Pi Network [PI] launches a $100M venture fund, targeting AI, fintech, and Web3 startups

After months of limited visibility and slow movement, the Pi Foundation has announced Pi Network Ventures, a $100 million fund aimed at driving real-world adoption of the PI token.

Pi Network, the blockchain project known for its mobile "mining" app and reported user base of over 50 million, is setting up a $100 million venture fund.

The fund, backed by 10% of the total Pi Network [PI] token supply, will mainly focus on startups in the AI, fintech, and Web3 domains.

Most investments will be made in PI rather than fiat, a move that could foster ecosystem growth but also raises questions about liquidity, risk appetite, and whether projects will opt for tokens over traditional capital.

The Pi Foundation says the fund will invest in early-stage to Series B startups across e-commerce, consumer packaged goods, and consumer direct software-as-a-service (SaaS) apps.

Despite this, the Pi Foundation had limited visibility for several months, with the project’s mainnet recently opening to the public.

However, the venture fund announcement quickly drew attention and sparked reactions.

Within 24 hours, PI tokens tumbled over 30% after reaching highs above $1.

Earlier in March, PI tokens traded above $2.00. However, the token fell below $1.40 as both price and Open Interest declined in tandem.

Perhaps the earlier rally was fueled more by short-term speculation than sustained confidence in the project’s long-term trajectory.

After peaking around $11.2 million on the 1st of March, Open Interest steadily dropped to approximately $4 million by the 19th of March — a significant reduction in trader participation.