The untold science behind successful token launches: insights from Kairon Labs' Jens Willemen

The untold science behind successful token launches: insights from Kairon Labs' Jens Willemen

Blog Summary:
In Episode 184 of Web3 with Sam Kamani, Jens Willemen, co-founder of Kairon Labs, breaks down the strategic, technical, and human elements of launching tokens in today’s market. Recorded live at Token2049, this episode is a front-row seat to what makes or breaks a token generation event — from liquidity planning and exchange dynamics to the meme coin effect and why rushing to launch is often a mistake.

Introduction: launching isn’t just about hype

Launching a token isn’t a press release—it’s a strategy. In this episode, Sam interviews Jens Willemen, co-founder of Kairon Labs, a crypto-native market maker that’s been operating since 2018. Kairon’s team works with projects before, during, and after their Token Generation Events (TGEs), offering not just liquidity but a full-spectrum view of how to make a launch succeed—or at least, survive.

Kairon isn’t your average MM shop. They’re nimble, hands-on, and selective—offering tailored liquidity strategies and exchange relationships to help new projects find footing in an unforgiving market.

Why projects need more than just liquidity

According to Jens, the biggest myth around TGEs is that liquidity alone guarantees success. Kairon works with teams long before launch, crafting strategies around token economics, exchange timing, and the project’s readiness. It's less about chasing hype, and more about coordinated execution.

“A lot of teams launch too early. They're not ready product-wise, community-wise, or even operationally.”

This theme came up multiple times in the conversation: impatience kills projects. The market rewards those who can delay gratification and wait for the right moment—especially when that moment is tightly tied to timing exchange listings and community momentum.

What makes Kairon Labs different

Many market makers operate with one-size-fits-all contracts. Kairon flips that model. Jens emphasizes how they collaborate deeply with projects, often co-creating bespoke strategies and being proactive partners in their early journey.

“We don’t just throw liquidity into a pool. We study the project, advise on structure, and adjust the strategy based on market conditions.”

They offer flexible contracts, align with long-term goals, and bring connections to both centralized and decentralized liquidity venues.

Trends: meme coins, exchange bottlenecks, and liquidity concentration

Jens didn’t shy away from speaking about the surge in meme coins. While often dismissed, he sees them as an organic part of crypto cycles—“keeping the market alive” during bear periods while stronger projects build in the background.

Another key point? The liquidity drain. Most market depth is still parked in Bitcoin and Ethereum. Jens expects this to shift slowly, but only if the market enters a more confident, bullish phase. In the meantime, smaller projects are fighting for attention—and for listings on Tier 1 exchanges that are increasingly selective.

Contrarian advice: wait to launch

The most impactful insight from the episode came late: Jens’ advice to delay.

“I always tell teams—don’t launch until you absolutely must. You only get one shot to make a first impression.”

In a space where first impressions shape charts, communities, and narratives, Jens’ advice cuts against the grain. But it’s rooted in watching dozens of projects stumble not because of bad ideas—but bad timing.

Closing thoughts: building the right team matters

Kairon Labs is growing and actively hiring across trading, engineering, and business development. They’re seeking mission-aligned individuals who understand both the technical and strategic nuances of Web3 finance.

If you're building a token project, this episode is your checklist—and your warning. Success isn’t random. It’s prepared.

Listen to Episode 184

🎧 Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/2uNdMNmMk8bM0HdmdvXFGk
🎧 Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/184-navigating-token-launches-with-kairon-labs-jens-on/id1597706233?i=1000671430995

Connect with Kairon Labs:
Website – https://kaironlabs.com/
LinkedIn – Kairon Labs
Twitter/X – @KaironLabs
Jens’ LinkedIn – Jens Willemen

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