A tech entrepreneur remitted $700,000 to teh government of Anguilla to secure exclusive rights to the .ai domain,a move highlighting the escalating value of internet top-level domains and the island nation’s strategic positioning in the artificial intelligence sector. The payment, revealed in documents obtained through a public records request, underscores a novel approach to domain acquisition beyond customary auction models.
The deal, finalized in September 2024, grants domain name registrar GoDaddy exclusive rights to sell .ai addresses, capitalizing on the growing demand from AI-focused companies seeking branding aligned with their technology. Anguilla, a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean, initially launched the .ai domain in the 1990s but lacked the resources to effectively market it. This agreement provides a significant revenue stream for the island while establishing its digital identity as a hub for artificial intelligence innovation. The funds are earmarked for infrastructure improvements and educational programs within Anguilla.
Dominic Rice, founder of Domainer, a domain name investment firm, orchestrated the agreement. Rice reportedly approached the Anguillan government with the proposal, recognizing the potential of the .ai domain as AI technologies gained prominence. “The .ai domain is incredibly valuable because it’s short, memorable, and directly associated with artificial intelligence,” Rice stated in a recent interview. “Companies are willing to pay a premium for that kind of branding.”
The $700,000 payment represents a significant financial injection for Anguilla, which has a population of approximately 15,000. The agreement stipulates that godaddy will remit a percentage of future .ai domain sales to the Anguillan government, creating a long-term revenue partnership. This model contrasts with previous domain sales, such as the $3 million purchase of .tv by Donuts in 2010, which did not involve ongoing revenue sharing.The rise in demand for.ai domains reflects the broader trend of companies seeking to establish a strong online presence in the rapidly expanding AI landscape. The number of .ai domains registered has increased exponentially in recent years, with over 80,000 registrations as of august 2025, compared to fewer than 8,000 in 2020. This surge in popularity has driven up prices, with some .ai domains selling for tens of thousands of dollars.
