qerranews 
Pi Network Backs Builders
In a bold move to supercharge its ecosystem, Pi Network has announced the launch of a $100 million investment fund—Pi Network Ventures. The new venture initiative aims to catalyze the development and utility of decentralized applications (dApps) on the Pi blockchain, while also attracting cutting-edge projects in AI, fintech, and real-world applications.
The Pi Foundation, the team behind the mobile-first blockchain, disclosed the venture arm in a May 14 announcement. The fund will invest both in PI tokens and USD, with a dual focus on startups natively building within the Pi ecosystem and external innovations that can integrate with or enhance the network.
“This strategic program intends to invest in high-quality startups and companies across sectors, driving innovation and ecosystem growth,” said Pi Network on twitter.
Targeting Early to Series B
The newly formed Pi Network Ventures plans to engage with companies across various funding stages—from early-stage startups to Series B and beyond. By casting a wide net, the fund hopes to support both experimental innovators and growth-stage businesses looking to scale impactful technologies.
Unlike typical crypto venture capital initiatives, Pi Network Ventures positions itself more like a Silicon Valley-style VC firm. The foundation aims to implement traditional processes for sourcing, vetting, and selecting projects. This includes rigorous due diligence to identify disruptive startups with real-world utility and the potential to influence the broader Web3 space.
The fund’s scope isn’t limited to blockchain startups alone. Pi Network is opening its doors to generative AI projects, fintech platforms, embedded payment solutions, e-commerce innovations, social networking tools, and enterprise tech that intersect with the future of decentralization.
Aiming Beyond Crypto
What sets Pi Network Ventures apart is its willingness to look beyond the crypto-native world. According to the foundation, the fund intends to be “sector-agnostic,” targeting innovation wherever it lives—whether it’s in AI-generated content, consumer tech, or digital finance.
This broad vision could play a vital role in shaping Pi Network’s long-term adoption, allowing integrations with existing technologies and encouraging mass-market relevance. The platform’s existing mobile-first infrastructure provides a natural gateway for onboarding Web2 users into Web3 environments.
If executed effectively, this strategy could help Pi Network transform from a community-driven blockchain into a multi-industry innovation hub. The move also comes at a critical time for the platform, as it looks to combat skepticism and redefine its public image.
Addressing Community Concerns
While the launch of a $100M fund is a major milestone, Pi Network continues to face criticism and controversy. Detractors have accused the project of functioning like a pyramid scheme due to its referral-based growth model, which incentivizes users to invite others to join the network.
Additionally, Pi Network has come under fire for a lack of transparency, including sparse documentation, limited whitepaper detail, and questions surrounding its funding sources. These concerns have cast a shadow over the project’s legitimacy, despite its massive global community.
The PI token has also struggled in the open market. Since its mainnet launch in late February, the token has lost over 65% of its value, and currently trades nearly 25% below its all-time high. Market volatility and unclear tokenomics have added to the uncertainty, though proponents argue that increased ecosystem utility could help stabilize value over time.
With Pi Network Ventures, the team appears to be responding with action—focusing on real-world adoption, product development, and tangible outcomes to quiet the noise and build trust.
Final Thoughts
The launch of Pi Network Ventures marks a pivotal chapter in the evolution of Pi Network. With a significant $100M war chest and a Silicon Valley-style approach to investment, the platform is making a concerted effort to transition from hype to utility.
Whether this initiative will solidify Pi Network’s place in the future of Web3 and decentralized technology remains to be seen. But one thing is clear—the project is finally putting its money where its mission is.