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The Pi Foundation has officially launched Pi Network Ventures, a venture fund with $100 million to invest in companies and startups utilizing the Pi blockchain. This initiative's primary objective is to enhance the use and adoption of Pi across various industries. The funding will support projects using both PI tokens and US dollars to advance the Pi Network.
According to the Pi Foundation, this initiative is funded by 10% of the total Pi token supply allocated for ecosystem development. The organization describes itself as “ownerless” and is dedicated to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Pi ecosystem. The launch coincides with the recent opening of Pi’s Open Network, which allows for external connectivity and new use cases for the cryptocurrency.
Pi Network Ventures will invest in companies ranging from early-stage startups to established businesses, including those at Series B funding rounds and beyond. The foundation is helping to develop projects that integrate PI into different products, services, and business structures. The target industries now cover cryptocurrency projects and new sectors like fintech, online shopping, AI generators, built-in payments, and social networking platforms.
The Pi Foundation highlights its focus on building a feedback loop of innovation, utility, and adoption. By investing in companies that create new applications and integrate PI into real-world scenarios, the fund seeks to strengthen the ecosystem and benefit the global Pi community. The foundation also intends to mirror best practices from Silicon Valley venture capital, with rigorous sourcing, selection, and vetting processes to identify high-impact startups.
Companies that get investment from Pi Network Ventures can enjoy exposure to Pi Network’s large global user base, verified in more than 200 countries. The organization believes this specific audience can boost business and open up new opportunities for their companies.
With the launch of Pi Network Ventures, Pi is looking to move from being a widely owned token to a token used widely. As PI adoption increases and provides value, the PI Foundation believes this will bring better user and network opportunities. This approach aligns with broader strategies to boost utility, combining high-signal investment with grassroots initiatives such as hackathons.
The foundation clarified that while the $100 million fund is available, investments will occur based on the quality and number of suitable applicants. Most investments will be made in PI tokens to align incentives between the foundation and participating companies. The fund is not obligated to allocate the entire amount if there are insufficient high-potential projects.
Despite criticism about its referral model and token changes, Pi Network is still expanding its base. With this initiative, the group hopes to further increase usage and interest in PI by helping innovative startups that can add value to the PI community.
Also Read: The Future of Pi Coin: Will It Soar or Sink by 2030?
