How to buy coins before launch?

Excuse me, could you elaborate on the process of acquiring coins prior to their official launch? I'm curious about the steps one would need to take to secure these digital assets before they hit the open market. Do investors typically engage in presales, private allocations, or perhaps participate in ICOs (Initial Coin Offerings) to gain access to these coins? Are there any specific risks or considerations that one should be aware of when pursuing this path? Additionally, are there any resources or tools that you would recommend for researching and identifying upcoming coin launches?