What are the biggest challenges startups face during ICO development and launch?

[jameshat]

Launching an ICO sounds exciting, but startups quickly realize it’s not as easy as creating a token and waiting for investors. The real challenges often hit during development and execution. Here’s what most teams struggle with

Lack of technical expertise
Many startups don’t have the right blockchain developers or smart contract experts. A single bug or loophole in the contract can ruin investor trust or even cause massive losses.

Regulatory compliance
ICOs are still under legal gray areas in many countries. Startups often face confusion about KYC/AML, token classification, and fundraising laws and missing compliance can shut down a project overnight.

Building investor trust
Investors today are smarter and cautious after seeing scam ICOs in the past. Without transparency, audits, and a solid roadmap, it’s hard to convince anyone to invest.

Weak tokenomics design
Poorly planned token distribution or unrealistic returns can destroy a project’s credibility. Tokenomics must balance utility, demand, and long-term sustainability, not just hype.

Marketing and visibility
Even great ICOs fail if no one hears about them. Crypto marketing is tricky because of ad restrictions and competition. Building organic reach, community trust, and PR visibility takes time and skill.
That’s why many startups work with experienced ICO development partners like Beleaf Technologies, a company known for end-to-end ICO solutions, from token creation and smart contract audits to legal compliance and marketing support. With the right guidance, startups can launch safely, attract real investors, and grow confidently in the blockchain space.