Colosseum, a leading venture fund in the cryptocurrency space, has announced the launch of the STAMP (Simple Token Agreement, Market Protected) to revolutionize early-stage fundraising for crypto startups. This innovative framework seeks to replace the intricate dual equity-token structures that have often complicated the investment landscape, promoting a more straightforward, token-centric approach.
The introduction of STAMP is designed to enhance investor security while providing founders with a clear path to raising capital. Developed in collaboration with the tech law firm Orrick, the STAMP framework aims to facilitate projects preparing for MetaDAO-compliant initial coin offerings (ICOs). This agreement not only offers legal protections for investors but also streamlines the capital-raising process for founders, alleviating the burdens associated with traditional equity agreements.
One of the standout features of STAMP is its ability to bridge private investment and public ICOs seamlessly. Startups can establish Cayman SPC/SP entities using the MetaDAO platform, enabling investors to directly contribute stablecoins to project wallets. Importantly, these funds are designated solely for product development and operational costs until the project is ready to launch its ICO. Once the ICO goes live, any remaining funds are transferred to a treasury managed by a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO).
Investors who engage with the STAMP framework are guaranteed a specified allocation of the project”s token supply, capped at 20%. This provision effectively eliminates disputes over token distribution post-investment. Furthermore, token release will occur on a linear schedule over 24 months following the ICO launch. Founders who already have existing equity structures can also transition to the STAMP model, which simplifies their capitalization tables and aligns all investors under a cohesive token-based system.
Colosseum emphasizes that the STAMP framework provides “market-protected” governance. This governance model empowers tokenholders with oversight over project treasuries and intellectual property through decision markets, ensuring transparency and reducing the risks associated with mismanagement. In the event of project failure, this structure allows for the equitable return of capital.
By standardizing early-stage token investments and ICO preparations, the STAMP initiative positions itself as a significant advancement in the realm of crypto venture funding. It has the potential to redefine how startups and investors engage in tokenized economies, setting a new industry standard.
Recent data from RootData indicates that crypto venture capital activity has seen notable fluctuations, with 81 publicly disclosed funding rounds in August 2025. This represents a 6.6% increase compared to July, although there is a year-on-year decline of 29.6%. These trends highlight the ongoing interest and evolving dynamics within the cryptocurrency sector.
As the landscape of early-stage fundraising continues to evolve, Colosseum”s STAMP framework promises to provide a more coherent, efficient, and transparent pathway for both investors and founders in the crypto ecosystem.
