Sam Altman-backed Worldcoin is in the spotlight once again as its native token, WLD, soared 10% within a day following a significant $135 million funding round led by venture capital heavyweights Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) and Bain Capital Crypto.

According to the company, this funding initiative supports Worldcoin’s long-term objectives and is backed by the initial advocates of the project.

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

Worldcoin’s biometric identity platform, World ID, is looking to expand globally with the new funds aimed primarily at the U.S. and other key markets. The company is actively deploying more Orb devices and creating mini-apps for easier digital identity onboarding.

To date, over 26 million users are part of the World network, and more than 12.5 million individuals have an Orb-verified World ID.

The World Foundation, the organization behind Worldcoin, announced on May 21, 2025 that they raised $135 million through the sale of WLD tokens at market prices to early supporters.

Moreover, the company expects that the World Network will evolve into one of the first self-sustaining protocols.

Overwhelming Market Response

The market’s response to the funding news has been exceptionally positive, with trading volume for WLD climbing 87% to over $508 million. Derivatives volume also surged by 112% to $879 million, indicating a revitalized confidence among traders.

Worldcoin’s price movements show increasing strength, rising from $1.00 to $1.24. Expanding Bollinger Bands suggest a potential breakout, putting the next significant resistance levels at $1.30 and $1.38.

Sam Altman’s $WLD is indicating a classic double bottom. Volume is increasing. The setup is poised for movement. Worldcoin holds substantial potential: • 7,500 new Orbs set for deployment this year • Partnerships with Visa, Snap, Reddit, Tinder • Possible native integration with ChatGPT?

10x just to revisit previous all-time highs. pic.twitter.com/ljj9xv818y — Darτhy.eth (@Darthy_eth) May 20, 2025

U.S. Launch of Iris Scanning Project

For the first time, Worldcoin (WLD) is available in most of the U.S., having lists on Coinbase, America’s most prominent crypto exchange. Those scanning their eyes at World Orb locations were rewarded with 16 WLD. However, the project’s popularity in the U.S. remains to be seen compared to other regions.

The Worldcoin site reports that over 12 million retinas have been scanned so far, with 894 Orb locations worldwide, including Brazil, Germany, Japan, Singapore, and now the U.S.

7,000 Orbs will be available for iris scans at physical ‘World Space’ locations in cities like Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, and San Francisco, along with Razer gaming stores.

Worldcoin was created by Tools for Humanity, a startup co-founded by Sam Altman.