Crypto Projects Surge 1,500% in Four Years, Half Fail

The number of crypto projects launched over the past four years has skyrocketed by over 1,500%, according to new data from the leading market aggregator CoinGecko. In 2021, only 428,383 crypto projects were launched and listed on the decentralized exchange (DEX) tracker GeckoTerminal. However, by 2025, that number has surged to nearly 7 million. CoinGecko attributes much of this explosive growth to Pump.fun, a Solana (SOL)-based cryptocurrency launchpad that enables users to deploy memecoins without extensive technical knowledge and significant capital. Data from crypto analytics firm Dune shows that the platform has facilitated the creation of more than 10 million tokens since last year. CoinGecko states, “Much of this jump can be attributed to the launch of pump.fun, which simplified the process of creating tokens, leading to a flood of meme coins and low-effort projects entering the market.”

However, more than half of the crypto projects have flopped. CoinGecko reports that 3.7 million of the 7 million cryptocurrencies listed on GeckoTerminal since 2021 have stopped trading and are considered failed. “52.7% of all cryptocurrencies on GeckoTerminal have failed, with the majority occurring during 2024 and early 2025.” The report indicates that 1.8 million tokens collapsed in the first quarter of 2025 alone, representing 49.7% of all recorded project failures from 2021 to 2025. This sharp decline in token survivability may be linked to broader market turbulence, particularly following Donald Trump’s inauguration in January 2025, which coincided with a downturn in the crypto market.

The launch of pump.fun has significantly contributed to the surge in the number of crypto projects, with the total count ballooning to nearly 7 million by 2025. This platform has simplified the process of creating and promoting new crypto projects, making it easier for developers to launch their initiatives. The ease of use and accessibility provided by pump.fun have democratized the crypto space, allowing a broader range of participants to enter the market. This influx of new projects has led to increased competition and innovation within the crypto ecosystem, as developers strive to create unique and valuable offerings to attract investors.

Ask Aime: How do pump.fun and related platforms impact the success rates of crypto projects?

The rise in the number of crypto projects can be attributed to several factors, including the growing interest in decentralized finance (DeFi) and the increasing acceptance of cryptocurrencies as a legitimate asset class. The launch of pump.fun has further fueled this trend by providing a user-friendly platform for creating and promoting new projects. This has led to a proliferation of meme coins, DeFi protocols, and other innovative crypto initiatives, each vying for attention and investment in the crowded market.

The surge in crypto projects has also been driven by the increasing popularity of meme coins, which have gained significant traction in recent years. Meme coins, such as Dogecoin and Pepe, have captured the imagination of investors and traders alike, with their humorous and light-hearted nature making them appealing to a wide audience. The launch of pump.fun has made it easier for developers to create and promote their own meme coins, leading to a proliferation of new projects in this space.

The increasing number of crypto projects has also led to greater competition and innovation within the industry. Developers are constantly seeking new ways to differentiate their projects and attract investors, leading to the development of new technologies and features. This has resulted in a more dynamic and competitive crypto ecosystem, with projects constantly evolving and adapting to meet the changing needs of investors and users.

The launch of pump.fun has also had a significant impact on the crypto community, as it has provided a platform for developers to showcase their projects and connect with potential investors. This has led to increased collaboration and networking within the industry, as developers and investors come together to share ideas and opportunities. The platform has also facilitated the growth of new communities and ecosystems, as developers and investors rally around shared interests and goals.

The surge in crypto projects has also raised concerns about the quality and legitimacy of new initiatives. With so many projects vying for attention, it can be difficult for investors to distinguish between legitimate opportunities and scams. This has led to calls for greater regulation and oversight within the industry, as well as increased scrutiny of new projects by investors and analysts. Despite these challenges, the launch of pump.fun has undoubtedly contributed to the growth and evolution of the crypto ecosystem, providing a platform for innovation and collaboration within the industry.