Best Domains for Your Startup
Ranked by brandability, domain score, and market appeal
Why Your Domain Name Actually Matters
Let's be real: in the early days of a startup, everything feels urgent. You're building product, talking to customers, maybe raising money. Spending time on a domain name can feel like a distraction. But here's what experienced founders know - your domain is one of the highest-leverage decisions you'll make.
Investors notice. Before a VC even opens your pitch deck, they've typed your URL into their browser. A professional, memorable domain signals that you're serious and thoughtful. A clunky domain with hyphens or weird spellings? It creates doubt before you've said a word.
Customers remember. Word of mouth is everything for startups. When someone recommends your product to a friend, will they remember the name? Can they spell it correctly? A great domain turns every customer into a potential evangelist.
It's harder to change later. Rebranding is expensive and disruptive. Every day you operate builds equity in your domain - links, mentions, brand recognition. Starting with the right name means never having to tear that down.
The most successful startups - Stripe, Notion, Linear, Figma - all have premium, one-word domains. It's not a coincidence. Great founders understand that small details compound over time.
Investor Credibility
VCs see thousands of pitches. A premium domain immediately signals you're building something serious, not a side project that might disappear.
Talent Attraction
Top engineers and designers research companies before applying. A polished brand with a great domain helps you compete for the best people.
Marketing Efficiency
A memorable domain means lower CAC. People remember you, type your URL directly, and share you more easily. It compounds over years.
Future-Proofing
Great domains appreciate in value. If your startup doesn't work out, you might actually recoup your investment. It's a rare asset that holds value.
What Makes a Domain "Best" for Startups?
We evaluate hundreds of factors, but these are the ones that matter most for early-stage companies.
Optimal Length
The sweet spot for startup names. Long enough to be meaningful, short enough to be memorable. Every character beyond 7-8 letters adds friction.
Easy to Pronounce
If you can't say it confidently in a pitch meeting or podcast interview, it's not working. Our picks pass the "say it once, spell it right" test.
Trademark Friendly
Invented or unusual names are easier to protect legally. We favor domains that can become defensible trademarks as you scale.
Global Appeal
Great startup domains work worldwide. No awkward translations, no cultural missteps. If you're building for a global market, your name should travel.
Room to Pivot
Startups change. A lot. The best names don't box you in. They can grow with you as you discover what your company really is.
Positive Vibes
Names should feel good. Energetic, optimistic, forward-looking. We avoid anything that sounds clinical, corporate, or dated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should a startup spend on a domain?
It depends on your stage and funding. Pre-seed companies might spend $1,000-$5,000. Series A and beyond often invest $10,000-$100,000 for premium names. Think of it as a percentage of your total branding budget - one of the highest-ROI investments you can make.
Should I get a .com or is .io fine?
Both can work, but they signal different things. .COM has universal credibility and is often expected for B2B or consumer companies. .IO signals "tech startup" and is common in developer tools. For enterprise sales, .COM usually performs better. For developer-focused products, .IO is often preferred.
Can I include my domain cost in fundraising?
Absolutely. Many startups include domain acquisition as a line item in their use of funds. Investors understand that brand assets matter. Some VCs even recommend their portfolio companies invest in premium domains after raising.
What if my ideal domain is taken?
That's why we exist. Most "ideal" domains are taken, but many are for sale at a price. Our inventory consists of domains that are actually available for purchase right now. No need to negotiate with stubborn owners or deal with squatters.
Launch With the Right Name
Your startup's name is the first thing investors, customers, and employees will learn about you. Make it count.