16 Best ICOs to Invest in 2024

ICOs are the best way to invest in brand-new cryptocurrencies before they explode. Ethereum, Filecoin, Chainlink, and many other billion-dollar cryptocurrencies raised funds via ICO campaigns, so this niche can be very lucrative. 

This guide introduces 16 upcoming ICOs that meet our strict investing criteria. Each comes with a solid upside potential and offers the ability to invest from the ground up.  

The Best Upcoming Crypto ICOs Analyzed in Full 

Let’s take a much closer look at the upcoming ICO list above; we’ll now review the 16 projects in full.   

1. Smog ($SMOG) – Best ICO With Massive Airdrop Rewards And 42% Staking Yield

Smog ($SMOG) is a hot new meme token on the Solana, offering massive airdrop rewards and high staking yields. 

Launched on February 7th, 2024, it quickly gained traction, with its market cap rising from $2 million to over $70 million in just a week. This success is largely due to its airdrop campaign, where 490 million tokens, out of a 1.4 billion supply, are allocated for rewards and prizes.

To participate, holders must earn airdrop points by holding $SMOG tokens and engage in community tasks such as following Smog on social media.

Smog also has a staking mechanism with an impressive 42% annual yield, offering a passive income-earning potential for token holders.

With 50% of the total supply for marketing, Smog aims to recreate the success of other meme coins like Pepe Coin, focusing on growth through strategic promotions. An additional 10% is reserved for future listings on centralized exchanges.

A Solana-compatible wallet like Phantom, Solflare, or Backpack is required for those interested in joining the Smog community. Purchases can be made through Jupiter, the largest aggregator on Solana, using SOL, USDC, or USDT. However, the platform now also allows users to buy tokens using ETH.

To stay informed about Smog and its developments, consider following their official X (Twitter) account and joining the Telegram channel.

2. Sponge V2 (SPONGEV2): Promising New ICO Boasting up to 258% Annual Yields

$SPONGE saw a significant rise in summer 2023, reaching a $100 million market cap within months of launch.

Following a decrease in its value, the launch of $SPONGEV2 is designed to reinvigorate the community.

The shift to $SPONGEV2 tokens is facilitated through a stake-to-bridge mechanism, requiring original $SPONGE token holders to withdraw their stakes before the existing pool shuts. Afterwards, these tokens can be staked in the new V2 smart contracts, yielding $SPONGEV2 as a bonus.

It’s crucial to understand that staking $SPONGE in the V2 contract is a final decision, resulting in permanently having $SPONGEV2 staked.

This choice, however, offers the potential for high Annual Percentage Yields (APYs) over the forthcoming four years. Currently, there are over 600 million tokens secured in the V2 contract, with the potential of up to 202% in annual yields.

Further enhancing its allure, Sponge’s forthcoming play-to-earn racing game, outlined in the whitepaper, is set for release post the launch of the V2 tokens. This game presents an additional avenue for token holders to earn $SPONGE tokens through online gaming competitions.

Head over to Sponge on X, Telegram, and Discord for recent news on the V2 rollout and insights into the token’s staking benefits.

3. Bitcoin Minetrix (BTCMTX): Buy and Stake BTCMTX via a Self-Custody Wallet and Earn Bitcoin Mining Power 

Bitcoin Minetrix is a solid long-term project that solves many issues facing the Bitcoin mining scene. It allows investors to passively earn credits after staking BTCMTX tokens. Credits can be exchanged for Bitcoin mining power, meaning there’s no longer a need to purchase ASICs. This makes Bitcoin mining more affordable and accessible to the masses. 

The amount of Bitcoin mining power available depends on how many credits you earn. Put simply, the longer you stake BTCMTX, the more credits you’ll accumulate. This incentivizes holders to keep their tokens locked, allowing BTCMTX to organically increase in value. Another reason we like Bitcoin Minetrix is its decentralized mining framework. 

This means that Bitcoin can be mined without needing to trust centralized cloud mining platforms; many have turned out to be a scam in recent years. What’s more, users can withdraw their mining rewards at any time – there are no long contract durations to worry about. The Bitcoin Minetrix ICO is already in full swing. 

More than $10.7 million in ICO funding has been secured. The ICO price increases in value every couple of days, or when the current batch sells out. Today, tokens are available at $0.0134. This is the lowest price point that you’ll get before BTCMTX lists on crypto exchanges. The Bitcoin Minetrix ICO accepts BNB, Polygon, Ethereum, Tether, and debit/credit cards (KYC required). 

4. Meme Kombat (MK): Stake-to-Bet GameFi Project With Blockchain-Powered Meme Battles 

Meme Kombat will appeal to GameFi investors, which was one of the best-performing niches in the prior bull market. At its core, Meme Kombat is a battle-style game competed by two meme characters. Each character represents one of the best meme coins from the crypto space, such as FLOKI, Shiba, and SpongeBob.

Battle outcomes are determined by the blockchain, alongside Ethereum-backed smart contracts. Meme Kombat has also incorporated artificial intelligence into its gaming protocol. According to its whitepaper, this is to ensure each meme battle is unique from the next. Now for the fun part; Meme Kombat allows players to wager MK tokens on each battle. 

Odds are automatically calculated by smart contracts based on which meme characters will be competing. What’s more, players will even be able to place bets while battles are in-play. Odds will update based on how the respective battle is unfolding in real-time. Crucially, players need to stake MK tokens before they can place bets.    

This favors long-term holders, as it keeps the MK token supply stable. This is in addition to huge staking APYs that are currently paying 109%. The Meme Kombat ICO has just surpassed $8.7 million in funding. 50% of the total supply – or 60 million MK tokens, will be sold. New ICO investors are currently paying just $0.279 per MK, although this price will increase in the next 3 days.  

5. eTukTuk (TUK) – Get High Staking Yields and Charge EV Vehicles Using Crypto 

The next top ICO is being conducted by eTukTuk ($TUK) – a sustainable crypto platform. The goal of eTukTuk is to promote the adoption of EVs among TukTuk drivers from developing nations. 

To help this growth, eTukTuk is building EV charging stations and zero-emission vehicles. The charging stations will be built with the help of territory partners. Since these partners are local, the cost will highly reduce – allowing TukTuk drivers to take home up to 400% extra in revenues. 

Payments will be made on the charging stations with $TUK – the native token. This multi-use case token can also be staked into power nodes, to help operate the stations. Investors can generate up to 223% in annual yields by staking $TUK. 

In the future, eTukTuk will introduce a play-to-earn game through which players can earn additional $TUK tokens. At the time of writing, $TUK is available to purchase through the ongoing ICO round. The token is priced at just $0.0265 – and has already raised more than $999K.

All the sustainable use cases and earning opportunities can help $TUK become one of the fastest growing cryptos post the exchange listing. Learn more about this project by going through the eTukTuk whitepaper and joining the Telegram channel. 

6. Scotty the AI (SCOTTY) – Earn High Staking Yields with this AI Crypto 

Scotty the AI ($SCOTTY) is a new cryptocurrency project leveraging artificial intelligence. The main aim of Scotty the AI is to safeguard the security of the cryptocurrency space. 

By incorporating advanced AI algorithms, Scotty the AI can analyze every block and hash on the blockchain. Thus, it is able to pick out suspicious transactions and detect fraud within minutes. It can also analyze complex blockchain data to mitigate risks on the cryptocurrency network.

$SCOTTY, the native token, has recently been launched on presale. The token has a total supply of 1.734 billion – 30% of which has been allocated for the presale. A transparent project, Scotty the AI’s developers have renounced ownership of the token contract. Thus, token holders can dictate the future of this platform. 

To earn passive income, $SCOTTY token holders can stake their holdings to earn APYs as high as 1,100%. In the future, Scotty the AI will release ‘Scotty Swap’ – a token swapping tool through which $SCOTTY can be swapped for other popular tokens. 

Since the start of the new ICO, Scotty the AI has raised more than $180K in only a few weeks. Keep yourselves updated with this cryptocurrency by reading the Scotty the AI whitepaper and joining the Telegram channel. 

7. Scorpion Casino (SCORP) – Licensed Casino With Up to $10,000 USDT Daily Passive Income

Scorpion Casino is an innovative online gambling platform that aims to redefine the online betting landscape. Regulated and licensed by the Curacao EGaming Authority, Scorpion Casino offers a secure and transparent gambling experience. 

It allows users to earn up to $10,000 USDT daily through passive staking income based on the casino’s performance. This approach democratizes online gambling and offers an exciting way of growing passive income.

With over 210 casino games and 160 live games provided by leading software providers like Evolution, Play N Go, and EGT, Scorpion Casino offers a diverse gaming experience. Additionally, its sportsbook covers over 35 sports betting markets.

The platform supports the $SCORP token, which serves multiple purposes including staking benefits, free credits, and as a payment method within the Scorpion ecosystem.

The presale of $SCORP has already raised over $4.2 million, showing the community’s strong interest and confidence in the platform’s potential. Key advantages include the platform’s strategic buyback and token burn mechanism, designed to stabilize and increase the $SCORP token’s value.

8. Green Bitcoin (GBTC): Sustainable Crypto Offering BTC Price Prediction Games

Green Bitcoin ($GBTC) is an eco-friendly and sustainable crypto project built on the Ethereum blockchain. This claims to be 10,000 times more eco-friendly than Bitcoin and offers high staking rewards.

A new ICO token, $GBTC is currently priced at only $0.4786 during the ongoing presale. The ICO has collected almost $1 million to date. Just like Bitcoin, Green Bitcoin has a total supply of 21 million tokens. 40% of the supply has been allocated for the ongoing ICO.

Another 27.5% of the token supply will be allocated through a staking rewards system. Investors can stake $GBTC on Green Bitcoin and take part in BTC price prediction games. Every day, you predict whether the BTC price will rise or fall. Thus, you can start earning daily token rewards with Green Bitcoin.

Long-term token holders can also earn up to 20% bonuses on top of their daily rewards. At the time of writing, Green Bitcoin is offering staked token holders 286% in annual yields. The staking rewards will be distributed daily until December 31st, 2025.

Post the ICO, Green Bitcoin has allocated 20% of its supply for centralized and decentralized exchange listings. Read the Green Bitcoin whitepaper and join the Telegram channel to stay updated with this new crypto ICO.

9. EDriveToken (EDT): Integrating EVs and Charging Stations With NFTs and Crypto Payments 

EDriveToken is leveraging cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology to revolutionize the electric vehicle (EV) landscape. One of its features is the EDriveToken app, which allows anyone to become a charging node. This will help make EV charging stations more accessible and affordable.

Moreover, when paying EV charging fees in EDT tokens, discounts will be offered. Another feature is the tokenization of super and classic cars. This will allow drivers to rent and resell their vehicles via the blockchain. Vehicles will be backed by the unique NFT, which operates on the Binance Smart Chain.

EDriveToken has developed a 2% fee on all EDT transactions. Some of the proceeds will be used to buy WBNB tokens, and then distributed to existing EDT holders. The balance will be burned, removing the EDT tokens from the circulating supply. The EDriveToken ICO goes live on November 30th. 10% of the total EDT supply will be sold at $0.0011 each.

10. Bitago (XBIT): Earn Crypto Cashback by Shopping at Over 1,000 Online Stores

Bitago has developed a native app for iOS and Android that enables shoppers to earn cashback. Here’s how it works; Through the Bitago app, users can browse from over 1,000 stores. Once they find a suitable product, they can complete their purchase as normal. Once the transaction is confirmed, the user will receive cashback in XBIT tokens, which is native to Bitago.

What’s more, Bitago is launching a prepaid debit card, allowing users to spend XBIT tokens in the real world. It can also be linked to Apple or Google Pay for added convenience. In addition, Bitago will also be launching a staking program with competitive APYs.

The Bitago app will also offer personalized shopping services, advertising opportunities, and a point-of-sale terminal. The XBIT ICO has just begun. The total XBIT supply is 200 million and 19% will be sold to ICO investors. Each XBIT token – which follows the ERC-20 standard, is selling for $0.10. Only USDT will be accepted.

11. 5ire (5IRE): New Layer-1 Blockchain Being Developed for a Sustainable Future 

5ire is developing a proprietary layer-1 blockchain with smart contract compatibility. It has a strong focus on sustainability, aligning its network with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 5ire has developed the BuildToEarn program to attract dAppp developers to its network.

The top 10 dApps will receive tokenized rewards, payable in 5IRE. Early dApp adopters will also be incentivized with reduced gas fees. According to 5ire, some of its target markets include universities, government agencies, social entrepreneurs, and Fortune 500 companies.

It has developed a solid framework for compliance, ensuring the project can grow without regulatory hurdles. In terms of its upcoming ICO, 5ire is selling 19.6% or 294 million 5IRE tokens. There will be various ICO rounds, each with varying prices. The best way to stay updated is via the 5ire Twitter page.

12. SolakGPT (SGPT): AI-Backed Web 3.0 Browser With Tokenized Rewards and DeFi Integration  

SolakGPT is developing a decentralized ecosystem that combines AI with decentralized finance (DeFi). Various features are being built, including a proprietary web browser that connects to Web 3.0 platforms. This will come with a browse-to-earn protocol, enabling users to earn SGPT tokens when browsing the Internet.

There will also be AI-backed security tools that protect users from hacks. This is especially important when buying and selling cryptocurrencies on DeFi exchanges. The SolakGPT browser will also have an auto-block feature. This will remove ads automatically, ensuring a smooth browsing experience.

The total SGPT supply is 1 billion tokens. Following the BEP-20 standard, 22.5% of the SGPT supply will be sold to ICO investors. The ICO price has been set at $0.007 per token. The ICO starting date is still to be announced, so keep an eye on SolakGPT socials for real-time updates.

13. Health Hero (HLTHY): Harmonizing Health and Wellbeing in the Corporate World  

Health Hero is one of the best upcoming ICOs for exposure to the health and wellbeing niche. More specially, Health Hero is bringing its health-centric services to the corporate world. It has developed an AI-backed protocol that provides office workers with instant medical advice.

It is building a network of doctors, therapists, and other practitioners, allowing corporations to build enterprise health plans for their employees. It has also developed tools to help report corporate social responsibility through live data visualization. What’s more, Health Hero is a self-sufficient project with monthly subscription plans.

It charges $4 per month for every 1,000 employees, and additional services are priced depending on the needs of the client. Its native ecosystem token, HLTHY, will be sold at $0.04 when the upcoming ICO begins. 10% of the total supply will be sold to ICO investors. HLTHY operates on the Binance Smart Chain for increased efficiency.

14. Manilla Finance (MNLA): Fintech Payment Solutions for the Developing World  

Manilla Finance has built a decentralized ecosystem that bridges Web 3.0 payments with the developing world. Its native ecosystem token, MNLA, can be used to settle day-to-day bills. This includes water and electricity bills, not to mention phone credit top-ups.

Manilla Finance also offers decentralized finance services, allowing users to save and borrow funds without going through intermediaries. The user interface is simple to navigate, ensuring Manilla Finance is suitable for all skill sets. The platform complies with relevant anti-money laundering regulations, as all users go through a KYC process when registering.

The Manilla Finance ICO is now live, with over $517,000 raised so far. There are less than 48 hours left until the ICO ends. Right now, ICO investors are paying $0.015 per MNLA token. Accepted cryptocurrencies include BUSD, USDT, and TUSD – all on the BEp-20 standard. There is no minimum investment requirement.

15. Earn Network (EARN): Community-Driven Staking and Lending Platform With Competitive APYs

Earn Network is another top-rated ICO from the decentralized finance niche. It has developed a user-friendly dashboard that enables users to stake cryptocurrencies at competitive APYs. No prior experience is needed; simply select a cryptocurrency and deposit the funds by connecting a wallet.

Earn Network supports multiple blockchain networks, including Ethereum, Avalanche, and the Binance Smart Chain. Some of the best APYs available right now include Dogecoin and XRP, currently yielding 18.1% and 13.75% respectively. However, these yields are based on the BEP-20 versions of these popular altcoins.

In addition, Earn Network also supports decentralized lending services. Users can borrow funds by depositing collateral. We also like the ‘Flash Pools’ available on Earn Network. These are short-term lending pools with fixed time limits and high APYs. The upcoming ICO is selling EARN tokens at $0.0025 each. EARN is an ERC-20 token and the total supply is 100 billion.

16. Work X (WORK): AI-Backed Job Posting Platform Matching Human Capital With Clients

Describing itself as the “Internet of Jobs”, Work X is revolutionizing the employment industry. It leverages AI to find the most suitable workers for employers, based on prior experience, qualifications, and other key metrics. Conversely, its AI protocol also helps job-seekers find relevant postings that align with their goals.

Work X offers a peer-to-peer platform that enables direct collaboration between employees and employers. Based on the blockchain, users have full control of their personal data. What’s more, users can upload degrees, diplomas, and other qualifications, which are then tokenized.

Not only is Work X targeting the freelancing space but offline careers too. Work X has also developed a generative AI chat box, allowing companies to find suitable skill sets based on the job requirement. The project’s ecosystem token, WORK, will be sold at $0.20 to ICO investors. The ICO is now live and will commence on December 3, 2023.

The Basics of Initial Coin Offerings

Initial coin offerings, more commonly referred to as ICOs, are the most popular way to invest in new cryptocurrency projects. Before the cryptocurrency launches on public exchanges, tokens will be sold to ICO investors. This means that investors can purchase the tokens at the best price possible. 

ICOs usually come with a soft and hard cap target. This is the minimum and maximum amount the ICO aims to raise. Investments typically need to be made with cryptocurrencies, such as Tether or BNB. After the ICO finishes, investors receive their tokens. In most cases, the tokens will then be listed on exchanges – often at a higher price.

How Do ICO Launches Work?

ICO launches will usually follow a systematic process. 

Here’s an overview of how traders invest in ICOs:

• First, most upcoming ICOs will be launched on the project’s website. This means traders can invest directly, without needing to use a third-party exchange.
• Investors will need to connect a private wallet to the ICO website. Most wallets will be supported, such as Trust Wallet, MetaMask, and Exodus.
• ICO campaigns collect investment funds in established cryptocurrencies. This will often include Tether, Ethereum, and BNB. You’ll need an accepted cryptocurrency in the wallet you connect to the ICO website.
• You’ll then need to state how many ICO tokens you want to buy. For example, suppose each token is priced at $1 and you have $1,000 worth of Ethereum to invest. In this regard, you’d be buying 1,000 tokens.
• The final step is to confirm the ICO investment via your connected wallet. This ensures that only the wallet owner can authorize the payment. The cryptocurrencies will then be transferred to the ICO project.

Some ICOs will release your tokens instantly, meaning they’ll be transferred to your connected wallet. For instance, those investing in the Meme Kombat ICO will receive their MK tokens straight away.

They can then deposit MK tokens into the staking pool to earn APYs of 122%. In other cases, the project will complete the token transfer after the ICO has finished.

Either way, the ICO project will usually list its tokens on a crypto exchange after the fundraising campaign is over. This enables the general public to buy and sell the tokens, which will determine their market value.

Choosing the Top ICO Projects for Your Portfolio

There are many upcoming ICOs to invest in. You’ll want to focus on quality projects that have a solid use case and long-term upside potential. This can be a tall order if you don’t know what research methods to deploy. 

Here’s what to consider when choosing the best ICO cryptocurrencies for your portfolio.  

• Project Goals: We prefer ICO projects that have a clear objective. This should solve a real-world problem, or make improvements to existing products and services. For example, Bitcoin Minetrix is making Bitcoin mining more accessible through its stake-to-mine tool. This means that beginners can earn Bitcoin mining power without buying expensive ASIC devices.
• Crypto Token Use Cases: The best ICO projects create a solid use case for their native crypto tokens. This can increase the token’s value over time, as there’s a clear reason to buy it. For example, users must buy and stake MK tokens before they can place bets on the Meme Kombat gaming platform.
• ICO Exposure and Hype: The ICO space has become very competitive. The most successful projects find a way to attract investors in their masses. This can create FOMO (fear of missing out) and hype. For example, Bitcoin Minetrix has raised over $4.4 million. These fundraising achievements appeal to investors, as it shows the broader markets are bullish.
• ICO Discount: It’s also a good idea to find upcoming ICOs offering an early-bird discount. This means you will pay a lower price than other investors, securing an immediate upside.

Conclusion

Initial coin offerings allow you to invest in brand-new cryptocurrencies before they go live on public exchanges. While the long-term upside can be huge, make sure you consider the risks before proceeding. 

One of the top cryptos we have reviewed in this guide is Smog ($SMOG). It is a new Solana meme coin with a 1.4 billion supply, offering the biggest Solana airdrop, a fair launch, and attractive staking rewards.

References

• https://www.cnbc.com/2023/11/13/spot-bitcoin-etf-approval-is-approaching-experts-say-what-to-know.html
• https://www.reuters.com/markets/us/bitcoin-could-hit-100000-by-end-2024-standard-chartered-says-2023-04-24/
• https://www.ewg.org/research/proof-problems-bitcoin-minings-pollution-toll-us-communities
• https://fortune.com/crypto/2023/11/09/bitcoin-btc-38000-ethereum-ether-2000-etf-fever-crypto-markets/
• https://www.reuters.com/article/us-bitcoin-funding-tezos-specialreport-idUSKBN1CN35K/
• https://www.cnbc.com/2017/11/17/many-icos-are-fraud-according-to-ethereum-co-founder-and-ripple-ceo.html
• https://moneysmart.gov.au/financial-scams/crypto-scams

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