When a new blockchain project needs money to build its app, token, or network, it often turns to a crypto launchpad, a platform that connects early-stage projects with investors looking to buy tokens before they hit major exchanges. Also known as IDO platforms, these tools let you get in on new coins at the ground level — but not all of them are created equal. Some are backed by big names and have real users. Others are just flashy websites with no team, no code, and no future.
A crypto launchpad, a platform that connects early-stage projects with investors looking to buy tokens before they hit major exchanges. Also known as IDO platforms, these tools let you get in on new coins at the ground level — but not all of them are created equal. Some are backed by big names and have real users. Others are just flashy websites with no team, no code, and no future.
Most launchpads work by letting users stake tokens — like ETH, BNB, or the platform’s own coin — to earn access to new token sales. The more you stake, the better your chances of getting allocated tokens. But here’s the catch: if the project fails, your tokens can drop 90% in a week. That’s why you need to know who’s behind it. Look for teams with real track records, audited smart contracts, and clear use cases. If the whitepaper reads like a sci-fi novel, walk away.
Some launchpads focus on Ethereum. Others run on Solana, Polygon, or Berachain. You’ll find them tied to DEXs like SushiSwap or Curve Finance, or built as standalone tools like Kodiak v2 or Polycat Finance. Some even offer staking rewards after you buy in. But don’t confuse a launchpad with a guaranteed win. Most tokens that launch this way never make it to CoinGecko. A few become the next big thing. The rest? They vanish.
And it’s not just about the tech. Regulation plays a role too. In places like Vietnam and Iran, crypto launchpads face heavy restrictions — or get shut down entirely. Meanwhile, in the U.S., platforms like INX Digital avoid the chaos by sticking to SEC-compliant tokens. That’s why you’ll see so many launchpads operating offshore, targeting users who want access but aren’t worried about legal gray areas.
What you’ll find in this collection aren’t hype posts or paid promotions. These are real reviews of platforms, tokens, and projects that launched through crypto launchpads — good, bad, and ugly. From the $20K meme coins with zero volume to the DeFi tools that actually deliver low fees and real utility, you’ll see what works, what doesn’t, and why. You’ll learn how to spot a scam before you invest, how to evaluate a team’s credibility, and what red flags mean you should walk away. This isn’t about chasing the next 100x. It’s about understanding how the system really works — so you don’t get left holding the bag.
Red Kite (PKF) is the utility token powering PolkaFoundry's launchpad for early-stage Web3 projects. Learn how it works, its tokenomics, where to buy it, and whether it's worth holding in 2025.