February 22, 2026
10 mins
Crypto launchpads are one of the best places to begin your journey as a crypto investor. And even if you’re already a degen or experienced user, they offer plenty of incentives worth exploring.
Within launchpads, which are like startup incubators in Web3, you will find IDO launchpads. An IDO (Initial DEX Offering) launchpad is essentially a startup incubator in Web3, but it hosts token sales in a decentralized way. That means everything runs on smart contracts, so the process is automated and transparent.
There are many launchpads out there, so always check reliable sources like CryptoRank to compare them. If a launchpad is missing from these listings or has poor reviews, walk away; it’s probably a scam or a low-quality platform.
Security on IDO launchpads goes beyond the projects themselves. A good launchpad will have transparent reviews, explain its safety measures, and clearly outline how it protects investors. This is also why many investors prefer IDO launchpads over ICOs; the trust and automation of smart contracts reduce risks.
Even though IDO launchpads are decentralized, they still need to comply with AML (anti-money laundering) regulations. KYC is required by the government where the launchpad is registered in order to host sales legally. It may feel like extra work, but it’s part of keeping the process safe and legitimate.
Before joining any presale, consider the three main risks:
If you notice missing information, no audits, or poor rankings, consider it a red flag.
You evaluate by looking at both user experience and project performance.
A launchpad’s reputation depends on the projects it chooses. If the projects succeed, the launchpad builds trust with investors. If they fail, the platform’s credibility suffers. The relationship goes both ways: founders must choose the right launchpad, and launchpads must choose the right projects.
At CoinTerminal, for example, many of our projects go on to list on centralized exchanges; a major milestone for Web3 startups seeking mainstream visibility.
Communities are the backbone of Web3. Look at what people are saying about the launchpad and its hosted projects. If users report smooth participation, fair refunds, and strong project follow-ups, that’s a good sign. If the feedback is negative or vague, investigate further or walk away.
Different launchpads use different sales models, even if they all host IDOs. Some require staking, others use tiered models, and some combine multiple approaches.
This depends on your personal strategy. Conservative investors may prefer stablecoin staking or safer allocations, while others may choose more volatile, high-reward tokens. The best approach is often a mix of both.
At CoinTerminal, we make this process simple. We are the first and only open-access launchpad: no token-gating, no staking. Just complete a quick KYC once, and you’re ready to join all our sales through a first-come, first-served model.
Choosing the right IDO launchpad can significantly impact your Web3 journey. The right platform offers safety, transparency, and opportunities that align with your personal strategy.
At CoinTerminal, our mission is to remove barriers that prevent users from participating in early-stage crypto project sales.
We focus on open access, usability, and trust, so you can participate with confidence. And don’t forget, every contribution of 250 USDT or more automatically enters you into our monthly crypto lottery. Even if you later request a refund, you keep your lottery entry. Check out our active sales today.
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.