The co-founder of Crypto.com, Kris Marszalek, has made headlines with his ambitious entry into the artificial intelligence sector, launching a new platform branded as AI.com. The domain itself was acquired for a staggering $70 million, a figure that is being touted as potentially the largest domain purchase on record, although there may have been undisclosed sales that could challenge this claim. Historically, Cars.com has held the title of the most valuable domain name, valued at $872.3 million based on financial disclosures from its acquisition in 2014.
AI.com aims to introduce a platform where users can create personal AI agents that act on their behalf. These agents will reportedly be capable of performing a wide range of tasks, including messaging, project management, stock trading, and even updating dating profiles. The company emphasizes a commitment to security, with each agent operating within a dedicated environment that uses data encryption and user-specific keys. Marszalek stated, “We are at a fundamental shift in AI’s evolution as we rapidly move beyond basic chats to AI agents actually getting things done for humans.” He envisions a decentralized network of billions of self-improving agents that can share their advancements with one another, significantly enhancing their capabilities and propelling the development of artificial general intelligence (AGI).
The official launch of AI.com is scheduled for Sunday, coinciding with a Super Bowl commercial aimed at generating buzz and attracting users. Marszalek intends to hold the CEO position for both Crypto.com and AI.com. Reports indicate that AI.com was listed for sale earlier this year by GetYourDomain.com, which initially set the asking price at $100 million, underscoring the high stakes involved in this venture.
Since its inception in 2016, Crypto.com has transformed from its original branding as Monaco to become one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, boasting over 150 million retail users. Marszalek expressed confidence in replicating this success within the AI market, reflecting on the competitive landscape he faced with Crypto.com, which at that time included around a thousand other exchanges. “We will make this [AI.com] work one way or another,” he declared.
His dual ownership of two significant domains is seen as a unique opportunity, with Marszalek having already entertained interest from potential buyers for AI.com. However, he believes that the domain will enhance brand awareness and foster customer trust. Crypto.com has previously engaged in high-profile marketing ventures, such as its $700 million agreement to rename Staples Center to the “Crypto.com Arena,” indicating that Marszalek is no stranger to ambitious branding strategies. As the AI.com platform prepares to launch, all eyes will be on whether it can capture market share in a rapidly evolving industry.
