Gate.io Startup offers several ways to add new coins to your crypto portfolio, from airdrops to purchases. The platform also provides access to Initial Exchange Offerings (IEOs), which are fundraising rounds for new projects that give investors the opportunity to buy tokens at an introductory price. In this Gate.io Startup review, we’ll explore how the platform works and detail its pros and cons.
Similar platforms like Binance Launchpad give a spotlight to new projects as well, but you’ll find more opportunities on Gate.io. We’ll also discuss Best Wallet, which lets you buy new tokens in presales and store them in a wallet you control. All of these platforms serve a similar goal of helping investors buy at launch prices, seeing potentially outsized gains if the projects are successful. Let’s get started with some key takeaways regarding Gate.io Startup.
Key Takeaways on Gate.io Startup
- Early Access to New Projects: Gate.io Startup lets you invest in new crypto projects before they’re publicly listed. Many projects have gone on to reach much higher prices.
- Airdrop Platform: Gate.io Startup combines Airdrop listings with startup listings you can buy. Some airdrops are open to all users with a $10 balance, whereas others are reserved for $GT token holders.
- Wider Variety of Tokens: Gate.io offers more frequent listings compared to Binance Launchpad and Launchpool.
- Consider Other Platforms: Best Wallet Launchpad provides a much easier way to invest in presale tokens and stores your tokens in a wallet you control.
What is Gate.io Startup?
Gate.io Startup is a dedicated platform within the Gate.io ecosystem that hosts Initial Exchange Offerings (IEOs). As the name suggests, an IEO is the first time a token will be listed on an exchange. Buyers on Gate.io Startup can purchase at fixed-price pre-listing costs.
After the token distribution is completed, trading begins on the exchange. Many tokens launched on the platform, such as Fantom (FTM), Harmony (ONE), and DAO Maker (DAO), have gone on to become major players in their respective market categories.
The Gate.io Startup platform offers fundraising opportunities for new projects, giving investors the chance to get in on the ground floor and potentially see their investments grow much higher. Like competing platforms, such as Binance Launchpad, Gate.io vets project applications to add a level of safety to investors. However, Gate.ip Startup consistently offers more listings and potential opportunities.
Gate.io Startup launched in 2019. Since its launch, the platform has spotlighted more than 1,000 projects, with 14 million participants in its listings and a subscription value of more than $100 million. In this context, a subscription refers to purchases for new Startup tokens on the platform.
Notably, while Gate.io services more than 190 countries, specific services on the platform, including Startup, are restricted to specific regions and may not be available to all investors. However, with the total crypto market capitalization expected to reach more than $10 trillion in the coming years, the opportunity to get in at discounted IEO prices can help maximize gains for successful startup tokens.
How Does Gate.io Startup Work?
Think of Gate.io Startup as a matchmaking service for crypto projects and investors. Let’s explore how the platform works. First, we’ll provide an overview of the process. Then, we’ll explore the details of how tokens are allocated.
1) Project Application
Gate.io requires aspiring projects to submit an application. The application asks for key information, including team details, tokenomics, technology used, and project goals. If the project is approved for listing on Gate.io Startup, much of this information is shared on the listing page in a clear and easy-to-understand format. The platform also provides project whitepapers for further due diligence.
2) Review and Selection
Gate.io’s team of experts carefully reviews each application, assessing the project’s potential, viability, and compliance with their stringent listing criteria. Only the most promising projects make it through this stage. Although Gate.io does provide more new-launch listings than some competitors, the review process is designed to weed out low-quality or fraudulent projects, protecting investors from potential scams.
3) Approval and Listing
Based on our Gate.io review, we found that projects accepted after the review process are listed on the Startup platform. Each listing gets a dedicated page showcasing its key information and token sale details.
While Gate.io provides detailed information about the project and token supply, the platform also emphasizes why it’s essential to Do Your Own Research (DYOR). This is where you, as an investor, can start exploring and researching the projects. You can access whitepapers, team bios, and other important documents to make better-informed decisions.
4) IEO Launch Planning
Gate.io works with the project team to set the terms of the IEO. Specifics include the token price, fundraising goal, and the amount of supply allocated to the launch. Typically, projects release a relatively low percentage of the total supply, often ranging from 5% to 20%. The balance may be reserved for exchange liquidity at a later date or for the team. You can find the token allocations on the project detail page.
5) User Subscription
Not all listings are open to purchase. However, users can subscribe to a specific IEO during a specified time frame by committing a certain amount of funds toward a future purchase. While subscription allocations aren’t guaranteed, larger fund commitments may help ensure a larger allocation. Subscriptions typically require funds in USDT or GT.
6) Allocation and Distribution
VIP levels on Gate.io play a significant role in token allocations. VIP level 0, for example, will only qualify for randomly selected airdrops. Users with higher VIP levels qualify for a higher allocation of “shares” in the IEO launch. For example, a VIP 1 user would be eligible for 20 shares, whereas a VIP 6 user would be eligible for 800 shares.
Gate.io caps the maximum number of shares for each VIP level while enforcing a cap of 8,000 shares per user at VIP levels 10 through 16. VIP 0 users may also receive shares based on a “lucky draw.” Notably, shares do not equal tokens but rather reflect a claim on the total number of tokens available. Allocations vary by project launch.
Gate.io uses the following formula to determine the amount of tokens for each user.
- Token Received = Shares Subscribed x Tokens Per Share x Distribution Ratio.
7) Public Listing and Trading
After claims and distribution, trading begins on the Gate.io exchange. Although token prices often rise following the new listing, token values during this price discovery period can be volatile.
8) Requirements
To participate in Gate.io Startup, users must complete the Know Your Customer (KYC) identity verification.
Users must be VIP level 1 or higher to get guaranteed share allocations. VIP levels are based on GT holdings and trading volume for the previous 30 days. Participants must also hold $10 in their account for airdrops, with new listings requiring $10 in the GT token.
Gate.io Startup Services & Features
Gate.io Startup is more than just a launchpad. The platform offers investors a secure way to find promising new tokens and offers tools to help you learn about projects in more detail, including detailed project information. After distribution, investors can trade their newly acquired tokens on one of the leading crypto exchanges worldwide.
Dedicated IEO Platform
The main feature of Gate.io Startup centers on the platform’s IEO launches and airdrops. However, several other features of this launchpad make it an attractive place to hunt for new investment opportunities. Additionally, Gate.io offers a Launchpool, which lets users stake tokens to earn tokens from promising projects.
Generally speaking, the platform offers a user-friendly platform for browsing and participating in IEOs, with clear information and intuitive navigation. You’ll find all the IEO details in one place, making it easy to explore and participate.
The platform is designed to be accessible to both novice and experienced investors. However, there remains some room for confusion regarding VIP levels and how they relate to shares in new launches. Let’s explore some of the elements that make Gate.io Startup a platform to consider.
Project Information
Gate.io provides detailed information on each project, including whitepapers, team bios, tokenomics, and a comprehensive roadmap where applicable. This gives you much of the information you need to make informed investment decisions. Investors are still encouraged to do their own research, however, and other sources may provide additional information that can guide your investment decision.
Secure Participation
IEO launches are limited to investors who have completed KYC verification on Gate.io. This measure helps ensure a secure environment for investors. In addition, the platform offers other robust security measures to protect user funds and information, including two-factor authentication (2FA) and cold storage for the majority of assets on the platform.
Many investors choose to remove their tokens from the exchange after they’ve finished trading. Gate.io supports withdrawals on a wide range of crypto networks, allowing users to move their crypto assets to a non-custodial wallet they control.
Project Variety
Compared to similar platforms such as Binance Launchpad, Gate.io offers a wider range of projects. This is partly due to the frequency with which launches occur on Gate.io. Typically, Gate.io has several live listings, whereas Binance Launchpad may not have any new listings at all.
You’ll usually find a diverse selection of projects from various sectors of the crypto industry, including DeFi, NFTs, gaming, and the metaverse. This approach keeps interest high in Startup projects, attracting a broad range of investors and allowing users to diversify their portfolio of new launch tokens.
Several Ways to Participate
Although buying into new launches with guaranteed shares is limited to VIP levels 1 and above, Gate.io offers several ways to participate in launches. These include buying subscriptions and qualifying for airdrops. This model helps ensure that everyone has a fair chance to participate in IEOs, regardless of their investment size or experience.
Gate.io Launchpool
Similar to Binance Launchpool, Gate.io also offers a Launchpool, which differs from its Startup launchpad. In this case, users can stake tokens to earn more tokens. Popular projects have included the Trump token that launched on Solana, but several tokens are typically available in the Launchpool.
Token Distribution Models
Startup projects each have their own distribution model, allowing users to compare lock-up periods and distribution percentages against similar projects in the space. For example, a project in which the team tokens are locked for a longer duration may be more attractive for those eying long-term investments.
Full-Featured Exchange
Gate.io was founded in 2013 and rebranded in 2017. Over the years, it has grown to become one of the leading cryptocurrency exchanges worldwide and offers a wide variety of trading tools. New traders will appreciate the user-friendly app, while experienced traders can use advanced trading features, such as futures and leverage trading.
How to Launch a Project on Gate.io Startup
If you’re a project team looking to launch your token on Gate.io Startup, the process starts with an in-depth application, although you’ll want to ensure your project meets Gate.io’s eligibility criteria. The Gate.io blog offers some helpful tips to help you prepare. Next, in our Gate.io Startup review, let’s look at the steps to launch a new project.
1) Meet Eligibility Criteria
Examine other successful launches for listing details they’ve provided. The Gate.io team will consider innovative technology, a detailed whitepaper, a clear roadmap, and well-defined tokenomics.
2) Submit Application
Gate.io uses a combined application for new listings, IEOs, and incubator projects. The incubator program, which launched in 2021, supports early-stage startups. You may also need to provide a whitepaper, pitch deck, team bios, token distribution plan, and legal opinions.
Be prepared to showcase your project’s strengths and potential. A detailed application can significantly increase your chances of approval.
3) Project Review
Gate.io’s team will thoroughly review your application and conduct due diligence, which may involve background checks, code audits, and market analysis. The team may contact you for additional information, but be sure to include the required information requested in the application. This step helps ensure that your project meets Gate.io standards and protects investors. Be patient and responsive throughout the review process.
4) Get Startup Approval
If approved, your project will be listed on the Startup platform, and Gate.io will work with you to schedule and manage your token sale. This part of the process includes working with Gate.io to establish a launch price, token allocation for launch, and marketing discussions.
5) Launch IEO
After token allocations and pricing are determined, you’ll also work with Gate.io on marketing to ensure your online image reflects well on the project and Gate.io, so your launch can be as successful as possible. Subscription periods last a number of days, which are determined beforehand. Once the subscription and claim periods end, your tokens are distributed to investors.
How to Join Crypto Launches on Gate.io Startup
You’ll need to create an account and complete KYC identification verification to participate in crypto launches on Gate.io Startup. Next up in our Gate.io Startup review, let’s look at a quick overview of the process. Follow the steps below to get started.
- Create an Account: Sign up for a Gate.io account and complete the KYC verification process. You’ll need to provide government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. Take this opportunity to configure two-factor authentication (2FA) to keep your account secure.
- Deposit Funds: Deposit supported cryptocurrencies into your account, such as USDT or Gate.io’s native token, GT. You can deposit crypto from another exchange or wallet or buy it directly on Gate.io. Make sure you have enough funds to participate in the IEOs you’re considering. Supported deposit methods vary by location, with credit cards supported in most countries.
- Subscribe to IEO: Look for the Launch section in the menu to find projects that may fit your investment goals. Commit funds to the IEO you wish to participate in, but read the IEO rules carefully. Each project may have different requirements.
- Receive Allocation: Based on the project’s rules, your VIP level, and the overall demand for the IEO, you’ll receive an allocation of tokens at a discounted price. The higher your VIP level, the more tokens you may be allocated. VIP levels are based on your trading volume and holdings on Gate.io. The platform often runs specials to help you reach VIP level 1 quickly.
- Trade or Transfer Your Tokens: After Gate.io distributes the tokens, trading begins on the main exchange. Alternatively, if you want to hold (Hodl) your tokens, you can transfer them to a self-custody wallet rather than leaving them on the exchange. You can transfer them back to the exchange if you need to trade.
What Makes Gate.io Startup Unique?
Although Gate.io Startup shares some similarities with other platforms, such as Binance Launchpad, Startup sets itself apart from the rest in the scope of its offerings. At press time, more than ten new launches were available.
Let’s explore some of the other features that make Gate.io a standout for investors shopping for new opportunities.
- Well-Established Platform: Gate.io Startup is part of the Gate.io exchange, which has been operating since 2013 and boasts a large, active user base. That predates the launch of Ethereum, making Gate.io one of the longest-running exchanges in the world.
- Diverse Offerings: The platform frequently adds new listings, adding to one of the largest crypto selections on the planet. You can trade any of the more than 3,500 cryptocurrencies supported by the platform, including popular assets and lesser-known tokens.
- Successful Track Record: Gate.io Startup launched some of today’s most trusted projects, including Fantom (FTM), Harmony (ONE), and DAO Maker (DAO). The platform’s own GateToken (GT) also launched on Startup and now boasts a $2 billion market cap. Historically, investors oversubscribed to Startup listings by offering more capital than the project’s fundraising goals, ensuring strong trading demand for most listings.
- Strong Security: As you’d expect, from a time-tested exchange, Gate.io employs robust security measures to protect user funds. The platform uses cold storage and multi-signature wallets. Gate.io also partners with leading cybersecurity firms to ensure user safety.
- Global Reach: The platform’s more than 20 million registered users worldwide help boost liquidity. Daily trading volume often exceeds $16 billion, which helps ensure smooth trading. However, some markets are not yet supported due to regulatory concerns. Notably, traders in the US cannot use the platform.
- Broad Blockchain Support: Gate.io supports coins and tokens from nearly countless blockchains. This broad support allows crypto assets to be moved on or off the exchange and attracts a wider audience for trading, including trading for Startup launches.
Top Projects That Have Launched on Gate.io Startup
Hundreds of projects have launched on Gate.io Startup, including some names most traders know well. These launches include Fantom (FTM), Harmony (ONE), DAO Maker (DAO), and the GT token, which is used on the Gate.io platform.
- Fantom (FTM): Fantom is a high-performance layer-1 blockchain platform known for its fast transaction speeds and low fees. It uses a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) technology for consensus and has gained popularity for its scalability and efficiency, making it a favorite among developers and users alike.
- Harmony (ONE): The Harmony blockchain uses sharding, similar to Ethereum 2.0 upgrades, to achieve impressive scalability. The project promises to aid the development of decentralized applications (dApps) through enhanced interoperability combined with faster and cheaper transactions.
- DAO Maker (DAO): The DAO Maker platform provides tools and services for creating and managing decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), empowering community governance and participation. This popular platform has been used to create DAO contracts for many of today’s newer protocols.
- GateToken (GT): The GT token plays a central role in the Gate.io platform. GT holders can qualify for higher VIP levels based, in part, on their GT holdings. Higher VIP levels earn reduced trading fees and qualify for more shares in Startup launches.
Gate.io Startup has also launched successful projects like Radio Caca (RACA), a metaverse project; Aurory (AURY), a play-to-earn game; and StarSharks (SSS), an NFT gaming platform. In early 2025, Gate.io hosted a million-token airdrop for Shiba Inu’s TREAT token.
Gate.io Startup Future Outlook – Roadmap
Based on its past performance, Gate.io is always looking for ways to improve its Startup launchpad. Let’s explore some of the possibilities for the platform.
- Expand project offerings and features: As the crypto market grows in new directions, Gate.io has done an impressive job of staying at the leading edge of the market. Future token categories may include decentralized identity and Web3 infrastructure tokens, as well as AI or decentralized storage market tokens.
- Improve user experience and platform usability: One criticism of Gate.io is that it can be more difficult for new investors to navigate. The VIP structure and GT requirements, while designed to offer a fair distribution, fall short of being intuitive. Historically, Gate.io has found ways to streamline trading, and we hope to see this element of the platform become more newbie-friendly.
- Increase community engagement: Gate.io hosts AMAs with project teams and spotlights new projects on its dedicated Gate.io Startup X account. Expect this community outreach to evolve based on feedback from the community itself.
Gate.io Startup vs. Binance Launchpad
We’ve mentioned Binance Launchpad several times in this Gate.io Startup review. Let’s compare some similarities and differences between these two platforms.
Platforms | Gate.io Startup | Binance Launchpad |
Project Variety | Much wider selection and more frequent listings. | Sporadic launches, with a greater focus on the Launchpool platform |
User Interface | Clean and informative, but the VIP system can be confusing for newer users | Cold storage, multi-sig wallets, 2FA |
Security | Cold storage, multi-sig wallets, 2FA | col 3 |
KYC | KYC required for all Startup launches | KYC is required in most jurisdictions but varies by region |
Key Differences:
- Project Selection: Gate.io Startup offers a constant stream of new-launch tokens through its Launchpad and Launchpool. By comparison, Binance may go months without any new listings in its Launchpad.
- User Experience: Most users will find Binance to be more user-friendly, especially for beginners.
- Participation Requirements: Both platforms have their own version of holding requirements for eligibility. Binance Launchpad often has holding requirements for BNB to participate in IEOs, while Gate.io Startup requires users to hold (or buy with) GT tokens in many cases.
Gate.io Startup Pros & Cons
Although Gate.io Startup offers a wider selection of new tokens and more frequent launches, the platform can pose challenges for new users. let’s review the pros and cons of Gate.io’s new token launchpad.
Pros
- A wider selection of new tokens than competing platforms
- Opportunity to buy new tokens at discounted prices
- Well-established platform with several years of history
Cons
- Startup platform can be difficult to master for new users
- Strict KYC requirements
- GT token holdings required for Startup projects
Is Gate.io Startup the Best Crypto Launchpad?
Earlier in our Gate.io Startup review, we compared Gate.io Startup to Binance Launchpad. Which one is better? For many traders, the answer may be neither.
Newer platforms like Best Wallet Launchpad offer a much easier way to buy presale tokens, including Ethereum Layer 2 projects like Flockerz and Best Wallet’s own token, which is exclusive to the platform.
The easy-to-use app supports Android and iOS devices, putting new listings at your fingertips.
Best Wallet is a non-custodial wallet, meaning you control the wallet’s private keys rather than entrusting an exchange. Currently, Best Wallet supports Ethereum ERC-20 tokens and NFTs, but the crypto app has ambitious plans and will support Bitcoin and several other popular networks.
Users can buy crypto directly within the app, using third-party providers to fund their wallets. Then, you explore a curated selection of dApps, buy, sell, and send crypto, or get in on the latest new tokens.
Unlike complex platforms like Binance Launchpad or Gate.io, Best Wallet offers a newbie-friendly way to buy presale tokens and store them in your own wallet in just one step. Similar to Gate.io, you’ll always find new listings, each with a detailed overview so you can make better-informed buying decisions.
Recent successful launches include the Pepe Unchained token. This innovative Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain is designed for meme coin trading. Users can also stake their Pepe Unchained tokens to earn impressive yields. If you’re a newer trader or don’t want to jump through hoops to buy new tokens, Best Wallet may be the best option.
Conclusion
Gate.io Startup provides a wider variety of new launches than its best-known competitor, Binance Launchpad. The frequency of new token launches could create more opportunities for investors looking for the opportunity to invest at early-stage pricing. However, the platform isn’t open to everyone, with both geo-restrictions and often token-gated access.
Newer traders and those who don’t want to spend more to qualify for higher VIP tiers on yet another exchange could consider other options, such as Best Wallet Launchpad. Best Wallet removes all the hoops and additional requirements, allowing anyone to access presale token launches without VIP restrictions or purchase caps. The easy-to-use app also stores your tokens in a wallet that you control.
FAQs
Is Gate.io a Chinese company?
Is Gate.io legal in the US?
Is Gate.io better than Coinbase?
References
- Crypto Market Cap Could Balloon to $10T by 2026 (coindesk.com)
- Startup FAQ (gate.io)
- Largest cryptocurrency spot exchanges (statista.com)
- Gate.io Token Listing Process (gate.io)
- Shiba Inu Treat(TREAT): Gate.io Startup Initial Free Offering (gate.io)
- Gate Startup X Account (x.com)
In This Article
- Key Takeaways on Gate.io Startup
- What is Gate.io Startup?
- How to Join Crypto Launches on Gate.io Startup
- What Makes Gate.io Startup Unique?
- Top Projects That Have Launched on Gate.io Startup
- Gate.io Startup Future Outlook - Roadmap
- Gate.io Startup Pros & Cons
- Is Gate.io Startup the Best Crypto Launchpad?
- Conclusion
- FAQs
- References
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