The natural next step is to take what works with the IEO and improve it. The result? The Initial DEX Offering, or IDO. This is similar in some ways to the IEO, but instead of the exchange handling most actions, a third party launchpad facilitates the launch between the DEX, the project, and the customers. The token is already set up to launch on the selected DEX, so there are no issues in that regard. The marketing efforts are typically shared by the launchpad and the project team, the smart contract by the project team, and the vetting of investors by the launchpad. The need for AML/KYC varies by project, so there isn’t a set rule for that element. How investors are whitelisted, however, is where the biggest elements are for an IDO. How a launchpad handles this element is one of the biggest issues with IDOs, but simply doesn’t have to be.
A typical launchpad has a reputation closely related to the projects it has launched. The variety of project vetting can vary wildly, but those top launchpads do their homework and protect their communities. A successful launch with happy investors works well for everyone. The rapid pace of an IDO can be intense, but is a natural consequence of this type of launch. Investors usually have to create an account, perform any vetting, and are then whitelisted based on a number of criteria. Many launchpads use this step to help boost marketing, requiring the whitelist process to include social media boosts of the project by those who wish to join. Since they already want to join, this is usually something they have already done or are happy to do to further boost the project visibility. However, the most controversial of these steps is requiring potential investors to hold large amounts of the launchpad’s native token, which can amount to $10k-50k worth of tokens. Obviously, this massive buy in limits the majority of average investors and shuts the door to either institutes or wealthy investors. However, this also gives even these lucky few an additional element of risk, as this token can be volatile and create a loss before they even get to the project launch.
Notably, this biggest issue is itself evolving, with advanced launchpads like choosing not to require any buy-in from investors. In fact, it doesn’t even require an account set up for potential investors unless they are selected for the IDO. This is good in that it streamlines the process for investors, but is also a strong show of confidence in the projects they help launch. Essentially, Coin Terminal doesn’t truly benefit unless a launch is successful and investors see the value, coming back for more. This truly is a step in the right evolutionary direction, because it better aligns the project, the launchpad, the DEX, and the investor.
