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
- Download the STAMP from colosseum.com/stamp
- Consult legal counsel in your jurisdiction
- Customize the agreement for your startup
- 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 |