Michael Berkens: A Pioneer and Visionary in Domain Name Investing
- by Staff
Michael H. Berkens stands as a testament to the transformative potential of domain name investing. A graduate of the City University of New York at Brooklyn College, Stetson College of Law, and the University of Florida, Berkens has combined his educational background with an entrepreneurial spirit to redefine the domain name industry.
In 1997, he founded Worldwide Media Inc., an organization that managed an impressive portfolio of over 75,000 domain names. This company became a significant player in the domain name market, reflecting Berkens’ acumen in identifying valuable digital real estate. Worldwide Media was not just a passive repository of domain names; it actively engaged in the market through its retail site, selling domain names and contributing to the evolving landscape of online business.
Berkens’ expertise and influence extended beyond his company. As the co-founder and managing director of Right of the Dot, LLC, he provided strategic consulting and advisement to clients on TLD strategy, market positioning, and sales. This role further cemented his status as a leader in the domain industry, capable of navigating its complex and ever-changing dynamics.
In a landmark move, Berkens sold the majority of his domain portfolio to GoDaddy in 2016, a deal that consisted of approximately 70,000 domain names, including high-value ones like 373.com and Faculty.com. This sale, valued at $35 million, was not just a business transaction but a milestone in the domain name industry. It underscored Berkens’ success in building a valuable asset and his ability to capitalize on it strategically.
Beyond his business accomplishments, Berkens has been a significant voice in the domain community. His blog, TheDomains.com, is a leading news website in the domain name industry, offering insights, analysis, and commentary on the latest trends and developments. His contributions to the domain community were recognized when he was awarded Domainer of the Year in 2009 and inducted into the Domain Hall of Fame.
Michael Berkens’ journey in the domain name industry is a story of vision, perseverance, and strategic acumen. From the founding of Worldwide Media Inc. to the sale of his portfolio to GoDaddy, Berkens has not just participated in the industry; he has helped shape it. His legacy is that of a pioneer who saw the potential in digital real estate long before many others and capitalized on it to build a formidable business empire.
Michael H. Berkens stands as a testament to the transformative potential of domain name investing. A graduate of the City University of New York at Brooklyn College, Stetson College of Law, and the University of Florida, Berkens has combined his educational background with an entrepreneurial spirit to redefine the domain name industry. In 1997, he…