Definition ∞ A fair launch failure occurs when a cryptocurrency project, despite intending to distribute tokens equitably, experiences issues that result in an uneven or manipulated distribution. This can stem from technical vulnerabilities, bot exploitation, or undisclosed pre-mining activities. Such failures undermine the project’s foundational principles of decentralization and fairness. This compromises initial equity.
Context ∞ News reports often highlight fair launch failures as cautionary tales, impacting investor trust and the reputation of the project. These incidents prompt ongoing discussions within the crypto community about designing truly decentralized and equitable token distribution mechanisms to prevent early exploitation and promote long-term community support.