While I am pretty new to the crypto space. However I have experience in a specific technology sector and I am interested in possibly starting a DeFi project to invest in the sector. The coins would be initially promoted to others in the sector to hopefully start with a base of owners with experience in the sector.

I know that ICOs are generally considered securities by the SEC. However, can companies use crowdfunding to fund a project and get to an ICO if one of the rewards of the initial crowdfunding is coin? If this is allowed, what are some of the best platforms for raising funds for such a project?