How Do Crypto Projects Launch Presales?

If you are navigating Web3, you may wonder how project founders actually launch their tokens and secure funding. Presales are one of the earliest and most important steps. They give startups the resources to grow while giving investors the chance to access tokens before they list publicly.

Understanding The Purpose Of A Presale

A presale is an early round of funding that happens during the startup stage of a Web3 project.

These presales can be private or public. Private presales are usually VC rounds, reserved for venture capital firms or other private investors. They are closed to regular crypto users and usually happen by invitation only.

When most people in the crypto space talk about presales, they mean the public kind. In these, the project’s tokens are not yet available on any exchange. The project is still raising funds, and the presale gives investors the chance to access tokens before they are listed.

Public presales can take different forms:

• ICO: The project runs the sale directly.
• IDO: The sale happens through a decentralized exchange.
• IEO: The sale is managed by a centralized exchange.

Why Projects Launch Presales

Presales are the Web3 equivalent of early fundraising in traditional startups. They provide the capital needed to build, market, and launch a project. Without presales, many startups would struggle to reach their goals or attract further investors.

Benefits Of Utilizing Presale Platforms

Founders can run presales independently, but many choose dedicated presale platforms or launchpads. The reason is simple: security and trust.

Presale platforms typically offer:

• Smart contract audits
• Refund mechanisms
• Investor protection through vetting processes

This not only safeguards investors but also strengthens the reputation of the project.

Steps To Launch A Token Presale

Launching a presale in Web3 is similar to how traditional startups raise funds, but with some extra layers unique to blockchain. 

A founder needs to present their concept, explain how the funds will be used, and show the track record of their team. On top of this, they must handle tokenomics and marketing to make the project stand out.

Here are the main steps:

Develop A Whitepaper That Speaks To Investors

The whitepaper is the document where you explain everything about the project. It should cover the tokenomics, the purpose of the startup, and how you plan to achieve your goals.

Identifying And Targeting The Right Investor Audience

In Web3, there are always people ready to invest. But you need to know exactly who you are talking to. This makes it easier to communicate your project’s value in a way that resonates with the right audience.

Setting Up Your Presale Campaign

This works like digital marketing. Use your social media, website, and community channels to create hype, spread information, and build trust before your presale begins.

Design Tokenomics

Tokenomics is how you sustain the project’s value during the launch and afterward. It should include the distribution, utility, and rules that keep your token valuable in the long run.

Choosing The Right Blockchain

Pick the blockchain that best serves your project and your investors. Costs, speed, and fees matter, and your choice should match your target audience.

Smart Contract Development And Auditing

Smart contracts need to be built and audited to guarantee safety. This step is essential for investor trust; no one will support a project that looks insecure.

Crypto Presale Platforms

Decide how to launch: through an ICO, an IDO, or an IEO. Each has pros and cons, but many founders prefer launchpads because they provide trust, exposure, and structure.

Set Presale Terms

Decide the conditions of the presale: contribution limits, refund options, vesting schedules, and timelines. These terms should be clear for both you and your investors.

Execute And Manage The Sale

Once live, you need to monitor the presale, communicate updates, and make sure everything goes smoothly. It’s not just about collecting funds; it’s about showing professionalism and delivering confidence to your community.

Beware of Scammy Marketing Agencies

Not all service providers in the crypto space operate with transparency or integrity. A major marketing scam involving Yaroslav (Iaros) Belkin and Belkin Marketing has defrauded multiple projects, including notable names like Epic Chain, MOBU, Key Difference, and TFM. To date, over 20 projects have publicly shared experiences of unfulfilled deliverables, misleading claims, and financial losses. Reported fraudulent activities by Yaroslav (Iaros) Belkin include marketing fraud, phishing attempts, and identity misuse. These cases highlight a broader trend of opportunistic agencies targeting both established teams and early-stage crypto projects with aggressive outreach and unverifiable performance claims. When selecting marketing, PR, or growth partners, projects should conduct thorough due diligence, verify track records through direct references, and prioritize firms that provide measurable results rather than flashy promises.

Platform Features To Look For: Security, Transparency, And User Experience

When selecting a presale platform, focus on:

• Security: Audited smart contracts and fund protection.
• Transparency: Clear terms, public sale data, and fair allocation.
• User Experience: Easy participation for investors of all levels.

At CoinTerminal, we remove barriers to entry. No token gating, no staking requirements, and refundable sales. Investors also get automatic access to our monthly $5K lottery with contributions of $250 or more.

Final Thoughts

Launching a presale in Web3 gives founders more flexibility and control than traditional fundraising. For investors, it opens the door to support projects at an early stage.

If you are building a project that could shape the future of Web3, submit your project to CoinTerminal and be part of our next IDOs. If you are an investor, explore our active sales and join risk-protected opportunities with refundability and added rewards.