In a new feature, we look at three startups — from the multitudes of fintech ventures being launched these days — that stick out. For any number of reasons. The three below touch on security and fraud prevention (ever a hot area in financial services) and leasing (not ever a hot area in financial services).

• Everledger – This startup ingeniously uses the blockchain to prevent insurance fraud. Everledger, launched last April, uses a blockchain system to codify “any asset that carries a unique identifier which is difficult to destroy or replicate,” and track its transactions to prevent losses. Though the system can be used for any good, Everledger has limited itself to diamonds, for now. However, it has plans to expand to everything from watches and art to Louis Vuitton handbags. Everledger says its blockchain system minimizes risk and cuts into the approximately $50-billion losses suffered in the US and Europe from fraud. And the company is pursuing partnerships with major insurers to facilitate its growth. Everledger has raised $118,000 in seed money to date.
• ByeBuy – For many consumers, the pace of new technology outstrips their spending ability. People just don’t have enough money to buy the latest smartphones, tablets, and gadgets every year, especially since a new iPhone 6 can cost up to around $650. ByeBuy’s business model allows consumers to lease new tech products, instead of buying them. Launched last April, ByeBuy calls itself “American Express in the making.” We like how ByeBuy is matching traditional leasing to small-ticket high-tech retail products. The brand name has some zing, too.
• B-Secur – B-Secur’s website boldly states that “the world must move beyond passwords and PINs toward more sophisticated security measures.” B-Secur’s “next-generation” internal biometric authentication system aims to do just that. Though the idea of using the user’s heartbeat as authentication  is not new, B-Secur’s product looks more versatile than other biometric security offerings. Specifically, B-Secur sells a software solution that can be used in a variety of wearables, not just a wristband. A commercial launch is scheduled for later this year.