Holonym Acquires Gitcoin Passport, Onboards 2M Users for Privacy-Preserving Identity

Holonym Foundation, a Delaware-based blockchain company, has announced its acquisition of Gitcoin Passport, a move that will enable it to onboard over 2 million users and create the world's largest Proof of Humanity solution. The acquisition, which was announced on February 10th, 2025, will position Holonym Foundation as the leading provider of privacy-preserving onchain reputation and Sybil detection.

Under the terms of the acquisition, Gitcoin Passport will rebrand as Human Passport, reflecting its status as a Proof of Humanity solution that enables individuals to verify their identity without disclosing sensitive personal data. The integration of Gitcoin Passport's trusted identity verification platform with Holonym Foundation's Human Network will empower web users to benefit from a universal identity solution with privacy at its core.

Holonym Foundation's CEO and Co-Founder, Shady El Damaty, expressed his enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating that "Digital identity that preserves privacy and allows individuals to control their data is the future of online interactions. Integrating Gitcoin Passport and launching Human Passport is a major leap forward in empowering digital human rights."

Gitcoin Passport's Founder, Kevin Owocki, also shared his excitement about the transition, noting that "Gitcoin Passport has always been about empowering individuals with tools to show off their human-ness in a privacy-preserving way. With Holonym Foundation taking the helm, Passport is evolving into something even greater: an identity layer that champions human dignity, privacy, and verifiable trust on the internet. This transition strengthens our shared mission to build open, decentralized systems that serve people first."

Adopted by the majority of leading chains and blockchain ecosystems, Gitcoin Passport provides sophisticated reputation tooling for over 110 partners. Its Proof of Humanity Score has secured over $200 million dollars in airdrops, becoming the go-to platform for combating Sybil attacks, enabling safe and fair token distributions, and driving the adoption of decentralized identity and reputation.

Holonym Foundation's mission is to establish digital natural rights for privacy, security, and data ownership. The company was founded to make the internet a safer and more prosperous place by building resilient infrastructure for access to digital personhood, financial services, and secure communications. Holonym Foundation launched to ensure that progress in technology aligns with fundamental human values.