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The Colosseum STAMP

Raising private capital before your MetaDAO ICO

Overview

The STAMP (Simple Token Agreement, Market Protected) is an investment contract from Colosseum. It provides a clear path from private capital to a public MetaDAO ICO.

Download the STAMPOpen the agreement and implementation guidance from Colosseum.

Why the STAMP Exists

Traditional crypto fundraising instruments like SAFEs + token warrants create dual equity + token structures that lead to:

  • Confusion for tokenholders about where value accrues
  • Potential extraction by insiders
  • Unnecessary costs and complexity

The STAMP solves this by making the token the sole economic unit — governed, protected, and aligned via the MetaDAO protocol. Full motivation: Colosseum's announcement.

Who Is the STAMP For?

  • New startups: Founders with no existing legal entity who want to raise seed capital before their ICO
  • Existing cap tables: Founders with equity structures and existing investors who need to migrate to a token-only model

How the STAMP Works

For New Startups

Set up entity
Create a Cayman SPC/SP entity through the MetaDAO interface
Sign STAMP
Investor signs the STAMP and sends funds (typically stablecoins) to your wallet
Use funds
Funds can only be used for product development and operating expenses
ICO occurs
Remaining balance transfers to DAO-controlled treasury along with IP
Token delivery
Investors submit a Delivery Notice to receive their tokens

For Existing Cap Tables

Create entity
Set up a Cayman SPC/SP entity
Sign STAMP
Any existing SAFE, note, or convertible is terminated and replaced
Clean migration
Private investors receive tokens as specified in previous agreements
Market protection
All tokenholders receive governance protections via MetaDAO

Key Terms

Investor Reserve

Each STAMP investor is allocated a fixed portion of the project's future token supply:

  • Must be equal to or below 20% of all project tokens
  • Removes ambiguity and eliminates post-hoc renegotiation
  • Provides predefined token entitlement that cannot be diluted

Team Allocation

The STAMP specifies milestone-based team allocation:

  • Minimum: 10% of total token supply
  • Maximum: 40% of total token supply

Ensures adequate token share for ICO participants.

Token Unlock

  • Tokens enter a 24-month linear unlock schedule once the Delivery Notice is received
  • Aligns long-term incentives between investors and the project

Benefits

For Founders

Benefit Description
Clean structure Single token-based ownership, no equity complexity
Cap table migration Existing SAFEs/warrants cleanly convert
Preserved autonomy Maintain control while ensuring transparency
Cost-effective Simpler legal structure reduces costs

For Investors

Benefit Description
Market protection MetaDAO's decision markets protect token value
Clear entitlement Fixed token allocation, no ambiguity
Onchain governance Real ownership over treasury and IP
Rug protection ICOs on MetaDAO prevent rugs and allow fair capital return

Using the STAMP

  1. Download the STAMP from colosseum.com/stamp
  2. Consult legal counsel in your jurisdiction
  3. Customize the agreement for your startup
  4. Proceed to Getting Listed for your MetaDAO ICO

Resources

Resource Description
Colosseum STAMP Page Official STAMP document and FAQ
STAMP Announcement Full background and motivation
Getting Listed Next steps for launching on MetaDAO
The ICO How the MetaDAO ICO works