World Foundation Raises $52.5 Million to Expand World ID
World Foundation, the nonprofit steward of the World protocol co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, is building World ID as a way for people to prove they are unique humans online. The system uses Orb devices to scan irises and issue privacy-preserving credentials. The project is gaining relevance as generative AI, deepfakes and autonomous agents make it harder for websites and businesses to distinguish people from machines without relying on conventional identity checks.
On July 24, 2026, World Foundation said it raised $52.5 million in the first close of a strategic WLD token sale led by Pantera Capital. Bain Capital Crypto, Eightco Holdings, Selini Capital and Susquehanna Crypto also participated, and all purchased tokens carry a one-year lockup. The foundation plans to use the proceeds to expand World ID infrastructure for enterprises, consumers and AI agents globally. The tokens confer no ownership, profit rights or investment interest in Tools for Humanity, the company developing World’s hardware and software.
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The history behind this eventSam Altman’s World Foundation Sells $65 Million in WLD as Token Hits Record Low
World Foundation is the nonprofit organization behind Sam Altman’s World ecosystem, which uses Orb iris scans to support World ID identity verification. WLD is its native token. With WLD down about 97% from its all-time high, the foundation’s latest large token sale has heightened market concerns about funding needs and dilution.
World Foundation recently sold about $65 million in WLD through over-the-counter (OTC) transactions. The proceeds will fund project operations, research and development, and Orb manufacturing. WLD briefly fell below $0.24 following the news, setting a record low. Markets are also watching a large token unlock scheduled for July, as additional tokens entering circulation could prolong supply pressure.
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