Funding

A Delhi-based app developer has made headlines by purchasing the domain name JioHotstar.com, anticipating a merger between Reliance JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar. In a heartfelt letter posted on the newly acquired website, the developer expressed his hope that Reliance Industries would fund his higher education in exchange for the domain. http:// Someone bought the JioHotstar domain (before the merger) and wants Reliance to fund their higher studies from domain sale. Really hope they can get a good payout from this! pic.twitter.com/uBjvgVgqZG — pea bee (@prstb) October 23, 2024 NEWSLETTER AT: https://jiohotstar.com/ The developer, who identifies as “a dreamer,” outlined his motivations in the letter. He noted that after noticing reports of declining user engagement on Disney+ Hotstar due to the loss of the IPL streaming rights, he speculated that a merger with a strong Indian competitor was likely. Given that Viacom18, owned by Reliance, was already seeking to strengthen its position, he believed it was plausible they would acquire Disney+ Hotstar. Reflecting on Reliance’s past acquisitions, like that of the music streaming service Saavn, the developer realized that Jio could rebrand Hotstar as JioHotstar.com. He decided to secure the domain, seeing it as a potential funding source for his aspiration to study at Cambridge University. In his letter, he shared that he had previously participated in a Cambridge startup program that profoundly impacted him, igniting his passion for entrepreneurship. However, he faced financial challenges in pursuing a full degree at Cambridge, which he described as prohibitively expensive. With the recent confirmation of the merger, the developer believes JioHotstar.com could serve as an ideal brand for the newly formed entity, blending the identities of both platforms while ensuring a smooth transition for current users. He invited Reliance executives to reach out via an official company email to discuss acquiring the domain, emphasizing that for a large corporation, the cost would be minimal, but for him, it would be transformative. As for the merger itself, it is expected to finalize by early November, following the necessary regulatory approvals. This merger will create a significant media powerhouse in India, valued at approximately $8.5 billion, consolidating the assets of Viacom18 with those of Disney’s Star India. In his closing remarks, the developer reiterated his hopes for a response from Reliance, underscoring how the sale of the domain could change his life for the better.