An initial coin offering (ICO) is a cryptocurrency's first issue to the public. Often accompanied by a white paper describing the technology behind it, the investing audience determines its value.

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I write about the tax treatment of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. There's a lot to learn if you're a blockchain entrepreneur ...

An Initial Coin Offering (ICO), in simple terms, is a way for blockchain-related startups to raise funds. Akin to crowdfunding, the projects generally offer their own brand of 'tokens' in exchange for ...