Who Owns Clear Secure Company?

Clear Secure Bundle

Get Full Bundle:

	5 FORCES	$15	$10
	BCG	$15	$10
	CANVAS	$15	$10
	4P's MIX	$15	$10
	PESTLE	$15	$10
	SWOT	$15	$10

TOTAL:

ADD TO CART

Who Owns Clear Secure, Inc.?

Understanding the ownership of CLEAR Secure, Inc. is key to grasping its strategic path and accountability. The company's IPO on June 30, 2021, marked a significant shift, transforming its ownership structure and bringing greater public attention.

Founded by Caryn Seidman-Becker and Ken Cornick, CLEAR Secure, Inc. has evolved from its 2003 origins into a leading secure identity platform. By February 2025, the company served over 30 million members, showcasing substantial growth in its biometric identity verification services.

Who owns CLEAR Secure, Inc. today?

The initial iteration of CLEAR was established in 2003 by Steven Brill and Ajay Amlani, operating as Verified Identity Pass, Inc. This early venture eventually ceased operations in 2009 following a bankruptcy filing. The current entity, CLEAR Secure, Inc., was relaunched in 2012 by Caryn Seidman-Becker and Ken Cornick, who acquired the company out of bankruptcy in 2010.

Original Founding

The company's first iteration, Verified Identity Pass, Inc., was founded in 2003. Steven Brill and Ajay Amlani were the original founders of this early venture.

Bankruptcy and Relaunch

The initial company ceased operations in 2009 after filing for bankruptcy. The current entity, CLEAR Secure, Inc., was relaunched in 2012.

Acquisition and New Leadership

Caryn Seidman-Becker and Ken Cornick acquired the company out of bankruptcy in 2010. Seidman-Becker has been the CEO since 2010.

Early Equity Structure

Specific initial equity splits for Seidman-Becker and Cornick upon their 2010 acquisition are not publicly detailed. Their roles as owner-operators were critical to the company's revival.

Initial Funding Rounds

Prior to its IPO, the relaunched CLEAR secured approximately $135 million in early funding. Key investors included T. Rowe Price and Delta Air Lines.

Strategic Partnerships

Delta Air Lines became an early investor in 2016, a partnership that significantly supported the company's expansion. These early investments were vital for growth.

While the precise initial equity distribution between Caryn Seidman-Becker and Ken Cornick following their 2010 acquisition remains undisclosed, their leadership as owner-operators was instrumental in re-establishing and growing the company. The company's early funding efforts before its Initial Public Offering (IPO) successfully raised $135 million, with significant contributions from investors such as T. Rowe Price and Delta Air Lines. The strategic investment from Delta Air Lines in 2016, for example, played a crucial role in accelerating CLEAR's expansion within the identity verification sector. These foundational investments and key alliances were pivotal in defining the company's market position.

Key Ownership and Funding Milestones

The current ownership structure of CLEAR Secure, Inc. is rooted in the acquisition by Caryn Seidman-Becker and Ken Cornick in 2010. This acquisition followed the bankruptcy of the original entity, Verified Identity Pass, Inc.

• Founders of original entity (2003): Steven Brill and Ajay Amlani.
• Original entity's cessation of operations: 2009.
• Acquisition of assets and relaunch: 2010 by Caryn Seidman-Becker and Ken Cornick.
• Current CEO: Caryn Seidman-Becker (since 2010).
• Early funding secured: $135 million prior to IPO.
• Key early investors: T. Rowe Price and Delta Air Lines.
• Strategic partnership with Delta Air Lines initiated: 2016.
• Understanding the Growth Strategy of Clear Secure provides context to its ownership evolution.

Clear Secure SWOT Analysis

• Complete SWOT Breakdown
• Fully Customizable
• Editable in Excel & Word
• Professional Formatting
• Investor-Ready Format

GET TEMPLATE ➔

The ownership structure of Clear Secure, Inc. underwent a significant transformation with its public debut on June 30, 2021. The company's Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the NYSE under the ticker symbol 'YOU' priced shares at $31, successfully raising $409.2 million through the sale of 13.2 million shares. This event marked a pivotal moment, shifting ownership from private hands to a broader public and institutional investor base.

Following its IPO, Clear Secure's market capitalization has seen substantial growth, escalating from $528.00 million at its listing to an impressive $4.51 billion as of August 20, 2025. This upward trajectory indicates a significant increase in the company's overall valuation and the public's perception of its value. The current Clear Secure company ownership structure is heavily influenced by institutional investors and hedge funds, which collectively hold approximately 73.80% of the company's stock. This concentration of ownership among large financial entities suggests a significant impact on the company's strategic decisions and operational direction.

Key Shareholders in Clear Secure

Institutional investors are the dominant force in Clear Secure's ownership. Their substantial holdings often translate to considerable influence over corporate governance and strategy.

• BlackRock, Inc. holds 15,257,954 shares.
• The Vanguard Group, Inc. possesses 12,398,363 shares.
• Durable Capital Partners LP manages 7,490,351 shares.
• State Street Corp owns 3,432,387 shares.
• Founders Caryn Seidman-Becker and Ken Cornick collectively held about 18% of shares outstanding as of Q2 2023.

The Clear Secure company ownership structure is characterized by a significant presence of institutional investors, with BlackRock, Inc. leading the pack with 15,257,954 shares, followed closely by The Vanguard Group, Inc. with 12,398,363 shares, as per Q2 2025 data. Durable Capital Partners LP and State Street Corp also maintain substantial stakes. This broad institutional ownership means that decisions impacting Clear Secure are often influenced by the collective strategies of these major financial players. Despite the prevalence of institutional holdings, the founders, Caryn Seidman-Becker and Ken Cornick, continue to maintain a significant ownership interest, collectively holding approximately 18% of the total shares outstanding as of Q2 2023. This dual ownership structure, with both institutional and founder influence, shapes the company's direction and aligns with the Mission, Vision & Core Values of Clear Secure.

Clear Secure PESTLE Analysis

• Covers All 6 PESTLE Categories
• No Research Needed – Save Hours of Work
• Built by Experts, Trusted by Consultants
• Instant Download, Ready to Use
• 100% Editable, Fully Customizable

GET TEMPLATE ➔

The leadership of Clear Secure, Inc. is spearheaded by Caryn Seidman-Becker, who serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Michael Z. Barkin holds the positions of President and Director. The board also includes several independent directors, with Marne L. Levine being the most recent addition in 2025.

Clear Secure, Inc. employs a multi-class share structure that significantly impacts voting power. As of July 11, 2025, Class A and Class C Common Stock each carry one vote per share. In contrast, Class B and Class D Common Stock are granted twenty votes per share. This arrangement provides disproportionate voting influence to holders of Class B and Class D stock, often including founders and early investors, enabling them to maintain substantial control even with a smaller economic stake in the company. Stockholders do not have cumulative voting rights for director elections. The ability to convene special stockholder meetings is restricted to the chair of the board, the CEO, or the board of directors themselves.

Understanding Voting Power at Clear Secure

Clear Secure's ownership structure is shaped by its multi-class stock system. This system is crucial for understanding who truly controls the company's direction.

• Class B and Class D shares hold significantly more voting power.
• This structure can concentrate control with early investors or founders.
• Independent directors ensure diverse perspectives on the board.
• Understanding this structure is key to grasping Clear Secure company ownership.
• For insights into the competitive landscape, explore the Competitors Landscape of Clear Secure.

Clear Secure Business Model Canvas

• Complete 9-Block Business Model Canvas
• Effortlessly Communicate Your Business Strategy
• Investor-Ready BMC Format
• 100% Editable and Customizable
• Clear and Structured Layout

GET TEMPLATE ➔

Over the past few years, Clear Secure, Inc. has actively managed its capital structure, notably through significant share repurchase programs. These actions reflect a strategy to return value to shareholders and manage the company's equity.

Recent developments indicate a dynamic approach to Clear Secure's financial management and leadership. The company has seen substantial increases in its share repurchase program, alongside key leadership transitions aimed at steering future growth.

Shareholder Returns and Buybacks

Clear Secure has significantly boosted its share repurchase program, authorizing substantial amounts for buybacks. This strategy aims to enhance shareholder value by reducing the number of outstanding shares.

Leadership Evolution

Key leadership changes have occurred, with executive roles being redefined. These transitions are designed to support the company's strategic objectives and financial oversight.

Financial Performance Highlights

The company reported record revenues and net income in 2024, demonstrating strong operational performance. Revenue saw a 26% increase, reaching $770.5 million, with net income climbing to $170 million.

Future Financial Outlook

Clear Secure projects continued revenue growth, with anticipated Q3 2025 revenue between $223-226 million. The company also reaffirmed its full-year 2025 Free Cash Flow expectations, targeting at least $310 million.

Clear Secure Porter's Five Forces Analysis

• Covers All 5 Competitive Forces in Detail
• Structured for Consultants, Students, and Founders
• 100% Editable in Microsoft Word & Excel
• Instant Digital Download – Use Immediately
• Compatible with Mac & PC – Fully Unlocked

GET TEMPLATE ➔