The 10 ICO commandments - 2018

After having been otherwise involved in a couple of dozen ICOs in 2017, I enclose some pointers and observations regarding what I feel is important to succeed in 2018.

1. You have prepared carefully and have assumed there will be much more challenging market reception than in 2017. You are aware that this requires a longer PR runway, much higher social/news media visibility and tougher questions due to much higher investor expectations.

2. You show that at least some of the team has strong blockchain and crypto community experience.

3. You show proof of your technology running in real-time and that you already have some commercial experience.

4. You show prior financial investments in the project from yourself, family, friends and/or other private investors. Show you have "skin in the game".

5. Your business model/use case clearly answers problems you are trying to solve and what the market is for it.

6. You clearly answer why you need a token. Show your tokens are integrated as a natural and beneficial part of your business operation.Clearly distinguish, legally, why this is a "utility" token and not an "equity" token.

7. You assume most national regulators will regulate eventually, in some manner. You have taken careful steps to mitigate current and prospective legal risks.

8. You have a solid plan in place to ensure post ICO token liquidity - you have developed solid relationships with at least 2 crypto exchanges that will list your successful post-ICO token.

9. You have already signed on a commitment and commercially experienced Board of Directors for your post-token sale business operation. Those who can mentor/coach and help the CEOs with building operations, market positioning, financial projections, industry, global roll-out, business and SWOT analysis, and strategies for increasing the value of the tokens in the future.

10. You have built-in flexibility into your business plan to adapt to future unknowns. For example, be cautious about pre-determining token terms. Keep options open for adaptation of platform use case or additional capital.

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