The launchpad meta is heating up. - Unicorn by $VIRTUAL - Cakepad by $CAKE - Kaito Launchpad by $KAITO Here's an edge on how to win. 🧵

II. "Oh, launchpads are similar to ICOs, right?" No, unlike ICOs, today's launchpads emphasize transparency, fairness, and long-term ecosystem alignment. Let's dive into this meta starting with @virtuals_io.

III. Unicorn by @virtuals_io launched in October 2024 on @base, replacing the Genesis model with key features as follows: - Mechanism: Linear capital formation tied to valuation milestones ($2M to $160M FDV). Phases include creation, early trading (open market from Day 1), and team allocation disclosure. Anti-sniper decaying tax (99% to 1%) curbs bots. Full refunds if raise goals fail.

IV. - Token Allocation: 5% of each launch’s supply airdropped (2% to $VIRTUAL stakers, 3% to Virgens). - Eligibility: Open to all (no points, pledges, or caps). 24-hour fair bidding rewards early conviction and holding.

V. Over 17,000 AI agents were launched by Feb 2025. Notable projects include @aixbt_agent (Nov 2024, meme-focused AI agent) and @luna_virtuals (first official sale). "What about @PancakeSwap?"

VI. They rebranded its Initial Farm Offerings (IFOs) to Cakepad as part of CAKE Tokenomics 3.0. - Mechanism: Commit CAKE during a sale window, claim tokens post-event. No staking or lock-ups; you need to pay a participation fee. Oversubscription triggers tiered tax for fairness.

VII. - Token Allocation: It's based on CAKE committed; higher commitments face higher taxes to balance access. - Eligibility: Open to CAKE holders. No KYC or accreditation needed. - Unique Aspects: 100% of fees burned, reducing CAKE supply for deflationary benefits.

VIII. FYI: I posted a thread on @PancakeSwap just yesterday. "Did Cakepad have any sales yet?" No, but the first batch is expected soon.

IX. Then, there's @KaitoAI, whose phases include pre-pledging (project terms set), pledging (USDC commitments), review (AI-scored allocations), preferred acceptance, and FCFS for leftovers. "Hmm..."

XI. Also, there are launchpads from @CreatorBid, @TrustWallet, and 2 independent ones like @buidlpad and @legiondotcc (last sales were crazy on both).

XII. ICOs were often speculative free-for-alls, lacking accountability. Many projects failed to deliver. Launchpads mitigate this with refunds, vesting, and community incentives.

XIII. They align incentives (e.g., VIRTUAL airdrops, CAKE burns, KAITO's redistribution), fostering long-term engagement. ICOs prioritized quick raises, often neglecting tokenomics. :)

Bois, what's your take on launchapds? @splinter0n @0xDefiLeo @the_smart_ape @0xCheeezzyyyy @DOLAK1NG @YashasEdu @0xAndrewMoh @eli5_defi @_SmokinTed @RubiksWeb3hub @kenodnb @rektonomist_