February 22, 2026
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September 3, 2025
September 3, 2025
In Web3, timing is everything. The earlier you enter, the greater your potential upside. That’s why launchpads, especially IDO launchpads, have started taking center stage.
They offer something we’ve always wanted in this space: faster access, fewer gatekeepers, and a real chance to support projects from day one. But the real reason they’re gaining popularity is simple: they work.
In this blog, we’ll break down what IDO launchpads are, how they compare to older models like ICOs and IEOs, and why they’re quickly becoming the preferred way to fund blockchain projects.
Whether you’re a founder looking for capital or an investor looking for early access, this is what you need to know.
An IDO launchpad is a platform that helps Web3 projects raise capital by selling their tokens directly to the public through a decentralized exchange model.
IDO stands for “Initial DEX Offering.” It’s a fundraising model where tokens are launched on a decentralized platform instead of going through centralized exchanges or private VC deals. This opens the door for anyone with a Web3 wallet to participate in early-stage blockchain innovation.
The process starts with the project team. They mint a token and apply to be listed on a launchpad. Once approved, a set amount of tokens is offered to the public, typically through a structured token sale.
Users connect their wallets, contribute stablecoins in exchange for the crypto launchpad token, and receive project tokens either immediately or after the token officially launches. The smart contracts handle everything, from allocation to distribution to refunds, if applicable.
At CoinTerminal, for example, users don’t need to stake anything or hold a launchpad token. Once you connect your wallet, you can invest in any live IDO using stablecoins. It’s straightforward, transparent, and built for people who want access without friction.
ICOs (Initial Coin Offerings) put Web3 on the map, but they also brought chaos. Too many scams, too little oversight. IEOs (Initial Exchange Offerings) tried to fix that by going through centralized exchanges, but they added new problems like exclusivity and high fees.
IDO launchpads are different. They offer the structure that ICOs lacked and the decentralization that IEOs couldn’t deliver. The tokens are still distributed to early investors, but through smart contracts and transparent mechanisms. You don’t need a VC invite. You just need to show up and participate.
And because most IDO launchpads focus on community access and on-chain transparency, investors feel more in control. That’s the shift.
It’s not a coincidence. The rise of IDO launchpads is happening because the space is growing.
According to CryptoRank, IDO platforms have helped launch thousands of projects and raised billions in cumulative funding. Retail investors are finally getting access to deals that used to be reserved for insiders.
At the same time, founders are getting faster exposure to global audiences without waiting for centralized approval.
The model just makes sense. And people are noticing.
For founders, IDO launchpads solve multiple problems at once.
You get instant exposure to a global investor base. You don’t need to go through a VC round or pitch to institutions. You can structure your token sale in a way that aligns with your project’s long-term goals.
You also get credibility. Being accepted by a reputable launchpad shows the community that you’ve passed a vetting process; that you’re not just copy-pasting a whitepaper and hoping for the best.
At CoinTerminal, for example, we evaluate user base, narrative fit, tokenomics, liquidity plans, and marketing strategy before listing any project. Because the goal isn’t just to launch tokens, it’s to launch projects that last.
Absolutely. Traditional fundraising is expensive. Legal fees, marketing, and third-party platforms add up fast. And that’s before you even get listed.
IDO launchpads remove many of those barriers. Smart contracts automate most of the process. Platforms charge lower fees. And most of the traction comes from community marketing and network effects.
This makes IDOs especially attractive to builders in emerging markets or niche sectors, the people who might not have the connections or capital to go the traditional route.
Because they align with the spirit of Web3.
It’s not just about raising capital for your project. It’s about doing it on your terms, with your community, and in a way that reflects your values. IDO launchpads make that possible for project founders.
They remove the gatekeeping. They streamline the launch process. And they let founders and investors connect directly, without layers of middlemen taking a cut or slowing things down.
In short, they make fundraising feel native to the space.
IDO launchpads are changing the way we fund projects in Web3. They’re making it faster, more transparent, and way more accessible. Instead of waiting on VCs or jumping through centralized hoops, founders can raise with their community. And investors can support what they believe in, early.
This is the future: open, global, and aligned with how crypto is supposed to work.
That said, not every launchpad is built the same.
There are still risks, especially if you don’t know what you’re doing. Some platforms cut corners with their vetting process. Others run anonymous teams or lack proper infrastructure. The project you backed might underdeliver or crash after launch.
That’s why it’s critical to check:
At CoinTerminal, we publish everything up front. You can verify the sales on-chain, see the criteria, and reach out to the team anytime. That’s how trust is built.
IDO launchpads are not just a trend; they’re a new standard.
They’re giving power back to founders. They’re opening doors for everyday investors. And they’re creating a funding model that fits the speed, values, and global nature of Web3.
But like everything in this space, success depends on how you use the tools.
So, do your research. Know what you’re getting into. Take your time. And when you’re ready to support a project, do it through a platform that values your time, your energy, and your trust.
If you want to see how we do things at CoinTerminal, check our active sales. And if you’ve got questions, reach out to our team on Telegram; we’re here to help.
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.
