TL;DR
- World raised $135 million through the sale of its WLD token, with Andreessen Horowitz and Bain Capital Crypto as the main buyers.
- More than 26 million people use its network, and 12.5 million hold a verified ID through Orb, which scans the iris to confirm digital humanity.
- The network already operates in several U.S. cities, offering WLD tokens as an incentive for verification.
World, the company behind the digital identity network, secured $135 million in a sale of its native token, WLD. The funds mainly come from two of its early investors, Andreessen Horowitz and Bain Capital Crypto, who purchased tokens at market price to support the network’s expansion and development.
This capital injection aims to accelerate its presence within the United States and also strengthen its infrastructure internationally. Its system allows users to obtain a World ID, a digital identity verified through Orb technology. This device scans a person’s iris to collect biometric data and confirm their humanity within the digital ecosystem.
To date, more than 26 million people have used the network, and around 12.5 million have a verified World ID. The project aims to meet the growing demand for tools that differentiate humans from machines, especially amid the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. According to the company, this technology will be essential to adapt to the upcoming era of artificial general intelligence.
World Started Rolling Out in Several U.S. Cities
World began deploying its network in multiple U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, and San Francisco. Users can scan their iris at an Orb and receive WLD tokens as a reward for completing the verification process. This approach encourages participation and helps expand the user base.
Two years ago, World raised $115 million with support from Blockchain Capital, a16z crypto, Bain Capital Crypto, and other investors. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, is among the company’s co-founders, adding notable leadership to the project.
The WLD token launched in July 2023 and by mid-May 2025 was trading around $1.16. Investors now trust World’s ability to scale its network and maintain long-term sustainability, relying on a protocol that balances technological innovation with the protection of human identity.
