How a Malaysian turned $100 into $70 million: The story of the legendary AI.com domain

The domain is a valuable digital asset, and AI.com has become a vivid example of its worth. The story of this domain reads like a classic success story that began with a dream supported by a simple mother’s credit card.

What is a domain and why did AI.com cost so much

A domain is an internet address that identifies a website. Short names like AI.com are considered the most valuable, especially if they match popular abbreviations. The term “AI” stands for “artificial intelligence,” making this domain extremely relevant in the modern era of digital technology development and growth.

Recently, Chris Marzalek, founder of the leading cryptocurrency platform Crypto.com, purchased AI.com for $70 million. This deal, fully paid in cryptocurrency, set a new record among all domain sales in internet history.

A 10-year-old boy with $100 from his mother

The story of how this domain originated begins in 1993. Then, Malaysian Aliyan Ismail, only 10 years old, asked his mother for permission to buy the domain AI.com. This request seemed strange, as his mother did not know what a domain was or why her son needed it.

Aliyan used his mother’s credit card to buy the domain for $100. His mother was confused by this charge and didn’t understand the purpose of the purchase. As Ismail later explained, his motivation was entirely personal: “AI” is an abbreviation that started with the first letter of his name.

At that time, the Malaysian boy did not foresee the rapid development of artificial intelligence. His decision was not a strategic plan for years ahead but rather a childhood idea that accidentally turned out to be a brilliant investment.

Record-breaking deal by Crypto.com founder

Thirty-three years later, in March 2026, Chris Marzalek noticed this domain and decided to acquire it. The $70 million deal was completed, marking a new milestone in the history of domain price records. Marzalek introduced himself as the new owner during a TV commercial during the Super Bowl on February 8, officially launching AI agents’ service.

Cryptocurrency payment highlighted the involvement of investments in digital assets and the visible value of modern brands in the field of artificial intelligence.

How the domain became a master class in investing

Comparing the price to other landmark deals in the domain market, the scale of this achievement becomes clear. The previous record belonged to the domain CarInsurance.com, sold in 2010 for $49.7 million. Next are VacationRentals.com ($35 million in 2007) and Voice.com ($30 million in 2019).

AI.com surpassed these records by nearly 40%, demonstrating that a domain related to artificial intelligence has the highest market value. Aliyan Ismail’s story remains a symbol of how a small investment can turn into impressive profit over decades, especially when technological revolution works in your favor. A domain is not just an address — it’s an asset that can change your destiny.