A comprehensive look at the cryptocurrency projects that debuted in 2019 — from the rise of IEOs and Layer-1 blockchains to the projects that survived and those that didn't.
To understand the cryptocurrency launches of 2019, it's essential to grasp the broader context of that year. The market was recovering from the 2018 crash, and new trends were emerging.
Initial Exchange Offerings (IEOs) became the dominant fundraising model in 2019[reference:0]. Unlike ICOs, which were often unregulated and prone to scams, IEOs were conducted directly on exchanges, which vetted projects and provided a layer of trust. Binance Launchpad led the way, with the BitTorrent Token (BTT) selling out in just 15 minutes and raising $7.2 million[reference:1]. This model attracted significant attention and capital, but also led to a flood of low-quality projects.
2019 saw the launch of several major Layer-1 blockchain networks, each aiming to solve the scalability, security, and decentralization trilemma. These included Algorand (ALGO), Cosmos (ATOM), and the continued growth of Tezos (XTZ)[reference:2]. These projects attracted significant developer interest and investment, positioning themselves as potential "Ethereum killers."
Major financial institutions began to take crypto seriously in 2019. J.P. Morgan launched JPM Coin, the first US bank-backed cryptocurrency[reference:3]. Bakkt, backed by the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), launched its Bitcoin futures platform[reference:4]. And Facebook announced its ambitious Libra project (later renamed Diem), which, although ultimately failing, signaled mainstream acceptance[reference:5].
2019 was a year of rebuilding and experimentation. The IEO trend brought new capital, while institutional interest provided a foundation for future growth. However, many projects launched that year were speculative and did not survive the subsequent market cycles.
Several notable cryptocurrencies either launched their mainnets or gained significant traction in 2019. Below is a selection of the most impactful ones.
Algorand is a Layer-1 blockchain founded by MIT professor Silvio Micali. Its mainnet launched in June 2019[reference:6]. Algorand uses a pure proof-of-stake (PPoS) consensus mechanism, aiming to achieve scalability, security, and decentralization simultaneously[reference:7]. ALGO is the native token used for staking and transaction fees.
Cosmos is an ecosystem of interoperable blockchains, often described as the "Internet of Blockchains." Its mainnet launched in March 2019. The Cosmos Hub, secured by the ATOM token, enables communication between different blockchains via the Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol[reference:8].
While BNB was launched in 2017, 2019 was the year it gained widespread recognition. The launch of Binance Chain in April 2019[reference:9] and the success of Binance Launchpad propelled BNB to new heights. It became one of the top cryptocurrencies by market cap and remains a central asset in the crypto ecosystem[reference:10].
Tezos mainnet launched in 2018, but 2019 was a year of significant growth for the project. Its self-amending blockchain and on-chain governance model attracted attention, and it became one of the largest proof-of-stake networks[reference:11].
The exact launch dates of cryptocurrencies can be ambiguous. Some projects had testnets or private sales before their public mainnet launch. Always verify the official launch date from the project's documentation or reliable sources like CoinMarketCap.
The cryptocurrency market in 2019 was characterized by a strong recovery from the 2018 bear market. Bitcoin's price nearly doubled, and many altcoins saw significant gains.
Bitcoin started 2019 at around $3,860 and ended the year at approximately $7,180, an 85% increase[reference:14]. Its market cap doubled from $65.5 billion to $131 billion[reference:15]. The rally was fueled by growing institutional interest and the announcement of Facebook's Libra project[reference:16].
Altcoins also performed well in 2019. Chainlink (LINK) was one of the best performers, with significant gains driven by its oracle technology[reference:17]. Binance Coin (BNB) surged as Binance Chain launched and the IEO trend took off[reference:18]. However, many smaller altcoins, especially those launched via IEOs, struggled post-launch.
As of August 2019, the total cryptocurrency market cap was over $250 billion, with Bitcoin dominating at over $184 billion[reference:19]. Ethereum was the second-largest with a market cap of over $20 billion[reference:20].
Cryptocurrency prices, market caps, and trading volumes change rapidly. The data above is historical and may not reflect current values. Always verify current data from reliable sources like CoinMarketCap or CoinGecko before making any investment decisions.
When evaluating a cryptocurrency launched in 2019, it's important to look beyond the hype and assess its long-term viability. Here are key factors to consider.
Check the project's GitHub or other repositories to see if development is active. A project with regular commits and a growing developer community is more likely to survive. Many 2019 projects have since become dormant.
A strong, engaged community is crucial for a project's success. Look at social media channels, forums, and developer chat rooms. Projects like Algorand and Cosmos have maintained active communities, while many IEO tokens have faded.
Understand the token's supply, distribution, and utility. Is there a clear use case for the token? Is the supply inflationary or deflationary? Projects with well-designed tokenomics are more likely to retain value.
Regulatory scrutiny was a major theme in 2019, with the SEC halting Telegram's Gram token launch[reference:21]. Projects that have since become compliant with relevant regulations are in a stronger position.
For 2019 projects, look at their performance through multiple market cycles. Those that have survived the 2022 bear market and continue to develop are likely to have stronger fundamentals.
Safety is paramount when dealing with cryptocurrencies, especially those from 2019 that may have lower liquidity or higher risk.
Use a reputable wallet to store your tokens. For major projects like ALGO and ATOM, hardware wallets like Ledger and Trezor provide robust security. For smaller or less liquid tokens, be extra cautious.
Many 2019 tokens are traded on smaller exchanges with lower liquidity. Be aware of the risks of exchange hacks, insolvency, or delisting. Consider using decentralized exchanges (DEXs) for added security, but be mindful of slippage and gas fees.
Some 2019 projects are built on Ethereum or other smart contract platforms. Ensure that the smart contracts have been audited by reputable firms. However, even audited contracts can have vulnerabilities.
Scammers often target holders of older tokens with fake airdrops or upgrade schemes. Always verify information from official sources and never share your private keys or seed phrase.
The cryptocurrency projects of 2019 had widely varying outcomes. Some became major successes, while others failed spectacularly.
Algorand has maintained a strong development team and a growing ecosystem. Its pure proof-of-stake consensus has attracted institutional interest, and it continues to be a top-50 cryptocurrency by market cap. The project has also formed partnerships with various enterprises and governments.
Cosmos has become a foundational layer for the interoperable blockchain ecosystem. The IBC protocol has been adopted by many other chains, and the Cosmos Hub remains a key component of the network. ATOM has maintained its position as a major cryptocurrency.
Telegram's ambitious blockchain project, TON, was halted by the SEC in October 2019[reference:22]. The SEC alleged that the Gram token was a security that was being sold to US investors in violation of securities laws. Telegram eventually settled and returned funds to investors, and the project was abandoned.
A large number of tokens launched via IEOs in 2019 have since lost over 90% of their value or become completely illiquid. The hype around IEOs led to a flood of low-quality projects that lacked real utility or sustainable business models[reference:23].
The failure of many 2019 projects highlights the importance of due diligence. Investing in a project simply because it is launched on a major exchange or has a popular brand name is not a sound strategy.
Cryptocurrencies launched in 2019 face unique risks that investors should be aware of.
Over 1,000 cryptocurrency projects died in 2019 alone[reference:24]. Many of these were scams or projects that failed to gain traction. The IEO model, while popular, did not guarantee project quality.
The regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies was uncertain in 2019 and remains so today. Projects like Telegram's Gram were shut down, and others have faced ongoing legal battles. Regulatory changes can significantly impact the value and viability of a project.
Cryptocurrencies are inherently volatile, and 2019 projects are no exception. Many of these tokens experienced massive price swings, often driven by speculation rather than fundamentals.
The blockchain space is rapidly evolving. A project that was innovative in 2019 may now be outdated compared to newer technologies. Projects that have not kept up with development may become obsolete.
Many 2019 tokens are now traded on low-volume exchanges, making it difficult to buy or sell without significant slippage. This can be a major issue if you need to exit a position quickly.
This table compares some of the most notable cryptocurrency projects that launched or gained significant traction in 2019.
| Project | Ticker | Launch Date | Consensus | Primary Use Case | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algorand | ALGO | June 2019[reference:25] | Pure PoS | Layer-1 blockchain | Active, top-50 |
| Cosmos | ATOM | March 2019[reference:26] | PoS | Interoperability hub | Active, top-30 |
| Tezos | XTZ | 2018 (mainnet), 2019 growth | PoS | Self-amending blockchain | Active, top-50 |
| Binance Coin | BNB | 2017 (token), 2019 (Chain) | PoSA | Exchange token, ecosystem | Active, top-5 |
| FTX Token | FTT | 2019 | N/A (exchange token) | Exchange utility | Collapsed (2022) |
| Telegram Gram | TON | Planned 2019 (halted) | PoS | Payment network | Abandoned |
Note: This table is for illustrative purposes. Current market caps and rankings change frequently. Always verify current data from official sources.
Alex is a crypto enthusiast who missed the early days of Bitcoin and Ethereum. He wants to find a project from 2019 that has long-term potential. He comes across Project X, a Layer-1 blockchain that launched in late 2019.
Step 1: Research – Alex checks CoinMarketCap and finds that Project X has a market cap of $50 million, down from its peak of $500 million. He looks at the GitHub and sees that development activity has slowed significantly over the past year.
Step 2: Community – He joins the project's Telegram group and finds that most messages are from bots or repetitive questions. The community seems small and not very engaged.
Step 3: Tokenomics – He reads the whitepaper and discovers that the token has a high inflation rate and that a large portion of the supply is held by the team and early investors.
Step 4: Decision – Based on this research, Alex decides that Project X is too risky. He instead looks at Algorand and Cosmos, which have active development, strong communities, and more favorable tokenomics.
Outcome: Alex's due diligence helps him avoid a potentially bad investment. He allocates a small portion of his portfolio to ALGO and ATOM, which have performed relatively well over time.
Many cryptocurrencies launched in 2019 have since failed, lost substantial value, or become illiquid. The cryptocurrency market is highly volatile, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Regulatory actions, technological obsolescence, and market sentiment can all negatively impact the value of these assets.
This article is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Always do your own research, verify current prices and data from official sources, and consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Never invest more than you can afford to lose.
Notable 2019 launches include Algorand (ALGO), Cosmos (ATOM), Binance Coin (BNB) gaining mainstream popularity, and the Binance Chain mainnet. Other projects like FTX Token (FTT) and various IEO tokens also emerged that year.
2019 was a recovery year after the 2018 bear market. Bitcoin rose from ~$3,800 to over $7,000, a gain of nearly 85%. Altcoins like Chainlink (LINK) and Binance Coin (BNB) saw significant gains, driven by the IEO trend and growing institutional interest.
Initial Exchange Offerings (IEOs) became popular in 2019, with Binance Launchpad leading the way. Projects like BitTorrent Token (BTT) raised millions in minutes, creating a new fundraising model. However, many IEO tokens struggled post-launch.
Risks include high volatility, project failure (over 1,000 crypto projects died in 2019), regulatory scrutiny (e.g., Telegram's Gram token was halted by the SEC), and the speculative nature of IEOs. Many tokens have lost significant value since their peaks.
Algorand (ALGO) and Cosmos (ATOM) remain major Layer-1 blockchains with active development. Binance Coin (BNB) has grown into one of the largest cryptocurrencies by market cap. However, many other 2019 projects have faded or failed.
Use reliable data aggregators like CoinMarketCap, CoinGecko, or Messari. These platforms provide real-time prices, market caps, trading volumes, and historical data. Always cross-check information across multiple sources.
Libra was a proposed global stablecoin announced by Facebook in June 2019. It faced intense regulatory backlash and lost key partners. The project was later rebranded to Diem and eventually shut down, with its assets sold to Silvergate Bank in 2022.
Safety depends on the specific project. Established ones like ALGO and ATOM are more secure, but still carry market risk. Many 2019 tokens are now illiquid or defunct. Always research the project's current development status, team, and community activity before investing.