Inside High-Value Domain Deals: An AMA with GoDaddy’s Tom McCarthy
Premium domain names have become far more than marketing tools. For founders, corporate buyers, and investors, they’re increasingly viewed as long-term brand assets that can shape credibility, clarity, and brand strength from day one.
As part of the Internet Commerce Association’s ongoing AMA series, we’re hosting a conversation that goes behind the scenes of how high-value domain deals actually happen.
On Wednesday, February 18 at 1:00 PM ET, the ICA will host an AMA with Tom McCarthy, lead broker for DomainNames.com, GoDaddy’s ultra-premium boutique domain brokerage.
Tom brings more than 20 years of negotiation experience working directly with founders and C-level executives. He spent six consecutive years as GoDaddy’s #1 broker on the Domain Broker Service team and has closed over $75 million in domain sales across more than 7,500 successful negotiations. His work focuses on connecting serious, well-qualified buyers with category-defining domain names through a high-touch, concierge-level approach.
In his current role leading DomainNames.com, Tom works closely with corporate clients, VC-backed startups, and entrepreneurs who view premium domains not as short-term marketing expenses, but as foundational brand assets that compound in value over time. He’s also uniquely positioned to see how buyer behavior has evolved, and what separates successful domain acquisitions from deals that never close.
During the AMA, we’ll explore topics including:
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How premium domain negotiations really work at the highest levels
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What today’s corporate and startup buyers look for in ultra-premium domains
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When it makes sense to invest big in a domain — and when it doesn’t
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Key takeaways from brokering more domains than possibly anyone in the industry
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Tom’s new role as Lead Broker at DomainNames.com, sourcing and vetting high-intent buyers, and key takeaways from brokering more domains than possibly anyone in the industry
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What sellers should know about using a white-glove, exclusive broker vs. managing high-value inventory themselves
This AMA is part of the ICA’s member programming, which offers members direct access to industry leaders, practical insights, and candid discussions that aren’t typically available in public forums.
If you’re interested in conversations like this and the broader work the ICA does to support domain investors and related businesses, you can learn more about ICA membership on our website.