AuthenTec

AuthenTec, founded in 1998, indeed made a significant impact in the field of biometric security with its fingerprint sensors, chips, modules, identity recognition software, and encryption security solutions. By 2012, the company had become the world's largest supplier in this field, boasting annual sales of $70 million, more than 200 patents, and a workforce of 230 employees.

The company's technology was widely adopted, with over 35 million sensors in use worldwide. Its client roster included major tech companies like Alcatel Lucent, Cisco, HP, Samsung, Lenovo, LG, Motorola, and Nokia. AuthenTec's product offerings included the AES series sensors, TouchStripe/TouchChip/Eikon series (which were formerly Upek products), and IPSec/DRM digital rights management solutions.

In a significant development, AuthenTec was acquired by Apple Inc. in 2012. This acquisition has had a profound impact on Apple's product line, most notably with the introduction of the Touch ID fingerprint recognition system in the iPhone 5s in 2013. Touch ID, which uses AuthenTec's technology, allows users to unlock their devices and authenticate purchases simply by placing a finger on the device's home button. AuthenTec's technology has since become a staple feature in many of Apple's products.