What is Whales Market?

What is WhalesMarket?

WhalesMarket is a trading platform focused on the "pre-market" for crypto assets, enabling users to buy, sell, and lock in settlements for tokens before they are officially issued. The platform uses smart contracts to manage and automate transactions, ensuring that settlements are completed when agreed conditions are met.

The "pre-market" refers to the phase before a Token Generation Event (TGE). Many crypto projects distribute airdrop entitlements, points, or rights to future tokens before their official exchange listing. WhalesMarket standardizes these rights into tradable entries, facilitating price discovery and matching, while reducing fraud risks typically found in private OTC trading.

Why does WhalesMarket exist?

WhalesMarket was created to solve problems around early rights transfer and secure settlement. Previously, many users acquired airdrop entitlements or whitelist spots via informal OTC deals, which carried significant risks of counterparties failing to deliver or information asymmetry leading to loss of funds.

With growing demand for pre-issued asset trading since the second half of 2024, the market needed a transparent venue where delivery terms could be encoded into contracts. WhalesMarket fills this gap by offering controlled workflows and escrow mechanisms.

How does WhalesMarket work?

The core mechanism is "smart contract custody." A smart contract is an automated code-based agreement where rules cannot be altered at will. Buyers and sellers deposit funds and entitlements into escrow, and assets are only released when predefined conditions are met.

Settlement is typically linked to TGE or task completion. For example, a buyer may purchase "future token delivery rights." After the project's TGE, once tokens are sent to the designated address and verified (either automatically or manually), the contract releases payment to the seller and delivers the token or entitlement to the buyer.

To accommodate different asset types, the platform provides tailored verification and appeal processes. Airdrop entitlements might require email or address binding; points could involve snapshot checks of project participation. This reduces cases where "IOUs" cannot be redeemed.

How do you trade pre-sale assets on WhalesMarket?

Step 1: Connect your wallet and verify the network. Use popular crypto wallets, ensure you are on the correct network, and have sufficient gas fees to avoid failed transactions at critical moments.

Step 2: Select the asset category. Common categories include "airdrop eligibility," "points," "future token delivery rights," "whitelist slots," and "vested token shares." Review each asset's settlement conditions and verification methods carefully.

Step 3: Place or take orders. You can choose from existing quotes on the order book or set your own price. Pay attention to minimum order size, settlement windows, and dispute rules.

Step 4: Deposit funds into escrow and wait for settlement. Both funds and entitlements enter the escrow contract until conditions are met (such as TGE or task completion). Maintain communication and submit required proofs as prompted by the platform.

Step 5: Settlement and withdrawal. Once conditions are fulfilled, assets are automatically or manually settled. After receiving tokens or entitlements, promptly transfer them to your secure address and keep transaction records.

What are common asset types on WhalesMarket?

Airdrop eligibility: Similar to event tickets; if you meet project requirements, you receive tokens. When trading, check if eligibility is transferable and whether binding information can be changed.

Points: Like membership points measuring engagement, which may be convertible into tokens or rights in the future. Point systems vary widely across projects; always confirm snapshot dates and redemption ratios.

Future token delivery rights: These are IOUs that promise proportional token delivery to a specified address after TGE. Key considerations include verifying the legitimacy of the source, lock-up periods, and vesting arrangements.

Whitelist slots: The right to participate early in minting or subscribing to tokens. Check if slots are tied to personal information and whether transfers are restricted.

Vesting shares: Tokens allocated but released linearly over time. When purchasing these assets, pay attention to release schedules and terms that prohibit early unlocking.

How can WhalesMarket and Gate be used together?

WhalesMarket specializes in locking in pre-market rights, while Gate focuses on liquidity and trading tools for spot and derivatives markets. The two platforms can complement each other seamlessly.

One use case is price management. Lock in future token delivery rights on WhalesMarket; once the project completes its TGE and lists on Gate, deposit the actual tokens into Gate for spot trading or yield strategies. This converts pre-market entitlements into tradable assets instantly.

Another scenario involves liquidity and risk management. If a project launches futures or leverage products on Gate, you can use Gate’s hedging tools before or after settlement on WhalesMarket to manage price volatility risks. Note: Hedging is only possible after tokens launch and have active markets.

You can also coordinate fund and asset management between platforms. For example, prepare stablecoins on Gate; after purchasing on WhalesMarket and settling post-TGE, transfer received tokens back to Gate for further trading or platform activities. Always confirm network selection and deposit addresses to avoid loss due to chain mismatches.

What risks should you watch out for when using WhalesMarket?

Settlement risk: Pre-market assets are not spot tokens and may be affected by TGE delays, rule changes, or invalid eligibility. Always check settlement terms, source documentation, and platform dispute procedures.

Price risk: Pre-market prices are driven by expectations and can be highly volatile. Invest only what you can afford to lose; avoid using high leverage under uncertainty.

Information & compliance risk: Different regions have varying regulations regarding early rights trading. Be cautious when submitting personal data like addresses or emails to avoid phishing and privacy breaches.

Operational risk: Mistyped addresses, wrong networks, or missed release schedules can disrupt settlements. Record and double-check important steps; review details multiple times for safety.

WhalesMarket Key Takeaways

WhalesMarket standardizes and settles various rights before official token issuance, providing early participants with price discovery and safer settlements. Understanding TGE events, escrow contracts, and specific asset rules is essential for proper use. When combined with Gate’s spot and derivatives markets post-settlement, users can enhance liquidity and risk management. All financial operations carry uncertainty—carefully assess sources, terms, your own risk tolerance, and keep full transaction records for protection.

FAQ

I am new—how do I start trading pre-sale assets on WhalesMarket?

First, open an account on Gate and complete identity verification. Then enter the WhalesMarket section to select pre-sale assets of interest. After choosing a trading pair, you can buy or sell just like regular crypto trades—the system displays live pricing and market depth. Start small to get familiar with the process.

Why are pre-sale asset prices so volatile on WhalesMarket?

Pre-sale assets have lower liquidity with fewer participants, making prices more sensitive to large trades. As market understanding of projects is still developing, information asymmetry also causes price swings. This high volatility presents both opportunities and risks; robust risk management and stop-loss strategies are advised.

What are the fees for trading on WhalesMarket?

WhalesMarket charges a fee based on a percentage of the transaction amount; specific rates can be viewed before trading on each order page. Fees are automatically deducted from settlements—no manual action required. Compared to OTC trades, WhalesMarket offers transparent and competitive rates.

When can I transfer or withdraw assets purchased on WhalesMarket?

This depends on each asset’s unlock period. Some assets may be withdrawn immediately after settlement; most pre-sale assets have a lock-up period requiring you to wait until mainnet launch or specific conditions are met before transfers are allowed. Always check unlock times on each asset’s details page before trading.

What’s the difference between WhalesMarket and Gate spot trading?

WhalesMarket specializes in trading pre-sale and unlisted assets; Gate spot trading covers mainstream assets already listed. WhalesMarket carries higher risks but also greater potential rewards—best suited for investors with high risk tolerance. Spot trading offers better liquidity for regular users. Use both platforms flexibly according to your investment goals.