Pi Coin's Potential 81% Rally Post v23 Upgrade and Valour ETP Launch

The cryptocurrency market has long been a theater of volatility, but Pi Network’s recent developments suggest a compelling narrative for a breakout. The v23 protocol upgrade and the Valour Pi ETP listing on Sweden’s Spotlight Stock Market have positioned Pi Coin (PI) as a unique hybrid of technical innovation and institutional accessibility. With a current price near $0.35, analysts are eyeing a potential 81% rally to $0.65 by year-end 2025, driven by a confluence of protocol-level improvements and growing institutional demand [1].

Technical Upgrades: A Foundation for Scalability and Compliance

Pi Network’s v23 protocol upgrade represents a critical step toward mainstream adoption. The integration of decentralized KYC verification, aligned with global standards like ERC-3643, addresses regulatory hurdles while enabling trusted third-party identity checks [1]. This feature is particularly significant for institutional investors, who require compliance frameworks to justify participation. Additionally, the Linux Node expansion standardizes node operations across operating systems, reducing infrastructure fragmentation and enhancing network stability [4]. These upgrades not only streamline protocol updates but also mitigate risks associated with custom setups, a common pain point in decentralized networks [5].

The v23.01 iteration further bolsters security with biometric authentication via Passkey, a move that aligns Pi with enterprise-grade security benchmarks [2]. Such enhancements are crucial for building trust among institutional players, who prioritize robust security measures to protect against phishing and unauthorized access.

Institutional Adoption: The Valour ETP Catalyst

The Valour Pi ETP, launched in August 2025, has been a game-changer. By offering regulated exposure to Pi through traditional brokerage accounts, the ETP has attracted $947 million in assets under management (AUM) by July 2025 [2]. This development bridges the gap between Pi’s decentralized ecosystem and institutional finance, enabling European investors to participate without relying on cryptocurrency exchanges [1]. The ETP’s daily trading volume has surged to $100 million, signaling growing institutional interest [2].

This institutional on-ramp is not just symbolic. It reflects a strategic alignment with regulatory frameworks, a critical factor for Pi’s long-term viability. As traditional finance players increasingly seek exposure to blockchain assets, the ETP provides a familiar, compliant pathway. This could accelerate Pi’s adoption in institutional portfolios, particularly as macroeconomic conditions favor alternative assets.

Price Targets and Market Dynamics

The $0.65 price target for Pi by year-end 2025 is underpinned by several factors. First, the v23 upgrade and ETP listing have created a narrative of institutional credibility, which often drives speculative buying. Second, on-chain activity suggests growing utility: a $20 million volume spike in July 2025 and 5.14 million PI tokens moved off exchanges indicate long-term holders are positioning for future appreciation [6]. Whale activity, such as a wallet accumulating 350 million PI (~$125 million), further reinforces this bullish sentiment [3].

Analysts project an 81% rally from the current $0.35 level, contingent on Pi maintaining strength above key support levels [1]. A breakout above $0.66 resistance could unlock further upside, as the token tests its historical highs [5]. However, challenges remain. The core team’s control of 82.8% of the supply and validator concentration in Vietnam pose risks to decentralization and market stability [6]. Additionally, the September 2025 token unlock of 630 million PI could introduce liquidity pressures.

The Road Ahead: Balancing

Optimism

and Caution

While the technical and institutional catalysts are compelling, Pi’s trajectory remains a high-risk, high-reward proposition. The success of its mainnet launch on September 3, 2025, will be pivotal. If the network can demonstrate robust transaction throughput and real-world utility—such as dApp integrations or partnerships—the $0.65 target becomes more plausible. Conversely, governance issues or regulatory pushback could derail momentum.

For investors, the key is to monitor Pi’s ability to sustain institutional interest. The ETP’s performance, on-chain metrics like transaction volume, and the core team’s transparency will be critical indicators. As the market navigates macroeconomic uncertainties, Pi’s unique blend of technical upgrades and institutional accessibility could position it as a standout performer in the final quarter of 2025.

Source:
[1] Pi Coin Price Eyes 81% Rally as v23 Upgrade and Valour Pi ETP Spark Optimism [https://coingape.com/markets/pi-coin-price-eyes-81-rally-as-v23-upgrade-valour-etp-spark-optimism/]
[2] Pi Network's Strategic Upgrades and Valour ETP Launch [https://www.bitgetapp.com/news/detail/12560604937343]
[3] Pi Network Turns Heads With Symbolic Transfers, $20M Volume Spike [https://cryptorank.io/news/feed/64b4d-pi-network-turns-heads-with-symbolic-transfers-20m-volume-spike]
[4] Pi Network Expands with Linux Node and KYC Integration in Protocol v23 [https://www.mexc.co/en-IN/news/pi-network-expands-with-linux-node-and-kyc-integration-in-protocol-v23/77720]
[5] Pi Coin Price Prediction June 2025 | Pi Network Update [https://www.bitget.com/academy/pi-coin-price-prediction-june-2025-pi-network-update]
[6] Pi Network Faces New Threat: Vietnam's Node Control Sparks Alarms [https://coincentral.com/pi-network-faces-new-threat-vietnams-node-control-sparks-alarms/]