Quick take:
- Search engine giant Google and layer-1 blockchain network Aave have already started using Self’s proof-of-humanity tools.
- The company is also introducing a points-based rewards program as part of its strategy to drive the adoption of blockchain-based identity verification.
- Self’s privacy-preserving verification identity infrastructure leverages zero-knowledge proofs and verifiable credentials to confirm personal details like age and other traits, while keeping personal data private.
Self, a zero-knowledge proofs-powered digital identity verification infrastructure provider, has announced $9 million in seed funding backed by Greenfield Capital, Softbank’s Startup Capital Ventures and SBI Fund, Spearhead VC, Verda Ventures, and Fireweed Ventures.
The fundraising also attracted angel activity from Casey Neistat, Sreeram Kannan (EigenLayer), Sandeep Nailwal (Polygon), Julien Bouteloup (Curve), Jill Carlson (Espresso), and Hart Lambur (Across Protocol), according to a press release on Thursday.
The company said the funding supports the continued development and expansion of Self, whose proof-of-humanity tools have been adopted by the likes of Google, Velodrome, and Aave.
Self also announced the launch of a points-based rewards program as part of its strategy to drive the adoption of blockchain-based identity verification.
The company’s privacy-preserving verification identity infrastructure leverages zero-knowledge proofs and verifiable credentials to confirm personal details like age and other traits, while keeping personal data private. Its user onboarding mechanism supports biometric passports and ID cards, issued in 129 and 35 countries, respectively. Users can also be onboarded via Indian Aadhaar, which has over 1.4 billion registrations, the company said.
“Self was born out of the need for secure, privacy-preserving humanity and identity verification, and the growing adoption of our infrastructure validates that ZK-powered solutions are the answer,” said Eric Nakagawa, CEO and Co-Founder of Self. “We’re proud that our mission resonates with the best companies in the industry, and appreciative of their support in scaling Self to power the future of the internet. I am excited to work with the many builders that are already integrating and developing cool features and products with Self.”
The new rewards program awards users points for successfully verifying their identity and setting up their Self Pass, with the potential to earn more points by interacting with the platform.
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