Malaysian entrepreneur Arsyan Ismail has sold the premium domain AI.com for $70 million (approximately ₹634 crore) in April 2025 to Kris Marszalek, CEO of Crypto.com, according to multiple media reports. The transaction places the sale among the highest publicly disclosed domain name deals to date, reflecting growing global demand for artificial intelligence-linked digital assets.
The sale attracted widespread attention after social media posts claimed Ismail originally purchased the domain in 1993 for $100 (about ₹300 at that time) when he was 10 years old. Earlier reports suggested he used his mother’s credit card shortly after the World Wide Web became publicly accessible.
However, according to latest reports, AI.com was first registered in May 1993, there is no verified evidence that Ismail owned the domain at that time. Industry context cited in reports notes that commercial internet access and online credit card transactions were not widely prevalent in 1993, casting doubt on the viral narrative.
Domain history referenced in media coverage suggests that AI.com was more likely acquired by Ismail in 2021 through a domain brokerage platform. Previous ownership has been linked to a domain investment firm known for holding high-value web addresses. The purchase price paid by Ismail in 2021 has not been publicly disclosed.
Despite questions surrounding the origin story, the confirmed 2025 sale underscores the rising strategic importance of short, category-defining domain names. Two-letter .com domains are considered scarce digital assets, often commanding premium valuations due to their branding power and limited availability.
The transaction also highlights how digital real estate tied to artificial intelligence continues to attract significant capital as companies position themselves in the expanding AI ecosystem.
Who Is Arsyan Ismail?
Arsyan Ismail is a Malaysian technology entrepreneur linked to several digital and blockchain-focused ventures, according to information on his personal website and public profiles. His published timeline highlights early involvement in internet businesses and domain-related investments.
However, publicly available domain records reviewed by media outlets do not show ownership of AI.com dating back to 1993. The discrepancy has drawn attention following the $70 million sale of the domain in April 2025.
