The first step in any new gTLD journey is the most crucial: the feasibility study. Here we help clients separate ambition from noise, opportunity from risk, and strategy from speculation. The new gTLD programme is not simply about registering another domain name extension; it is an application for a licence to operate part of the internet's core infrastructure.
Compared to the 2012 round, ICANN has significantly expanded its requirements. The Applicant Guidebook now contains more than 200 questions covering technical, financial, legal, operational, and policy dimensions. A feasibility analysis maps these requirements against your organisation's current capabilities and identifies the gaps, risks, and investment needed to submit a credible application.
Our feasibility analysis addresses eight dimensions. Organisation readiness: does your organisation have the governance structure, budget authority, and internal sponsorship needed for a multi-year application and operation commitment? String selection strategy: what TLD string(s) should you apply for, and what is the risk of contention from other applicants for the same string? Financial requirements: what are the total costs (ICANN evaluation fees, registry infrastructure, advisory costs, and ongoing operational expenses) and how do they compare to the strategic value of the TLD? Technical infrastructure: will you operate your own registry or contract with a third-party provider, and what are the implications of each model?
Partner selection landscape: who are the potential registry service providers and what differentiates them? Application timeline: what preparation is needed and how does it map against the submission window? Regulatory risk: are there geographic, cultural, or trademark sensitivities associated with the proposed string that could trigger objections? Comparative assessment: what lessons from the 2012 round are relevant to your specific application profile?
The output is a clear go/no-go recommendation with a cost-benefit summary, a risk register, and a preparation roadmap for applicants who decide to proceed.
Thanks to our streamlined methodology and PitchZone platform, what previously took months can now be completed within days. We structure the analysis to produce actionable output quickly, allowing your organisation to make an informed decision without a prolonged assessment phase consuming management time. For organisations with tight timelines ahead of the April 2026 window opening, this speed is a material advantage.
With our streamlined methodology and PitchZone platform, a feasibility analysis can be completed within days rather than months. The output is a clear go/no-go recommendation with cost-benefit analysis and risk assessment.
Organisation readiness, string selection strategy, financial requirements, technical infrastructure options, partner selection landscape, application timeline, regulatory risk, and a comparative assessment of the 2012 round experience where relevant.
A negative recommendation saves the organisation the full application investment (typically USD 500K to USD 1M in the first year alone). The analysis identifies the specific reasons (cost, risk, timing, or strategic fit) and may recommend alternative approaches such as premium domain acquisitions, brand TLD partnerships, or deferred application in a future round.
The feasibility analysis is offered at a fixed price. For organisations that proceed to full application engagement, the feasibility fee is credited against the advisory engagement fee. This eliminates the risk of paying twice for the same strategic assessment work.
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