D3

D3 Global, Inc. is a technology firm focused on integrating traditional internet domain name systems (DNS) with Web3 ecosystems. Founded in 2023 by Fred Hsu, Michael Ho, and Paul Stahura, the company aims to address inefficiencies in the $350 billion domain industry, such as slow transaction processes and a lack of liquidity. The leadership team brings decades of collective experience from the domain industry, having been involved in the launch and management of approximately 50 Top-Level Domains (TLDs) like .xyz, .link, .inc, and .tv.

The company's core offering is centered around the concept of "DomainFi," which involves tokenizing domains to convert them into programmable, real-world assets on the blockchain. This is facilitated by their Doma Protocol, a purpose-built, ICANN-compliant blockchain designed to modernize the domain industry. By tokenizing domains, D3 enables new functionalities such as fractional ownership, using domains as collateral for loans, and simplified trading on marketplaces, thereby increasing liquidity and monetization opportunities for domain owners. This approach targets the 362 million+ existing domains and future ones, bridging the gap between Web2 and Web3.

D3's business model involves creating a new financial ecosystem around domains. They provide the infrastructure for domain registrars and individuals to tokenize domains, creating new revenue streams through financial applications. The company serves a range of clients, including domain registrars, domain investors, developers, and Web3 communities. For instance, they partner with registrars like EnCirca to bring tokenization capabilities to their customers. Additionally, D3 collaborates with major blockchain ecosystems like Solana and Avalanche to create and manage new Web3-native TLDs, such as the proposed .APE and .NEAR domains.

CEO and Co-founder Fred Hsu has over two decades of experience in technology, having co-founded and scaled companies like Oversee.net, a pioneer in domain-related services, and Manage.com, which was acquired by Criteo. Co-founder Michael Ho previously worked as an early-stage investor and in investment banking at Goldman Sachs. Co-founder and Advisor Paul Stahura is a notable entrepreneur in the domain industry, as the co-founder of eNom and Donuts Inc., which became the largest registry of new gTLDs. This experienced team has secured significant funding, including a $5 million seed round in 2023 and a $25 million Series A round in January 2025, led by Paradigm with participation from Coinbase Ventures and other notable investors.

Keywords: DomainFi, domain tokenization, Web3 domains, ICANN compliant, Doma Protocol, decentralized identity, digital assets, domain name system, TLD management, blockchain infrastructure, real-world assets, domain monetization, crypto communities, digital real estate, NFT domains, interoperable domains, Fred Hsu, Paul Stahura, Web3 infrastructure, on-chain marketplace