I was reading about initial coin offerings (ICOs) in cryptocurrencies, and the truth is that this topic has become more complicated than before. Initially, ICOs seemed like a magical way to fund projects. Startups would launch a new digital currency, raise funds from investors in exchange for Bitcoin or Ethereum, and everything would go smoothly.

But let me tell you what actually happened. When Ethereum launched its ICO in July 2014, it raised $18.4 million and became the second-largest cryptocurrency by market cap. Cardano also succeeded significantly, raising $62.2 million in January 2017. However, then came Tezos, which raised $232 million in July 2017 and faced major legal issues.

Then came the unfortunate examples. Dragon Coin raised $320 million in March 2018 but collapsed quickly. That’s when we realized that participating in cryptocurrency ICOs is no guarantee of success.

If you're thinking about launching your own token sale, you need more than just a good idea. Start with a clear concept, then make sure to study local regulations, as some countries have completely banned them. Next, you need to create a real token and a white paper explaining everything about the project. A professional website is essential, and a strong marketing plan is indispensable.

Now, regarding how to choose. The experience of the management team is very important, the business plan should be clear, transparency is necessary, and legal compliance is not optional.

The market is now more complex than ever. There are over two million cryptocurrencies, each claiming to have something unique. Bitcoin has settled as a means of payment, and Ethereum has become a platform for building DeFi applications. But how do you know which new coins are worth investing in?

First, check the actual use cases. Does the coin have a clear purpose? Second, liquidity is essential because a coin that no one trades might be a scam. Third, monitor the price and volume to understand the current momentum.

Regarding tools, PooCoin allows you to enter the coin’s name and see all the details. Token Sniffer is much better because it provides a comprehensive audit report and warns you of potential scams.

Decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms are now complex, combining blockchain and programming. Maker, Uniswap, and Aave offer real services. Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have become part of the metaverse.

After 2018, the crypto ICO bubble burst. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) began serious investigations. Now, ICOs are fewer in number but more regulated.

Another alternative is exchange-traded funds (ETFs). In January 2024, Bitcoin ETFs were approved, meaning you can gain exposure to Bitcoin at lower costs without buying the coin directly.

If you want to follow new coins, CoinMarketCap records new tokens and coins daily. Social media platforms like X and Telegram are also good sources for announcements about new crypto offerings.

In the end, investing in this field requires patience, thorough research, and cautious evaluation. Don’t rush, and consult a financial professional if necessary.