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Community-Focused Crypto Launchpads Are Overtaking VCs as the Primary Engine for Web3 Token Success

By: GlobePRwire

Top Web3 Projects Are Turning to High-Volume Crypto Crowdfunding Platforms for Global Reach, Not Just Funding, as CoinList, Republic, Kaito, SeedList, and Echo Prepare Over 100 Launches in the Coming Year

Singapore July 29

A major shift is underway in crypto fundraising. Web3 startups are increasingly sidestepping traditional venture capital and turning to high-powered, community-driven launchpads instead. Emerging platforms like SeedList, CoinList, Republic, Bitget LaunchX, Echo by Cobie, and the newly introduced Kaito Capital Launchpad are redefining early-stage token distribution. These platforms offer more than just capital, they also provide large-scale user onboarding, brand acceleration, and shorter go-to-market cycles.

This evolution has been driven by a wave of oversubscribed sales, stronger contributor frameworks, and frustration with VC-led deals that often exclude regular participants. With over 100 token launches expected in the second half of 2025, the new default for high-potential Web3 teams is clear. Institutional-grade crypto crowdfunding is no longer a niche, it’s becoming the standard for reaching the top 100 on CoinMarketCap.

Multi-Platform Mega Launches Are Setting a New Benchmark

One standout example came earlier this year with WalletConnect’s WCT token raise, which pulled in $10 million across three launchpads:

  • Bitget LaunchX sold out its $4M allocation in under two hours, with more than $170 million pledged by 40,000 investors


  • CoinList attracted over 18,000 contributors from more than 100 countries


  • Echo’s private $500K round was filled in just 11 seconds, highlighting the power of automation and community-driven momentum


CoinList, originally spun out of AngelList, has since hosted multiple offerings including Obol, Bitlayer, and DoubleZero. It uses a karma-based system that rewards participation. Past launches include major names like Flow (Dapper Labs), Solana, and Filecoin. Republic, backed by Galaxy Digital, has raised over $120 million and continues to pay out USDC dividends to NOTE holders. Echo, founded by trader Jordan Fish (Cobie), introduced its modular “Sonar” stack, which allows self-hosted, compliance-friendly token sales.

The launch of Kaito Capital Launchpad in July, created by an ex-Citadel founder, added new features like AI-backed analytics, Base-native infrastructure, and social reputation scoring. Its debut sale, Espresso, included capped allocations, structured vesting, and a fee-sharing model through the KAITO token.

A Smarter Focus on Contribution, Not Just Capital

A new generation of launchpads is emerging with a sharper focus on rewarding participation. At the forefront is SeedList, a Singapore-based platform designed to make capital formation more equitable by reallocating VC shares to key contributors and KOLs.

Hailed as the “RobinHood” of crypto crowdfunding, SeedList takes a different approach to allocation. It uses AI to assess technical input, social reach, and genuine community activity. Instead of lotteries or staking minimums, SeedList promotes meaningful engagement, especially from regions outside the U.S. that are often overlooked. Co-founder Rosa Pagani explains:

“CoinList and others laid the foundation, but we built SeedList for the next wave. Access should be based on value and contribution, not how much capital you bring. We completely remove VCs and replace them with KOLs and builders.”

The platform also avoids fiat and crypto custody, sidestepping many of the legal hurdles that slow down other models. Its global-first strategy includes partnerships with exchanges and influencer networks, giving early access to strategic backers who would otherwise be locked out.

Similar to Kaito, SeedList is also backed by industry heavyweights, Rosa Pagani, CEO of WhiteBIT Australia, a division of the $18 billion WhiteBIT Global, Europe’s largest crypto exchange w/ 8 million users as well as Brijesh Patel, former partner at Pronomos Capital, a decentralized city VC, backed by the likes of Mark Andreesen (a16z), Balaji Sreenivasan (Coinbase CTO), the Winklevoss Twins (Gemini & Facebook), & Naval Ravikant (founder of AngelList, parent of CoinList).

CryptoSheldon, a well-known figure in the Solana ecosystem, described the shift this way:

“Ideally, projects will have clear choices. CoinList if they want a U.S. audience and VC presence, SeedList if they need to mobilize 500,000+ users globally through KOLs, or something hybrid like Kaito or Echo.”

What’s Next for Launchpads in 2025

By mid-2025, the lines between launchpad, VC, and exchange are starting to blur. Platforms like SeedList, Kaito, Republic, CoinList, and Echo are combining compliance, analytics, and liquidity directly into the token launch process.

Top crypto influencers, TradFi veterans, and leading ecosystem developers alike are all jumping into the game, launching their own crypto crowdfunding platforms, trying to beat crypto VCs at their own game and return power to the community. Renowned trader Jordan Fish (Cobie) introduced Echo, former Citadel executive Yu Hu launched Kaito, and respected Solana developer and project advisor CryptoSheldon founded SeedList.

With dozens of major sales coming in Q3 and Q4, including projects in AI, DePIN, and L2 infrastructure, founders are prioritizing reach, fairness, and community strength over closed-door VC deals. The trend is no longer experimental. For many crypto teams, launchpads have become the preferred way to fundraise, build momentum, and scale fast.


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