In an Initial Coin Offering (ICO), what does the investor receive?

In an Initial Coin Offering (ICO), the investor primarily receives a token, which often represents access to a specific project or platform rather than traditional equity shares like those in a company. These tokens can provide investors with various rights, such as the ability to use a product or service offered by the project, vote on development decisions, or participate in the ecosystem associated with the project.

This structure reflects the decentralized nature of many blockchain projects, where tokens can function both as a medium of exchange within the network and as a stake in the future growth and utility of the platform. Unlike traditional investments, such as equity shares or bonds, ICO tokens do not guarantee ownership in the company or a financial return; rather, they are more akin to access passes to services or products derived from blockchain technology.

Thus, the correct understanding of what an investor receives in an ICO underscores the innovative and variable nature of investments in the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency landscape.