Pump.fun shifts Solana token launches to USDC pools

Pump.fun, a Solana-based memecoin launchpad, will let creators launch tokens with USDC-denominated liquidity pools instead of the platform’s SOL-denominated bonding curves. The company published details on May 21. New launches will start with market caps around $4,000 and bonding thresholds of roughly $58,783.

The platform wrote rising SOL prices had altered launch economics because the bonding curve was denominated in SOL. Higher SOL values pushed starting market caps down to about $2,000 and lowered bonding thresholds to roughly $30,000, the post noted.

Pump.fun wrote pairing new tokens with USDC will make initial supply about 67% more expensive to acquire and reduce swings in wallet balances. The platform described the arrangement as a ‘stable, fairer setup’ and wrote it aims for ‘more stability, better coin distribution & higher ceilings.’

Denominating liquidity pools in USDC changes the settlement currency for launches. Where launches previously used SOL as the base asset, buying and selling will use USDC when creators choose the new option.

The company framed higher bonding thresholds and costlier early accumulation as measures to limit a small number of traders from cheaply controlling supply at launch. Pump.fun characterized the update as part of professionalizing its launch infrastructure and making participation easier for retail users.

Creators will have a choice between SOL- and USDC-denominated pools. The company published technical and economic details on May 21.