January 13, 2026. Kris, the founder of the @ai X account and related AI ventures, completed the ai.com domain acquisition for $70 million, securing one of the most valuable web addresses in the AI sector. Shortly after closing, he revealed an immediate $500 million cash offer for the domain, highlighting extreme demand for high value AI real estate. This acquisition ranks among the largest recorded for a two letter .com and, if genuine, represents one of the fastest flips in domain history.
High Signal Summary For A Quick Glance
- Kris acquired the ai.com domain for $70 million.
- He claims to have immediately received a $500 million acquisition offer.
- The reported offer implies a 7x valuation jump post-purchase.
- The development highlights escalating strategic value around AI-linked digital assets.
- Domain investors tracking premium digital real estate valuations.
- AI-focused startups seeking brand-defining web properties.
- Institutional buyers evaluating strategic digital asset acquisitions.
- Market observers analyzing speculative pricing dynamics.
Kris Marszalek Buys AI.com For 70 Million Dollars And Rejects 500 Million Offer
Kris Marszalek, CEO of Crypto.com, acquired the premium domain AI.com for $70 million in an all crypto deal, marking a landmark ai.com domain acquisition, and immediately received a $500 million cash offer, which he declined. The domain debuted during Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026, and the purchase sets a new record for two letter .com sales.
The acquisition highlights the convergence of AI and crypto, building on AI.com’s prior redirects for OpenAI and xAI. Marszalek plans to develop it as a personal AI agent platform, generating strong attention on X and crypto media while reinforcing Crypto.com’s strategy to leverage high profile digital assets for long term brand value.
Timeline: AI.com from Early Registration to Agent Hub Launch
Domain originally registered
AI.com is registered by Arsyan Ismail for approximately $100, becoming one of the earliest premium AI-related domains.
Redirects to ChatGPT
The domain briefly redirects to OpenAI’s ChatGPT, drawing attention to its strategic branding value.
Redirects to xAI / Grok
AI.com temporarily redirects to Elon Musk’s xAI and Grok platform, fueling speculation over ownership and intent.
Listed for $100M sale
The domain is publicly listed for sale with a $100 million asking price, signaling premium positioning.
Acquired by Kris Marszalek / Crypto.com
AI.com is acquired for approximately $70 million in an all-crypto transaction. The purchase remains undisclosed publicly at the time.
Official reveal during Super Bowl LX
AI.com is unveiled as an AI agent hub platform. High traffic causes temporary site instability during the launch debut.
$500M offer disclosed
An interview reveals a post-acquisition offer of $500 million for the domain, which was declined.
Staged rollout begins
Gradual user onboarding for AI agents begins, introducing controlled access to platform tools and integrations.
Limited-time ZETA allocations
Promotional token incentives are offered via limited-time ZETA allocations, linking AI.com to broader ecosystem rewards.
AI Agent ecosystem expansion
Roadmap includes AI Agent SDK launches, on-chain integrations, marketplace development, and dApp builder expansion.
Past Crypto.com Marketing and Partnership Reactions
Crypto.com’s high profile moves have previously driven strong market responses. The ai.com domain acquisition similarly positions the brand at the center of digital attention. In November 2021, the Crypto.com Arena naming rights deal boosted CRO sharply, with positive Crypto Twitter sentiment and increased user adoption, though prices later corrected with the broader market.
Other campaigns, like the October 2021 Matt Damon ads and the August 2025 Trump Media partnership, also pushed CRO upward and generated bullish online discussion. These events show Crypto.com’s visibility focused strategy drives adoption and hype, but token volatility remains tied to broader market trends.
Comparison of AI.com launch with competing decentralized AI agent platforms
What Readers Should Watch Next for AI.com
AI.com launched on February 8, 2026, as a platform for autonomous AI agents handling real world tasks. Readers should watch the phased rollout from February 12 for user adoption, agent performance, and Cronos integrations. Early success could validate Marszalek’s $70 million investment and drive ecosystem growth.
Risks include technical scalability, regulatory scrutiny for AI trading, and competition from established AI platforms. However, the broader impact of the ai.com domain acquisition also raises execution and branding expectations. Smooth rollout and strong engagement would support the AI crypto narrative, while failures could dampen adoption and sentiment.
