Rare names need more
than a checkout button.
A private matching layer for non-cash acquisition structures. Domain holders can consider premium names against qualified projects, while founders get a scored acquisition path before anyone signs anything.
Private beta. Qualified parties only. Not legal, tax, financial, or securities advice. Independent counsel is required before any binding agreement.
How it works
Two sides, one anchor.
Founder
- 1Post a reverse listing: what you're building, your stage, valuation cap, and the equity range you're willing to offer.
- 2Domain holders browse and submit bids — specific domains at specific equity percentages.
- 3Accept the bid you like. Escrow holds the domain until milestones (signing → raise close).
Domain holder
- 1Flag domains in your portfolio as open to equity. Set your minimum cap, preferred categories, and founder gates.
- 2Browse projects that match your criteria. Bid your domain with an equity ask + optional cash floor.
- 3Accepted bids go to milestone-based escrow. You get the equity, the founder gets the domain — gradually.
The anchor
Neither side negotiates blind.
names.dev scores every identity 0–100 across twelve dimensions — brandability, surface coverage, risk, price sanity, and acquisition difficulty — then prepares a non-binding discussion range against the company’s valuation cap and stage.
The number isn’t binding. It’s a starting point so the conversation isn’t “I think it’s worth 10%” vs “I think it’s worth 0.1%.”
Example anchor
- Stage
- Pre-seed
- Valuation cap
- $8M post
- Cash sweetener
- —
- Suggested equity
- 2.40%
Range 1.20% – 4.80% · cash-equivalent ~ $192k
Anchor only. Not financial advice. Both parties should consult counsel.
Live signal
Projects looking for the right name.
No active listings yet. Be the first.
Post a projectSafe by structure
Built so neither side gets burned.
Milestone escrow
Domains transfer on milestones — signing → raise close → 12-month vest. The holder doesn't release until the deal cures.
Standard templates
SAFE-style equity, fixed-form domain assignment agreements, and milestone schedules — pre-reviewed by counsel, free to adapt.
Two-sided reputation
Both sides build a track record: deals closed, deals honored, equity outcomes. Reputation gates access to premium inventory.
Name the next great company.
Or, if you’re the builder — find the name that’s hiding in someone else’s portfolio.