Freename‘s mission is to empower users with decentralized domain names and top-level domains (TLDs) on blockchain networks.
Freename provides ownership, control, and monetization opportunities without traditional registry restrictions, enabling its users to create, trade, and utilize Web3 domains for websites, digital identities, and other applications. It is also an ICANN-accredited domain registrar of traditional domains, a first in the industry.
We interviewed Freename CEO and co-founder, Davide Vicini, asking questions that will hopefully help establish a better understanding of the company and its services.
🌟 Freename.io stands out as the first Web3 registrar to achieve ICANN accreditation. How does this recognition impact your company’s ability to bridge traditional DNS systems with the decentralized Web3 ecosystem? What challenges did you face in achieving this milestone?
Davide Vicini – Freename: We believe that traditional and Web3 domains must have technological reciprocity, meaning both should function within their respective ecosystems. The ICANN Registrar license allows us to bridge Web2 domain names on-chain, enabling them to leverage Web3 utilities. At the same time, it allows us to introduce Web3-native names to a traditional audience, making them usable with conventional tools such as website builders, emails, and payment methods.
🌟 Blockchain is often criticized for being complex for the average user. How is Freename addressing accessibility and user-friendliness to ensure that a wider audience can adopt Web3 domains and utilize them effectively?
Davide Vicini – Freename: Indeed, many blockchain-based applications are complex and primarily cater to advanced users. However, traditional domain management can also be challenging for retail users and those outside the industry. At Freename, we design products to be as intuitive and streamlined as possible. We achieve this by embedding a wallet into each account through integration with recognized wallet custody services, supporting various wallet payment systems, and launching a comprehensive browser extension that enables Web3 domain functionality on all major browsers. Additionally, our iOS app allows DNS records to be picked up on-chain and used seamlessly in Safari.
🌟 Freename isn’t just a registrar but a provider of Web3 DNS technologies. What are some innovative use cases you’re developing for on-chain domains beyond traditional websites? How do you see this advancing the adoption of decentralized systems?
Davide Vicini – Freename: Web3 domain functionality extends far beyond websites. In the traditional domain space, there are approximately 380 million domain names since the late 1980s, whereas blockchain has over 600 million wallets in a much shorter time span. This highlights a vast opportunity—wallets need names! Web3 domains serve as an easily interpretable system for wallet identification, much like traditional domains do for IP addresses.
Functionally, users of traditional domains rely on them for websites and emails, while Web3 users leverage their wallets for payments, DAO voting, NFT and RWA (Real-World Asset) interactions, smart contract execution, and more. We believe that Web3 domains will become an integral part of digital identity and blockchain-based interactions.
🌟 Freename’s joint venture with ShortDot, WebUnited, focuses on integrating blockchain technology with traditional Web2 domains. Can you share specific examples or success stories of how this collaboration has impacted the adoption of Web3 domains? What role do you see WebUnited playing in shaping the future of the domain industry?
Davide Vicini – Freename: This joint venture aims to bring Web3 technology and capabilities to traditional registrars. Through a simple API connection, we provide registrars with the tools to offer “mirroring” capabilities for the traditional domains they sell and manage. This means that registrars using Freename’s mirroring APIs can enable Web3 functionalities for their clients’ Web2 domain names.
A key milestone for WebUnited was its successful integration with Domain Cost Club in 2024, which launched mirroring services for traditional domains. We believe WebUnited will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the domain industry by making Web3 features more accessible to mainstream users.
🌟 With the rise of Web3, competition among registrars is inevitable and regulation is tightening globally. How does Freename differentiate itself in a competitive and evolving market? What is your stance on the regulatory challenges that come with blockchain-based domains?
Davide Vicini – Freename: Freename prioritizes security and the stability of the Web3 internet and domain industry. Our approach focuses on avoiding conflicts with other major Web3 registrars, fostering industry-wide dialogue, collaborating with ICANN, and equipping stakeholders with the tools necessary for overseeing activities in the Web3 space. By actively engaging in regulatory discussions and maintaining compliance, we aim to ensure a sustainable sound future for blockchain-based domains.
🌟 Freename has introduced groundbreaking innovations like tokenized domains and the integration of Web2 and Web3 through WebUnited. How have customers responded to these developments, and what type of feedback have you received that’s shaping your future roadmap?
Davide Vicini – Freename: As we continue to develop and introduce new utilities—whether cross-technology (Web2 to Web3 and vice versa) or Web3-specific—we’ve observed strong adoption and appreciation from our customers. There is a clear demand for Web2 domains with Web3 functionalities and for traditional DNS to incorporate Web3 domain resolution, not just for website hosting but also for wallet interactions.
Additionally, we see growing interest in the financial aspects of the domain industry. Many customers are eager for more liquid secondary markets and revenue-generating utilities for their domains. This feedback plays a key role in shaping our roadmap as we focus on enhancing domain finance solutions and further expanding Web3 integration.
Thank you Davide for the interview, with special thanks to Matthias Kiefer for arranging it.
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