Sam Altman's World Network Secures $135 Million Fundraising Ahead of U.S. Market Entry

World, previously known as Worldcoin, has raised $135 million through a sale of its native WLD token to support its expansion in the United States and enhance the global reach of its World Network. The funding, announced on May 21, 2025, was led by prominent investors Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) and Bain Capital Crypto, both long-term backers of the project. This strategic move aims to scale the network’s infrastructure and meet growing demand for its iris-scanning identity verification system, which underpins the World ID protocol.

Details of the Token Sale

The funding was raised through a direct purchase of WLD tokens at market price by a subsidiary of the World Foundation, World Assets, rather than a traditional funding round led by venture capital. This approach increased the circulating supply of WLD tokens, aligning with the project’s goal of expanding access to its digital identity ecosystem.

World’s announcement emphasized that the funds will support the scaling of its network, particularly in the U.S., where residents can now earn WLD tokens by verifying their identity through its Orb device, which scans irises to generate a unique, proof-of-humanity World ID. This technology aims to address challenges like bot-driven fraud and enhance trust in online interactions.

Evolution of World Ecosystem

Founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Alex Blania, and Max Novendstern, World (rebranded from Worldcoin) has been developing a decentralized identity network since its inception. The project gained attention for its innovative approach to digital identity, offering WLD tokens as an incentive for users to verify their identity through iris scans. In May 2023, Tools for Humanity, the company behind World, raised $115 million in a Series C funding round led by Blockchain Capital, with participation from a16z, Bain Capital Crypto, and Distributed Global.

In October 2024, World unveiled a significant overhaul during a live broadcast led by co-founders Sam Altman and Alex Blania. The project rebranded from Worldcoin to World Network, reflecting its broader mission to create a global digital identity framework. Key updates included the launch of the World Chain mainnet, alongside upgraded components: ORB2.0, World ID 3.0, and World App 3.0. These enhancements improved the efficiency of World’s iris-scanning technology and user interface, strengthening its proof-of-humanity protocol.

World has also expanded its use cases. In November 2024, it introduced a pilot for the World ID Passport Credential system in Chile, Colombia, Malaysia, and South Korea. This feature allows users to link their passports to their World ID via NFC technology, with data stored securely on their personal devices to ensure privacy and prevent third-party sharing.

By January 2025, World reported over 10 million verified users and 20 million downloads of the World App, signaling robust global adoption. On May 1, 2025, World launched in the U.S., enabling users to earn WLD tokens by verifying their identity with the Orb device and establishing a World ID. Strategic partnerships further enhanced its reach: a collaboration with Match Group introduced a pilot for Tinder users in Japan to verify identities, while integration with Kalshi’s prediction market and a partnership with Razer for in-game human verification aim to diversify applications.

WLD Token Performance

As of the press time on May 22, 2025, WLD’s price stands at approximately $1.26, according to CoinGecko. The token has seen a 13.2% rise over the past 24 hours, likely buoyed by the funding announcement and optimism around U.S. expansion. However, WLD remains below its all-time high of $11.72, reached in March 2024, indicating volatility typical of crypto markets. The increased circulating supply from the token sale may influence future price dynamics, though no specific projections were provided in the announcement.

Challenges and Regulatory Hurdles

World’s global expansion has faced regulatory hurdles. In December 2024, Germany’s Bavarian Data Protection Authority (BayLDA) mandated compliance with EU data protection standards, requiring World to allow users to easily delete their biometric data. In January 2025, Brazil’s National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) suspended World’s operations, citing concerns that incentivizing biometric data collection with cryptocurrency payments may violate informed consent principles. In early May 2025, Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital suspended World’s operating permit, citing alleged violations of electronic system operation regulations.

Despite these setbacks, World is pressing forward with its U.S. launch, which includes deploying additional Orbs and forming strategic partnerships to enhance WLD’s utility.

World is responding by emphasizing its privacy-preserving protocols, such as zero-knowledge proofs, which ensure that user data remains secure and anonymized. The company’s blog highlights ongoing efforts to address regulatory and public concerns while expanding access to its services.

Strategic Implications and Looking Forward

The participation of high-profile investors like a16z and Bain Capital Crypto signals a strong belief in World’s long-term potential, particularly as it navigates regulatory challenges. By expanding its U.S. presence, World aims to onboard more users to its World ID system, which could serve as a foundation for applications in DeFi, social media, and online governance. The funding positions World to advance its mission of creating a human-centric digital identity network. By scaling its U.S. presence, World aims to integrate World ID into applications across DeFi, social media, and online governance. Partnerships with Visa, Match Group, and Razer underscore its ambition to bridge crypto with mainstream use cases, potentially driving broader adoption.

World’s $135 million WLD token sale marks a pivotal moment in its journey to redefine digital identity. With robust investor support and a focus on U.S. expansion, the project is poised to scale its infrastructure and partnerships. As World refines its technology and compliance strategies, its U.S. operations could provide a blueprint for global growth, positioning it as a leader in decentralized identity solutions.