Top 10 Launchpad Trends to Watch in 2025

Looking for what the latest DeFi and crypto trends are?
Interested in a sneak peak at what projects we typically see as a launchpad in 2025?

There's no mistake - 2025 turned into a technological, security focused, AI modelling dream. We're seeing a huge increase in new tech innovations for web3, so we thought we would share those with you to help you stay ahead of the curve for trending web3 projects…

1. AI Powered DeFi Tools

Artificial intelligence is no longer just a buzzword - it’s deeply integrated into DeFi and web3.

AI agents are handling everything from portfolio management and fraud detection to predictive analytics and trading automation.

We’re also seeing AI-powered DAOs emerge, where governance is partially or fully driven by autonomous agents trained on historical on-chain data.

From a security perspective, many auditors are now using Smart Contract Risk Assessment using models provided by ChatGPT or Claude.ai.

For launchpads, this means projects built with AI at their core are becoming more attractive to our communities. AI is being discussed and requested on a regular basis - especially around automated trading and portfolio rebalancing.

2. RWA Tokenization (Real-World Assets)

The tokenization of real-world assets like U.S. Treasuries, real estate, carbon credits, and private equity is booming. Asset-backed tokens may offer more stability and real-world revenue potential - two things our web3 world has often lacked.

Launchpads are starting to feature more RWA startups because:

• Institutional investors are watching.
• These projects often have clearer business models.
• Regulatory interest is (finally) tilting positive.

Expect to see launchpads evolve to support compliance layers and legal wrappers for these launches.
Yes, we know compliance and government regulation can often be tiring and boring, but they're deeply important to the future and freedom of web3 accessibility and trading. Something we see becoming increasingly important for projects speaking to launchpads.

3. ZK-Powered Privacy, Security & Scaling

zkSync, Starknet, Scroll, and other zero-knowledge rollups are enabling a new class of DeFi apps that are both scalable and privacy-preserving. These protocols offer fast finality, lower gas costs, and built-in encryption layers.

Launchpads are integrating ZK ecosystems to:

• Tap into high-performance L2 projects.
• Onboard privacy-focused users.
• Future-proof token launches in a privacy-conscious regulatory environment.

ZK powered chains are on the rise, take a look at zksync.io to get a healthily growing list - where we are starting to see more and more of them adopt AI into their workflows.

4. Multi-Chain and Omni-Chain Launches

Why launch on one chain when you can launch on five?
Multi-chain support is becoming the norm, and tools like LayerZero are enabling seamless omni-chain deployments that don't require bridging.

How does multi-chain adoption affect launchpads?

• Supporting token standards like ERC-20, CW-20, and SPL simultaneously.
• Enabling cross-chain vesting and liquidity tools.
• Giving projects a broader market from day one.

If you're a project owner looking to launch in 2025, and can't decide on what chain to use - this is good news for your community.

We've seen projects needing to prioritize one chain over another, or pay more attention to EVM than others - this is no longer the case. Innovations in multichain project launches is becoming an important and normal situation for many.

5. Account Abstraction & Smart Wallet UX

Thanks to ERC-4337 and smart wallets, DeFi is becoming user-friendly for the first time. Users can now sign up with email or biometrics, transact gaslessly, and recover wallets without seed phrases.

Launchpads are taking note:

• Projects that launch with embedded smart wallet support are seen as more user-ready.
• Better UX = higher retention = better long-term token metrics.

Keeping track of the latest ERC-* developments can be time consuming, but that's why launchpads take the time to send experts into the world of DeFi dev and make note of important developments like these.

6. DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure)

DePIN is linking physical infrastructure, like IoT devices, EV charging networks, or decentralized wireless, with on-chain projects, APIs or systems.
This allows web2 or physically native companies to adapt, adopt, and integrate with web3 like never before.

So how are launchpads seeing projects use DePIN tech?

• Web3 native companies can now tap into crypto-native fundraising opportunities - while keeping their physical connection.
• Build communities around real-world utility.
• Make use of web3 tech and innovations, that are tied directly to physical infrastructure.

While this has been around for the last year or two, launchpads are now watching the rollup of new tooling and projects faster than ever before.

7. Restaking & Modular Staking Layers

Restaking is the process of reusing staked assets, like ETH, to secure additional services or networks. Instead of just earning rewards from Ethereum’s base layer, users can "restake" their ETH to help validate or support other protocols, such as middleware, oracles, and rollups.

What are launchpad's are seeing from projects interested in restaking or modular staking?

• Web3 projects that leverage modular layers around staking.
• Offering staking integrations from the moment of launching a token / coin.
• Better cross-project / cross-chain integrations.

8. Regulatory Compliant Launches

Sorry, this might be the boring one.
Regulation is no longer a maybe - it’s here. Projects are planning from day one how to operate within legal frameworks.

Launchpads are adjusting by:

• Adding fully KYB/KYC layers for communities and investors.
• Supporting Security Token Offering models.
• Working with legal partners to support jurisdictional compliance.

And, we're finally seeing more projects take privacy, security, and legal notices seriously. How many times have you looked at a coin, token, or web3 project and wondered what cookies they're tracking?

As a launchpad, we can gladly say that we're having more discussions with projects around regulations.

9. AI + On-Chain Data Analytics

The combination of AI and on-chain data is unlocking new abilities in investor targeting, sentiment tracking, and smart contract analysis.

Tools like Arkham Intelligence are gaining adoption for this exact reason - more visibility into wallets, portfolios and tracking asset movement.

How are projects using on-chain analytics in 2025?

• Score new assets and portfolios algorithmically.
• Predict token performance.
• Personalize dashboards and launch experiences.

Expect launchpads to start using this tech not just for backend analytics, but for frontend curation and user discovery as well.

10. Decentralized Identity (DID) & Reputation

With DID protocols like Lens.xyz, Polygon ID, and Gitcoin Passport, the concept of verified, reputation-based participation is gaining traction.

Launchpads are seeing projects work with DID to:

• Prevent Sybil attacks in token sales.
• Prioritize loyal or verified users in whitelist tiers.
• Enable fairer airdrops and community reward systems.

This is another security focused improvement for 2025, one of many from the list.

Final Thoughts

2025 is the year DeFi gets smarter, more compliant, more connected to the real world, and far more secure.

We're seeing projects take innovations to the next level, and as a launchpad, we're glad to be working alongside great dev teams that spearhead new tech.