Future capital starts here. Tokenization is changing the rules of the game. We are writing its script.
For investors who see further.
How to Invest in Crypto Presales? A Guide to the Opportunities and Risks
Contents hide
Cryptocurrency pre-sales are making a comeback
The year 2025 is the time when investors are once again turning their attention to token pre-sales. Dynamic market development, new trends (AI, DePIN, tokenization of real assets) and growing optimism around altcoins make pre-sale phases a place to look for the highest rates of return41. However, the potential for profits goes hand in hand with high risk – therefore, a conscious approach and project analysis are crucial.
What is a cryptocurrency pre-sale?
Presale (ICO) is the stage where a new blockchain project offers its tokens to investors before its official stock market debut. It is usually preceded by the publication of a whitepaper, where the creators describe the technology, business model, and tokenomics12. Investors can buy tokens at a preferential price, often with bonuses for early support. After the presale ends, the tokens go to the participants' wallets and then to DEX exchanges (Uniswap, PancakeSwap) or CEX.
Opportunities – why is it worth considering investing?
1. Lower entry price
Tokens in the pre-sale are usually sold cheaper than during the stock market debut. This allows for a potentially higher return on investment if the project is successful125.
2. Bonuses and airdrops
Early investors are often offered additional tokens, rebates or airdrops as a reward for their trust.5.
3. Access to innovation
Pre-sales are an opportunity to get involved in projects that have real utility value, a strong community base and solve specific problems (e.g. AI tokens, DePIN, RWA)4.
4. Potentially spectacular profits
The stories of Ethereum (ETH), NEO, Solana and Shiba Inu show that pre-sales can give returns of thousands of percent146. Example: ETH was priced at $0,31 in the presale and the all-time high exceeded $4800.
Risks – what do you need to know before investing?
1. High risk of losing capital
Not every project is successful. Many tokens lose value after their debut, and some pre-sales end in a rug pull or scam.125.
2. Lack of liquidity
Presale tokens can be locked for a specific period of time (vesting), which prevents immediate sale25.
3. Regulatory uncertainty
The regulations regarding token pre-sales are unclear and variable. In some countries, investors may encounter legal or tax restrictions12.
4. Lack of control and audit
Some projects fail smart contract audits, and whitepapers may be incomplete or vague. Lack of transparency is a red flag23.
How to Minimize Risk? The Golden Rules of an Investor
Analyze the team – check the experience, activity and reputation of the project creators1.
Rate Tokenomics – pay attention to supply, token distribution, vesting mechanisms and utilities2.
Verify audits – look for projects with smart contracts audited by external companies.
Check out the community – the number and engagement on Telegram, Discord, Twitter is an important indicator of potential2.
Avoid FOMO – do not invest under the influence of emotions, always check the sources and details of the offer.
Diversify – don’t put all your capital into one project. Pre-sales are a high-risk market.
Examples of successes and failures
Ethereum (ETH) – presale at $0,31, peak almost $5000, ROI over 1%16.
NEO – increase from $0,03 to $180, over 59% profit1.
Shiba Inu – social hype and rapid growth after debut2.
Hundreds of projects – rug pull, scam or lack of adoption resulting in loss of funds.
The investment process step by step
Find a project – use rankings, presale aggregators (e.g. ICOBench, CoinMarketCap).
Read the whitepaper – understand the purpose, technology and business model.
Complete KYC (if required) – most legal projects require identity verification.
Invest in cryptocurrency – most often ETH, USDT, BNB; sometimes a card is possible.
Get tokens – once completed, the presale will go to your wallet.
Monitor the stock market debut – decide whether to hold or take profit.
Summary and recommendations
Investing in cryptocurrency pre-sales is a chance for above-average profits, but it requires knowledge, analysis, and caution. The greatest successes are achieved by those who can separate the hype from the real value of the project. Pre-sales are not a lottery - they are a market for informed and disciplined investors.
"The best investment is the one you understand. There is no room for blind enthusiasm in the crypto presale," he concludes. Vitalik Buterin, co-creator of Ethereum.
Recommendation: Diversify, analyze and invest only what you can afford to lose. Pre-sales are a field for pioneers, but also for those who can manage risk.
