TGE: Understanding the Token Generation Event as the Starting Point and Risk Management in Crypto Projects

8/22/2025, 6:55:51 AM
TGE, or token generation event, is an important moment in the formal creation and issuance of the native Token of a crypto project, representing the first on-chain liquidity of the Token. This is not only a critical node for project financing but also a key moment for investors to observe Token price discovery, liquidity release, and risk windows.

What is TGE?

A token generation event (Token Generation Event, abbreviated as TGE) is the moment when an encryption project technically creates and distributes its native Token on the blockchain for the first time. At this point, the Token begins to have the ability to be stored, transferred, and traded on the market. TGE is not just a token issuance action; it is an important milestone for the financing and launch of the entire project.

The basic process of TGE

Generally, TGE includes the following main phases:

  • Private placement or angel round investment, the project reaches a subscription agreement with early supporters, agreeing to allocate tokens at a specific price at the time of the token generation event.
  • Public offerings or community rounds, opening up token purchases to a wider range of users.
  • The official token generation event (TGE) has occurred, accompanied by the deployment of the token smart contract, and the distribution of tokens to the corresponding user wallets has begun.
  • Subsequently, the Token is listed on centralized exchanges (CEX) or decentralized exchanges (DEX), becoming a freely tradable asset.

These steps revolve around pricing, fairness, and transparency, forming an important basis for investors to assess project risks.

Why should investors pay attention to TGE?

TGE is a key point for token unlocking, meaning that the token is first evaluated by the market price, liquidity increases, and short-term value volatility is severe. The phenomena of FOMO and FUD are particularly prominent. Understanding the timing, allocation ratios, and lock-up terms of TGE can help investors effectively manage risk.

The difference between TGE and ICO, IDO

ICO (Initial Coin Offering) and IDO (Initial DEX Offering) are usually financing phases aimed at raising funds. TGE represents the actual generation of tokens on the blockchain and the beginning of their circulation, marking the technical completion phase of issuance activities like ICOs and IDOs. It can be understood that ICOs/IDOs are the prelude to fundraising, while TGE is the moment of final token delivery.

How to assess the opportunities and risks of a token generation event?

Investors should pay attention to:

  • Token allocation ratio to avoid the team obtaining too large a share, which could lead to price manipulation.
  • The lock-up and linear release mechanism ensures stable market supply.
  • Exchange listing strategies often increase liquidity and credibility, as mainstream exchanges provide support.
  • Community engagement and market enthusiasm reflect the future potential of the Token.

Comprehensive judgment helps to make rational investment decisions, avoiding the traps of blind following and short-term fluctuations.

Summary

The Token Generation Event (TGE) is the starting battle for every encryption project. Understanding the underlying processes and risks is an important step in protecting capital safety. Investors are advised to study the white paper and economic model in advance, diversify investments reasonably, and remain vigilant against market scams, in order to adopt a prudent approach to seize opportunities in new projects.

* The information is not intended to be and does not constitute financial advice or any other recommendation of any sort offered or endorsed by Gate.
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