Zero-Knowledge Startup Secures $9M Funding, Introduces Gamified Verification to Bridge Privacy and Compliance

Zero-Knowledge Identity Startup Self

, unveils points initiative to boost user engagement

Self, a zero-knowledge identity protocol trusted by industry leaders such as

(GOOG) and , revealed on Nov. 13 that it has raised $9 million in seed investment and launched a points-based incentive program to encourage on-chain identity verification. The funding round was spearheaded by Greenfield Capital, SoftBank's Startup Capital Ventures x SBI Fund, and Spearhead VC, with additional backing from angel investors like Casey Neistat, Sreeram Kannan of , and Sandeep Nailwal from Polygon.

The company’s platform utilizes zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) and verifiable credentials to offer privacy-focused identity checks. This allows users to validate details such as age or uniqueness without revealing private information—a crucial capability for use cases like Sybil-resistant airdrops and OFAC-compliant token distributions. The protocol accommodates verification through biometric passports, government-issued IDs, India’s Aadhaar, and mobile onboarding with Self Connect.

The newly introduced points system incentivizes users to complete identity verification and engage with affiliated platforms. Rewards are expected to increase as more integrations are added,

. This program is designed to speed up the adoption of on-chain verification, tackling a persistent issue in blockchain where privacy and regulatory compliance can be at odds.

Self’s solution is already in use by Google, Aave, and Velodrome, highlighting its relevance in both decentralized finance (DeFi) and enterprise settings. The startup aims to connect the privacy priorities of Web3 with established identity systems, providing tools that meet regulatory standards while safeguarding user anonymity.

The $9 million funding comes amid rising interest in ZKP-powered technologies, fueled by the need for scalable privacy solutions in blockchain. Investors emphasized the protocol’s ability to simplify identity checks and reduce the risk of data leaks. “Zero-knowledge proofs are transforming digital trust,” commented a representative from one of the lead investors, though further remarks were not included in the materials provided.

With this capital, Self intends to broaden its platform’s features and partner network. The points initiative reflects its approach to gamifying verification, aiming to drive wider adoption of decentralized identity systems. As blockchain technology evolves, offerings like Self’s may become essential in reconciling regulatory demands with privacy—a challenge that has slowed mainstream crypto uptake.