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Tokensales open up investment opportunities for retail users that are often unavailable in traditional markets. However, in order to utilize them to the maximum, it is important to choose not only a promising project, but also a suitable platform to work on.
What are launchpads and what are they for?
A launchpad ("launch pad") is a platform that provides initial distribution and launch of a project token before it is released to the public market.
Launchpads typically provide the so-called public stage of token sales, where all users who meet certain criteria are allowed to participate under predetermined conditions.
At the early stage of the industry's development, project developers were responsible for these processes, independently organizing the initial token offering (ICO). However, due to the lack of tools for investor protection and the lack of transparency of such sales, over time this function began to be performed by third-party platforms - crypto exchanges and lunchepads. In addition, it is often easier and more profitable for the team to outsource this part of the work, saving resources for other activities.
The key task of the Launchpad is to ensure transparent and fair distribution of tokens among all participants in the sale. To solve this problem, platforms develop criteria systems like Karma on Coinlist or staking on Seedify. They limit the participation of multi-accounts and bots, ensuring the attraction of users interested in the project, which will contribute to its further development.
For retail investors, the main value of the Launchpad is that it serves as a filter against fraudulent projects and acts as a sort of guarantor of a token's "successful" entry into the market. In addition, for ordinary users, it is a rare opportunity to invest in a startup before open trading.
Simply put, through Launchpad, the project can sell its tokens to retail investors before they go public, and investors get access to the assets at a value that is (theoretically) lower than the expected market price. At the same time, the team is protected from an influx of bots and sybils, and users are protected from fraudulent offers and manipulation by developers.
Launchpads for different tokensale formats
Tokensale formats and methods have evolved over time, and platforms have changed to accommodate new trends. Today, there are several categories of lunchepads focused on one or another method of token distribution.
- platforms for IDOs.They implement decentralized token offerings (initial dex offering) using liquidity pools and DEX. As a rule, IDO lunchespads are independent of large exchanges and market makers and aim for transparent and fair asset sales;
- exchange lunches. Most large centralized exchanges like Binance or Bybit offer some form of lunches. Tokensales on these platforms take place in the IEO (initial exchange offering) format, which means that the exchange is responsible for the distribution, listing and liquidity of the new token. As a rule, such services are closely linked to the exchange ecosystem and are focused on CEX users;
- ICO platforms. ICO translates as initial coin offering. Modern ICOs are in most cases conducted through niche lunchepads rather than directly by projects. Such platforms provide legal support, vet investors, and solve technical problems related to token launch, such as Coinlist.
We'll cover specific services in each category below, but we'll note that to choose a luncheonpad, it's important to understand right away which tokensale format you're most interested in.
How to choose a platform for participation in tokensales?
According to Cryptorank, at the time of writing there are 126 lunchespads for different categories of tokensales. It's not easy to navigate in such a variety, so we've created a checklist that will help you choose a platform that suits your interests.
Ecosystem and supported networks
Launchpads can target a specific blockchain or market sector. For example, Solanium supports only projects and assets in the Solana network, while Seeedify focuses on blockchain gaming, meta-universes and NFT projects. There are also more universal platforms like Polkastarter or DAO Maker that are not tied to a particular ecosystem.
This is important to consider if you already have an investment strategy that includes participation in projects of a particular network or market segment;
KYC and restrictions
Most lunchepads and projects offer users a KYC procedure to participate in the tokensale. It involves identity verification and document verification. This allows you to protect yourself from bots, multi-accounting and create a system of investor reputation without being tied to a specific wallet;
KYC is also associated with restrictions on providing services in certain jurisdictions and the need to comply with sanctions requirements. Before registering on a Launchpad, make sure it is available in your region and serves citizens of a particular country to avoid having your account blocked. In addition, the terms of participation may differ for individual projects within the same site.
Conditions of participation
In addition to verification, platforms may impose additional requirements on tokensale participants to confirm their loyalty or seriousness of intentions. The most common conditions are to keep a certain amount of money on the wallet balance or to make a deposit in advance to redeem tokens.
In some cases, a lunchepad or a project may impose additional criteria that increase the chance of receiving allocation - token staking, NFT ownership, trading operations, and so on. It's worth finding out about general and special conditions beforehand to see if they fit your budget and investment strategy.
Token distribution mechanism
Launchpads also differ in how they distribute token redemption allocations among users. Two mechanisms are most common:
- lottery- the right to buy is granted to random accounts from among those admitted to the sale. The probability of receiving an allocation can be the same for everyone or depend on the additional criteria mentioned above. In this case, each participant knows in advance when and how many tokens he can buy;
- FCFS (first come first serve) - all participants of the sale can get the right to buy, but the allocation for each account and the total purchase amount is limited. As a result, tokens go to those who will be the first to buy them, and the latecomers are left with nothing;
However, many platforms develop their own, unique distribution models, which may use a hybrid approach or be based on other criteria. For example, proportional allocation, in which the share of all participants is calculated based on their balance or contributed funds.
Previous projects and returns
Lunchpads are usually perceived as a kind of guarantors of a token's "successful" entry into the market. Luck here is understood as the potential profit that can be obtained by the participants of the sale, having realized their assets after the start of open trading. Therefore, sites are often evaluated based on the success and profitability of previous projects;
As a rule, information about tokensales conducted is available on websites or data aggregators, which allows you to check the history of the platform. In addition, services like Cryptorank provide general information about lunchepd returns and detailed statistics on an individual sale, which significantly speeds up search and analysis.
The 15 best lunchepads in 2025
We have collected a list of the most popular and reliable lunchespads for various tokensale formats. All the data is taken from the aggregator Cryptorank and is up to date at the time of writing.
IDO
IDOs are generally agreed to be the most transparent as well as the most common way to distribute tokens. Such platforms use smart contracts and liquidity pools to provide the initial trading of the asset, so are transparent and less team-dependent compared to ICO platforms.
DAO Maker, founded in 2019, is known for its Strong Holder Offering (SHO) concept, where investors are selected based on activity and wallet balance.
Public and private rounds are available, which require a blockchain for DAO tokens to be converted into "energy" (DAO Power).
The platform has also developed the rSHO refund mechanism, which allows participants to return funds if they are dissatisfied with the result of the launch. However, rSHO does not apply if the value of tokens increases by 400% or more within 120 days.
- Supported networks: Solana, Ethereum, BNB Chain, Polygon, HECO Chain;
- KYC:required;
- restrictions:sub-sanctioned jurisdictions and persons;
- token distribution mechanism: lottery;
- participation conditions:wallet balance, DAO token steaking (optional).
Bounce, founded in 2020 as an auction-as-a-service (AaaS) platform. In December 2023, the team rebranded, changing the positioning to a niche platform focused on bitcoin-related solutions and startups.
Despite the fact that the revamped Bounce has only managed to host 25 IDOs, the platform has one of the highest returns on the market.
The main product of the platform is Private Launchpad. Tokensales here take place in two formats:
- authorized list - approved participants can buy out a certain allocation. To be approved, the funds required for the transaction must be blocked in the pool. Specific conditions may differ for each pool;
- lottery - allocation is distributed randomly among lottery ticket holders. A ticket can be bought for Bounce Token (AUCTION). The mechanism is very simple - more tickets, more chances to get into the sale.
Bounce supports several types of accounts, but does not require going through the rigorous KYC procedure with the provision of documents, which can be an advantage for many investors.
- Supported networks:Ethereum, BNB Chain;
- KYC:required (verification via LinkedIn profile);
- restrictions:not specified;
- Token distribution mechanism:lottery, auction;
- conditions for participation:purchase of a lottery ticket, blocking of funds.
Founded in 2020, Polkastarter remains one of the most popular platforms for early-stage project funding.
Polkastarter operates based on the already mentioned SHO mechanism, tied to the POLS token. To participate in the tokensale a user needs to hold a minimum of 250 POLS. For every additional 250 tokens he gets another ticket in the allocation allocation, i.e. the chances of getting access to the allocation directly depend on the number of held assets.
In 2025, the minimum requirement to participate in IDO on Polkastarter and receive each new ticket is increased to 1000 POLS Power (~$540), which equates to holding or steaking 1000 POLS tokens or equivalent in LP tokens. This change is intended to improve the quality of participation and support for more active users.
Participation Format:
- every 1000 POLS Power gives 1 ticket to participate in allocation, and with more POLS Power users get bonuses such as up to 25% increase in ticket value or guaranteed allocation;
- POLS balance is counted from three sources: the user's wallet, liquidity pools (on Uniswap or PancakeSwap), or staking contracts. For wallets and pools, it is important to deposit funds at least 7 days before the IDO.
Polkastarter supports over 10 networks, and key innovations such as POLS 2.0 and new staking mechanics continue to strengthen the platform's ecosystem.
- Supported networks:Ethereum, BNB Chain, Polygon, Avalanche C-Chain, Celo, Polygon, Polkadot, Arbitrum, ZkSync, Stakrnet, Linea;
- KYC:required;
- restrictions:sub-sanctioned jurisdictions and persons;
- token distribution mechanism:lottery;
- participation conditions:ownership of POLS.
Seedify is positioned as an incubator and lunchepad for gaming and NFT projects, providing support during the seed-funding, incubation and IDO stages.
Participation in IDO depends on the number of SFUNDs held: the minimum threshold is 100 tokens for lottery allocation, and 1,000 SFUNDs in balance provide a guaranteed spot. Holders of 10,000+ SFUND receive additional privileges as well, as funds are distributed among participants of different levels, with priority for large holders.
The SNFTS token is used for NFT projects, and the sales format includes a raffle and a Dutch auction. Seedify also supports staking and farming, providing a user-friendly interface for asset management.
- Supported networks:Ethereum, BNB Chain, Polygon, Avalanche C-Chain, Solana;
- KYC:required;
- restrictions: prohibited jurisdictions and persons;
- token distribution mechanism: lottery, auction;
- conditions for participation:staking SFUND or SNFTS.
Solanium was founded in 2021 as a fundraising platform for projects focused on the Solana ecosystem. Despite the relatively small number of IDOs (~51), the lunchepad is characterized by one of the highest return rates.
Solanium's tokensale model is the same as most competitors - to participate, a user must deposit a SLIM (or LP-SLIM) project token into the stack, receiving an inalienable xSLIM asset in return. The amount of xSLIM depends on the amount and period of SLIM lock-in.
Depending on the number of held xSLIM (minimum 100) users are divided into five levels - the higher the level, the higher the chance to get allocation. Accounts of the fourth and fifth levels receive a guaranteed allocation in every sale.
- Supported Networks: Solana;
- KYC:required;
- restrictions:incompatible regulatory and statutory requirements (not specified);
- token distribution mechanism:lottery;
- participation conditions: SLIM steaking.
GameFi is another niche lunchepad focused on gaming and NFT projects. It originally appeared as part of the BNB Chain ecosystem. It offers such tokensale formats as IGO (initial game offering) and INO (initial NFT offering), as well as NFT marketplace.
The distribution mechanism is tied to the GameFi platform token (GAFI). To participate in the sale, at least 20 GAFIs must be blocked in the staking, every next 20 tokens gives an additional ticket. Depending on the number of blocked assets, the user is assigned a rank, which provides other benefits such as increased allocation.
GameFi Legendary NFT owners (limited quantity) receive guaranteed allocation when participating in the sale.
- Supported networks: Ethereum, BNB Chain, Polygon, Avalanche C-Chain, Aptos;
- KYC:required;
- restrictions:at the discretion of the site (not specified);
- token distribution mechanism:lottery;
- participation conditions: GAFI staking.
Ape Terminal is a relatively new site, founded in 2023, but stands out as one of the highest yields.
The platform is characterized by the use of FCFS mechanics combined with a traditional lottery - the owners of winning tickets receive the right to redeem allocation, but not the assets themselves. At the same time, the service charges a 25% commission on the amount of tokens redeemed.
Unlike its competitors, Ape Terminal does not require block tokens to participate in the sale or increase the odds of winning. To increase the odds, users can invite referrals or promote the platform on social media.
- Supported networks: Solana, Ethereum, BNB Chain, bitcoin (Ordinals-BRC20), Injective;
- KYC:required;
- restrictions:incompatible regulatory and statutory requirements (not specified);
- token distribution mechanism:lottery;
- participation conditions: minimum balance.
IEO
Launchpads for IEO are services included in the ecosystems of centralized exchanges. Projects launched on such platforms are automatically listed on the CEX, making them more accessible to newcomers than assets launched through IDO;
However, access to IEO is only available to exchange users and usually requires holding certain assets on the balance sheet.
Binance was the first centralized exchange to introduce its IEO platform. Its lunchepad was launched in 2017, when trust in ICOs was undermined and demand for such tokensales plummeted.
Launchpad is based on the distribution of new tokens among BNB holders, that is, it uses a kind of analog of SHO. The sale itself takes place in two stages:
- preparation - after the announcement, the exchange takes snapshots of BNB's balance sheets several times at random times. Based on this data, the allocation of each potential investor is determined;
- subscription - users admitted to participate in the sale must block BNB according to their allocation;
At the end of the subscription period, these assets will be automatically converted into new project tokens at a set value. Learn more about how Binance Launchpad works and how it differs from Binance Launchpool in our overview article;
- Supported networks: multichain;
- KYC:required;
- restrictions:for exchange users only;
- token distribution mechanism:lottery;
- participation conditions:ownership of BNB.
Despite the fact that the reputation of crypto exchange Gate has suffered somewhat due to hacks, it continues to lead its segment by many indicators, including the number of launched projects.
Most sales on Gate take place in the form of so-called "airdrops", which do not require blockchain funds to participate. The basic mechanism is as follows:
- the total amount of tokens is divided into shares;
- users who have at least $10 in any spot assets on their balance can apply for a share. This application can be paid or free of charge;
- further shares are randomly distributed among the applications;
It is important to note that Gate VIP members are guaranteed a share, and the higher their VIP level, the more applications they can submit. The VIP level, on the other hand, depends on the number of GT tokens held;
This format can be used to distribute tokens of projects that have already been launched, as well as those that are yet to be listed;
- supported networks: multichain;
- KYC:required;
- restrictions:for exchange users only;
- token distribution mechanism:lottery;
- participation conditions:minimum balance, participation in VIP-program (optional).
KuCoin Spotlight Lunchpad launched in 2017 and is among the oldest IEO platforms. Since its founding, nearly 30 tokensales have been held with a total amount of $46 million raised. Among the projects that have gone through Spotlight are Sui, Victoria VR and Velo.
The key feature of KuCoin Spotlight is the simplicity of the IEO procedure - a user just needs to have a verified account and apply for participation. The size of his allocation will be determined automatically based on the total amount of assets held;
The exchange takes a snapshot of balances at random times, after which a lottery begins to determine whether the participant will receive allocation or not. ;
To redeem it, admitted IEO users need to block a certain number of KuCoin Token (KCS) tokens. The platform does not inform about preferences for any category of participants, so it can be assumed that the winners are determined randomly;
- Supported networks:multichain;
- KYC:required;
- restrictions:for exchange users only;
- token distribution mechanism:lottery;
- participation conditions:assets on the balance sheet, ownership of KCS.
The platform was founded in 2018 and differs from most other exchanges by its relatively high return on investment in the projects that have passed through it.
During its existence it has held almost 70 IEOs, including Sui, GT Protocol, Beoble, PBUX and others.
At the time of writing, ByBit Launchpad version 3.1 is up to date with the following features:
- to participate in the tokensale, one must hold a certain amount in USDT or Mantle (MNT) to be eligible for one lottery ticket;
- if additional conditions are met, such as holding more coins, active trading or participation in the VIP program, the user receives up to four tickets;
- at the subscription stage, a certain amount of MNT or USDT must be blocked, depending on which distribution model the user has chosen;
- the amount blocked at subscription depends on the average balance of the user, determined by random snapshots.
The distribution can take place proportionally among all pool participants (for MNT holders) or in the form of a lottery (for those who blocked USDT). More information about the terms of participation can be found here.
- Supported networks:multichain;
- KYC:required;
- restrictions:for exchange users only;
- token distribution mechanism:proportional, lottery;
- participation conditions:account balance, MNT ownership (optional), VIP level (optional).
HTX Primelist
Important: The HTX Primelist service is only available in the exchange application. The web version of the site does not include this functionality.
HTX Primelist allows you to buy tokens before listing on the exchange and holds seals for both already launched and new projects. The platform has hosted more than 40 IEOs, including Immutable, Biconomy and ApeNFT.
A peculiarity of HTX can be considered relatively complex requirements for participation in the tokensale, which include holding a certain number of assets and minimum daily trading volumes. Specific figures differ from project to project, but the general mechanism is as follows:
- The exchange announces the addition of a project to the HTX Primelist;
- users can familiarize themselves with the requirements for participation and fulfill them;
- admitted participants block the required number of assets on their balance;
Fractions of the total number of tokens are then randomly distributed among users. The more HT tokens a participant holds, the higher the size of the allocation they can count on.
- Supported networks:multichain;
- KYC:required;
- restrictions:for exchange users only;
- token distribution mechanism:lottery;
- participation conditions:assets on balance sheet, trading volume, HT ownership.
ICO
ICO lunches are not decentralized platforms, but rather traditional companies that take on the functions of organizing and conducting an initial token offering. Because of this, ICO platforms are more heavily regulated and many of the processes involved in the sale are not as transparent as in the case of IDOs.
CoinList remains one of the largest ICO platforms, continuously improving its mechanics and expanding its functionality.
For example, in 2024, the platform introduced a seven-day period for blocking funds, which makes participation more convenient and eliminates queues. The results of allocations are determined randomly, and funds not used for purchases are automatically returned to users.
The updated Karma system allows users to earn points for trading, participating in tokensales, staking and testnets. Users are categorized into tiers (Rust, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) that increase the chances of participating in sales.
Coinlist has also added auction formats where the price of a token is set by the community in real time. The platform also supports testnet, offering rewards for contributions to early-stage projects.
- supported networks: multichain;
- KYC:required;
- restrictions:citizens of certain jurisdictions (US and Canada);
- token distribution mechanism:lottery;
- participation conditions:replenishment of balance for the amount of purchase, karma accumulation (optional).
Tokensoft is one of the oldest ICO platforms, founded in 2017. It provides services of organizing and conducting tokensales, asset allocation, ensuring AML/KYC policy. During its existence, the site has hosted 28 ICOs with the total amount of funds raised exceeding $500 million.
Since Tokensoft is just a service for projects interested in tokensale, there are no general criteria for participation. Each startup sets the requirements for investors and the token distribution model at its own discretion.
To view scheduled sales, all you need to do is connect your wallet and verify your account via email. Additional conditions like KYC or required balance amount are communicated to investors just before participation.
- Supported networks:multichain;
- KYC: set by project;
- restrictions: set by the project;
- token distribution mechanism: set by the project;
- participation conditions: set by the project.
Republic is a multifunctional platform that provides services to both investors and startups in various markets, including cryptocurrency. Republic has 19 ICOs to its credit.
First and foremost, this is a regulated and transparent service. A registered investor profile will be required to participate in the tokensale. Allocation in the project depends on the income specified during registration. In exchange for the contributed funds, the platform provides a security in the form of a so-called Token DPA with a limited right of alienation. After a certain period of time, this obligation can be converted into project tokens;
Because of the large number of markets and the traditional, regulated tokensale model, it is more difficult to operate here than on platforms focused solely on blockchain projects. In general, Republic is more suitable for institutional or large retail investors than for beginners;
- Supported networks:multichain;
- KYC: mandatory;
- restrictions: compliance with US investment laws;
- token distribution mechanism: as decided by the platform;
- participation conditions: registration of an investment account, a certain level of income.
The variety of lunchepads allows you to choose a platform for almost any investment strategy and for all common ecosystems. Therefore, it is important to first understand where and how much you are willing to invest, and then look for a suitable service.
Where to look for actual tokensales
In order to participate in tokensales, it is important to create an information field that provides up-to-date and reliable information about upcoming events.
Conclusion
Along with crypto exchanges, lunchepads are an important link in the overall market infrastructure. These platforms simplify the launch of projects, promoting fair token distribution and attracting the attention of potential investors. In addition, thanks to lunchepads, ordinary users can get access to early-stage investments and a chance to capitalize on successful projects.
There are more than 150 such platforms in the industry, targeting different ecosystems and offering unique mechanisms for fundraising and asset allocation. At the same time, lunchepads continue to evolve, with new mechanics and formats for organizing the offer.
It is important to choose a Launchpad that suits your investment strategy and meets certain criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Launchpad in simple words?
Launchpad is a platform that helps crypto projects launch their tokens on the market and attract investments. With their help, users can buy tokens of promising projects even before they appear on exchanges.
What is the Launchpad for?
Launchpad is needed so that new crypto projects can attract investment and launch their tokens, and investors can get early access to promising assets.
What's the use of a Launchpad?
Launchpad gives regular users the opportunity to become early investors in a project and profit if it is successful.
What kind of lunchepads are there?
Launchpads are divided into several types depending on the format of tokensales: ICO for direct token sale, IEO for placement on centralized exchanges, IDO - through decentralized trading platforms.
