From Crypto.com to AI.com: The $70M AI Bet

Recently, one of the boldest moves in the history of artificial intelligence was made. The costliest domain in history, ai.com, was acquired for an estimated $70 million by crypto CEO Kris Marszalek.

The purchase took place just ahead of the launch of a new consumer-centric AI technology product featuring self-governing AI agents. This acquisition marks a decisive move into the AI mainstream, with ai.com positioned to serve as a flagship brand.

• Acquisition Record
• Super Bowl Launch
• Strategic Vision
• Market Impact

Acquisition Record

The purchase of ai.com for $70 million sets a new milestone in the history of domain valuations. It surpasses previous high-profile sales such as Voice.com for $30 million, acquired in 2019 by Block.one, and 360.com for $17 million, acquired in 2015 by 360 Security Technology.

This acquisition makes ai.com the largest publicly disclosed domain name sale to date. It highlights the growing importance of artificial intelligence as a defining technology for the next decade.

The full payment for this acquisition was reportedly made in bitcoin, which is unprecedented for a high-value domain transaction and reflects increasing trust in digital assets for major technology investments.

Super Bowl Launch

Built on a consumer-focused AI platform, ai.com debuted at Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026. As one of the most-watched events in the United States, the Super Bowl provided a massive launch stage.

Launching at this moment underscores a high-stakes marketing vision. While Super Bowl advertisements are among the most expensive globally, ai.com gains exposure to an audience of more than 100 million viewers.

As part of efforts to make AI more accessible to everyday users, Marszalek has indicated that the platform will include self-governing AI agents capable of handling routine tasks such as productivity workflows and messaging, as well as more complex activities like stock trading and application automation.

I purchased https://t.co/ac2AqjBNxj in April. Since that time, we created a team that has been steadily building. There are always twists and turns, but I’m excited with our first launch this Sunday during the Super Bowl. pic.twitter.com/BbqVo1bQLZ

— Kris | ai.com (@kris) February 6, 2026

Strategic Vision

Marszalek’s vision for this acquisition extends beyond owning a premium domain. He views it as an entry point into what he believes will be a defining technological shift over the next 10 to 20 years.

This perspective aligns with the broader strategy of Crypto.com, a company that reportedly generates around $1.5 billion annually and has a track record of high-profile brand investments, including a $700 million naming-rights deal for a major sports arena.

The strategy focuses on establishing a first-mover advantage in a crowded AI sector, where ownership of a definitive domain can provide meaningful advantages in user acquisition, search visibility, and market perception.

According to domain experts, ultra-short and generic domains like ai.com excel in direct navigation, memorability, and media exposure, all of which contribute to lower customer acquisition costs and faster brand recognition.

Market Impact

Category-defining domains offer strong search visibility, direct type-in traffic, and immediate brand recognition. Ultra-short domains reduce customer acquisition costs while improving recall.

By combining a mass-market launch strategy, a global user base, and a record-breaking domain acquisition, Marszalek is positioning ai.com as a central hub for everyday AI usage.

While the platform’s full functionality is yet to be revealed, the scale of the investment suggests this is far more than a short-term experiment. The move underscores how premium digital assets are increasingly shaping the future of AI accessibility and reflects growing confidence in AI as a long-term consumer technology.

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