The blockchain ecosystem is evolving at a breakneck pace, with new projects launching almost daily. Among the most exciting entry points for early-stage crypto investors is the Initial DEX Offering (IDO) — a fundraising model that allows blockchain startups to raise capital directly through decentralized exchanges. To streamline access and vet quality projects, IDO launchpads have emerged as essential gateways.
These platforms not only simplify participation but often offer guaranteed allocations, lottery access, and exclusive private sales. With so many blockchains now supporting smart contracts, each ecosystem has cultivated its own leading launchpad. In this guide, we explore the top IDO launchpads across major blockchains, detailing how they work, their tier systems, and standout project successes.
Whether you're a seasoned investor or new to decentralized finance, understanding these platforms can help you gain early access to high-potential projects before they hit major exchanges.
👉 Discover how top-tier launchpads are shaping the future of crypto innovation.
Ethereum: DAO Maker
As the pioneer of smart contract platforms, Ethereum hosts one of the most competitive IDO launchpad landscapes. Among them, DAO Maker stands out due to its longevity and track record of launching high-performing projects like My Neighbor Alice and Lossless Protocol.
DAO Maker introduced innovative models such as the Dynamic Coin Offering (DYCO) and Strong Holder Offering (SHO), which reward long-term holders with better access. To participate in SHOs, users must hold at least 500 DAO tokens and register on the DAO Pad.
Participants are ranked into six tranches based on their DAO Power, calculated from staked DAO or DAO LP tokens:
- Tranche 0: 500–1,999 DAO Power
- Tranche 1: 2,000–3,999
- Tranche 2: 4,000–9,999
- Tranche 3: 10,000–24,999
- Tranche 4: 25,000–49,999
- Tranche 5: 50,000+
Higher tranches dramatically increase allocation odds — Tranche 5 participants nearly win every SHO. This tiered fairness model ensures committed supporters are prioritized.
Binance Smart Chain: BSCPad
Binance Smart Chain (BSC) remains a favorite for new projects thanks to low fees and EVM compatibility. Leading the charge is BSCPad, known for hosting over 60 IDOs since March 2021 — averaging more than six per month.
BSCPad uses a tiered staking system based on BSCPAD tokens:
- Bronze (1,000): 1 lottery ticket
- Silver (2,500): 3 tickets
- Gold (5,000): 7 tickets
- Platinum (25,000): Guaranteed allocation (weight: 10)
- Diamond (50,000): Guaranteed (weight: 30)
- Blue Diamond (75,000): Guaranteed + private allocations (weight: 60)
Allocations are split with 20% going to lottery winners and 80% to guaranteed tiers. Projects like Revomon and GameZone achieved over 100x returns, proving BSCPad’s ability to spotlight breakout tokens.
👉 See how early access on leading launchpads can multiply your returns.
Solana: Solanium
Dubbed the "fastest blockchain in the world," Solana has rapidly grown its DApp ecosystem to over 150 active applications. Its dominant launchpad, Solanium, supports early-stage projects in gaming, DeFi, and NFTs.
To participate, users stake SLIM or SLIM LP tokens to receive xSLIM, with longer lockups earning multipliers. Five tiers determine access:
- Tier 1 (100 xSLIM): 1 lottery ticket
- Tier 2 (1,000 xSLIM): 12 tickets
- Tier 3 (5,000 xSLIM): 100 tickets
- Tier 4 (10,000 xSLIM): Guaranteed allocation
- Tier 5 (50,000 xSLIM): Larger guaranteed allocation
Tiers 1–3 rely on lotteries; Tiers 4–5 get guaranteed spots. Notable launches include Port Finance and CropperFinance, both strong performers post-IDO.
PulseChain: PulsePad
PulseChain, an Ethereum fork designed for efficiency and sustainability, already has its own launchpad: PulsePad. Though new and yet to host any launches, it’s backed by the team behind BSCPad and TRONPad — a strong indicator of future quality.
PulsePad uses three tiers based on staked PLSPAD tokens:
- Pulse Explorer (50,000): Pool weight 10
- Pulse Leader (125,000): Pool weight 28
- Pulse Visionary (250,000): Pool weight 60
All tiers receive guaranteed allocations, with Visionaries also gaining potential access to private sales. A built-in bridge will allow seamless asset migration from Ethereum.
Cardano: CARDStarter
After activating smart contracts via the Alonzo hard fork, Cardano has seen rapid DApp growth. Among its launchpads, CARDStarter leads with successful launches like Ridotto and Paribus.
Participation is straightforward:
Lottery Tiers:
- Singles (100 CARDS): 25% win chance
- Duces (500 CARDS): 25% chance
- Trips (1,000 CARDS): 50% chance
Guaranteed Tiers:
- Jacks (1,500 CARDS): 2x allocation
- Queens (4,500): 6x
- Kings (9,000): 12x
- King of Clubs (16,000): 22x
- Aces (20,000): 28x
This flexible structure rewards both small and large stakeholders.
TRON: TRONPad
As one of the top five smart contract platforms, TRON offers speed and cost-efficiency. TRONPad, its first launchpad, has hosted over a dozen IDOs since April, including CrossWallet and ADAPad, many achieving 50–100x gains.
Tiers are based on staked TRONPAD tokens:
- Earth (15,000): 1 lottery ticket
- Moon (50,000): Guaranteed (weight: 10)
- Mars (200,000): Guaranteed (weight: 45)
- Sun (500,000): Guaranteed + private allocations (weight: 70)
Allocations are split: 10% lottery, 85% guaranteed tiers, and 5% for public contributors who complete promotional tasks.
Avalanche: Avalaunch
Avalanche has surged in popularity thanks to high throughput and sub-second finality. Avalaunch, its native launchpad, ensures fair access by giving all participants a guaranteed allocation based on staked XAVA tokens and lockup duration.
To prevent whale dominance, there’s a per-user cap on allocations. Smaller stakers also benefit from staking rewards that grow their balance over time. Successful IDOs include HurricaneSwap and RocoFinance, all delivering positive returns so far.
Velas: VelasPad
Velas, a Solana fork with EVM support and AI-enhanced consensus, is gaining traction as an Ethereum alternative. Its official launchpad, VelasPad, uses a simple three-tier system:
- Taurus (20,000 VLXPAD): Weight 10
- Orion (50,000 VLXPAD): Weight 28
- Vela (100,000 VLXPAD): Weight 60
All tiers receive guaranteed allocations. The sole IDO so far — BitOrbit — peaked at 150x over its IDO price.
Users need Velas-based BUSD and VLX for participation. As the ecosystem grows, VelasPad is poised to become a major player.
Terra: StarTerra
Terra powers innovative financial infrastructure with algorithmic stablecoins. Its standout launchpad, StarTerra, introduces gamification through faction-based competition.
Users stake STT tokens to join one of five tiers:
- Tier 1 (Recruits): 25% of pool via lottery
- Factions (Lunatics/Degens/Interstellars): Stake 3,000 STT; share 15% guaranteed pool + potential doubling via social efforts
- Tier 5 (Whalecraft): Top stakers share 20%
Projects like Orion Money have delivered impressive ROI. The gamified model encourages community engagement beyond passive staking.
NEAR: NearPad
The NEAR Protocol, launched in April 2020, emphasizes scalability and developer-friendliness. With an $800 million ecosystem fund fueling growth, its sole launchpad — NearPad — plays a crucial role.
NearPad uses five pool tiers based on staked PAD tokens:
- Pool Tier 1 (1,000 PAD): Multiplier 1
- Pool Tier 2 (5,000 PAD): Multiplier 1.375
- Pool Tier 3 (25,000 PAD): Multiplier 1.75
- Pool Tier 4 (75,000 PAD): Multiplier 2.125
- Pool Tier 5 (150,000 PAD): Multiplier 2.5
Allocations scale with both stake size and multiplier. While only two IDOs have occurred (PAD and PULSE), the platform aims to evolve into a full DeFi hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is an IDO launchpad?
A: An IDO launchpad is a platform that helps blockchain projects raise funds through decentralized exchanges while giving investors early access to tokens before public listing.
Q: Are IDOs risky?
A: Yes. While some IDOs yield high returns, many projects fail or turn out to be scams. Always research the team, tokenomics, and roadmap before participating.
Q: How do I choose the best launchpad?
A: Look at past project performance, transparency, community trust, and fairness in allocation distribution. Platforms with strong track records like DAO Maker or BSCPad are safer bets.
Q: Do I need to stake tokens to join an IDO?
A: Most launchpads require staking their native token to qualify for participation. The amount determines your tier and allocation odds.
Q: Can small investors benefit from launchpads?
A: Yes. Many platforms offer lottery systems or multipliers for long-term stakers, allowing smaller participants to compete fairly.
Q: What’s the difference between guaranteed and lottery-based allocation?
A: Guaranteed tiers ensure you get tokens if you meet staking requirements. Lottery tiers give you a chance to win based on ticket count — higher stakes mean more tickets.
👉 Maximize your early-stage investment potential with trusted launchpad strategies.
Final Thoughts
As blockchain ecosystems diversify, so do the opportunities for early investment. From Ethereum’s mature landscape to emerging chains like PulseChain and NEAR, each platform offers unique launchpads tailored to its community.
Success in IDOs isn’t just about picking the right project — it’s about being on the right launchpad with fair access mechanics and a history of quality vetting. Whether you're drawn to gamified models like StarTerra or straightforward systems like BSCPad, doing your due diligence remains key.
The future of decentralized fundraising is here — and it starts with choosing the best IDO launchpad for your strategy.