TL;DR
- CoinMarketCap has launched “CMC Launch”, a new feature that allows high-quality crypto projects to present themselves to millions of active monthly users.
- Aster (AST), a perpetual contracts DEX backed by YZi Labs, is the first project to debut on this platform.
- CMC Launch aims to boost exposure for pre-TGE (before token generation event) projects and foster a more transparent and participatory relationship between developers and retail investors.
The crypto industry is evolving at breakneck speed. With thousands of new tokens launching every year, standing out has become harder than ever. CoinMarketCap, long recognized as the go-to site for cryptocurrency data, has decided to reinvent itself. With CMC Launch, it takes a bold step toward building a full-fledged ecosystem—similar to platforms like Galxe or Raydium. This new feature allows users to interact with emerging projects through simple tasks—like following social media accounts or holding specific tokens—to earn points and participate in future airdrops.
The first to benefit from this new spotlight is Aster (AST), a decentralized perpetual contract exchange that operates on BNB Chain and Arbitrum, offering up to 1001x leverage for trades. The project seeks to democratize advanced trading with a beginner-friendly interface, as well as a pro version equipped with a full suite of tools. Additionally, no KYC is required, preserving user privacy—an increasingly valued feature in the sector.
Aster Has Potential, and CoinMarketCap Is Betting Its Reputation
Aster is not just another project. It’s the result of a merger between Astherus and APX Finance, backed by YZi Labs, the investment arm associated with Binance. It already boasts over $360 billion in historical trading volume and a TVL exceeding $312 million, according to official figures. Participation in the airdrop involves simple tasks like following social media accounts or holding eligible tokens like ALP or USDF, rewarding both active traders and more conservative holders.
Moreover, “CMC Launch” arrives at a time when other platforms such as Pump.fun and PancakeSwap are also vying for attention from early-stage projects. With its massive traffic and global brand recognition, CoinMarketCap could quickly position itself as the go-to starting point for the next big hits in the crypto space.
What stands out the most is that CoinMarketCap is putting its name on the line, a move that could set a new standard for the quality and delivery of airdrops. In an industry where many projects fail to meet their promises, this bold initiative represents a serious bet on trust and professionalism.
For crypto enthusiasts, this is a positive signal: the giants of crypto data are no longer just informing, they are now helping to build the future of the ecosystem.
