In response to tightening VC funding and the return of retail investors, crypto projects are increasingly adopting "KOL rounds" as a fundraising strategy. This approach involves allocating tokens at lower prices to influential Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) who are tasked with generating buzz and FOMO around the project's token generation event (TGE). This method, described as a "task-oriented private placement," reflects a shift towards a "traffic-first" market logic where influence equates to capital. The KOL round strategy, while lacking standardization and clear responsibility boundaries, offers a narrow entry point for smaller projects and influential individuals to participate in primary market pricing. This trend underscores the evolving dynamics of the crypto market, where traditional private placements are being supplemented by innovative, influence-driven funding mechanisms.