---
title: Launchpad
url: "https://www.unknowngravity.com/en/glosario/launchpad"
site: Unknown Gravity
published: "2026-09-21T11:55:11+00:00"
modified: "2026-09-21T11:55:14+00:00"
language: en-US
description: "A launchpad is the platform where a project launches its token to the public for the first time: it centralises early-investor access, collection and distribution."
section: "Home > Launchpad"
---

# Launchpad

GLOSSARY · BLOCKCHAIN & WEB3

What a launchpad is: the platform where projects launch their token to early investors, how it works and how it differs from a regulated issuance.

WHAT IS IT? · FOR DUMMIES

A **launchpad** is the platform where a project launches its token to the public for the first time: it centralises early-investor access, collection and distribution. It is the organised evolution of the ICO — with more filters, but without thereby becoming a regulated issuance.

WHAT IS IT? · PRO

Launchpads — run by exchanges or independent — usually require due diligence from projects and [KYC](/en/glosario/kyc-know-your-customer) from participants, and often holding the platform's token to access sales. Typical formats: fixed-price sale, auctions or allocation lotteries, with [vesting](/en/glosario/vesting) schedules for what was bought.

The boundary that matters: if what is sold grants economic rights or an expectation of returns managed by others, it may be an offer of securities — and then the path is not a launchpad but an issuance under the rules of an [STO](/en/glosario/sto-security-token-offering). Classify before launching, as always: the [MiCA/MiFID classifier](/en/clasificador-mica-mifid) is the cheap first step.

## 01 / Key points

- Platform for launching tokens to early investors
- Project filters + participant KYC + vesting of what is sold
- Formats: fixed price, auction or allocation lottery
- Does not make legal an offer that is really one of securities

## 02 / Advantages

- Organised access to early demand
- Reputational filter versus a wild launch
- Infrastructure solved: collection, distribution, vesting

## 03 / Disadvantages

- Uneven due diligence between platforms
- Tolls: fees and mandatory platform token
- Regulatory risk if what is sold is a disguised security

This entry is informative. It is not legal, tax or investment advice. The rules cited change: check the current version on [BOE](https://www.boe.es) and [EUR-Lex](https://eur-lex.europa.eu).