Overview

Financial success often takes centre stage in today’s fast-paced business landscape, with companies measured by their revenues, profitability, and stock performance. But business is about more than just profit. The Fortune “Change the World” list acknowledges that companies can and should use the power of capitalism to address pressing social and environmental challenges. Rather than focusing solely on the bottom line, this list highlights organisations using innovative strategies to drive positive change—proving that businesses can generate profit while also solving some of the world’s most critical problems.

The 2023 edition of the list, the ninth of its kind, features 59 companies chosen by Fortune’s reporters and editors from nearly 250 contenders. This year’s selection comes at a crucial time, following a summer of record-breaking heat and devastating wildfires across the globe. The urgency to combat climate change is front and centre, reflected in the top spot shared by four companies leading the electric vehicle (EV) revolution in the U.S.

The list also celebrates businesses at the forefront of energy efficiency, sustainable practices, and public health. These companies are finding innovative ways to reduce waste, from food to plastic to clothing, and building energy-efficient smart homes. Others are tackling some of society’s most significant challenges, such as refugee crises and workforce education. Walmart, for example, ranked third on the list, is investing in education and upskilling programs that aim to empower both its employees and the broader community, nurturing the next generation of leaders capable of driving meaningful change.

Domain Names and Naming Highlights

Based on our analysis of the companies listed in the Fortune Change the World selection, we have identified the following key highlights in naming and domain name usage.

Domain Names

Out of 51 companies, 48 have chosen the .com extension, adding an extra layer of credibility and professionalism.

Alternative domain extensions like .co, .ai, or .org are often chosen to signal a focus on innovation, technology, or nonprofit work. While these extensions offer availability, the dominance of .com shows that it remains the preferred choice for businesses aiming to build a strong, reliable, and globally recognised online presence.

42 operate on an Exact Brand Match (EBM) domain. EBM domains help enhance brand recognition, prevent confusion, streamline customer engagement and protect against traffic leaks while improving marketing effectiveness.

Only 1 company on our list uses a dash in its domain name. Using hyphens is generally discouraged, as it makes domains harder for users to remember and type accurately. People often overlook the dash, leading to confusion and making it more challenging to locate the website.

Naming 

Descriptive Functionality

Some companies opt for names that clearly describe their core mission or function, making it immediately obvious what they focus on. These names are straightforward and mission-driven.

• Examples: Recykal, Green Homebuilders, Too Good To Go

Global or Expansive Scope

Certain companies choose names that convey a global reach or expansive ambition, often using geographic or corporate terms that suggest large-scale influence and international operations.

• Examples: Walmart, Tencent Holdings, Banco Santander

Personal or Inventive Names

Some businesses choose more personal, inventive, or creative names that stand out and give the brand a human, approachable feel. These names are often catchy and memorable.

• Examples: Wasoko, Bobbie, Cotopaxi

Acronyms or Legacy Brands

Traditional companies often rely on legacy names or acronyms that reflect their long-standing presence, history, or reputation. These names are usually tied to established trust or expertise.

• Examples: JPMorgan Chase, Infosys, WSP Global

Namepicks

Check out our article “How to Name a Unicorn?” for insights on choosing a brand name that can help elevate your startup to unicorn status.

Cotopaxi

Founded in 2014 in Salt Lake City, Utah, Cotopaxi is a U.S.-based public benefit corporation (PBC) and certified B Corporation that designs and sells sustainably made outdoor gear. The company’s mission is to combat extreme poverty through a socially responsible business model. Cotopaxi donates a percentage of its revenue to the Cotopaxi Foundation, supporting global education, health care, and climate solutions initiatives. Cotopaxi drives impactful social and environmental change while inspiring a more responsible outdoor industry by focusing on sustainability in its supply chain, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting fair labour practices.

Interesting Fact: Cotopaxi is named after the Cotopaxi volcano in Ecuador, a revered and sacred peak in the Andes, which inspired the company’s founder to create a brand with a mission to impact the world positively.

Cotopaxi operates on the Exact Brand Match domain Cotopaxi.com, providing a seamless and easily recognisable online presence that enhances brand trust and accessibility.

Organon

Organon is a global healthcare company dedicated to improving women’s health, with a mission to provide impactful medicines and solutions that enhance everyday health for women, their families, and communities. Named after the Greek word “organon,” meaning “instrument” or “tool,” the company symbolises its commitment to creating essential solutions that have been missing in women’s healthcare. Organon operates with core values of authenticity, accountability, collaboration, and resilience while fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Its vision is to create a healthier future for every woman through innovation and integrity.

Interesting fact: Organon’s Her Promise Access Initiative helped prevent 57 million unplanned pregnancies, putting the company approximately halfway to its goal of preventing 120 million unplanned pregnancies by 2030.

Organon has invested in the EBM domain Organon.com. The domain ensures seamless communication and engagement with the company’s audience, reflecting its commitment to transparency, innovation, and providing essential healthcare solutions.

Patagonia

Patagonia, Inc. is an American outdoor clothing company founded in 1973 by Yvon Chouinard. Based in Ventura, California, the company is known for its commitment to environmental sustainability and ethical business practices. Specializing in high-quality outdoor apparel and gear for activities like climbing, surfing, and skiing, Patagonia has built a reputation for its durable products and pioneering efforts in corporate responsibility. The company donates a significant portion of its profits to environmental causes and advocates for conservation efforts, solidifying its role as a leader in sustainable business practices.

Interesting Fact: The name “Patagonia” for the company was inspired by the 1968 film Mountain of Storms, which documented the journey of five friends who travelled to the remote region of Patagonia to climb Cerro Fitz Roy. The founders chose “Patagonia” because it evoked romantic, adventurous visions of wild landscapes and rugged mountains—representing the company’s outdoor spirit and a far-off, mythical land, much like Timbuktu or Shangri-La. The name has since become synonymous with exploration and environmental stewardship.

As we began to make more and more clothes, we needed to find a name for our clothing line. Why not “Chouinard?” We already had a good image going, why start from scratch? We had two reasons against it. First, we didn’t want to dilute the image of Chouinard as a tool company by making clothing under that label. And second, we didn’t want our clothes to be associated only with mountain climbing. To most people, especially then, Patagonia was a name like Timbuktu or Shangri-La, far-off, interesting, not quite on the map. Patagonia brings to mind, as we once wrote in a catalogue introduction, “romantic visions of glaciers tumbling into fjords, jagged windswept peaks, gauchos and condors.” It’s been a good name for us, and it can be pronounced in every language.    

The founder of Patagonia, Yvon Chouinard

As a global brand, Patagonia has chosen a matching global domain – Patagonia.com. This strategic choice ensures consistency across all digital platforms, reinforcing customer trust and making it easier for consumers to engage with the brand’s values and product offerings.

Trimble

Trimble Inc. is an American technology company specialising in software, hardware, and services that support industries such as building and construction, agriculture, geospatial, and transportation. Founded in 1978 by Charles Trimble and partners from Hewlett-Packard, the company has grown from its early beginnings in Los Altos, California, to become a global leader in industrial technology solutions. Known for developing advanced tools like GNSS receivers, UAVs, and laser rangefinders, Trimble has expanded through strategic acquisitions and innovations, including partnerships with Caterpillar and Boston Dynamics. In 2016, the company rebranded from Trimble Navigation Limited to Trimble Inc., reflecting its broader focus beyond navigation. With a commitment to technological innovation, Trimble relocated its headquarters to Westminster, Colorado, in 2022 and continues to drive advancements in industries worldwide.

Interesting Fact: Trimble transforms industries by integrating physical and digital technologies, like GNSS receivers and UAVs, to make workflows in agriculture, construction, and transportation more precise, efficient, and sustainable, helping to shape a more connected world.

Trimble has chosen to operate on the Trimble.com domain, a perfect match for their brand name. This strategic choice simplifies finding and engaging with the company online and enhances their global reach and credibility. 

Wasoko

Wasoko is a transformative company revolutionising access to essential goods and services across Africa by connecting small, informal retailers to the digital economy. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, Wasoko enables shopkeepers to order products anytime through SMS or a mobile app, receiving free same-day delivery from localised warehouses. This model simplifies the supply chain for retailers and ensures that manufacturers’ goods reach remote areas consistently. Wasoko also provides valuable data, business insights, and access to credit and financial services, empowering small shops to thrive in a traditionally underserved market. The company has expanded its operations across eight regions and secured over $20 million in funding, highlighting its significant impact on Africa’s retail and e-commerce landscape.

Interesting Fact: In 2022, the company rebranded from Sokowatch to Wasoko, driven by the desire to reflect its broader mission and growing impact across Africa. While “Sokowatch” emphasised their initial focus on revolutionising informal retail through digital tools, “Wasoko”—derived from “soko,” meaning market in Swahili—represents a deeper connection to African markets and communities, aligning with the company’s goal of empowering small retailers across the continent and expanding their services beyond just product distribution to include financial and business insights.

Wasoko has secured Wasoko.com for their brand presence online. An exact brand match .com name is the natural choice of most internet users, making their marketing most effective across all channels.

While we make every effort to ensure the data on our site is accurate, complete, and up-to-date, we cannot guarantee its reliability. Our data is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal, financial, or other advice. We strongly recommend that you independently verify any information before relying on it.

A premium domain name can make all the difference in building a successful brand. If you want to take your business to the next level, consider investing in a premium domain name. Contact us today for more information and assistance in finding the perfect domain for your brand.

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