Are You Ready?

Launching on NovaDAO is a serious commitment. Before you begin the listing process, make sure your project meets the criteria below and that you understand the requirements for a successful launch.

Note: NovaDAO is not an incubator. We help established projects reach their next stage of growth through transparent, community-driven fundraising.

Who NovaDAO Is For

NovaDAO is designed for projects that have already demonstrated traction and are ready to scale. Here are the four key attributes of a strong candidate:

Working Product

You have a live product or protocol that users can interact with today. Testnet deployments count if there is a clear mainnet timeline. White-paper-only projects are not eligible.

Existing Users

Your project has measurable on-chain or off-chain usage. Active wallets, TVL, transaction volume, or recurring users demonstrate that real demand exists for what you are building.

Crypto-Native

Your product is built on-chain or has a meaningful blockchain integration. The token must serve a clear utility within your ecosystem, not just exist for fundraising purposes.

Limited Prior Raises

Ideally you have not completed large private rounds at high valuations. NovaDAO works best for teams that want to raise transparently from the community rather than relying on insider-heavy cap tables.

Pre-Launch Communication Requirements

Transparent communication with your community is critical throughout the launch process. Here is what you need to prepare:

Before the ICO

  • Publish a detailed blog post or forum thread explaining why you are launching on NovaDAO.
  • Share your tokenomics, including total supply, distribution, vesting, and utility.
  • Announce the raise cap, minimum raise threshold, and timeline publicly.
  • Host at least one AMA or community call to address questions from potential participants.
  • Ensure your documentation (docs site, whitepaper, or equivalent) is up to date.

After the ICO

  • Provide a transparent summary of the raise results within 48 hours.
  • Publish a use-of-funds breakdown so participants understand how capital will be deployed.
  • Commit to regular progress updates (monthly at minimum).
  • Engage with the NovaDAO governance process for milestone-based fund releases.

Pre-Launch Checklist

Complete every item on this checklist before submitting your listing application:

Finalize Your Tokenomics

Define your total supply, distribution percentages, vesting schedules, and any inflation or burn mechanics. These cannot be changed after listing.

Prepare Visual Assets

You will need a project logo (SVG, min 512x512), a banner image (1200x630), and a favicon. All assets should be high-resolution and on-brand.

Set Your Raise Parameters

Decide on your minimum raise threshold, discretionary cap, and ICO duration. Review the Sale documentation for guidance on choosing these values.

Draft Your STAMP Agreement

If applicable, prepare the Simple Token Agreement, Market Protected. See the STAMP documentation for details.

Establish a Legal Entity

You must have a registered legal entity (foundation, LLC, or equivalent) that can enter into binding agreements. Consult with legal counsel familiar with your jurisdiction.

Plan Your Communication Strategy

Draft your pre-launch blog post, schedule your AMA, and prepare responses for common questions. First impressions matter — launch communication sets the tone for your relationship with the community.

What Happens If You Are Not Ready

Warning: Launching before you are ready can permanently damage your project's reputation and your relationship with the community.

If your project does not meet the criteria above, the following outcomes are likely:

  • Failed raise: If you do not reach the minimum raise threshold, all funds are returned to participants and the ICO is cancelled. You may reapply, but trust is harder to rebuild.
  • Weak post-launch performance: Projects without real users tend to see immediate sell pressure after the ICO. The bid wall provides a floor, but sustained price depends on genuine demand.
  • Governance friction: NovaDAO token holders can vote to restrict fund releases if milestones are not being met. A project that overpromises and underdelivers will face community pushback.
  • Reputational risk: The Stellar ecosystem is small and reputation travels fast. A poorly executed launch reflects on your team and makes future fundraising more difficult.
Tip: If you are not sure whether you are ready, reach out to the NovaDAO team for a pre-screening conversation. We are happy to provide honest feedback and help you plan a timeline that sets you up for success.

Ready to proceed? Start with Getting Listed on NovaDAO.