Mint.com was purchased during their Series A, well before any traction. It's also the only domain of those four that had significant inherent value. They could

Mint.com was purchased during their Series A, well before any traction. It's also the only domain of those four that had significant inherent value. They could have easily resold Mint.com for a profit. Buying it early gave them the benefits of the great domain and lowered the price they paid. I think what Mint did was brilliant. The only reason I can think of not to buy a $1M asset for $1M is if it eats into your runway. If it doesn't then you're better off if you can.