Why does Maelstrom believe Worldcoin (WLD) could benefit from the AI boom?

Maelstrom argues that Worldcoin is one of the few crypto projects directly linked to the artificial intelligence narrative through co-founder Sam Altman. The firm believes growing investor interest in AI companies such as OpenAI and Anthropic could increase attention on WLD as a crypto-based AI proxy.

What price target has Maelstrom set for Worldcoin (WLD)?

Maelstrom predicts WLD could reach $5 by August. Based on the token's recent trading price of around $0.50, that would represent a gain of roughly 900%, although this remains a speculative forecast rather than a guaranteed outcome.

What is Worldcoin and how is it connected to AI?

Worldcoin is a digital identity and financial network co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. The project aims to verify human identity in an increasingly AI-driven world by distinguishing real people from bots and artificial intelligence systems.

Why does Maelstrom call WLD an AI investment proxy?

Many investors cannot directly buy shares in private AI companies such as OpenAI or Anthropic. Maelstrom argues that Worldcoin offers indirect exposure to the AI theme because of its close association with Sam Altman and the broader AI ecosystem.

What are the main catalysts that could drive WLD higher?

Maelstrom identified two potential catalysts: a possible increase in purchases by major holder Eightco and a 43% reduction in daily token unlocks scheduled for July 24. Both factors could reduce selling pressure and support higher prices.

How does the token unlock reduction affect Worldcoin?

Token unlocks increase the supply of tokens entering the market. A 43% reduction in daily unlocks could reduce selling pressure, making it easier for demand to outpace supply if investor interest continues to grow.

Why has Worldcoin been under pressure in recent months?

WLD has been trending lower since February, with selling pressure increasing after a $65 million private token sale in March. According to Maelstrom, some investors hedged their positions by shorting WLD futures, creating what it described as a temporary "short overhang."

What role does Eightco play in the Worldcoin story?

Eightco reportedly owns 283 million WLD tokens and has approximately $144 million in cash. Maelstrom believes further purchases by Eightco could create additional demand and potentially trigger a stronger upward move in the token's price.

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Worldcoin touted as AI boom proxy by Maelstrom

Written by Heidi Cuthbert Published Jun. 4 2026Last Updated Jun. 4 2026

Worldcoin's WLD token could climb to as much as $5 in the coming months as investors search for ways to gain exposure to the rapidly expanding artificial intelligence sector, according to Arthur Hayes-backed investment firm Maelstrom.

Maelstrom researcher Lukas Ruppert said the market has overlooked Worldcoin as a potential beneficiary of the AI investment boom despite the project's close association with OpenAI Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman.

“The AI mega IPOs are coming — and it appears the market has overlooked one of the cleanest proxies,”

Ruppert said.

The analyst pointed to upcoming public market debuts from OpenAI and Anthropic, alongside record highs in US equity markets driven by strong demand for AI-related companies, as evidence that investor appetite for artificial intelligence exposure remains elevated.

Ruppert argued that Worldcoin's valuation has not reflected this trend and identified two potential catalysts that could support higher prices, including the possibility of additional token purchases by Eightco, which already holds 283 million WLD tokens, and a scheduled 43% reduction in daily token unlocks on July 24.

Worldcoin raised $65 million through a private token sale in March, but Maelstrom said the transaction contributed to selling pressure as investors hedged their positions through perpetual futures markets, creating what it described as a temporary “short overhang”.

The bullish outlook comes as WLD has become the best-performing cryptocurrency among the top 100 digital assets by market capitalisation over the past week, rising around 60%, with Maelstrom forecasting a move from roughly $0.50 to $5 by August if favourable market conditions persist.

At the time of reporting, Worldcoin price was $0.5087.