After QuickNode, the blockchain developer platform Auston Bunsen co-founded in 2017, grew to a certain scale and secured over $100 million in investments according to PitchBook, Bunsen found himself with considerable spare time.
Bunsen began to consider how convenient it would be if people could use their iPhones to unlock doors. “I eventually connected with some people at Apple, and they took a chance on me, believing I could help them advance their mission to let any business leverage Apple Wallet for door access,” Bunsen shared with TechCrunch.
Last October, Bunsen departed QuickNode to pursue his latest venture: AccessGrid. This company develops APIs that enable organizations to manage digital key fobs directly through Apple and Google wallet services.
“It functions even when your iPhone is locked, automatically syncs to your watch, and, for iPhones, works even if the device is out of battery,” Bunsen explained. The business officially launched in April and, on Tuesday, revealed it had raised $4.4 million in seed funding led by Harlem Capital.
Currently, Bunsen noted, the access control sector is stuck in the late 1990s. Many solutions still require on-site operation, lack cloud connectivity, or rely on outdated, unencrypted communication and ID card systems that are vulnerable to hacking.
“AccessGrid replaces these with an API that generates credentials that can’t be cloned, using encrypted payloads that can be revoked instantly via the cloud,” Bunsen said. “We believe it’s time to modernize physical security systems to meet 2025 standards.”
Security is a top priority for a product like this, and Bunsen emphasized that the company employs “military-grade” encryption and dual-encryption methods. “All server access uses multi-factor authentication, along with other standard cybersecurity protocols,” he added.
Unlike QuickNode, which he co-founded with three partners, Bunsen is developing this project solo and described the fundraising process as a “distraction.”
“Our main goal is to serve our customers, so anything that doesn’t contribute to that is a distraction,” he stated.
Nevertheless, Bunsen was introduced to Harlem Capital’s managing partner, Henri Pierre-Jacques, through friends in Miami. Other investors in this round were connections from his QuickNode days, including Marell Evans of Exceptional Capital and Maya Bakhai of Spice Capital. AccessGrid also participated in the HF0 accelerator, receiving its first investment from the program.
AccessGrid faces competition from other startups in the field, such as SwiftConnect and Sharry. However, Bunsen claims his company stands out because it doesn’t offer service contracts or middleware for existing hardware. “We’re a pure API platform,” Bunsen said, clarifying that it’s designed for developers rather than as a consumer app with API capabilities.
The new funding will support further enhancements to the app’s security, as well as the development of additional products and features. The company also plans to branch out into automotive solutions soon.
Ultimately, Bunsen’s vision is to upgrade every access control reader in the United States. “We aim to create a future where anything you’d normally need a key for opens automatically when you’re nearby,” he said. “You’ll never misplace your key because it’s always with you. Our goal is to make entry faster, safer, and more seamless for both people and machines.”
This article has been updated to clarify the amount QuickNode raised.

