Pi Network Launches Mainnet Below $3 as Founders Shift Focus to Utility Over Price Gains

The Pi Network, a mobile-based cryptocurrency project with over 30 million registered users, made its mainnet launch on February 20, 2025, with the PI token initially priced at $2.98—far below the speculative $10 valuation some investors had anticipated. The founders, Dr. Nicolas Kokkalis and Dr. Chengdiao Fan, have since clarified that aggressive price targets are not a near-term goal, emphasizing instead the importance of building real-world utility and ecosystem adoption [1]. This shift in messaging underscores a strategic pivot from speculative hype toward sustainable development.

The initial market response reflected cautious investor sentiment, with early holders selling off their holdings and the token’s price dipping below its opening level. Founders have highlighted that the platform’s long-term success will depend on the integration of practical use cases, including decentralized applications, digital identity systems, and cross-border payment solutions. These efforts aim to foster broader adoption and utility before any meaningful price appreciation can be expected [1].

The project’s tokenomics further support this conservative outlook. With a future unlock of nearly 93 billion PI tokens planned, the token supply is expected to create sustained selling pressure in the market, limiting any sharp price increases. Analysts note that until this massive token supply is fully integrated into active trading, significant price movement remains unlikely. Comparisons to other high-profile blockchain projects—such as Solana—reveal that while some have experienced sharp initial price spikes, Pi’s large token supply dampens similar expectations [1].

The broader cryptocurrency market remains volatile, with shifting investor sentiment complicating predictions for any digital asset. For Pi, the key challenge lies in converting its massive user base into active participants who contribute to the platform’s ecosystem. The founders have reiterated that their goal is not to chase short-term financial gains but to build a decentralized infrastructure with real utility. While this approach has garnered support from some community members, it has also led to frustration among those who had hoped for an earlier focus on token value.

As the Pi Network progresses, its ability to deliver on its utility-driven vision will be critical to its long-term viability. For now, the emphasis remains on infrastructure development and ensuring the platform is ready for widespread, real-world use. The market will ultimately determine the value of PI, but according to the founders and analysts, this will depend more on adoption and ecosystem growth than speculative trading [1].

Source: [1]https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/688c39639145cd2c70cc69ad/