World, the biometric identity startup co-founded by OpenAI’s Sam Altman, has raised $52.5 million by selling its WLD cryptocurrency token to strategic investors under a 12-month lock-up. The funding matters because it supports World’s attempt to build widely used online “proof of human” verification as AI-generated content and automated accounts become more prevalent.

The funds will go to the Cayman Islands-based World Foundation to expand the network, with Pantera Capital leading the purchase alongside investors including Eightco Holdings, Bain Capital Crypto, Susquehanna Crypto and Selini Capital. World’s highest-level ID requires an iris scan using its Orb device, which creates a cryptographic identifier; although the project has launched partnerships with Tinder and Ticketmaster, it has struggled to gain broad consumer adoption and made layoffs in June.