The Evolution of Launchpads in Blockchain Projects
At the beginning of their development, launchpads operated simply as platforms that hosted
token sales and offered nothing else. As more complex blockchain projects emerged,
launchpads evolved accordingly:
2013–2017: The ICO Era
ICO launchpads popped up, empowering startups to form investors with little to no
regulation. Fundraising, cryptocurrency fundraising, and token distribution were in focus at
the time.
2017–2019: The IEO and Centralized Launchpad Era
Launchpads shifted to exchanges and became centralized. This role brought along new
perks, such as enhanced security, improved project verification, and the structuring of token
sales to shield token sales from token scams and fraud.
2020–2021: DeFi and Multi-Chain Integration
The rise of DeFi ushered numerous changes, including multi-chain- and smart contract
automation, and the inclusion of other project categories, such as staking and decentralized
protocols.
2022–2023: NFT, GameFi, and Hybrid Launchpads
Launchpads integrated NFTs, gaming, and hybrid governance models, along with community
staking, rewards, and metaverse-centric fundraising. The fundraising efforts aim to aid
innovative blockchain projects.
2024–Present: AI, Analytics, and Adaptive Launchpads
Modern launchpads use AI, analytics, and adaptive protocols in ensuring security,
multi-chain interoperability, and optimized evaluation of projects for investors, and
developers.
How Launchpads Are Adapting to Emerging Blockchain
Trends
In an effort to stay useful and in function, launchpads are employing the following techniques
in an attempt to manage the ever-evolving blockchain world:
Multi Chain Functionality
With the advent of multi-chain functionality, crypto projects now have the ability to target a
larger user base, lower fees, minimize network congestion, and achieve interoperability in an
efficient manner for projects spanning multiple blockchain networks.