- WLD spiked 36% after a $135M token sale backed by major investors like a16z and Bain.
- Over 12 million retina scans logged; 7,000 more Orbs to roll out despite legal scrutiny.
Worldcoin‘s native token WLD gained 36% on Thursday after World Foundation revealed a $135 million fundraising effort in an effort to expand its digital identity system. The financing came about as a result of selling 117 million WLD tokens to early investors, such as Andreessen Horowitz and Bain Capital Crypto.
World Foundation raised $135M from @a16z and @BainCapCrypto to accelerate scaling the real human network.
Funding was through a recent direct purchase of liquid, market-priced $WLD.
— World (@worldcoin) May 21, 2025
The monetary boost will be utilized in expanding World IDs, a system through which the identity of a person will be confirmed through the application of biometric information. The firm states it is building foundations in order to accommodate soaring demand for its Orb-verified identity offering in particular as it moves to expand aggressively in the United States.
At the center of this expansion initiative lies World Assets, a subsidiary overseeing the distribution and sale of tokens. As explained by the Foundation, the raised funds are in line with their goal of developing one of the initial self-reliant protocols and laying the foundations for a future dominated by sophisticated artificial intelligence.
Biometric Identity Growth Fuels WLD Rally
The World network has attracted over 26 million users so far, 12.5 million of whom established a World ID by having their iris scanned through the Orb, a core component of the platform’s confirmation of identity process. The speedy growth indicates increased interest in biometric identity systems, even if it has raised eyebrows from commentators and regulators.
Worldcoin’s application of iris and facial recognition has seen the organization face legal probes and be banned from several countries due to concerns over user privacy and data security issues. Nevertheless, the initiative’s development has not been halted by this. Its website reports over 12 million retina scans so far and ongoing user activity on a global level.
As a part of expanding the platform, the number of Orbs available will see a significant rise. Some 7,000 devices will be placed at “World Space” locations in cities including Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, and San Francisco. They will also be present at Razer gaming retail locations and in global spots like Brazil, Germany, Japan, and Singapore.
US Launch Adds Momentum Despite Privacy Concerns
Worldcoin established its first significant foothold in the US market this month. WLD became available to most US users for the very first time, and the token went live on Coinbase, a top cryptocurrency exchange in the country. Like previous launches in Asia and other locations, customers who scan their iris at a US Orb location get 16 WLD tokens.
Whereas the American reception has yet to be clear, the US launch has fueled the recent surge in the price. WLD has appreciated by approximately 96% over the last month, a steep turnaround on increased listings and rising visibility.
Nevertheless, experts have advised that ongoing unlocking and token sales may impact the performance of the token. If the supply continues to increase without corresponding demand, pressure on the price may be generated even as the project goes worldwide.
