How to Get Early Access to Crypto Tokens

Getting access to tokens from crypto projects at an early stage can be very beneficial for investors. 

Getting in early means taking advantage of opportunities before they are widely available to the public. You can get early access to crypto tokens by participating in presales, launchpads, or testnets before the tokens are officially launched to the public for sale.

How to Find Tokens Before They Launch

Tokens represent the digital assets of a project, broken into thousands or millions of pieces. Any startup in Web3 needs to secure funding before going public, and the way to find these projects is to look at where they are raising funds.

This can take several forms. A presale can be private, seed, VC, or public. Public presales are the most common way for everyday investors to join.

IDOs are when projects raise funds by offering tokens through decentralized launchpads, which work as Web3 incubators.

IEOs are when projects raise funds through centralized exchanges. These are usually more regulated and considered milestones for serious projects.

ICOs are when projects raise funds directly on their own websites.

We have another article comparing IDOs and ICOs, so you can decide which is best for you.

How Do I Get Into Presale Crypto

First, identify what type of presale you want to join. This could be an ICO, an IDO, or an IEO. Once you know which type suits you, you can go to the right platforms.

• For ICOs you can visit sites like ICOdrops and similar trackers.
• For IEOs you can check centralized exchanges such as KuCoin or MEXC. Binance used to run IEOs but now focuses more on launchpads.
• For IDOs you can use tools like CryptoRank to see upcoming sales and the launchpads hosting them.

We also have a blog that explains how to choose a legitimate launchpad.

At CoinTerminal, we are the first and only open-access launchpad. We have removed barriers so you can invest easily and safely. Our sales are refundable, with no token gating and no staking required. Just complete KYC once, and you are ready to participate. You can browse our active sales right now.

Why Are Tokens Locked

Projects need to protect value, and one way to do this is through tokenomics. Tokenomics refers to the plan a project creates to sustain its value and avoid pump-and-dump schemes. 

A common method is not releasing all tokens at once. Instead, tokens are distributed over time through vesting schedules. This helps maintain stability and long-term trust in the project.

Where to Find New Crypto Projects Before They Launch

Finding opportunities in the crypto space can be very rewarding. Below are some places to look.

Social channels and community alpha

Be sure to follow KOLs and join trusted communities on Twitter, Telegram, and Discord.

Token research tools

There are platforms that give you data and research on projects. Useful ones include TokenUnlocks to track vesting schedules, Messari for research reports, Dune Analytics for on-chain dashboards, and CryptoRank for listings of IDOs and launchpads.

DeFi protocols

Sometimes projects will test tokens through DeFi protocols before a wider release. Platforms like Uniswap on Ethereum, PancakeSwap on BNB Chain, and Curve for stablecoins can list tokens early. Always be careful, as these options carry more risk than vetted launchpads.

NFT marketplaces

NFT ecosystems often show early activity for new projects. Marketplaces like OpenSea, Blur, and Magic Eden can highlight communities that later expand into token projects.

ETFs, testnets, and developer activity

Another way to spot early opportunities is by following testnets and developer activity. GitHub shows developer commits, while platforms like DeFiLlama and CryptoMiso track developer stats across projects. 

Testnets often reward participants with airdrops, which is another way to access tokens early. Keep an eye on crypto ETF filings as well, since they can signal which sectors are gaining momentum.

Common Risks of Finding New Coins and How to Avoid Them

Every investment carries risk. In crypto, these risks often appear in four main forms.

• Fraud and rug pulls happen when project teams disappear with funds.
• Platform risk happens when launchpads or smart contracts are hacked or poorly audited.
• User risk comes from mistakes such as sending funds to the wrong blockchain, losing private keys, or not protecting your wallet.
• Market risk comes from low liquidity and high volatility, which are common in new tokens.

The best way to reduce these risks is to do your own research, use secure platforms, and always manage your strategy carefully.

Final Thoughts

Getting early access to crypto tokens can be very rewarding. Early-stage projects often bring two-digit ROI compared to the four percent you might get from treasury bonds in traditional finance. But this requires knowledge and risk awareness. That is why we always recommend that you conduct your own research, read our blogs for additional insights, and reach out to our team on Telegram if you have any questions.

At CoinTerminal, we are the first and only open-access crypto launchpad. Our goal is to make investing simple and accessible. We offer refundable sales, no token gating, and no staking. That way, your investment is not tied to a volatile launchpad token. By contributing 250 or more, you are also automatically part of our monthly 5K lottery, even if you request a refund.

Check our active sales now and do not miss your next opportunity.