8 Best Crypto Presales to Invest In Now – Upcoming Token Sales
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Cryptocurrency presales can be one of the most lucrative entry points for crypto investors because they allow you to buy tokens at their lowest possible price before public trading begins. However, they are also risky due to limited project history, potential scams, and unproven technology. Projects may fail to deliver on promises or lose value post-launch.
So, how do you tell whether a presale is trustworthy and promising? Common indicators include a credible team, audited smart contracts, strong partnerships, fair tokenomics, alignment with market trends, and rapid sellouts. Successful token presales typically combine these factors, fostering confidence and high demand.
To minimize risk and increase the chances of success, we follow a precise, data-driven methodology that contemplates these parameters for a fair assessment. This guide explains our methodology and presents the ratings we attributed to each project. Our research suggests that Solaxy, Bitcoin Bull, Best Wallet Token and Meme Index are among the best ongoing crypto presales.
Top Presale Crypto List in February 2025
Below is an outline of the high-potential crypto presales we’ll be reviewing:
Presale crypto | Symbol | Current price | Money raised | Rating (1-10) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Solaxy | $SOLX | $0.001606 | $17.8M | 8.0 |
Bitcoin Bull | $BTCBULL | $0.00235 | $181,000 | 7.2 |
Mind of Pepe | $MIND | $0.0032662 | $5.1M | 7.5 |
Best Wallet Token | $BEST | $0.023675 | $9.1M | 7.4 |
Meme Index | $MEMEX | $0.0153463 | $3.3M | 7.3 |
JetBolt | $JBOLT | $0.009854 | $2.86M | 6.7 |
SpacePay | $SPY | $0.002812 | $917,000 | 6.5 |
Chill Memez | $CHIMZ | $0.00229 | $14,000 | 6.2 |
ℹ️ The data in this table is updated weekly.
Best Crypto Presales Reviewed – A Detailed Analysis
After analyzing dozens of upcoming projects, we’ve pinpointed Solaxy, Bitcoin Bull, Best Wallet Token, and Meme Index as the most promising presales in February 2025. These projects stand out for their innovative approaches, strong development teams, and clear roadmaps.
Whether you’re drawn to Bitcoin Bull’s Bitcoin-centric approach or Solaxy’s utility as a solution for Solana’s key issues, our selections cater to different investment strategies and risk appetites. The following are in-depth reviews of our top picks.
1. Solaxy (SOLX) – Best Blockchain Infrastructure Presale
Solaxy is Solana’s first Layer 2 (L2) solution, addressing congestion, scalability, and reliability issues. It leverages roll-up technology for faster, smoother, and cheaper transactions, even during peak traffic. $SOLX also supports developer customization, enhancing the Solana ecosystem for high-volume applications like meme coin trading.
It offers a staking APY of 306% and seamless integration with ETH, BNB, and USDT. However, this presale comes with risks, including the unproven nature of Layer 2 adoption and reliance on Solana’s network stability. Token oversupply and presale dynamics could also affect future valuations. Consider these factors when evaluating $SOLX.
Solaxy Roadmap Overview
- Phase 1: Launch of the $SOLX token presale
- Phase 2: Token generation event and exchange listings
- Phase 3: Full deployment of the Solaxy Layer 2
- Phase 4: Expansion of the Solaxy ecosystem
Pros
- Resolves Solana’s congestion issues
- High staking rewards exceeding 1000% APY
- Supports Ethereum and Solana interoperability
- Developer-focused customization and scalability
- Smooth transactions during peak network usage
- Strong market traction and presale success
Cons
- Relies heavily on Solana’s stability
- Layer 2 adoption remains unproven
- Potential dilution from large token supply
Presale Started | December 2024 |
Chain | Solana and Ethereum (Multichain) |
Starting Price | $0.001 |
Current Price | $0.001606 |
Price Increase | +2.95% |
Raised So Far | $17.8M |
2. Bitcoin Bull (BTCBULL) – Best for Crypto Airdrops
Bitcoin Bull is an Ethereum meme coin designed to capitalize on Bitcoin’s price appreciation. It rewards holders with Bitcoin airdrops at key BTC price milestones, such as $150,000 and $200,000. The project also features a token burn mechanism, reducing supply as Bitcoin rises, and offers high APY staking.
The presale re-launched in February 2025, with tokens priced at $0.00235. While BTCBULL offers exposure to Bitcoin’s gains, its success depends on sustained BTC growth and community support. Meme coins remain highly speculative, and long-term adoption is uncertain. Always verify audits and liquidity before investing.
BTC Bull Roadmap Overview
- BTC $100K: $BTCBULL token launch and community expansion.
- BTC $125K: First major token burn event.
- BTC $150K: First Bitcoin airdrop for $BTCBULL holders.
- BTC $175K: Second major token burn event.
- BTC $200K: Second Bitcoin airdrop to eligible holders.
- BTC $225K: Final major token burn event.
- BTC $250K: Massive $BTCBULL airdrop to all hodlers.
Pros
- Earn Bitcoin airdrops at milestones
- Token burns reduce supply over time
- High APY staking for passive income
- Ethereum-based for broad compatibility
- Strong Bitcoin bull market narrative
Cons
- Highly speculative
- Success depends on Bitcoin’s price growth
- No inherent utility beyond BTC exposure
- Long-term adoption remains uncertain
Presale Started | February 2025 |
Chain | Ethereum |
Starting Price | $0.0005 |
Current Price | $0.00235 |
Price Increase | +370.00% |
Raised So Far | $181,000 |
3. Mind of Pepe (MIND) – Best AI Agent Token Presale
Mind of Pepe is an AI meme cryptocurrency that automates market analysis, social media engagement, and token launches. Its AI agent processes data, identifies trends, and interacts with the market, offering a strategic edge.
The presale raised over $5.1M, showing strong demand. However, its success depends on AI accuracy and sustained hype. AI-driven cryptos often struggle with adoption, and meme coins remain volatile. If hype fades, $MIND could lose value quickly.
Mind of Pepe Roadmap Overview
- Phase 1: Launch of the $MIND token presale
- Phase 2: Token generation event and exchange listings
- Phase 3: Full deployment of the AI agent
- Phase 4: Expansion of the Mind of Pepe ecosystem
Pros
- Strong early presale demand
- Staking with dynamic APY rewards
- Active social media engagement
- Strongly aligns with market trends
Cons
- High speculative risk
- AI accuracy is unproven
- Meme coin volatility
- Hype-dependent value
- Uncertain long-term adoption
Presale Started | January 2025 |
Chain | Ethereum |
Starting Price | $0.003 |
Current Price | $0.0032662 |
Price Increase | +8.87% |
Raised So Far | $5.1M |
4. Best Wallet Token (BEST) – Best Utility Token Presale
$BEST is the utility token for Best Wallet, a rapidly growing non-custodial wallet supporting several blockchain networks. It offers users reduced transaction fees, early presale access, and higher staking rewards. Best Wallet aims to capture 40% of the $11 billion wallet market by 2026 and integrates with Best DEX, Best Card, and presale aggregator tools.
The current presale price of $0.023675 is an attractive entry point. One potential downside is its dependence on Best Wallet’s success to sustain demand and value. Additionally, intense competition in the wallet space could impact long-term growth prospects. Evaluate the platform’s adoption metrics before committing.
$BEST Roadmap Overview
- Phase 1: Core wallet features, security enhancements, fiat onramp, multi-wallet, Best DEX.
- Phase 2: Token launchpad, airdrops, fiat offramp, cross-chain swaps, anti-fraud protection.
- Phase 3: Best Card, portfolio tools, NFT gallery, rewards, staking aggregator.
- Phase 4: Market analytics, advanced orders, MEV protection, and gas-free transactions.
Pros
- Reduced transaction fees for holders
- Early access to top presales
- High staking rewards and incentives
- Integrated with Best DEX and Card
- Rapid user growth and ecosystem expansion
Cons
- Reliance on ecosystem adoption success
- Strong competition in the wallet market
- Token value tied to wallet demand
Presale Started | November 2024 |
Chain | Ethereum |
Starting Price | $0.0225 |
Current Price | $0.023675 |
Price Increase | +5.22% |
Raised So Far | $9.1M |
5. Meme Index (MEMEX) – Best for Portfolio Diversification
$MEMEX is a governance-focused token powering the Meme Index, a decentralized platform offering diversified exposure to meme coin markets. By staking $MEMEX, you gain access to four curated indexes — Titan, Moonshot, MidCap, and Frenzy — tailored to varying risk levels.
With high staking APY and governance rights, $MEMEX caters to both passive earners and active participants. Potential drawbacks include reliance on community engagement for platform sustainability and exposure to meme coin volatility. Additionally, the platform’s long-term viability depends on maintaining interest in meme coins.
Meme Index Roadmap Overview
- Phase 1: Token presale launch; staking starts with high APY rewards.
- Phase 2: Tokens listed on exchanges; presale staking ends, rewards claimable.
- Phase 3: $MEMEX holders vote on updates, including new meme coin additions.
- Phase 4: Meme Index baskets launch; holders stake and access indexes.
- Phase 5: Community expands platform; dynamic updates ensure market adaptability.
Pros
- Diverse exposure to meme coin markets
- High APY staking during presale
- Community-driven governance and decision-making
- Four indexes tailored to different risk levels
- Secure, audited, and decentralized platform
Cons
- Reliance on meme coin market demand
- High volatility in certain indexes
- Community participation required for governance success
- Long-term adoption remains unproven
Presale Started | December 2024 |
Chain | Ethereum |
Starting Price | $0.0014 |
Current Price | $0.0153463 |
Price Increase | +9.62% |
Raised So Far | $3.3M |
6. JetBolt (JBOLT) – Most Innovative Presale Project
Built on the Skale Network, JetBolt offers a scalable and secure network solution that will foster the next generation of crypto applications. The project also features a zero gas fee native token called $JBOLT, which allows for fast transaction speeds and infinite finality. Based on the tokenomics, 40.3% of the total $JBOLT supply is reserved for the ongoing presale that started in August 2024.
Additionally, JetBolt has a unique staking mechanism using a Proof of Attendance and Worth (PAW) protocol. This reward system is designed to increase user adoption and engagement. However, the staking protocol and JetBolt’s other notable features are new and experimental. The platform does not guarantee any market value for its native cryptocurrency.
Pros
- Zero gas fees for transactions
- Non-custodial wallet with WebAuthN security
- Instant finality on Skale network
- Proof of Attendance and Worth staking
- Supports experimental and new features
Cons
- No guaranteed resale value for tokens
- Relies on Skale for scalability
Presale Started | August 2024 |
Chain | Skale Network |
Starting Price | $0.01 |
Current Price | $0.009854 |
Price Increase | +7.12% |
Raised So Far | $2.86M |
7. SpacePay (SPY) – Best for DeFi Exposure
SpacePay integrates cryptocurrency payments into existing point-of-sale (POS) systems, supporting 325+ wallets and offering instant crypto-to-fiat conversion. Its low 0.5% transaction fee and advanced security measures make it a practical solution for merchants in 2025.
However, adoption challenges persist as businesses and customers adapt to crypto payments. Market competition and regulatory uncertainties could also impact growth. Evaluate its utility to make an informed decision.
Pros
- Supports 325+ wallets for transactions
- Instant crypto-to-fiat conversion capability
- Low 0.5% transaction fee structure
- Integrated with existing POS systems
- Advanced security with NFC technology
- Will offer revenue-sharing
Cons
- Potential challenges with merchant adoption
- Regulatory changes may impact crypto payments
- Cybersecurity risks inherent in digital transactions
Presale Started | June 2024 |
Chain | Ethereum |
Starting Price | $0.00147 |
Current Price | $0.002812 |
Price Increase | +91.29% |
Raised So Far | $917,000 |
8. Chill Memez (CHIMZ) – Best for Content Creators
Chill Memez introduces an easy-to-use game development and token creation platform in a decentralized ecosystem. Aside from empowering crypto and meme coin creators, the project features a low transaction fee infrastructure with a permissionless system. Open API integration will also allow Chill Memez to connect with multiple blockchains.
Another core feature of the Chill Memez platform is its staking rewards. Currently, $CHIMZ holders can earn up to APY when staking the token. However, since it’s a presale project, Chill Memez has yet to roll out and test its core features.
Pros
- Empowers user-generated content creation
- Tools for token and game creation
- Analytics for discovering meme coins
- Secure and decentralized platform
- Multi-chain via API integration
Cons
- Main features yet to be rolled out
- Unproven project and concept
Presale Started | January 2025 |
Chain | Ethereum |
Starting Price | $0.002 |
Current Price | $0.00229 |
Price Increase | +14.50% |
Raised So Far | $14,000 |
What Is a Crypto Presale?
Crypto presales, also known as Inicial Coin Offerings (ICOs), are usually the first time investors can buy tokens. This allows them to secure coins before they list on crypto exchanges. Depending on the project, the presale can be public or private.
During a presale, crypto tokens are typically sold at a highly discounted price. For example, Ethereum’s presale in 2014 sold pre-mined ETH for under $0.30. By 2021, it hit an all-time high of $4,867.17.
The objective of a crypto presale is to raise funds for development and generate interest in the project. Some projects reward early investors with premium memberships, additional tokens, and access to exclusive features.
Key Takeaways on Crypto Presales
- A crypto presale offers early investors tokens at a discounted rate, similar to crowdfunding for new crypto projects.
- Buying tokens during a presale can lead to significant profits due to the low initial investment.
- Unclear regulations create uncertainty for both crypto projects and investors.
- Risks for investors include potential scams and projects failing to compete effectively.
How Does Pricing Work in Crypto Presales?
Crypto presales can use various pricing mechanisms, with the most common being tiered pricing, a fixed price, and whitelisting with a set allocation. Below, we explore these presale pricing models further.
Tiered Pricing
Tiered presale prices increase incrementally through different stages, incentivizing early participation.
Early buyers get tokens at lower prices, rewarding them for their early support. As each stage progresses, the price per token rises, encouraging potential buyers to act quickly to benefit from lower costs. This strategy generates early funding and momentum for the project.
Fixed Price
Fixed-price presales offer tokens at a single set price throughout the sale period, with a hard cap on the total number of tokens available. For example, a project may sell 100 million tokens at $0.10 each to reach a $10 million hard cap.
Once all tokens are sold or the hard cap is reached, the presale ends. This approach provides transparency and simplicity, as all participants pay the same price regardless of when they buy.
Whitelist With Set Allocation
Presales with a whitelist and set allocation require participants to qualify for a whitelist to participate. Each whitelisted participant receives a small, predetermined allocation of tokens.
For example, in a crypto launchpad, you might need to complete specific tasks or hold certain tokens to join the whitelist. Once on the whitelist, you can buy a set number of tokens at a fixed price before the general public.
This method ensures early supporters and loyal community members have guaranteed access to the presale, promoting fairness and rewarding active engagement.
What Happens After a Crypto Presale?
A crypto presale is often structured in stages to track sales and fundraising progress, with prices typically rising as stages advance.
Following the presale or ICO, projects can launch their tokens via an IDO or IEO. Each method aims to broaden market exposure and potentially increase token prices.
Initial DEX Offering (IDO)
In an Initial DEX Offering (IDO), tokens are launched on a decentralized exchange (DEX) by creating a liquidity pool. This method facilitates immediate trading and is known for its transparency and reduced risk of manipulation.
Due to technical and compatibility reasons, DEXs are typically specific to tokens on one or a few blockchains. Each blockchain has its unique protocol, making it complex to manage tokens across multiple chains. That’s why DEXs are often built to support the tokens native to the blockchain on which they are built.
Most popular DEXs for hosting ERC-20 token IDOs:
- Uniswap
- SushiSwap
- Balancer
Most popular DEXs for hosting SPL token IDOs:
- Raydium
- Jupiter
- Serum
Most popular DEXs for hosting BEP-20 token IDOs:
- PancakeSwap
- BakerySwap
- ApeSwap
An IDO typically comes before an initial exchange offering (IEO), since listing on DEXs, such as Uniswap, is much easier than listing on centralized exchanges.
Listings on Centralized Exchanges (IEO)
In Initial Exchange Offerings (IEOs), tokens are listed on centralized exchanges (CEXs). The platform vets the projects and handles the sale, providing a layer of trust and security for investors.
A CEX listing is a major step in any token’s roadmap since it massively boosts its visibility and provides liquidity on a CEX, increasing a token’s value. For example, Pepe (PEPE) surged over 50% after listings on Robinhood and Coinbase, reaching a market cap exceeding $8 billion.
However, CEX listings are hard to achieve due to stringent vetting, high fees, and strict regulatory and security requirements.
While most CEXs support multiple token standards, some are known for focusing more on certain standards due to historical reasons or strategic partnerships. For example:
- ERC-20: Due to Ethereum’s widespread use and popularity, exchanges like Coinbase and Binance frequently list ERC-20 tokens.
- BEP-20: Binance is particularly known for listing BEP-20 tokens, given its direct affiliation with the Binance Smart Chain.
- SPL: Before collapsing, FTX was known for listing SPL tokens due to its support for the Solana ecosystem.
Successful projects may seek further listing on more CEXs to expand their reach and enhance liquidity. This can accelerate price appreciation compared to tokens only available on DEXs.
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Crypto Presales
Our crypto presales rating methodology is precise, data-driven, and divided into two parts. The General Methodology does not count towards the final coin rating; instead, it works as inclusion criteria, ensuring the project meets certain benchmarks like fair tokenomics and a clear roadmap.
The first inclusion criterion (market capitalization and liquidity) does not apply to cryptocurrency presales. Its 15% weight is distributed among criterion #8 (growth potential and roadmap) and #9 (risk factors), with the latter weighing 5% and the former 15%. These adjustments were necessary due to inherent differences between presale and launched cryptocurrencies.
Our Category-Specific Methodology for presales examines team expertise and audit transparency (30%), funding (25%), presales structure (20%), current market trends (15%), and sellout speed (10%) to assess investment potential.
We normalize data with Z-scores to ensure consistency across projects. This helps compare large and small projects fairly and prevents any single factor from skewing the rating. For more information, read our methodology page.
Famous Cryptos That Had Presales
Several prominent blockchains originated from presales. Here are some of the most well-known examples:
- Ethereum (ETH): Launched in 2014, Ethereum’s presale offered Ether at an exchange rate of 2,000 ETH for 1 Bitcoin, meaning each ETH token cost roughly $0.30. It hit an all-time high (ATH) of $4,878 in November 2021.
- TRON (TRX): TRON’s ICO in 2018 priced its token at $0.0019. It later peaked at $0.44, reflecting substantial growth from its presale price.
- BNB (Binance Coin): Started in 2017 with an exchange rate of 2,700 BNB for 1 ETH, about $0.15 per BNB at the time. By 2021, BNB had soared to nearly $700, marking it one of the most successful early crypto investments.
- Solana (SOL): Known for its speed and low-cost transactions, Solana had multiple funding rounds beginning in 2018 with a presale price of $0.20 for SOL. It reached an ATH of $260.06 by late 2021. Fast forward to 2025, and there are countless Solana presales now taking place.
Where to Find Upcoming Crypto Presales
Finding new crypto presales can be daunting — they often involve smaller projects and are not widely advertised. However, there are some tried-and-tested places on the web where you’ll be able to sniff out upcoming presales.
1. Crypto Forums and Communities
Join cryptocurrency forums such as Bitcointalk, subreddits, crypto Telegram groups, or Discord servers focused on crypto investments. These platforms are a good way to connect with like-minded investors and discuss the potential of upcoming projects.
Many of these forums often have sections or channels dedicated to upcoming presales and new projects where you can find the latest updates. Using this method can help you discover projects that are starting to pick up steam.
In January 2025, LayerZero (LZ), a cross-chain protocol, saw a 150% surge in presale participation after LunarCrush data highlighted a spike in mentions across multiple forums. This demonstrates how staying plugged into social metrics can provide an edge in spotting promising presales.
2. X and Other Social Media Channels
Follow influential figures in the cryptocurrency space, such as project founders, developers, and crypto influencers, on X. They often announce upcoming presales or retweet announcements from projects they’re interested in. You can also sometimes find AMAs from new projects, giving you a chance to learn first-hand more about a new presale.
3. Launchpad Platforms
Launchpad platforms specialize in hosting some of the best ICOs and presales for new cryptocurrency projects. Examples include:
- Binance Launchpad
- Polkastarter
- DuckStarter
These platforms are often good routes to find vetted projects, as they will usually conduct due diligence on the presale before featuring it. It can be a safer route to find presales, and members of crypto launchpads can often receive perks like exclusive access or guaranteed allocations. Of course, you should always do your own research as well.
4. Cryptocurrency News Websites
Websites like CryptoNews and others in the crypto niche often cover new cryptocurrency projects and presales. Some even have calendars that list upcoming events, including presales, token launches, and project milestones. We also produce YouTube videos focused on analyzing the most potential cryptos, such as this one:
Crypto news websites will often have in-depth analyses of new presales as well as opinions from industry experts, giving you a well-rounded overview of a project. Subscribe to their newsletters or regularly check their websites for updates on upcoming presales.
5. Token Launch Aggregator Platforms
Platforms like TokenSniffer and RugDoc aggregate information on new token launches, including presales. They collect information such as token sale dates, token types, and official project details. These platforms often provide insights into the legitimacy and safety of projects, helping you avoid potential scams.
Using these platforms, investors can track multiple presales and find presales from specific sectors or with certain token types. This can be a good option for those looking for a diverse range of presales.
6. Whitelist Registrations
Some projects require users to sign up for a whitelist to participate in their presale. Look for announcements about whitelist registrations on social media, forums, or project websites.
By joining whitelists, investors may get benefits like early access, bonuses, discounts, or guaranteed allocations. Whitelist registration usually involves submitting personal information and wallet details to the team project, so it’s important to vet the project carefully.
How to Vet a Crypto Presale
Thoroughly vetting a crypto presale project is crucial to avoid scams and ensure legitimacy. Scammers often exploit the excitement around new tokens to defraud investors.
For example, in early 2024, scammers exploited Solana presales, luring investors to send funds to fraudulent wallets. Using wallet-draining functions, they stole 655,000 SOL ($122.5 million at the time), delivering no tokens.
Conducting due diligence on team credentials, project viability, and community feedback can prevent these losses. Below, we go over four steps you should take to vet a crypto presale before investing.
1. Research the Project
After creating a shortlist of the best crypto presales to invest in, analyze the crypto project. Start by reading the whitepaper, which includes information such as the platform’s objectives, strategies, and future plans.
Then, take a look at the roadmap to see the project’s different milestones. Consider the unique value proposition of the project and whether it’s a compelling investment opportunity.
2. Look Into the Development Team
The best projects have experienced team members who are knowledgeable about the respective industry. For instance, play-to-earn game projects should be led by team members who are familiar with blockchain technology and GameFi.
If the project was founded by an anonymous team, look into other aspects, such as the smart contract audit, utility, and tokenomics, to ensure its legitimacy.
3. Review the Tokenomics
A project’s tokenomics informs investors about the total token supply and how much of the supply is distributed for exchange listings, the presale, and the project team, among others.
While many crypto presales start with a hard cap of billions of tokens, the majority of projects burn coins after they launch. This ‘deflationary’ system can reduce the supply, thus driving up the token’s value — in theory, at least. Ultimately, investors should try to learn everything they can about a new cryptocurrency project before risking any money.
It is also important to review the pricing model within the presale. Many presales have progressive price increases, meaning the earlier you buy, the cheaper the tokens. Buying early can provide significant advantages, as you can secure tokens at the lowest possible price before their value potentially increases.
4. Focus on Social Media
Social media platforms and online forums have the power to make or break a cryptocurrency. For instance, the price of Dogecoin surged following Elon Musk’s appointment to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
After Musk championed government transparency using blockchain, DOGE-related projects gained traction across X, driving speculative interest. This demonstrates how a powerful figure’s endorsement can create hype, spark market movements, and amplify visibility for a crypto project or concept.
When vetting a new crypto presale, focus on social media activity to gauge potential growth. Look for strong influencer involvement and an active community, which can indicate sustained interest.
Be wary of aggressive promotion, which might signal a pump-and-dump scheme. Social media hype can drive quick gains, but it also adds volatility, so stay alert.
Advantages of Investing in Crypto Presales
As with any investment, crypto presales come with benefits as well as risks. Here are some reasons why investors should consider investing in the best crypto presales:
- High growth potential: Early investors can buy tokens at discounted prices during the presale and potentially sell them for profit post-listing.
- Earn passive income: Crypto projects typically offer passive crypto income to early investors through rewards, staking features, airdrops, or exclusive perks.
- Get an early investor advantage: Investing in a presale allows access to innovative projects early on, potentially offering significant long-term gains and community involvement.
Risks of Investing in Crypto Presales
Investing in popular crypto presales can be enticing due to the potential for high returns, but it also comes with risks. Below, we outline the main risks investors should consider before committing capital to token presales:
- Presales involve unproven projects with no guarantee of successful execution.
- Many crypto projects address similar issues, but few succeed, risking token value.
- Funds invested in presale coins might yield higher returns elsewhere due to time delays and potential lockup periods.
- Presale scams, including rug pulls, are common in the crypto market.
- Imitation sites by scammers can trick crypto investors into fake presales.
- Post-presale market conditions could rapidly devalue the tokens, eliminating potential profits.
Pros and Cons of Crypto Presales
Investing in crypto presales offers both opportunities and challenges. Below, we explore the pros and cons of participating in crypto presales.
Pros
- Early access at ground floor prices
- Huge discounts on ICO launch prices
- Provide funding for promising startup projects
- Potentially higher returns compared to ICO purchases
Cons
- Token prices may fall after the launch
- Potentially complicated processes for buying and claiming tokens
- Potential for scams and rug pulls
- Regulatory concerns
How to Invest in Crypto Presales
Projects usually run presales on their own websites before listing on a major exchange, where they attract more awareness and liquidity.
- Create a wallet account: To participate in the presale, a non-custodial wallet is recommended.
- Buy Crypto: Depending on the coin, you can purchase it using ETH, USDT, BNB, or even a credit card. Buy one of these tokens on a crypto exchange or directly via your wallet.
- Connect Wallet: Visit the presale website. On the page, you can see the order box to purchase the tokens. Click ‘Connect Wallet’, and follow the on-screen instructions to connect the wallet to the presale.
- Purchase the Tokens: Next, select the relevant ‘Buy Now’ option, decide how many tokens to purchase, and confirm the transaction.
- Claim your tokens. When the token launches, visit the claim URL to move your new tokens to your crypto wallet. It’s recommended to follow the project on social media to get updates on the token launch date.
What to Do After Purchasing Presale Tokens
After purchasing presale coins, you have several options for managing them:
- Sell for a profit: If market conditions are favorable, sell your tokens immediately or hold them to sell at a higher price later.
- Hold for long-term: Store your tokens in a cold-storage hardware wallet for enhanced security.
- Provide liquidity: Contribute your tokens to a liquidity pool on a decentralized exchange to facilitate trading and potentially earn transaction fees.
- Unlock DeFi features: Depending on the specific platform’s token utility, you can use your tokens to access special features on DeFi platforms, such as improved earning opportunities or additional functionalities.
- Stake or lend: New crypto projects tend to offer some of the highest APY crypto staking rewards available. Tokens can often be staked after launch and sometimes even during the presale.
When Can You Sell Presale Tokens?
You can sell presale tokens after specific milestones: the presale hits the hard cap, the token claim opens, and the token lists on exchanges. Let’s break it down:
- Presale Completion: Once the hard cap is reached, the presale closes, locking in initial participants’ allocations. Some projects allow selling immediately in decentralized OTC markets, but this is rare.
- Token Claim: After the presale ends, you can claim tokens during the token generation event (TGE). The project announces this date, often weeks after the presale.
- Listing Date: Tokens become tradable when listed on centralized or decentralized exchanges. Listing dates are typically announced post-TGE.
For example, if a presale raises a $1 million hard cap on January 1, the TGE might occur on January 15, with listings on January 20.
Always check the vesting schedule before participating in a crypto presale. Tokens may be locked or released in tranches, affecting when and how much you can sell. Plan accordingly to avoid liquidity constraints. Verify contract details and vesting terms to avoid surprises.
⚠️ Checking the vesting schedule is even more critical now that we’ve entered the 2024/25 Bull Market:
Vesting schedules determine when and how many tokens you can sell. If a project releases tokens too quickly, early participants might flood the market with sell orders. This can drive prices down, especially when demand is high, as in a bull market.
On the flip side, gradual vesting protects token value. It prevents sudden sell-offs by spacing out token releases over months or years. This approach supports healthier price stability and rewards long-term holders.
For example, consider two presales:
- Project A unlocks 100% of tokens at the TGE. Early investors sell in bulk during the listing, crashing the price.
- Project B releases 10% at TGE, with the rest vesting over 12 months. This maintains a steady supply, allowing prices to grow.
In bullish conditions, presale participants often want immediate access to sell tokens at higher prices. However, chasing fast unlocks can backfire if others sell before you, devaluing your holdings.
Always verify the vesting terms in the project’s whitepaper or smart contract. Look for schedules that align with your strategy, ensuring you’re not stuck when the market peaks.
How to Tell Whether a Crypto Presale Is Legit or a Scam
With so many coins entering the market weekly, it can be challenging to tell if a crypto presale is legit or a scam. To safeguard your investments and distinguish between legitimate opportunities and potential scams, take the following steps.
1. Check the Website URL
Scammers often create fake websites with similar URLs to steal your information and funds. For example, if the official URL is “project.io,” a scam site might be “project-crypto.io” or something even more similar like “projects.io.”
Always check the URL carefully to avoid phishing attacks. Ensure the URL matches the one on the project’s official social media accounts.
2. Look for Proof of an Audit
Audits check for vulnerabilities in the code, ensuring the project’s security. Look for audit reports on the project’s website or social media. Examples of trusted auditors include CertiK, SolidProof, and ConsenSys Diligence.
Verified audits add credibility, reducing the risk of scams. Always verify the audit’s legitimacy by cross-checking with the auditor’s official site.
3. Search for Reviews on Social Media
Platforms like Twitter, Reddit, and Telegram can provide insights from other users. Look for consistent positive feedback and community engagement — but be cautious of overly promotional posts or accounts.
Genuine reviews often highlight both strengths and potential issues. Searching for “ProjectName review” or “ProjectName scam” can reveal valuable information. Always verify the credibility of the reviewers.
4. Is There a Real Community?
A genuine project has an active, engaged community. Check forums, Telegram, and Discord for discussions and member interactions. Look for regular updates from the team and constructive dialogues among members.
Avoid projects with inactive or overly promotional communities. Engaged communities often discuss both the project’s strengths and areas for improvement. Verify the community’s authenticity by joining discussions and observing the quality of interactions.
5. Be Warry of Big ROI Promises
Exaggerated ROI promises often indicate a scam. Be cautious of projects claiming guaranteed high returns in short periods.
Legitimate investments come with risks, and no project can assure consistent, outsized gains. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Compare the promised ROI with industry standards and other projects. Conduct thorough research and seek independent reviews. Always prioritize due diligence over enticing promises.
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a crypto presale?
How do I get presale crypto?
How long does a crypto presale last?
Are crypto presales ICOs?
How can I tell if a presale is legitimate?
What are the risks of presales?
Is it a good idea to invest in crypto presales?
References
- US Securities and Exchange Commission: Cryptocurrency/ICOs
- Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money: Which Digital Tokens Pose a Greater Contagion Risk?
- CoinDesk: Sale of the Century: The Inside Story of Ethereum’s 2014 Premine
- CNBC: A blockchain start-up just raised $4 billion without a live product
- Al Jazeera: Why is Trump’s election as US president prompting a Bitcoin surge?
- Crypto Briefing: PEPE price jumps 50% after Coinbase says it will list the token
- CoinMarketCap: HYPE Token Gains Over 200% in Value, Reaches $12 Billion Fully Diluted Valuation After Launch
- Coin Edition: Investigation Shows 655,000 Solana Valued $122.5M Sent to Scam Presales
- The Wall Street Journal: Want to Work for Elon Musk’s Government-Efficiency Team? There’s a Catch







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