World, the online identity-verification venture co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, raised $52.5 million through a token sale of Worldcoin (CRYPTO: WLD) on Friday, drawing strategic investors under a 12-month lockup.
Long-Term Bet From Crypto Heavyweights According to the company, Pantera Capital led the round, joined by Eightco Holdings (NASDAQ:ORBS), Bain Capital Crypto, Susquehanna Crypto and Selini Capital.
The lockup reflects sustained confidence in World's growth, the company said.
Proceeds go to the World Foundation, a Cayman Islands entity overseeing network expansion.
World, operated by Tools for Humanity and led by CEO Alex Blania, verifies users through Orb devices that scan their irises to issue a World ID.
