Issuing a successful crypto token involves more than just launching—it requires strategic precision. Shane Molidor, founder of Forgd, believes there’s a scientific approach to token launches, and his platform is designed to help crypto projects navigate this complex process.

“Today, it’s simpler than ever to launch a token, especially with platforms like pump.fun that cater to memecoin creators,” Molidor told CoinDesk. “However, launching a utility token that truly delivers value and performs well is increasingly challenging due to limited investor attention and capital.”

Forgd offers a comprehensive, free software suite that empowers blockchain projects to design tokenomics, coordinate with market makers, manage exchange listings, and set initial token valuations. After launch, Forgd continues to support projects by providing detailed analytics on market maker behavior, token unlock schedules, and demand optimization.

The company also operates an advisory division that works closely with larger crypto initiatives. Recently, Forgd introduced a portal allowing token advisory firms to manage their portfolios while giving market makers access to transparent deal flows and uptime metrics.

More than 1,500 projects have utilized Forgd’s tools, many for research purposes. Serious “blue chip” projects—characterized by large venture funding rounds and token listings exceeding $100 million in notional value on major centralized exchanges—often combine Forgd’s platform with external advisory services.

Molidor noted that multiple top 100 market cap tokens have emerged via Forgd, though he refrained from naming them. His mission is to “bring clarity and standardization to the token launch process,” noting the steep learning curve for protocol teams unfamiliar with market microstructure.

Insights Backed by Data

Forgd’s recommendations rely on continuous data analysis. The firm studies recent launches to identify patterns among successful tokens, evaluating metrics such as token distribution, emission schedules, launch-day valuations, market capitalization, and trading volume.

Additionally, Forgd scrutinizes market makers’ contributions—measuring their share of order books, order execution rates, and bid-ask spreads—to help projects choose partners with proven track records.

Markets evolve rapidly, so Forgd updates its data constantly with each new token debut. While primarily serving crypto-native ventures, the company has begun engaging institutional investors seeking to understand token launch mechanics.

Addressing a Flawed Launch Model

Molidor described the current token launch model—with explosive early valuations and extended inflationary emissions—as unsustainable. Investor demand often peaks early before fading as market attention shifts elsewhere.

He also pointed out a widespread challenge: “Opening prices and initial price surges are frequently artificially engineered by exchanges or market makers, leaving projects with minimal control.”

Many projects struggle to balance relationships with strategic partners like market makers, who may be incentivized to encourage sharp price spikes, potentially destabilizing token performance.

Sustained secondary market demand is critical. Unlike traditional IPOs, which have underwriters guaranteeing institutional buy-in, tokens generally rely on speculative retail demand post-launch.

To improve this, Molidor suggests structuring deals so that institutional investors commit only a fraction of capital at launch, reserving the remainder for secondary market support. He also predicts new on-chain mechanisms—possibly offering token or stablecoin yields—that will encourage ongoing buy-side interest after launch.

“Just as DeFi revolutionized liquidity provision, I expect innovations that embed demand incentives on-chain to emerge, helping institutions reduce their cost basis and supporting token longevity,” Molidor concluded.