# What Is a Common Lock-up Period for a Project's Core Team Tokens? ▴ Learn

**Published:** 2025-11-16
**Categories:** Learn

---

## What Is a Common Lock-up Period for a Project’s Core Team Tokens?

A common lock-up period for a project's core team tokens is typically one to two years, often followed by a gradual vesting schedule over another one to three years. This duration is considered standard because it aligns the team's financial incentives with the project's long-term success.

It ensures the team is committed to delivering the product roadmap well beyond the initial launch excitement.

How Does a ‘Cliff’ Mechanism Work in a Vesting Schedule?

What Is the Cliff Period in a Typical Vesting Schedule?

How Does a Vesting Schedule Impact the Initial Capital Structure of a DAO?

How Does a Vesting Schedule Impact the Long-Term Stability of a Cryptocurrency Project?

## Discover More

- 
### [How Does the Duration of a Lock-up Period in Staking Affect Its Perceived Value?](https://crypto.greeks.live/learn/how-does-the-duration-of-a-lock-up-period-in-staking-affect-its-perceived-value/)
![The polished, curvilinear surface of the optical element reflects deep cyan and subtle beige tones against absolute darkness, suggesting complex computational modeling. This structure embodies the concept of implied volatility skews within exotic perpetual swaps, mirroring the convergence of algorithmic market making with synthetic asset exposure. Precise calibration is paramount for accurately mapping the payoff structure of out-of-the-money options on layer-two scaling solutions. The clean geometry hints at streamlined, high-frequency order flow execution, crucial for managing delta hedging across multi-asset collateralized debt positions. This visual architecture reflects robust, low-latency infrastructure supporting decentralized derivative primitives.](https://crypto.greeks.live/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Minimalist-Lens-Refraction-Visualizing-Volatility-Surface-in-Decentralized-Finance-Instruments.jpg)

Longer lock-ups reduce liquidity, increasing illiquidity risk and demanding higher yield.

- 
### [What Is a “Death Spiral” in the Context of Rebase Tokens?](https://crypto.greeks.live/learn/what-is-a-death-spiral-in-the-context-of-rebase-tokens/)
![The visual configuration depicts an intricate junction where light-colored tubular structures intersect a central, planar reflective element with deep azure highlights suggesting high-fidelity optical properties. This structure symbolizes the nexus point of liquidity provision within decentralized finance DeFi protocols, representing atomic swaps or complex cross-chain arbitrage mechanisms. The intersecting arms evoke the orthogonal vectors of asset pairs common in perpetual futures contracts or multi-asset collateralization structures within layer two scaling solutions. The central disc mirrors market depth visualization essential for calibrating slippage control during large block trades or executing dynamic delta hedging in synthetic asset issuance. This architecture embodies the robust, permissionless infrastructure underpinning decentralized order books and Automated Market Maker AMM settlement layers, crucial for maintaining fair value discovery amidst volatility spikes and managing systemic risk in novel financial primitives like tokenized real-world assets TRWA.](https://crypto.greeks.live/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Decentralized-Exchange-Mechanism-Intersection-Complex-Illustrating-Cross-Asset-Hedging-Strategies.jpg)

A death spiral is a cycle of negative rebases and panic selling that drives the token's price down relentlessly.

- 
### [What Recourse Do Investors Have If an ICO Project Fails?](https://crypto.greeks.live/learn/what-recourse-do-investors-have-if-an-ico-project-fails/)
![This abstract visualization portrays a central nexus resembling a complex derivative instrument's expiration structure against a void backdrop. The design evokes concepts of high frequency trading execution velocity and volatility surface geometry. Hour and minute hands stylized as sharp delta hedging vectors cross a translucent elliptic base suggesting an underlying asset's price distribution profile. The central hub reflects strike price crystallization mechanisms inherent in exotic options pricing models. This schematic represents latent market microstructure analysis vital for assessing time decay theta influence on perpetual swaps and sophisticated structured products within decentralized finance ecosystems. The precision suggests algorithmic arbitrage strategies across cross margin collateral pools.](https://crypto.greeks.live/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Quantum-Mechanics-Inspired-Financial-Derivative-Time-Value-Component-Decomposition-Visualization.jpg)

Investors in a failed ICO have limited recourse, especially if it was a scam.

- 
### [What Is a ‘Foundation’ Model for a Crypto Project?](https://crypto.greeks.live/learn/what-is-a-foundation-model-for-a-crypto-project/)
![The composition manifests a striking convergence of sharp angular forms suggesting structural integrity against dynamic motion, analogous to high-frequency trading execution mechanisms. A translucent cyan planar element intersects a matte white pyramidal base, symbolizing the non-linear payoff profile characteristic of short-dated out-of-the-money options. Thin, polished metallic spires extend outwards, representing the delta hedging instruments or perhaps the efficient frontier of asset allocation within a synthetic collateralized debt obligation structure. This aesthetic mirrors the complex interplay between underlying spot price movement and implied volatility premiums observed in perpetual futures contracts on decentralized exchanges. The stark black background isolates the geometry, emphasizing the theoretical purity of financial modeling underpinning complex cryptographic asset derivatives strategy formulation. Focus centers on capturing the convergence risk dynamics inherent in complex option strategies like butterfly spreads or condors leveraging volatile crypto assets.](https://crypto.greeks.live/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Crystalline-Bifurcation-Modeling-Volatility-Surface-Geometry-in-Decentralized-Finance-Structures.jpg)

A Foundation is a non-profit legal entity used to manage IP, treasury, and provide legal stability for a DAO.

- 
### [What Is a Common Pitfall When Implementing Access Control (Checks) in Smart Contracts?](https://crypto.greeks.live/learn/what-is-a-common-pitfall-when-implementing-access-control-checks-in-smart-contracts/)
![This composition displays four subtly curved, smooth casings stacked vertically against an absolute black background suggesting deep liquidity pools. The arrangement visually metaphors the stratification of collateral tiers within decentralized autonomous organizations DAO structures. Each casing's distinct muted hue gray navy teal beige represents different risk profiles or tranches of synthetic assets utilized for structured yield farming operations. The precise alignment signifies robust margin maintenance across leveraged perpetual swaps, ensuring strike price integrity against volatile spot price action. This aesthetic suggests secure capital deployment within complex decentralized finance DeFi yield envelopes and structured product construction like CLOB order book depth visualization for options clearing.](https://crypto.greeks.live/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Stacked-Collateralized-Digital-Asset-Vaults-Illustrating-Multi-Layered-Hedging-Strategies-in-Decentralized-Finance.jpg)

Common pitfalls include failing to protect all sensitive functions, or allowing the owner to be updated via an unprotected public function.

- 
### [What Is a ‘Time-Lock’ Contract and Why Is It Essential for Governance Security?](https://crypto.greeks.live/learn/what-is-a-time-lock-contract-and-why-is-it-essential-for-governance-security/)
![This close-up view reveals a high-speed rotational apparatus featuring blue light emitting strips mounted radially upon a central white hub, situated over a reflective dark substrate marked with cyan geometric overlays suggesting complex layered data architecture. It metaphorically represents the mechanical underpinning of sophisticated cryptocurrency derivatives market microstructure, specifically illustrating the rapid execution required for optimal liquidity pool management across automated market makers AMM platforms. The blades symbolize iterative delta hedging strategies applied to perpetual futures contracts or complex options payoff structures like synthetic collateralized debt positions CDPs. Precision engineering underscores the necessity for low-latency arbitrage in cross-chain settlement layers, crucial for maintaining solvency margins against potential flash loan vulnerabilities exploiting momentary price discrepancies in volatile decentralized finance DeFi ecosystems.](https://crypto.greeks.live/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Conceptualizing-High-Frequency-Trading-Rotation-Mechanisms-in-Decentralized-Exchange-Liquidity-Provision.jpg)

A smart contract that delays the execution of a passed proposal, providing a window to review and veto malicious actions.

- 
### [How Is the Time Period for a TWAP Calculation Determined and What Are the Trade-Offs?](https://crypto.greeks.live/learn/how-is-the-time-period-for-a-twap-calculation-determined-and-what-are-the-trade-offs/)
![The rendered abstract visualization depicts a stylized analog measurement instrument suggesting temporal precision imposed upon a reflective substrate akin to a digital asset ledger or CD medium. A prominent metallic caliper arm intersects a shorter, high-contrast red-tipped indicator, suggesting divergent vectors in high-frequency crypto trading, perhaps mapping delta hedging requirements. The central hub reveals intricate, almost circuit-like patterning illuminated with cool cyan luminescence, symbolizing the underlying blockchain consensus mechanism or perhaps a Black Scholes-Merton adaptation for perpetual futures contract valuation. This composition embodies the continuous assessment required for managing exotic options exposure and navigating volatility regimes within decentralized exchange liquidity pools and on-chain derivative protocols where time decay $textTheta$ mandates constant rebalancing.](https://crypto.greeks.live/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Decentralized-Finance-Instrument-Volatility-Surface-Mapping-Utilizing-Stochastic-Calculus-for-Digital-Asset-Option-Pricing.jpg)

The TWAP time period is a trade-off between manipulation resistance (longer) and price responsiveness (shorter).

- 
### [What Is the Cliff Period in a Typical Vesting Schedule?](https://crypto.greeks.live/learn/what-is-the-cliff-period-in-a-typical-vesting-schedule/)
![The image displays a macro view of a segmented, teal-hued composite surface pocked with dark blemishes resembling impact sites or decay, intersected by a smooth, dark blue arc. A stark, luminous plane cuts sharply across the left edge, suggesting directional light or a projected boundary against the deep void of the background, mirroring the harsh realities of smart contract execution risk. This juxtaposition symbolizes the fragmentation inherent in decentralized finance DeFi governance, specifically concerning the vesting cliff release schedule for genesis block token allocations. The texture suggests material stress mirroring the volatility of perpetual futures contracts and slippage execution in low-liquidity order books. Key concepts include collateral sealing inefficiency option decay delta hedging requirements and liquidation cascade susceptibility within nascent layer two scaling solutions.](https://crypto.greeks.live/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Teal-Segmented-Mechanism-Illuminated-Against-Stark-Black-Background-Representing-Token-Vesting-Schedule-Breach.jpg)

The cliff is an initial period where zero tokens are released, ensuring a minimum commitment.

- 
### [What Is a Common Mechanism for Vesting or Locking Treasury Tokens to Prevent Immediate Governance Abuse?](https://crypto.greeks.live/learn/what-is-a-common-mechanism-for-vesting-or-locking-treasury-tokens-to-prevent-immediate-governance-abuse/)
![A macro view captures a glowing cyan crystalline element resembling an arrow or stylus protruding from a segmented mechanical base set against absolute black. This structure metaphorically represents the precise trajectory of a decentralized finance native asset's emission schedule, potentially signifying controlled unlock mechanics. The opaque inner structure suggests locked liquidity pools or non-transferable escrowed staking rewards subject to a vesting cliff. This precision symbolizes transparent smart contract execution governing options expiry mechanics and calculating underlying asset volatility skew. The sharp tip projects forward embodying aggressive market entry or preemptive strike capability in high-frequency decentralized exchange arbitrage strategies involving perpetual futures contracts. Deep understanding of these time-locked mechanisms informs risk management concerning systemic counterparty exposure.](https://crypto.greeks.live/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Luminescent-Crystalized-Pointer-Analogy-for-DeFi-Protocol-Governance-Token-Vesting-Schedules.jpg)

Vesting schedules gradually release tokens, while time-locks delay proposal execution to allow for community reaction.

---

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