore trust. The platform focuses on: Verifying authenticity in seconds Preserving cultural and creative identity Protecting collectors, brands, and institutions Relik aims to safeguard human legacy. It treats authenticity as both a cultural value and a commercial necessity. How Relik’s Technology Works Relik assigns each physical item a unique digital DNA. This digital identity permanently binds the object to its verified history. The system creates a transparent and tamper proof record that anyone can check. Key technology features include: AI powered authentication Tamper resistant verification systems Instant validation using a smart device Relik removes friction from the process. Users do not need QR codes, RFID tags, or NFC chips. The object itself becomes the source of truth. The Role of Relik Vault The new funding accelerates the rollout of Relik Vault. This platform serves as the company’s core authentication engine. It allows brands, artists, and institutions to protect assets while building consumer trust. Relik Vault enables: Verifiable provenance records Secure asset protection Confidence in ownership and history The system bridges the physical and digital worlds. It ensures trust without adding hardware or complexity. Strong Leadership and Strategic Backing Founder and CEO Walid Tarabih describes Relik’s mission as a response to a fakeable world. He emphasizes that counterfeits damage identity, creativity, and truth. With investor support, Relik seeks to make stories verifiable again. KBW Ventures Founder HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud highlighted the company’s cultural and commercial relevance. He views Relik as a new global standard for trust. John Tsioris, Founder of InstaShop, joined as co founder and pre seed investor. He brings deep experience in scaling high growth technology companies across the MENA region. Expanding Across High Value Markets Relik plans rapid expansion into sectors where authenticity matters most. These include sports memorabilia, luxury goods, and heritage assets. The company has already formed partnerships with museums, auction houses, and sports figures. Relik builds an ecosystem driven by one belief. Authenticity matters.