But there weren't any real EV companies or private space companies before Elon Musk threw his hat in the ring. Whatever you think of him, he's clearly capable of doing things people previously believed to be impractical.

Taking a first principles approach, there's no reason to believe that a social network used by the most influential companies, people, and governments in the world cannot charge its users directly for the value it provides.

It does seem likely to be less profitable in the short-term but possibly more profitable (and stable) in the long-term.

Some back-of-the-envelope math:

1 million business paying an average of $100/mo is $1.2 billion/yr. That should more than pay the bills.

In addition, 10 million consumers paying an average of $10/mo = $1.2 billion/yr. That's a decent profit.

That is probably achievable in the next couple years, with potential for much more over time if they can expand the product and tools.