the startups.com platform about startups.comCheck out the new Startups.com - A Comprehensive Startup University
Education
Planning
Mentors
Funding
Customers
Assistants
Clarity
Categories
Business
Sales & Marketing
Funding
Product & Design
Technology
Skills & Management
Industries
Other
Business
Career Advice
Branding
Financial Consulting
Customer Engagement
Strategy
Sectors
Getting Started
Human Resources
Business Development
Legal
Other
Sales & Marketing
Social Media Marketing
Search Engine Optimization
Public Relations
Branding
Publishing
Inbound Marketing
Email Marketing
Copywriting
Growth Strategy
Search Engine Marketing
Sales & Lead Generation
Advertising
Other
Funding
Crowdfunding
Kickstarter
Venture Capital
Finance
Bootstrapping
Nonprofit
Other
Product & Design
Identity
User Experience
Lean Startup
Product Management
Metrics & Analytics
Other
Technology
WordPress
Software Development
Mobile
Ruby
CRM
Innovation
Cloud
Other
Skills & Management
Productivity
Entrepreneurship
Public Speaking
Leadership
Coaching
Other
Industries
SaaS
E-commerce
Education
Real Estate
Restaurant & Retail
Marketplaces
Nonprofit
Other
Dashboard
Browse Search
Answers
Calls
Inbox
Sign Up Log In

Loading...

Share Answer

Menu
Crowdfunding: What are the best procedures/steps to take when crowdfunding with an ICO?
EJ
EJ
Edmund John, Emerging Markets Entrepreneur & Investor answered:

The following is not exhaustive nor is it legal advise.

Crypto-Economy
1. You'll want to have a good 'crypto-economy' and plan for your token. What are the pressure mechanisms on price/supply. What is the actual use of the token within your application or network? Can your token just be substituted for ethereum or is your token unique and absolutely necessary for a new ERC-20 token.

2. Plan a legal structure.
The legal structure you choose is very important because it determines (to some extent) the governing law. Each token is different and therefore you should not just copy another but rather get a specific plan and structure for your token. The legal structure will likely impact your disclosure documents, KYC requirements, tax and ongoing legal requirements.

3. Pick Attorney(s) to draft legal agreements.
There are many agreements that need to be drafted including the purchase/sale/terms/disclosure agreements. It's best to have a law firm do these, and be covered by their professional liability insurance (if you can)!

4. Do KYC for your sale
Any token sale needs to abide by AML/CTF laws. This is an absolute must, and even if all else is equal, if you are found to be aiding or abetting terrorists or money launderers, you may find the long arm of the law reaching out for you. Your KYC should be connected to your ERC-20 contract. The folks at https://KYC-Chain.com may be able to help.

5. Be honest
Consumer protection laws exist for a reason, and you should have an ACTUAL product and use case.

**This is not tax or legal advise.

I've written more on this here: https://flagtheory.com/successful-initial-coin-offering/

Talk to Edmund Upvote • Share
•••
Share Report

Answer URL

Share Question

  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on LinkedIn
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Google+
  • Share by email
About
  • How it Works
  • Success Stories
Experts
  • Become an Expert
  • Find an Expert
Answers
  • Ask a Question
  • Recent Answers
Support
  • Help
  • Terms of Service
Follow

the startups.com platform

Startups Education
Startup Planning
Access Mentors
Secure Funding
Reach Customers
Virtual Assistants

Copyright © 2025 Startups.com. All rights reserved.