World, the startup co-founded by OpenAI’s Sam Altman, has successfully raised $52.5 million via a crypto token sale, aimed at bolstering its network expansion efforts.

The funds will be managed through the World Foundation in the Cayman Islands, allowing the project to continue developing its 'proof of human' tools. Orb devices, which capture users’ irises for verification, are already operational at key locations worldwide.

Despite these ambitious plans, World has faced challenges, including layoffs earlier this year and struggles to gain widespread consumer interest in its identity verification tech.

The rebrand from Worldcoin to simply World was a response to broader backlash against the crypto industry. Now, as it continues to navigate these hurdles, the project aims to differentiate itself by emphasizing anonymous digital markers rather than overtly crypto-centric features.