How Crypto Tokens Get Launched and How That's Evolved Over Time - Ep. 691
Aug 20, 2024
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Reed Werbitt, the US CEO of Flowdesk, and Hanson Birringer, Head of US OTC Sales, dive into the fascinating world of token launches and market strategies. They discuss the crucial factors for choosing market makers and exchanges, emphasizing the impact of Bitcoin and Ether ETFs on the market. The duo highlights how points systems attract users and the evolution of Over-The-Counter trading in crypto. They also tackle challenges faced by Bitcoin miners amid shifting dynamics and the growing need for solid banking relationships to navigate this complex landscape.
The podcast highlights the critical factors token projects must consider when selecting market makers and the right exchanges for launches.
It discusses how the introduction of bitcoin and ether ETFs has reshaped the market dynamics and trading strategies for tokens.
Additionally, the evolving role of points systems in attracting users illustrates the changing approaches towards go-to-market strategies in crypto.
Deep dives
Challenges in Market Revival
When a project lacks market interest or perceived utility, market makers face significant challenges in reviving it. Despite their expertise, they can only provide the services outlined in contracts, without the ability to influence broader market perceptions. This underscores the importance of investor sentiment and market viability for the success of crypto projects. Without interest from the market, even the most competent market makers can struggle to generate traction.
Growth of Flowdesk and Market Making
Flowdesk was established to address inefficiencies in the crypto market, providing regulated market-making services to token issuers and exchanges. With a focus on trust, transparency, and innovative product offerings, Flowdesk manages varying degrees of liquidity for clients, from simple to complex scenarios. This includes both principal and retainer-based market-making strategies, adaptable to client needs. Their growth trajectory reflects increasing demand among institutional players for reliable partners in the evolving crypto landscape.
Token Launch Factors and Market Trends
Token projects today face various factors when deciding on launch strategies, including the choice between centralized and decentralized exchanges. Projects fueled by venture capital often have better balance sheets, allowing them to engage more effectively with market makers. Conversely, grassroots projects may have limited liquidity and depend heavily on effective marketing strategies to gain traction. There is a growing trend towards launching tokens with greater community participation, as a broader distribution can lead to more stable market conditions.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Trading Dynamics
OTC trading services cater more specifically to institutional clients, offering benefits like tighter spreads and reduced market impact compared to standard exchange transactions. Clients often prefer the anonymity and tailored risk management solutions provided by OTC desks. As the market evolves, institutional players increasingly seek out liquidity and pricing strategies that align with their unique requirements. Flowdesk specializes in this area, providing necessary liquidity with a focus on comprehensive client support.
Future Trends and Industry Fragmentation
The crypto market is witnessing a phase of consolidation and maturation amidst ongoing regulatory changes and increased institutional interest. However, fragmentation within the industry remains a significant challenge, with numerous products and services coexisting. Winners are likely to emerge from this landscape, concentrating liquidity and enhancing user experience. Overall, the trajectory suggests a push towards greater efficiency and sustainability in the crypto ecosystem, with constant adaptations to meet evolving market demands.
In this episode, Reed Werbitt, US CEO of Flowdesk, and Hanson Birringer, Head of US OTC Sales, delve into the intricacies of launching a token and the evolving landscape of over-the-counter markets. They discuss what factors teams should consider when choosing market makers and exchanges, how the launch of bitcoin and ether ETFs has impacted the markets, and the role of points systems in attracting users to tokens. The conversation also covers the challenges faced by Bitcoin miners amid recent market developments and the opportunities presented by solving fragmentation.
Show highlights:
00:00 Intro
01:53 Reed’s and Hanson’s backgrounds and what Flowdesk aims to do
05:52 How market makers work with token issuers
11:55 How a token issuer decides where to launch their tokens and what market maker to choose
17:53 Why Binance and OKX are the most desirable exchanges on which to list a token
18:38 Whether the crypto markets have changed with the launch of spot ETFs
19:36 The ideal ways to launch a token, and why it’s important to analyze the type of token
21:55 How points systems have affected the go-to-market strategies
25:38 How the low float/high FDV coins have affected whether Flowdesk engages with a new project
30:29 The benefits of OTC trading and how crypto OTC differs from TradFi OTC
41:54 The challenge of having multiple banking relationships
43:21 How this year’s developments, such as the ETFs and Trump’s promises, have changed the landscape for Flowdesk
46:00 Why solving fragmentation is the next big opportunity, according to Hanson
47:46 Whether the result of the U.S. elections will affect Flowdesk’s business
54:04 How the halving and bitcoin ETFs have affected miners
55:56 The significant differences between the prices of locked tokens vs. their market price
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