Worldcoin jumps 20% after Eightco reveals large stake

The price of Worldcoin (WLD) surged more than 20% on Monday, June 15, reaching its highest level in months as institutional buying and optimism around artificial intelligence fueled a major rally. The token, which is co-founded by OpenAI chief Sam Altman, climbed to approximately $0.61, extending a 30-day gain of over 150%.

The rally followed a disclosure that Eightco Holdings, a Nasdaq-listed company, holds approximately 283.45 million WLD tokens, representing about 8.4% of the token's circulating supply. The company described the position as its largest allocation within the digital identity and AI sector, valuing the stake at roughly $406 million. Eightco frames its investment as a strategic bet on digital identity verification, citing the need to address non-human activity online.

Market sentiment was further buoyed by reports that OpenAI confidentially filed for an initial public offering, generating spillover interest in Worldcoin as a liquid proxy for AI-related themes. Analysts noted that improved risk appetite across global markets, partly due to eased geopolitical tensions, also contributed to capital flowing into cryptocurrencies.

Trading activity was exceptionally...