Worldcoin (WLD) aims to establish the world's largest identity and financial network, serving as a public utility with a vision of granting ownership to everyone.
Central to the Worldcoin ecosystem is World ID, a privacy-focused global identity network. Through World ID, users can verify their identity online while safeguarding their privacy using zero-knowledge proofs.
To participate in the Worldcoin protocol, individuals need to download the World App, the first wallet app supporting the creation of a World ID. To obtain a World ID, individuals visit physical imaging devices called Orbs, which are typically operated by independent local businesses known as Orb Operators. The Orbs use multispectral sensors to verify human uniqueness, and images are promptly deleted on-device by default (unless explicit consent for Data Custody is provided).
All World IDs verified by Orbs are eligible to receive recurring grants of free WLD tokens (please note that WLD tokens are not available in the US; refer to the Worldcoin Tokenomics section in the project's whitepaper for more information). This distribution model has the potential to make WLD one of the most widely held digital currencies.
The WLD token serves as a utility token with governance features, empowering users by giving them a voice in the future of the protocol. In addition to conventional "one-token-one-vote" governance mechanisms, World ID introduces the concept of "one-person-one-vote" mechanisms, which can be combined to create innovative governance approaches. The Worldcoin Foundation will collaborate with the community to determine how World ID and the WLD token will interact within the governance model (refer to the project's whitepaper for detailed information on governance and decentralization).
While the community will ultimately shape the token's utility, other use cases could emerge beyond governance. For instance, users might choose to utilize the WLD token to pay for specific actions in the World App or other wallet apps, conduct transactions, or express support for various initiatives or causes.
WLD operates as an ERC-20 token on the Ethereum network, with users receiving their grants on the Optimism Mainnet. As a result, the majority of WLD transactions are expected to take place on the Optimism network.
Who Are the Founders of Worldcoin?
Worldcoin was co-founded by Sam Altman, Alex Blania, and Max Novendstern (Max Novendstern departed from the project in July 2021). One of the most well-known co-founders, Sam Altman, is also the co-founder and current CEO of OpenAI, as well as the former president of Y Combinator, a prominent startup incubator. Initial research and development for the Worldcoin project were carried out by Tools for Humanity (TFH) and other partners.
Worldcoin has successfully raised over 250 million USD through various funding rounds, attracting investments from prominent firms such as a16z, Khosla Ventures, Bain Capital Crypto, Blockchain Capital, Tiger Global, and others.
Central to the Worldcoin ecosystem is World ID, a privacy-focused global identity network. Through World ID, users can verify their identity online while safeguarding their privacy using zero-knowledge proofs.
To participate in the Worldcoin protocol, individuals need to download the World App, the first wallet app supporting the creation of a World ID. To obtain a World ID, individuals visit physical imaging devices called Orbs, which are typically operated by independent local businesses known as Orb Operators. The Orbs use multispectral sensors to verify human uniqueness, and images are promptly deleted on-device by default (unless explicit consent for Data Custody is provided).
All World IDs verified by Orbs are eligible to receive recurring grants of free WLD tokens (please note that WLD tokens are not available in the US; refer to the Worldcoin Tokenomics section in the project's whitepaper for more information). This distribution model has the potential to make WLD one of the most widely held digital currencies.
The WLD token serves as a utility token with governance features, empowering users by giving them a voice in the future of the protocol. In addition to conventional "one-token-one-vote" governance mechanisms, World ID introduces the concept of "one-person-one-vote" mechanisms, which can be combined to create innovative governance approaches. The Worldcoin Foundation will collaborate with the community to determine how World ID and the WLD token will interact within the governance model (refer to the project's whitepaper for detailed information on governance and decentralization).
While the community will ultimately shape the token's utility, other use cases could emerge beyond governance. For instance, users might choose to utilize the WLD token to pay for specific actions in the World App or other wallet apps, conduct transactions, or express support for various initiatives or causes.
WLD operates as an ERC-20 token on the Ethereum network, with users receiving their grants on the Optimism Mainnet. As a result, the majority of WLD transactions are expected to take place on the Optimism network.
Who Are the Founders of Worldcoin?
Worldcoin was co-founded by Sam Altman, Alex Blania, and Max Novendstern (Max Novendstern departed from the project in July 2021). One of the most well-known co-founders, Sam Altman, is also the co-founder and current CEO of OpenAI, as well as the former president of Y Combinator, a prominent startup incubator. Initial research and development for the Worldcoin project were carried out by Tools for Humanity (TFH) and other partners.
Worldcoin has successfully raised over 250 million USD through various funding rounds, attracting investments from prominent firms such as a16z, Khosla Ventures, Bain Capital Crypto, Blockchain Capital, Tiger Global, and others.