The $70 Million Domain: The Story of AI.com
Introduction – The Biggest Domain Sale in Internet History
In the digital world, a domain name is like a piece of land. In 2026, the internet witnessed what became known as the largest domain sale in its history. The domain AI.com was sold for 70 million US dollars, which is more than 2,100 crore Sri Lankan rupees. Behind this remarkable sale lies a surprising and inspiring story that began more than three decades ago.
The Man Behind the Domain – Arsyan Ismail
The person behind this historic deal is a Malaysian technology entrepreneur named Arsyan Ismail. His journey with AI.com began in 1993. At that time, he was only 10 years old. He decided to purchase the domain name AI.com for a very simple reason. The letters “AI” matched the initials of his name, Arsyan Ismail. Back then, the world barely knew anything about Artificial Intelligence. The term did not carry the power or meaning it does today.
Using his mother’s credit card, he purchased the domain for around 100 US dollars. It was a small investment made by a young boy, with no idea that one day it would become one of the most valuable digital assets in the world.
A 30-Year Wait – Vision and Patience
Arsyan Ismail held onto the domain for more than 30 years. He did not rush to sell it. Instead, he patiently watched the world change. Over the decades, technology advanced, and Artificial Intelligence slowly became one of the most powerful forces shaping the modern world. While industries transformed and global companies raced toward innovation, he simply waited for the right moment.
The $70 Million Battle – Global Tech Giants Compete
In recent years, some of the world’s biggest companies showed interest in AI.com. In 2023, when people visited AI.com, it redirected directly to ChatGPT, leading many to believe that OpenAI had acquired it. Later, the domain redirected to Elon Musk’s xAI website. By 2025, it was pointing to China’s DeepSeek AI.
In reality, Arsyan Ismail had not sold the domain during those times. Instead, he strategically leased it to the highest bidders or used it as a tool to increase its value. He understood the growing importance of Artificial Intelligence and waited for the perfect opportunity to finalize a permanent deal.
The Final Sale – Crypto.com and Kris Marszalek
The deal was finally completed in April 2025. The buyer was Kris Marszalek, the CEO of Crypto.com. The price was a record-breaking 70 million US dollars, and the entire payment was made using cryptocurrency.
The official announcement came on February 8, 2026, during Super Bowl LX. During the event, Crypto.com officially launched its new AI agent platform through the AI.com website. This moment confirmed one of the most remarkable domain transactions ever recorded.
Why AI.com Is So Valuable
By 2026, the most powerful word in the world of technology is “AI.” A two-letter domain name is extremely rare and incredibly difficult to obtain. Short domains are memorable, strong, and globally recognizable. AI.com represents not just a web address, but the center of a technological revolution.
What makes this story even more extraordinary is the return on investment. A 100-dollar purchase made by a 10-year-old boy eventually turned into a 70 million dollar deal. That is a 700,000 times return.
Essential Points
• AI.com was sold for 70 million US dollars in 2026, making it one of the largest domain sales in internet history.
• Arsyan Ismail purchased the domain in 1993 at the age of 10 for around 100 dollars.
• He held the domain for over 30 years, waiting for the right moment.
• Major companies like OpenAI, xAI, and DeepSeek were connected to the domain through redirection deals.
• The final buyer was Kris Marszalek, CEO of Crypto.com, who paid entirely in cryptocurrency.
• The official reveal happened during Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026.
• A 100-dollar investment turned into a 70 million dollar fortune.
