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NODE/03 · Term

IDO

Initial DEX Offering — primary token sale via a decentralised launchpad. Largely replaced classic ICOs after 2020 across most crypto ecosystems.

Aliases: initial dex offering, dex launch

IDO (Initial DEX Offering) is a primary token sale conducted through a decentralised launchpad protocol. It became the dominant format in 2020–2024 as regulatory pressure on ICOs grew and DEX infrastructure matured.

Mechanics

  1. The project partners with a launchpad platform (DAO Maker, Raydium Launchpad, BinStarter in broader ecosystems; in TON — TonUP, ICOLab and similar).
  2. The platform publishes terms: price, supply on sale, vesting, participant requirements (KYC / launchpad-token staking).
  3. At the scheduled time the sale contract opens. Most launchpads use lottery or weighted allocation to counter whale dominance.
  4. Immediately after the sale the token is listed on a DEX, usually with pre-seeded liquidity.

Vs. ICO

  • Distributed infrastructure. The launchpad is responsible for contract transparency and escrow.
  • Vesting by default. Most IDOs release a fraction at TGE and the rest on a schedule — reduces instant sell pressure.
  • Better filtering. Launchpads do some due diligence (with very uneven quality).
  • Smaller checks. ICOs often required ≥1 ETH; IDOs commonly accept 50–100 USDT.

Vs. IEO

  • IEO runs on a CEX (Binance Launchpad). The exchange filters hard, but access is gated by KYC and country.
  • IDO runs on a DEX with global access and softer filtering.

In 2026 many projects run a hybrid: IEO on a major CEX plus IDO on a launchpad for wider distribution.

IDO risks

  • Post-TGE sell pressure. A large TGE unlock can crash the price in the first minutes.
  • Predatory launchpads. The platform takes a share of supply “for the launch”, which can end up dumped by the launchpad team.
  • Wash-trading after listing. Manufactured volume to drive FOMO.
  • Bot front-running. Bots buy at TGE price and instantly sell.

IDO in TON

The most established launchpad in TON is TonUP. TonStarter, GemPad TON and Daolaunch are also active. Most IDOs follow a whitelist + KYC + vesting structure.

Before participating, check the team, contract audit, vesting schedule and actual token utility. Most IDOs lose 80–95% from ATH within the first months — buying at TGE is rarely efficient on a risk-adjusted basis.

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