The World Foundation announced a $52.5 million strategic funding round completed through a locked sale of WLD tokens, with Pantera Capital leading the investment alongside Bain Capital Crypto and Eightco Holdings.

The nonprofit said the proceeds will support broader deployment of its digital identity technology across enterprises and AI-powered applications as artificial intelligence increases demand for human verification systems. Investors said proof-of-humanity infrastructure is becoming increasingly important as AI-generated content and autonomous agents become more prevalent online.

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 reflects its shift from network development toward expanding adoption and utility.

World’s global network has grown to approximately 40 million users globally since launching three years ago around World ID, a privacy-focused identity system designed to let users verify they are humans without revealing additional personal information. According to World, 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 of its “Simple Plan,” 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.