IEO (Initial Exchange Offering)

Definition

An IEO is a cryptocurrency fundraising mechanism that is managed by an existing crypto exchange on behalf of the startup that seeks to raise funds with its newly issued tokens.

Context

As the exchange takes a percentage of the tokens sold by the startup, the IEO participants trust the exchange to vet the projects that are accepting investments. This has made IEOs popular as a safer alternative to ICOs because the exchange assumes a level of responsibility for due diligence.