Crypto Presale Launchpad: Getting in Early on Tomorrow’s Big Projects

Théodore Lefevre
August 6, 2025
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Binance Launchpad interface showing a crypto presale

Imagine getting early access to Bitcoin when it was just a few cents, or Ethereum before it hit double digits. That feeling of “if only I’d known” is something most crypto enthusiasts have experienced. I remember kicking myself for not buying Solana under a dollar when a friend mentioned it at a dinner party. These missed opportunities led me to discover crypto presale launchpads – platforms that give regular folks like us access to promising projects before they hit mainstream exchanges. They’ve completely changed how I approach crypto investing, and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned along the way.

What Are Crypto Presale Launchpads?

Think of a crypto presale launchpad as your backstage pass to the crypto world. It’s a platform where new blockchain projects raise initial funding by selling their tokens to early supporters at discounted prices before they hit public exchanges. I like to compare it to getting concert tickets during the pre-sale instead of scrambling with everyone else on the public release date – you get better prices and guaranteed access.

The first time I used a launchpad, I was surprised by how straightforward the process was. These platforms essentially act as middlemen, connecting promising crypto projects with eager investors while providing the technical infrastructure to make transactions secure and seamless. For project creators, launchpads offer exposure to a ready audience of crypto enthusiasts. For investors like us, they offer a chance to get in on the ground floor of potentially successful projects.

Why I Started Using Crypto Launchpads

After watching several projects skyrocket post-launch, I realized I needed a way to get in earlier. My first experience with a crypto presale launchpad was back in 2021 when a friend suggested I check out a new DeFi project. Instead of waiting for it to hit exchanges, I participated in its presale through a launchpad. The token launched at 3x the presale price, and that’s when I was hooked.

The main advantages I’ve found using launchpads include:

Better Prices

Presale prices are typically much lower than initial exchange listings. I’ve seen projects launch at 2-5x their presale price, which means immediate gains if you got in early.

Vetted Projects

Good launchpads do extensive background checks on projects. While this doesn’t guarantee success, it filters out many obvious scams. I’ve found this vetting process saves me hours of research.

Staking Opportunities

Many launchpads let you stake your tokens right after purchase, earning rewards while waiting for the project to launch. I earned an extra 15% on one project just through presale staking.

Community Access

Being part of a presale often gives you access to exclusive communities where you can connect with developers and like-minded investors. Some of my best crypto tips have come from these groups.

How Crypto Presale Launchpads Actually Work

When I first started using launchpads, I was confused about the process. Now that I’ve participated in dozens of presales, I can break it down into simple steps:

Project Submission

Projects apply to the launchpad and undergo vetting. The launchpad team checks the project’s code, team credentials, business model, and tokenomics. I’ve noticed that top launchpads reject over 90% of applicants.

Announcement & Warmup

Once approved, the project is announced to the launchpad community. This typically includes details about the token, team, roadmap, and presale terms. I always read these thoroughly before deciding to participate.

Presale Launch

The actual presale begins, allowing users to purchase tokens. Some launchpads use a lottery system, others a first-come-first-served approach, and some require staking the platform’s native token to participate.

Token Distribution

After the presale ends, tokens are distributed to participants. Sometimes this happens immediately, but often there’s a vesting schedule where tokens are released gradually to prevent immediate selling.

Exchange Listing

The final step is the token’s listing on exchanges. This is typically when early investors see the most significant price movement. I’ve found it’s important to have a clear strategy for this phase.

Post-Launch Support

Good launchpads continue supporting projects after launch with marketing, exchange listings, and community building. This ongoing support can be crucial for a project’s long-term success.

How I Participate in Crypto Presales

My approach to participating in presales has evolved through trial and error. Here’s the process I now follow:

1. Choose a Launchpad

I select a launchpad based on its track record, security features, and the types of projects it hosts. I prefer platforms that have strict vetting processes and a history of successful launches. I also check if I need to hold specific tokens to participate.

2. Create an Account

Most launchpads require registration. Some, like Best Wallet, don’t require KYC verification, which I find convenient. Others might ask for identity verification, especially if they’re connected to major exchanges like Binance or ByBit.

3. Fund Your Wallet

I make sure to have the required cryptocurrencies in my wallet. This might be the launchpad’s native token (like BNB for Binance Launchpad) or stablecoins like USDT. I always keep some extra funds ready for unexpected opportunities.

4. Research Projects

Before investing, I thoroughly research each project. I read the whitepaper, check the team’s credentials on LinkedIn, look for code audits, and assess the token’s utility and tokenomics. I’ve avoided many potential losses by being diligent at this stage.

5. Participate in the Presale

Once I’ve decided to invest, I follow the launchpad’s process to participate. This might involve staking tokens, entering a lottery, or simply purchasing directly. I set calendar reminders so I don’t miss opening times for popular presales.

6. Claim and Manage Tokens

After the presale, I claim my tokens and decide whether to stake them (if available), hold for the long term, or sell some after the exchange listing. I usually take out my initial investment if the price increases significantly, then let the rest ride.

Success Stories from Crypto Presale Launchpads

I’ve witnessed some remarkable success stories from launchpad presales. While not every project succeeds, these examples show the potential:

Axie Infinity (AXS)

Launched on Binance Launchpad, AXS started at around $0.10 in its presale. At its peak, it reached over $160 – a 1,600x return for early investors. Even now, after market corrections, it trades significantly higher than its presale price. The play-to-earn game became a phenomenon, especially in Southeast Asia.

Axie Infinity game characters representing a successful crypto presale project

Pepe Unchained

This project launched through Best Wallet’s launchpad raised an impressive $73 million in its presale. When it hit exchanges, the price multiplied by almost 6x on the first day. What made it successful was its unique approach – creating a Layer-2 network that’s 100 times faster than Ethereum while leveraging the popularity of meme coins.

Pepe Unchained logo and price chart showing growth after presale

Polygon (MATIC)

Originally launched as Matic Network on Binance Launchpad, this Ethereum scaling solution had a presale price of just $0.00263. It later reached highs above $2.50 – representing gains of over 95,000% for presale participants. Its success came from solving real Ethereum scaling issues, showing that utility-focused projects can deliver amazing returns.

Polygon (MATIC) logo and network visualization

These success stories highlight why I continue to participate in presales. While they represent some of the best outcomes and aren’t typical, they show the potential upside of getting in early on promising projects through reputable launchpads.

Risks and Challenges I’ve Encountered

I’d be doing you a disservice if I only talked about the successes. The truth is, participating in crypto presales comes with significant risks. Here are some challenges I’ve faced:

Failed Projects

Not every presale leads to success. I’ve invested in projects that looked promising but failed to gain traction after launch. In one case, a DeFi platform I invested in couldn’t attract enough liquidity and eventually shut down. This is why I never invest more than I can afford to lose.

Market Timing

The broader crypto market conditions greatly impact new projects. I participated in several presales during the 2022 bear market, and even though the projects were solid, they struggled because of the overall negative sentiment. Timing matters more than many people realize.

Token Vesting

Many projects implement vesting schedules, meaning you can’t sell all your tokens immediately after launch. While this is healthy for the project, it can be frustrating if you want to take profits during initial price spikes. I’ve learned to carefully read the vesting terms before participating.

Oversubscription

Popular presales are often oversubscribed, meaning you might not get your full allocation or any allocation at all. I once tried to invest $1,000 in a promising gaming project but only received a $50 allocation due to high demand. This is especially common on major launchpads like Binance.

My Tips for Presale Success

After participating in dozens of presales, I’ve developed some guidelines that have helped me improve my success rate:

Do Your Own Research

Never rely solely on the launchpad’s vetting. I always check the team’s background, social media presence, GitHub activity (if applicable), and community engagement. Red flags for me include anonymous teams (unless it’s a meme coin), copied code without attribution, and unrealistic promises.

Diversify Across Projects

I spread my presale budget across multiple projects rather than going all-in on one. This approach has saved me numerous times when a project underperformed. I typically allocate no more than 5-10% of my crypto portfolio to any single presale.

Have an Exit Strategy

Before participating, I decide on my exit strategy. For some projects, I aim to take out my initial investment when the token reaches 2-3x, then hold the rest long-term. For others, especially meme coins, I might plan to exit entirely after a specific price target.

Watch Token Distribution

I pay close attention to how tokens are distributed. Projects that allocate too much to the team or have short vesting periods for insiders often experience heavy selling pressure after launch. I prefer projects where the team’s tokens are locked for at least a year.

Consider the Market Cycle

I’m more selective during bear markets and more open to taking risks during bull markets. The overall market sentiment dramatically affects how new tokens perform after listing. During downtrends, I focus only on projects solving real problems with experienced teams.

Join Project Communities

I always join the Telegram, Discord, or other community channels of projects I’m interested in. This gives me a feel for the team’s communication style and community engagement. Strong, active communities often indicate projects with staying power.

Person researching crypto projects on multiple screens

The Future of Crypto Presale Launchpads

The launchpad ecosystem continues to evolve, and I’ve noticed several emerging trends that could shape its future:

Multi-Chain Support

Early launchpads were mostly Ethereum-based, but now we’re seeing platforms that support multiple blockchains. This gives investors access to projects across ecosystems like Solana, Binance Smart Chain, and Polygon. I expect this trend to continue as the multi-chain future unfolds.

Specialized Launchpads

Rather than general-purpose platforms, we’re seeing more specialized launchpads focused on specific niches like GameFi, DeFi, or AI projects. These specialized platforms often have deeper expertise in their focus areas, potentially leading to better project selection.

Improved Vetting Processes

As the industry matures, launchpads are implementing more sophisticated vetting processes, including code audits, tokenomics analysis, and background checks. This trend should help reduce the number of failed or fraudulent projects reaching investors.

Integration with DeFi Ecosystems

Launchpads are increasingly integrating with broader DeFi ecosystems, offering features like staking, farming, and governance. This creates more value for users beyond just presale access and helps build more sustainable platforms.

Futuristic visualization of crypto presale launchpad evolution

Getting Started with Your First Crypto Presale

If you’re interested in participating in your first crypto presale, here’s a simple way to get started:

  1. Download a wallet app that offers launchpad features, like Best Wallet
  2. Set up your account and fund it with some starter crypto (USDT or ETH works well)
  3. Browse the upcoming presales and research projects that interest you
  4. Start small with your first investment to get comfortable with the process
  5. Keep track of your investments and learn from each experience

Crypto presale launchpads have transformed how early-stage projects raise funds and how regular investors like us access promising opportunities. While they come with risks, the potential rewards can be substantial if you approach them with caution and do your homework.

I’m excited about the future of this space, especially as vetting processes improve and more innovative projects come to market. At the same time, I remain cautious about the inherent volatility and speculative nature of early-stage crypto investments. The key is finding balance – being open to opportunities while maintaining a healthy skepticism and never investing more than you can afford to lose.

Ready to explore your first crypto presale?

Download Best Wallet today to access vetted presales, stake your tokens for rewards, and join a community of over 500,000 crypto enthusiasts.

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Author Théodore Lefevre