The AI race isn’t just about who has the smartest model, the biggest data center, or the most GPUs. It’s about building a real business. AI companies need recurring revenue streams that can eventually help offset the massive capital expenditures pouring into infrastructure.
According to a new report from The Information, xAI’s push to sell Grok to corporate customers isn’t going particularly well unless the business already has ties to Elon Musk. Even then, interest appears mixed, with Tesla shareholders reportedly unconvinced that Grok adds meaningful value.
Consumer Subscriptions Can’t Carry the Load
xAI has raised roughly $27 billion in debt and equity, but its primary revenue source today is still consumer subscriptions. SuperGrok costs $30 per month, and that appears to be doing most of the heavy lifting.
To diversify, the company is building out an enterprise sales team in an effort to break into corporate AI spending. According to the report, that effort is still early and xAI lacks the institutional experience that rivals have developed selling directly to businesses.
Enterprise Buyers Want Boring, Not Viral
Competitors like OpenAI and Anthropic have already established significant enterprise revenue streams, positioning themselves as dependable, enterprise-friendly AI providers.
Grok, by contrast, may be struggling with perception. High-profile controversies, including the “MechaHitler” incident and the rollout of scantily clad anime-style AI companions, don’t exactly scream compliance-ready software. Those episodes may be entertaining on social media, but they appear to be sending the wrong signal to corporate buyers who prioritize reliability, brand safety, and reputational risk.
For now, Grok remains better known than trusted in enterprise circles. And in corporate AI, trust tends to matter more than vibes.