If you’re reading this, the chances are that you can no longer ignore the loud bang in blockchain technologies and cryptocurrency as instruments for financial negotiations and as fundraising instruments for new companies via initial coin offerings (ICOs). We first heard about ICO when it was issued nine years ago. It evolved from a state of complexity to one of the most successful financial technology (FinTech) fundraising options for organizations, programs, and newly founded enterprises. The inaugural Mastercoin ICO generated almost USD$450,000, a significant figure for the first of its type.
Since then, crypto ICOs have proven to be a capable fundraising tool. However, if you’re familiar or conversant with cryptocurrency and FinTech, you’ll understand that handling and floating a crypto ICO can be a complex undertaking. Even as blockchain financing continues to grow, there’s still a lot of uncertainty about the legitimacy of initial coin offerings and concerns about regulatory policies. As a result, prospective blockchain business owners must cautiously monitor their ICOs. This is to strengthen stakeholder trust and assurance and prevent issues related to compliance and security regulations, which can be detrimental to companies, their stature, and their investments.
Here are four crucial steps to ensuring the success of your ICO:
1. Determine Whether Launching A Crypto ICO Is A Good Idea
Is conducting a crypto ICO a good idea? You may want to ask yourself the following questions before making your decision:
- Are cryptocurrencies legal in your country? If not, you should take the proper legal steps before launching your crypto ICO project. Keep in mind, however, that cryptocurrency rules are fluid and changing.
- Do you intend to use blockchain? It’s a highly rated piece of digital technology, but it’s not the perfect solution for all company problems. Thus, consider delivering your potential company functions using alternative and convenient technology. For example, blockchain is suitable if you want a decentralized peer-to-peer network with a decentralized system.
- Does the crypto you’re launching have utility values? If yes, a crypto ICO is your magic wand. Besides, guaranteeing your stakeholders’ growing profits means you’re probably introducing a security token. Make sure you review the security rules within your region.
2. Learn the Cryptocurrency Industry
Some firms have already established their digital currencies or have extensively invested in digital currencies such as Bitcoin, so they recognize the fundamentals of how the crypto sector operates. In general, stakeholders are likely crypto culture members, with many at ease with the process of acquiring virtual currencies. It will be beneficial to have a complete grasp of the mechanics underlying digital currencies and what sorts of selling features attract stakeholders who purchase. You can ensure the success of your crypto ICO launch if you can establish its distinctive selling features.
3. Create A White Paper
A white paper summarizes the project’s aims and plans. Note that a project may have a great concept but lack a practical approach for achieving those aims. Meanwhile, some projects lack critical information, rendering them unworkable. However, remember that a thorough white paper is no guarantee of a successful crypto ICO, yet a shaky, inappropriately worded white paper might indicate trouble or issues. Concerns with spelling, structure, or word order are red indicators, too. Moreover, investors will scrutinize every item if you’re developing a white paper for your ICO.
Hence, your white paper must include a core guideline that sets measurable goals and a clear and logical schedule for achieving them. Additionally, insert a brief and clear vision statement to show focus to achieve true success.
4. Assemble A Competent Team
First, you’ll need a project team with the essential know-how and expertise to successfully launch your crypto ICO; second, your team should be able to portray a confident image to stakeholders. In a nutshell, you need people who believe in your ideas and are willing to invest time and effort into the success of the crypto ICO. For example, hanging a photo of your whole team (financial advisors, designers with blockchain knowledge, and lawyers) in your workplace is an excellent idea because it communicates to public stakeholders that you have a genuine team.
Final Thoughts
Launching a crypto ICO can be challenging, and the four steps listed here are only a launching point for you to start your research. The most significant one is that ICOs are the foundation of a flourishing digital currency market. However, the cryptocurrency business is no longer the unregulated New Frontier. To ensure a successful crypto ICO, you must plan carefully and design it per security rules.