In an unexpected move, a Delhi-based app developer secured the domain JioHotstar.com in anticipation of a merger between Reliance JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar. This speculative purchase has made headlines as the developer aims to leverage it to fund his studies at Cambridge University. Addressing Reliance executives through an open letter on the domain, he expressed his willingness to exchange the domain for financial aid for his education.
The developer explains that the idea came to his mind after noticing the declining user base of Disney+Hotstar, especially after losing the IPL streaming rights. While predicting that Reliance may acquire Hotstar, he compared the potential rebranding to the JioSaavn acquisition, which had seen a similar domain change.
Aiming for Cambridge: A dreamer’s story
The app developer, who describes himself as a “dreamer” in the letter, shares his point of view Inspiration behind the purchase. After attending Cambridge University’s Accelerate program in 2021, he was inspired by the experience and has since aspired to pursue a full degree at the prestigious institution. However, Cambridge’s high cost has made this goal challenging.
He saw the JioHotstar domain as a potential opportunity to turn his dream into reality. “For a billion-dollar company like Reliance, this would be a minor expense, but for me, the sale of this domain would be truly life-changing,” he wrote in his appeal to Reliance.
Merger: India’s Media Powerhouse
Set to be completed by November 2024, the merger between Reliance JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar is expected to create India’s largest media conglomerate with a valuation of $8.5 billion. The deal has received regulatory approvals including from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) and the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).
For the app developer, the timely forecast and domain purchase could be the windfall he needs to fulfill his Cambridge dreams.
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