Pi Network’s Chengdiao Fan Tackles Crypto’s “Quick Exit” Problem with Revolutionary Launchpad Model

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Pi Network’s Chengdiao Fan Targets Crypto’s “Quick Exit” Problem

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Chengdiao Fan’s proposed launchpad model aims to reduce short-term exits by locking funds in liquidity pools
Pi Network’s new approach ties token incentives to product usage, shifting focus from fundraising to execution
Fan envisions tokens as user acquisition tools, enabling startups to attract users without high marketing costs

According to Pi Network co-founder Chengdiao Fan, a major problem with cryptocurrency is how tokens are typically used. She believes the industry often prioritizes raising money over building useful products, allowing projects to quickly gain funding and then disappear without providing lasting benefits.

At Consensus Miami 2026, she explained that there’s a disconnect between the potential of cryptocurrency – its financial tools, tokens, and smart contracts – and the time and effort needed to actually build practical applications. This leads to a situation where people often profit from crypto more quickly than they create anything truly valuable with it.

Reworking token incentives through Pi launchpad

Pi Network is trying a new launchpad system designed to discourage people from quickly selling their tokens after receiving them. Instead of giving project teams immediate access to the funds contributed by participants, the money is locked into liquidity pools. This means teams can’t immediately spend it, and it limits the possibility of early, quick profits for participants.

From my analysis, a key component of successful projects is having a functioning product *before* they launch. This is a crucial shift – it moves the emphasis away from simply raising money based on ideas, and towards actually *building* something. It also means the project’s tokens are immediately connected to a working platform. Furthermore, we’re seeing a trend where the benefits of participating are tied to *using* the product. This design prioritizes rewarding active engagement – people who actually interact with the platform – rather than just those who passively invest. It’s about incentivizing usage, not just holding tokens.

Tokens as a tool for user acquisition

Fan tokens weren’t primarily designed for raising money; instead, they were created to attract and keep users engaged. They work by being built directly into the product itself, motivating people to use it and share their opinions, rather than simply being treated as investments.

Starting a new business often means spending a lot to get customers. However, by integrating digital tokens into their products, companies can attract users without heavy advertising or a lot of initial funding. Importantly, users aren’t locked in – they can easily switch to something better, which encourages creators to constantly improve and provide real value.

Scale and distribution as competitive advantages

A major strength of this model is Pi Network’s large existing user base. Pi Network reports having tens of millions of users worldwide, many of whom are verified and actively using the platform. According to Fan, this built-in audience provides instant access for new applications, making it easier for people to start using them and allowing developers to test their products with both cryptocurrency enthusiasts and people new to the space.

She highlighted how the network uses both AI and real people to check information, showing how this blend of technology and human input can be useful for things like ensuring accuracy, meeting regulations, and improving data reliability.

Aligning web3 with AI-era demands

Fan explained that these changes are part of a larger trend fueled by artificial intelligence. Because AI is making software cheaper to create, businesses will increasingly compete for users’ attention, valuable data, and strong engagement.

She suggested that a system where users actually own a piece of the products they use – through things like tokens – could become more important in the future of digital economies. This would allow users to contribute things like data and feedback, and then receive value in return for their contributions.

She believes that successful businesses in the future will need to build models that account for these changing trends, instead of sticking with old-fashioned funding methods that don’t give users a stake in the company.

Moving away from speculative models

Fan highlighted that Pi Network is intentionally different from other cryptocurrency projects. Unlike many others that release tokens first and then try to find uses for them, Pi Network is prioritizing the development of real-world applications that address specific needs before introducing its token.

The main goal is to link the creation of tokens to real-world benefits and uses, so they become a functional part of a system instead of just being created for their own sake.

Her comments highlight a rising trend in the industry to fix underlying problems that encourage projects to shut down quickly. This involves rethinking how digital tokens are made, shared, and utilized.

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2026-05-06 21:00