Investor Sentiment Index Survey of Domainer Interest in Round 2 Premiums

As ICANN gears up for the long-awaited second application round of new gTLDs, scheduled to begin within the next couple of years, domain investors—also known as domainers—are paying close attention to what this new wave will mean for premium domain opportunities. A recent survey of experienced domain investors across multiple geographies and portfolio sizes reveals a nuanced sentiment landscape, capturing both enthusiasm and hesitation surrounding premium domain strategies in the upcoming round. This informal but data-rich investor sentiment index offers insight into how the domain investment community is preparing for the next generation of digital real estate, particularly as it pertains to reserved and premium inventory.

The general tone among seasoned domainers is cautiously optimistic. Unlike the speculative frenzy that accompanied the 2012 launch round, today’s investors are approaching Round 2 with a more analytical mindset. They have learned from the successes and missteps of the past decade—many watched some new gTLDs flourish while others stagnated, despite similarly ambitious marketing and keyword relevance. This historical data has informed investor strategies, shifting focus toward gTLDs with strong vertical integration potential, semantic clarity, and long-term brand alignment rather than generic appeal alone.

Premium domains are at the heart of this investor calculus. The survey shows that over 70% of respondents believe that meaningful opportunities still exist in Round 2 premium allocations, particularly in underdeveloped or newly trending sectors such as AI, mental health, decentralized finance, sustainable technology, and creator economy tools. Domains like “coach.health,” “wallet.chain,” or “creator.media” are examples of the type of brand-forward, category-killer names investors are targeting. However, they also emphasize the importance of pricing realism from registries. Excessive premium pricing during Round 1, where five-figure price tags were attached to domains with uncertain market demand, left many investors holding illiquid assets. In response, there is strong demand for better tiering, introductory pricing, or data-backed release schedules in the new round.

Geographic focus is another dimension shaping sentiment. Many investors expressed interest in TLDs tailored for emerging markets, citing the untapped potential of regions such as Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. These regions are experiencing rapid digitalization, but were largely underserved by the first round of new gTLDs in terms of relevant premium inventory and localized marketing. Domains like “finanzas.lat” or “agro.africa” are now seen as compelling long-term bets. Still, the investors caution that demand in these regions will be price-sensitive, requiring registries to abandon the one-size-fits-all pricing strategy that characterized much of Round 1.

Brandability and voice usability emerged as major factors influencing premium domain selection. With the rise of voice search, AI assistants, and mobile-first interactions, investors are increasingly prioritizing one-word, easy-to-pronounce domains. The survey data shows that over 60% of premium-focused domainers now evaluate domains based on phonetic clarity and “radio test” viability—criteria once more associated with naming agencies than domain trading. As a result, TLDs like .app, .tech, .media, and .cloud continue to receive high favorability ratings due to their contextual clarity and adaptability across devices and platforms.

However, skepticism remains regarding registry practices around premium inventory. Many investors pointed to lack of transparency in reserved name lists, opaque reclassification of standard domains into premium tiers post-launch, and inconsistent communication around renewal pricing. These concerns were particularly acute among respondents who had acquired names under the assumption of standard renewals only to discover years later that the registry had changed the terms. To regain investor confidence, survey participants overwhelmingly support the inclusion of stricter disclosure requirements and standardized premium pricing commitments in the Round 2 Applicant Guidebook. Investors want clarity not just at purchase, but throughout the lifecycle of the domain.

The role of the secondary market was another point of interest. Several investors noted that premium domains from Round 1 only reached significant aftermarket liquidity after substantial end-user awareness campaigns by registries or successful case studies in the wild. For Round 2, domainers want registries to invest more heavily in demand stimulation—through targeted marketing, startup grants, and industry partnerships that showcase real-world adoption. The belief is that a healthy aftermarket can only exist if primary market adoption is driven by actual use, not speculative accumulation.

A notable divide in sentiment was seen between large portfolio investors and small-scale domainers. Larger investors, who typically operate with broader exposure and more advanced analytics, showed stronger enthusiasm and preparedness for Round 2 premiums. They are already identifying thematic opportunities, engaging in early-stage registry partnerships, and deploying machine learning tools to forecast value across TLDs. Smaller domainers, on the other hand, were more hesitant. Many reported being burned by underperforming Round 1 domains and expressed concern about affordability, competition, and the complexity of premium acquisition processes.

Still, both groups agreed on one key point: Round 2 presents a rare window of opportunity for strategic domain acquisitions in a digital landscape that is far more mature than it was a decade ago. While most of the best .com real estate has long been claimed, the new gTLD environment remains dynamic and underexploited. With better tools, more end-user understanding, and improved registry transparency, investors see a path toward smarter, more sustainable premium domain portfolios.

In summary, the investor sentiment index around Round 2 premium domains reflects a blend of experience-driven caution and forward-looking ambition. Domainers remain highly engaged and see potential for strong returns, but they are demanding more thoughtful registry practices, transparent pricing structures, and market-development efforts to ensure success. As ICANN finalizes policy frameworks and registries prepare their applications, this investor feedback could shape not just the success of Round 2, but the broader trajectory of premium domain name investment in the years to come.

As ICANN gears up for the long-awaited second application round of new gTLDs, scheduled to begin within the next couple of years, domain investors—also known as domainers—are paying close attention to what this new wave will mean for premium domain opportunities. A recent survey of experienced domain investors across multiple geographies and portfolio sizes reveals…