10 Steps to Launch Your Own Successful ICO An Initial Coin Offering refers to a fundraising activity in the cryptocurrency. The ICO can be viewed as an initial public offering using digital funds. This is not an accurate comparison as there are some differences between the two fundraising activities. A company that wants to raise money to create a new currency, app, or service starts an ICO listing service to raise money. Interested investors can buy the offering and receive a new cryptocurrency token to be issued by the company. This token may have some use in the use of the product or service offered by the company, or it may simply represent a stake in the company or project.