7 Upcoming ICOs in February 2026 – New ICO Crypto
We believe in full transparency with our readers. Some of our content includes affiliate links, and we may earn a commission through these partnerships. However, this potential compensation never influences our analysis, opinions, or reviews. Our editorial content is created independently of our marketing partnerships, and our ratings are based solely on our established evaluation criteria. Read More
Some of the best upcoming ICOs include Bitcoin Hyper, Maxi Doge, BMIC, and SUBBD. Investing early in these projects allows you to gain exposure at discounted presale prices.
Initial coin offerings (ICOs) are a popular fundraising method for crypto projects seeking to distribute their tokens to the public and raise capital for development. In the fourth quarter of 2025, over 1,000 ICOs launched globally, with nearly 40% focusing on decentralized finance (DeFi) use cases.
We identified 7 standout candidates based on our research into the best upcoming ICOs to watch in 2026 using our unique methodology. These include cryptocurrencies with real-world use cases and sustainable tokenomics.
Best Upcoming ICOs in February 2026
- Introducing the first Bitcoin L2 solution
- Allows users to trade BTC almost instantaneously
- Enhanced transaction security with ZK-proofs
USDC- ETH
- usdt
- Meme-powered Dogecoin derivative with the focus on 1,000x leverage trading
- Maxi Doge will feature community contests and partner events to engage with its audience
- The project offers high staking rewards to its early supporters
- ETH
- usdt
- USDC
- +2 more
- Infrastructure token built to withstand quantum-powered attacks
- BMIC is burned to create credits for quantum computing
- Extra holder utility through staking and governance
- ETH
- usdt
- USDC
- Layer 3 unifying Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana
- Promises deeper liquidity, faster trading, and safer flows
- Combines a high-performance VM with trust-minimized verification
- ETH
- usdt
- USDC
- +3 more
- Next-gen platform merging live content, AI tools, staking, crypto payments and more
- SUBBD holders get access to AI-optimized content and experiences
- Loyalty is rewarded with staking bonuses, XP boosts, and daily creator drops
- Bank Card
- ETH
- bnb
- +1 more
- VFX Token powers the next-gen forex broker Vortex FX
- Offers daily rebates from trading volume
- Stake VFX tokens to earn APYs up to 67.7%
- ETH
- usdt
- bnb
- Innovative PayFi meme coin with layer-2 payment infrastructure
- Upcoming gaming competitions in Telegram fuelled by $PEPD
- 29% of the supply will be burned to boost scarcity
- ETH
- usdt
- Bank Card
- PUMPD airdrops for early holders
- Alpha calls and meme energy in lead-up to launch
- Stepped price growth throughout presale
- ETH
- usdt
- Solana
- +2 more
- Earn yield or borrow against any ERC-20 token
- Peer-to-contract and peer-to-peer lending features
- 40% of protocol revenue used to buy-and-burn $AGORA
- ETH
- bnb
- Solana
- +1 more
List of Top Upcoming ICOs
Here are the top upcoming ICOs worth checking out in 2026:
- Bitcoin Hyper (HYPER) – First L2 solution for Bitcoin that uses SVM rollups.
- Maxi Doge (MAXI) – New Doge-themed meme coin with trader culture.
- BMIC (BMIC) – A quantum-resistant crypto ecosystem for the future.
- SUBBD (SUBBD) – New creator platforms with personal AI assistants and a growing network.
- Vortex FX (VFX): Forex-linked token offering real yield rewards and AI-driven trading benefits.
- NexusDeFi (NXS) – All-in-one DeFi platform powering cross-chain asset control.
- AgoraLend (AGORA) – Permissionless lending protocol with support for all ERC-20 tokens.
Best Upcoming Crypto ICOs Reviewed – A Closer Look
Now that we’ve identified, according to our methodology, crypto projects with upcoming ICOs, let’s find out exactly what they offer and how investors could potentially benefit.
1. Bitcoin Hyper (HYPER) – Meme Coin With Bitcoin Layer-2 Blockchain Solution
Bitcoin Hyper Features
- Fast Bitcoin transactions via Layer-2 integration
- Staking rewards for passive income
- Trustless bridge for secure BTC mirroring
Bitcoin Hyper (HYPER) is a Bitcoin Layer-2 solution. It uses the Solana Virtual Machine to speed up transactions and lower fees, solving Bitcoin’s scalability limits. The project also incorporates a meme coin. This mix of serious tech and lighter elements aims to attract users looking for faster transactions and an easy entry point.
The project introduces a trustless bridge that mirrors BTC on its Layer-2 network, allowing users to benefit from rapid transactions without compromising security. This unique feature opens the door to staking and decentralized trading, adding substantial utility to the meme coin space.
Being in a presale phase means early investors get to buy the token at a discounted price and stake it to earn a generous rate with a dynamic APY of 37%. Investors looking for a blend of excitement and utility should keep a close eye on this innovative project. As of January 2, Bitcoin Hyper has surpassed $30M in funds raised.
| Bitcoin Hyper Launch Date | Q1 2026 |
| Purchase Methods | ETH, USDT, BNB, USDC, Card |
| Chain | Bitcoin (Layer-2 with SVM) |
| Starting Price | $0.0115 |
| Current Price | $0.01367530 |
| Price Change | +18.92% |
| Market Cap | $31.35M |
Next Price Increase:
2. Maxi Doge (MAXI) – Doge-Themed Meme Coin for Degen Traders
Maxi Doge Features
- Staking rewards offering high APY returns
- Weekly trading contests and leaderboard rewards
- Future integration of a futures trading platform
In just a few weeks, Maxi Doge (MAXI) has raised more than $4.58M through its ICO campaign. This meme coin is built around the culture of aggressive trading, designed for those who chase big wins and thrive on competition.
Unlike many meme coins that focus only on branding, Maxi Doge stands out by rewarding its community through weekly leaderboard contests. Each week, holders can take part in ROI-based trading competitions, where the top performers are ranked and rewarded.
In the future, Maxi Doge also plans to integrate a futures trading platform and gamified tournaments. For investors seeking passive income, MAXI can be staked to earn an APY of up to 68%. So far, more than 10.6 billion tokens have been staked. Due to all these use cases, Maxi Doge is emerging as one of the top ICOs to watch in 2026.
| Maxi Doge Launch Date | Late October |
| Purchase Methods | ETH, USDT, BNB, USDC, Card |
| Chain | Ethereum |
| Starting Price | $0.00025 |
| Current Price | $0.00028025 |
| Price Change | +12.10% |
| Market Cap | $4.58M |
Next Price Increase:
3. BMIC (BMIC) – A Quantum-Resistant Crypto Ecosystem for the Future
BMIC Features
- The project’s embeds post-quantum cryptography (PQC) into its products
- BMIC tokens can be used for access, staking, and governance
- Roadmap includes a payment card as well as enterprise security APIs
BMIC is building a wallet designed to protect digital assets from future threats posed by quantum computing. One of the most pressing issues discussed by market observers today is how current wallets rely heavily on encryption standards that quantum computers could eventually crack. BMIC wants to sidestep this risk entirely by implementing post-quantum algorithms from day one, rather than patching them in later.
The project goes well beyond simple storage, offering staking capabilities as well as a secure credit card. What does this mean for users? They can, in a nutshell, hold, earn, and spend their crypto without exposing private keys to typical signature vulnerabilities. On the other hand, enterprise clients can tap into security APIs for institutional-grade protection.
Early investors have poured about $300,000 into the BMIC presale thus far, while its token sells out at a presale price of $0.048881 each. Looking ahead, the main thing investors should watch is the staking rollout, wallet/card testing, and progress toward the 2026 wallet alpha target.
| BMIC Launch Date | Q1 2026 |
| Purchase Methods | ETH, USDT, USDC, Card |
| Chain | Ethereum |
| Starting Price | $0.048485 |
| Current Price | $0.049474 |
| Price Change | +2.04% |
| Market Cap | $442K |
4. SUBBD (SUBBD) – A Web3 ICO Revolutionizing the Creator Economy
SUBBD Features
- Staking rewards with dynamic APY
- AI-driven creator/fan tools
- Token-gated content governance
SUBBD (SUBBD) runs on Ethereum and targets the content industry. It equips creators with AI tools, token-gated posts, and staking rewards. Fans get voting power and perks, while early backers receive beta access, 20% APY staking, and a credits system built for real use across Web3 content platforms.
Its integrated setup cuts out intermediaries so creators can earn directly through subscriptions, tips, and NFTs. Fans hold voting rights on platform decisions and can use AI tools to help with content work, which deepens participation and keeps communities active.
Risks remain: a 1 billion token supply and dependence on broad creator-fan adoption, both common in micro-cap ICOs. For investors who back decentralized content plays, SUBBD offers potential high upside. Hitting the 250 million-plus user target and protecting community trust will determine whether that upside materializes.
| SUBBD Launch Date | Q1 2026 |
| Purchase Methods | ETH, USDT, BNB, USDC, Card |
| Chain | Ethereum |
| Starting Price | $0.055 |
| Current Price | $0.05747500 |
| Price Change | +4.50% |
| Market Cap | $1.48M |
Next Price Increase:
5. Vortex FX (VFX) – AI-Driven Forex Infrastructure Token
Vortex FX Features
- Dual-yield model combining staking rewards with AI-driven trading profits
- Licensed real-world trading desk anchoring token value
- Web3 card enabling instant spending of rewards and balances
Vortex FX (VFX) is a top new crypto token, blending traditional forex trading with Web3 utility. The project has already raised over $2.21 million in its ICO, positioning itself as an early mover in the growing real-world-asset (RWA) category. Built on Solana, the VFX token introduces a bridge between the world’s largest financial market and blockchain technology.
At its core, Vortex FX connects users to a licensed forex and commodities trading operation that manages over $40M in client assets. The token links directly to this business through dual-yield mechanics: staking rewards and real trading rebates generated from the firm’s 1,500+ lots traded per day. This gives VFX a utility model tied to real economic output rather than purely speculative demand.
Beyond yield, VFX offers zero-fee trading access, governance, and premium account perks. Its upcoming Web3 card lets users spend rewards instantly, while automated token burns support long-term supply health. With crypto increasingly chasing real revenue-backed projects, Vortex FX stands out as an ICO worth watching as it moves toward exchange listings.
| Vortex FX Launch Date | TBA |
| Purchase Methods | ETH, USDT, USDC, Card |
| Chain | Solana |
| Starting Price | $0.06 |
| Current Price | $0.355 |
| Price Change | +491.67% |
| Market Cap | $2.21M |
6. NexusDeFi (NXS) – DeFi Operating System With Real Utility
NexusDeFi Features
- Multi-chain wallet with MPC security
- AI-powered trading and automation tools
- Governance and staking through the NXS token
NexusDeFi could be one of the most compelling DeFi-focused ICO projects this year. The project introduces a complete operating system that brings trading, staking, and automation under one roof. The platform has already raised over $155,000 in its presale, signaling growing interest in its mission to simplify decentralized finance.
The heart of NexusDeFi lies in its NXS token. Holders can stake their tokens to earn yield, gain fee reductions, and unlock premium features like smart vaults and the private Layer-2 execution hub.
The token also grants governance rights, enabling users to vote on future upgrades and integrations. With its mix of AI-driven insights, staking rewards, and governance functionality, NexusDeFi’s $NXS token offers practical utility that could make it a standout ICO this year.
| NexusDeFi Launch Date | TBA |
| Purchase Methods | ETH, SOL, BNB, USDT, USDC, Card |
| Chain | Ethereum |
| Starting Price | $0.001515 |
| Current Price | $0.002515 |
| Price Change | 66% |
| Market Cap | $156,635.03 |
7. AgoraLend (AGORA) – Permissionless DeFi Protocol for any ERC-20 Token
AgoraLend Features
- Earn yield or borrow against any ERC-20 token
- Peer-to-contract and peer-to-peer lending features
- 40% of protocol revenue buys back and burns AGORA tokens
AgoraLend stands out among this year’s ICOs because it tackles a lingering DeFi gap. Giants such as Aave and Compound lead the market, yet they don’t offer universal token support or permissionless asset listing. AgoraLend introduces both, letting users borrow against any ERC-20 token—access that simply didn’t exist before.
The platform also supports peer-to-peer and peer-to-contract lending models, allowing users to choose between instant liquidity and tailored lending terms. For peace of mind, AgoraLend has undergone a smart contract audit by Quantstamp and SHERLOCK, which found no vulnerabilities.
As far as tokenomics go, AgoraLend is following the meta of buybacks and burns. To be precise, 40% of all the platform revenue will go toward buying back AGORA tokens and burning them. Such deflationary mechanisms have proven widely successful in the past.
| AgoraLend Launch Date | December 2025 |
| Purchase Methods | ETH, BNB, SOL, TRX, TON, USDC, USDT |
| Chain | Ethereum |
| Starting Price | $0.0005 |
| Current Price | 0.0055 |
| Price Change | +1000.00% |
| Market Cap | $510K |
What is a Crypto ICO?
An ICO is an acronym for Initial Coin Offering and is similar to when companies go public and offer shares during Initial Public Offerings (IPO). The key difference is that crypto projects offer digital tokens instead of shares to raise capital.
During ICOs, investors who didn’t buy during the presale phase of a project will try to obtain the next-best prices of cryptos.
[/su_box]
How to Find the Best ICO Cryptos
Finding the best ICO cryptos requires thorough research. Key indicators of a promising ICO include:
- A transparent, verifiable team (though some meme coins still choose anonymity)
- A clear roadmap and a readable whitepaper
- Active, engaged social channels
However, always verify social engagement to ensure it’s genuine and not inflated by bots or spam accounts. Conducting detailed research before investing is essential to distinguish potentially successful projects from less viable ones.
Below, we’ll go over three ways to find and vet new crypto ICOs worth investing in.
📲 Take Advantage of Social Media
Using social media is a vital strategy to discover and assess crypto ICOs because the overwhelming majority of cryptocurrency communities exist online. Even Bitcoin, the first cryptocurrency, was introduced to the world on the Cryptography Mailing List.
If you want to find the best ICOs, you will have to go to the social media platforms and forums where they get the word out:
- X: X is a community square for cryptocurrencies, so much so that it has been dubbed “crypto Twitter.” Follow prominent accounts like Cryptonews and key opinion leaders for the latest announcements and discussions related to new ICOs.
- Reddit: Reddit is great for long-form social media posts and finding genuine discussions, rather than paid promotions. You should join subreddits like /r/CryptocurrencyICO, r/ICO, and r/CryptoMarkets.
- TikTok: Follow Cryptonews as well as influencers and content creators who specialize in ICOs and cryptocurrency trends. Use hashtags like #ICO, #CryptoNews, and #CryptoInvestment to find educational content about ICOs.
- Telegram: Many ICO projects host official Telegram channels where they share updates, engage with potential investors, and provide direct access to the team. Join Telegram groups to ask questions directly and receive timely updates.
- Discord: Similar to Telegram, Discord serves as a hub for community interaction and is increasingly popular for real-time project discussions and ICO news.
YouTube: Because YouTube is suited for video content, you can find longer and more intricate breakdowns of potential projects. Some channels you can subscribe to are Cryptonews, Jacob Crypto Bury, and Boxmining. These channels often provide detailed evaluations of ICO projects, team backgrounds, and tokenomics.
🗓️ Use an ICO Calendar
ICO calendars help you spot upcoming token sales fast. They list the basics—industry focus, start and end dates, the blockchain in use, and the project’s fundraising target.
They also streamline your process. You can pre-register for early rounds at lower prices, plan allocations, and avoid impulse buys.
Sites such as ICO Drops and CoinCodex’s ICO Calendar add useful filters. Sort by blockchain, sale status, and other preferences to narrow your shortlist quickly.
🌐 Get Involved in Web3
Engaging directly with Web3 and ICOs can significantly enhance your understanding of new crypto offerings.
One approach is to start small by investing a minimal amount, such as $20, in several ICOs to track and compare their performance. This strategy allows you to diversify risk rather than committing a large sum to a single, unproven project.
Alternatively, consider working with a Web3 startup. Positions range from smart contract developers to roles in marketing, content creation, network engineering, and legal consultancy.
Hands-on experience provides deep insights into the ICO process and offers opportunities to observe successful practices and potentially participate in early investments.
Are Crypto ICOs a Good Investment?
Participating in ICOs allows investors to gain access to early-stage projects that may not be available through traditional investment channels. Here are some additional potential upsides for investors looking into new ICOs.
Potential for High Returns
By design, ICOs launch cryptocurrencies at ultra-low prices. This is an incentive for new investors to participate because it increases the upside potential of their investments.
After a token launches, its demand may increase, which not only locks out potential buyers but also limits their earning potential and increases the likelihood that they will become exit liquidity for early investors.
Generate Ongoing Crypto Rewards
The best upcoming ICOs to watch enable investors to earn crypto rewards without active trading. Many achieve this through crypto staking, where investors lock their tokens to earn regular rewards over time.
Another method involves interest accounts. Investors hold crypto in dedicated accounts that distribute token rewards periodically based on their holdings.
New Projects with High Potential
When assessing the crypto with the most potential, you’ll realize that many of these projects solve real-world problems. Anything that can use cutting-edge technologies such as blockchain, smart contracts, DeFi, or NFTs to create novel solutions for real-world problems and disrupt existing industries is very likely to receive a lot of attention.
The best new active ICO cryptos usually provide utility for their users, and some projects use AI and machine learning to help crypto traders and investors.
What Are the Risks of Crypto ICOs?
Lack of Investor Protections
If you participate in an ICO and something goes wrong (such as fraud), there is little to no official legal recourse or formal recoveries for victims or affected parties. Because of their inherently decentralized nature, it is difficult to protect investors. Therefore, you should invest at your own risk.
Regulatory Risks
Crypto ICOs sit in a legal gray area in many jurisdictions around the world. Multiple countries consider these mechanisms, in combination with the underlying coins and tokens, to be securities offerings.
However, the project is more likely to face legal scrutiny than the ICO investors. Despite this, you should still check your local laws to make sure you are in good standing with the governing bodies. And keep in mind, if a crypto project is found guilty of illegal securities offerings, it could make your tokens or coins worthless.
Most ICOs are not successful
It should go without saying that most ICO projects, after they launch, do not survive. While this is expected of most markets, it is especially prevalent with ICOs. Furthermore, it is important to point out that many ICOs are either scams or have no plans of fulfilling the promises they make.
How to Spot a Fake ICO in 2026
As ICOs regain popularity in 2026, scams are evolving very fast. Fake ICOs often look professional on the surface, making basic due diligence essential before investing. Here’s what every investor should do to spot fake ICOs:
- Check for smart contract audits as legit ICOs usually publish audits from firms like CertiK, Coinsult, or SolidProof.
- Verify liquidity locks: Real projects share how much liquidity is locked, for how long, and where.
- Watch for unrealistic promises: Guaranteed profits, fixed daily returns, or “risk-free” staking are classic red flags.
- Review tokenomics carefully: Avoid projects that have large team allocations, no vesting schedules, or instant unlocks, as they increase the risk of exit scams.
- Validate community quality: A strong community = a strong project, while low engagement, bot-filled comment sections, or restricted Telegram chats often indicate made-up hype.
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Upcoming ICOs
Our methodology for reviewing and ranking the best upcoming ICOs is data-driven and thorough. We continuously update our list based on tokenomics, early social media traction, influencer coverage, and project roadmap.
We weigh each factor’s significance in predicting an ICO’s potential success and reliability. This approach ensures we recommend the best ICO cryptos to our readers. Below, we outline our ranking parameters and explain their importance.
Quality of Tokenomics (25%)
A project with good tokenomics means that factors (such as token distribution, supply control mechanisms, and incentives, etc.) are fair to users and sustainable. By analyzing these aspects, we rank ICOs based on their long-term viability and potential returns.
Early Social Media Traction (25%)
Early social media traction is a signal for genuine community interest and potential growth. Our experts analyze historical engagement metrics like follower growth rates and investor feedback to discover social media traction.
Key Influencer Coverage (25%)
Key influencer coverage boosts a project’s visibility to a wider audience. Our experts prioritize the quality of influencers. This is because high-quality endorsements often correlate with increased funding and legitimacy.
Planned Post-Launch Events (25%)
When a project plans post-launch events, it typically means that the team doesn’t intend to abandon their project. Our experts look for regular updates and developments, like protocol upgrades or new dApp launches. These indicate a project has committed to growth.
Best Crypto ICOs – Conclusion
While investing in ICOs carries high risk since projects are new and unproven, it can still be profitable for some as high risk can mean high potential returns. In this guide, we selected top 2026 ICOs based on their momentum, utility, entry price, and sellability.
When choosing an ICO, make sure you do your research first to balance risk against reward. Many ICOs fail long-term, so prioritize viability over hype. And never invest more than you can afford to lose as returns aren’t guaranteed in volatile crypto markets.
Our top ICO pick right now is Bitcoin Hyper (HYPER), a new L2 network for Bitcoin. It’s available at the low entry price of $0.01367530 and allows users to stake and benefit from an APY of up to 37%.
Visit Bitcoin HyperUpcoming Crypto ICOs FAQs
How do I invest in an ICO coin?
Are ICOs still profitable in 2026?
Can I participate in an ICO without KYC?
Which blockchains are hosting the most ICOs in 2026?
Why do crypto projects launch ICOs?
Why should I invest in ICOs?
2M+
250+
8
70
in numbers
About Cryptonews
Our goal is to offer a comprehensive and objective perspective on the cryptocurrency market, enabling our readers to make informed decisions in this ever-changing landscape.
Our editorial team of more than 70 crypto professionals works to maintain the highest standards of journalism and ethics. We follow strict editorial guidelines to ensure the integrity and credibility of our content.
Whether you’re looking for breaking news, expert opinions, or market insights, Cryptonews has been your go-to destination for everything cryptocurrency since 2017.
