# Proof Authentication

> Proof Authentication is a Boston-based technology company that builds anti-counterfeiting and brand-protection solutions for large consumer brands. Its patented approach pairs a non-duplicatable printed mark with a custom smartphone app, letting consumers verify a product's authenticity in seconds while giving brands real-time data to enforce against counterfeits. Formed in 2021 to acquire the DSS Digital division of Document Security Systems, the company is led by CEO Dan McKinnon, former Head of Global Brand Protection at New Balance, and serves Fortune 500 companies.

- **Founded:** 2021
- **Headquarters:** Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- **Founders:** Dan McKinnon (Chief Executive Officer (appointed at Series A close))
- **Team size:** ~14 employees
- **Products:** Non-duplicatable authentication mark, Proof Authentication mobile app, Brand management portal, AuthentiGuard technology (from DSS Digital)
- **Notable:** Acquired the DSS Digital division of publicly traded Document Security Systems in 2021 via a Series A-funded secondary buyout., Recruited Dan McKinnon - former Head of Global Brand Protection at New Balance - as CEO., Serves Fortune 500 companies with its authentication platform.

## Products & services

- **Non-duplicatable authentication mark** — A prism-based mark printed during a brand's normal packaging or manufacturing process that cannot be reproduced by counterfeiters, serving as a physical proof of authenticity.
- **Proof Authentication mobile app** — A custom iOS and Android app that lets consumers and inspectors scan a product's mark and confirm authenticity in real time. Available on the App Store and Google Play.
- **Brand management portal** — An online portal giving brands real-time authentication data, program management, and counterfeit-enforcement intelligence from every scan in the field.
- **AuthentiGuard technology (from DSS Digital)** — Acquired technology combining the prism-based mark, embedded codes that store product information, and a customizable verification app.

## Achievements

- Acquired the DSS Digital division of publicly traded Document Security Systems in 2021 via a Series A-funded secondary buyout.
- Recruited Dan McKinnon - former Head of Global Brand Protection at New Balance - as CEO.
- Serves Fortune 500 companies with its authentication platform.
- Holds patented authentication technology (multiple patents filed).

## Latest updates

- **2021-05** — Document Security Systems agreed to sell its DSS Digital division to Proof Authentication Corporation for upfront cash plus revenue-based earn-outs.
- **2021-06** — Proof Authentication closed its Series A led by VCFA Group and appointed brand-protection veteran Dan McKinnon as CEO.
- **2021-06** — CEO Dan McKinnon discussed the company's 'Holy Grail' authentication technology and evolving consumer demands in World Trademark Review.

## Links

- Website: https://proofauthentication.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/proof-authentication

---

Profile page: https://yespress.io/proof-authentication
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-07-18