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Strategic Domain Acquisition: OpenAI buys chatgpt.com domain, previously owned by HubSpot’s Dharmesh Shah, for an undisclosed price.
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Branding Simplification: Move aligns with OpenAI’s rebranding efforts, streamlining user experience and solidifying ChatGPT’s position.
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AI Industry Trend: Acquisition reflects growing trend of AI companies investing in “vanity domains” for simpler branding.
OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has acquired the chatgpt.com domain, marking a significant shift in its branding strategy. The domain, previously owned by HubSpot’s founder and CTO Dharmesh Shah, was initially purchased by Shah for $15.5 million in early 2023.
While the exact sale price remains undisclosed, Shah confirmed he sold it for a higher price, potentially receiving compensation in OpenAI shares. This acquisition aligns with OpenAI’s recent rebranding moves, including the introduction of its “o1” model series.
The purchase reflects a broader trend among AI companies investing in “vanity domains” for simpler branding. OpenAI’s recent $6.6 billion fundraising demonstrates its willingness to invest heavily in streamlining its brand identity and user experience.
