Domain name upgrades are fairly common, but there are very few resources available with a specific list of companies that have upgraded their domain.
I have compiled a small database of verified domain name acquisitions since 2017 (along with their prices when I can). This database acts as a resource for anyone who needs it.
| wdt_ID | Company Name | Previous Domain | New Domain | Price Paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Razer | razerzone.com | razer.com | Unknown |
| 2 | Purple | onpurple.com | purple.com | $900,000 |
| 3 | Sumo | sumome.com | sumo.com | $1,500,000 |
| 4 | Cover | coverinsurance.com | cover.com | $825,000 |
| 5 | Squeeze | squeezeapp.com | squeeze.com | $150,000 |
| 6 | Draft | playdraft.com | draft.com | Unknown |
| 7 | Pillow | pillowhomes.com | pillow.com | Unknown |
| 8 | Hay | hay.dk | hay.com | Unknown |
| 9 | Freedom Mortgage | freedommortgage.com | freedom.com | $2,000,000 |
| 10 | Knockway | knockaway.com | knock.com | Unknown |
If you have any more one-word .COM domain name upgrades or rebrands that I’ve missed, please comment below and I’ll add them in.
Further Reading
It’s valid to ask why some companies opt to upgrade their domain names, which is why I have partnered with domain brokerage company Media Options to create a series called “On the Record”, in which I interview CEOs, entrepreneurs, and company representatives to discover why organizations are willing to pay six, seven, or eight-figures to acquire a certain domain. Here are some of those interviews:
Note, some of the upgrades mentioned in the table above may not be outright purchases. They may be leased, or on a payment plan.
Absolutely brilliant article, Iles. There’s several others including Extend.com (prev. HelloExtend.com), Jellyfish.com (.co.uk to .com). Sure many others too.
Another recent one was Evolution.com (EvolutionGaming.com >)
DoubleDutch.com was auctioned off on NameJet and subsequently won for $20,000 on March 26 2019.
We sold Rate.com to Guaranteed Rate.
With Kate’s help!
You’re all All Stars.
Samer
When I was at Tuft & Needle, we acquired TN.com. Our biggest competitor (Casper) went from caspersleep.com to casper.com.
AppSumo.com went to Sumo.com for $1.5m (Noah Kagan’s startup).
My buddy’s startup went from oatsovernight.com to oats.com.
Thanks, Tim! I remember interviewing JT from Tuft & Needle in 2015 after his TN.com acquisition.
Oats.com is a great acquisition. I’ll add it to the list.
ContractHireAndLeasing.com upgraded to Leasing.com
After 17 years