TLDR
- Maelstrom says Worldcoin could reach $5 as AI IPO demand increases.
- The firm links the WLD valuation gap to rising interest in AI companies.
- OpenAI and Anthropic filings drive strong capital inflows into the AI sector.
- Private token sale created short pressure through hedged futures positions.
- Daily token unlocks will drop by 43% starting July 24.
Worldcoin has gained attention after Maelstrom linked its valuation gap to rising AI equity demand. The firm said WLD could reach $5 within months if catalysts align. The view comes as AI companies prepare large public listings and drive capital rotation.
Worldcoin Tracks AI Valuation Gap, Maelstrom Says
Maelstrom researcher Lukas Ruppert said markets have ignored a direct crypto proxy to AI growth. He stated, “The AI mega IPOs are coming, and markets have overlooked one clean proxy.”
— Maelstrom (@MaelstromFund) June 3, 2026
He pointed to strong investor demand for AI firms preparing public listings in the United States. OpenAI filed a confidential prospectus on May 22 targeting a September 2026 debut.
The company aims to raise $60 billion with a valuation near $1 trillion. Meanwhile, Anthropic filed its draft prospectus after a $65 billion funding round.
Ruppert said these valuations contrast sharply with WLD’s $2 billion unlocked market capitalization. He described the token as a smaller exposure vehicle relative to large AI equity valuations.
Worldcoin operates as a digital identity and financial network linked to artificial intelligence systems. Sam Altman co-founded the project to distinguish humans from automated systems.
However, WLD prices have trended lower since February following earlier token sales. The decline accelerated after a private placement conducted outside exchanges.
Worldcoin raised $65 million through an over-the-counter sale to private investors. Of that amount, $25 million remains locked for six months.
Supply Dynamics and Demand Could Drive WLD Rebound
Ruppert said investors hedged their positions by shorting perpetual futures after the private sale. He described the setup as a “textbook short overhang” affecting near-term price action.
He explained that this structure creates temporary selling pressure while tokens remain locked. However, he said two factors could reverse this pressure quickly.
A publicly listed company, Eightco, holds about 283 million WLD tokens. The firm also has roughly $144 million in cash on its balance sheet.
Ruppert said additional purchases from Eightco could trigger rapid upward price movement. He noted that buying pressure could create a reflexive loop in markets.
The second factor involves a scheduled reduction in token emissions. Daily unlocks will decline by 43% starting July 24, reducing supply entering markets.
He said reduced issuance could ease persistent selling pressure over time. Combined with demand shifts, the adjustment may support price stabilization.
Ruppert also highlighted broader capital flows targeting AI-related assets. He said investors continue to seek exposure to companies tied to artificial intelligence growth.
WLD recently recorded a 60% weekly increase, making it a top performer among large-cap tokens. Ruppert said, “WLD does not move often, but when it moves, it does aggressively.”
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