The Ambitious App Developer
In a surprising twist, JioHotstar.com is owned not by Reliance or Star India, but by a Delhi-based app developer with dreams of studying at Cambridge. With the potential merger between Star India’s Disney+ Hotstar and Viacom18, he saw a golden opportunity and purchased the domain, hoping Reliance would buy it from him.
Seizing the Opportunity
The app developer’s journey began in early 2023 when he noted Disney+ Hotstar’s declining user base following the loss of IPL streaming rights. He speculated that with the approval of the merger between Star India and Viacom18, Reliance might be looking to rebrand Hotstar. Drawing from past experiences, such as Reliance’s acquisition of Saavn, he quickly snatched up JioHotstar.com, envisioning a lucrative sale.
A Dream of Cambridge
The developer, having participated in Cambridge’s Accelerate program in 2021, dreams of pursuing a full degree in entrepreneurship there. He believes that selling the domain could finance his studies, making it not just a strategic business move but a life-changing opportunity.
Hoping for a Merger
As the merger between Disney+ Hotstar and Viacom18 approaches, the app developer is optimistic. He argues that JioHotstar.com would be an ideal brand name for the merged entity, preserving brand equity and offering a seamless transition for users. He has even reached out to Reliance, requesting a payment of £93,345, but so far, his proposal has been denied, and legal action has been initiated against him for trademark infringement.
A Waiting Game
Now, the young entrepreneur waits with a mix of excitement and anxiety, hoping that Reliance will reconsider his offer. For him, this is more than just a domain; it represents a chance to realize his academic ambitions and make a mark in the tech world.
Conclusion
As this story unfolds, it highlights the unpredictable nature of the digital landscape and the lengths individuals will go to turn opportunities into realities. Whether Reliance will ultimately purchase the domain remains to be seen, but for the Delhi student, the stakes are high, and the dream of studying at Cambridge hangs in the balance.
