Why Pi Network May Miss the Crypto Bull Run

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May 22, 2025

Pi Network’s price is slipping despite the crypto boom. Insider sales and centralization issues raise red flags. Can it rebound, or is it doomed to lag? Read more to find out.

Financial market analysis from 22/05/2025. Market conditions may have changed since publication.

Have you ever watched a promising project stumble just as the rest of the market takes off? That’s the story unfolding with Pi Network, a cryptocurrency that once sparked excitement but now faces headwinds that could keep it grounded. As Bitcoin rockets past $110,000 and altcoins ride the wave, Pi’s price is stuck in neutral, trading at $0.81—far from its all-time high. I’ve been following crypto for years, and there’s something uniquely frustrating about watching a project with potential get tangled in its own challenges.

The Challenges Holding Pi Network Back

The crypto market is buzzing with energy, yet Pi Network seems to be missing the party. Why? It’s not just one issue but a combination of factors—insider selling, centralization concerns, and a flood of token unlocks—that are weighing heavily on its price. Let’s break it down and explore what’s going on behind the scenes.

Insider Selling: A Trust Breaker?

One of the biggest red flags for Pi Network is the reported selling by insiders. Blockchain analysts have pointed out suspicious activity, like a wallet holding millions of Pi tokens transferring them to a new address, only for those tokens to hit exchanges shortly after. This isn’t just a one-off—patterns like this suggest a lack of confidence from those closest to the project.

Transparency is the backbone of trust in crypto. When insiders quietly offload tokens, it sends a signal that even they aren’t fully committed.

– Blockchain analyst

Such moves erode investor trust faster than a market crash. Imagine you’re invested in a project, only to find out the founders are cashing out while you’re still holding the bag. It’s not a good look, and for Pi, it’s a hurdle that’s hard to ignore.

Centralization Concerns: Too Much Power in Few Hands

Another issue casting a shadow over Pi Network is its centralized structure. Unlike Bitcoin or Ethereum, where power is distributed across thousands of nodes, Pi’s ecosystem is heavily controlled by its foundation. Reports suggest that a handful of wallets—linked to the Pi Foundation—hold over 90 billion tokens. That’s a staggering amount of control for a project that claims to prioritize decentralization.

Why does this matter? Well, centralization creates risks. If those wallets are compromised or if the foundation decides to dump tokens, the price could crater overnight. It’s like building a house on a shaky foundation—one wrong move, and the whole thing collapses.

  • Concentrated holdings: Over 90 billion tokens in foundation-controlled wallets.
  • Security risks: A single breach could destabilize the entire network.
  • Market manipulation: Large holders can sway prices with ease.

In my view, decentralization isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a safeguard. Pi’s current setup feels more like a traditional company than a crypto project, and that’s a tough sell in today’s market.

Token Unlocks: A Flood of Supply

Then there’s the issue of token unlocks. Every month, millions of new Pi coins are released into circulation, diluting the supply at a time when demand isn’t keeping up. Data indicates that 110 million coins hit the market this month, with 254 million more coming in June and 233 million in July. Over the next year, a whopping 1.5 billion coins will be unlocked.

MonthTokens Unlocked
May 2025110 million
June 2025254 million
July 2025233 million
Next 12 Months1.507 billion

This is basic economics: when supply outpaces demand, prices drop. For Pi, these unlocks are like pouring water into an already overflowing bucket. Investors are understandably wary, and it’s no surprise the price is struggling to gain traction.


Pi Network Ventures: A Step Forward or a Distraction?

On the brighter side, Pi Network recently launched Pi Network Ventures, a $100 million fund to support startups building on its technology. The goal? Expand the ecosystem and drive real-world adoption. It’s an ambitious move, and I’ll admit, it’s exciting to think about what this could mean for Pi’s future.

But here’s the catch: throwing money at startups doesn’t fix the core issues. If centralization and insider selling continue to undermine trust, no amount of venture capital will save the day. It’s like putting a shiny new paint job on a car with a broken engine—looks nice, but it won’t get you far.

Technical Analysis: Where Is Pi’s Price Headed?

Let’s get technical for a moment. Pi’s price has been on a downward spiral, dropping from $1.66 last week to around $0.81. On the four-hour chart, it’s forming a bearish flag pattern, which is a fancy way of saying the price is consolidating after a sharp drop, potentially setting up for more declines.

The key levels to watch are $0.65, the recent low, and $0.55, the lowest point hit in late April. If Pi breaks below $0.65, it could head toward $0.55 or even lower. On the flip side, a surge above $0.86 might signal a short-term recovery, but that seems unlikely given the current sentiment.

Technical patterns like the bearish flag don’t lie—they reflect market psychology. Pi’s chart is screaming caution right now.

– Crypto trader

Personally, I find technical analysis fascinating because it’s like reading the market’s mood. Right now, Pi’s chart is telling us investors are nervous, and for good reason.

Why Pi’s Struggles Matter to Crypto Investors

Pi Network’s challenges aren’t just a problem for its holders—they’re a lesson for anyone diving into altcoins. The crypto market is a wild ride, and projects that don’t address trust, transparency, and token economics can get left behind. Here’s why this matters:

  1. Trust is everything: Insider selling and centralization erode confidence, making it hard for a project to gain momentum.
  2. Tokenomics can make or break: Uncontrolled supply growth, like Pi’s unlocks, puts constant pressure on prices.
  3. Ecosystem matters: While Pi Network Ventures is a step in the right direction, adoption needs to translate into real-world value.

I’ve seen countless projects rise and fall in crypto, and the ones that succeed are those that prioritize community trust and solid fundamentals. Pi still has a chance to turn things around, but it’s running out of time.


Can Pi Network Recover?

So, what’s the path forward for Pi Network? It’s not all doom and gloom, but the road to recovery is steep. The team needs to address the elephant in the room: transparency. Releasing clear reports on token distribution and insider activity would be a good start. Reducing the pace of token unlocks could also help stabilize the price.

Then there’s the issue of listings. Pi is only available on a handful of exchanges, which limits its liquidity and exposure. Getting listed on major platforms could attract new investors, but that’s easier said than done when trust is shaky.

In my opinion, Pi’s biggest asset is its community. With millions of users mining coins via their phones, there’s a built-in audience ready to support the project—if the team can deliver. The question is whether they can pivot fast enough to catch this bull run.

Lessons for Crypto Investors

Pi Network’s story is a reminder that not every crypto project is a sure bet, even in a bull market. Here are some takeaways for investors:

  • Do your homework: Research a project’s tokenomics, team, and community before investing.
  • Watch for red flags: Insider selling and centralization are warning signs that shouldn’t be ignored.
  • Stay diversified: Don’t put all your eggs in one crypto basket, no matter how promising it seems.

I’ve learned the hard way that crypto is as much about gut instinct as it is about data. Pi Network has potential, but until it addresses its core issues, it’s a risky bet in a market full of opportunities.

The Bigger Picture: Crypto’s Wild Ride

Zooming out, Pi Network’s struggles are just one chapter in the broader crypto saga. Bitcoin is hitting new highs, altcoins like Solana and Shiba Inu are surging, and the market feels like it’s on fire. Yet, not every project gets to ride the wave. Pi’s story reminds us that fundamentals matter, even in a speculative market.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect is how quickly sentiment can shift in crypto. One day, a project is the next big thing; the next, it’s fighting to stay relevant. For Pi Network, the clock is ticking. Will it rise to the challenge or fade into obscurity? Only time will tell.

In crypto, trust is harder to earn than profits. Projects that prioritize transparency and community will always have an edge.

– Crypto market analyst

As I wrap up this deep dive, I can’t help but feel a mix of optimism and caution about Pi Network. It’s got a passionate community and a bold vision, but the hurdles are real. For now, it’s a project to watch closely—but maybe not one to bet the farm on.

When you invest, you are buying a day that you don't have to work.
— Aya Laraya
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Steven Soarez passionately shares his financial expertise to help everyone better understand and master investing. Contact us for collaboration opportunities or sponsored article inquiries.

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