Latest news with #MichaelGargiulo
Forbes
29-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Behind The Scenes: How The World's Most Expensive Domains Are Bought
Michael Gargiulo, CEO of We help Fortune 1000, entrepreneurs and companies protect their brand. When people hear that a domain name sold for eight figures, their first reaction is usually disbelief. Unless you live and breathe digital real estate, it's hard to imagine a word or two typed into a browser is worth more than a Manhattan penthouse. But here's what you need to know: Behind every seven-or eight-figure domain sale is a quiet network of conversations, negotiations and relationships. As the CEO of a company that offers domain brokerage services, and having been part of both big-figure domain deals myself, this is something I am all too familiar with. Before you jump into a deal, it's important to make sure you understand every step of the process. In most cases, these aren't public auctions. The biggest deals happen behind the scenes, and the process is nothing like what most imagine. What Makes A Domain Worth Millions? Not all domain names are equal. Those that sell for multimillion-dollar prices tend to be short, widely relevant and ready for branding. Think about names like or In the industry, we call these category killers: single-word names that define an industry and provide instant trust, SEO benefits and market authority. They represent the definitive reason any company would spend $1 million (or more) on a domain. Length also counts. One-word .com domains are dominant, and two-word combinations that highlight an industry trend or product perform well. The extension is vital. Although more top-level domains are available, .com still leads in premium domain sales. It's not just about perception; business reasoning matters. Consumers remember .com, and companies trust it. The Role Of A Domain Broker When brokering high-value domains, discretion is just as crucial as the domain itself. Most of our clients, buyers and sellers, prefer keeping their names separate from the transaction. This is because these domains often hint at future strategy. If a company is about to launch a major product, it doesn't want to alert competitors by disclosing a domain purchase beforehand. This is where domain broker services come into play. Brokers serve as filters, strategists and closers. They vet buyers to ensure they are serious and have the funds. They present sellers' assets in the best light, often enhancing how the name is displayed or priced based on market timing. They also oversee every step of the communication process, keeping all parties aligned and maintaining anonymity when necessary. Inside The Negotiation Room Negotiations for agreements start well before discussing pricing. These agreements often begin with subtle signals, such as a conversation at an event or a careful message to test interest. In these instances, I will introduce non-disclosure agreements until both parties recognize mutual interest and adjust our processes accordingly. This isn't about just handling paperwork. It's about understanding psychology. In premium domain sales, decisions are often driven by emotions. Some sellers have held onto a domain for 20 years. Some buyers see it as the missing piece of a billion-dollar plan. Brokers guide that emotion using facts, market data, and strategy. Creative deal structures are common. I've seen offers involving cash plus equity, multi-year payment plans and licensing arrangements. It's rarely just a wire transfer and a goodbye handshake. Why You Don't Hear About Most Sales The public only sees a small part of what happens in this space. Most high-value domains are sold quietly without any fanfare or press releases. Why? Because both parties usually have something to protect. Maybe the seller doesn't want it known that they've cashed out. Perhaps the buyer plans a stealth launch. Many of these deals go through proxies or anonymous LLCs, which helps keep the deal clear and intentions private. That's not secrecy just for its own sake; it's an innovative business. The simplest term for it is stealth domain name acquisition. How Do You Price A Domain Like That? Valuing a domain name isn't like pricing a house. There's no MLS for premium digital assets. While historical comps help, each domain is unique. When assessing value, we look at keyword search volume, advertising competition, consumer behavior, brand potential and current market trends. Furthermore, value always depends on the buyer's perspective. If a startup believes a name aligns perfectly with its brand vision, it might go far beyond typical valuation logic. I've seen companies double their offer overnight once they realize the domain could secure investor meetings, media coverage or a better SEO ranking. Wrapping Up The Deal Once the terms are finalized, buyers, sellers and brokers often want to proceed quickly to complete the transaction. Escrow services are standard. I suggest using professionals to handle funds and domain transfers securely. The final steps often include DNS updates, registrar coordination and legal reviews, especially if intellectual property rights are involved. Speed and accuracy matter at this stage. One delay can scare off a buyer or cause second-guessing. I stay involved until the domain is fully transferred and both parties are satisfied. Why These Deals Are Only Getting Bigger With the rise of online business activity, the importance of identity and domain names has also grown. They are more than just URLs; they form the foundation of multi-billion-dollar companies. Premium domains demonstrate that a company is influential, trustworthy and ready to succeed. Every big deal I see reinforces my belief that this market is rapidly advancing in strategy, competitiveness and innovation. As for record-breaking sales? Those are happening; the public just hasn't heard the news yet. 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Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
VPN.com Celebrates 8 Years of Innovation and Success: A Milestone of Growth, Leadership & Vision
ATLANTA, March 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- celebrates its 8th anniversary this month, citing a remarkable journey that began on January 9, 2017, when CEO Michael Gargiulo acquired the premium domain for $1 million. This milestone represents years of innovation, thought leadership, and an unwavering commitment to helping businesses and individuals navigate the worlds of Internet privacy and brand security. Reflecting on the company's achievements, Michael Gargiulo shares, "When we started our vision was to combine an elite brand with unparalleled expertise in domain brokerage and cybersecurity. Eight years later, I'm excited at how far we've come and thrilled about the road ahead!" Let's look back at achievements, press features, and the milestones that have defined the company's success. Media Features and Thought Leadership journey has been chronicled across leading media outlets, with CEO Michael Gargiulo sharing expert insights into premium domains, branding, and cybersecurity. Some of the most notable articles include: "How to Detect and Prevent Branding Hacks From Beating Your Online Business" "8 Things to Know Before Buying an Ultra-Premium Domain Name" "The Power of Premium Domain Names" For an in-depth look at Michael Gargiulo's thought leadership, visit his Forbes Technology Council profile or explore his articles on Medium. Highlights from Press Coverage achievements have been celebrated in numerous press releases, highlighting its groundbreaking accomplishments in domain brokerage and online privacy: Forbes Technology Council Features CEO Michael Gargiulo and His Premium Domain Expertise Warns Fox News About Major Website Security & HTTPS Risks Commitment to Helping Millions of Internet Users by 2028 Explores the Growing Market for Ultra-Premium Domains Featured as a Leader in Internet Security Comparisons These features underline impact in providing clients with access to elite domains while promoting online privacy through research and resources. A Mission-Driven Approach to Internet Privacy Beyond domains, has led the charge in online privacy and cybersecurity. The company has gathered over 188,000 data points on VPN providers, helping millions of users find reliable privacy solutions. Explore privacy tools and insights: Privacy Comparison Platform Helping Millions with Internet Security A Legacy of Excellence in Domain Brokerage The acquisition of served as a foundation for creating one of the most recognized names in the domain industry. Today, is a trusted partner for entrepreneurs, businesses, and organizations looking to acquire or broker exact-match domain names that elevate their brands. Key resources for domain buyers and sellers: Premium Domain Brokerage Learn About Exact-Match Domain Pricing Submit Domain Requests How to Find a Great Domain Broker expertise in domain brokerage has been featured in Forbes, PR Newswire, and GlobeNewswire, showcasing the company's commitment to helping clients acquire some of the most valuable domains in the world. A Future of Growth and Innovation vision is as ambitious as it is inspiring. With a mission to lead the Internet security industry and protect Internet users and brands worldwide, the company is poised to set new benchmarks in the years ahead through expert research and free tools. Learn about ongoing initiatives: Domain Brokerage Services Pricing and Acquiring Exact-Match Domains Finding the Right Domain Broker About the Domain Name helps countless entrepreneurs and brands acquire and broker the best domain names. With an exclusive understanding of exact-match domains, operates with a $1 million domain name, inspiring visionaries across industries. "Acquiring this domain was the best investment we made in our business over the last eight years," Gargiulo adds. For more, visit: Domains Current Domain Requests Exact-Match Domain Expertise Press & Media Inquiries Stay updated on journey: GlobeNewswire PR Newswire Thank You to Our Clients, Partners & Team! As celebrates its 8th anniversary, the company extends heartfelt gratitude to its clients, partners, and team members who have contributed to its success. This milestone is a shared achievement, and VPN is excited to continue delivering excellence for years. "Having passed on offers to sell in the eight-figures, we share a thank you for eight years of success… and many more to come!" Gargiulo concluded. Learn more by visiting: Contact:Michael Gargiulo855-VPN-FAST388670@ View original content: SOURCE Sign in to access your portfolio
