New gTLDs are coming, and domain marketplace and monetization provider Sedo is coming prepared after forming a strategic partnership with Starting Dot, an applicant for the new domain extensions .Bio, .Ski, .Archi and .Immo.
Through the partnership, Sedo will run sunrise and landrush auctions for the new extensions, as well as assist with sales and brokerage of premium domains when the registries are approved. The extensions are scheduled to launch in the second half of 2013, along with hundreds of other new gTLDs approved by ICANN.
"Many businesses and individuals have been crowded or priced out of the available domain space, so we carefully selected and applied for extensions we knew could add tremendous value to specific groups and communities around the world," said Godefroy Jordan, CEO at Starting Dot. "Having more than a decade of experience in the premium domain name business, Sedo is a natural partner to help bring these new domains to their rightful communities."
Learn more about the new gTLDs Starting Dot applied for below:
.Bio - This extension has already been approved by ICANN, and is applicable to a variety of industries including biography, bioclimate, organic food and farming. This TLD will be open to anyone looking for a memorable and descriptive domain that is related to their business or community. It is also important to note that anyone interested in .Bio domain names can learn more and express their interest in specific names here.
.Ski - This extension is dedicated to members of the snow sports community, and already has more than 100 ski and snow sport organizations (representing millions of members globally) on board to help operate it.
.Archi - This extension is defined and regulated in collaboration with the International Union of Architects, and is therefore reserved for professional architects. The extension uses restrictive eligibility policies and aims to ensure that standards of professionalism extend to the Internet in order to eliminate false impersonations and ensure public safety.
.Immo - In many European countries this extension translates to the term real estate, which is why this TLD will aim to provide an online platform restricted to real estate professionals. In fact, this extension is supported by some of the largest European real estate associations, firms and websites. In addition, this extension will help consumers identify industry professionals as more real estate transactions originate online.
"Starting Dot has really carved out niche markets in need of their own neighborhoods on the Internet, and has done an unbelievable job building support for the .Bio, .Ski, .Archi and .Immo extensions within their respective communities," said Kathy Nielsen the head of business development for new TLDs at Sedo. "The time is almost here to bring their years of hard work to fruition, and we're excited that Sedo will be a key partner in making that happen and executing on Starting Dot and ICANN's vision."