OpenAI has made a strategic acquisition of the iconic Chat.com domain, reflecting the company's commitment to simplifying branding and developing intuitive chat experiences in the AI space.
Acquisition of Chat.com
Historical deal
OpenAI became the owner of one of the oldest Internet domains, Chat.com, whose history began in September 1996.
Previous transaction
Previously, the domain was owned by Dharmesh Shah, founder and CTO of HubSpot, who purchased it for $15.5 million. A short time later, Shah announced the sale of the domain at a higher price, without initially disclosing the name of the buyer.
Technology Vision
In a post on LinkedIn, Shah shared his vision: “Chat interfaces are becoming a key area of software development Interacting with computer systems through natural language greatly simplifies communication, made possible by advances in generative artificial intelligence."
Deal Details
Shah later confirmed the sale of the domain to OpenAI, allegedly receiving payment in the form of company shares. Sam Altman announced the new address on Twitter without further comment.
Rebranding Strategy
The acquisition of the chat.com domain is in line with OpenAI's new focus on brand renewal. In September, the company introduced a new line of “reasoning models,” starting with the “o1” version. According to former chief scientist Bob McGrew, this is the first step toward creating a more meaningful nomenclature that better reflects a company's performance.
Glossary
- OpenAI is a leading artificial intelligence company, creator of ChatGPT
- HubSpot - platform for online marketing and customer relationship management
- Dharmesh Shah - Founder and CTO of HubSpot
- Sam Altman - CEO of OpenAI
- Bob McGrew - Former Chief Scientist of OpenAI
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Discussion of the topic – OpenAI acquires legendary Chat.com domain for record amount
OpenAI has become the owner of one of the oldest domains on the Internet, Chat.com, which was previously purchased by the founder of HubSpot for $15.5 million and resold for a higher price
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Pierre_Dubois
Wow, 15.5 million for a domain! 🤔 But if you look at AI development trends, this can turn out to be a very profitable investment. Chat-based interfaces are truly becoming the future of technology interaction.
Isabella_Romano
I agree with Pierre! I work in IT, and my clients are increasingly asking about chat interfaces. The transition from GPT to o1 sounds intriguing, it looks like they are preparing something revolutionary 🚀
Hans_Weber
OpenAI is clearly on to something with this rebranding. I wonder how chat.com will fit into their ecosystem? Perhaps they are planning to launch some new product?
Viktor_Kowalski
Pfft, another waste of money 🙄 All this hype about AI and chats is just a bubble. In my time, people worked normally without any chatbots or artificial intelligence.
Maria_Garcia
Viktor, technology does not stand still! ChatGPT is already used by millions of people. And such a simple domain as chat.com is ideal for a mass product 💫
Hans_Weber
Maria is right! Yesterday I showed my grandmother how to use the chat interface - she mastered it in 5 minutes. It's really intuitive 👍
Isabella_Romano
Oh yes! My team has been testing the new o1 models, they work much smarter with context. I think chat.com will be the entry point into a new era of AI communications ✨
Pierre_Dubois
Isabella, can you share your impressions of o1? Interesting to compare with the current GPT 🤓