Pi Network Ventures Aims to Boost Ecosystem Utility Through Startup Investments
Pi Network, the mobile-first blockchain platform, has launched a $100 million venture fund to accelerate the development of its ecosystem and promote real-world adoption of the PI token. The new initiative, dubbed Pi Network Ventures, was announced on May 14 and will invest in startups and companies building applications on the Pi blockchain or contributing to its broader utility.
According to the announcement, the fund will deploy capital in a mix of PI tokens and U.S. dollars, and focus on early-stage to Series B investments.
“This strategic program intends to invest in high-quality startups and companies across sectors, driving innovation and ecosystem growth,” Pi Network stated in a post on X.
Pi Network Ventures has officially launched—a $100 million initiative, held in Pi and USD, to invest in startups and businesses that advance the utility and real-world adoption of Pi. Go to the Pi mining app home screen to learn more.
This strategic program intends to invest in… pic.twitter.com/XoRy7jQGcJ
— Pi Network (@PiCoreTeam) May 14, 2025
Venture Fund Targets Diverse Tech Sectors, Not Just Crypto
While the fund’s primary mission is to support Pi Network ecosystem projects, Pi Network Ventures said it will also invest in general technology sectors such as:
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) and generative AI
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Fintech and embedded payments
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E-commerce platforms and digital marketplaces
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Social networking apps
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Real-world consumer and enterprise applications
The fund says it aims to operate like a traditional Silicon Valley VC, prioritizing rigorous sourcing, selection, and due diligence processes to identify high-impact, disruptive ventures — not just those focused exclusively on blockchain.
Strategic Use of Ecosystem Tokens
The $100 million fund will be partially drawn from the 10% of PI tokens originally set aside for ecosystem development, according to the Pi Foundation, the entity managing the network’s long-term growth. The foundation describes itself as “ownerless” and focused on supporting sustainable, community-driven innovation.
“By aligning incentives and providing resources to high-potential founders, startups and companies, this initiative aims to create a feedback loop of innovation and adoption,” the organization added.
Aims to Increase Utility and Transactions on Pi Network
The ultimate goal of Pi Network Ventures is to increase PI’s real-world utility by integrating the token into products, services, and consumer experiences. The organization hopes to grow both the number of apps built on Pi Network and the volume of transactions taking place across the platform.
Investments are expected to fuel projects that bring real use cases into the ecosystem, generating demand for PI and deepening engagement with the network’s reported millions of users.
Controversy Surrounds Pi Network’s Model
The announcement comes amid ongoing skepticism and criticism of Pi Network’s structure and transparency. Critics have raised concerns over the project’s referral-based user acquisition model, which resembles multi-level marketing, as well as the limited disclosure of funding sources and sparse technical documentation.
Additionally, the PI token has faced heavy price volatility, dropping over 65% since the mainnet launch in February and currently trading about 25% below its all-time high, according to market data.
Despite this, the Pi Foundation appears committed to expanding the ecosystem with long-term venture capital-style investments and continues to push forward its vision of a mobile-first, accessible blockchain economy.
Final Thoughts: Pi Bets on Venture Capital to Prove Real-World Value
As competition in the blockchain space heats up, Pi Network is attempting to position itself not just as a user-rich platform, but as an innovation hub — now backed by a sizable $100 million fund.
Whether this strategy will help counteract criticism and volatility remains to be seen, but Pi Network Ventures marks a notable shift toward institutional-style investment in Web3 ecosystems, bridging crypto-native tools with mainstream tech infrastructure.
