The creators of a digital identity and background check solution for online dating have received recognition, and boosted esteem, as the 2025 winner of our Start-up Pitching Competition at Identity Week America.
We are delighted to announce the winner was Charisma Check, a privacy-first identity verification platform that empowers users to share proof of their background status in a secure, controlled and seamless way, without revealing sensitive personal details.
Taking the accolades from last year’s winner, Andromeda Security, Charisma Check will be hoping to follow in their footsteps, emulating more success post-show of increasing their funding and growth prospects.
Users undergo an ID verification process, capturing live images of their ID (front and back) plus a selfie, facilitated by industry-standard verification tools.
Verified users also receive a background check card they can share to give others confidence, while not disclosing full name, date of birth or other private details.
The service is designed for multiple use-cases including, dating, ride-sharing, and short-term rental screening.
Identity Week America 2025 took place on 11&12 September in Washington D.C. where key partnerships and contacts were formed with the stakeholders of the identity industry present. A popular area of the event which returned for another year is our Start-Up City – home to a spectrum of emerging and rapidly accelerating new companies presenting their identity security solutions.
Participating companies competed and showcased their innovation for the coveted title of Identity Week Start-Up of the Year.
Narrowed down to an impressive pool of 10 finalists, our top contenders delivered live pitches in our on-floor Seminar Theatre during the event.
We are delighted to give a platform to all our participants at the leading identity trust gathering in the United States, on top of the attention, accolades and exposure Charisma Check received.
From their pitch, and winner’s interview, it is clear what their unique selling point is in a crowded market of identity verification checks. Advanced human checks combined with police standard background checks stand apart from traditional checks.
It helps “build trust through identity” by making the behind-the-scenes verification process transparent and user-controlled.
In this interview, these questions were asked to Obai Abdullah, COO and Co-Founder at Charisma Check.
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How does Charisma Check differentiate itself from traditional background check services in terms of user experience and privacy?
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Can you share any success use cases or feedback from users who have benefited from using Charisma Check?
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Where does assurance of the user’s trustworthiness come from, in addition to confirming their identity? Explain your position in the marketplace offering both background checks and digital identity that is user owned.
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What role does Stripe’s ID verification technology play in your platform, and how does it enhance the authenticity of shared reports?
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What are the key challenges Charisma Check faces in scaling its services, and how is the company addressing them?
To find out more, visit Charisma Check.
