DomainSherpa.com DomainSherpa - Sherpa Shorts - April 9, 2026: Rick and the Beanstalk
Apr 10, 2026
Rick Schwartz, veteran domain investor known as the Domain King, launched the Beanstalk Challenge to have builders create businesses on his premium domains with big prizes like a Bentley. He explains the contest structure, prize roadmap, selection and judging process. They also discuss AI-powered rapid site building and how the project aims to grow awareness of domain value.
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Bentley Sparked The Beanstalk Idea
- Rick found a 2010 Bentley in his garage with ~6,500 miles and decided he'd rather give it away than undersell it.
- That accidental decision sparked the original "Win Domain Kings Bentley" idea which evolved into the Beanstalk Challenge.
Yearly Prize Ladder To Grow Awareness
- Rick plans a multi-year prize ladder to expand reach from domain investors to mainstream companies.
- Prizes escalate from the Bentley to a Corvette, McLaren and potentially a $2M condo to create headline momentum.
Revenue And Exit Terms For Builders
- Builders take a domain, build and fund the site; after break-even revenue is split 50/50 until contest end.
- For breakout projects Rick negotiates either an 80/20 equity split or domain sale splits spelled out in the terms.