Arthur Hayes, co-founder of
BitMEX, has released a manifesto titled
"How to Make ICOs Great Again," critiquing the dominance of venture capital (VC) and centralized exchanges (CEXs) in crypto funding. Hayes argues that the crypto industry has strayed from its core values of decentralization, user empowerment, and grassroots wealth creation.
He describes the current landscape as overly controlled by institutional gatekeepers, prioritizing VC interests over retail investors. According to Hayes, many VC-backed tokens launch with inflated valuations and limited circulating supply, alienating the average investor.
The Case for ICOs: A Decentralized Future
Hayes believes that initial coin offerings (ICOs) can restore crypto’s original ethos by providing community-driven funding models. ICOs enable teams to raise capital directly from retail participants, bypassing intermediaries like VCs and CEXs. This approach democratizes access to early-stage investments while fostering innovation.
From the 2017 ICO boom, Hayes identifies two key drivers of success:
Memetic Value: Projects that resonate culturally can attract strong community support.
Technological Potential: Funding innovative solutions early enables transformative breakthroughs.While he acknowledges past ICO failures, Hayes views their speculative nature as a feature, offering retail investors opportunities for significant returns.
Hayes outlines steps to revitalize ICOs:
Faster Token Issuance: Leveraging decentralized exchanges for immediate trading.
Improved Blockchain Infrastructure: Utilizing scalable, cost-effective networks like Solana and Aptos.
Enhanced Accessibility: Non-custodial wallets and intuitive platforms simplify participation.
CEX Independence: Removing centralized gatekeepers empowers communities.By embracing the speculative and democratized nature of ICOs, Hayes envisions a crypto industry that prioritizes retail investors over institutional interests, restoring its revolutionary potential.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial, investment, or other advice. Investing in or trading crypto assets comes with a risk of financial loss.