I still cannot catch the project concept. I consider its just an exchange platform. However I can be wrong as well.
Vertex is not another cryptocurrency exchange, but more like a market for tokens that have been selected because they are likely to appreciate and are part of projects that have a high chance of success.
Yes, it is the place to buy evaluated and established tokens that will have successful ICOs and will get launched on exchanges. This becomes more important as many great tokens never reach the public and are sold out during the private sale.