Polkastarter Review 2025 – What is Polkastarter?

By Emmanuel Donovan

Last Updated: Mar 19, 2025

Co-author

By Shraddha

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Disclaimer

Crypto is a high-risk asset class. This article is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice. You could lose all of your capital.
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Disclaimer Icon
Disclaimer

Crypto is a high-risk asset class. This article is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice. You could lose all of your capital.
99Bitcoins may receive advertising commissions for visits to a suggested operator through our affiliate links, at no added cost to you. All our recommendations follow a thorough review process.

Although Polkastarter has slipped by nearly 50% in the past year, the decentralized funding platform remains popular within the blockchain ecosystem. By supporting projects from multiple networks such as BNB Chain, Ethereum, Solana, and more, Polkastarter has helped launch over 110 projects, raising $41 million in the process.

In this Polkastarter review, we will take a detailed look at the platform and its native token and break down how to launch a project on the network. This will help give a view on whether the POLS token could have a strong future as a utility token and bounce back from recent declines in value.

Key Takeaways on Polkastarter

Here are some of the main takeaways from the Polkastarter platform.

  • Innovative Launchpad: Polkastarter provides decentralized, permissionless solutions for crypto projects to launch token sales and funding campaigns.
  • Notable Projects: It has facilitated the launch of over 100 projects, including well-known names like Humans on Ethereum and Cryptoverse.
  • Staking: Users can stake $POLS tokens to access exclusive sales and governance rights, making the platform community-driven and rewarding for token holders.
  • Cross-Chain Capabilities: It supports Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, and other networks, ensuring flexibility for developers and investors.
  • Why We Recommend Best Wallet as an Alternative: Although Polkastarter is a reputable platform for DeFi fundraising, we recommend Best Wallet Launchpad due to its range of features. These include higher transparency and more detailed vetting of listed projects.

What is Polkastarter?

Polkastarter acts as a launchpad for emerging crypto projects, helping them raise capital via its decentralized funding platform. Simply put, Polkastarter helps blockchain startups hold token sales. This is done with the use of Initial Decentralized Offerings (IDOs), which connect a network of investors to some of the upcoming upstarts within the wider crypto-sphere.

The success of Polkastarter can be attributed to its user-friendly interface and diligent project vetting process, which helps to build trust among newer and more experienced participants.

Polkastarter site

Additionally, the Polkastarter wallet provides platform cross-chain compatibility, meaning that projects built on a variety of networks can successfully fundraise without hassle. These include Ethereum, Sollana, Polygon, Binance Smart Chain, and many others. So far, 113 projects have been funded on the platform, with $41,582,502.04 raised, at the time of writing.

How Does Polkastarter Work?

The Polkastarter platform works by allowing emerging/newly launched projects to source capital from early-stage investors using a crowdfunding model. A startup will list its targets and participate in an Initial DEX Offering (IDO). This will allow them to raise funds in a decentralized manner, providing transparency to both them and would-be investors.

Leveraging its unique allowlist system, only well-vetted participants can take part in IDOs on Polkastarter, which provides an added layer of security for all involved.

This approach enables investors to discover and participate new token launches without having to manually research the project team, utility, and roadmap. In addition, the platform provides staking tools and governance mechanisms that enable holders of the native $POLS token to vote on key decisions relating to the network.

Polkastarter Services & Features

Okay, so now you have a better understanding of Polkastarter and how it works, here are some of its features.

Launchpad

At its core is Polkastarter’s launchpad, which facilitates all token sales and enables new crypto projects to raise the capital needed to execute the early phases of their roadmap. To be eligible for listing, would-be projects will first undergo a three-stage application process.

First, you must apply for the launchpad, via a detailed form that asks for the full project breakdown including start date, team members, operating ecosystem, and community. Additionally, you will also need to provide information on previous investment rounds and the details of the token sale you are pitching. You will need a pitch deck for this, along with an overview of the tokenomics.

Then, once your application is received, the Polkastarter team will analyze it fully. Should it fit the criteria, your team will then be invited for a formal interview.

Finally, if this interview goes well, the project will be placed in the queue of upcoming launches, where investors will gain access to early-stage funding opportunities.

Staking

Another special feature of Polkastarter is the ability users have to stake tokens. Investors can stake $POLS tokens to unlock rewards in the form of extra coins and access to IDOs. According to the Polkastarter site, stakers will be able to apply to join new launches immediately, bypassing the typical 7-day waiting period to be eligible for the allowlisting. Token sales often generate significant interest, so being able to skip the queue and participate right away could be a crucial step to investing in a potential 1,000x project.

As briefly mentioned above, staking also offers rewards in the form of tokens. So the more $POLS staked, holders will be able to receive a greater return and also have a great say in governance matters. For the platform, staking helps boost engagement with investors and keep them involved in the activities on the network.

Governance

Lastly, $POLS holders are given voting rights in the Council for Governance, allowing them to vote on all platform developments and future decisions. This layer of governance enables transparency and maintains the decentralized nature of the platform by ensuring no one party is in charge of deciding key aspects of the project.

Launched in 2021, the governance council seeks to create a fair and secure structure for project listings. Although the platform is decentralized, the selection process requires vetting, which becomes more transparent by implementing a council of voters.

Top Projects Launched on Polkastarter

Several successful projects have launched on the platform. Here are some of the main ones.

Cryptoverse ($LAND) – Metaverse Project with $6M Raised in NFT Sale

First on the list is Cryptoverse, which raised $6 million on Polkastarter in 2022 via an NFT sale. This metaverse project gained significant traction as a result of its Polkastarter IDO, which till now generated the highest level of investment on the launchpad. Focused on creating a decentralized virtual world, it leverages NFTs and blockchain technology to offer users ownership of digital assets and immersive experiences. It also collaborates with real-world urban planners, which helps to bring existing architecture into the digital sphere.

Cryptoverse

Humans.ai ($HEART) –  AI-Powered Platform Enhancing Content Creation

Next, we have Humans, which has provided early investors in Polkastarter returns of over 1,700%, based on its record high. In November 2021, Humans ($HEART) raised $1,170,000 at a price per token of $0.015 and later went on to reach an all-time peak of $0.2226 a month later. Overall, Humans is an AI-powered project that merges blockchain with artificial intelligence to enhance content creation and data security. Although it has since fallen significantly behind its high, it is trading at $0.0393 as of writing, which remains substantially higher than its listing price.

Humans.ai

Galaxy Fight Club ($GCOIN) – Cross-Platform PvP Game with 315% Returns

Finally, Galaxy Fight Club was second only to Cryptoverse in terms of funds raised on Polkastarter, bringing in $2 million from over 3,400 investors in its IDO, before going on to raise more funds from other sources. Listing for $0.5 in January 2022, $GCOIN managed to climb to a high of $2.14 soon after launching. This would have generated a return of 315% for early participants. The P2E (play-to-earn) game lets users battle with NFT avatars from different collections, with winners earning rewards. It is the first cross-IP crypto game available on both PC and mobile.

Galaxy Fight Club

How to Launch a Project on Polkastarter

So, you’ve seen the success stories and want to know how to launch on Polkastarter. Here’s how.

Polkastarter launch

Step 1: Apply to Raise

As mentioned above, the first step is to complete the application process through Polkastarter’s platform. Simply click “Apply to Raise,” and you will be presented with a form. The form has six main sections: Basic Information, Links, Project Details, Capital breakdown, Public Token Sale, and Partnerships.

Polkastarter IDO form

Step 2: Project Vetting / Team Interview

Once the application has been filed, it will undergo a rigorous review by the research and analysis team at Polkastarter which will explore all aspects of the project. Should this pass this stage, the team will be invited for a formal interview, where more diligence will be conducted. This is an extra layer of vetting, to ensure the team can detail the entire project, as well as a way of getting to know the people behind the token sale.

Step 3: Token Sale Approval

Finally, after a successful interview, and all the i’s are dotted and the t’s are crossed, the project will then receive approval to hold its token sale. It will now be added to the upcoming launches section with eligible investors able to engage with the token sale.

Upcoming Tokens Polkastarter

How to Join Crypto Launches on Polkastarter

As an investor, it is simple to join live launches or subscribe to upcoming launches on the platform. To start, create an account and connect your crypto wallet. Currently, Metamask, WalletConnect, Phantom, and Rainbow are accepted. You will then need to buy and stake $POLS tokens or adhere to any other specific eligibility criteria given by the project. For some, this could require additional KYC verification or allowlisting.

Stakers will be able to immediately join the allowlisting, however, those who fail to stake $POLS tokens will have a 7-day waiting period before being able to enter a new IDO.

Polkastarter signup

What Makes Polkastarter Unique?

Polkastarter stands out from some of its contemporaries due to its user-friendliness and diligent vetting process. Its cross-chain compatibility means that projects created from various platforms can access the Polkastarter investor community. Also, by adopting a governance model, the community plays a key role in all decisions made on the platform, which helps to maintain overall transparency.

Polkastarter (POLS) Token

$POLS is the native token of the Polkastarter ecosystem and acts as a utility cryptocurrency within the network. It serves multiple purposes, especially regarding gaining entry into launches, and governance. The Polkastarter coin is mainly used for obtaining access to IDOs, by allowing holders to invest in new projects earlier than the rest of the community. This can be key, as some launches tend to sell out quickly. For example, Humans.ai ($HEART) saw its token sale end 3 hours after launching, meaning many investors would have missed the opportunity.

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Aside from accessing IDOs and governance, the Polkastarter token is also used for staking. Those who stake $POLS can earn rewards based on a tiered system. For example, staking 1,000+ tokens could increase your allowlisting probability to 15%, 3,000+ coins to 30%, and so on.

At the time of writing, one $POLS token is worth $0.4328, over 28,000% higher than its record low of $0.001476. Its all-time high was $7.51, a price it hit in February 2021 as a result of increased demand for altcoins.

Is POLS a Good Investment?

There is a clear advantage to holding and staking $POLS, especially for those who are actively trying to invest in upcoming launches. The utility token offers early access to prospective investors, while also offering strong returns for stakers. Despite this, $POLS is currently trading over 99% below its record high, which appears to be an indication of how the market currently views the cryptocurrency.

As such, it is hard to say it is a good investment, but it does certainly hold significant upside potential. Especially in the event that the token begins to rebound in the next boom cycle and lists some exciting new projects on its launchpad.

Who’s Behind Polkastarter?

Unlike some projects that opt to have an anonymous team, Polkastarter is transparent regarding its creators. The founders are Daniel Stockhaus, Miguel Leite, and Tiago Martins, with Stockhaus operating as the company’s CEO. Martin’s role is now focused on being an advisor and has been the technical head behind multiple companies including Codeplace, with Leite also operating as an advisor.

Polkastarter team

Polkastarter Future Outlook and Roadmap

In a blog post in July last year that focused on its outlook for the near future, the team stated that it would “keep building.” It has outlined several key focuses for 2025. These include a community-owned fundraising protocol, new and cross-chain token sales, and buy-back features.

Community-Owned Fundraising protocol

This will allow holders of the $POLS token to vote on upcoming IDOs and LPBs while sharing fees and revenue. The aim of implementing this governance model is to empower both stakers and holders to have more influence on the platform’s direction.

New/Cross-Chain Token Sales

Additionally, the Polkastarter is hoping to introduce new token sale types, such as silent auctions and bonding curve offerings. The aim of doing this will help to diversify fundraising mechanisms, complementing traditional curated sales with more flexible and dynamic options.

The roadmap also focuses on cross-chain token sales, which could help the platform streamline fundraising across multiple blockchains. This feature will simplify the user experience by enabling swaps and withdrawals from any chain.

Buyback Feature

Another highlight to mention is the proposed Buyback feature. This will provide users with a unique refund mechanism to sell back their allocations within a specified timeframe, ensuring enhanced trust and flexibility.

Polkastarter Pros & Cons

After our research throughout this review, here are the main advantages and disadvantages of Polkastarter.

Pros:

  • Cross-chain compatibility for flexible fundraising.
  • Strong community participation through staking and governance.
  • Access to early-stage projects with high growth potential.

Cons:

  • High competition from other launchpads.
  • Requires $POLS staking for maximum benefits.

Is Polkastarter the Best Crypto Launchpad?

Polkastarter is one of the most popular crypto launchpads currently on the market, in no small part thanks to its focus on community, transparency, and strong security features. Additionally, its cross-chain capabilities help to create a robust range of projects all emerging from different networks. This curated selection of projects ensures a high standard of quality, which is appealing to both investors and startups.

Despite this, it is hard to say that Polkastarter is the best crypto launchpad, as it depends on individual needs and preferences. For instance, Best Wallet Launchpad is a strong alternative with an entire crypto ecosystem that offers both a launchpad and a crypto wallet to store your tokens. The app supports multiple blockchains like Ethereum and Solana.

This cross-chain function helps Best Wallet simplify the token purchase process by eliminating the need for complex bridging or swapping steps. Furthermore, it often hosts projects with a broader appeal, including early-stage tokens and meme coins, giving users a wider range of investment opportunities.

As seen in the image below, the Upcoming Tokens tab on the Best Wallet app lists new crypto in their infancy or even at stage 0. This means that investors can invest in these projects from the ground level, with the wallet also highlighting the balances of tokens even before the launch.

best wallet upcoming tokens page_optimized

While Polkastarter excels in its curated, high-standard approach, Best Wallet Launchpad’s focus on ease of use and diversity makes it a strong contender, particularly for those who value convenience and variety. The app also features a built-in DEX, iGaming features, and more where the upcoming native token $BEST will offer holders exclusive benefits. The project has raised over $7 million in the early stages of its BEST token presale at a current price of $0.0236. The token will ultimately power the Best Wallet ecosystem.

Conclusion

Polkastarter has established itself as a leading decentralized fundraising platform, offering innovative solutions for both projects and investors. By leveraging its cross-chain capabilities, community-driven initiatives, and a diverse range of token sale types, it continues to redefine the launchpad experience in the crypto space. The $POLS token further enhances its ecosystem by incentivizing participation and providing governance opportunities, while its roadmap promises even greater utility and features in the future.

For investors exploring alternatives, Best Wallet offers a practical and efficient way to participate in crypto presales, with a lower barrier to entry and extensive support for multi-chain projects. Whether Polkastarter or Best Wallet is the better choice depends on individual priorities, but both serve as excellent gateways into the world of crypto investments.

Visit Best Wallet

See also:

FAQs

Can I join launches without meeting the $POLS staking requirement?

How does Polkastarter select projects and maintain legitimacy?

Can I participate in Polkastarter launches from any country?

References

  1. Inside the NFT and Metaverse economy (CNBC)
  2. Why $POLS rallied by 500%? ( CoinTelegraph)
  3. Galaxy Fight Club raises $7 million to build PVP metaverse game (PRNewswire)

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Emmanuel Donovan
Emmanuel Donovan
Crypto Journalist

Emmanuel studied computer science before working in a crypto startup for 8 years. He helped develop the educational side of the business, helping to create content for beginners in the crypto ecosystem. This ranged from regulation, macroeconomics, fundamental, as well... Read More

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