In a recent interaction with Indian Startup Times, Duke Banerjee, Co-Founder of ARVO, opened up about his journey through deep technology and how it led him to focus on one of the most pressing yet often overlooked challenges in global commerce , counterfeit products.
From Technology Experience to Real-World Insight
Duke’s entrepreneurial journey didn’t begin in a startup garage. It was shaped over 13+ years of working across analytics, AI, blockchain, and machine learning. Alongside his co-founder Sumit Goswami, he spent significant time operating in private equity-driven environments, gaining exposure to how different industries function behind the scenes.
Across sectors, one concern repeatedly surfaced , the growing and dangerous presence of counterfeit goods.
Whether it was luxury products, cosmetics, pharmaceutical supplies, or automotive components, the absence of reliable verification systems was not just damaging brand credibility but also posing serious risks to consumer safety. Over time, this observation evolved into a conviction: authenticity and traceability were becoming global necessities, not optional features.
The Turning Point That Shaped ARVO
Like many startups, ARVO’s journey involved rethinking its initial direction. The team first explored IoT-based hardware tracking systems as a solution to the counterfeiting problem. While technically effective, they soon realised that such systems were expensive and difficult to scale across industries.
This led to a strategic pivot.
Instead of relying on hardware-heavy solutions, the founders chose to build a more scalable and intelligent approach powered by AI and computer vision. This shift became the foundation for what would eventually evolve into Digital Product Passports.
Introducing a Digital Identity for Products
At its core, ARVO’s innovation lies in giving every product its own unique digital identity. These Digital Product Passports function as intelligent markers embedded within products, enabling authentication, traceability, compliance tracking, and even sustainability visibility.
With regulatory bodies, especially in the European Union — already moving toward mandating digital product passports in sectors like electric vehicles and apparel, ARVO’s solution aligns closely with where global compliance frameworks are heading.
Building Trust Through Transparency
What makes the platform powerful is its simplicity.
A single scan allows stakeholders from manufacturers to distributors to end consumers to access verified information about a product’s journey. This includes its origin, supply chain movement, regulatory compliance, and sustainability credentials.
By enabling selective data sharing, ARVO not only helps brands combat counterfeiting but also empowers them to showcase ethical sourcing and environmental commitments in a credible manner.
Funding That Accelerated the Mission
The company recently secured seed funding of approximately INR 1.5 Crores from Inflection Point Ventures. This capital infusion has played a key role in strengthening its AI-driven authentication technology and expanding its market reach.
It has also enabled the team to deepen collaborations within the automotive sector while refining compliance capabilities and real-world deployment of its systems.
Beyond financial support, the funding has added a layer of credibility that helps ARVO scale its technology across industries.
Rising Demand Across Critical Industries
As Duke explains, the demand for transparency is no longer limited to luxury markets.
Industries such as pharmaceuticals, FMCG, automotive, and industrial manufacturing are increasingly recognising the need for robust authentication systems. Consumers today are more informed and cautious; they no longer rely solely on brand perception but seek verifiable proof of authenticity.
The Road Ahead
Looking forward, ARVO aims to position itself as a global trust infrastructure for products. The team is actively working toward expanding into European and US markets, hiring more AI and machine learning specialists, and developing solutions that protect not just packaging but also the product itself.
Additional industry use cases are being explored, and the company is preparing for its next round of fundraising in the coming months.
For Duke Banerjee, the long-term vision remains clear: the future of commerce will depend not just on innovation or branding, but on trust that can be measured, verified, and scaled.
Interview Conducted by : Arushi Agarwal
