What to Name Your Tech Startup

It’s harder than you think:

Even if you could say Abazab or Eefoof without snickering, would you want to do business with them?
Would you feel OK owning Wakoopa shares in your 401(k)? Telling potential in-laws you met on Frengo? Relying on Ooma to call Grandma?
Silicon Valley is in the midst of a great corporate baby boom. Venture capitalists have pumped $2.5 billion into 400 young Internet companies since the beginning of 2006, compared with $1.3 billion into 236 companies during the previous two years, according to research firm Dow Jones VentureOne.
These entrepreneurial brainchildren have short life expectancies, destined to fight for revenue with the likes of Google, Yahoo and eBay. But still they are being born — and they need names.
Naming a company is far more difficult than naming a child. The name needs to sound snappy, separate its young company from the pack and provide a unique Web address.
Having two Ethans and three Madisons in a kindergarten class can create confusion, even embarrassment, but giving your startup a name that’s already taken guarantees a legal fight you can’t win.

Blogs aren’t any easier. I spent days trying to come up with this one. I was THIS close to going with Fiscal Graffiti, but I figured the Led Zep reference might not be a good idea.
Still, I snagged the URL. (See.)

Posted by on September 4th, 2007 at 10:04 am


The information in this blog post represents my own opinions and does not contain a recommendation for any particular security or investment. I or my affiliates may hold positions or other interests in securities mentioned in the Blog, please see my Disclaimer page for my full disclaimer.