[darushimo]

My guess is that the discrepancy between the general $10/yr from godaddy and the current $1500 is what's getting to you... My advice would be to try to disregard the "standard" price for a domain and just ask if it's worth it on its own.

One way to look at it: you could say that the "standard" price for a domain name is no longer standard at all--that most (not all, but most) good domain names are already taken, and that "$10/yr" was a historical moment that already passed. However you create the story, it should lead you to ignoring what you think "should" be the case, and help you take full consideration what IS the case.

[jhacks]

Yes. That is likely in my subconscious. Also, I think going above 4 figures makes it "large" (for me) so more difficult to swallow. My co-founder and I have already spent countless hours on the startup, I've spent money on the trademark and even minimal hosting costs. And I know we will have more costs once we launch and get things going (although hopefully we can be break even or cash flow positive as quickly as possible). What's $1.5k at the end of the day?

I think it's going to be worthwhile to buy.