Worldcoin (WLD), launched in July 2023, is the governance token of the Worldcoin protocol, a blockchain-based platform built on Ethereum and Optimism to create a global identity and financial network. Using World ID, a privacy-preserving “Proof of Personhood” verified by iris-scanning Orbs, Worldcoin enables users to prove their humanity online while maintaining anonymity via zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs). WLD powers governance, incentives, and access to the network, with a $2.1 billion market cap and U.S. availability since June 2025.

Key Features

  • World ID: A decentralized identifier (DID) for anonymous human verification, integrated with platforms like Coinbase and Binance.
  • Orb Verification: Physical devices scan irises to create unique, privacy-protected World IDs, with 12M+ verified users.
  • Universal Access: Aims to distribute WLD grants to verified humans globally (excluding the U.S. for regulatory reasons).
  • Ecosystem: Supports financial transactions, DeFi, and identity verification, with partnerships like KAIST for privacy tech.

WLD Token

  • Purpose: Used for governance, staking, and claiming recurring grants for Orb-verified users (outside the U.S.).
  • Supply: Circulating supply of ~1.6 billion WLD, with a max supply of 10 billion.
  • Contract Address: 0x163f8c2467924be0ae7b5347228cabf260318753 (Ethereum, addable to MetaMask), coingecko cmc.

Who Are the Founders of Worldcoin?

Worldcoin was co-founded by Sam Altman (OpenAI CEO), Alex Blania, and Max Novendstern (left in 2021), with initial R&D by Tools for Humanity (TFH). Backed by $250M+ from investors like Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), Blockchain Capital, and Tiger Global, the team aims to scale World ID to a billion users for global economic inclusion.

What Makes Worldcoin Unique?

WLD and Worldcoin stand out for their identity-focused mission:

  • Proof of Personhood: World ID uses ZKPs to verify human uniqueness without storing personal data, addressing bot and Sybil attacks.
  • Orb Technology: Iris-scanning Orbs ensure secure, private identity verification, with 12M+ users across 100+ countries.
  • Governance Innovation: Supports “one-person-one-vote” mechanisms, combining World ID with WLD for equitable decision-making.
  • Global Distribution: Plans to distribute most WLD tokens to verified humans, potentially becoming the most widely held crypto.

Worldcoin’s privacy tech, like Anonymized Multi-Party Computation (AMPC) with KAIST, enhances its DeFi and identity appeal.

WLD Network Upgrades (2025)

  • U.S. Launch (June 2025): Worldcoin became available in the U.S., expanding Orb verification and app adoption.
  • AMPC Partnership: Collaborated with KAIST to bolster privacy via advanced cryptographic techniques.
  • Coinbase Listing: WLD listed on Coinbase, driving a 17.5% trading volume spike to $238M in 24 hours.

How Is WLD Secured?

WLD and the Worldcoin protocol are secured through:

  • Ethereum/Optimism PoS: Leverages proof-of-stake security for transaction integrity.
  • Zero-Knowledge Proofs: Ensures privacy by separating iris data from World ID actions.
  • Worldcoin Foundation: Governs protocol upgrades with ARB holder input.
  • Orb Security: Employs cryptographic safeguards to protect biometric data.

Conclusion

Worldcoin (WLD) powers a global identity and financial network, using World ID and Orbs to verify human uniqueness with privacy. Its governance model, U.S. launch, and OpenAI ties position it as a DeFi and identity leader.