Before going public, new cryptocurrency projects raise capital on launchpads. They are one of the few ways for investors to participate before a token is listed on an exchange.
The issue is that not all launchpads are worth it. Some have a proven track record. Some are just middlemen with no true worth.
Here’s what you should know about each of the nine that made it to CoinWick’s rankings.
The 9 Best Crypto Launchpads Right Now
1. PancakeSwap (CAKE.PAD)
PancakeSwap is the largest DEX on BNB Chain, processing $2.36 trillion in trading volume in 2025 alone. Its launchpad is now rebranded from IFO to CAKE.PAD – letting CAKE holders get early access to new token launches before they hit exchanges.
The first CAKE.PAD event for WhiteBridge Network saw over 67 million CAKE committed across thousands of participants. Unlike older models, CAKE.PAD no longer requires staking or lockups, you just hold CAKE and participate.
Previous launches worth mentioning include Mines of Dalarnia and Santos FC Fan Token, with an average ATH ROI of 26.93x.
Key features include multi-chain support across 8 blockchains, no staking or lockup requirements, and direct integration with PancakeSwap’s existing DEX infrastructure.
2. CoinList
CoinList has been running token sales since 2017 and has one of the strongest track records in the space. Its past launches include Solana, Filecoin, NEAR Protocol, Stacks, and ImmutableX. Since launch, it has achieved an average ATH ROI of over 55x across all its token sales.
In 2025, it ran 21 token sales, raising over $95 million from 70,000 investors across 110 countries. 86% of those sales were oversubscribed.
Standout performers included DoubleZero at 17x ATH and WalletConnect at 6.7x. In 2026 CoinList is going fully non-custodial – tokens from sales will go directly into wallets users control, with no intermediaries involved.
Key features include a Karma-based tier system for fair allocation, strict KYC and compliance standards, and a new non-custodial wallet model launching in 2026.
3. Binance Launchpad
Binance Launchpad is the biggest name in token launches. It has hosted 26 projects so far, raised over $513 million in total, and holds the strongest track record of any launchpad – 94% of its projects currently have positive ROI.
Over the past year, it recorded an ATH ROI of 78x across 44 launched projects when including Binance Wallet sales.
Every project that launches on Binance Launchpad eventually gets listed on Binance itself, one of the world’s largest exchanges with 190 million users. That guaranteed liquidity and visibility are something no other launchpad can match.
The vetting process is strict, which means fewer projects get through, but the ones that do carry real credibility.
Key features include BNB staking for guaranteed allocations, immediate post-launch liquidity on Binance, and access to the largest crypto exchange user base in the world.
4. Gate.io Startup
With 406 token sales to date and an average ATH ROI of 12.58x across all launches, Gate.io Startup is one of the most active launchpads in the crypto space. Every project that launches here has instant access to a big and active trading base because it is built on top of Gate.io, one of the biggest exchanges in the world with 14 million users across 190 countries.
The platform has a tiered allocation system; the more you participate in community events, trading, and staking within the Gate.io ecosystem, the higher your tier and the better your allocation in future sales.
To provide users with early access to on-chain alpha opportunities before their public release, Gate launched IDO Prime in 2025. Velvet Capital at 17.97x ATH ROI and DelphinusLab’s zkWASM at 8.16x are two notable previous launches.
Key features include a tiered allocation system, Launchpool staking rewards, IDO Prime for early on-chain access, and 56% of all launched projects currently holding positive ROI.
5. Legion Launchpad
Despite being one of the newest platforms on this list, Legion has one of the most interesting advantages. Legion uses a reputation-based scoring system called the Legion Score, which ranks participants from 0 to 1000 based on on-chain activity, social influence, and investment behavior, instead of requiring you to stake tokens or maintain a specific balance. Your allocation improves with a higher score.
Through its launches to date, it has raised $22.1 million. Notable project outcomes are Fuel Network at 4.2x ATH and Giza at 10.8x ATH. It is currently aiming for complete MiCAR compliance for European investors and is supported by AllianceDAO and Delphi Labs. Legion is worth keeping an eye on if you’re tired of whale-dominated launchpads where access is based on wallet size.
Key features include a merit-based Legion Score allocation system, no token staking required, EigenTrust anti-Sybil protection, and MiCAR compliance in progress.
6. Coin Terminal Launchpad (Prev. Ape Terminal)
Coin Terminal, previously known as Ape Terminal, launched its first project in December 2023 and has hosted 15 token sales, raising $3.27 million with an average ROI of 22.63x. It is backed by Almora Capital, Maven Capital, Brotherhood Capital, and Giga Chad Ventures.
What sets it apart is how simple it is to take part. You simply link your wallet, finish KYC, and enter the lottery; there is no native token to hold or stake. To qualify, you must have at least $50 in tokens in your wallet. Your chances of receiving an allocation increase with your social media activity. Notable launches include Ink Finance, Moongate, and RWA Inc., which delivered an 8.72x ROI.
Key features include a no-token-required participation model, a social engagement-based lottery system, and a fully decentralized platform with lower fees than most traditional launchpads.
7. Bybit Launchpad
Bybit is the world’s second largest crypto exchange by trading volume, with 80 million registered users. It has hosted 15 IEOs, with some of the strongest performances on this list.
Early investors received 47x returns from Sui, 29x returns from TARS AI, and 17x returns from Cookie DAO. With the release of Launchpad 3.1, the platform introduced a dual participation model: commit USDT tokens for lottery allocation or MNT tokens for subscription allocation.
Bybit had a difficult year in 2025. The exchange experienced a $1.4 billion hack in February that was connected to North Korea’s Lazarus Group. Bybit guaranteed no loss of client funds, processed over 350,000 withdrawal requests in the first 12 hours, and restored its reserves within 72 hours.
Key features include dual allocation model via MNT or USDT, access to Bybit’s 80 million user base, MiCA compliance in Europe, and full UAE SCA licensing.
8. Capital Launchpad (Kaito Launchpad)
Kaito AI’s token launch platform, Capital Launchpad, was introduced in July 2025. Kaito is an AI-driven data platform that maps social reputation on crypto Twitter. Its launchpad’s allocation process is based on the same social graph. Your allocation is based on your X reputation, on-chain activity, token holdings, and past project participation instead of wallet size or staked tokens.
It has held 13 sales since its launch, including Espresso and TheoriqAI, with a total of $6 million raised. Billions Network, supported by Polygon, Coinbase Ventures, and Polychain at a $200 million valuation, and Limitless Exchange are two new launches. The platform charges a 5% fee on total raises, with all project tokens redistributed back to the community through the gKAITO mechanism.
Key features include reputation-based allocation using Kaito’s social mapping engine, no staking requirement, project-defined raise terms and vesting schedules, and community fee redistribution via gKAITO.
9. ChainGPT Pad
ChainGPT Pad launched in June 2023 as the first AI-focused crypto launchpad. built specifically to incubate and launch projects at the intersection of AI and blockchain. With an average ATH ROI of 7.39x, it has hosted 12 IDOs so far. Among its best early releases are Chappyz, Friend3, and Work X; notable performers include Shieldeum at 29x.
Before going public, projects go through a 12- to 18-month process that includes product development, marketing, fundraising, networking, and exchange listing support.
Additionally, every IDO has a limited 7 to 14-day refund grace period that allows investors to change their minds before making a full commitment. Access is based on a four-tier staking system – Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Diamond, determined by how much $CGPT you stake and for how long.
Key features include AI-powered due diligence, a full incubation program averaging 12 months, a refund grace period on every IDO, and a four-tier staking allocation system.
What is a Crypto Launchpad?
A crypto launchpad is a platform that helps new blockchain projects raise money before their token goes public. It connects early-stage projects with investors who want to get in before the token hits an exchange.
For projects, it means funding, marketing support, and credibility. For investors, it means early access at the lowest possible price, before the rest of the market finds out.
ICO vs IDO vs IEO – What’s the Difference?
ICO (Initial Coin Offering)
A project sells tokens directly to investors through its own website or a platform like CoinList. No exchange involvement, no intermediary. Fast and flexible, but less regulated, which is why ICO scams were common in 2017 and 2018.
IDO (Initial DEX Offering)
Tokens launch directly on a decentralized exchange like PancakeSwap or Uniswap. No central authority controls the process, it runs through smart contracts. More transparent than an ICO, and trading starts immediately after launch.
IEO (Initial Exchange Offering)
A centralized exchange like Binance or Bybit hosts and vets the token sale on behalf of the project. The exchange stakes its own reputation on every project it lists, which means stricter screening. In return, projects get immediate listing and access to the exchange’s user base.
How to Choose the Right Crypto Launchpad
Not every launchpad is worth your time. Here is what to check before committing.
- Track record: A launchpad with 90%+ positive ROI across its launches is a very different proposition from one where most tokens are dumped on listing day.
- Vetting process: The best ones reject far more than they accept. If a platform lists everything that applies, that tells you something.
- Staking requirements: Most launchpads require you to hold or stake their native token to participate. Check the minimum amount, the lock-up period, and whether the cost of staking is worth the allocation you might receive.
- Allocation model: Is it lottery, subscription, or merit-based? Lottery means luck. Subscription means committed funds. Merit-based means your on-chain activity and reputation determine your access.
- Post-launch support: Platforms that support marketing, exchange listings, and community building give better long-term results for investors.
- Fees and vesting: Understand when your tokens unlock and what fees the platform takes. Hidden lock-up periods and high fees eat into returns fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are crypto launchpads safe?
The established ones like Binance, CoinList, and Bybit are generally safe, but no launchpad can guarantee a project will succeed. Always research the project itself, not just the platform hosting it.
Do I need to stake tokens to participate in a launchpad?
Most require it, but not all. Binance and Bybit use staking models, while platforms like Coin Terminal and Legion let you participate based on wallet activity or reputation instead.
What is the difference between a launchpad and a presale?
A presale is run directly by the project, with no platform in between. A launchpad is a third-party platform that vets the project and handles the token sale on its behalf.
Which launchpad has the best ROI?
CoinList leads with an average ATH ROI of 55x, followed by Coin Terminal at 22.63x and Binance Launchpad at 94% of projects currently holding positive returns.
Can anyone participate in a crypto launchpad?
Most launchpads require KYC verification and some restrict access by country. US residents are blocked from many platforms due to securities regulations.
Damjan Alavantioski
A freelance crypto writer covering blockchain technology, digital assets, and Web3. Focused on clear, well-researched storytelling that makes complex ideas easier to understand.