Key facts
- Uniswap launched its token launchpad, Pools.trade, on Robinhood Chain.
- The platform charges no launchpad fee and features permanently locked liquidity.
- Launchpad fees are distributed 20% to the token creator and 80% to the liquidity pool.
- Pools.trade offers two launch methods: instant launch and a fairer 'crowd launch'.
- Robinhood Chain experienced a 50% increase in DEX volumes and daily transactions post-launch.
- Pools.trade has quickly gained significant market share on Robinhood Chain.
Uniswap has entered the competitive token launchpad market with the release of Pools.trade, a platform built on Robinhood Chain and powered by its v4 protocol. Token launchpads facilitate the rapid creation and deployment of new tokens, a mechanism that has fueled the recent memecoin boom on chains like Solana. Uniswap's entry marks a significant move by a major decentralized exchange into this space.
The platform's rollout experienced some initial chaos, with early versions of smart contracts being discovered and utilized by traders before the official interface went live, leading to over $150 million in volume and forcing the team to support both test and final contract versions simultaneously. Uniswap founder Hayden Adams noted that Uniswap has effectively functioned as a launchpad infrastructure for years, as new tokens have historically launched into Uniswap pools.
Pools.trade aims to differentiate itself through several key features: it charges no launchpad fee, ensures every launch comes with permanently locked liquidity, and its 0.25% LP fee autocompounds back into the locked pool. This fee is split, with 20% going to the token creator and 80% directed into the liquidity mechanism, rather than to the Uniswap team. The platform also boasts broad distribution, with day-one support across Uniswap's web app, wallet, and trading API, as well as third-party venues like Bitget, Fomo, GMGN, and OKX Wallet.
Users can choose between an instant launch, similar to other launchpads, or a 'crowd launch' designed to be fairer and more resistant to 'sniping' tactics, where insiders secure large allocations at the opening. This strategic move by Uniswap, already the default exchange on Robinhood Chain, vertically integrates the token creation and trading pipeline. The decision to offer zero fees is a rare and powerful differentiator, made possible by Uniswap's ability to earn fees through other mechanisms.
The impact on Robinhood Chain has been immediate, with DEX volumes and daily transactions rebounding by 50% from recent lows. Pools.trade has rapidly captured 50% of the launchpad volume and 40% of new tokens launched on the chain, with expectations that these figures will continue to grow. While the platform is still in beta and its ability to attract quality projects remains to be seen, its move is significant given Uniswap's position as the largest liquidity venue in decentralized finance.