5 Top IDO Platforms to Watch and Use in 2025

Over the last five years, Initial DEX Offerings (IDOs) have become a convenient entry-point for many Web3 investors seeking early access to promising crypto projects at lower prices. On the flipside, they also represent a liquidity lifeline for projects themselves, who get the added benefit of tapping into mentorship and support from the launchpads’ brain trust.

Last year, crypto projects collectively raised $16.1 billion – a 53% jump from $10.5 billion in 2023 – with much of that figure coming from launchpads. While you’ll need a crystal ball to determine the 2025 number, it’s likely to stretch into 11 figures once more.

So which IDO platform offers the best bang for your buck? Here’s a rundown of five of the best.

1. Coin Terminal

Founded in December 2023 and originally known as Ape Terminal, Coin Terminal eschews the traditional token-gated model, meaning no membership token and the ability for anyone to participate. Given token-gated platforms necessitate a hefty $10k-$50k outlay without a guaranteed return, this aspect positions Coin Terminal as a venue well worth investors’ attention.

The versatile launchpad’s transparency and fast onboarding let users co-invest alongside giants like Samsung NEXT and Binance Labs, and with over 70 startups launched, including Inspect and AIT Protocol, Coin Terminal has certainly established itself in the last 18 months. After each token sale, Coin Terminal claims 25% as platform fees with users pocketing the remaining 75% of the allocation.

2. TrustPad

Launched in May 2021 as the first multi-chain launchpad, TrustPad offers a secure way to access top-tier GameFi, DeFi, and AI IDOs by staking or farming $TPAD tokens. Like many fellow fundraising platforms, its tiered system is designed to reward the most committed token-holders with categories ranging from Partaker to Singularity and three priority categories in total (Guaranteed, All-Access Guaranteed, and Super All-Access Guaranteed).

Notable projects supported by TrustPad over the last four years include xRaise, Dogatoshi

and BRC20X, and with its blend of community and security, it has become a popular destination for market participants seeking diversified, high-potential IDOs.

3. DAO Maker

Since its inception in 2019, DAO Maker – dubbed the “launchpad for real founders” – has raised over $90 billion from 310k KYC’d users. One of the longest-running IDO launchpads, it has helped to introduce projects like Orion Protocol and My Neighbor Alice to the masses, empowering its partners with decentralized governance tools and continued support.

Interestingly, this multi-chain launchpad offers a unique Strong Holder Offering (SHO) model which rewards investors according to their on-chain activities and other proprietary data sets rather than their membership tier. 

4. Polkastarter

Polkastarter has funded over 100 projects and distributed more than $500 million to users since launching during Covid mania in 2020. Despite its Polkadot-inspired name, the platform actually debuted on Ethereum and today supports an array of networks, having launched projects like Henjin AI, Kima Network and Crypto Fight Club.

This year Polkastarter has been on a tear, rolling out support for Solana, announcing a fiat payment onramp, and unveiling fresh staking incentives. Its commitment to continued evolution and broad project support makes it an easy choice for those interested in bootstrapping the next wave of innovative Web3 ventures.

5. ChainGPT

An AI-focused IDO launchpad and incubator, ChainGPT has supported over 50 projects on networks like BSC, Ethereum, and Solana since launching in 2022. With access tiers ranging from Bronze to Diamond, each offering distinct benefits, it offers a familiar environment for OG investors without alienating prospective newbies. 

At the top end of the scale, Diamond tier members get to enjoy perks like NFT airdrops and passive token reimbursements after each IDO, with the tier system ensuring investors can find a level that suits their strategy. ChainGPT’s mobile app, unveiled this year, boasts features such as an NFT Generator, cross-chain swapping, and a built-in Web3 wallet.