The Return of the IEO
Initial Exchange Offerings — token sales hosted directly on a centralized exchange — had a quiet couple of years after the 2021 frenzy. But 2024 changed that. Major launchpad platforms generated over $2.8 billion in trading volume, and the model is proving more resilient than its decentralized cousin, the IDO.3
Why? Because exchanges have skin in the game. When Binance, OKX, or Gate.io puts a project on its launchpad, that exchange has already done the diligence. The result: projects that survive the vetting process tend to perform. Binance Launchpad, for instance, boasts 94% of launched tokens with current positive ROI — a staggering hit rate in an industry where most tokens fade within months.1
We evaluated the four dominant centralized launchpads on three axes: vetting rigor, participation requirements (do you need to hold the exchange's native token?), and historical track record. Here are the exchanges that give you the best access to the things actually worth buying.
The Quick List
| Rank | Exchange | Launchpad | Best For |
|---|
| 1 | Binance | Binance Launchpad | Track record & project quality |
| 2 | OKX | OKX Jumpstart | Web3 ecosystem integration |
| 3 | Gate.io | Gate.io Startup | Early-stage & exotic altcoins |
| 4 | KuCoin | KuCoin Spotlight | Diverse altcoin exposure |
1. Binance Launchpad — The Gold Standard
Binance Launchpad isn't just the biggest — it's the safest bet in IEOs. With 94% of launched tokens currently in positive territory, Binance's vetting process is the industry benchmark.1 Projects that make it through are typically well-capitalized, audited, and backed by serious teams.
How to participate: You'll need to hold BNB in your Binance account and stake it in Launchpad pools. The more BNB you hold over the snapshot period, the larger your allocation.
The trade-off: Because Binance is so selective, launch frequency is lower than competitors. You'll wait longer between sales, but the quality per project is higher.
Get started on Binance
2. OKX Jumpstart — Deep Web3 Integration
OKX Jumpstart is Binance's closest competitor, and in some ways it's more innovative. OKX ties its launchpad directly into its broader Web3 wallet ecosystem, meaning you can participate in token sales while managing your DeFi positions from the same interface.2
How to participate: Stake OKB or hold OKX Web3 wallet assets. OKX frequently runs "subscription" style sales where participants commit funds and receive tokens proportionally.
The edge: OKX tends to list projects with strong tokenomics and real utility — fewer memecoins, more infrastructure plays. Coin Bureau notes that OKX's security posture is among the best in the industry.2
Explore OKX Jumpstart
3. Gate.io Startup — The Early-Stage Powerhouse
Gate.io Startup is where you go when you want first. Gate.io lists more new tokens than any other major exchange, and its Startup platform is the primary launchpad for emerging altcoins that haven't yet hit Binance or Coinbase.3
How to participate: Hold GT (Gate's native token) and complete KYC. Gate uses a "first-come, first-served" model for some sales, plus lottery-based allocations for high-demand projects.
The trade-off: Higher volume means lower average quality. You'll need to do your own research on top of Gate's vetting. But for traders who enjoy the hunt, Gate.io offers the most frequent launch calendar in the space.
Browse Gate.io Startup
4. KuCoin Spotlight — Diverse Altcoin Access
KuCoin's Spotlight launchpad rounds out the list with a strong track record of surfacing projects across multiple chains — Ethereum, BSC, Solana, and beyond. KuCoin's IEO platform ensures security and compliance through rigorous project vetting, and its global user base means deep liquidity from day one.4
How to participate: Stake KCS (KuCoin's native token) in a KuCoin Earn product. Allocations are proportional to your staked amount.
The edge: KuCoin Spotlight frequently features projects that other exchanges overlook — particularly in the DePIN, AI, and gaming verticals. If you want diversification beyond the usual Layer-1 plays, KuCoin is your best bet.
Join KuCoin Spotlight
IEO vs. IDO: Why Centralized Launchpads Win
The crypto-native crowd loves to champion decentralized IDOs (Initial DEX Offerings), but the numbers tell a different story. Centralized launchpads like the four above offer:
- Project vetting — exchanges have legal and reputational risk, so they actually check teams, audits, and tokenomics
- Liquidity on day one — tokens launch with an active order book, not a slow trickle of DEX volume
- User experience — one login, one wallet, one interface
IDOs are permissionless and theoretically more democratic, but they're also a minefield of rug pulls and low-liquidity tokens. For most investors, the centralized launchpad model delivers better risk-adjusted returns.1
How We Tested
We evaluated each exchange's launchpad based on publicly available data: historical token performance from CoinLaunch Space1, security assessments from Coin Bureau2, market volume data from Cryptsy3, and official exchange documentation4. All ROI figures are as of late 2024 and reflect token price vs. IEO price.
Recomate is an affiliate partner of the exchanges listed above. If you sign up through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Our rankings are independent and based on published data and testing.
