The Pi Foundation has introduced the Pi Network Ventures project, a $100 million initiative focused on supporting startups and businesses that contribute to the adoption and utilization of Pi. The foundation plans to divide the fund between PI tokens and US dollars, sourced from 10% of the PI supply allocated for foundation reserves.

Pi Network Ventures will target early-stage to Series B companies that incorporate Pi into their products, services, or operations, with a particular focus on sectors such as AI, fintech, e-commerce, embedded payments, and consumer applications.

The initiative, officially launched by Pi Network Ventures, aims to invest in startups and businesses to promote the utility and real-world application of Pi. The funding will be in Pi tokens and USD to foster the ecosystem growth of Pi.

The venture will implement Silicon Valley-style processes for sourcing, selection, and vetting of investments, with most investments made directly in Pi tokens. The fund's primary objective is to accelerate the practical use of Pi and enhance network effects among millions of KYC-verified users.

While the full $100 million may not be immediately utilized and will be invested gradually based on the quality and volume of applicants, this initiative signifies a significant milestone in Pi's journey towards broader real-world integration and decentralized utility expansion. Despite experiencing a downtrend previously, PI has shown increased trading activity and buying interest in May, with an 85% rise in the last two weeks, potentially fueled by rumors of a Binance listing and growing popularity in European markets like Finland.