What is TGE? Why is it important?

TGE, or Token Generation Event, is the starting point for a project’s Token to be officially generated and enter market circulation. Compared to traditional stock IPOs, TGE is not just about issuing coins; it also involves the exit mechanisms for early investors, the incentive structures for the project team, and the initial establishment of market prices.

In the on-chain world, TGE is the time node that determines when a project “truly launches.” Without TGE, users cannot see tokens in their wallets or engage in any interactions.

What are the ways to participate in TGE?

Investors typically participate in TGE in the following ways:

1. Launchpad platform: Platforms like Gate Launchpad provide compliant Token subscription channels.
2. Airdrop Distribution: Some projects distribute Tokens to early community users in the form of airdrops.
3. Decentralized IDO platform: Participate in liquidity pools on Uniswap, Balancer, SushiSwap.

The investment thresholds, potential returns, and risks associated with each method are different. Newbies are advised to choose platforms with credibility to participate, avoiding falling into fraudulent projects.

Common Unlocking and Distribution Models of TGE

• One-time release: All tokens enter the market at once, suitable for Meme projects, but highly volatile.
• Linear release: Partial tokens are released monthly/quarterly to control market selling pressure.
• Cliff Vesting + Linear Release: Lock for a period of time (e.g., 3 months) first, then release linearly, which is beneficial for long-term healthy development.

The unlocking rhythm determines the price trend of the Token after TGE. If it is released too quickly, it is prone to a sharp decline; if it is released too slowly, there is little room for market speculation.

Case Analysis: The Rise and Fall Process of a Popular Project’s TGE

Taking a popular AI project in the first half of 2025 as an example:

• Private placement cost: 0.02 USDT, TGE opening price is 0.1 USDT;
• It initially rose to 0.35 USDT, but due to a large number of private placement tokens being unlocked, the price quickly dropped to 0.05 USDT;
• Community users suffered severe losses, and the project team had to restore trust through a “buyback + burn” plan.

Such cases remind us: do not only look at the opening price, but also pay attention to the cost structure and release logic.

Common Misconceptions about Investing in TGE

• Myth 1: TGE = Quick Doubling Opportunity. Not all TGEs go up, especially those with unfair distribution.
• Myth 2: Buying at the opening is always safe. Often, initial liquidity is low, making it easy to be “pumped and dumped.”
• Misconception 3: Locking tokens is equivalent to price stability. During the locking period, tokens can also flow into the market through over-the-counter transactions or “delegated investment mode.”

Newbie investment advice

1. Research on the lock-up structure: Will there be short-term selling pressure at TGE? Will the team and early investors release simultaneously?
2. Check liquidity pool: Is there sufficient liquidity to protect market prices?
3. Observe the exchange support: Projects listed on mainstream CEXs are more secure.
4. Set profit and loss plans: avoid chasing highs or cutting losses at low points.

Conclusion

TGE is one of the most dramatic moments in the crypto market, which can create huge profits or deep pitfalls. For newbies, TGE is not just about “luck,” but rather it can be a more rational investment decision by studying the token structure, lock-up rhythm, and project planning.

Understanding TGE is essential to truly comprehend the future value of a project.