Bitget Insights: Pump.fun’s Controversial Pivot from ICO Criticism to 330B Token Presale

Pump.fun, a Solana-based meme coin launchpad that once vehemently opposed ICOs, has made a dramatic U-turn by announcing a 330 billion PUMP token presale on July 12, 2025. The platform, which built its reputation on anti-ICO rhetoric, now positions this move as a strategy to 'strengthen the brand and reward the community.' This decision marks a significant shift for Pump.fun, whose founder Alon had previously mocked presales as 'centralized cash grabs' and scams. The crypto community is watching closely to see how this reversal impacts the platform's credibility and the broader solana ecosystem. Bitget analysts highlight this as a case study in how even the most ideologically rigid projects may adapt—or compromise—in the fast-evolving DeFi landscape.

Pump.fun Reverses Stance on ICOs with Upcoming PUMP Presale

Pump.fun, a Solana-based meme coin launchpad once critical of ICOs, has announced a 330 billion token presale set for July 12. The platform previously condemned presales as 'scams,' but now frames the MOVE as a way to 'strengthen the brand and reward the community.'

The presale marks a stark reversal for Pump.fun, which built its reputation on anti-ICO rhetoric. Founder Alon had openly mocked presales as centralized cash grabs, yet the project now adopts the same model with locked liquidity and vesting periods.

Bitget and Gate.io are confirmed listing partners, with Gate allocating 150 million tokens. The pivot has divided users—some see betrayal, others opportunity—while reigniting debates over fair launches and decentralization in meme coin ecosystems.

Glass ceiling cracks as women rise in Web3

Gracy Chen, the first female CEO of Bitget and the only woman leading a top 10 centralized exchange, highlights the persistent gender gap in Web3. Her appointment coincides with Bitget's initiative to educate women in blockchain—a sector where female representation remains critically low.

The conversation mirrors broader tensions in tech diversity efforts. Past critiques of tokenism in 'women in blockchain' movements have drawn backlash, yet the Core issue remains unresolved. Chen's leadership role signals progress, but the industry still grapples with systemic barriers to inclusion.