World Foundation secures $52.5 million funding led by Pantera Capital
The organization said it will use the new capital to scale its proof-of-humanity infrastructure.
The World Foundation on Friday announced a $52.5 million strategic funding round completed through a one-year locked WLD token sale. Pantera Capital led the round, with participation from Bain Capital Crypto, Eightco Holdings, Selini Capital, Susquehanna Crypto, and other investors.
According to the foundation, proceeds will be used to accelerate the deployment of World ID across businesses, consumer applications, and AI ecosystems as artificial intelligence drives demand for proof-of-human verification.
The organization said digital platforms increasingly require ways to distinguish real users from AI agents to preserve trust across industries including advertising, communications, identity, online dating, and authentication.
“The need for Proof of Human is becoming acutely clear with the acceleration of AI development, and we see this in the influx of enterprise traction. We’re excited to continue supporting World’s mission at this inflection point in its growth,” Cosmo Jiang, Pantera Capital General Partner, commented.
“World’s technology and proof of human and variations are among the most important building blocks to secure and verify interactions in an increasingly digital-driven world,” Thomas “Tom” Lee, Board Member of Eightco Holdings and Chairman of Bitmine Immersion Technology, said.
World enters Phase 3 as network approaches 40 million users
World, formerly known as Worldcoin, uses its Orb biometric device to verify unique individuals while protecting user privacy.
The latest financing follows the project’s $135 million token sale last year and marks its transition toward Phase 3 of its “Simple Plan,” where it shifts its focus toward expanding the adoption of proof-of-human technology.
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The foundation said World’s global network has grown to approximately 40 million users, including over 18 million Orb-verified individuals, with more than 475 million World ID proofs generated since launch.
According to the team, the technology is already being used in services including Zoom, Tinder, and event ticketing to help reduce bots and fraudulent activity.
As part of Phase 3, World said it will broaden deployment of proof-of-human technology to online platforms, businesses, and AI agents while preparing to launch a new World ID app and add more product announcements later this year.