@isabelkeppe
A token’s release curve significantly affects long-term price behavior. Front-loaded distributions often create early selling pressure, while extended vesting can stabilize markets by delaying large unlock events. Gradual, predictable releases tend to support healthier price discovery, as investors and users have time to absorb supply without sudden dilution. Conversely, large scheduled unlocks—especially for team or VC allocations—often precede price dips due to anticipated sell pressure. Markets typically price in these events, but unexpected changes to release schedules can trigger volatility. Transparency is critical; investors prefer clear, immutable schedules. Projects that align token unlocks with real utility growth, network adoption, and liquidity expansion tend to mitigate negative price impact and even turn token releases into growth catalysts instead of risks.