For decades, domains have been sold like assets.
You either buy them outright or lease-to-own them. Different payment structures, same end result: ownership.
Meanwhile, the software world shifted to SaaS. Businesses became comfortable paying for access instead of owning everything outright.
Next week we're launching Domain Rentals on Atom.
Instead of committing to purchase a domain, businesses can simply pay for the right to use it. Keep it for as long as it creates value. Buy it later if they choose.
I don't expect rentals to replace domain sales.
But if lowering the commitment expands the pool of businesses willing to use premium domains, it could create an entirely new layer of liquidity for domain investors.