ICO

What Does ICO Mean in a Text?

ICO means "Initial Coin Offering."

The acronym ICO is a cryptocurrency term used with the meaning "Initial Coin Offering" to refer to a crowdfunding mechanism by which some start-up companies raise capital.

A proportion of a crowdfunded cryptocurrency is allocated to investors in the form of "tokens," in exchange for legal tender or other cryptocurrencies. These tokens become functional units of currency when the ICO's funding goal is met and the project launches.

ICOs contrast with IEOs, which are administered by a cryptocurrency exchange.

Image for ICO

When I write ICO, I mean this:

meaning of ICO

ICOs are a crowdfunding mechanism.

Summary of Key Points

"Initial Coin Offering" is the most common definition for ICO on Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
ICO
Definition:Initial Coin Offering (Cryptocurrency Term)
Type:Acronym
Guessability:guessability level 4

4: Difficult to guess

Typical Users:typical user

Adults

Examples of ICO in Sentences

Here are examples of ICO being used in conversations:
  • Charlie: Why shouldn't I buy into an ICO?
  • Jordan: Because it's an unregulated way by to raise funds that bypasses the regulations required by venture capitalists. Very risky!
  • Charlie: But, this is one of a string of ICOs that have raised over $1 billion in funds this year.

An Academic Look at ICO

ICO is an acronym (i.e., an abbreviation spoken like a word). Acronyms differ from initialism abbreviations, which are pronounced using their individual letters.

What Did We Say before Texting and Social Media?

Before the digital era, ICOs didn't exist.

Example of ICO Used in a Text

ICO
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