ICO (Initial Coin Offering) is a fundraising method used by cryptocurrency and blockchain startups. These entities offer up their cryptocurrencies or tokens to investors in exchange for funds.

ICOs help raise funds as well as provide investors with an opportunity to buy into the project at an early stage. Moreover, ICOs have been used to fund projects such as: 

• blockchain infrastructure
• gaming platforms
• social networks

The success of an ICO is often measured by the size of the funds raised and the subsequent performance of the new cryptocurrency or token on the market.