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16 Best Crypto ICOs to Invest in 2024

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Kane Pepi

Last updated on: 9 December 2024

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Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) provide an opportunity for investors to get in early on the best crypto ICOs. Similar to crowdfunding, crypto ICOs enable the community to significantly influence a project’s growth while offering the chance for substantial future returns.

Given the thousands of crypto ICOs launching monthly, finding the best ones can be challenging. That’s why our team has conducted thorough research to compile a list of the top crypto ICOs available today. This page highlights the best ongoing ICOs, evaluating factors like amount raised, sellout speed, post-launch sell pressure, social media followings, pricing structure, and the likelihood of hitting the hard cap. We break down how these ICOs work, why they are the best ICOs of 2024, and how to identify the top new and upcoming ICOs for your investment portfolio.

The 16 Best ICOs – Ranked and Reviewed

In my view, the 16 best crypto ICOs for 2024 are listed below:

The Top New Crypto ICOs Reviewed

I’ll now review the best ICO cryptocurrency projects listed above. I explore the upside potential, token use cases, ICO details, and other important factors.

1. Wall Steet Pepe – Meme Coin with a Game-Changing DEX

Wall Street Pepe ($WEPE) is turning heads in the crypto space by combining the viral charm of meme coins with real-world utility through its innovative decentralized exchange (DEX). Unlike typical meme tokens, $WEPE offers tangible benefits, including discounted transaction fees for traders using its DEX, adding a layer of practicality to its meme-inspired appeal.

Liquidity providers can get exciting airdrop rewards, a strategy that not only boosts liquidity on the platform but also ensures competitive pricing and smooth order execution. By fostering an efficient and rewarding trading environment, Wall Street Pepe positions itself as a leader in the growing meme coin ecosystem.

The presale for $WEPE is sparking significant anticipation, with early participants gaining access to the lowest prices before incremental increases during the presale phase. This pricing structure incentivizes early adoption, allowing savvy investors to maximize their potential returns.

Crypto analysts are paying close attention to $WEPE, highlighting its potential to skyrocket, particularly with the successful rollout of its DEX. The project’s utility-driven approach has drawn comparisons to well-established Ethereum-based DEXs such as Uniswap and Sushiswap, whose market caps exceed $4 billion and $339 million, respectively.

Wall Street Pepe has allocated 60% of its total token supply for the presale and 12% for staking rewards. This structure not only supports liquidity and community growth but also provides investors with lucrative opportunities for passive income.

To stay updated on Wall Street Pepe and its promising future, follow it on X (Twitter).

2. Crypto All-Stars – Stake the Best Meme Coins On a Single Platform

Crypto All-Stars ($STARS) is an innovative crypto platform that assembles the world’s top meme coins under one roof. With its unique ‘MemeVault’ feature, Crypto All-Stars allows token holders to stake their favorite meme tokens. 

On the MemeVault, investors can stake popular meme coins such as Dogecoin, Pepe, Shiba Inu, and Brett. $STARS, the native token, will be offered as a staking reward to token holders. Notably, investors that hold $STARS tokens get 3x the normal APY on Crypto All-Stars.

This innovative utility is increasing the demand of the $STARS token during the ongoing presale. In just a few days, the Crypto All-Stars ICO has raised more than $336K. At the time of writing, $STARS is priced at $0.0016648 per token on ICO. 20% of the total supply will be distributed through the ICO. 

Currently, $STARS can be staked on smart contracts to earn an APY as high as 277%. To learn more about the project, read the Crypto All-Stars whitepaper and join the Telegram channel. 

Hurry! The Crypto All-Stars presale ends the weekend before Christmas! Act now!

Visit Crypto All-Stars

3. Best Wallet Token – New ICO Available Exclusively to Existing Best Wallet Users

Best Wallet is a popular non-custodial wallet that lets users manage all their digital assets seamlessly. The platform has recently launched the $BEST token – its native currency which offers various benefits such as discounted trading fees and higher staking rewards. 

Currently, the Best Wallet Token is exclusively available to existing Best Wallet users through the ICO. The ICO can be accessed on Best Wallet’s ‘Upcoming Tokens’ page, where $BEST can be purchased at a discounted price. 

Benefits of holding $BEST include exclusive access to crypto presales and other new projects. Furthermore, token holders can get voting rights and dictate the future of the platform, while also earning a higher APY compared to those who do not hold the $BEST token. 

Due to these benefits, $BEST has huge potential to sell out quickly through the ICO rounds. In total $BEST has a token supply of 10 billion. To learn more about this crypto project, join the  Best Wallet Telegram channel and follow them on X (Formerly Twitter).  

Visit Best Wallet Token

4. CatSlap – Innovative Cat-Themed Meme Coin with Interactive Gaming Features

CatSlap ($SLAP) is an emerging meme coin platform that combines viral cat-themed content with interactive gaming features. Its unique “Slapometer” feature allows users to participate in a global competitive slapping game while earning high rewards.

On the Slapometer platform, players can join a worldwide cat-slapping game to earn points and compete for a spot on the leaderboard. The project launched directly on DEX with an initial market cap of $1 million.

It’s worth mentioning that the $SLAP token saw an over 1,800% jump in less than 24 hours of the official launch and hit a fully diluted market cap of $18+ million.

Launching during the 2024 Q4 bull run, CatSlap aims to capitalize on the success of other cat-themed tokens like PopCat and MEW. With 20% of tokens reserved for staking rewards, the platform plans to implement staking features in Stage 2 of its roadmap.

The total supply of $SLAP tokens is 9,000,000,000, with 50% allocated to liquidity and 10% for community rewards. You can buy $SLAP tokens through Best Wallet using ETH, USDT, or cards.

Investors can join the CatSlap Telegram channel and follow it on X (Twitter) for the latest project updates. Check out our guide on How to Buy Catslap if you want to get in on the action.

Visit CatSlap

5. Flockerz – New Vote-to-Earn Meme Coin, $166K Raised in a Few Days

Flockerz ($FLOCK) is a decentralized cryptocurrency project that rewards community members through its voting DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization). 

All $FLOCK holders get access to the Vote-to-Earn DAO, where they can vote on future project proposals and platform decisions. Every time you vote on the DAO, Flockerz will reward you with additional tokens. 

$FLOCK, the native token, can be purchased through its first ICO stage – for just $0.0062245 per token. So far, more than $4.2 has already been raised within a few weeks of the ICO launch. 20% of the total supply will be allocated to ICO investors. 

With $FLOCK, token holders can also stake their holdings on smart contracts. At the time of writing, the annual staking yield is over 7,000%. To learn more about this meme coin, go through the Flockerz whitepaper and join the Telegram channel. 

Visit Flockerz

6. Pepe Unchained – Overall Best Meme Coin ICO, $65M Raised

We have picked Pepe Unchained ($PEPU) as the best meme coin ICO due to its strong ICO launch, staking rewards, and high transaction speeds. 

Pepe Unchained is a new meme token that has been built on the Ethereum layer-two (L2) blockchain. The L2 chain improves the scalability, speed, and efficiency of the primary blockchain. Therefore, $PEPU token holders can benefit from low gas fees and fast transaction speeds. 

Currently, $PEPU is priced at $0.01295 per token on the ICO round. Within just a week since the ICO launched, Pepe Unchained has raised nearly $66 million. From a total supply of 8 billion tokens, 20% will be allocated through the ICO. 

Pepe Unchained will also allocate 30% of its token supply through staking rewards. At press time, $PEPU can be staked to earn an annual yield of more than 55%. 2.9 billion tokens are already staked on Pepe Unchained.

This token’s popularity and its potential have recently exploded. Small wonder, then, that crypto gurus are wondering whether Pepe Unchained can reach the same heights as Ethereum’s presale in its unprecedented market cap gains of $100 billion, achieved in a mere 5 days.  We think it’s worth jumping into Pepe Unchained’s presale soon!

To learn more about this new meme coin, go through the Pepe Unchained whitepaper and join the Telegram channel. 

Hurry and get in on the action – presale ends soon!

7. Sponge V2 (SPONGEV2) — Latest Version of the Popular Meme Coin with Real Use Case Utility

Into meme coins and looking for the next exciting project? Sponge V2 ($SPONGE) might catch your attention. This brand takes the meme coin experience to the next level, with enhanced features and a growing ecosystem. Sponge V2’s focus on utility and engagement allows it to create a sustainable, long-term platform for its holders.

You can trade Sponge V2 on decentralized exchanges (DEXs), which are probably the best ICO exchanges. The project boasts a total supply of 40.4 billion $SPONGE tokens, with a portion of the tokens reserved for community rewards and ecosystem development. At the time of writing, Sponge V2’s price is a competitive $0.000012, offering early investors an opportunity to get in at a relatively low entry point.

Sponge V2 is also looking into integrating staking and liquidity pools, giving holders more ways to engage with the platform and earn passive rewards. Future updates hint at a possible expansion into NFTs and metaverse integration, providing more ways for the Sponge V2 community to interact and grow.

For more details on this exciting new project, check out the Sponge V2 whitepaper and its Telegram channel.

Visit SpongeV2

8. Meme Index – Community-Centric Meme Coin Aggregator Offering Over 14,000% APY

Another rising ICO to check out is Meme Index ($MEMEX). This crypto project is a decentralized platform with 4 different indexes that aggregate different meme coins from the most popular tokens to exotic cryptocurrencies.

Meme Index’s options range from a basket of the top 10 meme coins featuring $DOGE, $SHIB, and $PEPE with its Meme Titan Index to a collection of high-risk, high-reward nearly unheard-of meme tokens through its Meme Frenze Index. Each index provides varying levels of volatility to suit traders’ differing risk appetites.

Additionally, Meme Index relies on its community to adapt to current meme coin market trends. $MEMEX holders benefit from token governance, allowing them to shape the project’s future. One key perk that users with $MEMEX holdings get is the ability to submit and vote on proposals, which add meme tokens to the indexes.

The decentralized project also offers high staking rewards as users can stake their $MEMEX for over 14,000% APY at the time of writing. Interested buyers can purchase the native cryptocurrency in the Meme Index presale for $0.014 per token.

Read the Meme Index whitepaper to learn more about the platform, and join the Telegram channel for the latest news.

Visit Meme Index

9. Dreamcars – Buy Luxury Cars With as Little as $10 and Earn Rental Income

Dreamcars ($DCARS) offers a unique investment opportunity by integrating luxury car ownership with blockchain technology. Through their platform, investors can purchase fractional shares of luxury rental cars at just $10, giving every investor access to high-end vehicles. This model allows for diversified portfolios and the potential for substantial returns via passive income and token price appreciation.

The way it works is Dreamcars buys a luxury car and mints an NFT to represent it on the blockchain. Investors can then buy shares of the car for fractional ownership or full ownership if an investor owns all shares. A standout feature of Dreamcars is the monthly USDT rewards distributed to investors from the rental income.

Investors will need to acquire $DCARS tokens first to buy the cars. Sold at a discount during the presale, investors have a chance to load up before the luxury car selling starts. Dreamcars has already acquired a Black Lamborghini Urus, which will be the first car to go on sale.

Token holders can also vote on which cars Dreamcars should buy next. Once bought, all Dreamcars cars are fully insured and kept at Dreamcars showrooms worldwide, where they are rented.

Investors can earn between 20% and 50% APY, depending on the car. Moreover, investors who buy $DCARS during the presale can earn bonus tokens and exclusive NFTs with special rewards.

For more information, go through the Dreamcars whitepaper and join the Telegram channel.

Visit Dreamcars

10. Redefining the Dogecoin Ecosystem with Next-Level Innovation

Dogesquared ($DOGE2) is bringing a fresh twist to the Dogecoin legacy by introducing a cutting-edge layer-two (L2) scaling solution. Designed to enhance speed and cost-efficiency, this project merges the best of Ethereum and Dogecoin to deliver lightning-fast transactions and minimal fees—perfect for a growing community of crypto enthusiasts.

Powered by zk-rollup technology on Ethereum, Dogesquared batches transactions to optimize processing times. Once fully integrated with Dogecoin, it promises ultra-low transaction costs and seamless access to decentralized finance (DeFi) apps and decentralized applications (DApps). This positions Dogesquared as a bridge between two powerful ecosystems.

At the heart of this project is the $DOGE2 token, which has already made waves by raising over $43,000 just days into its presale. With a total supply of 5 billion tokens and 2.5 billion available at $0.008 each during the presale, early adopters have a unique opportunity to join the movement.

Dogesquared also offers a jaw-dropping 23,000% APY, making it an attractive option for those seeking substantial passive income.

For the full scoop, check out the Dogesquared whitepaper or venture into the project’s Telegram community. Otherwise, there’s also a wealth of information on X (previously known as Twitter).

11. Race to a Billion – Formula One Prediction Platform Provides High Staking Rewards

Race to a Billion ($BDJ) is a Formula One prediction platform that rewards users for successfully predicting the outcome of races. For each F1 race, users can access the Race to a Billion platform and predict the top 10 racers. 

Successful predictions are rewarded with $BDJ tokens. While $BDJ can be earned through the betting game, it can also directly be purchased through the ongoing ICO round. 

From a total supply of 2.5 billion tokens, 1 billion $BDJ tokens are being distributed through the ICO. At press time, $BDJ is priced at $0.0076 per token. It has recently attracted attention in the best ICO reviews for its successful fusion of sports, technology and games of chance. Its presale results definitely register this, with more than $146K raised in just a few weeks.

To generate further rewards, investors can stake their $BDJ tokens and earn an APY of 6,250%. Another 500 million tokens will be distributed through staking rewards. So far, over 6 million tokens are staked on the staking mechanism. 

Join the Race to a Billion Telegram channel and follow the X page to learn more about the project. 

Visit Race to a Billion

12. SpacePay – Decentralized Token Supports Crypto Payments at Retail Locations, $200K Raised

The next top ICO to invest in 2024 is SpacePay ($SPY). I would recommend SpacePay as one of the best crypto ICO platforms for a number of reasons. Notably, this ERC-20 token has raised more than $225K within a few days since its ICO launch.

SpacePay is proving to be one of the top-performing ICOs due to its revolutionary utility. This platform facilitates crypto transactions through its POS (Point-of-Sale) terminal-agnostic payment terminal. Thus, customers can make payments at retail locations with SpacePay.

All one needs to do is scan the QR code displayed on the SpacePay device, connect their wallet, and make a payment. Merchants will have the option to receive funds in the local currency.

However, the token’s utility extends beyond the payment protocol. $SPY has been created to incentivize the platform’s adoption. Every month, $SPY will be distributed as airdrops to the most used platform members.

Your $SPY tokens will give you voting access within the platform, as well as quarterly webinar meetings with the leadership team. In the future, $SPY token holders will be the first to access new products and services on the SpacePay platform.

Due to these features, we believe that SpacePay is one of the top ICOs to take part in 2024. Currently, $SPY is priced at $0.00147 per token. For more information, go through the SpacePay whitepaper and join the Telegram channel.

Visit SpacePay

13.

FreeDum Fighters – Parody Project on the Upcoming U.S. Elections

FreeDum Fighters ($DUM) is a parody of the upcoming U.S. presidential election. On the ecosystem, players can support either of the clashing political figureheads – MAGATRON or Kamacop 9000. It is surely one of the hottest new top ICO platforms for this, as well as other reasons.

Through staking rewards and weekly debates, $DUM token holders can increase their earning potential. First is the staking mechanism – where token holders can stake either on the MAGATRON side or the Kamacop side. The staking returns vary – currently at 231% for MAGATRON, and 347% for Kamacop. 

Another interesting feature is the weekly debates – where winners will be airdropped $DUM tokens. Interest in this meme coin has been soaring since the ICO launch – which has raised $100K in just a day. 

From the 270 billion token supply, 108 billion tokens are being offered through the ICO. At press time, $DUM is priced at $0.000115 per token. Stay tuned for more project updates by going through the FreeDum Fighters whitepaper and joining the Telegram channel. Another great way of learning about this token is by checking out the video below:-

Visit FreeDum Fighters

14. BlastUp – New L2 Ethereum Launchpad, $5 Million Raised on Presale 

BlastUp ($BLP) is a layer-two Ethereum launchpad, giving users access to new and upcoming projects on the Blast ecosystem. $BLP, the native cryptocurrency, will be used to get a portion of BlastUp’s revenues from new projects and earn bonuses and NFT rewards.

Currently, $BLP is priced at $0.06 per token during the ongoing ICO stage. From a 1 billion token supply, 200 million tokens are being offered through the ICO. So far, the ICO has raised $8 million.

Token holders can stake $BLP on smart contracts to earn high interest and passive income. Those staked holders who invest in new IDO projects through the launchpad also earn exclusive access loyalty rewards on BlastUp.

By purchasing $BLP, you can also start collecting ‘Booster Points,’ – another utility token on BlastUp. Those holding at least 1,000 points can open a ‘Blastbox’ and win a range of NFTs and ETH tokens.

BlastUp also offers a portion of funds raised from upcoming projects to staked token holders through staking pools. All these use cases have helped $BLP blast off since its ICO launch.

For more project updates, join the BlastUp Telegram channel and follow the project on Twitter.

Visit BlastUp

15. Soldiers – Earn Token Rewards Across Various Crypto Gaming Modes

Soldiers ($SDRS) is a new cryptocurrency that allows token holders to earn rewards by engaging in various battle and competition modes.

$SDRS, the native token, has recently launched on stage one of a ten-stage gaming ICO. From a total supply of 1 billion tokens, Soldiers will allocate 250 million for the ICO. At press time, $SDRS is priced at $0.00000666667 during the first stage.

When $SDRS launches on exchanges, the price will increase by 150% to $0.00001 per token. Therefore, early ICO investors could benefit by investing in the token during the early stages.

Soldiers will allow token holders to engage in gaming modes such as ‘Rumble,’ allowing them to join a team and battle for rewards. Token rewards will be divided depending on your ranking system. The highest ranking system is the ‘General’ – which offers a 1x multiplier on the total rewards earned.

One of the upcoming features of Soldiers is the ‘Showdown’ mode, an NFT soldiers card game. You can also earn $SDRS by actively engaging with the community. A staking mechanism will be implemented in the future to reward loyal and long-term token stakers.

To learn more about this cryptocurrency, go through the Soldiers whitepaper and join the Telegram channel.

Visit Soldiers Token

16. Coindexer – Decentralized Cryptocurrency Offers a Robust Security Network and Advanced Trading Tools

Coindexer ($COINDEX) is a decentralized crypto platform that bridges the gap between decentralized and centralized trading. The native token, $ COINDEX, has recently launched its ICO campaign and is priced at $0.00156 per token.

$COINDEX has a total supply of 5 billion tokens, of which 2.5 billion are being allocated for the ICO. So far, the ICO has raised more than $20K in a few weeks. Early ICO investors can benefit from the high staking yield Coindexer offers.

At press time, investors can stake their holdings on Coindexer and generate an annual yield of 3,087%. 10% of the total supply will be offered as staking rewards in the long term. Importantly, Coindexer’s centralized and decentralized trading features will play an integral role in attracting investors to the ICO.

For decentralized traders, Coindexer offers a number of robust security features, such as penetration testing, rigorous code reviews, and smart contract audits. Furthermore, investor’s funds are stored in multi-signature wallets. For traders that use centralized exchanges, Coindexer comes equipped with a number of advanced trading tools, such as stop-loss orders, limit orders, and margin trading.

These factors can help build demand for the ongoing $COINDEX presale. To learn more about this new cryptocurrency, go through the Coindexer whitepaper and join the Telegram channel.

Visit Coindexer

17. Healix – AI-Integrated Platform Making Health and Well-being More Affordable

Healix (HLX) is operating in a multi-trillion marketplace; health and well-being. It has developed an inclusive ecosystem that’s fueled by artificial intelligence and data science. It aims to make healthcare more affordable. Healix has created a mobile app that connects healthcare practitioners and fitness coaches to the masses.

The app leverages biometrics to obtain real-time data, which is securely held on the blockchain. This offers many use cases, such as sleep tracking, stress monitoring, and wellness scoring. It also offers AI-backed training, allowing users to set and track fitness goals.

There is also a rewards-based system, meaning users can earn HLX tokens when achieving health objectives. HLX is also a payment currency, enabling users to purchase health services and well-being products. The Healix ICO is in stage one, so just over $62,000 has been raised so far. This enables early investors to secure the lowest price of $0.03.

18. Eosi Finance – Private-Round ICO With an Immediate Upside of 850%

Eosi Finance (EOSIF) has developed a consumer-friendly trading platform that supports passive investing. Put simply, users can copy pre-vetted crypto traders like-for-like. Anything the trader buys or sells is replicated in real time. Eosi Finance has also integrated AI solutions. This helps users to choose the best trader based on their goals and risk tolerance.

The platform is on-chain, meaning that Eosi Finance never touches client funds. Instead, users securely connect a wallet and enable smart contracts to execute positions. The platform is also cloud-based, ensuring server uptime around the clock. EOSIF is the native ecosystem token backing the project.

It’s currently being sold via a private round ICO, which anyone can access. The current ICO price is just $0.10. This increases to $0.60 when the public round starts. After the ICO, EOSIF will be listed on exchanges at $0.95. This offers an 850% upside for private-round investors. However, there is a vesting period, where 25% of tokens are released every four months.

What Is a Crypto ICO?

The ICO platform list above focuses on the best brands available at this time. Still, you may be wondering what the acronym stands for, and what it involves. ICOs are initial coin offerings. They’re similar to initial public offerings, as they enable crypto projects to raise funds from retail investors. The process is simple; you carry out ICO investments with popular coins like ETH or USDT. In return, ICO investors purchase the top initial coin offerings and receive the project’s native tokens.

This means ICO investors are buying a brand-new token before it launches on exchanges. Put otherwise, it’s like buying into a startup before it lists on a stock exchange. Just like ICOs, this offers preferential pricing for early investors. This is because you’re backing a project before it becomes mainstream.

However, ICOs are very risky. You’re often investing before the project has a working product or service. It might never achieve its goals and objectives, which can leave ICO investors with worthless tokens. That said, due to the increased risks, ICO investors expect significant returns. In some cases, successful ICOs have led to exponential gains for early participants, providing opportunities for 100x or even 1000x returns if the project scales rapidly and attracts large user bases or partnerships.

Many ICOs now use various investor protections to ensure the team delivers on its promises before early investors can fully sell their holdings. One example of this is token vesting schedules. These can help stabilize token prices and prevent immediate sell-offs post-ICO, providing more assurance for long-term supporters.

Other than this, some ICOs conduct multiple funding rounds. This gradually increases token prices in each stage, allowing investors to enter at different points based on risk tolerance. These measures add layers of security and investment options, especially for those seeking to balance risk and reward over time.

ICO Example: As per CoinCodex data, Solana held its fundraising campaign in April 2018. Early investors paid just $0.22 per SOL. Solana has since achieved an all-time high price of $260.06. This represented returns of almost 12,000%. So, for every $1,000 invested, you could have returned $120,000.

Is an ICO the Same as a Crypto Presale?

The terms ‘ICO’ (Initial Coin Offering) and ‘presale’ are often used interchangeably in the crypto space, and they essentially refer to the same fundraising mechanism. Both terms describe a process where new cryptocurrency projects sell their native tokens to raise capital for development and marketing efforts. The key point is that anyone can participate in a presale or ICO, provided they have the necessary funds and a compatible crypto wallet.

In most cases, the project will conduct the fundraising campaign directly on its official website. Potential investors simply connect their wallets, select their preferred payment currency (e.g., ETH, USDT, or even BTC), and proceed to purchase the tokens at the presale price, which is often lower than what it will be post-listing.

After the presale or ICO concludes, the tokens are typically listed on exchanges to facilitate trading. While this is often done through decentralized exchanges (DEXs) like Uniswap or PancakeSwap, some projects manage to secure listings on centralized exchanges (CEXs) like Binance or Coinbase right from the start, offering broader market access and potentially higher liquidity for early investors. In addition, many projects now employ vesting schedules, meaning token allocations are unlocked gradually after the ICO, reducing the risk of sudden sell-offs and promoting long-term stability, growth, and community loyalty among participants.

Another notable difference lies in timing and pricing advantages. Presales often occur in exclusive early stages, sometimes offering significant discounts and incentives such as bonus tokens or preferential terms. This strategy is designed to attract strategic investors or community members who are willing to support the project before it gains widespread traction. ICOs, by contrast, are more public-facing and might not always provide these early-stage advantages, although they aim to reach a broader market.

For those new to the crypto space, participating in a presale or ICO can be an exciting way to get in early on a project with strong potential, but it’s crucial to research thoroughly and assess the project’s credibility before investing. It’s also essential to be mindful of risks. Consider whether the team offers regular updates and has transparent documentation, as these can be good indicators of a project’s legitimacy and commitment to its community. Also, look out for established partnerships and strategic investors, since such factors add credibility and potential support.

Yet another key distinction between ICOs and presales lies in the target audience. Presales often cater to early-stage or strategic investors and may offer private allocations before being made public. ICOs, on the other hand, are typically open to a wider audience from the outset.

Furthermore, presales may focus on building initial liquidity and community interest, while ICOs aim to achieve large-scale adoption and funding. Some presales also include bonus token allocations or tiered pricing structures to incentivize early participation. Understanding these nuances can help investors tailor their strategies. It can also work to identify opportunities that align with their risk tolerance and investment goals.

ICOs vs. IEOs

Another term you’ll likely come across is IEOs or initial exchange offerings. IEOs are different from ICOs. This is because IEOs are held directly on crypto exchanges. This comes with several benefits. For a start, IEOs are typically pre-vetted by the exchange platform.

This gives investors confidence, as the project will have gone through a KYC (Know-Your-Customer) process. The exchange will also evaluate the project goals, token use cases, and smart contract audit. In addition, the tokens will usually be listed on the respective exchange once the IEO is over. This can offer immediate liquidity, although it depends on the exchange.

In contrast, ICOs sell their tokens directly to investors. While this means projects aren’t pre-vetted, ICO investors generally get a much better deal. I found that ICOs offer staggered pricing structures, meaning early investors secure the lowest entry price. What’s more, anyone can invest in an ICO. IEOs, however, might only be available to investors from eligible countries. ICOs can also provide more diverse investment opportunities, as many projects seek to attract a global audience. This gives investors early access to innovative projects that might not yet be listed on major exchanges. In addition, ICOs tend to attract a more diverse range of projects, from DeFi protocols to metaverse-based tokens. In this way, investors get a wide array of options to explore, depending on their risk appetite and interests.

It’s also worth noting that some ICOs can offer greater flexibility when it comes to token distribution schedules, giving investors more control over their assets and withdrawal timings. Other than this, ICOs may have fewer geographic restrictions, expanding opportunities. ICOs also often allow for higher potential returns as they involve more risk, but conducting thorough due diligence is crucial to avoid potential scams or underperforming projects.

Another notable distinction is that with IEOs investors need to use the native token of the hosting exchange to participate. This could mean additional costs or barriers for newcomers unfamiliar with the platform. On the other hand, ICOs typically accept a wider range of cryptocurrencies, such as ETH or BTC. In this way, they’re more accessible to a global audience.

For both options, understanding the project’s roadmap, whitepaper, and team credentials is crucial to make an informed investment decision. Moreover, investors should consider the long-term growth potential of the token, as not all IEOs or ICOs are guaranteed to deliver post-launch gains.

Finally, while IEOs benefit from the exchange’s marketing reach, ICOs often rely on community-driven promotions and grassroots efforts, possibly leading to more organic and enthusiastic investor bases. However, this also means ICOs can be riskier, as they lack the institutional backing that IEOs often have.

How Do Crypto ICOs Work?

The best crypto ICOs are brand-new projects, so can yield significant upside. However, the investment process is different from buying tokens on an exchange. In a typical ICO, the project team will create a limited supply of tokens and offer them to early investors at a set price, usually before the tokens are listed on public exchanges.

If you’re new to cryptocurrency ICOs, I’ll now explain how the process works. This will ensure you avoid mistakes, which can lead to a loss of funds. As you’ll see, it’s essential to start by researching the project’s whitepaper, as it outlines the vision, use case, and tokenomics.

First off, look for clear, realistic goals and a strong development team. Also avoid projects that lack transparency or have vague promises. In addition to the whitepaper, consider checking for security audits and partnerships with reputable firms, as these can add credibility to the project. Join community discussions on platforms like Telegram and Discord to gauge public sentiment and gain insights from other potential investors. Before actually participating, ensure the ICO’s smart contract has been audited to avoid any vulnerabilities that could lead to loss of funds. Understanding how funds raised during the ICO will be allocated can also offer insight into the team’s commitment to development.

It’s also smart to look for ICOs that offer token vesting schedules, as these can help protect your investment by gradually releasing tokens over time, reducing the risk of immediate price dumps. Furthermore, check if the project has established KYC (Know Your Customer) protocols or aligns with regional regulatory standards. These can indicate the team’s commitment to transparency and legal compliance.

Participating in ICOs that focus on sustainable growth rather than just hype-driven token launches can provide a more secure and rewarding experience. Staying informed about these factors is crucial for navigating the ICO space with confidence and minimizing risk.

Another critical step is verifying the team’s background and experience, as this can indicate their ability to execute the project’s goals. Look for LinkedIn profiles, previous successful ventures, or notable achievements in blockchain or relevant industries. Additionally, pay attention to the project’s roadmap and milestones. Clear timelines and deliverables provide transparency and help you assess whether the team is meeting their objectives.

Finally, be aware of lengthy token lock-up periods, as these may affect liquidity and market supply post-ICO. Longer lock-ups could delay your ability to sell, but may stabilize prices in the long term. It’s also smart to review any vesting schedules, as these will determine when you can access your tokens and avoid unexpected delays or frustrations. Always stay cautious, especially with projects that promise guaranteed returns, as these can be red flags.

Assessment Period

Once an ICO launches, new investors will initially research the project. This often means reading the whitepaper and exploring the token use cases. However, an increasing number of ICOs are launching without whitepapers or roadmap targets – especially meme coins

This isn’t necessarily a drawback. After all, dogwifhat doesn’t have a whitepaper – and it’s since hit a $4 billion valuation. That said, investors should still research the tokenomics, such as the total token supply, whether there’s a transaction tax, and the network standard (e.g. Ethereum or Solana). Aside from this, investors should look for the development team’s track record, any strategic partnerships, and the token’s utility within the project’s ecosystem.

It’s also important to assess any lock-up or vesting periods, as these can influence short-term liquidity and long-term price stability. Being aware of key project milestones and marketing efforts can provide insight into how the token may perform after the ICO ends. Added to this, platforms like Telegram or Discord can offer valuable updates, as active discussions and announcements may highlight upcoming developments, ensuring you stay ahead of crucial updates. Monitoring follower growth on Twitter and participation in community events can also give insight into the project’s traction and potential.

Furthermore, check for token buyback or burn mechanisms, as these strategies can reduce circulating supply and increase demand over time. Also, look for ICOs that integrate innovative features, like staking rewards or revenue-sharing models, as these can provide added value to early investors. Evaluating partnerships with industry influencers or tech firms can give insight into the project’s potential to penetrate broader markets.

Another thing worth doing is to analyze community feedback on platforms like Reddit or crypto forums, as genuine, positive sentiment can reflect the project’s credibility and long-term potential for growth.

Additionally, check for early exchange listing plans, as some ICOs secure exchange partnerships before the token launch. Early listings on reputable platforms can drive liquidity and exposure. This creates momentum for price appreciation. Also, evaluating the project’s roadmap to see if it has have anticipated listings or collaborations can help gauge the team’s commitment to accessibility and growth potential. Finally, a strong community backing and social media engagement can also signal early momentum.

Token Creation

ICOs sell brand-new tokens before they trade on crypto exchanges. In the majority of cases, the tokens will be created before the ICO launches. This enables investors to evaluate these smart contracts and ensure they have been audited. Otherwise, there is a risk that the smart contract can be changed, resulting in a rug pull. More on this later.

The created tokens will operate on a legacy blockchain network. This makes it easy for investors to buy the token. For instance, Wall Street Pepe is built on the Ethereum blockchain, which is popular with new meme coin projects. This means investors can buy WEPE with ETH.

It’s also worth noting that some ICO tokens may offer cross-chain compatibility, allowing them to operate on multiple blockchains. This feature can significantly broaden a token’s utility and liquidity. Moreover, some ICOs, like PulseChain, allow investors to acquire tokens on different chains, offering unique staking incentives. Cross-chain operability can attract diverse investors, enhancing liquidity and adoption.

In addition to cross-chain capabilities, several innovative ICOs are introducing advanced utility features, such as governance rights through token ownership. For example, holders of governance tokens like UNI or AAVE can influence protocol changes, giving early backers a direct role in project development. Some ICOs are also integrating gamification elements into their tokens, offering holders rewards through staking or play-to-earn models.

These kinds of incentives not only engage the community, but also drive token demand in secondary markets. Furthermore, dynamic supply models, where token emissions adjust based on network activity, are gaining traction to balance supply and demand effectively. These factors highlight the evolving sophistication of token creation in modern ICOs, offering increased value to early adopters.

It’s also good to note that many ICO projects now offer token staking options, allowing early investors to earn passive income while holding their tokens. This can create additional value for long-term holders, particularly as the project gains traction and the token price appreciates.

In addition, some forward-thinking ICOs are implementing deflationary mechanisms, such as token burns, to create scarcity and enhance value over time. This means a portion of the tokens might be burned automatically in each transaction or periodically. As a result, existing holders benefit from an effectively reduced supply and potentially increasing value.

Early investors should pay attention to these mechanisms. Among other things, they can add long-term value to the token and provide added incentives for holding. This especially the case in in projects aiming to reward their community through deflationary economics.

Soft and Hard Caps

Most ICOs come with a soft cap target. This is the minimum amount the project needs to raise during the cryptocurrency ICO. If the soft cap isn’t reached, then investors will receive their funds back.

The hard cap is the maximum amount the project wants to raise. Once reached, the ICO will usually end. However, some projects continue raising funds even though the hard cap has been achieved.

When evaluating an ICO, it’s crucial to assess both the soft and hard cap relative to the project’s goals and market potential. A reasonable cap indicates the team has carefully planned its financial requirements. Overly ambitious hard caps may raise concerns about dilution or mismanagement of funds, so be cautious if the targets seem excessively high.

In addition, ICOs with realistic caps often foster greater community trust and reduce the risk of “overfunding,” where excess capital can sometimes lead to poor financial decisions. A carefully set hard cap also helps maintain scarcity. This may drive higher token demand post-ICO.

Finally, checking for refund policies if the soft cap is unmet or monitoring updates around oversubscription can give investors more confidence in the team’s financial planning. Caps that are well-communicated and clearly justified often signal that the team has a strong understanding of their funding requirements and market dynamics.

This works to increase the likelihood of project success. Being mindful of these caps is key, as they directly impact token valuation, initial liquidity, and the project’s ability to sustain growth.

Setting up an ICO Order

ICOs usually run on the project’s website. Investors are required to connect a wallet, such as Phantom or MetaMask. They can choose their preferred payment currency (e.g. ETH) and type in the number of tokens they want to buy.

After confirming the order, the payment currency will be deducted from the wallet. The ICO tokens will then be deposited into the same wallet. This sometimes happens after the ICO has finished.

Exchange Listing

The final stage of the ICO process is exchange listings. This means the ICO tokens will be listed on public exchanges, allowing anyone to buy or sell them. Most projects will opt for a decentralized exchange (DEX) to begin with. No application is required; anyone can list tokens on DEXs like Jupiter and Uniswap.

The project will choose the initial listing price and add liquidity. This ensures new investors can trade the tokens in smooth market conditions. Once trading begins, ICO investors will hope the token price increases. This will happen if the token attracts more buyers than sellers. However, the opposite can also happen, meaning the token price declines.

Why Invest in Initial Coin Offerings?

I’ll now reveal the core benefits and why people invest in new ICO crypto projects. After that, I’ll move on to the risks.

Long-Term Profit Potential

Investing in the right ICO can yield significant long-term profits. This is because you’re investing in a new project from the ground up. While investments can take several years to truly blossom, ICO returns can be substantial. Crucially, you’re taking on increased risks by investing in an unproven concept, so high returns should be expected.

Let’s consider some real-world examples. I mentioned earlier that Solana raised funds at $0.22 per SOL in 2018. In 2024, SOL hit all-time highs, increasing by almost 12,000% from its initial funding price. What’s more, many investors believe Solana is still worth a fraction of its true potential. So sizable gains are also possible during the next bull cycle.

Similarly, Ethereum has also rewarded early backers as one of the biggest ICOs in history. As per CoinCodex data, Ethereum’s ICO was priced at $0.31 per ETH. In 2021, ETH hit all-time highs of almost $5,000. This represents ICO gains of over 1.6 million percent. Just like Solana, Ethereum has a long way to go before reaching its true potential.

A more recent success story is Avalanche. CoinCodex data shows that the Avalanche ICO sold AVAX for just $0.50. AVAX hit an all-time high of $146.22 in late 2021. This represents gains of over 29,000% for ICO investors. That’s $290,000 for every $1,000 invested.

An Opportunity to Make Rapid Short-Term Gains

The most substantial ICO returns are made when investing long-term. This is evident with projects like Solana, Ethereum, and Avalanche. However, ICOs are also ideal for making short-term gains. This is because ICO projects typically have a small market capitalization.

So, when the tokens list on exchanges, they can increase at a much faster pace than large-cap projects. What’s more, there’s often FOMO (fear of missing out) when an ICO sells its full allocation. This means investors will often buy the tokens once they trade on public exchanges.

A recent example is BOOK OF MEME. According to CoinCodex data, BOOK OF MEME was listed at $ 0.00005880 on March 14th, 2024. Just two days later, BOOK OF MEME hit an all-time high of $0.02805. This early means investors made over 47,000%.

Secure an ICO Discount

Another benefit of investing in ICOs is that many campaigns offer discounted pricing. This means investors can secure an upside before the tokens list on exchanges.

Fun Fact: The biggest and most successful ICO ever is EOS. The EOS ICO, which concluded in 2018, raised more than $4 billion. Today, EOS is worth just over $1 billion – highlighting that many ICOs fail to live up to expectations

What are the Risks of Initial Coin Offerings?

Even the best ICOs are inherently risky.

Consider the following risks before investing in an initial coin offering:

• Scams: Some ICOs are scams, meaning the sole aim is to defraud investors. The project might have no intentions of achieving success. Rather, these ICO scams will collect funds from investors before disappearing. Therefore, research is crucial when investing in ICOs.
• Contract Amendments: Another risk is that ICO projects could amend the smart contract. For instance, they might restrict sell transactions. This means people can buy the tokens but not cash out. To avoid this risk, make sure the smart contract has been audited and renounced. This means the contract can’t be changed.
• Price Depreciation: ICO token prices will rise and fall once listed on exchanges. This can’t be controlled by the ICO project, as crypto prices are determined by market forces. If the price declines below what you paid during the ICO, you’ll be running at a loss. The best defense here is to ensure you’re well-diversified.
• Wallet Hacks: ICO tokens are deposited into the investor’s wallet. This also presents a risk, as wallet hacks are increasingly becoming popular. If the wallet is hacked remotely, the ICO tokens will be stolen. This is also the case for any other tokens stored in the wallet. Ensure you’re using a reputable wallet with suitable security controls.

How to Find the Best Crypto ICOs

I’ve explored the benefits and risks of new ICOs. Next, I’ll explain how to find the best upcoming ICOs with the most potential. After all, there isn’t a centralized database with ICO listings, so you’ll need to put in some legwork.

X (Previously Twitter)

I’d suggest starting with X when searching for the best ICOs. This is the de-facto social media platform for crypto projects. Growing a strong following on X is crucial to building a strong crypto community, which is why it’s often the first port of call for ICOs.

First, search for #ICO and focus on the most recent posts. You might find an ICO gem straightaway. Similarly, it’s worth searching for #presale too. In addition, there are also pages on X dedicated exclusively to upcoming ICO campaigns. ICO Announcement is a good example, as it has over 477,000 followers.

ICO Aggregation Websites

Next, check out some of the leading ICO aggregation websites for the best upcoming ICOs. These platforms offer an initial coin offering list in real-time, so you can find suitable projects on upcoming ICO lists at the earliest stage possible. It is also worth checking out some of the best crypto ICO launchpads.

The two market leaders in this space are ICOBench and ICO Drops. Their crypto ICO list will state the start and end dates, current fundraising amount, pricing, and links to the respective website.

Telegram Groups

I’d also suggest finding some top-rated Telegram groups that specialize in crypto investments. More specifically, make sure the group is focused on finding small-cap gems, which should include ICOs.

Prioritize groups with the largest number of members providing valuable alpha on ICO hot lists, as these are likely to be active.

Reddit 

The best crypto ICOs are often advertised or discussed on Reddit. The best group is r/CryptocurrencyICO, which has over 187,000 members.

Just be careful when engaging on Reddit, there are many scammers. Never click links from Reddit and avoid responding to private messages.

How to Invest in an ICO

Once you’ve discovered the top ICOs for 2024, you’ll need to complete an investment.

The step-by-step process for how to buy ICO tokens is summarized below:

• Step 1: Get Some Crypto: You’ll need some crypto before you can invest in an ICO. Visit the ICO website and check what coins you can use. If it’s an Ethereum-based ICO, you can typically use ETH and USDT. If it’s Solana-based, then you’ll likely need SOL. The best altcoins can be purchased at reputable exchanges like eToro, Coinbase, and Kraken. Note, US customers can only invest in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Bitcoin Cash on eToro.
• Step 2: Transfer Crypto to a Wallet: Once you’ve bought crypto from an exchange, transfer the coins to a suitable wallet. A good option for Ethereum-based ICOs is MetaMask. Phantom is a good option for Solana-based ICOs.
• Step 3: Connect Wallet to ICO Website: You should now have a funded wallet. Next, connect the wallet to the ICO website. You’ll need to confirm authorization from within the wallet.
• Step 4: Set up ICO Order: After connecting the wallet, fill out the ICO order form. You’ll need to select the purchase currency (e.g. ETH or SOL) and type in the investment size.
• Step 5: Complete ICO Investment: Check everything is correct and confirm the ICO investment. Finally, open your wallet and provide authorization for the transaction. Congratulations! You have just succeeded in your quest to buy ICOs.

Once authorization is provided, a smart contract will complete the investment. This means the original coins are deducted from your wallet. Then, the ICO tokens are deposited into the same wallet.

Top ICO List: Conclusion

ICOs are inherently risky. But by conducting adequate research and ensuring you’re well diversified, ICOs can generate significant profit potential. In my view, Wall Street Pepe is the best crypto ICO for 2024.

This is a Pepe-themed meme token built on Ethereum’s L2 blockchain. $PEPU, the native token, offers huge staking rewards and charges low gas fees per transaction. So far, Wall Street Pepe has raised over $700k on presale.

Visit Wall Street Pepe

FAQs

References

1. Crypto gets crazy again with dog-inspired tokens and Bitcoin eyeing $45,000 (Bloomberg)
2. Consumer warning about the risks of Initial Coin Offerings (‘ICOs’) (FCA)
3. How to avoid getting duped by a bogus initial coin offering (CNBC)
4. A blockchain start-up just raised $4 billion without a live product (CNBC)
5. Risks of cryptocurrencies, initial coin offerings and other digital tokens (MoneySense.gov)

Kane Pepi

Kane Pepi is an established financial and crypto content writer who has an impressive portfolio of over 2k articles, guides, and market insights. With his market knowledge in specialized areas such as asset valuation and analysis, portfolio management, and financial... Read More

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