In a bold move signaling its ambitious expansion plans, OpenAI, the company behind the revolutionary AI chatbot ChatGPT, has acquired the highly sought-after domain ‘chat.com’. Previously owned by Dharmesh Shah, founder and CTO of HubSpot, the acquisition is seen as a major step for OpenAI in reinforcing its flagship product.
The news broke on Wednesday when OpenAI CEO Sam Altman posted a brief message on X (formerly Twitter): “chat.com.” The domain now redirects to the ChatGPT website. Shah later confirmed the sale, suggesting that OpenAI may have exchanged OpenAI shares for the domain.
This acquisition comes as OpenAI continues to ramp up its growth, following its transition from a non-profit to a for-profit organization. The shift has sparked a financial and governance debate, particularly with Microsoft, which is a key investor in the company. Despite the controversies, OpenAI’s valuation has skyrocketed to $157 billion in its latest funding round, and the company is expected to raise the price of ChatGPT over the next five years.
The acquisition of chat.com coincides with the recent release of ChatGPT Search, a new feature allowing the AI to retrieve and process real-world information such as news, sports scores, and stock quotes.
By securing chat.com, OpenAI signals its ongoing commitment to solidifying its dominance in the fast-evolving AI industry. This strategic move is a clear indication that the company is intent on scaling its reach and influence, marking another milestone in its aggressive growth trajectory.
