World, the digital identity project co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has raised $52.5 million through a private sale of its WLD cryptocurrency. Pantera Capital led the transaction, with participation from Bain Capital Crypto, Eightco Holdings, Selini Capital and Susquehanna Crypto.
Investors agreed to a 12-month lockup that prevents them from selling or transferring the purchased tokens during that period. World said the restriction demonstrates the participants’ long-term commitment to the network.
Funding Will Support World ID Expansion
The proceeds will go to the World Foundation, a Cayman Islands-based organisation that oversees the World network. The funding will support the development and adoption of World ID among consumers, businesses and AI services.
World ID is designed to confirm that a person is a unique human without revealing their identity. The project presents the technology as a way for websites and applications to distinguish people from bots as AI-generated accounts and content become more common.
Users can obtain the highest verification level by visiting an Orb, World’s spherical imaging device. The Orb photographs a user’s face and eyes before generating a cryptographic identifier based on their iris pattern.
Tools for Humanity develops technology for the World network and operates World App, its cryptocurrency wallet and consumer application. The San Francisco and Munich-based company is led by co-founder and CEO Alex Blania, while Altman serves as its other co-founder.
World Adds Business Partnerships
World introduced an updated version of World ID in April alongside integrations involving Tinder, Zoom and DocuSign. The partnerships use its proof-of-human technology for purposes including online dating, video calls and document signing.
The project began under the Worldcoin name before adopting World as its wider brand. Its WLD token remains available through World App and third-party cryptocurrency platforms, subject to regional restrictions.
World previously raised $135 million through a WLD sale to Andreessen Horowitz and Bain Capital Crypto in May 2025. That funding was also intended to expand Orb-verified World IDs and grow the network in the United States and other markets.
The latest sale follows a staffing reduction at Tools for Humanity in June. The number of affected employees was not disclosed, while the company described the changes as part of revised strategic and operating priorities.
Featured image credits: Flickr
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