Before a cryptocurrency can potentially go to the moon, it needs to get off the ground. But how can a new coin or token find its footing amid the thousands that already exist? One route is to leverage crypto launchpads.
Crypto launchpads are platforms that connect investors with new crypto offerings. The launchpads enable creators to raise capital and develop a community for new crypto projects, while gaining access to services such as marketing support. Meanwhile, investors often gain benefits such as early access and possibly a discount.
Depending on the type of project, a crypto launchpad could facilitate events such as an initial decentralized exchange offering (IDO), initial exchange offering (IEO), or initial NFT offering (INO). While crypto projects can also be launched without launchpads (Bitcoin is a popular example), crypto launchpads have become popular within the Web3/decentralized finance (DeFI) world, as they provide a structured environment for investing in new offerings.
However, new projects from launchpads can sometimes be harder to vet and may be riskier than more established crypto assets or other investments.
How Do Crypto Launchpads Work?
The way crypto launchpads work can vary by platform, but in general, they offer the following:
Project Vetting and Whitelisting
One of the most important aspects of crypto launchpads is that they vet projects before allowing investors to access them. While you also need to vet the launchpad itself and do your own due diligence, this vetting essentially provides an extra layer of assurance to investors.
On the other side of the equation, launchpads facilitate whitelisting, where investors apply to take part in an initial offering. This whitelisting may involve compliance checks, such as following Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols, although some launchpads may enable more privacy.
Token Sale Structure
In addition to providing guardrails around the projects and investors who can participate on their platforms, launchpads often facilitate a token sale structure. This structure might include allocation tiers, such as enabling sales based on staking or lottery systems. Some launchpads even have their own token, such as DAO tokens, that investors need to stake to participate in other launches.
Launchpads can also enable vesting schedules and token lock-up periods for project founders so that early investors can provide them with some stability rather than being able to dump their investments right after launch.
Integration with DEXs and CEXs
Launchpads are often where IDOs and IEOs happen, in part because these platforms often integrate with decentralized exchanges (DEXs) or centralized exchanges (CEXs). For example, you can find platforms that facilitate early sales while feeding into DEXs, such as Uniswap, so that investors can gain liquidity access, rather than buying into crypto that can’t be easily traded elsewhere. Also, some exchanges have their own integrated launchpads, such as Binance Launchpad, where new offerings are then listed on the exchange.
Similarly, the best crypto launchpads tend to partner with popular crypto wallets and offer bridging tools so that whatever you invest in can easily connect to the broader crypto ecosystem you’re comfortable with.
Top Crypto Launchpads to Watch in 2025
There are a lot of crypto launchpads to choose from, and you should make sure to carefully review any platforms before using them. In the fast-moving crypto world, even a platform that has a respected history might fall out of favor, so do your research and find one you’re comfortable with. To help you get started, notable launchpads to consider include the following:
DAO Maker
One of the more popular crypto launchpads, especially for retail investors, is DAO Maker, which has a strong track record of launches and vetting protocols. That includes requiring investors to stake DAO Maker tokens and undergo KYC compliance.
TrustPad
TrustPad is another major launchpad for IDOs that’s multi-chain, meaning it supports projects for different blockchains, such as the BNB Chain and Ethereum. TrustPad uses a staking-based allocation system via its own token, TPAD. TrustPad often facilitates KYC but does not enforce it by default; that depends on the fundraisers.
Polkastarter
Another big launchpad for decentralized fundraising is Polkastarter, which specializes in cross-chain fundraising. The platform uses its own token, POLS, for staking, but you can also potentially participate in projects based on holding POLS or Liquidity Provider (LP) tokens. It also has a partnership with Synaps for a one-time KYC process.
Seedify
Seedify stands out as both an IDO and NFT launchpad, and it specializes in gaming-related projects. Seedify uses a tiered access system where investors can stake or farm its Seedify.fund (SFUND) or Seedify NFT Space (SNFT) tokens. KYC is needed for its IDOs but not INOs.
Other Notable Launchpads
The aforementioned are just a few of the many notable launchpads. There are several others to consider, based on factors such as the types of projects you want to fund and the ecosystems you want to join. Other examples include GameFi, another gaming-focused IDO launchpad, and Binance Launchpad if you want to invest in an IEO.
How to Get Access to Crypto Launchpads
Access to crypto launchpads varies by platform, but some typical steps include the following:
Create a Compatible Wallet
You usually connect a crypto wallet to a launchpad so you can stake or verify ownership of relevant crypto assets. Compatibility varies by launchpad, but you can often connect ones like MetaMask or Trust Wallet. Or you can use a platform that functions as a wallet and a launchpad, such as Best Wallet.
Stake or Hold Native Tokens
Launchpads tend to have native tokens, such as POLS or SFUND, that you have to stake or hold to invest in projects on that platform. These tokens have their own price fluctuations and opportunity costs like any other investments.
Complete KYC or Use Anon-Friendly Launchpads
A lot of launchpads require you to verify your identity, such as by following KYC protocols, but it can vary by platform and project. Some are more anonymous-friendly, so you can stay private when investing early in a project.
How to Find and Invest in Upcoming Projects on Launchpads
To fund early investments in crypto projects on launchpads, follow these steps:
Track Calendars Online for IDOs, IEOs, etc.
Several websites publish upcoming launches, such as ICO Drops, CoinMarketCap, CoinGecko, and CryptoRank. There you can use filters such as for IDOs or IEOs or choosing your chain or project category.
You can then research different projects, such as by reading their project summaries or whitepapers and you can potentially set alerts for any updates on these calendars.
Follow Crypto Launchpad Announcements
You can also go to the source and look for announcements or calendar-like features on a launchpad’s website. You might then subscribe to the launchpad’s newsletter and/or join its Discord/Telegram community to stay in the loop about new launches.
Research Project Credibility Before Buying
It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of a new project, but you want to make sure it seems credible before investing, rather than jumping into one with unrealistic promises or unnecessary anonymity. Consider factors such as the creators’ credentials, whitepapers, and GitHub activity.
You can also look for whether the project has had smart contract audits and if it has any relevant partnerships or a social media presence that suggest credibility.
You probably wouldn’t throw your hard-earned money at an unknown or untrustworthy person asking for a loan, so don’t assume you should invest in any crypto project without research.
How to Buy into an ICO, IDO, etc.
If you’re confident in a project, you’ll then follow the requirements of the launchpad, which commonly include the following steps:
Connect your crypto walletBuy and stake the launchpad tokenComplete KYC checksJoin the whitelist
Pros and Cons of Using Crypto Launchpads
There are several potential pros and cons to using crypto launchpads to invest in crypto projects.
Crypto Launchpad Advantages
Similar to IPOs, buying into a new crypto project like an IDO or IEO offers possible benefits such as:
Early access to crypto projectsOpportunity for significant returnsEngaging with a community around new projects
Risks and Challenges of Crypto Launchpads
Despite the allure of potential benefits, you need to have your guard up and be fully aware of the risks of any crypto investment, especially ones on launchpads that might be less vetted due to being new. Some of the top risks and challenges include:
Scams and rug pullsProject failuresPost-launch volatility, such as if early buyers dumpLock-up periods and vesting that can hinder your exit liquidityVarying degrees of due diligence that different creators face
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Crypto Launchpads
What is the best crypto launchpad for beginners?
The best crypto launchpad for beginners depends on your perspective and preferences, such as if there’s a DeFi ecosystem you might already be comfortable with. That said, ones that have educational resources and a strong track record are often good choices for beginners.
Do I need KYC to use crypto launchpads?
Many crypto launchpads follow KYC protocols, but this can vary by platform and project.
What are crypto launchpads?
Crypto launchpads are platforms that connect investors to early launches of new crypto projects. Many launchpads not only facilitate investment but provide resources to creators, such as helping with marketing and compliance.
Created by the Commerce team at Business Insider with Best Wallet.
