Eightco Aims to Merge AI and Crypto with Human-Centric Identity Network

Dan Ives, Chairman of Eightco Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ORBS), launched an international tour to promote the World Network (WLD), an identity verification project co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. The initiative, part of Eightco's broader "Power of 8" strategy, aims to acquire 800 million WLD tokens and verify 8 billion humans. ORBS shares surged 1.68% in after-hours trading following Tuesday's regular-session close of $11.31, marking a 2.17% gain title4^[4]. The stock's recent performance aligns with the company's aggressive expansion into digital asset treasuries and AI-driven identity verification title6^[6].

Ives' global tour includes stops in San Francisco, Bangkok, Singapore, Seoul, Tokyo, and London, underscoring his commitment to raising awareness for Worldcoin's iris-scanning technology. The project, which uses Orb devices to confirm human identity and distribute WLD tokens, has already verified 17 million users-a 12% increase since launching its treasury strategy three weeks ago title6^[6]. Ives projected an $8 billion valuation for Eightco based on a $10 price target for WLD tokens, though the token currently trades at $1.19, down 9.31% in the last 24 hours title4^[4].

The "Power of 8" initiative is supported by a $270 million private placement closed on September 9, 2025, and institutional backing from entities like BitMine Immersion (BMNR), Wedbush, and Kraken title7^[7]. Eightco also expanded investor access by introducing options trading on Nasdaq, a move Ives described as providing "new tools for risk management and liquidity" title6^[6]. Despite these developments, the company faces financial challenges: Q2 2025 net income fell to -$1.17 million, with a net profit margin of -15.43% and a -6.26% return on assets title2^[2].

Privacy concerns remain a hurdle for the World Network. While the project positions itself as a universal "Proof-of-Human" verification system for AI-era authentication, critics highlight data security risks, particularly in regions like Hong Kong and Kenya where regulatory scrutiny has intensified title5^[5]. Ives emphasized the technology's potential to "separate humans from bots" and establish a trusted digital identity framework, but the company must navigate these regulatory and ethical challenges to scale effectively title4^[4].

Market reactions to the "Power of 8" strategy have been mixed. WLD tokens have gained 44% over the past month, reflecting optimism about the project's growth, but Eightco's stock remains volatile. Recent financials show a 158.74% increase in net cash and a 23,660% surge in free cash flow year-over-year, though operating expenses rose 11.86% to $2.45 million title2^[2]. Analysts note that the stock's Edge Rankings highlight "Value" as its strongest category, suggesting potential for long-term appreciation title4^[4].

Eightco's vision hinges on bridging AI and blockchain through WLD's identity verification. Ives described the project as the "intersection of AI and crypto," with Orb devices serving as the hardware backbone for a decentralized identity network title7^[7]. If the company meets its 100-million-verified-users target within a year, it could solidify its position as a leader in digital trust infrastructure. However, success will depend on overcoming privacy concerns, regulatory hurdles, and the broader crypto market's volatility.