Security

Cognito

Website
Founded 2013Origin source ↗Checked 2026-09-15

Overview

Cognito is the highest converting ID verification system on the market. By starting with just a user's phone number, Cognito can verify their name, date of birth, address, phone, and Social Security Number. The strong link formed between a user and their phone number builds trust while reducing friction.

Company description As recorded 2026-11-08

Product & workflow

Cognito's products enable companies to meet compliance, fraud prevention, and trust and safety requirements, from new user onboarding through ongoing watchlist screening.

Source-reported As recorded 2026-09-16

Founders & team

Previously BlockScore

Company history As recorded 2026-11-08

John Backus

Founder/CTO

CTO and Founder @ Cognito (Acquired by Plaid in 2022)

Founder profile As recorded 2026-09-15
12team members reported
Source-reported As recorded 2026-09-15

Founded 2013 · Source

News & product activity

Sources & observations

Y Combinator

Profile depthenriched profile
Website observationwebsite reachable
Last website check2026-11-11
Location · source statedSan Francisco, CA, USA; Palo Alto, CA, USA; Remote
Pricing evidenceNo pricing page confirmed
Maturity: Not assessed · 3 of 6 areas documented

Source-based assessment · automated evidence rules

The source reports an inactive or acquired company; current product identity needs review.

Maturity is an evidence-based assessment, not a success rating. It may understate the current stage where evidence is limited. Coverage records documented areas, not a complete or independently audited company history.

Stage definitions
independent websitesource corroborationreachable websitedescriptive evidenceclassified market and modelsourced peoplesourced founding yeardocumentation observed