16 Best Crypto ICOs to Invest in 2025

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 2025, and how to identify the top new and upcoming ICOs for your investment portfolio.

Find our recommendations for the top crypto ICOs 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.

If you want more crypto ICO alpha, be sure to check out this video on best ICO picks below:

1. Solaxy – Our No. 1 Choice & World’s First Solana Layer 2 Solution With Cross-Chain Compatibility

Solaxy ($SOLX) is a trending crypto ICO and will be the first-ever Layer 2 (L2) integration on the Solana blockchain. The platform leverages off-chain processing and bundling to provide faster transactions at lower costs on the Solana network.

The L2’s native cryptocurrency, $SOLX, will bridge Solana and Ethereum, the two largest blockchain ecosystems. This cross-chain feature allows Solaxy to combine Solana’s transaction speed with Ethereum’s deep liquidity and DeFi infrastructure.

Currently, the $SOLX presale has raised over $24.8 million. Presale buyers get the added benefit of staking $SOLX, which returns an annual yield of 171%. Over 5.4 billion $SOLX tokens have been staked on the platform.

With the hot Solaxy crypto presale fast gathering traction, buyers are in with a great chance to get hold of their $SOLX tokens at a very comfortable price. Trading connoisseurs have spotted this project as a definite one to look out for, especially since the strong early interest registered calls to mind $PEPU’S initial presale success. Just as $PEPU’s presale profits translated into massive gains for holders, the Solaxy token looks set to achieve a significant revenue explosion.

Early presale participants stand to benefit the most as $SOLX’s price incrementally increases during the private sale. Read the Solaxy whitepaper to learn more about the new crypto project, and get the latest updates through the Telegram channel.

Visit Solaxy

2. BTC Bull Token – One of Our Top Picks for Crypto ICO as the Best Way to Capitalize on Bitcoin’s Rise

Following Bitcoin’s most recent halving and subsequent price rally, BTC Bull Token ($BTCBULL) was released to offer crypto enthusiasts the ultimate meme-powered Bitcoin play. Currently in its presale phase, the crypto project is selling its native token, $BTCBULL, at $$0.002385 per token.

Aiming to be the most bullish community on Bitcoin’s path to a $1 million price point, Bitcoin Bull Token provides presale participants and $BTCBULL holders free Bitcoin token airdrops as Bitcoin reaches new price milestones. Specifically, users will receive free Bitcoin airdrops at the $150K and $200K $BTC token price points.

Another important aspect of the BTC Bull Token crypto project is its token burn events, which also occur as the $BTC’s price surges. $BTCBULL tokens are permanently removed when Bitcoin reaches the $125K, $175K, and $225K price marks. The burns help reinforce the value of $BTCBULL as fewer tokens increase scarcity and potential demand.

As of this writing, the BTC Bull Token presale has raised $3.1 million, and will likely increase as Bitcoin rallies. Early buyers can stake their $BTCBULL tokens and earn an estimated 149% APY dynamic.

To stay updated on BTC Bull Token and its promising future, follow it on X (Twitter).

Visit BTC Bull Token

3. MIND of Pepe – New Meme Coin AI Agent Offering Token-Gated Opportunities and High Staking APY

The next top crypto ICO on our list is MIND of Pepe ($MIND), the first major meme coin brand to feature an autonomous AI agent. By integrating advanced AI technology and the popular meme coin narrative, MIND of Pepe aims to disrupt the traditional meme token space.

Central to the AI meme coin project is $MIND, the native cryptocurrency. It offers first-in trading benefits and privileged insights reserved only for individuals with $MIND holdings. As a self-sovereign AI agent connected to the blockchain, MIND of Pepe can analyze live market trends and communicate trading opportunities to community members.

The MIND of Pepe token presale is currently live and has garnered $7 million. Early adopters can stake $MIND tokens in the ongoing presale and earn 328% APY dynamic.

MIND of Pepe has allocated a limited amount of 22 billion $MIND tokens for its presale, encouraging individuals to invest as soon as possible with the current presale discount. Read through the MIND of Pepe whitepaper for more details and get the latest news through the official Telegram channel.

Visit MIND of Pepe

4. 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 ($BEST) 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

5. Meme Index – Community-Centric Meme Coin Aggregator Offering 581% 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. By adopting this strategy, holders ensure that they vary the speculative risk around different coins, instead of pegging it to a single token. This is a certainly a wise move in such a time of uncertainty in the crypto sphere.

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 project has raised more than $3.9 million thus far. Investors would do well to dive into the presale now, as it approaches its milestone profit of $4 million, particularly at the current APY of over 570%.

The decentralized project offers high staking rewards and the chance to invest in an exciting trading index. Interested buyers can purchase the native cryptocurrency in the Meme Index presale for $0.0166218 per token.

Act now – the Meme Index presale ends on the 31st March!

Visit Meme Index

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

Visit Meme Index

6. 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

7. POKE – No-KYC Telegram Casino With Airdrop Rewards

POKE ($POKE) is a is a “Metaverse casino” where users can earn airdrop rewards and play casino games on Telegram anonymously. The $POKE token is the currency you can use to bet in the casino and earn rewards through staking.

Token holders will also have the chance to vote in the project’s DAO and to purchase exclusive casino NFTs.

$POKE has a total supply of 1.51 billion tokens, allocated as follows: 30% for the presale, 30% for airdrops, 20% for marketing, and 10% each for liquidity and project finance.

So, join the POKE revolution. Play and earn airdrop rewards. For more details, read the whitepaper and join the Telegram channel.

Visit POKE

8. Harry Hippo – Earn P2E Rewards and Get AI-Powered Trading Insights

Harry Hippo ($HIPO) is an upcoming meme coin platform with a blockchain-based P2E game and AI-driven insights. Currently in its presale phase, the project draws inspiration from the popular hippos of Hacienda Napolis in Colombia. $HIPO, the native cryptocurrency, powers the entire Harry Hippo platform and is used for staking and in-game transactions.

The crypto project invites users to play its Harry Hungry Hipo P2E game, in which players compete against one another and earn $HIPO tokens. Those who want to become early adopters can buy $HIPO in the ongoing presale, where the native crypto is being sold at $0.00555 per token.

Additionally, participants can stake $HIPO during the presale and earn 601% APY. Of the project’s supply of 3 billion $HIPO tokens, 20% is reserved for staking rewards. Users who stake $HIPO during the presale will receive the yield rewards at the end of the private sale.

According to the Harry Hippo roadmap, a prototype of the P2E game will initially be released for players to test. The full game launch will feature staking and the complete P2E rewards. Future plans for the project include NFT integration and scaling as a GameFi and metaverse ecosystem.

Learn more about the meme coin project by reading the Harry Hippo whitepaper and subscribing to the Telegram channel.

Visit Harry Hippo

9. SpacePay – Decentralized Token Supports Crypto Payments at Retail Locations, $800K 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 $936K 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 $0.00269 per token. For more information, go through the SpacePay whitepaper and join the Telegram channel.

Visit SpacePay

10. Larva To Moon – Global IP-Inspired Meme Token Offering P2E, Staking, and DAO Rewards

Another promising ICO to watch out for is Larva To Moon ($LARVA). It’s a unique meme coin based on the internationally acclaimed Larva IP and features staking, DAO, and P2E (Play-to-Earn) utility. The initial presale price of the $LARVA native crypto is $0.00016 per token, and the ICO has already raised over $156,000.

Based on the project’s roadmap, Larva To Moon will be releasing several rewards-based games where players can earn $LARVA for their participation. An AI-powered interactive chatbot will also be included in the platform, providing a highly engaging user experience.

Through the Larva To Moon DAO, $LARVA holders will also be able to earn extra tokens by participating in the project’s decision-making events. The DAO system is designed to decentralize control over the project, allowing the community to shape the meme coin’s future.

Presale staking is also available at 138% APY. To get the latest updates about this project, check out Larva To Moon on X.

Visit Larva To Moon

11. Pepeto – Over $3m Raised in ICO for Extensive Meme Coin Ecosystem

Pepeto ($PEPETO) is a meme coin ecosystem that brings a new exchange to the crypto market, alongside a cross-chain bridge and staking. The project focuses on key aspects from utility to accessibility, interoperability, technology and optimization, with the end goal of providing as much value to its users and community members as possible.

Crypto projects will be able to take advantage of zero-fee listings, while traders will also not be charged trading fees. An anti-corruption process will be in place, to ensure that scam tokens get rejected from the Pepeto platform.

With over $4m raised in the early days of its presale, Pepeto has been embraced by crypto meme coin enthusiasts around the world. Staking PEPETO also generates rewards of up to 337% APY.

With extremely successful projects such as Pepe Unchained ($PEPU) demonstrating the strength and power of the frog coin narrative, Pepeto stands to benefit from this ongoing momentum.

Individual tokens are currently priced at $0.000000110, making it easy for investors to buy large bags ahead of Pepeto’s exchange listings. Interested meme coin fans can check out the project’s whitepaper, and follow Pepeto’s X account.

Visit Pepeto

12. RoboCat – Hot New Solana-Based Meme Coin With a Unique Theme and Community-Focused Rewards

Another ICO that’s caught massive investor attention is RoboCat ($ROBOCAT). It’s a unique meme coin with a cat and robot theme on Solana, offering 70% of its total 9 billion tokens in its presale.

What sets RoboCat apart is its unique fellowship model: The top 500 presale investors receive an invitation to an exclusive launch party, which will take place in the physical world. The first 1,000 holders who invest at least $250 also gain lifetime membership in the soon-to-be-launched RoboCat Club. This club aims to unite meme coin enthusiasts while offering VIP perks, when the project hits the $1 billion market cap milestone.

The RoboCat team leverages the fun of meme coins, while backing it with a solid roadmap and transparent mission. This is why the token is following a relatively straightforward presale setup, without any phases or bonuses.

Visit the project’s official website (linked below) to learn more about RoboCat’s vision. Interested buyers can follow RoboCat on X and join their Telegram community for presale updates.

Visit RoboCat

13. 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.

14. 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, mostly 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.

Moreover, many ICOs have started incorporating investor protection mechanisms such as milestone-based funding, which releases funds to the project team only after predefined objectives are achieved. This ensures that the project progresses as planned and reduces risks for early backers. Furthermore, some ICOs introduce community governance features, allowing token holders to vote on crucial project decisions, increasing transparency and investor trust.

Another emerging trend is the hybrid ICO model, combining aspects of token sales with decentralized finance (DeFi) incentives, such as staking rewards or liquidity provision bonuses, to attract a broader range of investors and ensure token utility post-launch.

A key feature to look out for in an ICO is the token utility outlined in the whitepaper. Projects with real-world use cases, such as powering decentralized applications or enabling transactions within a specific ecosystem, tend to attract more adoption post-launch. Additionally, ICOs that partner with reputable blockchain networks or secure early integrations with major DeFi protocols often signal strong growth potential. Evaluating these factors can help you identify promising opportunities while minimizing risks.

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.

Additionally, both ICOs and presales have evolved to include mechanisms for enhanced security and transparency, such as integrating third-party smart contract audits. This reassures investors about the legitimacy and safety of the project’s tokenomics and fund management. Some presales even allow for phased buy-ins, enabling investors to commit smaller amounts initially and scale up based on project milestones or progress reports. These innovations not only foster trust but also align the project’s goals with its community’s expectations, ensuring a collaborative path to long-term success.

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.

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.

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.

Beyond fundamental research, I always recommend tracking on-chain activity to spot early trends in ICO participation. By monitoring wallet distributions and whale movements, investors can gauge whether high-net-worth players are accumulating or dumping tokens. Moreover, pay close attention to the allocation of funds—projects that dedicate a significant portion to development and ecosystem growth are often more sustainable in the long run. Leveraging real-time market sentiment indicators and community discussions can also provide a competitive edge in identifying high-potential ICOs before they gain mainstream traction.

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.

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. 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, Bitcoin Bull is built on the Ethereum blockchain, which is popular with new meme coin projects. This means investors can buy BTCBULL 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.

One emerging trend involves dynamic hard caps, where funding limits adjust based on investor interest. This strategy ensures sufficient capital for growth while maintaining exclusivity for participants. Additionally, some ICOs now allocate portions of funds raised toward token buybacks post-launch, creating deflationary pressure and enhancing long-term value for holders.

Moreover, projects with milestone-based soft caps release funds gradually as development progresses, ensuring accountability and alignment with project goals. These features reflect a more sophisticated approach to fund management, offering investors greater transparency and confidence in the project’s sustainability.

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.

Another major risk is rug pulls, where developers abandon the project after raising funds. Many ICOs initially show strong marketing and engagement, only for the team to vanish post-raise. Always verify the legitimacy of the team, their track record, and whether their identities are publicly verifiable. In addition, regulatory uncertainty poses another challenge, as governments worldwide continue to tighten laws around ICOs. Sudden policy changes can impact an ICO’s legality and investor rights, making it crucial to stay updated on evolving regulations in your jurisdiction.

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 2025, 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, Solaxy is the best crypto ICO for 2025.

This token involves yet another humorous take on the Pepe theme, with the difference that this frog coin comes complete with sophisticated Layer 2 solutions for frustrating delays in the processing of crypto transactions. Aside from this, $SOLX, the native token, presents great staking rewards and charges low gas fees per transaction. So far, Solaxy has raised over $24.8 million on presale.

Visit Solaxy

FAQs

What is an ICO in cryptocurrency?

ICOs are initial coin offerings, which allow investors to buy a brand-new crypto token before the broader market. The tokens will be listed on exchanges after the ICO, often at a higher price.

How do I buy a crypto ICO?

Interested participants can buy an ICO simply by heading to the project’s official website and connecting their crypto wallet. Investors will be able to buy the ICO tokens using a bridge currency such as Ethereum, BNB, USDT/USDC, etc. On the distribution date, the project team will send the relevant number of tokens to the investor’s wallet.

Are crypto ICOs legal?

ICOs are legal in most countries, but there are some exceptions. Some countries require ICOs to be registered as securities, while others ban them outright. Check the laws in your home country before investing in ICOs.

Are ICOs safe to invest in?

The investment process itself is safe, but not all ICOs are credible projects. Ensure you’re well diversified, conduct plenty of research, and never invest more than you can afford to lose.

What are the best crypto ICOs to buy right now?

Some of the best ICO cryptos are Solaxy, BTC Bull Token, and MIND of Pepe. This covers a blend of niches, including AI, Layer-2 technology, and Web3.

Are ICOs a good investment?

Picking the right ICO can yield significant gains, especially if the project becomes mainstream. However, most ICOs fail, meaning you could lose money, so be sure to DYOR to ensure you are only participating in the best upcoming ICOs.

Where to buy crypto ICOs?

After finding your top pick on X, ICO aggregator platforms, Telegram groups, or Reddit, you can buy crypto ICOs through the project’s official website.

Can you still make money with ICO?

Short answer: Yes. While you can still make money with ICOs, ICO investing requires thorough research and due diligence to identify promising projects and avoid scams. Having a good nose for spotting vibrant communities and strong development teams is key to making money with ICOs.

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)