World Startup, Co-Founded by Sam Altman, Launches Eye-Scanning Services Across Six U.S. Cities
The identity verification startup World, co-founded by OpenAI’s Sam Altman, has officially launched in the United States by opening six physical locations dedicated to eye-scanning services. Users in Austin, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Nashville, Miami, and San Francisco can now visit these branches to have their eyes scanned using a biometric device called the Orb — unlocking full access to the World app.
Originally founded in 2019 under the name Worldcoin, the company aims to build a global identity verification system using iris scanning and blockchain technology to combat fraud and eliminate bots. Now rebranded as World, the startup is taking a major step toward making this futuristic form of authentication a reality.
Upon visiting a branch, users participate in a biometric process that takes around 30 seconds. They simply stand in front of the Orb, which scans their face and iris, then generates a unique “IrisCode” — a digital identity marker designed to verify the user is human.
As an incentive, each user who completes the scan receives 16 WLD, World’s proprietary cryptocurrency.
This World ID can then be used to access the World super-app and connect seamlessly with integrated platforms like Telegram, Reddit, and Discord.
Sam Altman’s World Expands U.S. Operations, Announces Orb Mini and Visa Partnership
At a recent event in San Francisco, identity-tech startup World, co-founded by Sam Altman, revealed its plans to scale production of its biometric eye-scanning device, the Orb, by setting up a dedicated assembly line in Richardson, Texas, in partnership with a U.S.-based manufacturer. The company estimates that by the end of 2025, it will have around 7,500 Orbs deployed across the United States — and that number may continue to grow.
To broaden access even further, World introduced the Orb Mini, a portable, handheld version of its iris-scanning device. Designed with dual eyepieces, the Orb Mini enables on-the-go biometric identity verification, making it easier for users to scan their irises without visiting a physical location.
World also announced a strategic partnership with Visa. The collaboration will culminate in the launch of a payment card by late 2025, allowing users to convert WLD (World’s native cryptocurrency) into fiat currency at the point of sale. With this card, holders can spend their digital assets anywhere Visa is accepted, bridging the gap between crypto and traditional finance.
According to a company spokesperson, 26 million people across Europe, South America, and the Asia-Pacific region have registered with World’s network so far, with 12 million of them fully verified through biometric scans.
Despite the growth, World is still pacing behind its ambitious goals. Originally, the startup aimed to reach 1 billion verified users by 2023. Now, that milestone remains a long-term target, but one that the company is actively pursuing.
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