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Domain Name Registrants, Domain Name Registrars, Domain Name Registry, New gTLDs

Afilias, On The Hunt For New gTLDs, Buys StartingDot

StartingDot logoAfilias has announced it has bought StartingDot, the registry operator for three new generic Top Level Domains – .archi, .bio and .ski – and it’s publicly said it’s on the hunt for more.

StartingDot’s three new gTLDs total 27,800 domains, the largest being .bio, the abbreviation for organic goods, among other abbreviations, in several European languages. These will add to Afilias’ 18 new gTLDs with 604,000 registrations. Afilias has 18 new gTLDs, the largest being .red with 311,000 registrations. Others include .kim, .blue, .pink and .bet. Combining the two registry operators will see Afilias remain the tenth largest.

The three StartingDot gTLDs are aimed at specific target audiences:

  • .ARCHI is exclusively for architects, architecture agencies, universities and other architecturally-oriented organizations. Over 5,000 architects worldwide have already registered their .ARCHI.
  • .BIO has several uses, in several languages, ranging from “biologique” or organic, to “biography” or resume (CV). .BIO is unrestricted.
  • .SKI is also unrestricted, and has been specially created for the ski industry and ski enthusiasts. If you love snow sports, you can now have a web address ending in .SKI. Share your experiences, promote your brand, and even attract new clients online with a web address designed exclusively for members of the ski sports community.

Afilias logo“Afilias has an active program for acquiring new Top Level Domains, and StartingDot is just the beginning. We are excited to be able to offer even more domain choices to registrars who serve professionals, athletes, businesses and enthusiasts of all kinds. Afilias’ experience in building new TLDs, coupled with the broader distribution available through Afilias’ registrar friendly platform, should enable all 3 of these TLDs to reach their full potential,” said Roland LaPlante, chief marketing officer of Afilias.

“StartingDot developed these three new domains to add tremendous value to specific groups and communities. Our premium price and sector-specific approach has been very successful,” said Godefroy Jordan, CEO and co-founder of StartingDot. “Becoming part of Afilias, with its strong track record in the domain name space, will support the continued growth of our top-level domains and provide excellent service to our clients.” StartingDot’s executives, Godefroy Jordan and Stéphane Van Gelder, will have continuing roles as the business transitions. Transition plans will be announced to registrars shortly.