Non-ICO cryptocurrency projects, such as those funded by venture capital (VC), bootstrapping, or other means, are less studied in the blockchain context, and direct comparisons are rare. These projects may include protocols like Bitcoin or #DigiByte (which used alternative launch methods like fair launches or mining without token sales) or startups funded traditionally. Success for non-ICO projects is typically measured by adoption, network activity, or market performance, but data is sparse.
Here’s what can be inferred:
General Success Rate
No specific success rate for non-ICO blockchain projects is widely documented in recent studies. However, traditional startup failure rates provide a baseline: approximately 90% of tech startups fail within their first few years, regardless of funding method. Blockchain projects without ICOs may face similar risks, but those leveraging fair launches (e.g., DigiByte, launched in 2014) often rely on community adoption rather than upfront funding, making direct comparisons difficult.
Case Studies
$DGB, which did not conduct an ICO and instead used a fair launch with mining, has survived over a decade. This suggests that some non-ICO projects can achieve longevity through community-driven models, but no aggregate success rate is available.