MEXC Research’s new “From ICO to Launchpad” report has shed light on the resurgence in launchpad activity in H1 2025. The latest report compared centralized and decentralized token offering models through performance metrics, user access design, and long-term sustainability. MEXC’s launchpad was a standout performer in the launchpad space with a strong 10.83X average ROI across five project listings in the first half of the year. While centralized exchanges like Bybit and Gate.io continue to experiment with thier tiered access and snapshot mechanisms for to-ken distribution, MEXC’s no-VIP, dual pool model has attracted attention across the industry for its accessibility and consistent returns, outperforming many competitors in both project volume and user engagement.
One of the most defining features of MEXC’s launch-pad performance is its simplified user access model. Unlike many other platforms that rely on staking thresholds, VIP levels, and a snapshot mechanism that guarantees early participants a higher allocation, MEXC offers a flat-access structure with fixed allocation pools and no minimum holding requirements. This, according to the report, has helped level the playing field for retail participants and reduce the barrier to entry for many first-time users. The democratized approach stands in contrast to competing platforms, which require users to meet VIP-level staking requirements or lean heavily on a snapshot mechanism that skewed access towards early participants and insiders. MEXC launched five projects in H1 2025, offering an average peak ROI of 10.83X without the need for capital lock-up or attaining an advanced user status.
The resurgence of token launchpads in 2025 has also renewed the debate over trade-offs between the centralized and decentralized models in early to-ken investing participation. While DEX-based platforms like Pump.fun and LetsBonk have gained momentum and virality with their open-access auctions models, these models are often plagued by high volatility, price manipulation, rug risk, and poor project due diligence before listing. In contrast, centralized launchpad platforms, which are increasingly viewed as a safer entry point to early stage projects investing due to their structured launches, security audits, and ecosystem integration, still face criticism for opaque allocation models and insider-dominated token events — issues that the MEXC launchpad model appears to have consciously addressed with its simplified participation pool model.
The report highlights the need for launch-pads, especially the CEX-backed models, to evolve beyond one-off fundraising events to become full-cycle growth accelerators. The adoption of the full-cycle support model would mark the beginning of the shift from the “launch and exit” patterns seen during previous bull markets. According to the analysis, such services can extend token longevity, reduce post-launch volatility, and support healthier tokenomics, which are the key issues facing many 2021-era projects that failed to retain user interest beyond initial hype.
Several emerging innovative trends in token offerings that could define the next phase of the launchpad evolution amid renewed Crypto market interest in the space were further revealed in the report. This includes dynamic pricing models, contribution-based allocation, and CEX-led incubation efforts.
MEXC announced that it is actively expanding its launch-pad model approach beyond token sales to adopt a more holistic and full-cycle growth model that includes offering liquidity support, strategic marketing, and post-listing trading incentives to incubated early-stage crypto projects. Additionally, MEX-C research also proposed several industry-wide improvements to improve the growth and sustainability in the sector. This includes placing caps on Fully Diluted Valuations (FDVs), increasing public round allocation ratios, and implementing post-launch performance tracking as a standard practice — all aimed at increasing fairness and trust in token distribution, with user protection taking precedence.
For an industry still working to regain user trust and regulatory approval post-FTX, MEXC’s data-driven approach and open-access launch-pad model are a significant step in the right direction. With one of the highest average returns across leading launchpad platforms, the MEX-C launchpad model is building a compelling case for retail-friendly token offerings that don’t compromise on performance and security. Whether this trend continues will depend on market conditions and how well these platforms can continue to deliver both on ROI growth and user protection. But as it stands, MEXC approach appears to be setting a new benchmark for what effective, equitable launchpad participation can look like in the near future.
Indrapal Prajapat is a skilled crypto writer with 5 years of experience in blockchain, DeFi, NFTs, and Web3. He creates SEO-optimized content that helps readers understand the latest trends in cryptocurrency. Indrapal specializes in writing articles, news updates, and analysis for crypto projects, exchanges, and Web3 innovations. He focuses on making crypto knowledge accessible to everyone, from beginners to expert investors. His content helps investors make smart decisions. He stays updated on the latest trends, helping investors make informed decisions.