Domains as an Asset Class

Domains as an asset class

How Digital Real Estate & Blockchain Are Transforming Domain Finance

The domain name has evolved from an easy way to find a person, business, or brand on the web into a powerful tool to make a statement online and a multibillion-dollar industry. A premium domain can enhance a company’s visibility, improve search rankings, and provide brand recognition, making it a valuable resource for anyone building on the web. But what makes a domain valuable, and how can” Digital Real Estate” empower businesses and entrepreneurs?

The First Digital Real Estate

In the early days of the internet, domains were primarily used for email, an immense step for modern communication that individuals today often take for granted. As the internet began to grow in use, companies began to use the digital asset as an easy way for their customers to find them online. This created immense value for the businesses that began doing business on the web, attracting millions of traffic and generating billions of dollars in revenue. As internet adoption expanded, businesses quickly recognized the potential of domains as vital tools for establishing their online presence.

Owning a domain name became essential for gaining credibility online allowing businesses to reach individuals on a global scale. As people realized the importance of a domain, investors began to purchase premium domains with the belief that over time, they would grow in value. Domains were considered by many to be the first digitally native asset and akin to scarce digital real estate. The early speculation on the value of domains paid off; as the internet grew, domain investors were rewarded handsomely. The secondary market for domains expanded rapidly, with high-value sales reaching millions of dollars, and domains became a multi-billion dollar industry.

domains as asset

But these instances of big domain sales happen few and far between. A large portion of the domain market suffers from a lack of liquidity, meaning that they can be difficult to sell quickly. This illiquidity stems from a couple of factors. First, domains are a niche asset class and unlike other established assets, there’s no clear-cut valuation model for domains. They are unique, one-of-one assets, each with its specific characteristics. This lack of fungibility made it challenging to price. Despite these attributes, the domain market began to grow year over year finding new ways to be traded on the web.

Blockchain and Domain Names

As internet adoption continued to grow, new technologies began to emerge with capabilities that only enhanced the utility of a domain. The emergence of blockchain tech and crypto payments has changed how people interact how people interact on the web. Domains can now be purchased and sold via cryptocurrency and can even be used as a wallet address to send crypto and other digital assets online with ease.

This shift has unlocked new markets, making domain trading faster, more transparent, and globally accessible. The creation of human- readable wallet addresses allows for enhanced security, leading to more transactions that users can trust is going to the right location. With the growing adoption of blockchain, more individuals are securing their digital identity and combining the capabilities of a digital wallet and a commercial web address.

domains as asset

The Benefits of Domain Finance

As domain names have grown in utility and value, blockchain technology promises to revolutionize how domains are traded. The tokenization of domains has enabled the digital asset to have the same capabilities as an NFT, providing faster, cheaper settlement. Another use case that is emerging is the use of domains with DeFi (Decentralized Finance). This means that a domain can now be used as collateral for loans or fractionalization.

Entrepreneurs andinvestors can leverage high-value domain names to secure funding without selling their digitally native assets outright. Additionally, fractionalization allows multiple investors to own shares of a premium domain, allowing access to valuable digital real estate that was once limited to only a handful of investors. This shift marks the beginning of domain finance, where domain premium domains become more liquid and strategically valuable assets.

Domain Finance is crucial for unlocking the true value of domain names. Traditionally, domains could only profit from selling domains, leasing, or creative finance, but domain finance promises to change this by providing new capabilities to the asset class. By using domains as collateral, owners can access liquidity without selling their assets, similar to real estate-backed loans today. This enables domain investors to participate in the digital economy while retaining ownership.

The Future of Domain Names

As technology advances, the use of domain names will only grow over time, transforming domains into on-chain assets with liquidity. More businesses and individuals are learning about the benefits of owning digital real estate and understanding how it can be used for transactions, decentralized identity, and financial applications. With millions of domains already registered, blockchain tech will enable the next wave of individuals on-chain by unlocking the value of a once-dormant asset class. The landscape of domains will only continue to evolve, introducing new use cases that will enhance the value of a domain and attract more interest, cementing its status as a strategic asset for anyone building on the web.

domains as asset

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How does it work?

Accordingly to the day when you will finalise your purchase, you have the right to receive from 1 to 3 NFT Domains for FREE!

Once you have completed your order, within 48h you will automatically receive on www.freename.io platform, in your personal area “portfolio” the randomly assigned NFT Domain/s.

You can chose on which blockchain you want to mint on and minting fee is covered by Freename!

HOW TO USE COUPONS:

Once you have added your favorite items to the cart, you proceed to “checkout” and add your coupon to the “coupon box”.

Said coupon will instantly do its magic and your due total will drop!

COUPON CODE CAN ONLY BE USED ONCE!
ENJOY YOUR SHOPPING AND GIFTS!

How does it work?

Once you have completed your order, you will automatically receive on www.freename.io platform, in your personal area “portfolio” the randomly assigned NFT Domain value $50 or if you’re lucky a randomly assigned TLD with value $699 (between these: .immersive; .multiverse; .freelancer; .cashback; .hologram)

you can chose on which blockchain you want to mint your NFT Domain/TLD on and minting fee is covered by Freename!

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Why do i Need a Wallet?

Freename domains are blockchain-based assets and would be minted and stored using a wallet. Users are required to mint and manage their domains using a Metamask or Coinbase-configured wallet. It must be a non-custodial wallet, meaning that one must own the private keys to the wallet in order to approve transactions via a signature.

To benefit from Freename Web 3 domains/TLDs, you must have a wallet. This is because Web 3 domains/TLDs are blockchain-based assets. Users can mint and manage their domains using Metamask or Coinbase-configured wallets.

Keep in mind that it must be a non-custodial wallet. You own the private keys to the wallet (in order to approve transactions via a signature).

Are the Domains Associated with ICANN?

ICANN does not manage freename.io domains. Freename.io believes their TLDs/domains must allow customers to operate independently. Freename.io wants to build a utility infrastructure, allowing customers to use their services for valuable and generative purposes. By leveraging blockchain technology, Freename Web 3 domains/TLDs have no centralized authority imposing rules and regulations.

What is a Wallet?

Every blockchain user requires a wallet in order to interact with the network. A wallet is essentially an account on the blockchain where transactions can be sent and received. It is also where one can store blockchain assets such as cryptocurrency or NFTs (non-fungible tokens). There is no personal information associated with a wallet and none is required to create one. A wallet consists of a public key and a private key. The public key can be safely shared with anyone who wishes to send assets to the corresponding wallet, however, the private key should not be shared and is the key to accessing the wallet in the event where access is lost or to create another instance.

A crypto wallet (cryptocurrency wallet) is software or hardware that enables users to store and use cryptocurrency. With cryptocurrencies, there isn’t any actual money to carry around in a wallet. They exist on the blockchain. Similarly to traditional bank transfers, crypto wallets enable users to send and receive cryptocurrencies, NFTs, etc.

A wallet consists of a public key and a private key. To receive assets, you share your public key associated with your wallet. You should NEVER share your private key.

How do i Claim my Earnings from Freename

ou can withdraw revenues generated passively through a cryptocurrency transfer. Connect your cryptocurrency wallet and, once your withdrawal request is confirmed, the desired amount is pulled from Freename’s reserves and conveniently delivered to you!

Claim your earnings by following these steps:

  1. Connect your cryptocurrency wallet to Freename.io
  2. Request a withdrawal
  3. Receive request confirmation
  4. Receive withdrawal directly to your wallet.

Can i Transfer Domains?

Yes. The domain is stored in your cryptocurrency wallet and can be transferred by you after you have minted it. Access your portfolio, select the TLD or Domain you wish to transfer and type the recipient’s address. Afterwards, you must paste the OTP code you received by mail to confirm the transaction. Keep in mind that currently, it is not possible to import the domain that has been transferred, but it will be possible soon!

Yes. Domains are transferable ONLY after a TLD/domain has been minted and stored in a user’s wallet.

To transfer the TLD (or domain), the user must:

  • Access their wallet
  • Select the item they want to transfer
  • Enter the recipient’s address.
  • Confirm the transaction by pasting the OTP received by email

In the future, Freename.io will support importing domains that have been transferred.

What about Trademarks?

Registering a trademark on your Freename Web3 TLD will allow you to protect your web3 TLD and your logo worldwide juridically.

From the moment you deposit a trademark request, your web3 TLD will be protected worldwide for 6 months awaiting for the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IGE.ch) to confirm and register the availability of your TLD.****

A trademark is any symbol, phrase, or word that allows customers to identify a company’s goods or services. Freename is a web3 domain/TLD provider that also provides trademark registration.

A user must reach out to the trademark department to register a trademark. To get your trademark filed for review at the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property, a user must provide the following:

  1. Complete a Know your customer (KYC)
  2. A list of TLDs they wish to trademark
  3. Proof of payment

Once these conditions are met, it takes one week for the trademark to be reviewed and logo/TLDs to be provided with six months of worldwide protection.

Is Minting the same as Buying?

Purchasing a TLD (or domain) on Freename and minting it on the blockchain are two distinct steps. When you purchase a TLD (or domain), the transaction is recorded in Freename’s database and not on the blockchain. Minting a TLD (or domain) on the blockchain requires a second step: log into the user’s personal area, select the TLD (or domain) and press “mint TLD” (or domain): done! Don’t worry, once you have purchased a Freename domain, no one can take it away from you!

No. Buying and Minting a TLD/domain are two different things.**

Buying **is the process of recording a transaction on Freename’s database and not on the blockchain.

Minting is the process of pushing a user’s domain from Freename.io data onto the public ledger of a blockchain and into a user’s wallet. Giving the user full control over the TLD/domain.

It is very easy to mint a domain/TLD once you purchase it. Simply:

  • Log into your personal area
  • Select the TLD (or domain)
  • Press “mint TLD” (or domain)

What is Domain Minting?

Minting is the process of publishing a Freename domain (or TLD) on the blockchain via your wallet to gain full custody of the domain. This means that the only person that has control over the domain (or TLD) is the person who controls (has access to) the wallet.

Minting is the process of pushing a user’s domain from Freename.io data onto the public ledger of a blockchain and into a user’s wallet. Giving the user full ownership over the domain.

Minting on Freename.io is as simple as the following steps:

  1. Go to the Freename.io website
  2. Enter the TLD/domain you want to buy in the search bar
  3. Add the TLD/domain to your cart
  4. Go to checkout
  5. Create a Freename.io account
  6. Purchase the TLD/domain with cryptocurrency or a credit card
  7. Go to “portfolio and incomes.”
  8. Click on mint TLD/domain

Which domains are Protected?

Protected domains and TLDs are domains and TLDs that we’ve detected are associated with a brand, organization, or notable person. We believe it is important to increase adoption for the next generation of the internet by helping to onboard brands into the Web3 era. If you are interested in applying for a Protected domain, please contact us.

TLDs/Domains associated with a notable person, brand or organization are considered Protected Domains. Protected domains help onboard brands in Web 3 increasing adoption. Protected domains also protect users from others impersonating/stealing their domains.

Reach out to Freename.io to apply for a protected domain.

Why use Freename?

Freename domains are unique by their very nature: only with Freename you can register domains with unique TLDs for your digital identity while passively earning money!

Freename.io is not only the leading TLD and Domains platform in Web 3, but also lets users generate passive income!

Owning a Freename Web 3 TLD entitles users to receive passive income whenever a domain is bought on their TLD. Users can register and mint TLD/domains of their choice if available.

What is a Domain?

A domain name is a string of letters and/or numbers that points to the IP address of the corresponding website. Generally, it is easier to remember a name than a long string of numbers.

A domain name is an address that people type into a browser bar to find a website. It consists of a Top-Level Domain (TLD), everything that comes after the dot, and the Second-Level Domain (SLD), everything that comes before the dot.

For example, “Freename.io” is the domain name, “Freename” is the SLD and “io” is the TLD.

Which Chains are Supported?

Freename has a multi-chain approach. You can choose on which Blockchain to mint your Web3 Domains and TLDs ranging Among Polygon, Cronos, and Binance.

A user can mint a Freename.io domain/TLD on the following blockchains:

  • Polygon
  • Cronos
  • Binance

Freename plans to expand its multi-chain approach by adding blockchains upon which domains can be minted.

Are there Renewal Fees?

No! Once you’ve bought a Freename Domain or TLD, it’s yours forever, no renewal fees ever!

No. There are no renewal fees on Freename.io. Once a user has paid a one-time payment for a domain/TLD, they own it. Forever.

This is the significant advantage of Web 3 domain/TLD over traditional alternatives.

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