Will ICOs Replace Airdrops by 2026?

Derived from Jinse, the article discusses the potential resurgence of Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) as a more equitable and sustainable fundraising model in the crypto space. It highlights how the airdrop craze is fading, and ICOs are making a comeback in 2025 after a long period of venture capital-dominated fundraising from 2022 to 2024. The piece argues that ICOs offer clearer incentives and better alignment between projects and retail investors, contrasting with the current model where insiders capture most gains. It also notes the rise of early-stage funding platforms like Coinbase's Echo and Kaito's MetaDAO, which are reshaping how tokens are distributed. However, challenges such as poor token economics, regulatory uncertainty, and market saturation remain. The article suggests that while ICOs may not fully replace airdrops, they could become a key part of a hybrid model focused on long-term value alignment.