The rise of institutional crypto crowdfunding platforms is quickly transforming the fundraising model for Web3 startups. Instead of relying on private VC rounds, more founders are turning to large-scale launchpads like CoinList, Republic, Echo by Cobie, Bitget LaunchX, Kaito Capital Launchpad, and SeedList, platforms that provide not only capital but access to active contributors, global audiences, and real user participation.
This shift is grounded in transparency, scale, and community. With over 100 token sales scheduled through the remainder of 2025, institutional launchpads have become the go-to infrastructure for projects aiming to reach the top of CoinMarketCap while building a strong, global presence from day one.
WalletConnect’s Multi-Launch Strategy Demonstrated the New Standard
A key example of this shift was the launch of WalletConnect’s WCT token. Rather than pursue a single outlet or raise behind closed doors, the team distributed its sale across three leading platforms:
- Bitget LaunchX filled a $4 million allocation in just two hours, with $170 million in pledges from more than 40,000 participants.
- CoinList’s global public round drew 18,000+ contributors from over 100 countries.
- Echo’s private sale reached its $500,000 cap in just 11 seconds, fueled by automation and community demand.
CoinList, a spin-off of AngelList, has long been a leader in regulated token sales. With its karma-based contributor system, it’s launched major names like Solana, Filecoin, and Flow by Dapper Labs, and more recently, DoubleZero, Obol, and Bitlayer.
Republic, backed by Galaxy Digital, has raised more than $120 million through its token platform, which also pays out dividends in USDC to Note holders. Echo, created by Cobie, now offers Sonar, a modular token sale system that allows early-stage projects to self-manage compliant public or private launches.
Kaito Capital Launchpad, launched in July by former Citadel executive Yu Hu, adds an AI layer and Base-chain integration to the model. Its first project, Espresso, used tiered vesting, contribution caps, and redistributed platform fees via its KAITO token, combining performance analytics with fair access.
SeedList Embraces a Global, Merit-Based Allocation Model
Among the new generation of institutional platforms, SeedList is pioneering an allocation framework focused on contribution, not just investment. Based in Singapore, SeedList uses artificial intelligence to evaluate how much value each participant brings, whether that’s through code contributions, KOL influence, or community development.
“We’re reallocating access away from VCs and toward the people actually helping projects grow,” said Rosa Pagani, co-founder of SeedList, in a recent strategy call. “Our system rewards effort and meaningful participation, not just the size of your wallet.”
SeedList’s non-custodial and fiat-free structure allows contributors from emerging markets and non-U.S. jurisdictions to participate without the usual compliance barriers. This makes it an ideal solution for decentralized protocols seeking global reach and KOL-led growth from day one.
The team brings strong industry experience. Rosa Pagani also heads WhiteBIT Australia, part of WhiteBIT Global, the largest European exchange with 8 million users. Her co-founder, Brijesh Patel, previously worked as a partner at Pronomos Capital, a decentralized governance-focused VC backed by Marc Andreessen (a16z), Balaji Srinivasan (former Coinbase CTO), the Winklevoss twins (founders of Gemini and early Facebook investors), and Naval Ravikant (founder of AngelList, parent of CoinList).
CryptoSheldon, famed in the Solana ecosystem, has commented on the growing segmentation in the launchpad space: “CoinList is ideal for U.S.-based teams that want regulated access and VC alignment. If you’re outside the U.S. and looking to onboard 500,000 users through KOLs and retail contributors, SeedList is purpose-built for that. Echo and Kaito provide great hybrid options depending on project goals.”
2025 Marks a Turning Point for Institutional Launch Platforms
The division between fundraising and community-building is disappearing. Institutional crypto crowdfunding platforms like SeedList, Republic, CoinList, Echo, and Kaito are merging capital access with tools for compliance, engagement tracking, and post-launch liquidity. This unified approach is allowing crypto founders to go live faster, more publicly, and with better global reach than legacy VC pipelines ever offered.
This is why respected builders are launching platforms of their own. Jordan Fish (Cobie) leads Echo. Yu Hu created Kaito. And CryptoSheldon, respected across the Solana ecosystem, helped shape SeedList to ensure that access to early-stage opportunities isn’t limited to institutional insiders.
Several high-profile token sales are lined up across SeedList, Bitget, CoinList, and Kaito throughout Q3 and Q4. These include DePIN networks, L2 infrastructure projects, and AI-native chains. With better tools, smarter allocation engines, and a deeper focus on community value, 2025 is quickly becoming the year when institutional launchpads definitively replace traditional venture capital in the crypto space.
