The Pump.fun Token Launch: All You Need to Know

Pump.fun, the Solana-based memecoin launchpad, is now preparing for the debut of its own token—PUMP. After months of speculation and a string of leaks, the team confirmed that the initial coin offering (ICO) will begin on July 12 and end on July 15 or once 150 billion tokens are sold. 

This offering, however, excludes participants from the United States and United Kingdom, aligning with recent regulatory pushbacks in both regions.

PUMP ICO Will Distribute 33 Percent of Total Supply

The PUMP token will launch with a total valuation of $4 billion, placing it among the largest token sales in recent memory. The ICO will offer 33% of the total supply to the public, with the remaining allocations broken down as follows: 24% for ecosystem and community initiatives, 20% to the team, 13% to investors, and 10% across liquidity, foundation holdings, and livestream incentives.

Though an airdrop has been teased, the exact breakdown of the “community and ecosystem” portion has not yet confirmed whether it includes that airdrop. However, the expectation among current users is that early adopters and active players will benefit from the distribution.

Where and How to Participate

The sale will take place on the Pump.fun platform, as well as on Bybit, Kraken, KuCoin, MEXC, Bitget, and Gate.io. To join, participants must complete KYC verification before the sale window opens at 2 PM UTC on July 12. Within 48 to 72 hours of the ICO ending, the PUMP tokens will become transferrable, meaning full trading should be live by July 18.

No Access for US and UK Citizens

Both the US and UK have been excluded from the ICO, a move likely driven by regulatory concerns. In fact, Pump.fun has already faced restrictions from the UK Financial Conduct Authority, which previously issued warnings related to the platform’s availability. 

Meanwhile, Bybit and Gate.io briefly posted details of the ICO ahead of the official announcement—only to delete them shortly after—adding further uncertainty about the token sale’s logistics.

What Is Pump.fun?

Pump.fun launched in January 2024 as a no-code memecoin launchpad on Solana. The idea is that anyone can launch a memecoin in minutes. Its bonding curve pricing model ensures token prices increase as more tokens are bought. 

Once a token reaches a $69,000 market cap, it's automatically listed on Raydium, and part of the token supply is burned—designed to boost scarcity and price support.

The approach is radically transparent. Every token begins with no presale, no whitelist, and no special access. Since its launch, the platform has grown from 1,500 memecoins to nearly 2 million, generating over $715 million in revenue in just six months.

Cultural Impact and Controversy

The announcement of PUMP’s ICO was met with mixed reactions. Some praised the move as a necessary evolution for the meme token economy. Others, including analysts, questioned the token’s value and potential utility. 

According to Messari researcher Sunny Shi, a valuation between $7 billion and $20 billion is possible—especially if token sinks such as fee rebates and buybacks are implemented to support demand.

Pump.fun co-founder Alon Cohen defended the launch approach:

“ICOs have proven to be the best mechanism to quickly distribute tokens amongst a really wide audience who are genuinely aligned with the project,” he wrote on X. “It empowers those who are willing to have skin in the game.”

Still, some critics labeled the project “extractive,” pointing to potential liquidity issues or governance challenges, especially with such a rapid growth trajectory.

What Comes After the ICO

The team says PUMP will be fully functional at launch, although details around its utility remain under development. 

“We’re giving thorough consideration to utility mechanisms like fee rebates, token buybacks, or other incentives and promotions,” the team noted. 

These mechanisms are expected to encourage long-term holding and engagement with the platform beyond speculation.

Cohen has also revealed broader ambitions. Pump.fun wants to become a cultural force—not just in crypto, but in online entertainment. “Our plan is to kill Facebook, TikTok, and Twitch. On Solana,” he declared. That means deepening investment into livestreaming tools, social engagement, and community-powered meme trading.