A Token Generation Event (TGE) marks the creation and initial distribution of a project's tokens. It is the starting point for all vesting schedules and usually coincides with the token's first listing on exchanges.
At TGE, a portion of the total supply is immediately released to the market. This initial unlock percentage varies widely between projects — some release as little as 5% while others unlock 20% or more at launch. The TGE unlock percentage significantly impacts initial price discovery and volatility.
TGE is a critical milestone in a token's lifecycle. The ratio of tokens released at TGE versus those locked in vesting schedules is an important factor in evaluating a project's tokenomics and potential price trajectory.