IDO (Initial DEX Offering)

IDO stands for Initial DEX Offering. It is a newer fundraising method for cryptocurrency projects and a direct successor to the ICO (Initial Coin Offering). The main difference is that the sale of the new tokens does not take place on the project's own website but directly on a Decentralized Exchange (DEX), such as Uniswap or PancakeSwap.

This model addresses some of the key problems associated with ICOs. By launching on a DEX, the new token gains immediate liquidity, meaning investors can start trading it right after the offering concludes. This eliminates the waiting period for listing on centralized exchanges, which is often costly and uncertain. IDOs also offer greater transparency and fairer token distribution through the automated mechanisms of smart contracts that govern the sale. For investors, this reduces the risk of fraud from the project's side, although the investment itself remains highly speculative.