5 Best IEO Cryptos to Buy This Year – Biggest Initial Exchange Offerings
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Some of the best presales that could later hold Initial Exchange Offerings (IEOs) include Bitcoin Hyper, Maxi Doge, and SUBBD.
An IEO lets crypto projects sell tokens through an exchange, which offers you more protection than an initial coin offering (ICO). Some projects, like Polygon and Fetch.ai, chose to launch an IEO after their initial presale rounds were completed.
While we cannot guarantee that our picks will pursue IEOs, their fundamentals suggest they might seek additional capital and community engagement through an exchange.
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- 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
- 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
The Best Initial Exchange Offerings of 2026
For a quick overview of the best initial exchange offerings this year, check out the list below:
- Bitcoin Hyper (HYPER) – Bridged token on high-speed Bitcoin Layer 2.
- Maxi Doge (MAXI) – Takes on Dogecoin with a masculine edge.
- SUBBD (SUBBD) – Influencer platform utility coin powered by diverse AI tools.
- Bitway (BTW) – Internet capital gateway connecting on-chain liquidity.
- Aere Network (AERE) – New EVM Layer 1 focusing on enterprise and climate.
Analyzing the Best IEO Cryptos to Invest in
Searching for the best IEO crypto listings requires investors to conduct their own due diligence on both the project and the exchange that is hosting the fundraising campaign. To help you convert the fundamentals, we take a closer look at the best IEO cryptos of 2026.
1. Bitcoin Hyper – Scalable Bitcoin Layer 2 Solution
Bitcoin Hyper 
HYPER +18.92% is a Bitcoin Layer-2 chain that leverages the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM) to bring unprecedented speed and utility to Bitcoin, the oldest and largest cryptocurrency out there.
With Bitcoin Hyper, users can bridge their BTC to the Layer-2 network, receiving an equivalent token on its high-speed network that provides instant finality. The bridged BTC can then be used in decentralized finance (DeFi) for activities like staking, swapping, and liquidity mining.
BTC is the most reliable store of value (SOV), but it’s very rigid. It can only process about five transactions per second, reaching finality in up to an hour. The HYPER presale has already raised $31.42M, showing great potential to become one of the most promising IEOs this year.
Why do we like Bitcoin Hyper?
- Bridges BTC to a Solana-based L2 with instant finality
- Unlocks DeFi utility for Bitcoin holders
2. Maxi Doge – Next Dogecoin Brings Masculinity Back
It has all the ingredients that can work in a market that still loves its dog narratives. Maxi Doge 
MAXI +12.12% is an ode to strength and masculinity, looking for body gains and chart gains, but holding a healthy respect for holders at the same time.
Maxi Doge is a young presale that already has a strong community behind it, having raised $4.59M. Drawn by the testosterone-scented mascot, holders also have a 68% APY to look forward to when staking.
One praiseworthy aspect of MAXI, currently trading at $0.00028030, is the generous 25% of the supply dedicated to community rewards and marketing initiatives. When deployed, these initiatives will help capture crypto’s attention. If Maxi Doge’s momentum stays true, or to put it another way, if those gym sessions pay off, then exchanges will be keen to list MAXI.
Why do we like Maxi Doge?
- Follows form and learns from the Dogecoin and Shiba playbook
- Great APYs for staking and incoming community rewards
3. SUBBD – AI-Powered Subscription Token for Creators
SUBBD 
SUBBD +4.50% is adding new features to the market that merge AI with content creation. This allows users to have a smooth experience when monetizing their content. Alongside its advanced AI assistant, the SUBBD token can be used to earn staking rewards and make payments on the platform.
The upcoming IEO is a major step, signaling that SUBBD is ready to grow and reach more users. IEOs usually run on established exchanges, which adds visibility and a layer of vetting. That setup can strengthen trust in the project while improving liquidity and helping bring in new users.
Even with these moves, SUBBD is still flying under the radar, which can suit early backers. The mix of fresh tools, a clear roadmap, and the planned IEO points to real room for expansion if the team keeps delivering.
Why do we like SUBBD?
- Combines AI with creator monetization tools
- Strong roadmap
4. Bitway (BTW) – On-Chain Capital Gateway With a Bitcoin-Compatible PoS Layer 1
Bitway (BTW) is a recent project that focuses on connecting on-chain liquidity to global opportunities through its own products, such as Bitway Earn and Bitway Chain, a Bitcoin-compatible proof-of-stake Layer 1. The main focus behind this project is to give users access to yield, liquidity pooling, and BTC-native financing all in one ecosystem.
Unlike many early-stage tokens, BTW launched through a small IEO on CoinCodex, offering 100 million tokens at just $0.0005 each toward a $50,000 hardcap, out of a total supply of 10 billion BTW. The project previously raised over $5.8 million through seed and strategic rounds, with more capital raised through later public sales, such as IDOs.
The gap between the IEO price and later IDO prices might signal towards short-term volatility potential, especially when vested tokens from private and IDO rounds unlock. For investors, it’s best to see Bitway as an infrastructure and on-chain finance token rather than a short-term investment opportunity.
Why do we like Bitway?
- It offers strong utility by powering real products
- Strong institutional backing
5. Aere Network (AERE) – High-Performance EVM Layer 1
Aere Network (AERE) is an EVM-compatible Layer 1 blockchain launched in July 2025. It’s built for high-performance and enterprise-grade use cases by focusing on scalability and security. It also combines innovative features such as multi-dimensional sharding, Effective Proof-of-Stake (ePoS), ZK proofs, and AI-optimized protocols.
According to the team, Aere can process over 273,000 transactions per second, while also focusing on lower energy consumption. The project also links blockchain applications to areas like climate finance, food security, and disaster prevention to support large-scale coordination beyond DeFi.
The native token AERE can be used for network governance, among other things. This project’s technical ambition and governance structure suggest a potential long-term execution play whose performance is tied to adoption and integration.
Why do we like Aere Network?
- Targets high-performance use cases
- Combines scalability features with security tools
What Is an IEO?
An Initial Exchange Offering (IEO) is a way for the best new cryptocurrency projects to raise money by selling their tokens directly through a cryptocurrency exchange. Unlike ICOs, where the project handles everything itself, in an IEO, the exchange acts as a middleman.
By opting for an IEO, investors are provided with an additional safeguard since the exchange will be responsible for performing due diligence on the IEO project and its founders. However, this doesn’t guarantee that the crypto startup is legitimate. As always, IEO investors and those looking to invest in the best crypto STOs in 2026 are advised to do their own research.
What’s the Difference Between IEOs, ICOs, and IDOs?
IEOs differ from two other popular fundraising methods in crypto: initial coin offering (ICOs) and initial DEX offerings (IDOs).
In ICOs, crypto projects handle the entire fundraising process, enabling investors to buy native tokens at an early stage directly from their websites. While this gives the crypto project full control, it comes with greater risks for investors. Although popular projects like Ethereum raised funds through an ICO, this method has become less popular due to the high prevalence of scams.
With the emergence of decentralized exchanges (DEXs), new projects can opt for IDOs, where the tokens are directly listed on a DEX to attract new liquidity. While IDOs offer lower barriers compared to IEOs, they usually lack the vetting process conducted by centralized platforms.
IEOs combine central oversight with relatively early access, offering a balance between convenience and risks.
How Do Crypto Initial Exchange Offerings Work?
Although no two crypto IEOs are the same, the end-to-end process is largely similar across all listings.
1. Approaching the Exchange: First, the crypto startup will contact its preferred exchange for the IEO listing, alongside an application that outlines the project’s fundamentals. The exchange will then decide whether or not to host the IEO.
2. Releasing Information: If the exchange agrees to host the IEO, the crypto project will then release information on the fundraising campaign.
3. Registering on the Exchange: Investors who want to participate must register on the exchange and meet certain criteria, such as holding the platform’s native token (e.g., Binance Coin).
4. Purchasing Tokens: During the IEO period, users can purchase the project’s tokens directly on the exchange. If the IEO is held on a DEX, then the investor can simply connect their wallet to the platform and initiate the exchange.
5. The End of the IEO: Each IEO has its own hard cap total, which refers to the total amount of capital it wishes to raise. After the IEO has concluded—either because it has reached its hard cap total or the investment phase is closed—investors will receive their presale tokens.
6. Public Listing: Investors can then trade the tokens on the same exchange or other platforms once the project officially lists the token for public trading. In many cases, the project will then proceed to officially list its token on an exchange, meaning it can be publicly traded.
The interaction between the crypto project and the exchange looks like this:
What Are The Best Exchanges for IEOs?
Not every exchange runs IEOs, and even among the ones that do, some carry more weight and trust than others. Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the strongest options for IEOs:
- Binance is a leading venue for IEOs, giving users access to a broad lineup of vetted projects through Binance Launchpad. It’s known for tight security standards and clear launch processes, which make it a go-to platform for many IEO buyers.
- Coinbase is known for its strict regulatory compliance and user-friendly interface. Even though Coinbase is new to IEOs, it’s still considered a trusted platform for traders of all levels.
- Kraken focuses on security while supporting a long list of assets. Compared to other platforms, Kraken offers fewer IEOs. Still, it represents a strong option for secure and safe investments.
- Kucoin‘s Spotlight platform is the home of its IEOs, providing users with access to emerging blockchain projects. Kucoin is often favored by those looking for a variety of global opportunities.
- OKX IEOs tend to attract a wide international audience due to the exchange’s extensive range of supported currencies and countries.
How to Find the Best Upcoming IEOs
The best IEO cryptos often offer investors an opportunity to buy into a project at the beginning of its journey. This means investing in a project with a modest market capitalization, meaning there is plenty of upside potential to target.
However, finding the best IEO crypto projects is hard, considering how many listings are being initiated in this space.
IEO Launchpads
The first step in finding promising IEO cryptos is to research the best crypto launchpads. Top IEO exchanges include Binance, Kucoin, and Coinbase.
If a new IEO is about to be launched, the platform (be it an Ethereum launchpad or on another network) will offer complete details, including total token allocation, price, and links to the project’s website and whitepaper.
Third-Party Platforms
Some IEOs are conducted on lesser-known exchanges, especially when the project prefers decentralized exchanges. It is also worth using a third-party website that specializes in IEO (and ICO/IDO) listing announcements. This will ensure that upcoming IEOs are not missed.
Some third-party platforms in this space also offer an alert service, which means investors will receive an email when a new IEO announcement has been made.
Whitepaper and Due Diligence
Having access to upcoming IEO listings is the easy part. Knowing which projects represent a worthy investment is significantly more challenging.
A good starting point in this regard is to visit the IEO project’s website and download the whitepaper. A legitimate crypto startup will offer a highly comprehensive whitepaper that explains everything there is to know about the venture – including but not limited to its long-term objectives, roadmap targets, background information on the development team, and the tokenomics of its native digital currency.
After reading through the whitepaper, IEO investors are then advised to conduct independent research on each and every claim that has been made. Only then should investors consider their next move.
Are IEO Coins a Good Investment?
IEOs, in addition to ICOs and IDOs, will not be suitable for all investor profiles. Before researching upcoming initial exchange offerings this year, beginners are advised to make the following considerations:
💸 Lowest Token Price Possible
First and foremost, similar to stock IPOs, crypto IEOs typically reward earlier investors with the best price possible on the respective token. In fact, the earlier that an investor gains exposure to IEO, the more favorable the cost price often is. The token price tends to increase gradually as each tranche of tokens is sold.
🤏 Small-Cap Projects
The vast majority of IEOs are utilized by new crypto startups. This means that because the project is still in its infancy, it will carry a small market capitalization. This is not too dissimilar to investing in a traditional startup long before its IPO campaign.
Crucially, although riskier than large-cap projects, IEOs with a small valuation offer a much higher upside potential.
📋 Post-IEO Listing
Perhaps the most anticipated part of the IEO investment process is when the respective token is listed on a public exchange for trading. This offers an opportunity to those who missed out on the IEO fundraising campaign. If the project is solid and has created subsequent levels of hype, this can result in a huge wave of buying pressure after the exchange listing, which can benefit IEO investors greatly.
Top Performing IEOs of All Time
Here are some of the best-performing IEOs of all time based on their return-on-investment (ROI) and the amount raised.
| Token | Launchpad | IEO Date | Initial Price | ATH Price | ATH ROI | Sector | Amount Raised |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Axie Infinity (AXS) | Binance | Oct-Nov 2020 | $0.10 | $164.50 | 1,643x | Gaming | $2.97M |
| Polygon (MATIC) | Binance | Apr 2019 | $0.00263 | $2.90 | 1,104x | Layer 2 | $5M |
| The Sandbox (SAND) | Binance | Aug 2020 | $0.0083 | $8.35 | 1,001x | Gaming | $3M |
| Solana Name Service (FIDA) | AscendEX | Dec 2020 | $0.1 | $28.77 | 287x | Web3 Identity | $200k |
| Diamond Launch (DLC) | Gate.io, Bybit | Sep 2022 | $0.02 | $2.15 | 107x | IDO Protocol | $150k |
What These IEOs Have in Common
- Strong Exchange Support: All projects were launched on major crypto exchanges, such as Binance. They leveraged the underlying platform’s user base and marketing reach.
- Use Cases: Each project has something to offer, addressing a certain niche, such as gaming, infrastructure, or DeFi.
- Community Engagement: These projects built strong communities that continued to back them and grow after going live.
- Tokenomics: All of them opted for strategic tokenomics that ensure demand and long-term sustainability.
These common elements highlight the importance of exchange backing, community building, and balanced tokenomics for a successful IEO.
Conclusion
This guide has ranked the best upcoming IEOs in the market right now, in addition to a selection of presales that have recently been listed on an exchange for the first time. Overall, we think Bitcoin Hyper shows strong potential thanks to its unique value proposition and the solutions it offers to the Bitcoin ecosystem.
As always, it’s imperative to thoroughly analyze each project’s fundamentals, roadmap, and team reputation before investing. While IEOs hosted by major exchanges do add a layer of security, due diligence should not be ignored.
Choose your IEO to gain exposure to the next breakout crypto before it hits the mainstream.
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