What is TGE in Crypto?

In the cryptocurrency world, TGE stands for Token Generation Event.
What is a TGE?
A Token Generation Event (TGE) is the official launch or creation of a new cryptocurrency token. It’s the moment when the tokens are minted (created) and become available for distribution, trading, or use.
🧩 Key Points About TGE:
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| What happens | The project creates and releases its tokens on the blockchain (e.g., Ethereum, BNB Chain) |
| When it happens | After fundraising events like a presale, ICO, IDO, or IEO |
| Purpose | To distribute tokens to investors, early supporters, or unlock liquidity |
| Smart contracts | TGEs often involve smart contracts that control how many tokens are minted and who receives them |
| Supply | Sometimes all tokens are created during TGE; other times, they’re minted over time |
🔄 TGE vs ICO
- TGE refers to the technical creation of the token.
- ICO (Initial Coin Offering) is a fundraising method; the TGE may follow the ICO.
- So, an ICO ends with a TGE, where buyers finally receive their tokens.
📌 Example
Suppose a new crypto project named EcoCoin holds a presale. After raising $1M, it does a TGE where:
- 1 billion tokens are created.
- Investors receive their share.
- The rest goes to liquidity pools, team wallets, or vesting contracts.
🔐 TGE and Vesting
Often, tokens aren’t fully unlocked at TGE. Instead, they follow a vesting schedule:
- Example: Only 10% is unlocked at TGE, and the rest vests monthly over 12 months.
⚠️ Caution
A TGE can also signal risk:
- Some tokens pump and dump right after TGE.
- Look for tokenomics, vesting rules, and audit reports before buying.