Crypto.com CEO Kris Marszalek has unveiled a new consumer artificial intelligence platform, AI.com, following a record-breaking $70 million domain acquisition paid entirely in cryptocurrency. The Financial Times reported the transaction, brokered by Larry Fischer, is the highest publicly disclosed domain sale in history, surpassing previous records like Voice.com. Marszalek described the purchase as a long-term branding investment to build trust in the fast-moving AI market, not a speculative asset for resale.
The platform's debut was strategically timed with a 30-second commercial during Super Bowl 60, broadcast on NBC, mirroring Crypto.com's past strategy of using major sports events for brand launches. The futuristic ad, with the message "AGI is coming," directed viewers to claim personal handles like AI.com/Sam, driving such heavy traffic that the website briefly crashed.
AI.com introduces a private, personal autonomous AI agent designed for consumers. The agent can perform tasks across connected applications, including messaging, organizing work, and trading stocks. The company states each agent operates in a secure, segregated environment with user data encrypted by individual keys and permissions under user-defined limits. Users can create an agent in about 60 seconds without technical knowledge, with free access at launch and paid subscription tiers for expanded features.
Marszalek will serve as CEO of both AI.com and Crypto.com, aiming to mainstream consumer AI agents akin to cryptocurrency adoption. The move represents a significant cross-industry pivot for the crypto exchange, which has previously made high-profile marketing moves like a $700 million stadium naming-rights deal. The launch signals a strategic shift for crypto firms to position as broader technology companies, blending blockchain, AI, and automation.
The announcement comes amid ongoing scrutiny for Crypto.com, including a €2.85 million fine from Dutch authorities in March 2024 for operating without proper registration and user criticism on forums like Reddit regarding tokenomics. AI.com stated future plans may include financial service integrations and agent marketplaces.
