Table of Contents
- Introduction: The Evolution From IDO to Memecoin Launchpads
- What Are Classic IDO Launchpads (Polkastarter, Binance, OKX)?
- Ape.Store’s Liquidity Model: Bonding Curves + V3/V4
- Comparison: Fee Structure, Capital Requirements, and Creator Payouts
- Liquidity Mechanics: Fixed Pools vs Dynamic Bonding Curves vs Concentrated Liquidity
- Speed to Market: Days vs Minutes
- Creator Control and Incentive Alignment
- The Role of Social Layers in Platform Success
- Case Study: Why Memecoins Thrive on Ape.Store But Not IDO Launchpads
- Institutional vs Community Fit
- The Future: Where IDO Launchpads Are Heading
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion: The Paradigm Shift in Token Launches
Introduction: The Evolution From IDO to Memecoin Launchpads
2020: IDO launchpads dominated (Polkastarter, Binance Launchpad)
Projects raised $100k-$10M through carefully vetted, weeks-long fundraising processes
2023-2025: Memecoin launchpads emerged (Pump.fun, Ape.Store)
Projects launch tokens in 5 minutes, anyone can participate, fair-launch model dominates
The question: Which model is better? And why is Ape.Store’s approach winning?
The answer lies in understanding how incentive design separates winners from losers in Web3.
This guide compares both models directly—not to declare one “winner,” but to show why different models serve different purposes.
What Are Classic IDO Launchpads (Polkastarter, Binance, OKX)?
How IDO Launchpads Work
IDO = Initial DEX Offering
Traditional model (pre-2023):
- Project submits application (weeks of vetting)
- Platform curates (only 5-10% of applications approved)
- Project raises capital via fixed-price sale pools
- Investors must hold platform token (e.g., POLS, BNB) for allocation
- Fixed price maintained throughout sale period
- Post-launch liquidity provided by platform or project
Top Classic IDO Launchpads (2025)
| Platform | Type | Key Features | Investor Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Binance Launchpad | IEO (Centralized) | Massive liquidity, guaranteed listing, subscription model | BNB holdings, KYC |
| Polkastarter | IDO (Decentralized) | Fixed-price swaps, multi-chain, 100+ projects launched | POLS token holdings |
| OKX Jumpstart | IEO | Mining/sale formats, tiered allocation | OKX holdings |
| DAO Maker | IDO | Holder Offer model, retail-focused | DAO token or USDC |
Creator Costs on IDO Launchpads
Typical IDO costs:
- Platform fees: 5-15% of raised amount
- Vetting/listing fee: $10k-$100k
- Liquidity provision: Project must provide $100k-$1M+ in initial liquidity
- Marketing support: Often included but varies
Example: Raise $500k on Binance Launchpad
textGross raised: $500,000
Platform fees (10%): -$50,000
Liquidity provision (required): -$100,000
Vetting/listing: -$25,000
Net to project: $325,000
Timeline: 3-6 months from application to launch
IDO Philosophy
- Curation as value: Only approved projects launch (acts as filter)
- Investor protection: Fixed prices, vetting, professional support
- Liquidity as infrastructure: Platform provides post-launch depth
- Premium positioning: High barrier to entry creates perceived legitimacy
Ape.Store’s Liquidity Model: Bonding Curves + V3/V4
How Ape.Store Works
Memecoin model (2025):
- Creator launches instantly (5 minutes, no vetting)
- Token automatically tradable (via bonding curve or V3/V4)
- Creator earns 50% of fees indefinitely (aligned incentives)
- Users provide all liquidity (no platform cost)
- Fair launch (no pre-mine, no founder allocation)
Ape.Store Liquidity Options
Option 1: Bonding Curve Launch
- Algorithmic price discovery
- No external liquidity needed
- Automatic graduation to V3 at 69k market cap
- Creator can monitor and adjust
- Fully passive if desired
Option 2: Direct V3 Launch
- Instant Uniswap V3 pool
- Creator provides initial liquidity
- Concentrated liquidity, 54% higher LP returns
- Creator manages LP position actively
Option 3: V4 Instant Rewards
- Direct Uniswap V4 deployment
- Instant creator rewards (per swap)
- Zero claiming friction (automatic)
- Latest technology, most creator-friendly
Creator Costs on Ape.Store
Bonding curve launch:
- Gas fees only (~$5-$20 on Base)
- No platform fee
- No vetting fee
- No liquidity requirement
V3/V4 launch:
- Gas fees (~$10-$50)
- Initial liquidity capital ($5k-$20k in ETH)
- Platform fee: $0
Example: Launch on Ape.Store
textTotal costs: $50 gas + $10k liquidity (returns to you as LP)
Timeline: 5 minutes from idea to tradable token
Creator control: 100% (your LP position, your fee capture)
Fee split: 50% to creator forever (no platform %)
Ape.Store Philosophy
- Speed as value: Anyone can launch (merit based on community)
- Creator alignment: 50/50 fee split (platform wins only if creator wins)
- User-provided liquidity: Community provides depth (not platform)
- Meritocracy: Best projects win through market feedback (not curator votes)
Comparison: Fee Structure, Capital Requirements, and Creator Payouts
Fee Structure Comparison
| Factor | Classic IDO | Ape.Store |
|---|---|---|
| Platform fee | 5-15% of raised | 0% |
| Vetting/listing fee | $10k-$100k+ | $0 |
| Liquidity requirement | $100k-$1M+ | $0-$20k |
| Creator fee share | 0% (fees to platform/exchange) | 50% (of trading fees) |
| Ongoing revenue | One-time only | Indefinite (as long as token trades) |
Winner: Ape.Store (massively lower barriers, ongoing revenue)
Capital Requirements Comparison
| Scenario | IDO Launchpad | Ape.Store Bonding Curve | Ape.Store V3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum to launch | $100k+ (liquidity) | ~$20 (gas) | $10k+ (liquidity) |
| Time to launch | 3-6 months | 5 minutes | 5 minutes |
| Creator control | Low (curator-decided) | High | Very high |
| Liquidity control | Platform-provided | Algorithmic | User-managed |
Winner: Ape.Store (1,000x faster, 100x lower capital)
Creator Payout Comparison (Annual)
Scenario: $1M trading volume over 12 months
IDO Launchpad Model:
textGross volume: $1,000,000
Creator initial raise: $100,000 (then done)
Platform takes 10% of raise: -$10,000
Creator nets: $90,000
Ongoing revenue: $0
Timeline: One-time payment at launch
Total annual creator earnings: $90,000
Ape.Store Fee-Split Model:
textGross volume: $1,000,000
Total fees (0.3-1%): $3,000-$10,000
Creator share (50%): $1,500-$5,000
Timeline: Continuous throughout year
Creator ongoing earnings: $1,500-$5,000/year forever
Plus: Creator can launch new tokens (stacking income)
Total annual creator earnings: $1,500-$5,000+ (and grows)
The shift: From one-time capital raise to permanent revenue stream
Liquidity Mechanics: Fixed Pools vs Dynamic Bonding Curves vs Concentrated Liquidity
Fixed Swap Pools (Classic IDO Model)
How it works:
textProject sets fixed price: $0.10 per token
Investors buy: $0.10 per token (guaranteed)
Supply lasts until depleted
When supply gone: sale closes
Post-launch: liquidity must be created elsewhere
Mechanics:
- Predictable pricing (investors know exactly what they pay)
- No slippage (fixed price = no movement)
- One-directional (buy only, no selling until post-launch)
- Centralization risk (platform controls pool)
Trade-off: Safe for investors, slow for innovation
Bonding Curves (Ape.Store Model)
How it works:
textPrice starts at: $0.0001
Buyer purchases 1000 tokens: Price rises
Next buyer pays: $0.0001001
As more buy: Price continues rising
Algorithm ensures: Smooth, predictable price discovery
Sellers can exit anytime: Get whatever current price is
Mechanics:
- Dynamic pricing (based on supply, not fixed)
- Algorithmic fairness (math, not human judgment)
- Continuous trading (buy/sell anytime)
- Automatic graduation (to V3 at 69k market cap)
- Unilateral liquidity (creator doesn’t need external capital initially)
Trade-off: Fast and fair, requires faith in algorithm
Concentrated Liquidity (V3/V4 Model)
How it works:
textCreator provides: 10 ETH + 500k tokens
Liquidity concentrated: $0.00001-$0.001 price range
Volume in range: Earns maximum fees
Outside range: Liquidity inactive
Creator rebalances: Periodically move range with price
Mechanics:
- Capital efficiency (54% higher returns than V2)
- Active management (requires monitoring)
- Concentrated reward (high fees in active range)
- Flexibility (can adjust range dynamically)
- Market-driven (price discovers naturally)
Trade-off: Maximum returns, requires technical skill
Comparison Summary
| Mechanic | Fixed Pool | Bonding Curve | Concentrated V3/V4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price discovery | Fixed (no movement) | Algorithmic (smooth curve) | Market-driven (dynamic) |
| Capital efficiency | Low (deep but not needed) | High (unilateral) | Highest (concentrated) |
| Creator control | None (platform owns) | Full (auto-managed) | Full (manual management) |
| Slippage | Zero | Minimal-moderate | Variable by range |
| Speed | Days (post-launch liquidity needed) | Instant (auto-trading) | Instant (manual LP) |
| Fairness | Subjective (curator picks) | Objective (math) | Meritocratic (market decides) |
Speed to Market: Days vs Minutes
IDO Launchpad Timeline
textWeek 1-2: Application + documentation
Week 3-4: Technical review + security audit
Week 5-8: Community vetting + marketing prep
Week 9-10: Final approval + liquidity setup
Week 11+: Launch event + public trading
Total: 3-6+ months from idea to trading
Hidden bottleneck: Curator vetting (yes/no decision)
Ape.Store Timeline
textMinute 1: Deploy token contract (or use existing)
Minute 2: Connect wallet to Ape.Store
Minute 3: Set parameters (bonding curve / V3 / V4)
Minute 4: Approve transactions
Minute 5: Token is live and tradable
Total: 5 minutes from idea to trading
No bottleneck: Automation means instant deployment
Speed Advantage Impact
Time value of capital:
- IDO creator waits 6 months to get feedback → costs opportunity (6 months of price movement)
- Ape.Store creator launches in 5 minutes → gets feedback immediately
Marketing momentum:
- IDO creator must build hype during wait → exhausts community attention
- Ape.Store creator launches when momentum is highest → captures virality
Regulatory advantage:
- IDO curators must review for compliance
- Ape.Store relies on community (permissionless)
Winner: Ape.Store by orders of magnitude
Creator Control and Incentive Alignment
Creator Control on IDO Launchpads
What creator controls:
- Token supply amount
- Launch price (subject to platform approval)
What platform controls:
- Approval/rejection decision
- Launch timing
- Liquidity structure
- Fee capture
Result: Creator is dependent on platform approval
Creator Control on Ape.Store
What creator controls:
- Everything: launch type, timing, messaging, marketing
- LP position management (V3/V4)
- Fee strategy and community engagement
What platform controls:
- Nothing: creator is fully autonomous
Result: Creator is independent, just using infrastructure
Incentive Alignment
IDO Model:
textPlatform earns: 5-15% of raised amount
Platform wins when: Lots of projects launch (volume)
Creator wins when: Token price appreciates (one-time event)
Conflict: Platform makes money whether creator succeeds
Ape.Store Model:
textPlatform earns: 50% of trading fees (shared with creator)
Platform wins when: Lots of trading volume
Creator wins when: Lots of trading volume
Alignment: Both profit from same metric (volume)
Result: Ape.Store has perfect incentive alignment
The Role of Social Layers in Platform Success
Why Social Layers Matter
[Farcaster, Telegram, and other social layers are becoming critical for DeFi adoption]
IDO launchpads historically ignored social infrastructure. They built trading mechanisms but not communities.
Ape.Store integrates with social:
- Twitter/X: Primary discovery mechanism
- Discord: Community building and support
- Farcaster: On-chain social graph for creator reputation
- Telegram: Real-time community chat
Community as Liquidity
[Memecoins thrive because social layers provide native community]
- IDO: Investor community (transactional, wants profits only)
- Memecoin: Creator community (social, wants to be part of something)
The advantage: Social communities provide:
- Voluntary marketing (sharing with friends)
- Organic volume (community members trade)
- Reputation signaling (creator credibility)
Case Study: Why Memecoins Thrive on Ape.Store But Not IDO Launchpads
What Makes Memecoins Different
[Memecoins are on-chain experiments in incentive design]
They test mechanism design hypotheses through real market feedback
IDO Launchpad assumption: Projects should be vetted by experts before launch
Memecoin reality: Market does the vetting, faster and better than humans
The Failure Pattern: Why IDO Projects Underperform
IDO projects typically:
- Raise $100k-$10M during launch
- Dump in first 2 weeks (founder, early investors sell)
- Volume collapses
- Token becomes worthless
- Project abandoned
Why: No ongoing creator incentive to maintain community
The Success Pattern: Why Memecoin Projects Outperform
Ape.Store projects:
- Launch with zero capital requirement
- Creator earns 50% of fees indefinitely
- Creator incentivized to maintain community (ongoing revenue)
- Volume grows if community grows
- Token sustains (as long as community active)
Why: Ongoing creator incentive aligns with community
Institutional vs Community Fit
IDO Launchpads: Institutional Fit
Best for:
- Regulated projects (SEC compliance, KYC)
- Large fundraises ($1M+)
- Enterprise blockchains
- Projects needing institutional credibility
Examples:
- Enterprise tokens (Polkadot on Polkastarter)
- Exchange tokens (Binance Launchpad listing)
- VC-backed projects
Advantage: Regulatory clarity, institutional money, “prestige”
Ape.Store: Community Fit
Best for:
- Grassroots projects (organic community)
- Memecoins (fun, social focus)
- Creator tokens (personality-based)
- Community experiments (novel mechanism design)
Examples:
- AI meme tokens
- Creator community tokens
- Experimental DeFi protocols
Advantage: Speed, permissionlessness, alignment incentives
The Future: Where IDO Launchpads Are Heading
The Reality: IDO Market Declining
IDO launchpad activity has declined 80%+ since 2021
Why:
- Curation model doesn’t scale (can’t approve fast enough)
- Creator incentives misaligned (fees to platform, not creator)
- Too slow (6-month timelines vs 5-minute alternatives)
- High barriers (100k+ minimum capital)
The Shift: Platforms Adapting
Modern “IDO launchpads” now:
- Lower fees (5-10%, down from 15%+)
- Faster approval (weeks, not months)
- Community voting (not curator-only decisions)
- Ongoing revenue models (not one-time raises)
Examples: DAO Maker moving to community governance, Polkastarter adding incentive programs
The Ape.Store Model: What’s Winning
Decentralized, permissionless, incentive-aligned:
- Zero fees to platform (creator keeps 100% of fees earned)
- Instant deployment (5 minutes)
- Community judging (market feedback)
- Ongoing revenue (50/50 split)
Result: Ape.Store model becoming industry standard
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are IDO launchpads dead?
A: Not quite. They still work for:
- Regulated projects needing institutional backing
- Large raises ($10M+)
- Enterprise blockchain projects
- Regions requiring KYC
But they’ve lost 80% of market share to memecoin platforms
Q: Should I use an IDO launchpad or Ape.Store?
A: IDO launchpad if:
- You need institutional credibility
- You’re raising $1M+
- You’re a regulated entity
- You want platform marketing support
Ape.Store if:
- You want to launch fast (5 minutes)
- You want to keep 50% of trading fees
- You want community-driven growth
- You want to experiment with mechanism design
Q: Will IDO launchpads adapt to compete with memecoin platforms?
A: Some are trying:
- Adding faster approval (weeks instead of months)
- Reducing fees (10% instead of 15%)
- Adding community voting
- Experimental tokenomics
But structural advantages (zero fees, instant deployment) favor Ape.Store model
Q: Can I launch on both IDO launchpad AND Ape.Store?
A: Technically yes, but not recommended:
Problem: If you raise on IDO launchpad, you accept their terms (high fees, centralized control)
Why not: Ape.Store’s model is objectively better for creators (0 fees, 50% ongoing revenue)
Best practice: Choose one model based on your goals
Q: Is the memecoin model sustainable?
A: Yes. [Memecoins are on-chain experiments in incentive design]
The key insight: [When creator incentives align with community success, projects sustain]
IDO model failed because creator made one-time profit, then abandoned project.
Ape.Store succeeds because creator makes ongoing profit while community active
Q: What about security and audits?
A: IDO launchpads:
- Platform vets security (reduces scam risk)
- Professional audits (costs $10k-$100k+)
Ape.Store:
- No vetting (higher scam risk)
- Community audits (free, distributed)
- Code is open-source (transparent)
Trade-off: More risk, more freedom
Conclusion: The Paradigm Shift in Token Launches
The Core Difference
IDO Launchpad Philosophy:
“Experts (curators) know which projects are good. Let them decide before launch.”
Ape.Store Philosophy:
“Markets (communities) know which projects are good. Let them decide through trading.”
Result: Markets win. Communities decide better than curators
Why the Shift Matters
2020-2022: Institutions dominated crypto (IDO era)
2023-2025: Communities dominate crypto (memecoin era)
[The role of social layers is becoming critical]
Projects that integrate [Farcaster, Telegram, Discord] outperform those that don’t.
Ape.Store understands this. IDO platforms are just learning.
The Ape.Store Advantage
- Speed: 5 minutes vs 6 months
- Cost: $0 fee vs 10% of raised
- Incentives: Creator earns 50% forever vs one-time payout
- Community: [Social-first by design]
- Fairness: [Merit-based on market feedback, not curator vote]
[Understanding Mechanism Design as Competitive Advantage]
[Ape.Store succeeds because it understands that memecoins are experiments in incentive design]
Each token tests:
- “What incentive structure works?”
- “How does community respond?”
- “What creator engagement looks like?”
The market rapidly filters out bad designs. Good designs compound.
This is why memecoin platforms outperform IDO platforms
The Future
IDO launchpads will either:
- Adapt to memecoin model (zero fees, instant deployment, community voting)
- Specialize in institutional/regulated projects only
- Disappear
Ape.Store is the template. Others will copy it.
Appendix: Detailed Comparison Table
| Dimension | Polkastarter (IDO) | Binance Launchpad (IEO) | Ape.Store (Memecoin) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch speed | 3-6 months | 2-4 months | 5 minutes |
| Platform fees | 5-10% | 10% | 0% |
| Creator earnings (annual) | One-time raise | One-time raise | 50% of trading fees (ongoing) |
| Capital requirement | $500k+ | $1M+ | $0 (bonding curve) / $10k (V3) |
| Vetting | Curator-based | Exchange-based | Market-based |
| Creator control | Low | Very low | High |
| Incentive alignment | Misaligned | Misaligned | Perfectly aligned |
| Community focus | Investor (transactional) | Trader (transactional) | Creator + community (social) |
| Sustainability | Declining | Stable | Growing 500%+ |