# World

> World (World App / World Network) is a Tools for Humanity project combining digital identity with a consumer crypto wallet.

Source: https://www.neobank.wiki/wiki/world
Last updated: 2026-08-11
Categories: Financial technology, Global fintech, Self-custody finance, Cryptocurrency companies, Payment platforms

**World** refers to the World Network / World App ecosystem associated with Tools for Humanity. It combines proof-of-personhood identity (World ID) with a consumer wallet and payments app, sitting at the intersection of identity, crypto and [neobank](/wiki/neobank)-like balances.[^world1]

## History

Announced as Worldcoin and later emphasised as World Network, the project rolled out Orb-based verification and a mobile World App for holding and sending digital assets in supported regions.

## Founders

**Sam Altman** is co-founder of Tools for Humanity / the [World](/wiki/world) (formerly Worldcoin) project and better known as CEO of OpenAI. A serial entrepreneur and former president of Y Combinator (after founding Loopt), Altman helped initiate World as a proof-of-personhood network paired with a consumer crypto wallet—arguing global digital identity and inclusive finance require new primitives beyond traditional banks.

**Alex Blania** is co-founder and chief executive officer of Tools for Humanity, the company building World ID verification (including Orb hardware) and the World App wallet. Blania leads day-to-day development of the identity-plus-payments ecosystem that sits at the intersection of crypto, identity and [neobank](/wiki/neobank)-like balances, with availability varying by country.

## Reception

World (Worldcoin) is polarising: supporters see proof-of-personhood plus a consumer wallet as infrastructure for inclusive digital identity; critics raise privacy concerns about biometric verification. Regulatory treatment differs widely by country.

## Products

World App wallet, World ID credentials, and related payment/mini-app experiences. Availability and regulatory treatment vary widely by country.

## Infobox

- **Founded**: 2019
- **Founders**: Sam Altman, Alex Blania
- **Type**: Project / app ecosystem
- **Headquarters**: San Francisco, U.S.
- **Associated org**: Tools for Humanity
- **Focus**: Identity + wallet

## Frequently asked questions

### What is World?

World (World App / World Network) is a Tools for Humanity project combining digital identity with a consumer crypto wallet.

### When was World founded?

World was founded in 2019.

### Where is World headquartered?

World is headquartered in San Francisco, U.S..

### Who founded World?

World was founded by Sam Altman, Alex Blania.

### What type of company is World?

World is described as Project / app ecosystem in its neobank.wiki profile.


## References

[^world1]: World App and World ID are products in the World Network ecosystem; they are not a traditional licensed retail bank.