In the starting days of the internet, buying a website name did not seem like a big deal. Since the domains were cheap, and very few people understood their future value. But one small purchase made in 1993 has now turned into a massive payday worth Rs. 634 crore.
This is the story of how a simple domain name, bought for just Rs. 300, became one of the most expensive digital assets in the world.
Purchase in 1993
In 1993, a 10-year-old Malaysian boy named Arsyan Ismail registered the domain AI.com. He reportedly used his mother’s credit card to pay about $100 at the time roughly Rs. 300, according to Fintech Malaysia.
There was no big business plan behind the purchase. He chose the name simply because the letters “AI” matched his own initials. Back then, artificial intelligence was not a hot topic, and most people had not even started using the internet regularly. The domain stayed with him for decades, quietly sitting in his ownership.
The Rise of Artificial Intelligence
Fast forward to the 2020s, and artificial intelligence has become one of the most powerful forces in technology. From chatbots to smart assistants and advanced software systems, AI is now everywhere.
As the AI industry exploded, short and simple domain names connected to the technology became extremely valuable. AI.com, being just two letters and easy to remember, turned into premium internet property. Companies understood that such a direct and powerful name could strengthen their brand instantly.
Record-breaking sale
In April 2025, Ismail finally decided to sell the domain. The buyer was Kris Marszalek, CEO of Crypto.com. The reported deal was worth $70 million around Rs. 34 crore and was paid in cryptocurrency.
The company later relaunched the domain during Super Bowl LX, one of the most watched sporting events in the world. The plan is to build new AI-based services under this powerful web address, including tools that can perform tasks automatically for users.
The story of AI.com shows how the internet has changed over the past three decades. What once looked like a small, random purchase by a child turned into a historic tech deal.
It also highlights an important lesson: in the digital world, simple ideas if timed right can become incredibly valuable. Sometimes, the biggest opportunities are hidden in plain sight.