A New Test For AI Labs: Are You Even Trying To Make Money?
A new 5-level scale shows whether AI labs are truly chasing profits—or just playing the long game.
Matilda
A New Test For AI Labs: Are You Even Trying To Make Money?
Are AI Labs Trying to Make Money? A New Scale Reveals All In early 2026, a quiet but critical question is shaping the future of artificial intelligence: Are today’s AI labs actually trying to make money? With billions in venture capital flowing into foundation model development, it’s increasingly hard to distinguish between companies building billion-dollar businesses and those content to explore ideas without a clear path to profit. Now, a new five-level framework cuts through the noise—measuring not revenue, but intent . Credit: JACK GUEZ/AFP / Getty Images This isn’t about who’s profitable today. It’s about ambition. And in an industry where research papers can masquerade as roadmaps, that distinction matters more than ever. Why Intent Matters More Than Revenue in 2026 The AI landscape has evolved dramatically since the early days of large language models. Back then, commercialization was almost an afterthought—many pioneers operated under nonprofit umbrellas or academic grants. But by 2…