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Pi Network Faced Legal Battles Before Mainnet Launch

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Pi Network launched its mainnet with one of the biggest airdrops in crypto history. It was one of the most highly anticipated crypto launches in history, but many have criticized the project as being a pyramid scheme or even a scam.

However, few are aware of the internal leadership turmoil that nearly derailed the project before its launch in 2020.

In 2020, Vincent McPhilip, one of Pi Network’s co-founders, took legal action against fellow founders Nicolas Kokkalis and Chengdiao Fan. He claimed they removed him from the company unfairly and mishandled financial resources.

McPhilip alleged that Kokkalis and Fan, a married couple, brought personal conflicts into the workplace, creating a toxic environment.

He described incidents involving verbal altercations and physical confrontations that made it difficult for him to lead effectively. McPhilip further stated that he spent more time addressing their disputes than focusing on business operations.

“Kokkalis and Fan had marital issues which manifested themselves not only in workplace shouting and screaming but acts of physical aggression towards each other witnessed by plaintiff,” the lawsuit stated.

Tensions escalated in April 2020 when McPhilip stepped away temporarily to address internal issues. However, Kokkalis and Fan viewed his absence as abandonment and revoked his access to company assets, including servers and financial accounts.

McPhilip also accused them of trying to dilute his ownership of the project. He claimed they planned to issue new shares at an undervalued price of $0.00005 per share, reducing his stake.

This was particularly significant given that Pi Network had previously secured substantial funding through Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) investments, raising capital at a $20 million valuation in 2019 and 2020.

Kokkalis and Fan countered these claims, arguing that McPhilip was dismissed due to violations of the company’s policies.

The dispute was ultimately settled in July 2023, but the resolution details remain undisclosed. Since then, McPhilip has maintained his interest in the crypto sector by founding a new project called Knomad and consistently interacting with the sector on X.

Pi Network Rejects Scam Allegations

Despite its growing user base, Pi Network has faced accusations of fraudulent activities.

On February 22, the team addressed these claims, clarifying that scammers unaffiliated with the project had been falsely using its name.

According to the team, a police report in China warned of individuals impersonating Pi Network representatives. The team stated that they had no involvement in the situation and had not been contacted by authorities regarding the matter.

“Pi Network has not been contacted by any police department in China regarding this incident. Pi strongly condemns any alleged activities by any bad actor,” the team stated.

Furthermore, Pi Network dismissed claims of links to cryptocurrency exchange ByBit or its CEO, Ben Zhou. They stated that no official communication had occurred and that Pi Network had never commented on ByBit or its leadership.

The team also distanced itself from a social media account that had made negative remarks about Zhou, reaffirming that the project had no affiliation with the statements.

“Neither Pi Network, nor anyone affiliated with Pi Network, has ever commented about ByBit or Mr. Zhou, whether on social media or otherwise. To that end, other than the comments mentioned in this post, Pi Network – despite the comments made about Pi – still has no comment and retains its position to make no comment regarding ByBit, Mr. Zhou, or their business,” the project concluded.

Despite these challenges, Pi Network’s token has experienced a sharp increase in value. PI experienced an 86% surge within 24 hours, bringing the token’s price to $1.50 as of press time.

Pi Network Daily Market Price. Source: TradingView

This marks a strong recovery from its earlier drop below $1 following the mainnet launch. Pi’s fully diluted valuation now stands at $158 billion, with a market capitalization of around $10 billion.

Disclaimer

In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.



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Ethereum Price Dips Again—Time to Panic or Opportunity to Buy?

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Ethereum price started a fresh decline from the $1,690 zone. ETH is now consolidating and might decline further below the $1,580 support zone.

  • Ethereum started a fresh decline after it failed to clear $1,700 and $1,720.
  • The price is trading below $1,620 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average.
  • There was a break below a new connecting bullish trend line with support at $1,625 on the hourly chart of ETH/USD (data feed via Kraken).
  • The pair could start a fresh increase if it clears the $1,640 resistance zone.

Ethereum Price Faces Rejection

Ethereum price formed a base above $1,550 and started a fresh increase, like Bitcoin. ETH gained pace for a move above the $1,600 and $1,620 resistance levels.

The bulls even pumped the price above the $1,650 zone. A high was formed at $1,690 and the price recently corrected gains. There was a move below the $1,640 support zone. Besides, there was a break below a new connecting bullish trend line with support at $1,625 on the hourly chart of ETH/USD.

The price tested the 50% Fib retracement level of the upward move from the $1,472 swing low to the $1,690 high. Ethereum price is now trading below $1,625 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average.

On the upside, the price seems to be facing hurdles near the $1,620 level. The next key resistance is near the $1,640 level. The first major resistance is near the $1,650 level. A clear move above the $1,650 resistance might send the price toward the $1,690 resistance.

Ethereum Price
Source: ETHUSD on TradingView.com

An upside break above the $1,690 resistance might call for more gains in the coming sessions. In the stated case, Ether could rise toward the $1,750 resistance zone or even $1,800 in the near term.

More Losses In ETH?

If Ethereum fails to clear the $1,640 resistance, it could start another decline. Initial support on the downside is near the $1,580 level. The first major support sits near the $1,555 zone and the 61.8% Fib retracement level of the upward move from the $1,472 swing low to the $1,690 high.

A clear move below the $1,555 support might push the price toward the $1,525 support. Any more losses might send the price toward the $1,450 support level in the near term. The next key support sits at $1,420.

Technical Indicators

Hourly MACDThe MACD for ETH/USD is gaining momentum in the bearish zone.

Hourly RSIThe RSI for ETH/USD is now below the 50 zone.

Major Support Level – $1,580

Major Resistance Level – $1,640



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Semler Doubles Down on Bitcoin Investments Despite Losses

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Semler Scientific (SMLR), a US-based medical technology company, has revealed plans to acquire more Bitcoin (BTC) despite facing a 5.0% unrealized loss on its previous BTC investments. 

The firm has filed a Form S-3 registration with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to raise up to $500 million through a securities offering. The proceeds would be allocated for general corporate purposes, including expanding its Bitcoin portfolio.

Semler Scientific Files S-3 to Fund Bitcoin Investments

According to the official filing, the firm plans to issue common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, and warrants as part of the securities offering. The SEC filing does not specify the exact amount allocated for Bitcoin purchases. Nonetheless, Semler’s recent activity suggests a strong focus on cryptocurrency.

“We have not determined the amount of net proceeds to be used specifically for such purposes. As a result, management will retain broad discretion over the allocation of the net proceeds of any offering,” the filing read.

This move follows Semler’s previous acquisition of 871 BTC for $88.5 million at an average price of $101,616 per Bitcoin. The purchases were made between January 11 and February 3. 

The acquisition increased Semler’s total Bitcoin holdings to 3,192 BTC. The holdings worth $266.1 million represent 80.6% of the company’s total market capitalization of 330.1 million. This indicates that a significant portion of its value is tied to its Bitcoin investments.

“From January 1, 2025, to February 3, 2025, Semler Scientific’s BTC Yield was 21.9%. From July 1, 2024 (the first full quarter after Semler Scientific adopted its bitcoin treasury strategy) to February 3, 2025, Semler Scientific’s BTC Yield was 152.2%,” the firm revealed.

However, the tides have shifted since then. According to Bitcoin Treasuries, Semler’s average BTC acquisition cost is $87,850 per coin. As of the latest data from BeInCrypto, Bitcoin’s market price stood at $83,397, placing Semler at a 5.0% loss on its investment. 

Semler Scientific Bitcoin Investment Portfolio
Semler Scientific Bitcoin Investment Portfolio. Source: Bitcoin Treasuries

Previously, BeInCrypto noted that the losses surged to 14.7% as BTC fell below the $80,000 mark. Despite this, Semler’s leadership appears committed to its Bitcoin strategy, viewing the cryptocurrency as a long-term store of value.

Semler’s strategic push into Bitcoin mirrors those of other firms, such as Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) and Metaplanet. Earlier this week, the firms acquired BTC worth $285 million and $26.3 million, respectively. 

However, Semler’s decision to double down on Bitcoin comes amid financial and legal challenges. On April 15, the company announced a preliminary $29.75 million settlement with the US Department of Justice (DOJ) to resolve allegations of violating federal anti-fraud laws related to marketing its QuantaFlo product.

The settlement is pending final approval. Yet, it adds pressure to Semler’s balance sheet as it navigates its ambitious fundraising and Bitcoin investment plans.

Disclaimer

In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.



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Cardano (ADA) Pressure Mounts—More Downside on the Horizon?

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Cardano price started a fresh decline from the $0.680 zone. ADA is consolidating near $0.620 and remains at risk of more losses.

  • ADA price started a recovery wave from the $0.5850 zone.
  • The price is trading below $0.640 and the 100-hourly simple moving average.
  • There is a connecting bearish trend line forming with resistance at $0.6350 on the hourly chart of the ADA/USD pair (data source from Kraken).
  • The pair could start another increase if it clears the $0.640 resistance zone.

Cardano Price Faces Resistance

In the past few sessions, Cardano saw a fresh decline from the $0.680 level, like Bitcoin and Ethereum. ADA declined below the $0.650 and $0.640 support levels.

A low was formed at $0.6040 and the price is now consolidating losses. There was a minor move above the $0.6120 level. The price tested the 23.6% Fib retracement level of the recent decline from the $0.6481 swing high to the $0.6040 low.

Cardano price is now trading below $0.640 and the 100-hourly simple moving average. On the upside, the price might face resistance near the $0.6260 zone and the 50% Fib retracement level of the recent decline from the $0.6481 swing high to the $0.6040 low.

The first resistance is near $0.6350. There is also a connecting bearish trend line forming with resistance at $0.6350 on the hourly chart of the ADA/USD pair. The next key resistance might be $0.6480.

Cardano Price

If there is a close above the $0.6480 resistance, the price could start a strong rally. In the stated case, the price could rise toward the $0.680 region. Any more gains might call for a move toward $0.70 in the near term.

Another Drop in ADA?

If Cardano’s price fails to climb above the $0.6350 resistance level, it could start another decline. Immediate support on the downside is near the $0.6040 level.

The next major support is near the $0.60 level. A downside break below the $0.60 level could open the doors for a test of $0.580. The next major support is near the $0.5550 level where the bulls might emerge.

Technical Indicators

Hourly MACD – The MACD for ADA/USD is gaining momentum in the bearish zone.

Hourly RSI (Relative Strength Index) – The RSI for ADA/USD is now below the 50 level.

Major Support Levels – $0.6040 and $0.580.

Major Resistance Levels – $0.6350 and $0.6480.



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