Crypto Launchpad: How New Projects Raise Funds and What to Watch For

A crypto launchpad, a platform that helps new blockchain projects raise money and distribute tokens to early supporters. Also known as ICO launchpad or IDO platform, it’s where you might get early access to tokens before they hit major exchanges. Think of it like a startup pitch night—but instead of investors in suits, you’ve got crypto holders using wallets. These platforms handle the technical side: setting up token sales, locking liquidity, and sometimes even running airdrops to build hype. But here’s the catch: not every launchpad is trustworthy. Some are built to disappear after the first sale.

Behind every crypto airdrop, a free token distribution meant to grow a community is often a token sale, the main way projects raise capital by selling tokens at a discount to early buyers. These two go hand-in-hand. A launchpad might run a token sale first, then reward participants with an airdrop later. But if a project has no clear roadmap, no team names, or zero code on GitHub, that airdrop is probably just bait. Look at Brokoli Network (BRKL) or SHO Token—both had real airdrops tied to actual platforms like MEXC. Compare that to Sphynx Network (SPH) or MoMo KEY (KEY), where the airdrop was just a rumor with no token supply. The difference? One had structure. The other had noise.

What makes a launchpad worth your time? It’s not just the token price. It’s whether the project has a working product, clear tokenomics, and a team that’s public. Platforms like StackSwap and xSigma DEX aren’t launchpads themselves, but they show what healthy DeFi ecosystems look like: transparent fees, real trading volume, and active users. A good launchpad connects you to projects that already have those traits—or at least show clear steps to build them. Avoid ones that promise 100x returns with no explanation. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

And don’t forget the legal side. In places like Germany and Jordan, regulators now require launchpads to follow licensing rules. BaFin and Jordan’s Central Bank don’t just watch—they enforce. That’s why some platforms disappear overnight. If a project avoids talking about compliance, walk away. Real projects don’t hide from the law—they plan for it.

Below, you’ll find real reviews of platforms that claimed to be launchpads, airdrops that turned out to be scams, and the few that actually delivered. No fluff. Just what worked, what didn’t, and what you need to check before you click "Join".