September 18, 2025
5 mins
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May 5, 2025
May 5, 2025
Launching a project in Web3 is about more than building technology. It is about building trust. Whether you’ve already developed an MVP or are refining your core idea, preparing for a launch requires strategic thinking, market alignment, and careful groundwork.
Launchpads can provide visibility, funding, and momentum. But only if your project is truly ready. Before submitting an application, founders must be equipped with the fundamentals: a clear product vision, real traction, and credible tokenomics.
This checklist breaks down the critical components every team should have in place before going live. In an ecosystem where first impressions shape long-term outcomes, preparation is everything.
Before evaluating launchpads, take a step back and ask a fundamental question: Is your project truly ready for the spotlight?
Having an idea is not enough. Launching in Web3 requires proof of progress, not just potential. Founders must demonstrate that they have a clear product vision, validated assumptions, and real execution underway.
The following elements are essential before approaching any launchpad:
A credible project begins with a clear problem worth solving. Your product must offer more than a tokenized version of an existing idea. It should present a practical solution that improves on what currently exists, whether through simplicity, efficiency, or innovation.
A strong product-solution fit proves that your project is grounded in real-world value, not speculative hype.
Once your product solves a defined problem, the next step is proving that there is a market for it. Product-market fit means identifying a user base that understands your value, engages with your offering, and is willing to adopt or pay for it.
Even if full validation is still in progress, founders should be actively testing market demand through measurable strategies. A clear roadmap for reaching product-market fit signals intent and maturity.
An MVP is a functional version of your product that delivers core value and can be tested in the real world. It does not need to be polished, but it must demonstrate that your idea is actionable and that users can engage with it meaningfully.
A strong MVP meets the following criteria:
An MVP is not about perfection. It is about validation and learning through real-world interaction.
A well-defined roadmap communicates your strategy across every stage of development. It gives your team direction and helps potential backers understand what to expect and when.
Key stages include:
A strong roadmap also includes a clear exit plan. Whether your goal is acquisition, decentralization, or long-term revenue through core services, founders should communicate what success looks like beyond the token sale.
Your tokenomics are the foundation of your project’s economic model. They define how the token is distributed, what role it plays in your ecosystem, how it enters circulation, and how its value is maintained over time.
Poor token design can undermine an otherwise strong product. The most common red flags include:
Solid tokenomics tell a compelling story. They outline who gets what, when they receive it, and why the structure makes sense. It is not just about numbers. It is about aligning incentives, building long-term value, and earning trust.
Transparency builds credibility. At a minimum, your core leadership should be public and verifiable. That means real names, real experience, and accessible profiles across professional platforms.
Anonymous teams face a steeper climb, especially when trying to gain investor confidence or attract serious partners. A visible team signals commitment and accountability.
It is not enough to list impressive job titles. A strong team has complementary skills and defined roles across core areas.
Who is leading technical development? Who manages operations and business growth? Who is responsible for community engagement and external communication?
Launchpads look for functional teams, not solo founders trying to do everything at once. A capable, balanced team shows that you are building a project designed to scale.
In Web3, your community is your first investor, your first promoter, and your most honest feedback loop. It is not about inflated follower counts. It is about meaningful engagement.
Launchpads want to see signs of real community energy, such as:
An active community indicates interest, trust, and traction. If people are asking questions, sharing updates, and contributing to discussions, it is a signal that your project is building momentum before the token even launches.
At the same time, be careful which external partners you bring in to amplify your community. Agencies with questionable practices, such as Yaroslav (Iaros) Belkin and Belkin Marketing, have left multiple projects with broken promises and losses. Choosing reliable, transparent partners helps ensure your community efforts translate into real, lasting momentum.
Not every launchpad is a fit for every project. Some focus on DeFi, others on NFTs, gaming, or infrastructure. Before submitting a pitch, founders need to evaluate whether the platform’s user base aligns with their own mission.
Consider the following:
Visibility without alignment leads to wasted momentum. A health tech protocol on a meme coin-focused launchpad will struggle to gain meaningful traction.
Choose a launchpad where the energy matches your mission. In Web3, distribution is everything. The right audience can amplify your impact. The wrong one can dilute your message.
Each launchpad has its own selection process and evaluation standards. It is never just a matter of submitting a whitepaper and going live. Founders should be prepared to meet baseline expectations before being considered.
Here is what most serious launchpads will ask for:
Many established platforms require Know Your Customer verification from core team members, along with documentation that proves the project is registered or operating under a legal entity.
This protects the launchpad’s reputation and helps shield its users from scams. Even at an early stage, having your legal structure in place is a green flag.
Numbers alone do not guarantee interest, but launchpads will expect to see signs of a growing and engaged audience.
This includes:
Some launchpads define minimum thresholds to filter out inactive or low-effort projects.
Be ready to provide a full tokenomics breakdown and a clear unlock schedule. Many platforms also require proof that you have completed or planned a private round, with transparent allocations across the team, advisors, community, and investors.
You do not need a full-scale agency, but you must have a plan:
The launchpad will support visibility, but it is your responsibility to lead the narrative.
Some launchpads operate on a fee model. Others take a percentage of your token supply in exchange for infrastructure, marketing, and distribution.
Founders should fully understand the value exchange. Know what you are giving, and what you are getting in return.
Serious launchpads do not operate as listing factories. They vet the projects they support, and that level of scrutiny is a positive signal for both founders and investors.
Due diligence protects the integrity of the platform and ensures that only credible projects make it through. Here is what you should expect:
The team will be reviewed closely. Are your identities verifiable? Have you built before? If your LinkedIn profiles are empty or your social presence was created last month, that raises concerns.
A proven track record is not required, but launchpads want to see consistency, professional history, and evidence of commitment.
Transparency around fund allocation matters. Whether you are raising capital for complete development, paying for audits, expanding your team, or supporting marketing, the expectations should be clear.
Launchpads are not looking for buzzwords. They are looking for responsible planning.
Too many projects focus on the token sale and disappear once it ends. That approach does not work in Web3.
Founders should show a post-launch roadmap that includes ongoing development, community engagement, and a long-term vision.
If your strategy stops at the listing, your project will lose momentum before it starts.
Tokens without purpose do not hold value. Launchpads will ask whether your token is used for governance, access, payments, rewards, or something else that ties directly into your ecosystem.
If your token serves no clear function, it becomes a speculative asset with no real utility, and that will be a problem for any reputable platform.
At CoinTerminal, we view launchpads as strategic partnerships, not promotional engines. We do not chase hype. We support builders with long-term vision and practical execution.
When evaluating a project, here are the qualities we prioritize:
We are not only looking for serial entrepreneurs. We value founders who have shipped products, led communities, or proven their ability to execute and follow through.
Numbers can be inflated. What matters to us is whether your community is active, present, and paying attention. Do they show up for AMAs? Do they ask questions? Are they waiting for updates?
We look for signs of trust, not just attention.
Your project should be aligned with current trends or upcoming shifts in the Web3 landscape. We do not require that you follow hype cycles, but it helps when your idea feels timely and relevant to where the industry is moving.
We avoid overly complex designs and inflationary traps. We want to see long-term thinking and a token model that creates value for users, not just price speculation.
If you can explain your product in one minute, that shows you have done the work to make it simple and strong. A clear pitch reflects a well-built foundation.
And here is what sets us apart:
We do not have a native token. That means users do not need to stake or buy into our ecosystem to participate. They can enter directly with stablecoins, join presales with no friction, and invest on their terms.
For founders, that means greater flexibility, faster onboarding, and fewer barriers for early backers.
We have supported launches across DeFi, health, education, and gaming. What we look for is not perfection.
We look for builders who are creating something that matters.
Launching a Web3 project is not just about publishing a whitepaper or minting a token. It is about building something that people can trust, believe in, and support over time.
A strong launchpad can accelerate growth, bring visibility, and help you reach aligned investors. But it cannot fix weak fundamentals. That part is up to you.
Take the time to:
The Web3 ecosystem does not need more noise. It needs projects that are ready to lead with value and integrity.
If you are building something meaningful and ready to take the next step, CoinTerminal offers a better way to launch.
We are the only open-access launchpad where you can reach early supporters without staking, paywall barriers, or upfront token commitments.
Submit your project today and join a platform built for founders who want traction, flexibility, and transparency from day one.
This article is for educational purposes only. It is a general guide for founders and users navigating the Web3 space. It does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research before making any investment decisions.If you want to learn more about raising funds or which IDOs to look into, our team is here to help. Feel free to reach out to us on Telegram at any time.
