What to know

  • OpenAI has acquired the iconic domain Chat.com, which now redirects users directly to ChatGPT
  • The domain was previously owned by HubSpot co-founder Dharmesh Shah, who had purchased it for $15.5 million in 2023
  • While the exact purchase price remains undisclosed, Shah indicated he received OpenAI shares as part of the deal and sold it for more than his purchase price.

In a strategic move to enhance its AI accessibility, OpenAI has acquired (via TechCrunch) one of the internet’s oldest and most recognizable domains, Chat.com.

The company’s CEO Sam Altman announced with a tweet that read “Chat.com,” creating quite a buzz in the tech world.

The domain, first registered in September 1996 was purchased by HubSpot’s co-founder and CTO Dharmesh Shah in 2023 for a staggering $15.5 million, marking one of the largest publicly reported domain sales in history.

Shah recently confirmed selling it to OpenAI, revealing that he received company shares as part of the transaction.

Currently, anyone visiting Chat.com is automatically redirected to ChatGPT, OpenAI’s AI chatbot. The company clarifies that this acquisition isn’t about creating a new brand but rather about expanding access points for ChatGPT.

The acquisition of such a valuable digital asset, featuring the premium “Chat” keyword highly sought after in the tech industry, showcases OpenAI’s determination to make artificial intelligence more accessible and recognizable to a broader audience.

While OpenAI remains tight-lipped about the specific financial details of the purchase, the deal represents a significant milestone in the company’s growth strategy.