10 Best Crypto Launchpads and IDO Platforms in 2024

Since the launch of Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs the cryptocurrency markets have gotten closer to mainstream adoption. Crypto launchpads and Initial DEX Offering (IDO) platforms play a crucial role in helping new projects raise capital and gain visibility. These platforms provide investors with early access to promising projects, often at discounted rates.

In 2024, several launchpads have distinguished themselves through their innovative features, community support, and successful blockchain project launches. Here’s a look at the best crypto launchpads and IDO platforms this year.

Crypto Launchpad Platforms Reviewed – A Detailed Analysis

Now that we have established the list of top crypto launchpads let’s look at each one of these individually in more depth.

1. Binance Launchpad – Best IEO Launchpad

• Launchpad Type: IEO
• Projects Launched: BitTorrent, Fetch.AI, Axie Infinity
• Chains Supported: Binance Smart Chain, Ethereum

Binance Launchpad is the premier IEO (Initial Exchange Offering) platform within the Binance ecosystem, with a reputation for launching high-profile projects. In order to take part in token sales, investors typically need to hold Binance Coin (BNB). The price of the token has been volatile after former CEO CZ faced criminal charges.

Overall, the platform uses a lottery system to distribute tokens fairly among participants, ensuring broad access and preventing whales from dominating the market. As one of the few exchange launchpads, it offers strong security measures and extensive reach, making it a preferred choice for both projects and investors.

The platform’s association with Binance ensures high liquidity and visibility for launched projects, significantly boosting their success rates. Moreover, Binance Launchpad often features well-vetted projects, providing a layer of security and trust for investors.

The process to qualify for a crypto project sale involves holding a certain amount of BNB in your Binance wallet for a specified period before the sale. This staking mechanism helps ensure that only serious investors participate, promoting a healthy and committed community around each project.

What special features does Binance Launchpad have?

• Extensive user base and liquidity
• Strong security and regulatory compliance
• High visibility for launched projects

2. Polkastarter – Best IDO Launchpad

• Launchpad Type: IDO
• Projects Launched: MahaDAO, Ethernity, Convergence
• Chains Supported: Ethereum, Polkadot

Polkastarter is one of the notable IDO launchpads that focuses on decentralized cross-chain token pools and auctions, ideal for projects seeking to raise funds across multiple blockchain networks. To participate, users are required to first be holders of POL. The IDO (Initial DEX Offering) platform’s cross-chain capabilities allow projects to leverage the strengths of different blockchains, offering a versatile fundraising environment.

Overall, Polkastarter’s community-driven approach ensures that only high-quality projects are selected for funding. The platform’s governance model allows POLS token holders to vote on which blockchain projects should be listed, fostering a sense of ownership and engagement within the community.

The typical sale process involves staking POLS tokens and participating in the platform’s transparent and fair token distribution events. This model ensures wide distribution and mitigates the risk of centralization by large investors.

What special features does Polkastarter have?

• Cross-chain token pools
• Community governance
• High project success rate

3. TrustSwap – Best Crypto ICO Launchpad

• Launchpad Type: ICO
• Projects Launched: Glitch, Yield App, Swappable
• Chains Supported: Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain

Considered by many as the best crypto ICO launchpad, TrustSwap is renowned for its secure token launch mechanisms, including token locking, vesting, and escrow services. TrustSwap’s innovative approach ensures the security and integrity of token launches, protecting both projects and investors.

The platform’s comprehensive features cater to various needs, such as ensuring that tokens are locked for a predetermined period, which helps prevent immediate dumping. TrustSwap also offers staking and liquidity provision incentives, making it attractive for both long-term investors and active traders in the crypto space.

By holding SWAP tokens, participants can access exclusive token sales and benefit from the platform’s robust security infrastructure. TrustSwap’s model is designed to foster trust and transparency, making it a reliable option for both new and experienced investors.

What special features does TrustSwap have?

• Secure token locking and vesting
• Escrow services
• Comprehensive project support

4. DuckSTARTER – Best Community-Driven Launchpad

• Launchpad Type: IDO
• Projects Launched: Community-selected projects like Base Protocol and SpiderDAO
• Chains Supported: Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain

DuckSTARTER is part of the DuckDAO ecosystem and emphasizes the selection of community-driven projects. To invest, participants must hold DUCK tokens and go through a verification process to be approved. DuckSTARTER’s community-centric approach ensures that only high-quality projects will be eligible to receive funding and support.

The platform’s selection process involves rigorous vetting by the DuckDAO community, which helps filter out low-quality projects. This community-driven model ensures that only projects with strong fundamentals and potential are launched, fostering a more reliable investment environment.

Users holding DUCK tokens gain access to exclusive sales, contributing to a thriving community of engaged and informed investors. The platform’s focus on community involvement and support makes it a standout choice for those looking to invest in promising new projects.

What special features does DuckSTARTER have?

• Community governance
• Rigorous project vetting
• Strong support network

5. DAO Maker – Best Ethereum Launchpad

• Launchpad Type: IDO
• Projects Launched: Orion Protocol, My Neighbor Alice, Xend Finance
• Chains Supported: Ethereum

DAO Maker is designed for retail investors, offering a unique risk-adjusted investment model. The platform targets Ethereum launchpad projects and aims to democratize access to early-stage investments through its retail-friendly approach.

This innovative model allows investors to participate in token sales while managing risk effectively. The platform’s approach includes insurance mechanisms and loss protection, making it a safer option for individual investors.

By holding DAO tokens, participants can access a variety of high-quality projects, benefiting from the platform’s strong vetting process and extensive support network. DAO Maker’s focus on retail investors and risk management sets it apart as a leading Ethereum IDO crypto launchpad.

What special features does DAO Maker have?

• Retail-focused investments
• Risk-adjusted offerings
• Ethereum ecosystem integration

6. Seedify – Best Crypto Gaming Launchpad

• Launchpad Type: IDO
• Projects Launched: Bloktopia, SIDUS, The Next War
• Chains Supported: Binance Smart Chain, Ethereum

One of the top crypto gaming launchpads is Seedify, which combines a launchpad with an incubation program, offering extensive support for gaming projects. Generally, the platform provides resources and mentorship to help projects succeed from inception to launch.

Seedify focus on the gaming sector ensures that projects receive tailored support, including marketing support, community building, and strategic partnerships. The launchpad offers an incubation program that provides additional benefits, such as project development resources and advisory services.

By holding SFUND tokens, participants can access exclusive sales and benefit from the platform’s comprehensive support network. Seedify focus on gaming and incubation makes it a standout choice for those interested in the gaming industry.

What special features does Seedify have?

• Gaming project specialization
• Incubation program
• Strong community support

7. Paid Ignition – Best Solana Launchpad

• Launchpad Type: IDO
• Projects Launched: Various projects in the PAID Network
• Chains Supported: Solana, Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain

Paid Ignition is a Solana launchpad that is part of the PAID Network, and offers comprehensive support for Solana-based projects, including legal services and smart contracts. Paid’s extensive ecosystem provides resources and support, helping projects succeed from launch to maturity.

Paid Ignition’s legal and compliance services ensure that projects adhere to regulatory standards, providing a secure and trustworthy environment for investors. The platform’s smart contract capabilities enhance security and transparency, further boosting investor confidence.

By holding PAID tokens, participants gain access to a range of exclusive sales and benefit from the platform’s robust support network. Paid Ignition’s focus on legal compliance and ecosystem support makes it an excellent choice for Solana-based projects.

What special features does Paid Ignition have?

• Legal and compliance support
• Solana project specialization
• Comprehensive ecosystem services

8. Red Kite – Best NFT Launchpad

• Launchpad Type: IDO
• Projects Launched: Numerous high-quality NFT projects
• Chains Supported: Ethereum, Polkadot

Red Kite is backed by the PolkaFoundry ecosystem and focuses on launching high-quality NFT projects. The rigorous vetting process implemented by Red Kite ensures that only the best projects are launched, providing a reliable investment environment.

Red Kite’s high-quality community support and governance model ensure that projects receive the resources and guidance they need to succeed. The integration with PolkaFoundry enhances its capabilities, offering additional support and resources for NFT projects.

Holders of PKF can access exclusive NFT sales and benefit from the platform’s strong support network. Red Kite’s focus on quality and community makes it a leading launchpad for NFT projects.

What special features does Red Kite have?

• NFT project specialization
• PolkaFoundry ecosystem integration
• Stringent project vetting

9. Bounce – Best Decentralized Auction Platform

• Launchpad Type: IDO/ICO
• Projects Launched: Various projects and NFTs
• Chains Supported: Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain

Bounce offers a decentralized auction platform with various auction formats, supporting both token sales and NFT launches. Like other launchpads on the list, users can join the auction by being holders of the platform’s native token. Bounce’s flexible and transparent auction system provides a versatile environment for raising funds.

Bounce’s platform allows projects to choose from multiple auction formats, including fixed-price, Dutch, and sealed-bid auctions. This flexibility enables projects to tailor their fundraising strategies to their specific needs, optimizing outcomes.

Participants benefit from Bounce’s transparent and fair auction processes, ensuring equitable access to sales. The platform’s decentralized nature enhances security and trust, making it a reliable option for both projects and investors.

What special features does Bounce have?

• Multiple auction formats
• Decentralized platform
• Transparent and fair processes

10. BSCPad – Best BSC Launchpad

• Launchpad Type: IDO
• Projects Launched: Numerous BSC projects, including AIOZ Network and CrossWallet
• Chains Supported: Binance Smart Chain

Last on the list is BSCPad, which is designed specifically for projects on the Binance Smart Chain, offering a fair and decentralized platform for raising funds. BSCPad provides a tiered system that ensures equitable access to token sales based on the amount of BSCPAD tokens held.

BSC projects are the focus of this launchpad, which ensures that participants have access to high-quality projects within the Binance Smart Chain ecosystem. Like with Binance Launchpad, the platform’s fair distribution model helps to democratize the sales cycle.

Investors of BSCPAD tokens will gain access to exclusive sales and benefit from the platform’s strong community support and fair distribution mechanisms. BSCPad’s dedication to the BSC ecosystem makes it a leading launchpad for Binance Smart Chain projects.

What special features does BSCPad have?

• BSC project specialization
• Fair and equitable distribution
• Strong community engagement

Different Types of Crypto Launchpads

Now that you have an answer to the question “What is a crypto launchpad”, let’s explore the options available. Each launchpad employs different mechanisms to facilitate token sales, all offering unique benefits and catering to different segments of the crypto community. The three main types are:

Centralized Exchange Launchpads (IEOs)

Initial Exchange Offerings (IEOs) are token sales that occur directly on a cryptocurrency exchange. These launchpads benefit from the exchange’s infrastructure, liquidity, and user base, facilitating a secure and reliable platform for newly listed projects. The exchange acts as an intermediary, conducting due diligence on the projects and providing a layer of trust for investors. Examples of these are below.

• Binance Launchpad: Known for its high-profile launches and extensive reach, Binance Launchpad provides a secure and popular platform for IEOs.
• OKX Jumpstart: Known for its rigorous project vetting, Jumpstart has helped launch projects like DEAPcoin.

IDO Launchpads

Next are Initial DEX Offerings (IDOs), which are conducted on some of the best decentralized exchanges (DEXs) in the market. These platforms allow projects to list their tokens directly on a DEX, providing immediate liquidity and enabling decentralized trading from the start. IDOs are known for their transparency and accessibility, as they typically require minimal KYC procedures.

• Polkastarter: Specializes in cross-chain token pools and auctions, offering a versatile environment for IDOs.
• TrustSwap: Provides secure token launch mechanisms, including token locking and vesting, making it a trusted platform for IDOs.
• DuckSTARTER: Community-driven platform within the DuckDAO ecosystem, focusing on high-quality project launches.

ICO and Presale Launchpads

Some of the most popular options are Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) and crypto presale launchpads. These are some of the earliest forms of token sales, where projects sell their tokens directly to investors before listing on any exchange. These launchpads typically offer extensive support and resources to help projects succeed from inception to launch.

• Seedify: Combines a launchpad with an incubation program, offering extensive support for gaming projects.
• DAO Maker: Focuses on retail investors, offering a risk-adjusted investment model for Ethereum-based projects.
• Paid Ignition: Part of the PAID Network, offering comprehensive support for Solana-based projects including legal services and smart contracts.

Top Crypto Launchpads by Blockchain

To separate themselves from contemporaries, some crypto launchpads are blockchain-specific, with dedicated offerings tailored to their specific ecosystems. Below we’ve broken down some of these examples by blockchains.

Ethereum Launchpads

• Polkastarter: Specializes in cross-chain token pools with strong support for Ethereum projects.
• DAO Maker: Known for its risk-adjusted investment model and extensive Ethereum ecosystem support.
• TrustSwap: Offers advanced security features and token launch mechanisms for Ethereum projects.

Solana Launchpads

• Paid Ignition: Provides comprehensive support for Solana-based projects, including legal and compliance services.
• Solanium: A dedicated Solana launchpad offering user-friendly interfaces and strong community support.

BSC Launchpads

• BSCPad: Focused on projects within the Binance Smart Chain ecosystem, offering a fair and decentralized platform for raising funds.
• Seedify: Supports gaming projects on Binance Smart Chain, providing incubation and comprehensive project support.

Avalanche Launchpads

• Avalaunch: Tailored for projects on the Avalanche network, providing efficient fundraising and strong community backing.
• ZeroSwap: Supports multiple chains, including Avalanche, offering decentralized token launches with minimal fees.

Polygon Launchpads

• PolygonStarter: Specializes in launching projects within the Polygon ecosystem, ensuring scalability and low transaction costs.
• DAO Maker: Also supports Polygon projects, providing a risk-adjusted investment environment.

How to Choose a Crypto Launchpad to Use

When selecting the right crypto launchpad for you, consider several key factors to ensure it meets your investment goals and preferences.

ROI of Previous Projects on Launchpad

The return on investment (ROI) of previous projects is a crucial metric to consider. A launchpad with a strong track record of high ROI projects indicates good vetting processes and support mechanisms, which can increase the likelihood of successful investments.

Arkham is a recent example of this on the Binance Launchpad. With 1 ARKM = 0.00020576 BNB, the project has so far received a commitment of over 10 million BNB tokens.

Staking Requirements to Qualify

Different launchpads have varying requirements for participating in token sales. Some may require significant token staking to qualify, while others use lottery systems that allow broader participation. For instance, Binance Launchpad requires holding BNB for a specific period, whereas Polkastarter uses a lottery system based on POLS token holdings.

Maximum Allocation

The maximum amount a launchpad allows you to invest in a project can vary. Some platforms offer higher allocations to top-tier participants who stake more tokens, while others ensure more equitable distribution. Understanding these limits can help you gauge your potential investment size and plan accordingly.

Biggest Launchpads With Their Own Tokens

Many launchpads have developed their own tokens to incentivize participation and create an internal economy. These tokens often provide benefits such as staking rewards, access to exclusive sales, and governance rights within the platform. Below is a table of the biggest launchpads with their own tokens, ranked by market cap.

Advantages of Participating in Crypto Launchpads

Here are some of the notable advantages of launchpads.

High Upside With Minimal Risk

Participating in launchpad projects can offer significant returns with relatively low risk, as the projects have usually undergone thorough vetting processes.

Projects Are Thoroughly Audited

Launchpads typically conduct extensive due diligence and audits of projects, reducing the risk of scams and ensuring that only high-quality projects are presented to investors.

Constant New Opportunities

Crypto launchpads continuously offer new investment opportunities, allowing investors to diversify their portfolios and participate in the growth of various innovative projects.

Drawbacks of Crypto Launchpads

There are also several drawbacks to crypto launchpads which users must be aware of. Let’s take a look at some of these.

Difficult to Get Access To

Many launchpads use lottery mechanisms to select participants, and the staking requirements to qualify can be very high. There’s no guarantee of winning an allocation, making access difficult for many investors.

Tiny Allocations

Even if you win an allocation, the maximum amount you can invest is usually small, typically up to $500. This makes open crypto presales more attractive for those wanting to invest larger amounts.

Project Quality

The quality of projects on some launchpads can vary. The best projects often launch independently or only use the top launchpads, leaving less reputable projects on lower-tier platforms.

Usually, a project with strong backing will launch on its own as it has sufficient resources. Here are some examples of promising independent projects:

PlayDoge: High-Quality Meme Utility Token Offering with Over $4 Million in Presale

PlayDoge is considered one of the next big cryptocurrencies to launch independently in 2024. Operating on the BNB Smart Chain blockchain, PlayDoge is a Tamagotchi-inspired project using a play-to-earn (P2E) game to offer players token utility.

Gamers can obtain $PLAY tokens as a result of them taking care of a virtual pet, which is modeled around the popular and viral doge meme. So far, it has raised over $4 million in its latest presale stage.

WienerAI: AI Trading Bot Targeting $6 Million in Presale

WienerAI is a dog-themed meme coin using AI to provide utility to its community. The sausage dog describes itself as a revolutionary AI trading bot that is on the hunt for opportunities in the market.

Despite being in its early presale phase, WienerAI has already secured over $5.6 million in funding, largely attributed to its generous staking rewards offering a remarkable 198% APY to early backers.

Conclusion

Crypto launchpads provide a valuable service by facilitating the launch and funding of new projects. They offer significant advantages such as access to fundraising, community building, and strategic support.

However, potential drawbacks like difficult access, small allocations, and varying project quality need to be considered. Overall, choosing the right launchpad depends on your investment goals and risk tolerance.

FAQs

What is the best crypto launchpad?

The best crypto launchpad varies based on specific needs, but Binance Launchpad is often considered the top choice due to its extensive resources and high-profile project launches.

Which crypto exchange has a launchpad?

Binance, KuCoin, and Huobi are examples of crypto exchanges that have their own launchpads.

Are crypto launchpads safe?

While crypto launchpads generally conduct thorough audits and due diligence, there is always some risk involved in investing in new projects.

What ROI can you get on crypto launchpads?

The ROI on crypto launchpads can vary widely depending on the success of the individual projects, but early investments in successful projects can yield significant returns.

How do you qualify for crypto launchpad raises?

Qualification typically involves staking the platform’s native token and participating in a lottery or tier system, with higher stakes increasing the chances of allocation.

References

1. New investors flocking to crypto following Bitcoin ETF approval (CNBC)
2. Binance CEO CZ faces criminal charges (BBC)
3. Sequoia invests $450 million in Polygon (CNBC)
4. Crypto funds launching at fastest face since 2021 (Bloomberg)