Altman-backed World Network raises $52.5M to fight deepfakes; Altman's venture portfolio expands with energy and identity bets

Sam Altman-backed World Network secured $52.5 million in fresh funding from Pantera and Bain to combat online AI deepfakes, pivoting from network expansion to enterprise integration. This adds to Altman's venture portfolio which includes Exowatt (solar thermal storage for data centers) and Helion (fusion energy). The investment signals continued confidence in identity infrastructure and AI verification, a growing market as deepfakes proliferate.