Pi Foundation launches $100m fund for startups to power ecosystem growth
Pi Network Launches $100 Million Venture Capital Fund to Drive Real-World Adoption of Pi Coin
Silicon Valley, CA — In a strategic move that could redefine the future of cryptocurrency utility, Pi Network has officially launched a $100 million venture capital fund aimed at accelerating real-world use cases of its native token, Pi Coin ($PI). The initiative, dubbed Pi Network Ventures, marks one of the most ambitious funding efforts in the crypto space to bridge the gap between digital currency and mainstream industries such as gaming, e-commerce, fintech, and artificial intelligence.
The fund, unveiled by the Pi Core Team this week, signals a shift in the platform’s trajectory—from its beginnings as a mobile mining application with grassroots appeal to a full-fledged ecosystem seeking global relevance and real-world integration. The goal is clear: empower startups and developers who are building applications that embed Pi Coin at the core of their platforms, thereby driving tangible adoption beyond the crypto-native community.
A Step Toward Mass Adoption
Unlike many blockchain projects that focus on token speculation and decentralized finance alone, Pi Network Ventures is taking a distinct approach by focusing on sectors with proven user bases and economic scalability. According to the Pi Core Team, the VC fund will prioritize investments in businesses that are not only technologically sound but also capable of integrating Pi Coin into daily financial interactions.
“This is not just about investing in startups,” a Pi Network spokesperson told ABC News. “It’s about building an ecosystem that functions in the real world. We are looking for ideas that can reach millions—even billions—of people, not just crypto enthusiasts.”
The $100 million fund is set to be distributed across various funding rounds and startup stages, from seed funding to growth-stage investments. The aim is to provide capital, resources, and mentorship to innovative companies seeking to redefine how digital currency is used in everyday life.
From Dorm Rooms to Boardrooms
Pi Network first gained attention in 2019 with its novel approach to mining: users could earn Pi Coin through a mobile app without needing high-powered hardware. Its promise of democratized access to cryptocurrency earned it a passionate following, with over 60 million engaged users globally as of early 2025.
Now, with the imminent transition to Open Mainnet—a phase where Pi Coin becomes fully tradable and externally connected—the platform is expanding its infrastructure to support practical usage. Pi Network Ventures is a crucial part of this broader vision.
By targeting traditional sectors like retail, digital gaming, financial services, and even AI-driven platforms, Pi Network aims to create real utility for its coin. In doing so, it hopes to avoid the fate of many blockchain projects that failed to move beyond theoretical use cases.
Why This Fund Matters
The establishment of Pi Network Ventures reflects a broader trend in the blockchain world: a growing demand for real-world application over speculative value. With regulatory scrutiny increasing across the globe and investors seeking tangible returns, the success of any cryptocurrency now depends on its ability to integrate seamlessly into people’s lives.
“This fund represents a shift away from pure speculation to sustainable growth,” said Dr. Nicolas Kokkalis, one of Pi Network’s co-founders and Head of Technology. “We want to show the world that a cryptocurrency can actually be useful—that it can solve problems, enable commerce, and build trust at a global scale.”
For developers and entrepreneurs, this means new opportunities to innovate within a supportive ecosystem. Pi Network Ventures plans to work closely with selected startups, offering not only funding but also access to its global user base, development tools, and regulatory guidance.
Focus Areas: Gaming, E-commerce, Fintech, and AI
One of the key differentiators of the Pi Network Ventures initiative is its emphasis on mainstream industries where cryptocurrency integration is both relevant and scalable.
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Gaming: The gaming sector, now valued at over $200 billion globally, is a natural fit for Pi Coin. Microtransactions, in-game assets, and player-to-player economies offer fertile ground for blockchain integration.
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E-commerce: By enabling Pi Coin payments in online and offline retail environments, the fund aims to drive frictionless digital commerce, particularly in developing markets where traditional banking systems remain underdeveloped.
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Fintech: From cross-border remittances to decentralized identity verification, fintech remains a cornerstone of blockchain innovation. Pi Network Ventures will support startups offering new financial services with embedded Pi Coin functionality.
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Artificial Intelligence: AI-based platforms that require transparent data handling and payment mechanisms stand to benefit significantly from blockchain infrastructure. Pi Network is looking to invest in AI startups that can leverage Pi Coin for access, value transfer, and rewards.
A Global, Community-Driven Vision
At the heart of Pi Network’s ethos is its large and diverse community of Pioneers—everyday users who have mined Pi through the mobile app and helped validate the network. This community-driven model is a key differentiator in Pi’s strategy. The fund aims to empower developers to build for this audience, ensuring that Pi’s use cases are grounded in practical, user-first solutions.
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.
— Pi Network (@PiCoreTeam) May 14, 2025
This strategic program intends to invest in… pic.twitter.com/XoRy7jQGcJ
Moreover, the initiative comes at a time when many blockchain projects are struggling to find real traction. While other cryptocurrencies focus on institutional trading and niche developer communities, Pi Network remains committed to grassroots adoption.
Road Ahead: Integration With the Open Mainnet
The Pi Core Team has stated that the launch of Pi Network Ventures is part of a broader roadmap leading to the Open Mainnet phase. This transition will remove the network’s firewall and allow full connectivity with external blockchains and exchanges, enabling Pi Coin to be traded publicly.
According to Pi Network’s leadership, the infrastructure for the Open Mainnet is already in place, and the final stages will include ensuring ecosystem readiness. That means not just enabling transactions, but also ensuring there are apps, platforms, and businesses where Pi Coin can be used effectively.
Pi Network Ventures will play a pivotal role in this transition, accelerating the creation of those applications and preparing the ecosystem for broader public engagement.
Final Thoughts
With the launch of its $100 million VC fund, Pi Network is making a bold statement: it is not just another crypto project—it is a platform with a vision for global utility and sustainable integration. By aligning financial resources with real-world innovation, Pi Network is setting the stage for a future where digital currency is not just a speculative asset, but a functional part of everyday life.
As the cryptocurrency landscape evolves, Pi Network Ventures could emerge as a model for how blockchain platforms can leverage community power and strategic capital to create a truly usable digital economy.
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